We’re 10 weeks into the NFL regular season, and the college football season is hitting crunch time, with playoff pushes starting at both levels.
It’s crunch time for some of the nation’s top prospects, as well as the pro teams fighting for position at the top of next year’s draft board.
Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated pick order:
1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while another high-ankle injury has dinged Tagovailoa’s stock. Don’t be shocked if there’s a different QB in the top spot come next April.
2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.
3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Now that Odell Beckham, Jr. is gone, the Giants need a true No. 1 target to help Daniel Jones reach his full potential. Jeudy is one of the most polished, explosive pass-catchers we’ve seen in years, and he’s well worth a top-three pick.
4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
Aside from the injuries, it’s hard to find a flaw in Tagovailoa’s game. A few months ago, it would have been hard to imagine the Dolphins landing him without getting the No. 1 overall pick, but thanks to Burrow’s soaring stock, he just might fall into their lap here.
5. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.
6. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.
7. Cleveland Browns | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
After all the offseason hype, the Browns have struggled mightily this season. They need to give Baker Mayfield everything he needs to succeed, and that means improving things up front. Wirfs would be an instant upgrade at either tackle spot.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Despite investing heavily into their secondary in recent drafts, Tampa Bay still needs help on the back end. Without a worthy tackle prospect still on the board here, the Bucs opt for the best playmaker in the defensive backfield, getting a versatile playmaker who can line up all over the field.
9. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but the talent is too good to pass up elsewhere. Brown is a rare athlete for his size, with the explosiveness and power to be a dominant force up front. He’d be a much better use of a top-10 pick than reaching for he next-best tackle.
10. Arizona Cardinals | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
The Cardinals have lots of young talent, but they need more difference-makers on defense. Epenesa is a disruptive force who can line up inside or on the edge, making him the kind of versatile prospect Arizona should be targeting.
11. Detroit Lions | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Matt Patricia’s defense needs more help across the board in the trenches, making this pick a choice between the best value at defensive tackle or on the edge. In this scenario, Kinlaw’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.
12. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.
14. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a difference-maker in the middle who can set the tone for the entire unit, and Simmons is the perfect fit. While some may view him as a ‘tweener, Simmons is an athletic playmaker who can transform an entire defense, no matter where you line him up.
15. Tennessee Titans | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
If there’s not a quarterback worth taking here, the Titans should set their sights on improving the interior of their offensive line instead. Biadasz is one of the most polished, experienced prospects in this entire class, and would anchor this unit for years to come.
16. Philadelphia Eagles | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Injuries continue to limit a secondary with tons of youth and potential, and the Eagles should continue to stock their cupboard with talented corners. Henderson needs to improve his physicality and willingness to tackle, but as a cover man, he’s NFL ready.
17. Oakland Raiders | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
The Antonio Brown debacle is in the rear-view mirror, but the Raiders still need a No. 1 receiver who can take over a game with size, athleticism and physicality. Current management takes a page out of the late, great Al Davis’ book, opting for Ruggs and his elite speed.
18. Indianapolis Colts | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
T.Y. Hilton is still one of the league’s better big-play receivers, but the Colts need a big-bodied pass-catcher to pair him with. Higgins has the length, athleticism and body control to be the perfect match, giving Jacoby Brissett another dynamic weapon.
19. Carolina Panthers | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
It’s hard to point out too many glaring flaws on this roster. The Panthers have been at their best when loading up on defensive talent in the trenches, and that’s what they do here with one of the nation’s most disruptive interior defenders.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Fulton is big, physical, and immediate starter material.
21. Dallas Cowboys | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
The Cowboys could go in one of a million different directions here, so it’s all about maximizing value and potential. They could use a big corner with athleticism and ball skills, and Diggs checks all of those boxes. He could quickly become the team’s best playmaker on the back end.
22. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
After getting their franchise quarterback in Tagovailoa, the Dolphins need to find him a true No. 1 receiver to grow with. Shenault is a big, physical pass-catcher who can turn any reception into a big-play with his excellent after-the-catch ability.
23. Kansas City Chiefs | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
There are bigger needs on defense, but in this scenario, the Chiefs have the opportunity to give Patrick Mahomes and an already explosive offense the top running back in a loaded class. Swift is a complete prospect who would be a big-play machine in this situation.
