2020 NFL Mock Draft
With the first-ever virtual pick, in the year of the Tiger King, the Cincinnati Bengals select:
Joe Burrow, QB | LSU
Prospect Grade: 7.07
Size: 6’3” | 221 lbs
2019 Passing Stats: 76.3 PCT | 5,671 PaYDs | 60 PaTDs | 6 INTs
2019 Rushing Stats: 368 RuYDs | 3.2 AVG | 5 RuTDs
Breakdown: Burrow’s incredible success last season will earn him the privilege to replace Andy Dalton as the face of the Bengals. For better, or worse, this is a pick that will shape the landscape of football in Cincinnati for the next decade.
2 | Washington Natives
Chase Young, EDGE | Ohio State
Prospect Grade: 7.40
Size: 6’5” | 264 lbs
2019 Defensive Stats: 46 TKs | 21 TFL | 16.5 SKs | 7 FFs
Breakdown: Washington is reportedly doing its due diligence on the top QBs, but after the team selected Dwayne Haskins with the 15th overall pick in 2019, it’s improbable defensive-minded head coach Ron Rivera would pass up a potential generational talent in Young.
3 | Detroit Lions
Jeffrey Okudah, CB | Ohio State
Prospect Grade: 7.15
Size: 6’1” | 205 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 34 TKs | 1 TFL | 3 INTs | 9 PD | 1 FF
Breakdown: The Lions desperately need to improve their secondary, especially after sending one of the best corners in the NFL, Darius Slay, to the Philadelphia Eagles. There’s talk the Lions could try to trade back from this spot, but Okudah, the top corner in the Draft, should remain the primary focus here. It’s a do-or-die season for the Bob Quinn/Matt Patricia tandem in Detroit and only success will quell the noise.
4 | New York Giants
Jedrick Wills, OT | Alabama
Prospect Grade: 6.89
Size: 6’4” | 312 lbs
Breakdown: Not a huge fan of taking offensive linemen this early in the Draft, but the Giants may find themselves in prime position to add a premier pass protector for second-year QB Daniel Jones. There are plenty of options available on either side of the offensive line, but the most glaring need seems to be at the right tackle spot, vacated by Mike Remmers, who left for greener pastures with the Chiefs this off-season. Wills is the top-rated offensive lineman at this spot.
5 | Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB | Alabama
Prospect Grade: 6.82
Size: 6’0” | 217 lbs
2019 Passing Stats: 71.4 PCT | 2,840 PaYDs | 33 PaTDs | 3 INTs
2019 Rushing Stats: 17 RuYDs | 0.7 AVG | 2 RuTDs
Breakdown: Tagovailoa’s injury history aside, the talent and potential is too overwhelming for the Dolphins to pass up. With incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick set to lead the team for another season, and 23-year-old Josh Rosen as a decent backup, Tua should have plenty of time to heal up and adapt to the game at the next level. Miami is in a building phase and this appears to be a clear Step 2 in Brian Flores’ plans to build a winner in the Magic City. Here’s to hoping there’s not another Dion Jordan/Ted Ginn-esque debacle.
6 | Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB | Oregon
Prospect Grade: 6.45
Size: 6’6” | 236 lbs
2019 Passing Stats: 66.8 PCT | 3471 PAYDs | 32 PATDs | 6 INTs
2019 Rushing Stats: 50 RuYDs | 0.9 AVG | 4 RuTDs
Breakdown: Big, mobile and accurate, Herbert possesses the traits to be an effective passer at the NFL level and could have the opportunity to learn from talented journeyman Tyrod Taylor, as they compete for the starting job this season. Depending on how comfortable the team is with Taylor, the Chargers could pass on a QB here, taking a top tier offensive tackle at this spot, and opting for a project passer later in the Draft, such as Georgia QB Jake Fromm or Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts.
7 | Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown, DT | Auburn
Prospect Grade: 7.16
Size: 6’5” | 326 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 54 TKs | 11.5 TFL | 4 SKs | 2 FFs
Breakdown: It’s easy to see the Panthers adding Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons here, following the sudden retirement of star LB Luke Kuechly this off-season, but Carolina also suffered heavy losses on the defensive line, including DTs Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy. Brown proved himself as a leader and a rare talent in four years with the Auburn Tigers, and could be the cornerstone of the Panthers defense as it enters a new era under former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule.
