2020 NFL Mock Draft

1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, QB LSU


Photo by Jeffrey Marx

Burrow is entering the draft after the best year in college football history. He set records, played in a pro style system, and went undefeated, leading the LSU Tigers to a national championship victory. Burrow's leadership qualities will be important on a Bengals team that has been rebuilding and acquiring younger talent. He's also an Ohio native, and a son of a former professional quarterback: Jim Burrow. All signs point to Cincy drafting him. This is the easiest pick in the draft to predict.

Burrow will fit into head coach Zac Taylor's scheme well. His accuracy when passing is great, he's mobile enough to move around the pocket, and he has proven he is smart with the football. Tyler Boyd can thrive as Burrow's new favorite slot receiver. AJ Green is returning this year on the franchise tag, as is speed threat John Ross. Both will look to turn their careers around with Burrow after struggling the past few years for various reasons.

2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State


Photo by Paul Sancya

Young had 16.5 sacks last year in only 11 games. That's six less games than an NFL regular season, and most NFL players never hit that mark in a year. The craziest part of that is he hasn't even reached his ceiling yet. Young isn't completely unpolished, but in college he could get away with leaning on his elite athleticism to get the job done. With NFL coaching, Young could take his game changing skills to the next level and be an All Pro kind of talent.

Ron Rivera is the new head coach in D.C. and he has a lot of options with this pick. Would he prefer taking a franchise QB of his choosing instead of keeping last year's first round selection, Dwayne Haskins? Could he fall in love with Isaiah Simmons' versatility? Or will he trade down and acquire more players to build his team around? I think Rivera, a head coach with a background in defense, will take Young because of the possibilities he can bring to the Redskin's already strong defensive line. Washington is in a division with the Cowboys and Eagles - two of the NFL's best offensive lines. Having a strong defensive line to combat those teams is imperative. Plus, if the NFL truly is a copycat league, Rivera will see how much better the 49ers' defense was last year after taking Nick Bosa- another Ohio State defensive end- at the number two pick.

3. Detroit Lions- Jeffery Okudah, CB Ohio State




Ohio State's claims of being DBU get stronger every year, and Okudah is this year's reason why the Buckeyes can say that. Okudah has the speed, the size, the arm length- everything a pro team looks for in a cornerback's measurables. He's also a technician, regularly shutting down opposing receivers because of his attention to detail in the film room and at practice. He didn't have a ton of interceptions last year, but he didn't have targets coming his way that often either- quarterbacks were either too scared to throw it his way, or the receiver wasn't open. See how Okudah shut down Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross in the semifinal game this year against Clemson and you'll see what I mean.

The Lions let cornerback Darius Slay go in free agency, presumably so that the older shutdown corner could be replaced by the younger Okudah. In the Patriot's defensive system (which head coach Matt Patricia now runs in Detroit) a shutdown corner is a very important element. Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib are two stars who have played this role in New England. Now, it's Stephon Gilmore. These corners are tasked with following the opposing team's best wide receiver, forcing the quarterback to use his other, oftentimes less capable, receiving options. Okudah would fit this role in Detroit. It is still possible the Lions trade down to a team likely looking for a quarterback, but if they don't, Okudah will be the pick.

4. New York Giants- Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama


Photo by Mickey Welsh

Wills is a polished blocker in the run and the pass, and should be ready to start day one. With the pandemic going on, we still don't know if rookie camps and training camps will still be held. This increases the value of Wills over other linemen, who might have higher potential, but need some coaching. That's not to say Wills won't be a star in his own right. This guy could be a starter for a long time to come.

The Giants could go several different ways with this pick. Luckily for them, it looks like they have their franchise QB, Daniel Jones, so they can continue to build around him if they choose. Wills is the choice here for a few reasons though: 1) General manager Dave Gettlemen has proven that he believes in building his team through the trenches. 2) New head coach Joe Judge was an assistant at Alabama not too long ago, and in a year that it's difficult to gather information on prospects he can acquire all the information he would need on Wills via Nick Saban. 3) The Giants defense was terrible last year, but they will have their choice of good defensive players at the top of the second round. Offensive tackle, on the other hand, is a position that will be hard to find value in on day two this year.

