Final 2020 NFL Mock Draft (4.3.20)

By: Domenic Buccini, Head CFB Analyst

With the free agency period officially in the rear view, we now have a better idea of what each team will seek to target in the draft. I’ve tried creating the most realistic draft to date. Who will your team select?

*-Signifies a projected trade

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow

Quarterback

LSU

Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 221

Comp	Atts	Comp%	Yards	TDs	INTs	Passer Rating
402	527	76.3%	5.671	60	6	202.0

Andy Dalton is not the answer for a rebuilding Bengals team. The team still has a lot of holes to fill, and rumor has it that teams like the Dolphins could look to trade up to one. Although this could possibly happen, it’s also rumored that the Dolphins have Tua and Herbert ranked high up on their board, so the likelihood of a trade is slim. If the Benagls don’t trade out Burrow is the best quarterback available and will be the future of the Bengals franchise.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young

Edge

Ohio State

Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 264

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FF	Sacks
46	32	14	6	16.5

The Redskins also have a lot of holes on their team right now. They could use secondary help, or another weapon on offense. But when a player like Chase Young comes out of the draft, you don’t pass up the opportunity to strengthen your defensive line. Young will be a great player to finally give the Redskins the pass rush they need.

3. *Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa

Quarterback

Alabama

Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 217

Comp	Atts	Comp%	Yards	TDs	INTs	Passer Rating
180	252	71.4%	2,840	33	3	206.9

The Dolphins filled a lot of their holes this free agency. The dolphins still have three first round picks this year and can make themselves a wildcard team. If they want to then they’ll need to target a franchise quarterback; and the latest video video from Tua looks like he’s fully recovered. It will come down to the final medical evals, but if Tua’s comes back clean, look for the Dolphins to move up even if it costs them two first round picks to do so.

4. New York Giants

Isaiah Simmons

Linebacker/Safety

Clemson

Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 238

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	FF	Sacks	INTs	PD
104	67	37	1	1	7	3	8

The Giants are heading in the right directions with a new face of the franchise and a defense that’s getting better. They still need help on the offensive line, but Isaiah Simmons can help fill multiple needs on the defensive side of the ball, as he’s the most versatile player in the draft. Simmons has lined up at linebacker, cornerback, and safety, which are all still areas of need for the team. Simmons can split time between these positions in certain packages and help the defense for years to come. 

5. *Detroit Lions

Jeffrey Okudah

Cornerback

Ohio State

Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 205

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FF	INTs	PD
35	29	6	2	3	9

The Lions signed cornerback Desmond Trufant to help fill the need, but then proceeded to trade away their CB1 Darius Slay. That creates a need for a CB1/CB2, which the best corner Okudah can do, and can be an instant impact player for the Lions. Okudah is by far the best corner in the draft and is ranked as a top 10 player, so moving down would be the best choice here.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert

Quarterback

Oregon

Ht: 6’6’ Wt: 236

Comp	Atts	Comp%	Yards	TDs	INTs	Passer Rating
286	428	66.8%	3,471	32	6	156.8

The Chargers decided not to pursue any quarterbacks via trade or free agency, as they felt comfortable with rolling with Tyrod Taylor. But according to rumors, the Chargers are still expected to draft a quarterback with the sixth overall selection. The Chargers have been linked to quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Jordan Love. But it’ll come down to who’s available and who they have highest. The buzz is many teams have Herbert high on their boards.

7.  Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown

Defensive Line

Auburn

Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 326

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	FF	Sacks
55	33	22	2	2	4

The Carolina Panthers are now in the phase of overhauling their roster and bringing in the players that the coaching staff wants. The Panthers lost multiple defensive tackles, so adding the best one in the draft is a must, if they want to have a solid defensive line. Derrick Brown will have an immediate impact on both the pass rush and run stopping.

8. Arizona Cardinals

Tristan Wirfs

Offensive Tackle/Guard

Iowa

Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 320

With the recent Acquisition of wide receiver Deandre Hopkins, their receiving needs are no more. Their biggest weakness in the 2019 season was the lack of solid offensive tackle play. They can change that with the eighth overall pick as they have their choice of the top four tackles in the draft. Wirfs makes the most sense in the offense as he’s the quickest and would help out quarterback Kyler Murray the most.

9. *Las Vegas Raiders

Jordan Love

Quarterback

Utah State

Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 224

Comp	Atts	Comp%	Yards	TDs	INTs	Passer Rating
293	473	61.9%	3,402	20	17	129.1

It seems the Raiders are interested in quarterbacks every year. But the rumor is they’re looking to trade up in the first round to land one of the top quarterbacks. Jordan Love is seen as many as the quarterback with the most potential, so if he’s still available around the ninth pick look for them to move up, as it benefits the Jaguars as well. Love can compete with Carr, and Mariota right away.

10. Cleveland Browns

Jedrick Wills Jr

Offensive Tackle

Alabama

Ht: 6’4’ Wt: 312

The Browns had some great signings in free agency, including offensive tackle Jack Conklin. But the offensive line still needs improvement, including another offensive tackle. Wills may be the most well rounded tackle in the draft, and would improve the offensive line for years to come. 