8 | Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons, LB | Clemson
Prospect Grade: 7.08
Size: 6’4” | 238 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 104 TKs | 16.5 TFL | 8 SKs | 3 INTs | 8 PD | 2 FFs
Breakdown: Arizona added De’Vondre Campbell on a one-year deal this off-season, so it could just be a short-term solution to what has been a long-term problem for the Cardinals. Simmons is a dynamic playmaker whose athleticism, production, and versatility could lead him to NFL stardom.
9 | Jacksonville Jaguars
CJ Henderson, CB | Florida
Prospect Grade: 6.77
Size: 6’1” | 204 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 33 TKs | 3 TFL | 1 SK | 11 PD
Breakdown: After jettisoning Jalen Ramsey to the Rams in the middle of last season and AJ Bouye to the Broncos at the beginning of this off-season, the Jags are in desperate need to replenish their depleted secondary. Jacksonville could be in prime position to land Henderson, a corner with an excellent combination of athleticism, instincts, and ball skills to be an instant starter in NFL.
10 | Cleveland Browns
Mekhi Becton, OT | Louisville
Prospect Grade: 6.49
Size: 6’7” | 364 lbs
Breakdown: If the Browns want to see improvement in Baker Mayfield, they’ll need to improve his protection. Becton is a massive spectacle, with incredible strength to match his unnatural athleticism. It’ll be interesting to see how his skill set translates to the next level.
11 | New York Jets
Jerry Jeudy, WR | Alabama
Prospect Grade: 6.86
Size: 6’1” | 193 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 77 RECs | 1163 ReYDs | 10 ReTDs
Breakdown: The Jets have lost Robby Anderson to the Carolina Panthers and Demaryius Thomas to free agency. That’s cause for concern for a team that failed to produce a 1,000+ yard receiver last season. Jeudy’s speed, hands, athleticism, and crisp route-running propelled him into the conversation as the best college receiver in the nation at Alabama and should help him explode onto the scene in the NFL. The Jets could use this spot to beef up Sam Darnold’s protection, but Adam Gase, who is already hanging onto his job by a thread, just a year after being hired by the team, needs to make the kind of splash he never did in Miami.
12 | Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb, WR | Oklahoma
Prospect Grade: 6.86
Size: 6’2” | 198 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 62 RECs | 1327 ReYDs | 14 ReTDs
Breakdown: Tyrell Williams led the Raiders with 651 receiving yards in 2019, so finding reliable targets remains a top priority for Jon Gruden’s squad. Lamb is a threat to take any catch to the house, and he could be the big-play receiver that the team has lacked since trading Amari Cooper in 2018. The Raiders, who once looked primed to compete for a title, desperately need to find a way to be competitive in their own division, or risk starting their Vegas tenure not with a bang, but a whimper.
13 | San Francisco 49ers (via Indianapolis Colts)
Javon Kinlaw, DT | South Carolina
Prospect Grade: 6.70
Size: 6’5” | 324 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 35 TKs | 6 TFL | 6 SKs
Breakdown: Rare to see a Super Bowl runner-up drafting this high, but here they are, albeit at the cost of star DT DeForest Buckner. Now, the Niners could use this pick to mute the loss of Emmanuel Sanders with Alabama speedster Henry Ruggs III, but with the loss of Buckner, a force on the D-Line that helped the team reach the big dance in 2019, it seems fitting they’d take a young polished talent like Kinlaw, who would help them retain the defensive identity that makes them such a force.
14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs, OT | Iowa
Prospect Grade: 6.46
Size: 6’5” | 320 lbs
Breakdown: After winning the Tom Brady sweepstakes, the Buccaneers need to find a way to keep him upright and give the surefire Hall of Famer as much time in the pocket as he needs. The right tackle position remains an area of concern on the offensive line and Wirfs is likely the best available at this spot in the Draft, unless another tackle slides. He’s a good blocker, but his true strength is his elite athleticism, which gives him the potential to be a special player.