5. Miami Dolphins- Justin Herbert, QB Oregon


Photo by Sean Meagher

Herbert may have the strongest arm in the draft. He was a four year starter at Oregon, where the team went through a rebuild of sorts, going from 4-8 his freshman year to 12-2 his senior year.  This could be a major positive for a rebuilding team in the NFL, who needs a young franchise QB to trust the process while they struggle early on. Herbert may have increased his draft stock the most among quarterbacks this offseason. He won Senior Bowl MVP, participated in combine drills, and luckily had his pro day before the COVID pandemic shut everything down.

All of the reasons listed above make Herbert the Dolphins' pick to be their franchise quarterback. Do I think he's as good as Tua? No. But I do believe that all of the offseason hype may have gotten to Miami, and that the concerns over Tagovailoa's injuries are real. Herbert isn't ready to start right away, but he can sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and learn for a while. New offensive coordinator Chan Gailey believes in the vertical passing game, which could really be in Herbert's favor if he studies the playbook and works on his mechanics. If Miami's head coach Brian Flores is following New England's (his former team) winning formula, Herbert doesn't have to be anything more than a game manager at the position and be smart with the football- just look at Tom Brady's early years. If he improves his game like Brady, he could eventually run the offense and be a star.

6. Los Angeles Chargers- Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama



Not too long ago, Tua was considered the clear number one pick in this year's draft. Before the 2019 season began, many fans were already lobbying for their teams to "tank for Tua". Such a thing hadn't been suggested by fans since "suck for Luck" was a term leading into the 2012 draft. Tagovailoa has had sustained success from the time he led a comeback win in the second half of the 2018 championship game. His accuracy, mechanics, and decision making are levels above most quarterbacks entering the league. The thing that has held Tua back his entire career has been injuries; his ankles, wrists, and most severely, his hip have taken a beating in his short college career, and teams are rightfully worried about his durability. With team doctors not allowed to visit players during the pandemic, Tua may fall even farther than the sixth pick, but it only takes one team to trust in his talent over his injuries.

The Chargers finally parted ways with Philip Rivers, leaving Tyrod Taylor as the team's starting quarterback. Taylor is not a terrible player, and if they chose to take a top defensive player like Simmons or Derrick Brown it wouldn't be a bad thing for the team. But, if one is to look at the free agent signings the team made this year, you may find clues on what L.A. plans in the draft. The Chargers traded left tackle Russell Okung for guard Trai Turner, and signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga from the Green Bay Packers. Bulaga is one of the best pass blocking right tackles in the NFL, a position that would be especially important if a team had a left handed quarterback like Tagovailoa. Tua's blind side would be protected securely by Bulaga. Getting Turner improves the interior line, which would also be important for Tua, a shorter QB who will need to be able to step up in the pocket. If Tua was drafted by L.A. he'd have the O-line to protect him, and the skill position players like Keenan Allen to flourish. The Chargers are a better team than their draft position would suggest. A franchise quarterback like Tagovailoa may push them into contention.

7. Carolina Panthers- Isaiah Simmons, LB/S Clemson


Photo by Tom Pennington

Simmons arguably had the best combine of any player this year. At almost 240 pounds, he ran a 4.39 40 yard dash, had a 39 inch vertical, and a 132 inch broad jump. At Clemson he played linebacker, safety, edge, and even corner at different times for the Tiger's defense. A Butkus award winner, his potential is very high, and will be an important piece on whichever team chooses to take him.

What the Panthers do in the draft is a mystery to most everyone right now; Matt Rhule is the team's new head coach, and it's his first time as a head coach in the NFL. What we do know from interviews is that Rhule wants players who are fast, versatile, and leaders in the locker room. Simmons fits all of these traits perfectly, and he fills a position of need at linebacker now that Luke Kuechly has retired.

8. Arizona Cardinals- Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa



Wirfs is another player who had one of this year's best combine performances. At 320 pounds, he ran a 4.85 40 yard dash, had a 36.5 inch vertical, and got 24 bench reps. His athleticism has made him one of the most talked about linemen this offseason, and some teams see him as the top tackle this year. Iowa has had success lately sending Hawkeye linemen to productive NFL careers. Wirfs is an athletic standout that's not completely raw, and that could get him chosen in the top ten picks.

