2020 NFL Mock Draft (11.1.19)
November 1, 2019By: Domenic Buccini, Head CFB Analyst
1.Cincinnati Bengals
Tua Tagovailoa
Quarterback
Alabama
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 218
| Comp | Atts | Comp% | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
| 145 | 194 | 74.7 | 2,166 | 27 | 2 | 220.5 |
The writing is on the wall for Andy Dalton, after being benched in favor of rookie Ryan Finley. Dalton is just okay, but was never really a quarterback that was going to lead your team to a real playoff run. Although the bengals could use help at other spots; but it’s time to cut ties with Dalton, and take QB1 in many people’s eyes.
2.Miami Dolphins
Chase Young
Edge
Ohio State
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 265
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | Sacks |
| 29 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 13.5 |
If the Dolphins tanking for Tua plans don’t workout, they shouldn’t reach for a QB at #2. The Dolphins need help in a lot of areas, and taking the best overall player in draft by a mile, will be the first step in the right direction. Young when all said and done could be the best edge rushing prospect in the last seven years; and pairing him with rookie Christian wilkins will help get a solid rushing attack going.
3.Washington Redskins
Jeffrey Okudah
Cornerback
Ohio State
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 200
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | INTs | PD |
| 21 | 17 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Although this may be a little bit of a reach in some people’s eyes, others have compared Okudah to Jalen Ramsey. Josh Norman has been very inconsistent and will most likely be a cut casualty this upcoming offseason. That leaves a big hole in the secondary, that can be filled with this draft selection. Okudah is a swiss army knife(which was also Ramsey’s nickname), as he is lockdown in coverage, but isn’t afraid to come up and make a big hit or stop the run.
4.Atlanta Falcons
AJ Espenesa
Edge
Iowa
Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 280
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks |
| 21 | 12 | 9 | 3.5 |
The Falcons have had an inconsistent edge rush with Takkarist Mckinley and Vic Beasley Jr. After giving them time to develop; it’s time to target someone who can be more consistent, as the Falcons need turnover on their abysmal roster. Espenesa is a strong bull rusher who could help get more pressure on the quarterback, and help set the edge against the run.
5.New York Jets
Andrew Thomas
Offensive Tackle
Georgia
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 320
The New York Jets offensive line has been letting Sam Darnold get destroyed and pressured consistently. Bell also hasn’t been able to rush consistently against any of his opponents as they usually get a handle on him before he gets past a couple yards. The New York Jets haven’t addressed this issue and has continuously pushed it to the side. Thomas brings a bully mentality, in which he runs over the defense in the run game and will over power anyone trying to get to the QB in the passing game. Andrew Thomas will finally give the Jets offensive line the tackle they need.
6.New York Giants
Jerry Jeudy
Wide Receiver
Alabama
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 192
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 52 | 682 | 13.1 | 8 |
The Giants are in the situation of needing to add playmakers. The giants two biggest receiving threats Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate. Tate is 31 years old and Shepard really isn’t a true number one receiver. After the trade of OBJ, the Giants have a chance to grab a true WR1 and the best player available left on the board. Jeudy will bring the next level of play to help Daniel Jones in his development.
7.Denver Broncos
Grant Delpit
Safety
LSU
Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 203
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FR | INTs | PD |
| 43 | 25 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
The Broncos are a team you can’t get a read on, as they just drafted Drew Lock in the second round of the 2019 draft, so would they dare take another QB in the 2020 draft? Their main issue right now is the secondary that is struggling, and may lose their CB1 Chris Harris Jr in the upcoming free agency. The Broncos will also have safety Justin Simmons hitting the open market as well. So the first concern for the Broncos should be to pick the best defensive back. Delpit brings well rounded play to Denver, in which he’s a tackling machine and great in coverage that will help out the back end of that defense.
8.Cleveland Browns
Alex Leatherwood
Offensive Tackle
Alabama
Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 310
Some may think this is a reach of a pick, but the Browns are in bad need of offensive line help. Baker Mayfield has been getting bruised and battered behind the line, and if they don’t get any help this offseason, Baker’s already shaky development could get even worse. The reason why Alex Leatherwood could rise into the top 10 is his consistent play and his reach and size are what you look for in a tackle.
