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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Mike Anania

Full 3-round mock draft ahead of free agency with multiple first-round trades

With the NFL Draft Combine having come and gone, most teams have their draft boards all but set. There will obviously be some adjustments due to medicals becoming a little clearer throughout the Pro Days, but teams have their eyes on certain players.

They also know that in the next few weeks of free agency will dictate their draft strategies. But, as we stand today, here is my best guess as to how the 2020 NFL Draft will play out.

(Author’s Note: Predicting trades in the first round is hard enough, so I didn’t include trades beyond the first round, with the notable exception of the Indianapolis Colts acquiring OT Trent Williams)

Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU – Don’t let the “small hands” fool you. Burrow is a lock to go at No. 1. He’s the best, and most ready, quarterback prospect to enter the draft in years.
Miami Dolphins (trade with Washington) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama – The Redskins have almost convinced the world that they would take Tua at No. 2, despite spending a first-round pick on Dwayne Haskins last season. With the Dolphins looking for their future franchise cornerstone, they fall for the trap and give up some quality picks to move up and nab their guy.
Detroit Lions – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State – The Lions are huge winners in this scenario as they land the top overall prospect in the draft at No. 3. Young shows practically no weaknesses and would be a legit contender to go first overall in almost any other year.
Carolina Panthers (trade with New York Giants) – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon – The Panthers compete with the Chargers for the rights to draft Herbert. They offer a solid package and land the quarterback with the best pure tools at the position in this draft. There are a lot of questions surrounding the rest of the roster, but that means they don’t have to rush Herbert into immediate game action.
Washington Redskins (trade with Miami) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State – The Redskins make out like bandits in moving down 3 spots, picking up extra picks, and landing a truly elite cornerback prospect. Okudah has everything you look for at the position with size, speed, strength, fluid hips, tackling ability, and stickiness. Absolutely zero red flags here.
Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State – The Chargers “settle” for Love, who, like Herbert, has all of the tools in the toolshed. The college production is suspect, as there were far too many turnovers. But the Chargers have Tyrod Taylor ready to take the reins for one season while Love learns the NFL game. I love the match here.
New York Giants (trade with Carolina) – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson – The Giants end up with the Swiss Army Knife in Isaiah Simmons, which is anything but a consolation prize. Simmons’ versatility would give any defense a huge advantage on any given play, as he can be effective at just about any spot, aside from defensive tackle.
Arizona Cardinals – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama – The Cardinals are incredibly tempted to pair Kyler Murray with his college teammate, CeeDee Lamb, but they make the smart decision to fortify the offensive line. With DJ Humphries recently signing an extension, Wills is a perfect match as he primarily played Right Tackle at Alabama. He has All-Pro potential early on in his career.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn – The Jaguars are the beneficiaries of Brown’s lackluster performance at the NFL combine. By no means should a player of his talent fall this far. With top-shelf strength and a great burst, he adds elite talent to the Jags front.
Cleveland Browns – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa – There were thoughts, before the combine, that Wirfs would be best suited to kick inside to guard. Well, Wirfs destroyed that notion by putting up elite athletic numbers across the board. There should no longer be any doubt that he is a tackle, and will be a damn good one.
New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville – When all is said and done, Becton may end up the top tackle from this draft. An absolutely enormous man, he also possesses elite athleticism. He’s flying up draft boards and may not be around long enough for Gang Green to select him.
Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma – The top receiver in the draft falls out of the top 12, due to the rise of the quarterbacks and tackles. The Silver and Black are happy to run to the podium and land the uber-talented Lamb. With his elite ability to make plays once the ball is in his hands, he fits right in opposite Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller to form a formidable receiving trio.
Indianapolis Colts – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama – Jeudy is another elite receiver prospect that falls without blame. His route running prowess is evident, which plays in any offense. With TY Hilton attracting defenses and an excellent run game, Jeudy should see plenty of single coverage and produce excellent results early.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina – Kinlaw is an ultra-talented interior prospect that strengthens an already excellent defense in Tampa Bay. With Shaq Barrett on the outside, Kinlaw should be free to play the penetrating 3-technique role in Tampa, which is where he is best suited. Excellent fit for an excellent prospect.
Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama – How many guys are disappointed to run a 4.27? Well, Ruggs is one of them. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being the top receiver off the board on draft night, but he won’t make it past Denver at 15. With Courtland Sutton establishing himself as a true #1 weapon, Ruggs should have plenty of opportunities to make plays on the opposite side of the field.
Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU – Chaisson’s college production doesn’t match his elite athletic traits. But that doesn’t stop the Falcons from taking the chance on the talent. The upside here is too tantalizing for a team with such a need for pass-rush help to pass on.