Under Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona has adopted an air raid, spread it out offense. In this offense, linemen need to be athletic enough to support screen plays, read option plays that spread the field horizontally, and of course, pass block. Wirfs isn't the best pass blocker in the class, but he can shine in the system because of his speed and run blocking. The Cardinals have all of the skill positions to be an elite offensive team; if Kingsbury adds more talent to the line, they could be brilliant for years to come.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Brown, DT Auburn


Photo by Butch Dill

Derrick Brown is a dangerous man in the trenches. At 6'4'' and 325 lbs, he's big and strong enough to secure the one technique in the middle of a defensive line, but is athletic enough to play a three technique in between the offensive guard and tackle. Being a huge guy, one might initially think he'll be limited to stuffing the run, but he affects the passing game a lot as well. SEC fans know how much Brown can wreck an offense's plans. NFL fans will learn Brown's name quickly, and they're going to hope he doesn't play their team on Sundays.

The Jaguars have lost most of the stars from the superb defense that got them to an AFC Championship. Linebacker Myles Jack is still there, and they have first round picks Taven Bryan and Josh Allen on the defensive line. Okudah is off the board in this scenario, but the Jaguars may still consider addressing corner with someone like CJ Henderson. I think they'll look at their team and opt to make a solid front seven into a strength with Brown. Jacksonville's AFC South opponents are each strong in the run game, and that may factor into the Jaguar's decision when they're on the board. Brown is a good fit here, plain and simple.

10. Cleveland Browns- Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville


Photo by Ian Johnson

Mekhi Becton is a massive man, but he's not limited athletically. He's 6'7'' and 360 lbs, and ran a 5.1 40 yard dash. He is still working on the finer techniques of the tackle position, but he has a punishing style to his game that coaches and fans will love to see. If Becton lands on a team with good coaching he could easily be the best offensive linemen out of this class in a few years. Mekhi is a good player; if he falls, he could be one of the steals of this draft.

The Browns have been putting a good offense together for a couple of years now, but it hasn't gelled yet. This offseason, they signed tight end Austin Hooper to join receiving options Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and David Njoku. Under new head coach Kevin Stefanksi, the offense is expected to run the ball a lot, and the Browns have the players to do that well too. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are both excellent, and Cleveland signed tackle Jack Conklin to boost the line. If the Browns chose Becton he'd be a monster in the run game, and the team would have good offensive tackles on each side of the line to protect Baker Mayfield.

11. New York Jets- Ceedee Lamb, WR Oklahoma


Photo by Jeffrey McWhorter

Lamb has everything a team would want in a wide receiver. He has great hands and body control, and can make all sorts of the crazy catches. He put up massive numbers at Oklahoma while working with three different quarterbacks. He's not the fastest receiver in the draft, but is strong and elusive, consistently breaking tackles and gaining a ton of yards after the catch. Lamb is good enough to enter an organization and be its best receiver by the end of the year.

New York had a bad offense last year, and they desperately need to add some top talent. With Andrew Thomas still available in this scenario, he could be the pick, but the Jets have already added a few offensive linemen in free agency. Something New York lost in free agency was their best wideout, Robby Anderson. After he left, the team signed Breshad Perriman, but if the Jets really wanted to help Darnold develop into the QB he was chosen to be Lamb is an obvious choice at pick eleven.

12. Las Vegas Raiders- Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama


Photo by Butch Dill

Jerry Jeudy is a fantastic receiver. The 2018 Biletnikoff award winner is the most advanced route runner in the class, and has top tier agility and speed to create separation. After the catch, he uses he speed and elusiveness to earn extra yards, and he's one of the few in the class that can take a slant route to the house. His acceleration is impressive. Jeudy primarily played in the slot in college, but this was due to the fact that there were three other NFL caliber WRs on the team, and he was better equipped to play the position than the others. Jerry is good enough to play anywhere at the wide receiver position, and once he puts on a little more muscle he could easily be the first option on his team.

It's no secret that coach Jon Gruden really wanted a top wideout for his team last year, and that Antonio Brown was not the solution. General manager Mike Mayock and Gruden could choose Henry Ruggs III in this mock, but I think Jeudy's skill set is more of what the Raiders want. Vegas already has their speed guy in Tyrell Williams. They also have red zone threats like Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller. Gruden started his coaching career as a wide receivers coach in Green Bay, and will love Jeudy's advanced knowledge of the position. If chosen by Las Vegas, Jeudy could be the most targeted player on the team his rookie year.


