The NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, with pro days following shortly after. Before we become entranced by the athletic testing of top prospects, it is the perfect time to write up a new 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft, with a few noticeable changes as the process progresses. Will we get any surprises this time around or will teams play it safe? This time around, we see six offensive tackles go in the first round of the draft.
This is my second mock draft, with the first one being published on January 19, 2020 prior to the Senior Bowl. You can see my previous selections for each team below. And if you want to get in on the action and be your favorite team’s general manager, be sure to check out FanSpeak’s On the Clock Draft Simulator.
First Round
1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB LSU
This is the easiest pick in this 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft and should be in the actual draft as well. Burrow is the best quarterback and arguably the best player in this draft. Cincinnati can build around him for years.
2) Washington Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State
Chase Young is the best player in this draft class. It has been rumored for weeks now that the new Redskins regime is in love with him. This match makes too much sense, and it would be crazy for Washington to pass on him unless a QB-needy team offered a ransom for this pick.
3) Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State
There are so many scenarios the Lions could go after with this pick in this 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft. Derrick Brown makes a ton of sense to boost their defensive line, but Okudah is simply too talented to pass on. Detroit was the worst team in terms of passing defense last year, and pairing Okudah with Slay would turn that weakness into a strength.
4) New York Giants: Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama
Since the Giants missed a chance at both Young and Okudah to boost their defense, they need to address their offensive line. Mike Remmers is a free agent and is already 31 years old. With a $19.5 million cap hit at the left tackle spot in Nate Solder, the Giants should look to secure their right tackle of the future to help protect Daniel Jones. I considered another tackle here in UGA’s Andrew Thomas, but I believe Wills to be the better player and he fills an immediate need.
5) Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama
If the Dolphins can get Tua here without trading up, it’s the biggest no-brainer pick in the draft. With the recent positive news on Tua’s injury, his draft stock shouldn’t slip past the number five pick. As much as I loved Josh Rosen’s potential, it seems pretty clear that the writing is on the wall for Rosen in Miami. Nabbing a QB like Tua has been the goal for that organization and gives them a legitimate chance to be competitive in a few seasons. Just build an offensive line in front of him first.
6) Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB Oregon
Philip Rivers is officially on his way out the door in Los Angeles, leaving a massive gap at the QB position with a potential Hall of Famer for the Chargers to replace. Herbert has his critics, but I’m bullish on his abilities to translate to the next level and think he’ll be great. Pairing Herbert with the plethora of playmakers in Los Angeles gives him a great system to develop in.
7) Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT Auburn
This has been a somewhat controversial pick in a lot of other mocks I’ve read recently, but it makes a lot of sense to me. Carolina was 29th in rushing defense last season, and they potentially lose Gerald McCoy, Vernon Butler, and Kyle Love in the offseason. Brown is a freak athlete and disruptive force up front. He’ll fit in well with the new culture Matt Rhule will build in Carolina.
8) Arizona Cardinals: CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma
The Cardinals can’t keep relying on Larry Fitzgerald forever, and it was pretty clear they need another threat in the wide receiver room moving forward. Lamb is arguably the best receiver in this class and has already established great chemistry with Kyler Murray. A matchup made in heaven.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S Clemson
The Jaguars struggled to limit big plays all season, ranking 31st in yards per carry allowed and 28th in rushing yards allowed. They can’t go into next year without a boost to this room. Isaiah Simmons is arguably the freakiest athlete on this list and would give Jacksonville a versatile defender who will provide a massive impact right away.
10) Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa
Cleveland needs tackles on both sides, and Wirfs is the best one available. I believe he has the traits to play both left and right tackle, but I’d imagine he’d slide in at right tackle for Cleveland right away. He’d be a phenomenal fit in new Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s outside zone-heavy scheme and would help keep Baker Mayfield better protected than he was in 2019.
11) New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia
The Jets allowed 52 sacks last season, ranking 30th in the NFL. Long-time left tackle Kelvin Beachum is at the tail end of his career and is set to hit the market anyways. It only makes sense to nab his replacement and get a franchise left tackle to protect Sam Darnold.
12) Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama
The Raiders desperately need a playmaker in the wide receiver room to add another dynamic element to their offense. With his background, pedigree, and all-around skill-set, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden might easily fall in love with Jeudy.
13) Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Love, QB Utah State
It’s high time the Colts find a new quarterback, as the Jacoby Brissett experiment underwhelmed in 2019. Jordan Love is the best quarterback available and would provide a shot in the arm for a team that suffered from a lackluster downfield passing attack in 2019. His impressive arm talent and off-script abilities would be a boon for the Colts’ offense for the future.
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU
Even if the Bucs re-sign Shaq Barrett, adding more pass rushers would be a wise move. Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul are both set to hit the market, and it is highly unlikely the team brings both back. Chaisson has so much talent at his disposal, and he isn’t as raw as many analysts are saying. He can start right away and Bowles can be creative with Chaisson’s athletic ability and traits.
15) Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama
I’ve been hounded by Broncos fans for months to add a speed element to their offense that already boasts a physically dominant wide receiver in Courtland Sutton. You don’t get more speedy than Henry Ruggs III, who just might be the fastest player I’ve ever scouted. He also has the size and hands to match, so he isn’t just a one-trick pony. Surrounding Drew Lock with more playmakers can’t hurt, especially one that can take advantage of Lock’s downfield passing ability.