The holiday season is upon us, which means crunch time across both levels of the football landscape.
Only four weeks remain the NFL regular season, which means the top portion of the league is jockeying for playoff position, while the league’s bottom-feeders are competing for draft position over the final month.
In the college football world, Rivalry Week is behind us and conference title games are next on the docket as top prospects and sleepers alike try to put the finishing touches on their on-field resumes to show NFL decision-makers this offseason.
Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated 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 a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.
2. NEW YORK GIANTS
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This team has needs on offense if they want Daniel Jones to develop quickly, but there’s no way the Giants should pass on the best overall prospect in this class. Landing a rare talent like Young would be a huge steal, even at No. 2 overall.
3. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
This is a tough call between giving Dwayne Haskins a replacement for Trent Williams at left tackle, or this year’s most polished and electrifying pass-catcher. Jeudy is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this draft, giving him the slight edge here.
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.
5. 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.
6. DETROIT LIONS
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
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, Brown’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.
7. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Thomas is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.
8. 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.
9. NEW YORK JETS
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
The primary objective for the Jets here? Protect your investment in franchise quarterback Sam Darnold. They luck out in this scenario, landing one of this year’s top offensive tackles just inside the top 10. Wirfs is a pro-ready blocker who would be an immediate upgrade on either side.
10. 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.
11. DENVER BRONCOS
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
There’s not an offensive tackle worth taking here, so the Broncos look for better value elsewhere, and they find it in the defensive trenches. Kinlaw still needs some polish, but his combination of size, athleticism, power and versatility could make him a dominant force down the road.
12. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Injuries have decimated Philly’s receiving corps, so don’t be surprised if they follow up last year’s second-round pick (JJ Arcega-Whiteside) with another early selection this year. This time around, they add elite speed and playmaking ability with the explosive Ruggs.
13. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
Tampa Bay’s defensive line has been much improved this season under Todd Bowles, but this unit has a ton of expiring contracts this offseason. Epenesa’s versatile skill set would make him a perfect fit, and getting him outside the top 10 would be a huge bargain.
14. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The Panthers are likely to lose a big, physical corner in James Bradberry to free agency, which makes Fulton the perfect replacement here. His size, length and physicality would be a fantastic fit, giving the Panthers a cheaper alternative to re-signing Bradberry.
15. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
Offensive tackle is the bigger need here, but there’s nobody left on the board worth taking over Simmons, who also fills a big need on the other side of the ball. His rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility would give the Browns another dynamic weapon on defense.
16. OAKLAND RAIDERS
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
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. Higgins has a rare blend of size, length and body control that could quickly make him the team’s top pass-catcher.
17. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
This defensive line needs reinforcements across the board, and in this scenario, the value is better inside than on the edge. Davis is a massive, versatile defender who is still barely scratching the surface of potential.
18. OAKLAND RAIDERS (from CHI)
Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
The Raiders need to come out of this first round with a true No. 1 receiver and three-down difference-maker at linebacker. After checking off their first need with Higgins, the Raiders make it 2-for-2 by landing Moses, who was a top-10 lock before a knee injury cost him the entire 2019 season. If he’s back to full strength, he’s a steal here.
19. 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.
20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (from LAR)
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
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? Diggs has the size, length and ball skills to be a shutdown artist at the next level.
21. DALLAS COWBOYS
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
Taco Charlton flamed out after less than two seasons, so the Cowboys could be looking to take another swing on a first-round edge defender. Gross-Matos has come on strong in recent weeks, showing the potential that made him a preseason favorite.
22. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from PIT)
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.
23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Offensive line is the popular pick here, but the Minnesota secondary has been disappointing this season, and Mike Zimmer loves spending early picks on athletic corners with upside. Henderson needs to improve his effort and technique as a tackler, but he’s got top-shelf cover skills.
24. 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.
25. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from HOU)
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
This pick has to be about helping Tua, so the Dolphins need to balance value along the offensive line versus what’s available at receiver. That should lead them to Shenault, a physical pass-catcher who excels at making big plays after the catch.
26. 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.
27. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
This defense is among the league’s most improved units in many ways, but they still need a three-down, sideline-to-sideline playmaker at the second level. Murray brings the athleticism, physicality and finishing ability that the team is lacking at this position.
28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
There may be more immediate needs, but securing a long-term replacement for future Hall of Famer Drew Brees is a higher priority. Hurts has shown incredible improvement in his first season with the Sooners, making great strides as a passer. His versatile skill set and intelligence would make him the perfect fit for Sean Payton to develop behind Brees.
29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
This defense might not look like it needs more help, but the Pats need a young playmaker to develop behind their veteran stalwarts on the back end of the secondary. Delpit hasn’t lived up to the top-10 preseason hype, but he’s still a talented defender who is absolutely worthy of a first-round pick.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
34. New York Giants | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
35. Miami Dolphins | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
36. Atlanta Falcons | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
37. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
38. Arizona Cardinals | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
39. Detroit Lions | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
40. New York Jets | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
41. Los Angeles Chargers | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
42. Denver Broncos | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
43. Jacksonville Jaguars | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
45. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
46. Cleveland Browns | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
47. Philadelphia Eagles | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
48. Indianapolis Colts | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
49. Chicago Bears | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
50. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
51. Los Angeles Rams | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
52. Tennessee Titans | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
53. Dallas Cowboys | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
54. Pittsburgh Steelers | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
55. Kansas City Chiefs | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
56. Minnesota Vikings | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
57. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
58. Green Bay Packers | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
59. Buffalo Bills | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
60. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
61. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
62. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
63. Baltimore Ravens | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
64. Seattle Seahawks | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
66. New York Jets (from NYG) | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
67. Atlanta Falcons | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
68. Washington Redskins | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
69. Miami Dolphins | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
70. Detroit Lions | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
71. Arizona Cardinals | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
72. Los Angeles Chargers | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
73. Denver Broncos | Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
74. Jacksonville Jaguars | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
75. New York Jets | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
76. Carolina Panthers | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
77. Cleveland Browns | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
78. Philadelphia Eagles | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
79. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
80. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
81. Oakland Raiders | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
82. Indianapolis Colts | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
83. Tennessee Titans | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
84. Los Angeles Rams | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
85. Dallas Cowboys | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
86. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
87. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
88. Kansas City Chiefs | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
89. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
90. Buffalo Bills | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
91. Green Bay Packers | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
92. New Orleans Saints | Michael Divinity, Jr. | LB | LSU
93. New England Patriots | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
94. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
95. Baltimore Ravens | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
96. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