13. San Francisco 49ers- Javon Kinlaw, DL South Carolina




Kinlaw is seen by some teams as the best defensive tackle in this year's draft, above even Derrick Brown. There was a video that came out recently showing Javon belt squatting 2,000 pounds. He has long arms, superb strength, and could be a productive 3 technique or end on the defensive line. Kinlaw isn't as technically sound as a player like Derrick Brown (Kinlaw played only two years of Division 1 football) and he has an injury history. Kinlaw attended the first two days of the Senior Bowl practices, but stepped out after an injury set him back, and he didn't participate in the combine. His offseason hasn't boosted him up as much as he'd like, but Kinlaw still has the tape to convince a team to choose him in the first round.

If Kinlaw falls to the 49ers, general manager John Lynch would look very smart picking him. San Francisco traded defensive lineman Deforest Buckner to get the 13th pick from Indianapolis, who gave Buckner a big contract. Lynch knew he'd have to make a tough decision when all of the stars on his Super Bowl team came to him to get a contract extension, but trading Buckner to choose Kinlaw in the draft saves the team money and keeps the defensive line one of the best in the league. Kinlaw might not be a starter right away but on a team with so much defensive line depth he could learn how to be a pro, and then take over a starting position in a year or two.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia



Andrew Thomas came into Athens and immediately started for Georgia his freshman year, no easy feat for such a talent laden program. In three years Thomas only missed two games. Unfortunately for Andrew, he's been a bit overshadowed by the other three top tackles this offseason. He doesn't have the athleticism of Wirfs, the size of Becton, or the smooth movement Wills has in pass protection. What he does have is experience, strength, and a willingness to get bodies out of the way in the run game. He might go a little later than the other linemen, but he can still be a consistent starter for whoever takes him.

Tampa Bay is suprisingly better on defense than many might think, and the organization has belief that Todd Bowles can develop whatever prospect they give him. The Bucs have a lot of receiving talent, and signed Tom Brady. Running back is a major need for the team, but running back value may be taking a hit again this year. Fun fact: out of all starting running backs in the playoffs last year, only one was a first round pick. That back was Mark Ingram, who was chosen with the 28th pick in the 2011 draft. A player that would give a boost to Tampa Bay's offense is Andrew Thomas. He can protect Brady at either tackle spot and could open lanes in the running game.

15. Denver Broncos- Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama



When people say that Henry Ruggs III is fast, it's an understatement. If he had gotten the chance to hold a pro day, he might have gotten even closer to John Ross' 40 yard dash record of 4.22 seconds. Ruggs is different from some of the speed receivers that have come out of the draft lately; the Crimson Tide wideout doesn't have the injury history of John Ross and Marquise Brown or the drop issues that Will Fuller had in college and his first few years in the league. He's not an elite route runner, but he's good at running them and can improve upon the skill as he spends his time in the league. Ruggs' speed might be enough to get him chosen as the first receiver in the class, it all depends on what a coach is looking for.

In Denver, John Elway has slowly begun building quite the receiving corps for young QB Drew Lock. Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and even Melvin Gordon will contribute in the passing game next year. Drafting Henry Ruggs III gives the strong armed Lock a guy to loft passes 50, 60, 70 yards down the field for huge gains. Ruggs' speed also opens up room for passes underneath to the rest of the offense. The defense can't stack the box to stop the run without the threat of getting beat deep. To sum it up, Ruggs III is a player that gives the Broncos a lot of options on offense. A game changer like that is much worth the 15th pick.

16. Atlanta Falcons- CJ Henderson, CB Florida


Photo by Mark Brown

Henderson is another corner who will surely go in the first round. He has the right blend of athleticism and coverage instincts to make him a star in the pros. CJ has been a difference maker at Florida since his freshman season, a year he had four interceptions. He might've been Ja'Marr Chase's biggest challenge during his Biletkinoff winning year at LSU last year. A common complaint about his game is his lack of tackling, but there are plenty of good corners who aren't Ray Lewis in the open field. All Henderson has to do is prevent his man from catching the ball, and that's something he does well.

The Falcons have eleven former first round picks on offense, and should be capable of moving the ball well next season. Running back is a possibility since Todd Gurley is only on a one year deal, but it's possible they can get someone in a later round. Atlanta does need as much help as possible on defense. They could go edge rusher, but they haven't had much success with the position in the first round recently, drafting busts Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley.  Now that Desmond Trufant left in free agency, the team needs a good corner to keep up with division rivals like Mike Evans, Michael Thomas, and DJ Moore. Henderson is a perfect pick to do just that, and reports that indicate the Falcons may be looking to trade up in the draft show how important it is to them to get a player like him.