Dallas Cowboys – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida – Henderson possesses elite athletic traits across the board. He’s tall, he’s long, he has lightning-quick feet and ultra-smooth hips. He’s best suited for press-man coverage to allow for his natural abilities play rather than attempting to play either off coverage or in zone and have to make reads. Either way, Henderson is an ideal replacement for free agent Byron Jones.
Washington Redskins (via trade with Miami) – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia – Before the season started, Thomas was the odds-on favorite to be the top tackle taken in the draft. As steady as steady can be, Thomas won’t wow you with his athleticism, but he’s not lacking for traits. He’s incredibly strong with vice-like grips for hands that moves anything and everything in his path.
Las Vegas Raiders – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU – It is no secret that the Raiders need help at linebacker. This pick could certainly go toward filling that need with Queen, Kenneth Murray, or with Zack Baun. Here, they go with Queen, the most athletic of the three. He was only a single-year starter in the Bayou, but what a season it was. Aside from lack of experience, there aren’t any holes in Queen’s game.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama – The Jags are in rebuild mode. In this scenario, they’ve already added an elite 3-technique and they add a player to the back end of their defense in McKinney. McKinney is a versatile player that can line up all over the defense and make plays. With the exodus on defense, the Jaguars have dealt with recently, adding two top talents certainly helps, and they won’t stop here.
Philadelphia Eagles – Tee Higgins, WR Clemson – Higgins is a bit of a polarizing player at the receiver position. He has excellent size and physical traits. His catch radius is outstanding and he has extremely reliable hands. He can make plays downfield, in the red zone, and after the catch. I love the fit in Philadelphia.
Buffalo Bills – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State – Gross-Matos may be overlooked a bit. He’s a player with the requisite measurables and excellent production. He should go higher than this, but the Bills won’t complain. He adds another element to a very good defense, and he’s far from a finished product. He should only get better, which is scary for the rest of the AFC East.
New England Patriots – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa – Epenesa tested very poorly at the combine, but that won’t stop the Patriots from taking the power player from Iowa. Epenesa had an excellent college career but maybe a man without a true position at the next level. I like him as a base edge player that kicks inside in rush situations. He plays with excellent leverage, giving him an inside track to be an early contributor.
Miami Dolphins (via trade with New Orleans) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston – The Dolphins make a move to jump the Vikings to ensure they get their guy. Jones is an athletic tackle prospect but is raw. He had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl, solidifying himself as a first-round candidate.
Minnesota Vikings – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU – The Vikings are extremely fortunate to have a talent like Fulton fall to them this late in the 1^st Fulton checks off every box you look for in a corner, possessing size, speed, athleticism, and the smarts to translate to the next level.
New Orleans (via trade with Miami) – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU – The Saints need to add another weapon for Drew Brees. In Reagor, they get an explosive athlete that is able to make plays all over the field. Per Pro Football Focus, only 31 percent of Reagor’s targets last season were catchable, a remarkably low figure, and one that explains the “down” season. This is a top-20 player and could prove to be a steal for the Saints.
Seattle Seahawks – Zack Baun, EDGE/LB, Wisconsin – Baun is an excellent football player. Period. He doesn’t have any weaknesses in his game, and his versatility will be huge for Pete Carroll. He can play the run, rush the passer, and drop into coverage. Because of this, he can fit into any defense and succeed.
Baltimore Ravens – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma – Murray is the prototypical Baltimore Raven. He plays fast. He hits hard. He understands the game. He did not drop into coverage all that often at Oklahoma, but he clearly has the athletic traits to do so, when asked.
Tennessee Titans – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU – The Titans took a huge step forward last season, with rookie AJ Brown making plays all over the field. He should continue to develop, but the Titans need to add a secondary playmaker for the passing game. Enter Jefferson, a nuanced route runner that ran sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, an excellent figure that shows Jefferson can get downfield and keep defenses honest.
Green Bay Packers – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor – No other player has elevated his stock more than Denzel Mims. Between the Senior Bowl and the Combine, Mims showcased all kinds of ability. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s twitchy. He’s also a perfect match for the Packers and will give Davante Adams more single coverage opportunities.
San Francisco 49ers – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU – The 49ers will look to move down and accumulate more draft picks. But it takes two to tango. Unable to find a trade partner, the 49ers take Gladney, the long-term replacement for Richard Sherman. In Gladney, they land a sticky cover corner that also isn’t afraid to help in run support.
Kansas City Chiefs – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State – The Chiefs will also try to move back, but, like the 49ers, are unable to do so. Arnette can step into playing time immediately using his physicality at the line of scrimmage and ability to play in the slot or on the outside. He didn’t run well at the combine, but his game is not based on speed. He is a good player and a fine prospect.