9.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Javon Kinlaw
Defensive Line
South Carolina
Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 310
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FR | Sacks |
| 23 | 11 | 12 | 2 | 5 |
Buccaneers really not taking a quarterback? But who’s gonna replace Jameis Winston!? Although QB is a top need for the Bucs; I personally believe that Bruce Arians doesn’t want to have to take years to develop a quarterback, but will instead try to target a quarterback via free agency such as Teddy Bridgewater or Phillip Rivers or trade such as Cam Newton. Instead the Buccaneers could really use help on defense, whether it’s in the secondary or on the defensive line. Javon Kinlaw is a perfect fit for the Buccaneers 3-4 defense, as he could play defense end on it. This would help out the Buccaneers weak pass rush
10.Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Burrow
Quarterback
LSU
Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 216
| Comp | Atts | Comp% | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer rating |
| 205 | 260 | 78.8 | 2,805 | 30 | 4 | 204.5 |
Rumor has it that the Chargers want to move on from thirty eight year old Phillip Rivers after the season. Rivers will become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and according to reports Los Angeles could look to get younger at quarterback. Joe Burrow has drastically improved from his 2018 season, as his accuracy is almost 80%, and his passer rating is over 200. His draft stock is rising and with a big performance against Alabama, he could cement himself as a top 10 pick, and have the Chargers falling in love with him.
11.Oakland Raiders
Ceedee Lamb
Wide Receiver
Oklahoma
Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 191
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 36 | 816 | 22.7 | 11 |
The Raiders whiffed on the Antonio Brown trade, as he didn’t even play in a single game for them. They have some pretty good receiving weapons in tight end Darren Waller and receiver Tyrell Williams, along with promising rookie receivers Hunter Renfrow and Keelan Doss. Again they have decent weapons, but I don’t believe they have a true WR1. Lamb is a shifty fast receiver that can catch the ball short, or deep, and has smooth routes. He would add a weapon that Derek Carr can use.
12.Miami Dolphins
Justin Herbert
Quarterback
Oregon
Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 237
| Comp | Atts | Comp% | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
| 179 | 262 | 68.3 | 2,104 | 21 | 1 | 161.5 |
The Miami Dolphins still need a quarterback, as Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick aren’t the answer. This would be the perfect case, as Justin Herbert is still available, who some scouts have as the top rated quarterback over both Tua and Joe. The Dolphins new coaching staff can finally get the quarterback that they want, and can develop him along the path of rebuilding the team. Herbert may not have the flashiest playing style, but what he does do is have a professional level playing style and doesn’t turn the ball over. This is what the Dolphins need; a low risk high reward player that can become the face of your franchise.
13.Oakland Raiders
Isaiah Simmons
Linebacker/Safety
Clemson
Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 230
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | FR | Sacks | PD |
| 64 | 43 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
The Raiders still need to add more players to their defense, as they continue to rebuild it. They need help at the linebacker position as they don’t have much depth and could use upgrades at many of the different linebacker positions. Isiah Simmons was considered a safety coming out of high school, but made the transition to linebacker. Gruden loves players that can do many things. Simmons is rumored to run in the 4.3’s, which means you can use him in coverage, and not just against tight ends but also receivers. He’s physical and can play the run, and can also rush off the edge on blitzes. This versatility will be something that Gruden can’t resist.
14.Arizona Cardinals
Tristian Wirfs
Offensive Line
Iowa
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 322
With Larry Fitzgerald getting up there in age and potentially retiring after the 2019 NFL season, the Cardinals could look to target another receiver. But their offensive line is still at points struggling, and could still use an upgrade. Tristian Wirfs is an elite offensive tackle that is balanced in both the run and passing game, and would be a major tool to draft. With quarterback Kyler Murray being the size that he is, it is worrying every time Murray gets hit, so adding help on the offensive line is a must.
15.Philadelphia Eagles
Tee Higgins
Wide Receiver
Clemson
Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 215
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 27 | 588 | 21.8 | 3 |
The Eagles could use and need to make many changes at defensive back, as many of them have been struggling to be consistent. The eagles also have a big problem with their receivers as injuries and dropped passes are plaguing them. Desaen Jackson is getting up there in age and Nelson Agholor is still very inconsistent and dropping passes. The eagles need to find another receiver that they can add to their roster that will be an instant upgrade. Higgins doesn’t drop passes, and is a great route runner, who can bring instant help to the offensive side of the ball. This pick would also benefit Wentz who is struggling with the weapons he has.
16.Jacksonville Jaguars
CJ Henderson
Cornerback
Florida
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 186
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks | PD |
| 16 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 9 |
The Jaguars traded away Jalen Ramsey this season and instantly made their secondary weaker. In order to make sure that the secondary doesn’t suffer in the 2020 season, they must target a cornerback. CJ Henderson may have slipped a little bit due to the fact that teams needed other positions more. The Jaguars get a top 12 player at 16 and get instant relief at CB. Bouye and Henderson would be a lockdown duo, as Henderson is physical in his coverage and is a perfect fit for the Jags defense.
