We’ve had a fun run of mock drafts leading up to the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But with all the teams about to go on the clock for three long days from Thursday through Saturday, it’s time to check in with a final edition of projections for how the picks might play out.
Following a complete seven-rounder, a two-rounder with trades and a three-rounder earlier this week, our final NFL mock draft for 2020 features just the first two rounds. The goal with these mocks is to provide an idea of what the teams are thinking, which prospects’ stock is rising and what are the logical fits based on positional need and overall value.
2020 NFL DRAFT:
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For one last time this year, here’s exploring yet another set of player selection permutations.
NFL mock draft 2020: Round 1
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow will be the franchise quarterback under offensive-minded coach Zac Taylor. At 6-3, 221 pounds, Burrow combines his mental and physical toughness in the pocket with a strong arm and an accurate delivery. During his Heisman Trophy- and national championship-winning run with the Tigers, his leadership skills and athleticism flourished at an unprecedented college level.
2. Washington Redskins
Assuming the Redskins do not get a can’t-refuse offer to trade back, they should jump at the chance to get this cornerstone talent for the team’s defensive rebuild under defensive-minded Ron Rivera. Young (6-5, 264 pounds) is a game-changing disruptor who had 16.5 sacks in only 12 games as a junior. He can produce at an all-around level even higher than that of Nick Bosa, who went No. 2 from the Buckeyes to the 49ers and promptly dominated as SN’s Rookie of the Year.
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3. Detroit Lions
The Lions moved Darius Slay in a trade with the Eagles and signed Desmond Trufant to replace him, but they need to address the other outside corner spot. Okudah, an elite ball hawk at 6-1, 205 pounds, has the build to handle receivers of all sizes. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills in coverage to develop into a shutdown type with his strengths showing up in press man.
4. New York Giants
The Giants can think about the best defensive player available, but ultimately, they shouldn’t ignore their offensive line need. Although he can start on the right side at first with Nate Solder still playing left tackle, Wirfs has the athleticism at 6-5, 320 pounds to hold down the left side for a long time. He combines his pass-blocking skills with power and physicality in the running game.
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5. Miami Dolphins
This mock reflects the Dolphins’ rumored preference of Herbert as their future franchise QB rather than Tua Tagovailoa. Herbert (6-6, 236 pounds) is efficient and mentally tough with underrated athleticism, which manifested down the stretch of his final season with the Ducks. He needs a little help with his decision-making, but at the Senior Bowl, he proved how receptive he is to coaching.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are flexible enough at QB to be patient with Tagovailoa (6-0, 217) and not rush him into action, with Tyrod Taylor getting more confidence as a strong bridge QB for coach Anthony Lynn. When healthy, Tagovailoa is an accurate, mobile, deep-ball throwing QB with the upside of Russell Wilson, only throwing with his left arm.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need playmaking punch at linebacker in the wake of Luke Kuechly’s retirement with two weak spots in their 3-4 front. Simmons (6-3, 238 pounds) seemed to be all over the field at all times in college with great speed and range. He gets everywhere in a hurry, from rushing the passer to moving laterally and getting into ideal coverage positions.
8. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals already addressed their need for a No. 1 wide receiver by trading for DeAndre Hopkins, so they can opt for Wills at right tackle after re-signing D.J. Humphries on the left side. The 6-4, 312-pound Wills is a strong, powerful run-blocker who needs a little time to develop into an elite pass-protector.
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9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are in a defensive rebuild, and although tackle also is a need — and edge rusher will be, too, if Yannick Ngaukoe is traded — they need to target a potential shutdown corner with this pick after trading Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Henderson (6-1, 204 pounds) plays bigger than his size with great athleticism and technique in his favor. He just needs to get a little more physical to be trusted against receivers who rely on body positioning to get open.
10. Cleveland Browns
The Browns took care of right tackle in free agency with Jack Conklin signed to replace Chris Hubbard. With this pick, they can get a massive upgrade from Greg Robinson for Baker Mayfield’s blindside. Thomas matches great size (6-5, 315 pounds) with good hands and footwork. Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and Kevin Stefanski also will love what Thomas can do to open holes for the running game.