15 | Denver Broncos
Henry Ruggs III, WR | Alabama
Prospect Grade: 6.49
Size: 5’11” | 188 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 40 RECs | 746 ReYDs | 7 ReTDs
Breakdown: After an impressive 4-1 record to end the 2019 season, the Broncos have handed second-year QB Drew Lock the keys to the franchise after releasing the ever “elite” Joe Flacco earlier in the off-season. For Lock to keep it rolling in 2020, he’ll need as many weapons as the Broncos can surround him with. A speedster, Ruggs can take the top off defenses and free up his fellow playmakers in Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton.
16 | Atlanta Falcons
AJ Epenesa, EDGE | Iowa
Prospect Grade: 6.47
Size: 6’5” | 275 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 49 TKs | 14 TFL | 11.5 SKs | 4 FFs
Breakdown: Great size, strength and production, as well as a variety of pass-rush moves should allow Epenesa to remain a high pick, despite a subpar showing the combine. The Falcons are moving on from pass rusher Vic Beasley Jr., who failed to sustain his 2016 success (15.5 sacks) throughout the rest of his time in Atlanta, and Epenesa could quickly fill the gap.
17 | Dallas Cowboys
Xavier McKinney, S | Alabama
Prospect Grade: 6.70
Size: 6’0” | 201 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 95 TKs | 5.5 TFL | 3 SKs | 3 INTs | 5 PD | 4 FFs
Breakdown: After signing Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to a one-year deal this off-season, to fill the safety spot across from Xavier Woods, safety shouldn’t be an immediate need for the Cowboys, but the team still needs an answer long-term. Not only is McKinney a top safety prospect, he could also be the best player available at this spot, and his talent could see him carving out at least a rotational role as a rookie.
18 | Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh Steelers)
Andrew Thomas, OT | Georgia
Prospect Grade: 6.48
Size: 6’5” | 315 lbs
Breakdown: Thomas lacks the athleticism of the tackles already off the board at this spot, but the three-year starter at Georgia has the sheer power and determination to be a Day 1 starter. After grabbing their future starting QB with Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will look to address the porous offensive line that has plagued the players behind center for years.
19 | Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago Bears)
AJ Terrell, CB | Clemson
Prospect Grade: 6.36
Size: 6’1” | 195 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 34 TKs | 0.5 TFL | 0.5 SK | 2 INTs | 3 PD
Breakdown: A team with many holes to fill, the Raiders should look to address the other side of the football with their second pick in the first round. After failing to work out a deal with former Saints CB Eli Apple, the secondary is looking flimsy, with 2019 second-round pick Trayvon Mullen as the only presumed starter. Pairing Mullen with his former Clemson teammate might be the best option. Terrell has plenty of potential and already boasts the physical gifts to be a starter at the next level.
20 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams)
Josh Jones, OT | Houston
Prospect Grade: 6.42
Size: 6’5” | 319 lbs
Breakdown: As Minshew Mania rolls into Year 2, the Jags need to improve the protection around the new mustache of their franchise. Jones is a raw talent who excels more as a run blocker than as a pass protector, but upgrading the run game should result in improvements in the passing attack as well. That said, there are so many question marks surrounding the top players on the Jags, who have been rumored to be interested in dealing both Leonard Fournette and Yannick Ngakoue on Draft night or before.
21 | Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson, WR | LSU
Prospect Grade: 6.41
Size: 6’1” | 202 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 111 RECs | 1540 ReYDs | 18 ReTDs
Breakdown: The Eagles are desperate for an influx of youth and health in their receiving corps. With both Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson landing on IR last season, Philly was in bad shape as it limped to a post-season berth, thanks mostly to the Cowboys disastrous unraveling down the stretch. This off-season featured the loss of “fan-favorite” Nelson Agholor to the Raiders and trade talk swirling around Jeffery. Jefferson was a prolific, productive, all-around dominant receiver and a key component in the record-breaking LSU offense in 2019. Pairing a reliable target with Carson Wentz could help the Eagles fight their way back into Super Bowl contention for years to come.
