November is winding down, which means both the college football and NFL seasons are ramping up.
Few games remain for top college prospects to show pro decision-makers what they can do on the field, while the homestretch of the NFL season will set the top of the draft order for April’s big weekend.
As many prep for holiday celebrations this week, let’s take another stab at projecting the early going of the 2020 draft, expanding to cover the first four rounds 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. Denver Broncos | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
This scenario is a huge win for the Broncos, who desperately need an upgrade at left tackle, regardless of who ends up throwing passes for them in 2020 and beyond. Thomas is the best prospect in a deep offensive tackle class.
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. 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.
8. Arizona Cardinals | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Wirfs is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.
9. 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.
10. New York Jets | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
With the top offensive tackles off the board, the Jets should turn their attention to the defense in this scenario, looking for the best value at either the corner spot or on the edge. Epenesa gets the call here, giving New York a versatile, dominant presence to pair with Quinnen Williams.
11. 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.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Offensive tackle is by far the bigger need, but the value just isn’t there. Tampa Bay’s defensive line has been stellar this season, but they have a lot of expiring contracts this offseason. Kinlaw’s rare athleticism and versatility give him limitless potential in Todd Bowles’ scheme.
13. 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.
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. Cleveland Browns | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Another team that needs an offensive tackle, but the value is so much better elsewhere. The Browns just lost veteran Morgan Burnett for the season with an Achilles injury, and he’ll be 31 next season with just one year left on his contract. Delpit has underwhelmed for much of this season, but his talent and upside are still through the roof.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
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) | 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.
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 | 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.
25. 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.
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. 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. New Orleans Saints | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
A quarterback is tempting here, but there’s too much value at other positions of more immediate need. Moses suffered a knee injury just before the 2019 season began, but if he’s back to full strength, he would be an immediate upgrade at the heart of one of the NFL’s most pleasantly surprising defenses.
30. 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.
31. New England Patriots | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
Since Rob Gronkowski is having a big Super Bowl party instead of announcing his return to the Patriots, the defending champs might actually have to look for his replacement next offseason. Bryant is a matchup nightmare who would be a perfect fit.
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 | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
34. Miami Dolphins | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
35. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
36. New York Giants | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
37. Atlanta Falcons | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
38. Denver Broncos | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
39. Arizona Cardinals | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
40. Detroit Lions | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
41. New York Jets | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
42. Los Angeles Chargers | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Prince Tega Wanagho | OT | Auburn
44. Jacksonville Jaguars | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
45. Chicago Bears | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
46. Cleveland Browns | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
47. Carolina Panthers | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
48. Philadelphia Eagles | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
49. Indianapolis Colts | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
50. Tennessee Titans | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
51. Los Angeles Rams | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
52. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
53. Pittsburgh Steelers | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
54. Dallas Cowboys | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
55. Kansas City Chiefs | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
56. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
57. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
58. Green Bay Packers | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
59. Buffalo Bills | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
60. Seattle Seahawks | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
61. Baltimore Ravens | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
62. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
63. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
64. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
66. Washington Redskins | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
67. New York Jets (from NYG) | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
68. Miami Dolphins | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
69. Denver Broncos | Nick Coe | DL | Auburn
70. Atlanta Falcons | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
71. Detroit Lions | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
72. Arizona Cardinals | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
73. Los Angeles Chargers | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
74. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
75. Jacksonville Jaguars | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
76. New York Jets | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
77. Cleveland Browns | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
78. Carolina Panthers | Raequan Williams | DL | Michigan State
79. Philadelphia Eagles | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
80. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
81. Tennessee Titans | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
82. Los Angeles Rams | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
83. Oakland Raiders | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
84. Indianapolis Colts | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
85. Dallas Cowboys | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
86. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Michael Divinity, Jr. | LB | LSU
87. Kansas City Chiefs | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
88. Minnesota Vikings | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
89. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
90. Buffalo Bills | Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
91. Green Bay Packers | Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
92. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
93. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
94. Baltimore Ravens | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
95. New England Patriots | Alohi Gilman | S | Notre Dame
96. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
FOURTH ROUND
97. Cincinnati Bengals | Khaleke Hudson | LB | Michigan
98. New York Giants | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
99. Houston Texans (from MIA) | Austin Jackson | OT | USC
100. Washington Redskins | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame
101. Atlanta Falcons | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
102. Denver Broncos | Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
103. Arizona Cardinals | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
104. Detroit Lions | Chuba Hubbard | RB | Oklahoma State
105. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
106. Jacksonville Jaguars | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
107. New York Jets | Ben Cleveland | OL | Georgia
108. Los Angeles Chargers | Rashad Robinson | CB | James Madison
109. Carolina Panthers | Michael Pittman, Jr. | WR | USC
110. Philadelphia Eagles | K.J. Britt | LB | Auburn
111. New England Patriots (from CHI) | Jonathan Greenard | EDGE | Florida
112. Cleveland Browns | Darnay Holmes | CB | UCLA
113. Los Angeles Rams | Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia
114. Oakland Raiders | Hakeem Adeniji | OL | Kansas
115. Indianapolis Colts | Richie Grant | S | UCF
116. Pittsburgh Steelers (from TEN) | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
117. Pittsburgh Steelers | K.J. Costello | QB | Stanford
118. Dallas Cowboys | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
119. Kansas City Chiefs | Yasir Durant | OT | Missouri
120. Minnesota Vikings | Bryan Edwards | WR | South Carolina
121. Houston Texans | Jonathan Garvin | EDGE | Miami (FL)
122. Green Bay Packers | J.R. Reed | S | Georgia
123. Buffalo Bills | Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty
124. Seattle Seahawks | Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana-Lafayette
125. Baltimore Ravens | Nico Collins | WR | Michigan
126. New Orleans Saints | Jared Pinkney | TE | Vanderbilt
127. New England Patriots | Joe Bachie | LB | Michigan State
128. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Logan Stenberg | OL | Kentucky