11. New York Jets
The Jets will have a tough decision between the last top-tier tackle in his class or the first choice from a loaded wide receiver group. With Becton being an option, offensive line wins. Becton (6-7, 369 pounds) has gotten more attention for his strong and powerful frame, as he has shown he can also be smooth in his movements. He is willing to work hard to become as good in pass protection as he is overwhelming blockers when setting the edge against the run.
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12. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders need an outside go-to guy for their passing game after last year’s Antonio Brown debacle and Tyrell Williams’ injury concerns. Lamb can be the Raiders’ version of DeAndre Hopkins, an explosive field-stretcher and steady possession guy. At 6-1, 198 pounds, Lamb needed only 58 receptions to post 1,208 yards and 14 TDs in 13 games last season.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Colts)
The 49ers need to replace another D.B., DeForest Buckner, at defensive tackle, and they should be thrilled if Brown falls to the pick they acquired from the Colts in the deal. Brown has shined throughout the draft process as the most impactful interior defensive prospect. At 6-5, 326 pounds, he is a quick disruptor who makes a lot of plays in the backfield.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If offensive tackles Wirfs, Wills, Thomas and Becton are off the board, the Bucs might think about defensive line with this pick. But they’ll find it hard to pass on Jeudy, who could be the best value pick at No. 14. The Rob Gronkowski trade proves the Bucs are “all in” with Tom Brady, but they still need to get their new QB an outside No. 3 to pair with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Jeudy (6-1, 193 pounds) also fits the profile as a No. 1 receiver; he is a classic intermediate-to-deep field stretcher and smooth drive-finisher in the red zone.
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15. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have big-bodied Courtland Sutton as their No. 1 and DaeSean Hamilton as their emerging slot man for second-year QB Drew Lock, but they could use a complementary deep threat for Pat Shurmur’s 11 personnel sets. Ruggs (5-11, 188 pounds) fits the bill as a field-stretcher who also can use his route-running skills to win on shorter routes.
16. Atlanta Falcons
There’s some buzz about the Falcons trading up for Okudah or Henderson to fill their need at corner, and they also could move up to take Brown and pair him with Grady Jarrett on their defensive interior. Ultimately, if they stay here, they can go the latter route without much drop-off. Kinlaw (6-5, 324 pounds) knows how to use his size and arms to complement his strength and power at the point of attack.
17. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ linebacking future is bright with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, but they can target another as the new complementary pass-rusher for DeMarcus Lawrence in the wake of losing Robert Quinn in free agency. Chaisson (6-3, 254 pounds) has a great name for an elite, active defender who chases after QBs and RBs alike. He had 6.5 sacks and 60 tackles during LSU’s championship run, and like several teammates, his draft stock shot up throughout the season.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)
The Dolphins are set at corner with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, but they have a major secondary void at free safety after cutting Reshad Jones. McKinney (6-0, 201 pounds) is a complete safety who can get physical in run support and also drop back and handle intermediate coverage. There is nothing he can’t do, and he is willing to do whatever asked of him for a defense, toggling seamlessly from extra linebacker to short-area subpackage back.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)
The Raiders need to address their secondary coverage, and with this pick, they can add the former college teammate of Trayvon Mullen. Terrell (6-1, 195 pounds) is a versatile cover man for his size who can work both outside and inside, in both man and zone schemes. He needs to learn to win battles with better technique and handwork.
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20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)
The Jaguars already traded Calais Campbell and might still move franchise-tagged Yannick Ngaukoe. After addressing corner with Henderson as their top-10 pick, they’re free to target a pass-rusher at No. 20. Epenesa (6-5, 274 pounds) is a powerful, explosive, big-bodied player. He can push blockers out of the way to get to the QB, and he also stands strong against the run.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made big free-agency moves up front (Javon Hargrave) and in the secondary (Darius Slay), but they need to shore up their defensive weakness on the second level. With the clock ticking, that can be the priority over wide receiver, a much deeper position in this draft. Murray (6-2, 241 pounds) is an active, rangy playmaker who can be as effective dropping back as he is getting downhill against the run or blitzing.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Bills)
The Vikings can use their first of two picks in this round to get their replacement for Stefon Diggs to complement Adam Thielen in a similar way. Jefferson (6-1, 202 pounds), with massive production catching passes from Burrow, emerged in LSU’s passing game as a quick, efficient route-runner with good hands. He also has underrated speed.
