With the first pick, in the 2020 NFL Draft… I know, I know, the draft is months away. But it’s never too early to start making mocks! The order I’m using is from Tankathon.com, and I kept trades to a minimum.
Note: (* = projected trade)
1. Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
The most clear pick in the whole draft. Burrow is an elite QB, especially from a mental sense, and can elevate Cincinnati from day one.
2. Washington Redskins select Chase Young, EDGE, OSU
Young is the best player in the draft, hands down. The only reason he isn’t at 1 is that he isn’t a QB. He truly is a generational type talent that any team would like to get their hands on.
3. Detroit Lions select Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU
Seemingly every year OSU produces an elite defensive back prospect. This year, it’s Okudah. The kid is a straight up baller. He’s a top 5 player in the class without question. Detroit has a lot of holes, so I can see them also going for Derrick Brown at this spot.
4. New York Giants select Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Beating the Redskins last week was completely worthless for NY, being that now they have fallen to 4th in the order, and probably missed out on Young. But Thomas isn’t a bad consolation prize by any means. He is by far the best OT in the draft, in a league where a lot of teams are lacking in the O-Line department.
5. Miami Dolphins select Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
This is where it starts to get interesting. Tua would be in a debate with Burrow for #1 if he was healthy, but obviously he is not. His talent outweighs the risk however, and Miami is in desperate need for a player with his skill set and intangibles.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars select Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The fact that Jeudy could fall to 6 proves how good this class is. Jeudy is the best route runner to come out of college in a long while, and is simply a freak at the wide receiver position. Whoever Jacksonville has at QB next year would be happy to have a weapon like him.
7. Los Angeles Chargers select Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Chargers don’t look like they have a lot of direction as a franchise. They severely underachieved this year, and Rivers isn’t getting any younger. Herbert is a project, but had a ridiculously high ceiling.
8. Carolina Panthers select Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
I found it hard to believe Brown fell all the way to 8, but it makes so much sense. Brown to Carolina is a match made in heaven, as they are searching for a big, nasty, mauler of a defensive lineman. That’s exactly how I’d describe him, making this a clear decision.
9. Arizona Cardinals select CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Talk about chemistry! Arizona gives Kyler Murray back one of his favorite toys from college, giving the Cardinals’ offense a huge boost. Lamb is a close second behind Jeudy, in one of the deepest wide receiver classes of all time.
10. Dallas Cowboys * (via NYJ) select Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
I’m projecting a trade with the Jets for this pick. Simmons to Dallas is a dream scenario for America’s team. He is a rangy, athletic, and versatile player who you can put right in the middle of your defense and get instant production out of. It would take a lot for them to trade up to this position, but when a player of his caliber fits so perfectly with your needs, you jump up and take him.
That’s all for the analysis, as I know you guys have busy schedules and can’t spend all day reading about a draft that’s in 4 months! Here are the rest of the picks:
11. Broncos: Tristan Wirfs
12. Browns: Grant Delpit
13. Falcons: AJ Epenesa
14. Raiders: Henry Ruggs
15. Jets* (via DAL): Jedrick Wills
16. Colts: Tee Higgins
17. Buccaneers: Javon Kinlaw
18. Raiders: Kristian Fulton
19. Dolphins: Tyler Biadasz
20. Jaguars: Kenneth Murray
21. Eagles: Laviska Shenault
22. Titans: Yetur Gross-Matos
23. Bills: K’Lavon Chaisson
24. Vikings: Trevon Diggs
25. Dolphins: Curtis Weaver
26. Chiefs: Jonathan Taylor
27. Seahawks: Raekwon Davis
28. Packers: Devonta Smith
29. Patriots: Alex Leatherwood
30. Saints: Dylan Moses
31. 49ers: Xavier McKinney
32. Ravens: Terrell Lewis
For everyone who reached this point, for more content like this, make sure to follow @collegesportsreport on Instagram. Happy Holidays!
(P/C: CBS Sports – https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/watch-alabama-qb-tua-tagovailoa-press-conference-live-stream-start-time/)