The 2020 NFL Draft got underway yesterday when the Cincinnati Bengals made LSU quarterback Joe Burrow the first overall pick. From the first pick through the final pick of round one, Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline and Senior Draft Analyst Andrew DiCecco had you covered with instant pick-by-pick analysis in our Day 1 2020 NFL Draft Live Blog. And now, they’ll be back again for rounds 2 and 3.
2020 NFL Draft: Round 3
106. Baltimore Ravens: Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Pauline’s Ranking: #365 (OT23) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #N/A| RAS: 2.22
Pauline: The Ravens close out the third round selecting Tyre Phillips, who I graded as a UDFA. Phillips comes with great size and power but must really get his body into shape and improve his blocking balance.
DiCecco: To end the third-round, the Ravens surprisingly add Mississippi State guard Tyre Phillips. Phillips is an interesting prospect, as he spent his early college years at East Mississippi Community College, and is still largely considered to be a raw prospect. He has great size at 6-foot-5, 335, but isn’t as technically sound as you’d like.
105. New Orleans Saints: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Pauline’s Ranking: #73 (TE03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #68 | RAS: 8.76
Pauline: It took a while for the Saints to select a pass catcher but they finally chose one as day two closed out- albeit a tight end. In Adam Trautman, they are getting a terrific pass-catching tight end with understated athleticism and blocking potential. This pick will look real good two years down the road.
DiCecco: The Saints get a much-needed developmental tight end to develop. Intrigued by Trautman’s pass-catching ability and how he uses his frame to his advantage, but he’ll face much stiffer competition at the next level and will need to work on certain areas of his game.
104. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Pauline’s Ranking: #94 (S06) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #82 | RAS: 8.1
Pauline: Terrell Burgess entered the season ungraded by scouts and ended up a third-round pick. He’s a fierce, strong safety with terrific athleticism. While he needs to improve his ball skills I could see Burgess starting in a zone system.
DiCecco: Terrell Burgess was a top-10 safety on my board and finds a great landing spot with the Rams, who desperately need another centerfielder to team with John Johnson III.
103. Philadelphia Eagles: Davion Taylor, OLB, Colorado
Pauline’s Ranking: #116 (OLB11) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #143 | RAS: 8.54
Pauline: From an athletic point of view Davion Taylor was one of the best linebackers in this draft. He’s great in pursuit, covers a lot of area on the field and makes plays sideline to sideline. His instincts are a bit concerning at times but if his mental responsibilities are kept to a minimum, the Eagles got a good one.
DiCecco: Davion Taylor has enticing athleticism, he ran a 4.37-4.39 40-yard dash at Colorado’s Pro Day, but is a bit raw as a second-level defender. Taylor is quick to diagnose plays, has impressive range and plays with urgency, but will occasionally be over-aggressive, which leads to mental errors.
102. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte
Pauline’s Ranking: #127 (DE11) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #103 | RAS: 8.03
Pauline: The Steelers fill their pass rusher void with Alex Highsmith of Charlotte. The athletic college defensive end has the athleticism and skills necessary to stand over tackle. He’s quick, fast off the edge, and easily moves about the field. Smith needs to get a bit stronger but this was a terrific selection by Pittsburgh.
DiCecco: The Steelers add to their collection of linebackers, adding Charlotte’s Alex Highsmith, a prospect I had slotted as a late-third round prospect. Highsmith has as quick a get-off as any edge rusher in this draft and is still developing. The Charlotte edge rusher enjoyed a strong pre-draft process and shot up draft boards.
101. New England Patriots: Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Pauline’s Ranking: #194 (TE11) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #220 | RAS: 9.34
Pauline: The Pats load up on tight ends, taking their second of the round in Dalton Keene. Somewhat of a surprise draft entry, Keene is athletic, fast and a terrific pass catcher. His game is really under-developed yet he has a huge upside and this could be a great pick two years down the road.
DiCecco: Patriots add to their tight end room with Dalton Keane. He hasn’t even scratched the surface with how good he can be, but offers intriguing upside as a pass catcher.
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Pauline’s Ranking: #133 (S9) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #196 | RAS: 9.95
Pauline: The Raiders stay on the theme of speed and athleticism with Tanner Muse. The Clemson safety comes with linebacker size and cornerback speed. He’s fierce and instinctive but a little stiff and struggles moving laterally.
DiCecco: Muse shot up draft boards after a head-turning performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is still a work in progress, but he has straight-line speed and innate instinctiveness and football intelligence. Should be an immediate special teams standout.
99. New York Giants: Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut
Pauline’s Ranking: #60 (OT9) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #75 | RAS: 9.03
Pauline: The Giants got a steal in Matt Peart, a player they can develop into their future right tackle. Peart is incredibly smooth, athletic, and fundamentally sound. He needs to add some bulk to his frame but he comes with an incredible upside. This was a bargain for the NY Giants.
DiCecco: Joe Judge has made a couple savvy offensive selections in his fist draft at the controls. Peart is more of a developmental tackle, but has immense upside. I’d imagine his rookie season will essentially be a redshirt year, where he can continue to add strength and develop his skill set.
98. Baltimore Ravens: Malik Harrison, ILB, Ohio State
Pauline’s Ranking: #75 (ILB05) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #63 | RAS: 9.43
Pauline: Malik Harrison comes with great size, speed and upside. What he lacks is consistency. Harrison is really better making plays in a straight line and up the field. He’s a run thumper but has enough ability to develop into a three down defender.
DiCecco: First Patrick Queen, now the Ravens adds the rangy Malik Harrison to the linebacking corps. He was a bit of a one-dimensional player at Ohio State, but has untapped potential that should develop in an NFL system.