23. New England Patriots
The Patriots might think about linebacker, edge rusher and even quarterback with this pick. But based on how this mock first round is going, they need to take advantage of Higgins, underrated for his smarts and versatility, still being available. The Clemson product is a dangerous, all-around playmaker who can be a force in the red zone. At 6-4, 216 pounds, he posted 59 receptions for 1,167 yards and 13 TDs in 15 games last season. He also rushed for a 36-yard score against LSU in the title game.
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24. New Orleans Saints
The signs are pointing to Drew Brees playing just one more season, and with no second-rounder, the Saints need to be aggressive about getting a high-upside successor who needs a year of grooming. Love (6-4, 224 pounds) matches his size with physical skills, including a big arm, and his athleticism bodes well if his accuracy, decision-making and footwork can become cleaner with good NFL coaching. He would get just that under Sean Payton and behind Brees.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings need to rebuild at corner after releasing Xavier Rhodes and not re-signing Trae Waynes or Mackensie Alexander. Gladney (5-10, 191 pounds) is a good fit for Mike Zimmer’s defense because of his zone sensibility and inside-outside versatility. He is scrappy and aggressive in making plays on the ball, with a knack for being honed in on receivers’ routes.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)
The Dolphins can finish their first-round haul by adding a running back, as Jordan Howard is more of a power complement than a feature option. Swift (5-8, 212 pounds) is capable of both getting the tough yards inside and breaking free for big plays in the open field. He also flashed as a receiver for the Bulldogs and can excel in the screen game.
27. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks likely won’t re-sign Jadeveon Clowney, and Ezekiel Ansah remains a free agent, leaving a void for a strong, all-around edge defender. Gross-Matos (6-5, 266 pounds) is a well-built, explosive and versatile defender made to be disruptive in a Pete Carroll defense because of his size.
28. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens didn’t address linebacker in the first wave of free agency, and they need more speed on the second level to better handle the run and cover short-to-intermediate routes. Queen (6-0, 229 pounds) has great range when either working downhill against the run or moving all over the field in coverage. He is relatively small but is the type of linebacker who can have a major impact from any alignment.
29. Tennessee Titans
The Titans did sign former Falcon Vic Beasley to help recover from the loss of Cameron Wake, but they still should be looking for versatile pass-rush punch to support Harold Landry. Baun (6-2, 238 pounds) is a smart, motivated player who comes through with great technique against the run. He also has started to get more attention for his pass-rush repertoire and the athleticism that fuels it.
30. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have some issues on their defensive line in MIke Pettine’s three-man front. Although they could use some receiver and tackle help offensively, they should go for solid value here with Murray and Queen off the board. Blacklock (6-3, 290 pounds) has risen up boards as teams have realized he can convert his power into energy while trying to disrupt plays in the backfield.
31. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have several free-agent cornerback issues looming next year, including Richard Sherman. With Diggs available, they should table their wide receiver need for another round. Diggs offers good size (6-1, 205 pounds), strength and downfield speed. He shot up the board quickly during his big senior season (3 interceptions in 12 games).
32. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offensive line has a couple of weaknesses at left guard with Andrew Wylie and center with Austin Reiter. So why not go after the clear-cut best interior prospect in this class? Ruiz (6-3, 307 pounds) has a rare blend of power and athleticism. He needs some work in pass-protection, but he can contribute right away as a top run-blocker.
NFL mock draft 2020: Round 2
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33. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals franchise-tagged A.J. Green and also have the productive Tyler Boyd to boost Burrow. But because Boyd does his best work in the slot, they should draft another big playmaker for the outside who is far more well-rounded than John Ross. Reagor is a productive, diminutive dasher who also provides some nice run-after-catch skills with quickness and toughness for his size (5-11, 206 pounds).
34. Indianapolis Colts (from Redskins)
With T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal looking like the starters for the outside, the Colts need to give Philip Rivers more dynamic playmaking inside. Aiyuk (6-0, 205 pounds) fits the profile of an impactful slot receiver with quickness made to make big plays after the catch and enough speed to get vertical down the middle, too.