17.Tennessee Titans
Jalen Hurts
Quarterback
Oklahoma
Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 219
| Comp | Atts | Comp% | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
| 133 | 180 | 73.9 | 2,469 | 21 | 3 | 224.3 |
The Titans hope for Marcus Mariota to develop into the quarterback they were hoping for has died after they benched him in favor of Ryan Tannehill. Mike Vrabel can finally go out in the draft and get the guy he wants. The offense needs a guy that can move out of the pocket and be mobile from one side of the field to the other. Hurts brings that to the table and is a perfect fit for Vrabel. Hurts has a strong arm and can make throws into tight windows and on the run. Jalen Hurts would be an instant week 1 starter for the 2020 NFL season and would help the Titans get over their mediocre seasons.
18.Detroit Lions
Kristian Fulton
Cornerback
LSU
Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 192
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | INTs | PD |
| 21 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
The Lions tried trading away their CB1 Darius Slay and traded away one of their safeties during this season. This and the lack of talent and depth in the secondary causes an instant need. Kristian Fulton would have been a third or fourth round pick last year, but decided to return for another year of college. This really paid off for Fulton as his coverage skills have improved and has become an elite coverage CB. The lions would get an immediate upgrade to their secondary; which is good for the Lions, whos division is loaded with talented receivers.
19.Carolina Panthers
Ashtyn Davis
Safety
California
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 201
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | FR | INTs | PD |
| 41 | 24 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
The Carolina Panthers could target another receiver or offensive lineman with this pick as they could use the depth and help from either position. But the secondary is still weak and needs upgrades all over. The Panthers need to find a play maker that is great and coverage and can be the face of the secondary. Ashtyn Davis is a player that can be that, as he plays smart in coverage and has passion for the game. Davis would give Carolina a huge upgrade at the safety position.
20.Jacksonville Jaguars
Kenneth Murray
Oklahoma
Linebacker
Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 243
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks | PD |
| 55 | 31 | 24 | 2.5 | 2 |
The Jaguars offense is performing well this season, even after Nick Foles went on IR. After upgrading their secondary with their first selection, it’s now time to focus on upgrading their linebackers. Murray is all over the field and is a tackling machine, something the Jags could use. The reason why Jacksonville will most likely target Murray is because of his versatility. He can play both inside and outside linebacker which comes in clutch when injuries and poor play, play a factor.
21.Dallas Cowboys
Derrick Brown
Defensive Line
Auburn
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 318
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | FR | Sacks |
| 30 | 17 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The Dallas Cowboys have given out a lot of extensions already and still need to give more. That means that eventually some players will walk due to salary cap reasons. This means the Cowboys will have to target the positions they believe will need to be filled due to eventual departures. One of the main positions they’ll need to look at is defensive tackle as Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods will eventually be up for contracts which may not be with the Cowboys. The selection of Brown would be great as he’s the top player left on the board and would help the middle of the Cowboys defensive line and help fill the roles of players that may be departing.
22.Miami Dolphins
Mekhi Becton
Offensive Tackle
Louisville
Ht: 6’7’ Wt: 340
The Dolphins got their QB1 and the top player in the draft; but now it’s time to get help on their awful offensive line. Right now Miami has the scrub squad on the line, and if they draft any qb, they better get help for him or his development won’t go as planned. Becton may not be seen as a first rounder by many scouts; but he’s big and physical player who’s not going to get overpowered. This is a player that will help solidify the offensive line and will help protect Herbert for years to come.
23.Kansas City Chiefs
Bryce Hall
Cornerback
Virginia
Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 200
*out for season
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks | PD |
| 20 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 4 |
The Kansas City Chiefs front seven looks great this year, and their offense is clicking like usual. The offensive line is struggling a bit and could use an upgrade; but the biggest weakness to that team right now is cornerback. Although they have some decent corners, they’re more of inside corners that are good in the slot, but the Chiefs need a tough big CB that can play on the outside. Although hall is out for the season with an ankle injury, he has proved to be a top tier corner who had two interceptions and twenty-one passes defended in the 2018 season. Kansas City finally gets the secondary help they need.
24.Minnesota Vikings
Jacob Eason
Quarterback
Washington
Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 227
| Comp | Atts | Comp% | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
| 157 | 233 | 67.4 | 1,981 | 16 | 3 | 158.9 |
The Minnesota Vikings could use more depth are wide receiver or use more help on the offensive line. But Kirk Cousins has been shaky and inconsistent throughout his tenure with the Vikings. Although I don’t believe they’ll move on from him after this season, as he will only have one year left on his contract, I still think their top priority is finding a replacement for once it is up. Jacob Eason had an amazing first year with Georgia before losing the job and transferring. Eason has maybe the strongest arm out of every quarterback in the draft, and makes great throws. The only issue is with his accuracy as this year he’s at just over 67% and in his full season with Georgia he completed just around 55% of his passes. If it wasn’t for his shaky completion percentage he may be have been a higher pick. But if Cousins is there for the 2020 season, then Eason can learn under him and take over for the 2021 season.