CONTINUE TO THE SECOND ROUND

SECOND ROUND

Cincinnati Bengals – Lloyd Cushenberry III, C/G, LSU – A strong interior presence to help protect the new franchise quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts – Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma – A disrupting force from the middle of the defense.
Detroit Lions – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama – A prototypical corner with fantastic ball skills.
New York Giants – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU – Injuries slowed his 2019 season, but an exciting tackle prospect.
Los Angeles Chargers – Austin Jackson, OT, USC – Anywhere from first to third round buzz, Jackson fills a huge need for the Chargers.
Carolina Panthers – Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State – A ready-made replacement for Trai Turner.
Miami Dolphins – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame – Very strong for such an athletic edge prospect.
Arizona Cardinals – Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M – Perfect fit in Arizona as an interior pass rusher.
Cleveland Browns – Grant Delpit, S, LSU – If he somehow makes it to round two, the Browns land a steal.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn – Incredible athlete, but raw. Perfect for rebuilding Jaguars.
Chicago Bears – Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan – Best true center prospect in the draft also has the ability to play guard.
Washington Redskins (via trade with Indianapolis) – Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado – Plays faster than combine numbers. Elite with the ball in his hands.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin – Workhorse back with true three-down ability. Immediate starter ahead of replacement level talents in Tampa.
Denver Broncos – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn – Quality tackle prospect fills a huge need in Denver.
Atlanta Falcons – AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson – Falcons rebuilding defense with elite athletes.
New York Jets – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State – Better prospect than former college teammate, N’Keal Harry, who was a first-rounder last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State – Tested better than I thought he would, fits Steeler culture perfectly.
Chicago Bears – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah – Extremely high ceiling as a press corner.
Dallas Cowboys – Antoine Winfield Jr, S, Minnesota – Immediate impact starter. Tremendous IQ and ball skills.
Los Angeles Rams – Ashtyn Davis, S, California – An athlete on the back end. Excellent range. Needs to diagnose plays more quickly.
Philadelphia Eagles – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne – Absolutely destroyed the combine. The only question is the transition from a small school to the NFL.
Buffalo Bills – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan – Bills hope that DPJ’s erratic QB play in college is the only cause for his lackluster total production. Excellent athlete.
Atlanta Falcons – Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU – Chaisson, Terrell, and Blacklock would make for quite the start to the draft for Atlanta.
Miami Dolphins – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia – Swift has a chance to excel in a feature role in Miami.
Houston Texans – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State – Dobbins gives the Texans their best lead back since Arian Foster.
Minnesota Vikings – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State – Excellent athlete at a huge position of need. Fits Gary Kubiak’s zone scheme really well.
Seattle Seahawks – Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana – A power presence on the interior of the Seahawks line.
Baltimore Ravens – Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn – Ravens happy to land Davidson as an interior pass rusher.
Tennessee Titans – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama – Lewis adds another pass rusher to help the Titans get after quarterbacks.
Green Bay Packers – Chase Claypool, WR/TE – Notre Dame – Claypool quieted skeptics with his athleticism at the combine, but he may still transition to tight end, where he could dominate. Pairing Claypool with Mims and Adams would be scary.
Kansas City Chiefs – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU – Brian Westbrook clone fits perfectly in Chiefs offense.
Seattle Seahawks – KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State – Another speed freak to add to Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Dangerous trio.