35. Detroit Lions
After landing Okudah for their secondary, the Lions should turn their attention to reconstructing their defensive front to better support Trey Flowers. Davidson (6-3, 303 pounds) can be a terror rushing the passer from both the interior line and the edge. He has a nice blend of strength, power and quickness to go along with sudden finishing moves.
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36. New York Giants
The Giants signed James Bradberry in free agency, but they could pair him with a more comfortable complementary outside cover man than DeAndre Baker, a struggling first-rounder from last year. Fulton (6-0, 197 pounds) has the size, speed, smarts and sound coverage skills to have a long, prosperous career, which is why he felt confident enough to pull out of the Senior Bowl.
37. Los Angeles Chargers
After addressing QB in the first round with Tagovailoa, the Chargers need to upgrade their pass protection after trading Russell Okung and having struggling Sam Tevi on the right side. Cleveland (6-6, 311 pounds) has raw skills that can be quickly developed, with his quickness and agility giving him great upside. He is fluid with his hands and legs in pass-protection.
38. Carolina Panthers
After getting Simmons as the new leader of their linebacking corps, the Panthers can get more reliable, ground-covering playmakers for the secondary. Delpit (6-2, 213 pounds) flies around the field, stopping the run like an extra linebacker and making big plays on the ball in downfield coverage.
39. Miami Dolphins
With Herbert and Swift as their new 1-2 punch at quarterback and running back, the Dolphins can upgrade up front. Jones has terrific athleticism for his size (6-5, 319 pounds) and can support with his toughness and relentless blocking. He is a bit raw, however, as his handwork and footwork both could use refinement to maximize his natural skills.
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40. Houston Texans (from Cardinals)
The Texans need some serious help at 3-4 nose after losing D.J. Reader in free agency. Davis (6-6, 311 pounds) is a massive, versatile player made for such a scheme. He can line up at either end or tackle to eat space against the run.
41. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are reshuffling at safety with veterans Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo, but they still should go for a truly dynamic upgrade, especially with a value pick like this. Winfield (5-10, 203 pounds), the son of the former Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback, plays with smarts and toughness. He excels at diagnosing plays, knowing when to be aggressive against the run and how use his frame in short-area coverage.
42. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars invested a first-round pick in Jawaan Taylor last year, but with Cam Robinson in the final year of his contract, they can shore up the other tackle spot with a good value pick. Jackson is an impressive athlete for his size (6-5, 322 pounds), but he needs some refinement in his technique to match his quick feet.
43. Chicago Bears (from Rams)
The Bears need some help opposite Kyle Fuller; Buster Skrine is a slot cover man and Artie Burns is a shaky flyer for the position. Johnson (6-0, 193 pounds) has some shutdown upside as an aggressive, physical cover man with the quickness to stick with receivers on the perimeter.
44. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had a close eye on this prospect to boost their pass rush opposite Justin Houston, who is 31 and will become a free agent in 2021. Lewis (6-5, 262 pounds) carries the potential to get to the quarterback consistently with natural quickness and explosiveness.
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45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs need to get a more dynamic, well-rounded back than Ronald Jones III to complement and boost Tom Brady. Dobbins (5-9, 209 pounds) has great quickness, agility and ability to read blockers. He is an adept receiver with explosive burst once he sees a hole, hits it and gets into the open field.
46. Denver Broncos
The Broncos traded for Jurrell Casey and re-signed Shelby Harris, but they need more pop in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 line rotation. Elliott (6-4, 302 pounds) plays with power against the run but also has proved to have some natural interior pass-rushing skills.
47. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons need to get some fresh legs to supplement Todd Gurley in passing situations to give them what they once had with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Edwards-Helaire (5-7, 207 pounds) is a dynamic, versatile receiver out of the backfield and in the slot, making him a major asset for an NFL passing game. He also is extremely quick when getting the ball in the open field.
