2020 NFL Draft News and Rumors: Wednesday, April 15
The third edition of our NFL Draft news and notes includes one of the fastest risers at the receiver position as well as three teams who hope to trade out of the first round.
WR Denzel Mims to be selected higher than some expect?
When I’ve done radio interviews around the country over the past few weeks, the host continues to ask me if I expect any surprises in the draft. There’s one that continues to be a distinct possibility in talking with people around the league – Baylor receiver Denzel Mims could be selected much earlier than most expect.
Related | 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Baylor WR Denzel Mims
One league source told me yesterday many teams look at Mims as the “complete package” at receiver, and why not? He’s sturdier than Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, faster than CeeDee Lamb and just as good coming away with the contested grab as Justin Jefferson.
Some relay the concern that Mims played in the Big 12, the same conference as Lamb. And while that may be true, Mims turned in three days of tremendous Senior Bowl practices.
Where might Mims land on draft night?
I’m told both the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos are very high on Mims. The Raiders are expected to take receivers early and often in the draft’s opening rounds. And while the consensus has Denver taking Ruggs if he’s available, I’m told the team is just as high on Mims.
And while there is a belief that Mims could be selected earlier than most project, there is also an opinion that if he’s not chosen by the 26th pick, he could slide into the top part of Round 2.
C.J. Henderson a top 12 pick?
There have been reports in the media claiming C.J. Henderson has passed Jeffrey Okudah on cornerback boards around the league. I’ve heard nothing to justify these reports but I can tell you this- several people inside the league tell me it’s looking more and more as though Henderson, rated as the 13th best prospect on my overall board, will end up as a top 12 pick in the draft.
Seahawks, Titans, and 49ers looking to trade down
Most everyone wants their favorite team to trade down in Round 1 and collect extra selections. So who’s looking to trade out of the first round?
As of now, I’m told the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers will shop their selections in the hopes of moving down. In the case of the Niners, I’m told they would prefer to move the 31st selection rather than the 13th pick.
The Titans are interesting, as they have been often matched with offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson of Georgia, who many believe is a late first-round pick.
Jets making the rounds via teleconferencing
What have Jets general manager Joe Douglas and his staff been doing to prepare for their first draft? Multiple sources tell me the Jets have been interviewing everyone via teleconference. And by everyone, I mean draft-eligible players on their board who they will select in the draft or sign once the seven rounds are completed.
Previous updates from Tony Pauline
April 21 (Page 2)
Anthony McFarland, Jaylon Johnson, Jabari Zuniga, Alex Highsmith, and Braden Mann
April 20 (Page 3)
Terrell Lewis, Dolphins QB plans, Saints WR targets, Giants/Herbert
April 17 (Page 4)
Zack Baun’s failed test, Jordan Love and the Dolphins, and more
April 15 (Page 5)
Denzel Mims rising up boards, C.J. Henderson a potential top 12 pick, and teams looking to trade down
April 14 (Page 6)
Chase Claypool at TE, Tyler Biadasz’s stock is falling, and watch for Auburn’s OL Jack Driscoll
April 13 (Page 7)
Giants draft plans, James Morgan, and other quarterback news