CONTINUE TO THE THIRD ROUND

THIRD ROUND

Cincinnati Bengals – Joshua Eche, EDGE, Michigan – After adding Burrow and Cushenerry, Bengals address pass rush with a good one.
Washington Redskins – Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois – Fast riser after he made the combine look rather pedestrian.
Detroit Lions – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State – Lions have now added three immediate starters on defense with Young, Diggs, and Harrison.
New York Jets – Joshua Uche, EDGE, Michigan – The Jets need to add pass rush help and are more than pleased to land a talent like this in the third round. There is a tremendous amount of upside here.
New York Giants (via trade with Carolina) – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State – Cost himself a lot of money by running poorly at the combine. Still too talented to fall any further.
Washington Redskins (via trade with Miami) – Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame – Tested pretty well. Gives Dwayne Haskins a big, physical target over the middle.
Los Angeles Chargers – Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State – Interior presence to take some attention off Joey Bosa.
Arizona Cardinals – Michael Pittman Jr, WR, USC – Huge receiver with excellent ball skills. Steps into three-receiver sets with Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue – Possibly the most complete tight end in the draft, Hopkins helps take some pressure off D.J. Chark.
Cleveland Browns – Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama – Possible replacement for Sheldon Richardson.
Indianapolis Colts – Jacob Eason, QB, Washington – Huge armed quarterback finds his home in Indianapolis.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma – Hurts couldn’t find a better situation for a quarterback with Bruce Arians calling plays and throwing it to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Denver Broncos – Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame – Broncos are rewarded by waiting for a safety. Tempted to draft one earlier, but passed and still landed a good one in Gilman.
Atlanta Falcons – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State – Akers immediately becomes the starter in a very good offense. Perfect fit.
New York Jets – Matt Hennessey, G/C, Temple – Can play either center or guard. It doesn’t matter at this point for Gang Green. They need help everywhere on the line.
Las Vegas Raiders – Troy Pride Jr, CB, Notre Dame – Nice cover corner. A great match of a team need meeting the best player available.
Las Vegas Raiders – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon – Another athletic linebacker for the Silver and Black. A complete revamping of the middle of their defense.
Dallas Cowboys – James Lynch, DT, Baylor – A move inside pays off huge for Lynch and the Cowboys.
Denver Broncos – Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State – Second-round buzz before an injury sidelines him through the draft process. Elite athlete.
Los Angeles Rams – Matthew Peart, OT, Connecticut – Possible long term replacement for Andrew Whitworth.
Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa – The Eagles need perimeter guys on both offense and defense. Ojemudia has tremendous upside.
Buffalo Bills – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia – A steady corner fits perfectly across from Tre White.
New England Patriots – Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia – Good fit for a Josh McDaniels offense. He can be deadly in the short to intermediate areas of the field.
New Orleans Saints – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech – Excellent fit as potential Kiko Alonso replacement.
Minnesota Vikings – Collin Johnson, WR, Texas – Huge receiver allows Diggs and Thielen to move into the slot on a more regular basis.
Cleveland Browns – Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan – Adding Wirfs and Bredeson helps Baker find his weapons without fear of his head being ripped off.
Las Vegas Raiders – K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson – Excellent athlete that could start alongside, or in place of, last year’s first-round pick, Johnathan Abram.
Baltimore Ravens – Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte – Ravens add a third good player to an already very good defense. Scary.
Tennessee Titans – Nick Harris, G/C, Washington – The run-first teams adds an inside presence to open up even more holes for rushing leader Derrick Henry.
Green Bay Packers – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia – Replacement for right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Incredibly strong at the point of contact.
Denver Broncos – Netane Muti, G, Fresno State – After adding Prince Tega Wanogho, they beef up the line even more by adding the powerful Muti.
Kansas City Chiefs – Damien Lewis, G, LSU – A mean individual, Lewis helps keep Patrick Mahomes upright, which means even more points for the explosive offense.