With the completion of the NFL Scouting Combine, much has been learned about the potential prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft. A lot of buzz and reports have come out of Indianapolis this week, and the NFL Draft picture has become a bit more clear. Post-Combine, here is how I currently mock the 2020 NFL Draft.
Brad Kelly’s Post-Combine 2020 NFL Mock Draft
1) Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Joe Burrow is an Ohio kid, threw for 60 touchdown passes en route to the Heisman and is the favorite to be selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. We’re likely to see Andy Dalton traded elsewhere this offseason, as head coach Zac Taylor builds the offense around Burrow.
Related: Chicago Bears interested in Derek Carr, Andy Dalton, and other veteran quarterbacks
2) Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
While the Redskins have reportedly been looking into the top quarterback prospects, the most likely scenario is that they move forward with promising second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Based on that premise, the Redskins can’t pass on an edge prospect the quality of Chase Young. Washington’s defensive line would have dominant potential with Young in the fold.
Chase Young had 10 pressures and 4 QB hits in the Fiesta Bowl against Clemson #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/E882r8f3Y1
— Brad Kelly (@CoachBKelly) January 13, 2020
3) Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
With star cornerback Darius Slay entering the final year of his contract, the Lions should get ahead of his potential departure by selecting Jeff Okudah. One of the cleanest cornerback prospects in a number of years, Okudah has the size, athleticism, and technique of a future all-pro.
4) New York Giants – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
New York has a glaring need at right tackle, and Jedrick Wills has power in both his run and pass blocking. In a steep race for the top offensive tackle in the class, the Alabama product tested out in the 89th percentile or better among offensive tackles in the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jump, which could separate him on team’s boards.
5) Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
If not for Tua’s injury, he’d be a candidate for the top overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. With news that his rehab is progressing on schedule, he’ll be an option during the top-5 selections. While Miami trading up to secure Tagovailoa’s services is a plausible outcome, he falls into their lap in this scenario.
6) Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
With long-term starting quarterback Philip Rivers entering free agency, the Chargers will be in the market for his successor this offseason. After Jordan Love impressed with both his athletic testing (4.74s 40-yard dash, 35.5-inch vertical jump at 224 pounds) and quarterback drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, he’s firmly in the QB3 race with Justin Herbert.
Related | The fantasy impact if Philip Rivers goes to the Indianapolis Colts
7) Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, Defensive Weapon, Clemson
With the retirement of Luke Kuechly, the Panthers have a hole in the middle of their defense that needs to be addressed. Isaiah Simmons (4.39s forty-yard dash), fresh off terrorizing new offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s offense at LSU, makes sense as their future second-level cornerstone.
8) Arizona Cardinals – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Arizona’s rebuilding strategy focuses on surrounding second-year quarterback Kyler Murray with both protection and weapons. Tristan Wirfs blew up the NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism (97th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump among offensive tackle prospects), and projects as a long-term answer at either offensive tackle position.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
After consecutive college seasons with elite production, former Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy will be drafted in the top-15 during April’s draft. His landing spot at pick 9 to Jacksonville makes sense, as their overall wide receiver unit is a bit underwhelming behind DJ Chark.
Jerry Jeudy has elite explosiveness and flexibility, but his technique matches his athletic traits. Stays light on his feet, defined cuts and sells his double moves with his eyes.#KellyClips pic.twitter.com/yFyml1MYvU
— Brad Kelly (@CoachBKelly) April 16, 2019
10) Cleveland Browns – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
After Greg Robinson’s off-season mishap, Cleveland will be in need of a starting left tackle during the NFL Draft. Mekhi Becton is a massive human being (6’7, 364 pounds) who impressed with his athleticism during the NFL Scouting Combine. He’ll be in the mix for the first left tackle off the board in the 2020 NFL Draft post-Combine.
11) New York Jets – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Another team that could benefit from the strong offensive tackle class, the Jets need an answer on the left side for young quarterback Sam Darnold. Andrew Thomas is a technician, who has the consistency necessary to be a franchise pass protector.
12) Las Vegas Raiders – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
With rumors swirling that the Raiders are shopping quarterback Derek Carr, the Raiders will be in the market for a quarterback during the NFL Draft. If the Chargers go the route of Love, it’s hard to find another landing spot for Herbert before the Raiders pick.
Herbert has an arm cannon that he needs to unleash more often, but his steady decision-making will play well to coach Jon Gruden even if he’ll need development with under center reps.
Related | Justin Herbert NFL Draft profile: What is, and what can be
13) Indianapolis Colts – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Colts could be in the market for a quarterback with their first-round pick, but with the “big four” prospects gone at this stage, they can tackle a different need. Pairing CeeDee Lamb with the speed of T.Y. Hilton will be an intriguing combination that can separate and win at every level.
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
Talent-wise, there’s really no reason that Derrick Brown should be available at this stage of the first round, but that happened due to runs on quarterbacks and offensive tackles. For Tampa Bay, Brown would create possibly the most intriguing interior defensive line duo in the league alongside Vita Vea.
15) Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
With Drew Lock and his howitzer locked into the starting quarterback spot, field-stretcher Henry Ruggs III (4.28s forty-yard dash) becomes their top option at wide receiver. This is a dream scenario for the Broncos to raise the ceiling of the offense.
Henry Ruggs III – bottom of the screen
• Low pads down during his stem to limit wasted motion
• Avoids traffic out of his break
• Knifes through crease and stays upright despite contact
WR1 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/dAEN8EtUdd
— Brad Kelly (@CoachBKelly) February 20, 2020
16) Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
It’s been reported that Vic Beasley will part ways with the Falcons this offseason, leaving a hole in the already mediocre Falcons edge rushing. That needs to be addressed for Atlanta during the NFL Draft and could come in the form of K’Lavon Chaisson. The LSU product popped off the screen this season with his bend to corner the edge track and could be the second “EDGE” off the board in April.
NEXT PAGE: Picks 17-32