The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions, and the draft order is now set. With less than 75 days until the first pick, what better time for a full, pre-combine 7-round 2020 mock draft.
At this point, it’s chalk to assume that the Cincinnati Bengals will select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the first pick and that the Washington Redskins will select Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young with the second pick; however, after that, pure chaos might take place. Will a team make a bold trade with the Detroit Lions to ensure that they can get their quarterback of the future? How many quarterbacks will go in the first round? In this pre-combine 7-round mock draft, I will attempt to tackle these questions and many more.
In this 7-round mock, trades are on the table in the first round. Also, we utilized projected compensatory picks from our friends at Over the Cap to make this mock draft as real as it gets.
Want to be your favorite team’s general manager? Be sure to check out FanSpeak’s On the Clock Draft Simulator. Post your mock draft on Twitter and tag us @PFN365.
PFN Pre-Combine 7-round mock draft
First Round
#1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Burrow is coming off of one of the best seasons we have seen a college quarterback have. There is no scenario where the Bengals pass on Burrow, as they need a quarterback, and he checks every box.
#2) Washington Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Our own Tony Pauline reported that head coach Ron Rivera seems to love Young. Young is arguably the best overall prospect in the 2020 draft and should blossom into one of the best defenders in the NFL.
TRADE: The Miami Dolphins send the 2020 5th and 56th overall picks and the 2021 2nd round pick acquired from the Houston Texans to the Detroit Lions for the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
#3) Miami Dolphins (via Detroit): Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
We all knew how bad the Miami Dolphins coveted Tua Tagovailoa, but we didn’t know how much Tagovailoa coveted Miami. The Dolphins have been desperate to find an elite caliber quarterback since Dan Marino retired in 1999, and finally, the perfect match is made in 2020.
#4) New York Giants: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Nate Solder signing hasn’t panned out as expected, leaving a major need at left tackle. With a young quarterback like Daniel Jones at the helm, protecting the blindside is paramount.
#5) Detroit Lions (via Miami): Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions are able to move down a few spots to acquire more draft capital and are still able to get their man. Jeff Okudah is one of the best cornerback prospects we’ve seen in the last decade. Selecting him here gives the Lions quite the tandem with Okudah and Darius Slay. Good work by GM Bob Quinn.
Check out a great in-depth breakdown on Okudah from Pro Football Network draft analyst Matt Valdovinos.
#6) Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Chargers have already made it publicly known that they are moving on from Philip Rivers. Due to this, the quarterback position is the Chargers’ biggest need in the 2020 NFL Draft. Herbert is big, strong and has an absolute cannon for an arm. Some will question his leadership abilities, but it seems a bit overblown. Herbert has elite traits, and with good coaching, he should become an upper-echelon franchise quarterback.
#7) Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Panthers could go in a bunch of directions with this pick, but it is never a bad thing to take the best player available. Brown can consistently dominate the line of scrimmage and overwhelm blockers. Selecting a player like Brown will not only bolster the defensive line but also improve the defense as a whole.
#8) Arizona Cardinals: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
What better way to help the quarterback you selected with the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft than giving him a familiar target, and the best WR in the 2020 draft class. With Larry Fitzgerald playing in his last season in 2020, finding a premier receiver should be a top priority for the Arizona Cardinals, and Lamb fits the bill. Lamb is a dynamic playmaker, who is just spectacular with the ball in his hands.
#9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
If the Jacksonville Jaguars used this pick to select Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, they would have the most athletic linebacker corps in the league. He and Myles Jack would form quite the tandem. Simmons is extremely versatile, possessing the ability to play linebacker or safety at a high level. Simmons would be a home run pick for the Jaguars, as he gives them an elite prospect to add to their formidable defense.
#10) Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
No prospect in the entire draft is ascending more than Mekhi Becton. Becton has the making of a very good left tackle, which just so happens to be the Cleveland Browns biggest need.
#11) New York Jets: Tristian Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The run of offensive tackles continues, as the New York Jets fill their biggest need with the selection of Tristian Wirfs. Wirfs will immediately provide assistance when it comes to bolstering the running game, as he is a tremendous run blocker. One player who should be very happy with this selection is Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold, as Wirfs is a major upgrade to Kelvin Beachum.
#12) Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Want to talk about value? The Las Vegas Raiders having a polished receiver like Jerry Jeudy fall to them is a small miracle. Jeudy is a brilliant route runner, which will accelerate his transition to the NFL. He instantly becomes the number one weapon for the Raiders. The question becomes, who will be throwing him the football, Derek Carr or Tom Brady?
#13) Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
If you just look at the statistics from last season, this selection will not make much sense for Colts fans. Frankly, Jordan Love wasn’t that good in 2019; however, he was brilliant in 2018, displaying traits that are reminiscent of Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. The Colts gave Jacoby Brissett the opportunity to seize the quarterback position, but he wasn’t able to do that. The Colts take a gamble on the upside of the talented passer from Utah State.
TRADE: The Philadelphia Eagles trade the 21st and 53rd overall picks in the 2020 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
#14) Philadelphia Eagles (via Tampa Bay): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Trading up to select Henry Ruggs III here is a bold move from the Philadelphia Eagles, but one that could pay huge dividends. Ruggs has game-changing speed, possessing the threat to score any time he touches the ball. He is far from just a speed receiver, as he has the tools to be as good as any receiver in this draft class. Watching Carson Wentz throwing the rock to Ruggs is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
#15) Denver Broncos: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Garett Bolles is a complete disaster at the left tackle position, which is something you can’t have when grooming a young quarterback. It wasn’t long ago when Andrew Thomas was considered a lock to be a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft; however, the ascension of players like Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton push him down the board some. Thomas provides an immediate upgrade to Boles and should stabilize the position for the next decade.