22 | Minnesota Vikings (via Buffalo Bills)
Jeff Gladney, CB | TCU
Prospect Grade: 6.40
Size: 5’10” | 191 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 31 TKs | 1.5 TFL | 0.5 SK | 1 INT | 14 PD
Breakdown: Since 2013, the Vikings have drafted three corners in the first round. Two of those former first round picks (Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes) departed the team this off-season. Minnesota tends to covet athletic corners like Gladney. His instincts and ball skills would be beneficial in the Viking’s secondary, as he’s paired with Mike Hughes.
23 | New England Patriots
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE | Penn State
Prospect Grade: 6.50
Size: 6’5” | 266 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 40 TKs | 14.5 TFL | 9 SKs
Breakdown: It should come as no surprise when the Patriots don’t replace Tom Brady via the Draft, especially if they remain at 23. Instead, New England could look to improve its pass rush following the heavy losses the team suffered on the defensive side of the ball, seeing Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, and Danny Shelton move on. That trio combined for 16.5 of the Patriots’ 47 total sacks last season. Gross-Matos has great physical traits that Belichick should be able to develop and utilize.
24 | New Orleans Saints
Patrick Queen, LB | LSU
Prospect Grade: 6.72
Size: 6’0” | 229 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 85 TKs | 12 TFL | 3 SKs | 1 INT
Breakdown: It’s been a while since Jonathan Vilma anchored the Saints defense, but this could be the Draft the team finally finds an heir to his vacant throne. Queen is a versatile, be-everywhere, do-everything linebacker with All-Pro potential.
25 | Minnesota Vikings
Denzel Mims, WR | Baylor
Prospect Grade: 6.33
Size: 6’3” | 207 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 66 RECs | 1020 ReYDs | 12 ReTDs
Breakdown: Trading Stefon Diggs to the Bills substantially weakened the receiving corps for the Vikings, but luckily this is a very deep Draft in terms of receiving talent. Mims is a tall, fast, brutally tough wide receiver whose power separates his tape from the rest. He’s capable of making catches in traffic and never stops fighting for yards. He would be a great addition for Kirk Cousins and company.
26 | Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans)
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE | LSU
Prospect Grade: 6.88
Size: 6’3” | 254 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 60 TKs | 13.5 TFL | 6.5 SKs | 1 FF
Breakdown: The defensive struggles were all too apparent in Flores’ first season. A league-low 23 sacks showed an obvious need to improve the pass rush, which the Dolphins should do with their third and final pick in the first round. While Chaisson only notched 6.5 sacks in 2019, 4.5 came in the last four games of the season against, arguably, his toughest competition. Elite athleticism, high character and intelligence should result in Miami overlooking his sordid injury history in favor of his Pro Bowl potential.
27 | Seattle Seahawks
Austin Jackson, OT | USC
Prospect Grade: 6.34
Size: 6’5” | 322 lbs
Breakdown: Losing George Fant to the Jets in free agency leaves a soon-to-be 32-year-old Russell Wilson open to attack. Even after a few free agent additions to the O-line, Jackson’s youth and potential should make him a worthwhile pick.
28 | Baltimore Ravens
Kenneth Murray, LB | Oklahoma
Prospect Grade: 6.48
Size: 6’2” | 241 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 102 TKs | 17 TFL | 4 SKs
Breakdown: Baltimore has very few holes, but the middle of its defense could use a little upgrade. Murray is one of the top linebackers in the draft and could find himself an immediate starter on a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
29 | Tennessee Titans
Ross Blacklock, DT | TCU
Prospect Grade: 6.39
Size: 6’3” | 290 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 40 TKs | 9 TFL | 3.5 SKs
Breakdown: The Titans sent Jurrell Casey to the Denver Broncos this off-season, so the focus for the defensive-oriented team should be on supplanting its longtime star with a young player to pair with 2019 first-round pick Jeffery Simmons. Blacklock is strong against the run and capable of generating consistent pressure against opposing quarterbacks.