17. Dallas Cowboys- K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU


Photo by Gregory Shamus

Chaisson displayed the burst at the snap and bend around the edge that NFL teams love to see at LSU. His six sacks aren't reflective of the pressure he gave QBs. If K'Lavon can learn to finish with a QB tackle instead of only a pressure we could be talking about him a lot in the pros. He'll also benefit from not receiving the amount of double teams he got at LSU. He has the speed to play stand up linebacker or defensive end, something that will make him appealing to teams, no matter their defensive system.

Dallas has already publicly stated that they're looking to strengthen the defense through the draft. At pick 17, all defensive positions are on the radar for the Cowboys, who have a decent defense, but could improve at every level. With CJ Henderson being drafted by the Falcons in this mock, I'd guess the Cowboys next move would be looking at the defensive line and linebackers. Rumors are that the team really likes Kenneth Murray, but I think they'd take Chaisson. K'Lavon could learn from veteran defensive ends "Tank" Lawrence and Aldon Smith, and become another pass rushing threat.

18. Miami Dolphins- Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma


Photo by Ronald Martinez

Murray is a player that has been talked about a lot this offseason, and expectations are that he'll go in the first round. He's fast and strong, and can be effective in coverage or blitzing. Murray is an aggressive player, and sometimes that gets him in trouble, but time with good coaching and tape study could make him a standout at the linebacker position. Murray was also a team captain at Oklahoma for multiple years, and left a really good impression with scouts at the combine, further increasing his draft value.

The Dolphins now have their quarterback in Justin Herbert, but with all of their draft picks this year they shouldn't feel pressured to fill needs. Instead, they should draft the best player available to them. Miami has begun building a better defense through free agency, and can add on to that momentum by selecting quality players like Murray. The available prospects on the defensive line and secondary are good, but several could fall to them at the 26th pick. The Raiders and Jaguars both have needs at linebacker, so if the Dolphins want a good LB they'd need to take one now, since the position isn't as loaded with first rounders. Murray could learn from coach Brian Flores and veterans like Kyle Van Noy on the Dolphins, and hold up the middle of the defense for years to come.

19. Las Vegas Raiders- Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah


Photo by Joel Davidson

Johnson is a do it all cornerback who was part of a surprisingly good 2019 Utah team. The defense on the team was stout, and Johnson might have been the best player for the Utes. He's tall and long enough to match with the bigger receivers in the game, and his 4.5 speed in the 40 isn't blazing, but it's nothing to laugh at either. At the next level, Johnson might be best in zone coverage where he can use his smarts to watch the quarterback and attack the football. There doesn't seem to be a consensus third best cornerback, but in a year that team's will have to rely more on tape to choose players Johnson may be that guy for many organizations.

Las Vegas surprised many with their picks last year, but a common theme of Mike Mayock's draft picks so far has been tough, high character players who are in love with the game of football. Jaylon Johnson isn't necessarily a pick Al Davis would've made, (who was famous for choosing players based on their crazy athleticism) but he does seem like a player Mayock would like. Jaylon Johnson even confirmed this by telling Bleacher Report's Stick to Football Podcast that he felt the Raiders liked him a lot in team interviews. The Raiders still have a few needs on defense, one of those being cornerback. Johnson can team up with last year's CB pick Trayvon Mullen and make Vegas' secondary tougher to deal with.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars- Patrick Queen, LB LSU


Photo by Hilary Scheinuk

In the 2000s, teams could draft big linebackers to stuff the run all day and blitz. Today, the NFL has evolved to where linebackers that are drafted high need speed and coverage ability to counter the spread offenses and aerial attacks that are so prevalent right now. Queen started for only one year at LSU, but displayed his sideline to sideline speed, coverage ability, and willingness to stop the run. Because he's only been a starter for one year, Queen needs more reps to fully utilize his physical abilities and be a disruptor for an NFL team. However, not many linebackers coming in to the league have the natural abilities Patrick has, making him deserving of a first round pick.

Jacksonville has been a team that's embraced athletic linebackers for a while now. Their middle linebacker Myles Jack also played running back at UCLA, and their other star linebacker Telvin Smith was a speedster before he stepped away from football last year. Queen could come in and replace the much missed Smith, and solidify a promising front seven that is now filled with young superstars. In this mock, the Jaguars have now taken Derrick Brown and Patrick Queen. The Jaguars aren't going to be contenders this year, but with these two rookies they will be capable of holding their own.