48. New York Jets
The Jets need to complement new field-stretching speedster Breshad Perriman and reliable slot ace Jamison Crowder. Mims (6-3, 207 pounds) is a big, physical target who also knows how to use his frame to his advantage. He is best suited to be a vertical and red-zone threat on the outside, making him a great fit with Sam Darnold.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are in the market for an upgrade in the backfield given James Conner’s durability issues and pending unrestricted free agency in 2021. Taylor (5-10, 226 pounds) has great vision and burst as a runner. He also doesn’t get enough credit for what he can do as a receiver, which was on display more during his final college season.
50. Chicago Bears
The Bears gave up on oft-injured disappointment Trey Burton, and they can’t rely on a fading Jimmy Graham or an always-hurting Adam Shaheen. Kmet (6-6, 262 pounds) is still developing as a run-blocker, but his size, speed, quickness and hands make him a top-flight receiver for the position. He can contribute big-time by Year 2.
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51. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys re-signed Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup’s star is on the rise, but they were unable to keep Randall Cobb in the slot. Hamler (5-9, 178 pounds) is a smart, smooth route-runner with toughness in tight spaces.
52. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have confidence in Josh Reynolds to help replace Brandin Cooks, but they still should consider getting a dynamic playmaker who can better complement Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. Shenault (6-1, 227 pounds) is a sure-handed field stretcher who has some nice big-play flair after the catch.
53. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles can rebound nicely at wideout should they go the linebacker route in the first round with Murray. Pittman (6-4, 223 pounds) is an interesting prospect for his size because he is more of a tough technician and route-runner than just a big body working to stretch the field.
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54. Buffalo Bills
With Shaq Lawson gone, the Bills need some younger depth to help them get to the quarterback. Weaver (6-2, 265 pounds) is a high-energy pass rusher with some untapped upside as he makes the jump to the NFL.
55. Baltimore Ravens (from Patriots through Falcons)
After landing their linebacker early, the Ravens must address right guard with Marshal Yanda deciding to retire. At 6-4, 314 pounds, Biadasz’s strength is converting his frame into pure power for the downhill running game.
56. Miami Dolphins (from Saints)
The Dolphins can work on their defense after getting Herbert, Swift and Jones, knowing there’s some wide receiver value for them later. Anae (6-3, 257 pounds) is a relentless pass-rusher who never gives up on a chance to get to the quarterback.
57. Los Angeles Rams (from Texans)
The Rams must address their pass rush after losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency and parting with Clay Matthews. Robinson (6-3, 264 pounds) has natural pass-rushing skills and gets by with top-level strength and athleticism. Having him start situationally will help him refine his moves for greater production.
58. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings need to keep overhauling their cornerback corps after taking Gladney in the first round. Igbinoghene (5-10, 198 pounds) stands out as a physical cover man for his size. He closes well on receivers at the end of their routes, which translates to good finishing burst against the run, too.
59. Seattle Seahawks
Should the Seahawks get a versatile edge defender such as Gross-Matos in the first round, the interior of their front will take priority in the second round. Gallimore (6-2, 304 pounds) packs a relentless, powerful punch for his size.
60. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need to groom their next great playmaker beside Earl Thomas. Chinn (6-3, 221 pounds) has been on the rise because it has become evident his size, speed and athleticism translate to elite coverage skills for the position.
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61. Tennessee Titans
Behind Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson, the Titans have a void with Logan Ryan unsigned. Hall, on track to fully recover from his ankle injury, is a promising, nice-sized corner (6-2, 202 pounds) made to be solid on the perimeter for several seasons. In the short term, with his short-area quickness, he can help with inside coverage.
62. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are in the market for both wide receiver and tight end help, so it makes sense for them to grab this big-bodied hybrid. Claypool (6-4, 238 pounds) matches his size with great speed and downfield burst. He is not the most technically sound route runner, but he often wins with physical domination.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)
Damien Williams will be a free agent in 2021, and the Chiefs need a more reliable all-around back to complement him. Moss (5-9, 223 pounds) profiles as a compact NFL power back suited to get the tough yards between the tackles and even more after initial contact. He is underrated with his quickness when in the open field and with his receiving skills.
64. Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs)
The Seahawks can do better than Brandon Shell as their starting right tackle opposite Duane Brown. Wilson (6-6, 350 pounds) isn’t the most nimble pass-protector, but his pure power as a blocker fits with their mentality.
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