The Miami Dolphins officially won a game for the first time this season, moving them from the second pick to the fourth. While Miami fans believe the sky is falling, they are still in prime position to nab their quarterback of the future. Also, if you’re a team needing an offensive tackle, you’re in luck. This upcoming offensive tackle class features excellent top-tier talent, which is why you’ll find so many in this mock draft. This 2020 NFL mock draft is a combination of what I would do, as well as keeping in mind team philosophy and needs. The draft order is as of Sunday morning, November 10.
#1. Cincinnati Bengals: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The success of Joe Burrow and the LSU Tigers has made Burrow a popular choice for the #1 pick. However, I prefer Tua’s unique talent and skill-set, which fits in well with Zac Taylor’s scheme. With the weapons Cincinnati has to offer, this would be a massive game-changer pick for their offense.
#2. Washington Redskins: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
I was tempted to slot Chase Young here. After all, he is the best player in this draft and Washington needs all the help they can get. However, it sounds like Trent Williams will get dealt in the offseason and he’s completely done with the Washington Redskins. If this is the case, Washington has to get their replacement at left tackle to ensure protection for Dwayne Haskins.
#3. New York Jets: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
What a lucky break for the Jets, right? The Jets can pair Chase Young with Quinnen Williams upfront to create a devastating inside-outside punch in their pass-rush. Or Gregg Williams could line Young up at safety. You never know with him.
#4. Miami Dolphins: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Miami fans, rejoice! You still get your quarterback of the future. Now go out and build around him. Burrow is more than just a “stats guy”, and the dropoff between him and Tua isn’t large enough to pass on him here.
#5. Atlanta Falcons: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
What in the world is Atlanta going to do here? They’re too far down to win Chase Young, but they don’t need a QB or a left tackle. There aren’t any other pass-rushers on Young’s tier at this stage, so they’re in a pickle. I think they’re a prime candidate to trade down for a QB or OT needy team, but since I’m not doing trades in this 2020 NFL mock draft, they have to make a pick. Okudah would give Atlanta a really intriguing cornerback to pair with Trufant, as Isaiah Oliver has been slow to live up to his draft hype.
#6. New York Giants: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
David Gettleman builds up the front seven or secondary in almost every draft. Despite being tempted on a corner, Delpit’s skills in coverage would be a boon in the secondary for the Giants. They could replace Antoine Bethea at free safety and bring in a versatile coverage piece to lead and build around in their secondary.
#7. Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
This pick doesn’t really need a lot of explanation. The Browns OT group has had Greg Robinson and Justin McCray rotate at left tackle, and Chris Hubbard/Kendall Lamm aren’t the answer at right tackle. Wirfs brings the versatility to play either tackle spot, and he’s an elite athlete with great power and technique. Wirfs would be an upgrade at either spot and would help keep Baker Mayfield off the turf.
#8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
The Buccaneers currently have the 31st-ranked passing defense in the NFL. Vernon Hargreaves looks like he’s on his way out of Tampa, and I’m not sold on any option on their roster being a true CB1. Quarterback is certainly tempting, but I think the Bucs will keep Winston on either the franchise tag or a short-term prove-it deal to give him a little more time with Arians. The focus of Tampa in this 2020 NFL mock draft is to build around Jameis one more time and improve on both sides of the ball.
#9. Denver Broncos: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Broncos just can’t continue with Flacco at quarterback for any longer. Drew Lock has been stuck on IR all season, but I wouldn’t pass on Herbert for Lock’s “potential”. Herbert would be a great fit in Scangarello’s scheme and would also pass Elway’s quarterback criteria. Herbert, paired with the weapons available in Denver, offers strong potential for a franchise needing a answer at QB in the worst way.
#10. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI): Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
This would be the first time three corners have all gone in the top-10 selections since the 2005 NFL Draft with Adam Jones, Antrel Rolle, and Carlos Rogers, but with the talent of the 2020 NFL Draft group at this position, I’m surprised more aren’t entertaining this idea. Oakland is currently ranked dead-last in passing defense. After trading away Gareon Conley, their corner room consists of Daryl Worley, Trayvon Mullen, Nevin Lawson, and Keisean Nixon. Adding an elite athlete with great footwork and instincts would give Oakland a high-upside playmaker at corner.
#11. Arizona Cardinals: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The Cardinals have given up 30 sacks and 41 QB hits this season, and that number would likely be higher were it not for Kyler Murray’s athletic ability. Leatherwood is one of the best pass-protectors in college football and possesses great athleticism to pair with it. He can be the Cardinals’ franchise tackle to pair with their franchise quarterback.
#12. Detroit Lions: AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Detroit is currently dead-last in ESPN’s Pass Rush win statistic and has only posted 14 sacks this season, despite investing heavily in DE Trey Flowers in the offseason. Detroit loaded up the interior of their offensive line to stop the run, but they’ve been unable to put pressure on opposing QBs all season long. Adding a dynamic and versatile pass rusher like Epenesa would give the Lions a high-upside and powerful duo of Trey Flowers and AJ Epenesa to rush the passer.
#13. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Jaguars fans should jump up for joy if they nab Jerry Jeudy this late. Pairing an elite receiver like Jeudy with DJ Chark and Dede Westbrook would give Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew a dangerous trio of weapons to play with.
#14. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The Chargers have been rumored to be involved in the trading market for Cam Newton (if he’s traded at all) but until I see him on their roster, I won’t buy it. Still, maybe it would be a good time to invest in the future of the position. I’m still a believer in the talent of Jordan Love and I think many teams will be as well, which is why I’m mocking him this high in this 2020 NFL mock draft.
#15. Tennessee Titans: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
I’m not a huge fan of Eason’s tape, but Tennessee can’t go forward without a quarterback, especially in the AFC South. It sounds to me like Titans’ OC Arthur Smith is likely to be fired in the offseason, and a new coach would hopefully take advantage of Eason’s natural arm talent.