#16) Atlanta Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinney haven’t panned out the way the Atlanta Falcons had envisioned. Also, Beasley is an unrestricted free agent, whom the Falcons seem poised to let go, so finding a productive edge rusher now sits at the top of their grocery list. Chaisson has battled injuries in his collegiate career; however, when he is on the field, he has flashed the ability to bend, create pressure, and bring elite-level explosiveness that screams game-changer.
#17) Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Cowboys might have bigger needs than defensive tackle, but none of those players at those positions of need will be the caliber of Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw was the star of the 2020 Senior Bowl, consistently displaying the ability to dominate top-level offensive linemen. Kinlaw is a powerful and explosive player, who could be the type of player to take the Dallas defense to the next level.
#18) Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
What a time to be a fan of the Miami Dolphins. Earlier in this pre-combine 7 round mock draft, they got their franchise quarterback, and now they get an EDGE defender who fits their defensive scheme perfectly. Epenesa has the tools to play anywhere along the defensive line and has flashed the ability to take over football games. A young Miami Dolphins’ defensive line featuring Epenesa, Davon Godchaux, and Christian Wilkins will be fun to watch.
#19) Las Vegas Raiders: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
LSU linebacker Patrick Queen made the draft community take notice with an exceptional national championship game. He was all over the field, and the Raiders hope he can do the same in their defense. To say the Raiders need linebacker help would be quite the understatement.
#20) Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The Jaguars acquired this draft pick when they sent all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams. Letting go of a player of Ramsey’s caliber wasn’t easy for the Jaguars, but the relationship was damaged beyond repair. The smart move would be to utilize the draft capital you received in the trade to find Ramsey’s replacement. C.J. Henderson is a skilled cover cornerback, who should be an instant plug-and-play opposite of A.J. Bouye. Henderson won’t draw comparisons to Mel Blount for his tackling ability, yet he should be able to improve the Jaguars’ pass defense substantially.
#21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Philadelphia): Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Do the Buccaneers bring back Jameis Winston? Do they pursue Rivers? When it comes to these questions, time will tell, but regardless, they need to start thinking about the future. Whether it’s Winston or Rivers, neither seem like long term solutions. Jacob Eason has the tool bag in which Bruce Arians covets. Selecting him at 14th overall seems a bit rich, but moving back seven spots, acquiring a second-round pick, and taking him with this pick would be a solid plan.
#22) Buffalo Bills: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
In the NFL playoffs, it was evident that the Bills are lacking play-makers at the wide receiver position outside of John Brown. Higgins provides the perfect complement to the speedy Brown, as he possessed tremendous size and gives Josh Allen a jump ball pass-catcher.
#23) New England Patriots: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
The Patriots need to find dynamic offensive weapons, but they are loaded with day two draft picks to accomplish satisfying those needs. So, in typical Patriots fashion, they focus on bolstering their defensive line. Gross-Matos isn’t a finished product, but he has displayed the potential to be a game-changing pass rusher.
#24) New Orleans Saints: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Saints have the best receiver in football but opposite of him, the cupboard is quite bare. Whether it’s Drew Brees or Taysom Hill, adding another dynamic weapon to an offense that already has Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara is scary.
#25) Minnesota Vikings: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Xavier Rhodes’ play declined in a major way in 2019, and Trae Waynes is an unrestricted free agent, so it is safe to assume that the Vikings will address the cornerback position in the 2020 NFL Draft.
#26) Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The Dolphins must address their woeful offensive line, and a deep 2020 group gives them the ability to do so. Like the aforementioned Becton, Josh Jones is a rising draft prospect, displaying the makeup of quality left tackle at the next level.
#27) Seattle Seahawks: Marlon Davidson, EDGE, Auburn
Marlon Davidson made himself money during Senior Bowl week. It is no certainty that the Seahawks will be able to retain Jadeveon Clowney. Whether they keep Clowney or not, this is a position that needs to be addressed.
#28) Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Ravens need for help at inside linebacker was made evident when Derrick Henry and the Titans thrashed them in the playoffs. Josh Bynes isn’t going to cut it, but there is good news. Kenneth Murray has the mold to “play like a Raven” and should be an immediate impact player for the Baltimore defense.
#29) Tennessee Titans: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
The Titans need to find a pass-rush presence opposite of Harold Landry. Bradlee Anae was the star of the Senior Bowl game, displaying violent hands and the ability to get to the quarterback.
#30) Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
This is a dream scenario for the Green Bay Packers. The 2019 playoffs exposed that outside of Davante Adams, the Packers don’t have anything that will scare defenses at the wide receiver position. Laviska Shenault is a dynamic playmaker, who is magical with the football and would thrive catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.
#31) San Francisco 49ers: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The 49ers do not have many needs; however, their secondary let them down in crucial moments of Super Bowl 54. Xavier McKinney is the total package. He attacks the football with aggression and would be a major upgrade to the San Francisco secondary.
#32) Kansas City Chiefs: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
It is hard to find many needs for a team that just won the Super Bowl, but the Chiefs could certainly use some upgrades at the cornerback position. Jeff Gladney might not be a household name just yet, but give it some time.