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Justin Jefferson, WR LSU


Photo by Matthew Emons

Jefferson was limited in 2018 because of a run heavy offense, but when offensive coordinator Joe Brady arrived in Baton Rouge and installed his pass oriented offense everything changed. Justin exploded in the 2019-20 season, catching the most passes (111) and coming in second in receiving touchdowns (18) in the nation. Jefferson has great hands, separation skills, and the ability to make leaping and acrobatic catches. His one concern among scouts was his speed, but at the combine he ran an impressive 4.43 40 yard dash, proving those who doubted him wrong. Jefferson is a great receiver in a loaded WR class, so the range of his draft position could be as high as top 15, or as low as the second round. Wherever he goes, Jefferson is an excellent player that will make an impact.

The Eagles could look at corner with this pick, but Jefferson is too good to pass up for the team at the 21st pick. Philly made the playoffs last year, but were limited on offense because of injuries to receivers Alshon Jeffery and Desean Jackson. Jackson is aging, and Jeffery has had injury problems his whole career. Philadelphia would be wise to invest in a player like Jefferson, who can play the slot receiver position while Jackson and Jeffery are on the field, and can play wherever the team needs him when they aren't.

22. Minnesota Vikings- Tee Higgins, WR Clemson



Higgins is the long, tall receiver that QBs can throw to anywhere in his area and he can go catch it. He has the balance to be a decent route runner despite his size, and 4.5 speed to threaten downfield. Some concerns about Higgins' game are that he needs to improve his releases and strength to excel in the pros. Yet the fact remains that Higgins has a high floor, high ceiling range of potential, and worst case scenario he can be a team's WR2.

The Vikings traded away WR Stefon Diggs this offseason, and their receiving corps right now is basically just Adam Thielen, who is coming off of year plagued with injury. Minnesota is another team that will absolutely look at corner in the first round; the team lost three starters in free agency. Higgins is the pick here though, and a good one at that. The Vikings would be extremely hard to stop in the redzone with Higgins. They already have a great run game, two tight ends that can threaten as receivers, and Thielen in the slot. Gary Kubiak, the offensive coordinator, would love giving his QB Kirk Cousins an Andre Johnson-sized WR who can win on jump balls in the endzone. That's what Higgins can be for this team.

23. New England Patriots- AJ Epenesa, DL Iowa



Epenesa has been a playmaker at Iowa for a while now, getting double digit sacks two years in a row now. He's more of a big, power guy than an end who kills tackles with his speed, but that should fit well with some teams, especially those that primarily run three man fronts. Epenesa improved his game bit by bit each year at Iowa, and while he's been a bit overshadowed this offseason, last year he was considered a top draft pick in the class of '20.

Bill Belichick deploys multiple fronts, and highly values d-linemen who can play different positions, depending on the situation. With Epenesa's ability to play as a 5 technique end (the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle) and some 3 technique in the middle he could be very valuable to the Patriots' system. Epenesa's consistency and never give up attitude on every snap will appeal to New England's organization, and he could carve out a Rob Ninkovich-type role for himself on the defense for years to come.

24. New Orleans Saints- Trevon Diggs, CB Alabama


Photo by Daniel Dunn

If the last name Diggs sounds familiar, it's because Trevon is indeed Stefon's brother. But Trevon is good enough to be known as more than just someone's little brother. He's a corner that used to be a wide receiver, and you can see it on film. He recognizes and breaks on route combinations, and isn't easy to fool. He also has great hands for a corner, meaning he gets his team some much needed takeaways where others might settle for a pass breakup. The downside of Diggs' game are his somewhat slow movement speed and lackluster tackling. His ball hawking abilities are too good to pass up for too long in the draft though, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in the first to second round.

New Orleans tried to pair corner Marshon Lattimore with Eli Apple, but Apple didn't play up to par, and he was let go in free agency. The Saints have a roster with very few holes, and as long as Drew Brees is still there they remain Super Bowl contenders. Earlier in the offseason it was thought that the team would add a receiver in the draft to pair with Michael Thomas, but they already signed Emmaunel Sanders to be that guy. With Diggs, the Saints get an experienced corner to help the secondary cover NFC opponents like the Falcons, Buccaneers, and more. If New Orleans' defense can keep offenses from scoring in big moments they might finally get to the big game again. Hopefully, Diggs will be the final piece in the championship puzzle.

25. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Jones, OT Houston


Photo by Joe Calomeni

A natural mover in pass protection and strong enough to clear the way in the run game, Jones has skills to build upon to become an NFL starter very soon. He played at Houston, a part of AAC, so his opposition was questioned initially, but he held his own at Senior Bowl practice and tested well at the combine. There are a lot of teams that need an offensive tackle, and Jones has been rightfully moving upwards in draft hype conversations. Expect him to go in the 20-30 range.

"The Vikings don't draft a corner in the first round? But Mike Zimmer loves drafting first round corners!" No, they don't in this scenario, and here's why. A team can never have enough great offensive linemen, and that's what Josh Jones can be. He was a four year starter at Houston, and has the movement ability to be a cut above other tackles in a zone run scheme like what the Vikings run. Starting left tackle Riley Reiff has two years left on his deal, but has struggled at times. In Minnesota, Jones can either take time and replace Reiff after his contract expires or come in and win the job early.

26. Miami Dolphins- Grant Delpit, S LSU



Delpit has been a much debated about prospect heading into the draft. Some look at how he was an interception machine in 2018, how he continued his success in 2019 (winning the Thorpe award for best defensive back in the country), and say he should go in the top half of the first round. Others see his struggles tackling, his injury history, and his inconsistent play, and claim he's a second rounder. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it only takes one team to select him. All questions about who goes where will be answered this weekend, and I think Delpit makes the first round.

The Dolphins continue their building of the defense here with the selection of Delpit. Miami already has two top corners in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, and could have a formidable secondary with the addition of some top safety prospects. Delpit's coverage ability would frighten opposing QBs, who wouldn't have any room for error when throwing against the 'Fins. If Miami wants to eventually be the best they'll have to beat the best, and right now the best is Kansas City and their aerial attack. Putting together a secondary to combat the best offenses is definitely a favorable option for a defense oriented coach like Brian Flores.

27. Seattle Seahawks- Yetur Gross Matos, DE Penn State


Photo by Adriana Lacy

Gross Matos is a long limbed defensive end, who can use his long arms in the run game to extend linemen away from him, and then attack the ball carrier. He sometimes slips through zone schemes and gets valuable tackles for loss as well. Right now, playing the run is his best trait.  His pass rushing is very raw. He'll show on one play how fast and flexible he can be running around the edge, but often times he doesn't have a move or counter move to maximize his rushing talents. Some NFL teams may see what Gross Matos can be and draft him early.

Knowing general manager John Schneider's tendencies, the 'Hawks will likely trade back in the draft and acquire more picks, but if they don't Gross Matos is a player that the organization would be interested in choosing. With Jadaveon Clowney most likely leaving, Seattle needs to retool their defensive line, despite drafting LJ Collier in the 1st last year. Pete Carroll and his staff are known for developing overlooked players. After waiting almost the entire first round to hear his name called, Gross Matos should be delighted to hear he's going to Seattle.

28. Baltimore Ravens- Michael Pittman Jr., WR USC


Photo by Hans Gutknecht

Pittman is the son of former running back Michael Sr., and he inherited all the right athletic traits. He's a fast and balanced route runner, who you can see has worked on his craft. He was also a team captain at USC, and led the program through a difficult senior year, in which the Trojans lost their starting QB early in the season. Despite that, Pittman still put up great stats. He had 101 receptions, 1275 yards, and 11 touchdowns, and USC went 8-5. Michael Jr.'s grit through adversity should galvanize NFL teams to take him early in this year's draft.

Baltimore lit the league on fire last year offensively, but when Tennessee slowed their rushing attack in the playoffs the team was eliminated because the passing game couldn't bring them back. The Ravens have the beginnings of a great passing game with Mark Andrews and "Hollywood" Brown, but an extra playmaker on the outside could push them to even greater places. Michael Pittman Jr. is a well rounded receiver that would fit well playing alongside the other two gifted receivers. Lamar Jackson approves this selection.