11. New York Jets

Mekhi Becton

Offensive Tackle

Louisville

Ht: 6’7’ Wt: 364

The Jets need to fill holes at wide receiver, edge, and OL. It’s a toss up at what they could do, but Becton showed his athleticism and agility thought shouldn’t match his size. Becton would be an instant impact by helping to protect Darnold and help kickstart the running game. 

12. *Jacksonville Jaguars

Javon Kinlaw

Defensive Line

South Carolina

Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 324

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	Sacks
35	15	20	2	6

The Jaguars trade down three spots while acquiring other draft capital. Although they franchise tagged star edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, he has no intentions of being with the team for the 2020 season, but instead being traded. The defensive line for the Jaguars has been weakened this offseason as well, so first priority should be to build it back up.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Ceedee Lamb

Wide Receiver

Oklahoma

Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 198

Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
62	1,327	21.4	14

The 49ers traded for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders last season to make a push. Sanders left via free agency this offseason, so now the 49ers have a hole at wide receiver once again. They get the first pick at every receiver in the draft, and Ceedee Lamb had the best showing at the combine, and has a lot of people saying he’s the best receiver in the draft. I think Lamb would make a great addition to the 49ers as he can help spread the field and pairs well with Deebo Samuel.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CJ Henderson

Cornerback

Florida

Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 204

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	INTs	PD
33	26	7	1	11

The Buccaneers have really changed the course of their playoff hopes, as they signed Tom Brady this offseason. They still need to fill some holes to make a run at the super bowl. They need to add a running back, offensive tackle, and help to the secondary. CJ Henderson showed out at the combine, and helped his stock rise. Adding Henderson to an already decent secondary, and would help solidify their pass defense.

15. Denver Broncos

Jerry Jeudy

Wide Receiver

Alabama

Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 193

Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
77	1,163	15.1	10

The Broncos landed their franchise quarterback in round two of last year’s draft. Besides Courtland Sutton they have no other wide receivers. If Denver wants to help their young quarterback, they’ll take a receiver to take off pressure. Lucky for them, Jerry Jeudy has fallen to them at fifteen. Juedy has been compared to Odell Beckham Jr, and would make it a one two punch with Sutton.

16. Atlanta Falcons

K’Lavon Chaisson

Edge

LSU

Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 254

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FF	Sacks
60	34	26	1	6.5

The Falcons have made some changes this offseason by cutting Desmond Trufant, and Devonta Freeman, while signing edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr, and running back Todd Gurely. This pick could go in a lot of different directions, but they still need help on the defensive line. Chaisson came on late in the season and was a part of the reason why the defense was good. 

17. Dallas Cowboys

Henry Ruggs III

Wide Receiver

Alabama

Ht: 5’11’ Wt: 188

Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
40	746	18.6	7

The Cowboys signed wide receiver Amari Cooper to a long term contract. They also have Michael Gallup who’s a solid receiver as well. They could look to upgrade their defense who saw some departures this offseason. But Ruggs is the best player available and can add another weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott.

18. Miami Dolphins

Andrew Thomas

Offensive Tackle

Georgia

Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 315

With the Dolphins first selection, they landed their franchise quarterback; but now they must worry about protecting him. Andrew Thomas is a bully who is a monster in the run game and has improved in his pass protection every year in college. He’d be an instant starter for them, and would protect Tua for years to come.

19. Las Vegas Raiders

Kristian Fulton

Cornerback

LSU

Ht: 5’11’ Wt: 197

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	INTs	PD
38	28	10	1	14

The Raiders roster is starting to look more competitive especially if they add quarterback Jordan Love. They could also use another wide receiver to add more weapons, but with a deep class they can land one on day two that can be an instant impact. Instead, Gruden will look to bolster the cornerback spot. Fulton is the perfect fit, as he’s a speedy corner that can make some incredible plays on the ball. 

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

Xavier McKinney

Safety

Alabama

Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 201

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	FF	Sacks	INTs	PD
95	59	36	1	4	3	3	5

With their second pick in the draft, they’ll continue to add talent to their roster in order to fill holes. McKinney is a do it all safety that can come up and stop the run, or drop into coverage. Adding this type of player will help fill the tremendous amount of holes that the Jaguars have.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Yetur Gross-Matos

Edge

Penn State

Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 266

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks
40	24	16	9.5

The Eagles filled a major hole at cornerback, by trading for Darius Slay, so now their biggest need is to find receiving help. But the Eagles have gone after the best available years in the past years. There was growing hype that edge rusher Gross-Matos would go top fifteen, so landing here at twenty-one would be a dream for them. 

22. Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson

Wide Receiver

LSU

Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 202

Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
111	1,540	13.9	18

The Vikings traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was a major part of the offense. This leaves a major hole that will need to be filled. Justin Jefferson shined at the combine and showed why he’s one of the top receivers in the class. Jefferson will be a good pairing with Adam Thielen.