25.Buffalo Bills
Yetur Gross-Matos
Edge
Penn State
Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 262
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | Sacks |
| 26 | 16 | 10 | 5.5 |
Former first round pick Shaq Lawson hasn’t bloomed into the player the Buffalo Bills believed they drafted. Jerry Hughes is thirty-one years old and will eventually need to be replaced. This is signaling the Bills biggest need as an edge rusher that can help the team be more consistent. Yetur Gross-Matos possesses some elite edge rushing skills that could translate into an elite player in the NFL. Although Yetur has underperformed at Penn State in some scouts eyes, his raw talent and skills prove that he is worthy of a first round pick.
26.Indianapolis Colts
Julian Okwara
Edge
Notre Dame
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 241
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | FR | Sacks |
| 14 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
The Colts could use maybe another receiver, maybe a defensive back, or bulk up on another offensive tackle. But their biggest flaw on the team, is that they have decent edge rushers, but no great or elite rushers. Julian Okwara has looked great so far in the 2019 season as he can set the edge on runs and can use speed to get to the quarterback. The colts can finally get a true edge rusher that can be a consistent starter and help the front seven.
27.Seattle Seahawks
Lucas Niang
Offensive Line
TCU
Ht: 6’7’ Wt: 328
The Seattle Seahawks have looked amazing this season, and it’s totally hard to get a grasp on what they need to upgrade. With that being said, the biggest flaw they’ve had to date is their offensive line. Germain Ifedi hasn’t panned out for them, and it’s time to replace him at right tackle. Niang is big and athletic, which Pete Carool will really like, as he’ll be effective in their run game. The Seahawks will also get more consistent help at protecting Russell Wilson.
28.Green Bay Packers
Henry Ruggs III
Wide Receiver
Alabama
Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 190
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 26 | 513 | 19.7 | 6 |
The Green Bay Packers made a lot of improvements to their defense in the 2018 draft and in free agency. It’s now time for them to focus on the offensive side of the ball, as they’ve really neglected to find a WR2, as they have decent receivers behind Devante Adams, but not anyone special. Henry Ruggs is averaging almost 20 yards per reception this season, and is a true deep threat. Ruggs would help take pressure off of Adams and would bring a different element to Rodgers passing attack.
29.Baltimore Ravens
Curtis Weaver
Edge
Boise State
Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 266
| Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | FF | Sacks |
| 31 | 20 | 11 | 1 | 9.5 |
The Baltimore Ravens look like a well rounded team with few flaws. That means they should look to target a player that fits their team perfectly and takes care of one or more of their needs. It’s not often you find a player that perfectly fits a team, but Curtis Weaver is a match made in heaven for the Ravens. The Ravens can use another edge rusher and Weaver possesses great skills off the edge in their defensive scheme , but the great part is they could kick him inside as well for some plays that they call. This means that this pick would help them gain someone that can help out at more than just one position.
30.New Orleans Saints
Laviska Shenault Jr
Wide Receiver
Colorado
Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 220
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 34 | 514 | 15.1 | 3 |
The Saints will most likely lose Teddy Bridgewater this offseason, meaning that they lose a future quarterback for the franchise. They also could use help at cornerback, but I think the biggest concern that they have is constant great play out of their receivers behind Micheal Thomas. If Laviska Shenault is available this late in the first round, this is a no brainer pick. Although he’s had some injury concerns, his elusiveness and receiving make him a sure fire first round pick. With this selection, the Saints get a first day WR2.
31.San Francisco 49ers
Creed Humphrey
Center
Oklahoma
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 315
The San Francisco 49ers look like a super bowl contender who have little flaws. This means they most look at the weakest link and upgrade at that position. Although their offensive line is relatively strong, their center could use upgrading. Creed Humphrey is a sturdy center that is a pitbull. He’s a bully and will tear down any defensive lineman coming for his quarterback.
32.New England Patriots
Albert Okwuegbunam
Tight End
Missouri
Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 255
| Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
| 18 | 250 | 13.9 | 6 |
Although there’s rumors swirling that Tom Brady is more likely to retire or sign with another team than return to the Patriots, I just can’t buy it after all the other false rumors reported out of New England in the past. The Patriots biggest weakness right now is tight end, as they haven’t had an actual productive tight end since Rob Gronkowski retired. This means that they need to find a young player that can come in and be both a receiver and blocker. Okwuegbunam can be that guy as he’s great in the passing game, but also doesn’t mind getting his uniform dirty blocking for the run game.