29. Tennessee Titans- Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin


Photo by Andy Manis

Jonathan Taylor has every skill a running back needs to have a great career in the NFL. He has sub 4.4 speed, elusiveness, power, vision, and an improving catching ability out of the backfield. In 3 years at Wisconsin he totaled over 6,000 yards in scrimmage. He put the team on his back each game, and despite being the bell cow back he never had injury problems. His kryptonite was fumbling the ball, a serious issue that can be corrected. The running back position may be devalued somewhat this year, but Taylor should be among the first two at the position taken.

Finally, a running back is chosen in the first round of the 2020 draft. Tennesse could go a few places with the 29th pick; coach Vrabel could improve his defense, replace right tackle Jack Conklin after he left in free agency, or even select another receiver for Ryan Tannehill, who signed a new contract to be the franchise QB. Choosing Taylor is a commitment to keep the offense's forte, the run game, a problem for opponents. Last year, while most of the league zigged, creating offenses that relied on passing and big plays, the Titans zagged, and rode RB Derrick Henry to the AFC title game. Henry is now on the franchise tag, meaning he has one more year with the team before hitting free agency. Jonathan Taylor was one of the top rushers in NCAA history while at Wisconsin, and could replace Henry after this year if the team opts to save money and let him go.
30. Green Bay Packers- Jordan Love, QB Utah State


Photo by Gregory Shamus

Love is one of the most interesting prospects in this class because while he has displayed some signs of being a terrific QB, he also has displayed everything that makes a player a bust at the next level. Love can heave a football 60-70 yards downfield, can throw with touch, accuracy, and anticipation. Love also turns the ball over a lot, and is inconsistent with his accuracy and anticipation. Love excelled in 2018 with a good team and coaches, but was less of a superstar with a new staff and most of his teammates gone in 2019. Jordan Love will be very reliant on his surroundings when considering his potential as a franchise QB. If he's drafted with a team that has a plan on how to train and develop him over time, he will succeed. If Love is drafted by a team that needs a starter immediately he could develop bad habits, lose confidence, and become a bust.

After the Titans chose their running back heir, the Packers choose Jordan Love to be the heir to Aaron Rodgers. Much like when Rodgers roamed the benches while Brett Favre ran the Packers, Love could sit and learn the intricacies of the pro game while Rodgers is at the helm. Green Bay will be tempted to give Rodgers another wideout, but with so much depth at the position they can wait and select someone later. A QB like Love won't make it past the middle of the second round, so if they want to prepare for the future this is their best chance to do so without trading up in a future draft.

31. San Francisco 49ers- Jalen Reagor, WR TCU


Photo by David Kent

Reagor was the fastest man in the Big 12 for several years, but he's not just a pure speed guy. He can make the quick cuts needed to breakaway from corners, make leaping catches, and more. This offseason, Reagor also proved he can put on weight or keep it low, depending on what his team needs from him. His combine time was slower than expected because he had put on ten pounds to get to 205. Leading up to his pro day though, he had slimmed back down, cutting off that ten pounds to show off his speed. He ran an unofficial 4.28. This willingness and ability to shift weight to do what his team needs should intrigue front offices, and boost him up their boards just a little more.

The 'Niners have found gems in Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Under coach Kyle Shanahan, Reagor could be the next gem San Fransisco finds. Reagor has field stretching ability that could give his offense either huge plays or opportunities for his teammates running short or intermediate routes. He also proved to be a weapon on toss sweeps after going in motion, that challenge the defense horizontally. With Reagor and Samuel both going in motion before the snap, defenses would get really confused on where to go. San Fransisco lost Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, but with this selection they wouldn't miss a beat.

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Kristian Fulton, CB LSU


Photo by Kim Klement

Fulton is a skilled cover man who can press at the line and has proved to be aggressive when going after pass break ups. His 4.5 speed at the combine is average, but it was nice to see him test there instead of below average because he's not Usain Bolt on tape. LSU is known for producing top notch corners, and Fulton had a good run his senior year. He will be a late first or early second round pick.

Chiefs fans should be very happy knowing that their championship team is returning most everyone from last year. Kansas City's defense started off slow last season, but caught fire later as they learned Steve Spagnuolo's system. The secondary is led by a fantastic group of safeties and superstar Tyrann Mathieu, but could do even greater things with better corner play. Kristian Fulton would benefit from playing in a zone system like the Chiefs and learning from a leader like Mathieu, who also attended LSU. The Chiefs would benefit from having a talented corner like Fulton, who can make plays on the ball and keep Patrick Mahomes on the field.




Stats and Player Measurables via ESPN and NFL.com