23. New England Patriots

Grant Delpit

Safety

LSU

Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 213

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	FF	Sacks	INTs	PD
65	38	27	1	1	2	2	7

Tom Brady departed via free agency this offseason, but from the many rumors, they’re gonna roll with quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The Patriots lost other crucial players that now have created holes on the offense and defense. They could look to trade down and acquire more draft capital. They could also look to add a linebacker, but they also traded away safety Duron Harmon. They re-signed Devin Mccourty, but Patrick Chung is not an every down safety. Delpit, was seen before the season as a sure fire top ten pick, but he had some trouble tacklin, which has made him fall. Belichick always loves players that have a lot of potential along with players that can fill holes. Delpit has all star potential and could help the Patriots on the backend.

24. New Orleans Saints

Zack Baun

Linebacker

Wisconsin

Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 238

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FF	Sacks	INTs	PD
76	53	23	2	12.5	1	2

The Saints filled one of their biggest needs during free agency after signing wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. They could go in a couple directions, by adding another cornerback to their roster, look to target a quarterback of the future, although they believe in Taysom Hill, or they could possibly trade down to acquire more draft capital. But New Orleans could definitely use an upgrade at linebacker, and Baun would be a great pick here. His 12.5 sacks makes him a perfect rusher, but he can also provide help in run stopping.  

25. Minnesota Vikings

Jeff Gladney

Cornerback

TCU

Ht: 5’10’ Wt: 191

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	INTs	PD
31	24	7	0.5	1	14

The Vikings filled the hole at wide receiver with their first pick; but now they must now focus on reloading their cornerbacks, as they lost three of their cornerbacks this offseason. If they want to be able to compete against the Bears and Packers they’ll have to add some talent at this position. Gladney played through a meniscus injury in  2019, and performed well through it. 

26. *Detroit Lions

Patrick Queen

Linebacker

LSU

Ht: 6’0’ Wt: 229

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FR	Sacks	INTs	PD
85	37	48	1	3	1	2

The Lions acquire this pick from the Dolphins after trading down from the 3rd spot to the 5th. Queen would be a match made in heaven. Lions could use an upgrade at linebacker, and Queen is a top 15 talent, but falls due to other position needs. Queen would be a great pairing with free agent signing Jamie Collins.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Josh Jones

Offensive Tackle

Houston

Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 319

Another team that doesn’t have too many holes on it. They have three options; if they can’t re-sign Jadaveon Clowney, they can look to add an edge rusher; they can trade down and acquire more picks later on, or they can focus on addressing their biggest need, which is upgrading at offensive tackle. Jones is an athletic tackle that can do it all, and would help make the Seahawks offensive line complete.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Kenneth Murray

Linebacker

Oklahoma

Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 241

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	PD
102	69	33	4	4

The Ravens lost guard Marshal Yanda to retirement this offseason, so they could look to fill the position right away here. But I think they can find one in the 2nd’3rd round range; instead they’ll focus on adding to the defense. Although there’s not many holes on it, they can always use upgrades, and landing linebacker Murray would be a great addition to the defense, and would definitely be an upgrade at inside linebacker.  

29. Tennessee Titans

AJ Epenesa

Edge

Iowa

Ht: 6’5’ Wt: 275

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	FF	Sacks
49	32	17	4	11.5

The Titans drafted Simmons last year to help boost their defensive line. Although they could look to add to their secondary, but another need is still on the defensive line. Epenesa fell right into the lap of Vrabel who would love this pick. Epenesa fell from the beginning of the season due to the fact that he didn’t have an explosive season like expected. But he still had a great season and is still a top edge rusher.

30. Green Bay Packers

Tee Higgins

Wide Receiver

Clemson

Ht: 6’3’ Wt: 216

Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
59	1,167	19.8	13

I have been saying for the past three drafts that the Packers have to get depth at the receiver position in order to give Rodgers more weapons to work with. They’ve neglected to do so, but I think they now have realized that they need to and will. Higgins is a monster and can go up and get the ball. He would have been WR1 in some drafts previous, but due to the receiver heavy draft, he falls to them.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Cesar Ruiz

Offensive Guard/Center

Michigan

Ht: 6’2’ Wt: 307

The 49ers made a move last week by releasing guard Mike Person. That becomes an immediate need, as they’ll want to fill it right away to protect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and get the run game going. Ruiz is the best interior lineman in the draft, and his athleticism will help him be able to play either center or guard. Plugging in Ruiz in at the guard position will sure up any issues on finding a replacement.  

32. Kansas City Chiefs

AJ Terrell

Cornerback

Clemson

Ht: 6’1’ Wt: 195

Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	INTs	PD
34	24	10	0.5	2	3

The Chiefs cornerbacks are good, but not great. They need an immediate upgrade, and Terrell provides that. Although they won the super bowl, there was no doubt they’d look to upgrade in the secondary. Terrell is a great cover corner who wasn’t thrown against much, as he locked down his guy.