30 | Green Bay Packers
Tee Higgins, WR | Clemson
Prospect Grade: 6.48
Size: 6’4” | 216 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 59 RECs | 1167 ReYDs | 13 ReTDs
Breakdown: Sure the Packers were exploited defensively in the conference championship game last season. But while that could have been a scheming issue, there was also an obvious need for a play-making wide receiver. After doing little to quell this concern in free agency, adding Devin Funchess on a one-year deal, while losing Geronimo Allison, Green Bay could look to take one of the best receivers still left on the board in the first round. Higgins has the size to the fit the mold of a traditional Packers wide-out and was both reliable and productive over the course of his career with the Tigers.
31 | San Francisco 49ers
Laviska Shenault, WR | Colorado
Prospect Grade: 6.50
Size: 6’1” | 227 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 56 RECs | 764 ReYDs | 4 TDs
2019 Rushing Stats: 161 RuYDs | 7.0 AVG | 2 TDs
Breakdown: With six of the top receivers already off the board, and still looking to minimize the loss of Sanders, the Niners should look no further than this former Colorado standout. Shenault had durability issues, but ran a variety of routes in Buffalo’s offense and his versatility could fit well with Shanahan’s plans.
32 | Kansas City Chiefs
D’Andre Swift, RB | Georgia
Prospect Grade: 6.81
Size: 5’8” | 212 lbs
2019 Rushing Stats: 1,218 RuYDs | 6.2 AVG | 7 RuTDs
2019 Receiving Stats: 24 RECs | 216 ReYDs | 1 ReTD
Breakdown: Fresh off their first Super Bowl victory since 1969, the Chiefs will look to finally fill the void left by Kareem Hunt. Swift is a quick back and a solid pass catcher. Although undersized, Swift plays big, not that size would ever deter the Chiefs from drafting a playmaker with this much talent (OC Eric Bieniemy is 5’7” and was a second-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft). You don’t necessarily have to be the best player at your position, you just have to fit with the system and players around you and Swift could be a great choice for Kansas City, as it looks to defend its title in 2020.
First-Round Breakdown
By Position:
Offense: 17
QB: 3
RB: 1
FB: 0
WR: 7
OL: 6
TE: 0
Defense: 15
DT: 3
EDGE: 4
LB: 3
CB: 4
S: 1
Special Teams: 0
K: 0
P: 0
The Next Three:
33 | Cincinnati Bengals
Brandon Aiyuk, WR | Arizona State
Prospect Grade: 6.38
Size: 6’0” | 205 lbs
2019 Receiving Stats: 65 RECs | 1,192 ReYDs | 8 ReTDs
Breakdown: Aiyuk is receiving first-round consideration for the talent he put on display at Arizona State last season as both a wide-out and kick returner, but recent core muscle surgery may see him fall to Round 2. After grabbing a franchise quarterback with the first pick, the Bengals would be smart to pair him with a reliable target, much like they did with Dalton and Green in 2011.
34 | Indianapolis Colts (via Washington)
Jordan Love, QB | Utah State
Prospect Grade: 6.35
Size: 6’4” | 224 lbs
2019 Passing Stats: 61.9% | 3402 PaYDs | 20 PaTDs | 17 INTs
2019 Rushing Stats: 175 RuYDs | 2.2 AVG
Breakdown: The Jacoby Brissett era in Indianapolis may be over before it even really got going. With Rivers the presumed starter in 2020, it’s unlikely Brissett will be happy returning to a bench role with the Colts. Love could make long-term sense for Indy. He has a good foundation, but needs time to build on his talent, gain experience and adjust to the game at the pro level. A year behind Rivers could give him the time he needs.
35 | Detroit Lions
Zack Baun, OLB | Wisconsin
Prospect Grade: 6.50
Size: 6’2” | 238 lbs
2019 Defense Stats: 75 TKs | 19.5 TFL | 12.5 SKs | 1 INT | 2 FFs
Breakdown: Baun is an aggressive pass rusher with the athleticism to drop into coverage and the versatility to man multiple positions on any defense. It was clear in 2019 that the Lions needed better play-makers in their linebacking corps. Baun may be gone long before this pick, but should receive heavy consideration by Detroit if he falls to 35.