24. Minnesota Vikings | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
Mike Zimmer loves athletic, versatile playmakers on defense, and there’s a need for a dynamic safety to pair with Harrison Smith. McKinney has the perfect skill set to entice Zimmer, and the experience against top competition to make an instant impact.
25. Buffalo Bills | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
A defensive coach like Sean McDermott should love the opportunity to add athletic, high-ceiling players to that unit. Chaisson still needs plenty of polish and a few pounds of quality bulk, but his explosiveness, athleticism and technique are the makings of a dynamic pass rusher.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
After getting their franchise passer and a top pass-catcher, it’s time for Miami to look to the trenches and protect their investments in the skill positions. Wills is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, and would be a solid replacement for Laremy Tunsil.
27. New Orleans Saints | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
A quarterback is tempting here, but there’s too much value at other positions of more immediate need. Murray has been one of the nation’s top defenders all year long, and would be an immediate upgrade at the heart of one of the NFL’s most pleasantly surprising defenses.
28. Seattle Seahawks | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
The Seahawks have a type when it comes to corners, and Adebo is the perfect fit with his combination of size, length and physicality. The “Legion of Boom” rebuild is still underway, and this pick would go a long way toward completing it.
29. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
This rushing attack is already dangerous, but Mark Ingram won’t be around forever, so the Ravens should be targeting a potential replacement sooner than later. Justice Hill is a promising change-of-pace back, but Taylor’s complete skill set and physical running style would be too perfect to pass up here.
30. Green Bay Packers | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
After loading up on defensive help this offseason, the Packers need to add some help for Aaron Rodgers this time around. Humphrey is a plug-and-play starter who would be a huge addition to an offensive line that needs reinforcements in a big way.
31. New England Patriots | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
If not for a knee injury that ended his season before it even began, Moses was a top-10 prospect in this class. If he chooses to enter the draft instead of returning to school in 2020, Moses is still talented enough to warrant a first-round pick, especially for a team like the Pats, who can be patient with his recovery.
32. San Francisco 49ers | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
This just seems unfair. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are a fantastic 1-2 punch in this backfield, but their contracts are expiring soon. Etienne’s explosiveness and three-down skill set would be the perfect match with a creative offensive coach like Kyle Shanahan.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
35. New York Giants | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
36. New York Jets | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
37. Atlanta Falcons | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
38. Miami Dolphins | Shane Lemeiux | OL | Oregon
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
40. Denver Broncos | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
41. Cleveland Browns | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
42. Arizona Cardinals | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
43. Detroit Lions | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
44. Los Angeles Chargers | Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Auburn
45. Chicago Bears | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
47. Tennessee Titans | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
48. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
49. Indianapolis Colts | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
50. Carolina Panthers | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
51. Los Angeles Rams | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
52. Philadelphia Eagles | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers | Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
54. Dallas Cowboys | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
55. Kansas City Chiefs | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
56. Minnesota Vikings | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
57. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
58. Buffalo Bills | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
59. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
60. Seattle Seahawks | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
61. Baltimore Ravens | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
62. Green Bay Packers | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
63. Atlanta Falcons (from NO) | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
64. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Trey Smith | OL | Tennessee
66. Washington Redskins | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
67. New York Jets (from NYG) | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
68. Atlanta Falcons | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
69. Miami Dolphins | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
70. New York Jets | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
71. Denver Broncos | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
72. Cleveland Browns | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
74. Arizona Cardinals | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
75. Detroit Lions | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
76. Los Angeles Chargers | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
78. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
79. Tennessee Titans | Nick Coe | DL | Auburn
80. Indianapolis Colts | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
81. Carolina Panthers | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
82. Los Angeles Rams | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
83. Philadelphia Eagles | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
84. Oakland Raiders | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
85. Dallas Cowboys | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
86. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
87. Kansas City Chiefs | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
88. Minnesota Vikings | Yasir Durant | OT | Missouri
89. Buffalo Bills | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
90. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Michael Pinckney | LB | Miami (FL)
91. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
92. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
93. Baltimore Ravens | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
94. Green Bay Packers | Chuba Hubbard | RB | Oklahoma State
95. New England Patriots | Jacob Breeland | TE | Oregon
96. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
