Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and in the college football world, bowl season will be kicking off this week.
The battle for the top picks in next year’s draft is coming to a dramatic close, while this year’s top prospects and sleeper hopefuls have one last chance to put out some quality game film for NFL decision-makers.
As we hit the homestretch of another football season, 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
The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. New York Giants
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.
3. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.
4. Washington Redskins
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
This pick has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins reach his lofty potential. While a premier pass-catcher like Jerry Jeudy would be tempting, Haskins already has a stellar rapport with former college teammate Terry McLaurin. The bigger need, and the better pick, is a franchise left tackle like Thomas.
5. Detroit Lions
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but I would be shocked if the Cardinals passed on the chance to give Kyler Murray an elite pass-catcher like Jeudy, should he fall into their lap. His combination of explosiveness and polish will make him an instant sensation at the next level, and a steal outside the top five.
7. New York Jets
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.
10. Denver Broncos
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.
11. Carolina Panthers
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
There are other tempting options here, but with James Bradberry likely headed elsewhere in free agency, the Panthers need a replacement for their top cover man. Fulton has the size, physicality and ball skills to be the perfect fit.
12. Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.
13. Oakland Raiders
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
After the Antonio Brown debacle, the Raiders are still in need of a dynamic pass-catcher who can take the top off opposing defenses and also make plays at every level of the field. Lamb is a complete player who excels after the catch, and would immediately be the team’s top target.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
This defense loves versatility and athleticism, which makes Kinlaw the perfect fit in the trenches. He’s still smoothing out the rough edges in his game, but Kinlaw’s combination of size and athleticism make him a dominant force, no matter where he lines up.
15. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
After a hugely disappointing season, the Browns need to start their bounce-back by rebuilding the offensive line in front of Baker Mayfield. Wills would be a fantastic first step in that direction, giving Mayfield an immediate upgrade at either tackle spot.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Injuries have decimated this receiving corps, and Carson Wentz needs it bolstered this offseason in the worst way. While there may be bigger, more complete receivers in this class, none have the explosiveness and breakaway speed that Ruggs brings to the table.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Tampa Bay’s biggest need is at right tackle, but the value just isn’t there in this scenario. Defensive line could also be considered, depending on how many expiring contracts the Bucs are able to retain from that unit. This secondary is young and promising, but adding another playmaker like Delpit couldn’t hurt.
18. Oakland Raiders (from CHI)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
After filling their biggest offensive need earlier in the round, the Raiders need to use their second first-rounder to do the same for their defense. Murray’s instincts and athleticism make him one of the nation’s most complete linebacker prospects.
19. Tennessee Titans
Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
The Titans might just have their quarterback in veteran Ryan Tannehill, but they need to surround him with as much help as possible. That starts in the trenches, where they land one of the nation’s best blockers in Biadasz, who can be an immediate starter on the inside.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
After getting a defensive playmaker in the top 10, the Jags need to use their additional first-rounder in this draft to give their offensive a true No.1 receiver for whoever ends up throwing passes next season. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control.
21. Dallas Cowboys
Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
Trysten Hill is showing promise, but the Cowboys still need another disruptive force for the interior of their defensive line. Davis is a much more complete player than he was a year ago, making him look wise for returning to school in 2019. He’s a versatile defender who can line up anywhere and make an impact.
22. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
After getting their franchise quarterback, the Dolphins need to surround him with as much help as possible. There’s not much value in terms of offensive line help here, so Miami tabs one of the most complete pass-catchers in the draft in Shenault, who excels at breaking tackles and making big plays after the catch.
23. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
This might be a bit of a reach, but the Dolphins desperately need to come out of this first round with an offensive tackle to replace Laremy Tunsil. Leatherwood has been battle-tested against some of the nation’s best pass rushers, and would be the team’s best option in this scenario.
24. Minnesota Vikings
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
This secondary has been one of the league’s most unpleasant surprises, considering the money and draft resources the Vikings have invested in recent years. Mike Zimmer isn’t afraid to keep targeting talented corners, and he gets another one here.
25. Buffalo Bills
Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
It feels unfair to keep loading this defense up with studs, but that’s exactly what happens here. The Bills already have one of the league’s best corners in Tre’Davious White, but giving them another talented cover man like Adebo would make their secondary even more scary.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
There are bigger needs on defense, but the Chiefs have the opportunity to take the best running back in a deep class. Taylor is a complete player who would give Patrick Mahomes yet another dynamic weapon, helping balance one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
27. Green Bay Packers
Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
This defense desperately needs a difference-maker at linebacker who can make plays all over the field. A top-10 prospect before a knee injury stole his entire 2019 season, Moses would be a huge steal here once he’s back to full strength.
28. San Francisco 49ers
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
Richard Sherman is still playing at a high level, but it’s time for the 49ers to bring along a young player to groom behind him. Diggs is a big, physical corner with the kind of skill set to eventually replace what Sherman does so well.
29. New England Patriots
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
The Pats do their best drafting when they let the board fall to them, prioritizing value over need. That’s what happens here, as they grab one of the most talented edge rushers in this year’s class, who could easily end up being a top-20 pick.
30. New Orleans Saints
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Who knows if Drew Brees or Teddy Bridgewater will be back in 2020, so the Saints need to start thinking about a new quarterback. Even if Brees returns for a swan song next season, Hurts would be the perfect understudy to the future Hall of Famer.
31. Seattle Seahawks
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
It’s still not a sure thing that Jadeveon Clowney will return to Seattle next season, so the Seahawks could be in the market for an explosive, athletic edge rusher to replace him. Chaisson’s combination of physical tools, intelligence and technique should make him a first-round pick.
32. Baltimore Ravens
D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
This rushing attack is already the league’s most terrifying, but Mark Ingram won’t play forever, and Justice Hill is better suited as a change-of-pace back. Swift is big, powerful and explosive, and would be even more dangerous than normal lining up next to Lamar Jackson.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
34. Miami Dolphins | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
35. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
36. New York Giants | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
37. Detroit Lions | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
38. Arizona Cardinals | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
39. Jacksonville Jaguars | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
40. Los Angeles Chargers | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
41. Denver Broncos | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
42. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
43. Atlanta Falcons | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
44. New York Jets | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
45. Indianapolis Colts | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
46. Cleveland Browns | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
47. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
48. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
49. Chicago Bears | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
50. Philadelphia Eagles | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
51. Los Angeles Rams | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
52. Tennessee Titans | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
53. Dallas Cowboys | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
54. Pittsburgh Steelers | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
55. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
56. Minnesota Vikings | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
57. Kansas City Chiefs | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
58. Buffalo Bills | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
59. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
60. Green Bay Packers | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
61. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
62. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
63. Seattle Seahawks | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
64. Baltimore Ravens | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
66. Washington Redskins | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
67. New York Jets (from NYG) | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
68. Miami Dolphins | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
69. Detroit Lions | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
70. Arizona Cardinals | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
71. Los Angeles Chargers | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
72. Denver Broncos | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
73. Carolina Panthers | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
74. Atlanta Falcons | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
75. New York Jets | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
76. Jacksonville Jaguars | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
77. Cleveland Browns | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
78. Oakland Raiders | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
79. Indianapolis Colts | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
80. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
81. Philadelphia Eagles | Jacob Philips | LB | LSU
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
83. Tennessee Titans | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
84. Los Angeles Rams | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
85. Dallas Cowboys | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
86. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
87. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
88. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
89. Buffalo Bills | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
90. Kansas City Chiefs | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
91. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
92. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
93. New England Patriots | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
94. New Orleans Saints | Michael Divinity, Jr. | LB | LSU
95. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
96. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