97. Cleveland Browns: Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Pauline’s Ranking: #85 (LB9) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #119 | RAS: 8.21
Pauline: For two years now, Jacob Phillips has been one of my favorite linebacker prospects in the country. He’s a speedy run and chase linebacker who stands out in pursuit and covers a tremendous amount of area on the field.
DiCecco:Jacob Phillips has consistently played at a high-level, yet went through the pre-draft process as a criminally underrated prospect. Phillips has the speed to cover an ample amount of ground and plays well in space. Like the fit for the Browns.
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Pauline’s Ranking: #63 (OT10) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #50 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: Lucas Niang comes off the board and was a terrific selection by the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s a large blocker who plays with great fundamentals and balance. Teams love Niang’s build and had his season not been cut short with a hip injury last season, there’s a good chance Niang could’ve ended up in the top of round two with a good Senior Bowl. In the end, this was great value for KC.
DiCecco: Lucas Niang comes off the board way later than I anticipated, but Kansas City gets a pro-ready tackle with sound technique that can step right in and play. Second-round pick that Kansas City gets at the tail-end of Round 3. Steal.
95. Denver Broncos: McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
Pauline’s Ranking: #132 (DT13) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #129 | RAS: 8.55
Pauline: The Broncos continue to add talent to the line of scrimmage, this time on defense. McTelvin Agim was a fast-rising defender and a player with upside. That being the case I like him more as a 3-technique tackle and it will be an adjustment for Agim in the Broncos three-man line.
DiCecco: I was higher on Agim than some, and this is right around where I had him slotted. Agim enjoyed a strong week at the Shrine Bowl, flashing with his active hands, leverage, and quick first-step off the ball. He played multiple positions on Arkansas’ defensive line, so he brings versatility to Denver.
94. Green Bay Packers: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Pauline’s Ranking: #203 (TE12) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #180 | RAS: 8.52
Pauline: Josiah Deguara was a terrific story; lowly rated by scouts entering the season despite a terrific junior campaign. he played great in 2019 and was invited to the Senior Bowl and combine. While Deguara gets the most from his ability, there’s no single outstanding trait in his game which translates into a third-round pick.
DiCecco: Josiah Deguara was a player I pegged as a sneaky pick for Philadelphia with one of their fourth-round picks, as I understand he was their second-ranked tight end prospect. Deguara is a versatile tight end that can line up all over formations. Does not have coveted size for the position, but he should flourish in the right system.
93. Tennessee Titans: Darrynton Evans, RB, App State
Pauline’s Ranking: #115 (RB07) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #104 | RAS: 9.11
Pauline: Darrynton Evans was getting third-round mentions in the weeks leading to the draft and that’s where he was selected. He’s a speedy, straight line back who beats defenders into the open field then runs to daylight. Evans also has the power to break tackles and pick up yardage off initial contact.
DiCecco: The Titans add to their backfield, selecting Appalachian State’s Darrynton Evans to complement Derrick Henry. Evans is a quick runner that demonstrates exceptional vision at the line of scrimmage, lateral agility to stretch the perimeter, and requisite contact balance despite his slight build.
92. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Pauline’s Ranking: #78 (WR15) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #91 | RAS: 7.87
Pauline: The Ravens wanted to come out of the draft with a receiver and they chose speedster Devin Duvernay of Texas. Entering the season with a late-round grade, he out-played his more heralded teammate Colin Johnson and looks to have all the makings of a third wideout who can line up in the slot and return punts or kicks.
DiCecco: Baltimore adds an explosive inside receiver, that, while he is a bit stiff in and out of breaks, adds another dynamic element to an electrifying Baltimore offense. He may not be ready to shoulder a prominent offensive role out of the gate, but he should make an early impact on special teams.
91. New England Patriots: Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Pauline’s Ranking: #111 (TE06) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #132 | RAS: 6.11
Pauline: I knew the Patriots would address the tight end position in the third round but I thought it would be with Adam Trautman, not Devin Asiasi. In Asiasi, they get an athletic pass catcher with a developing game.
DiCecco: It wasn’t a matter of if, but when New England would add to the tight end room, with Matt LaCosse the projected starter. Asiasi is an explosive pass catcher should find early success working the middle of the field.
90. Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, DE, Florida
Pauline’s Ranking: #99 (DE08) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #84 | RAS: 5.52
Pauline: The Texans needed an edge rusher and that’s exactly what they got in Jon Greenard. Though not a top athlete, Greenard is fierce off the edge and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He lacks great upside but should see action as a situational pass rusher.
DiCecco:
89. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Pauline’s Ranking: #98 (CB12) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #69 | RAS: 3.05
Pauline: The Vikings hoped to come away with a big, physical corner in the draft and that’s exactly what they got in Cameron Dantzler. Much sturdier than first-round pick Jeff Gladney, Dantzler was graded as a potential first-round prospect entering the season but failed to live up to expectations then ran poorly at the combine.
DiCecco: If you read into testing numbers, the third-round is about where you’d expect to see Dantzler come off the board, despite his college production. Dantzler is a wiry boundary cornerback, and he’ll likely need to add size to his frame, but he has the confidence, technique, and physical traits to factor into the equation as a rookie.
88. Cleveland Browns: Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Pauline’s Ranking: #55 (DT04) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #61| RAS: 7.41
Pauline: The Browns have needed stability on the inside of their defensive line for the longest time and they hope they get it from Jordan Elliott. He’s a big and explosive defensive tackle who beats opponents off the snap with a great first step while also displaying the strength to hold the point and stand up blockers.
DiCecco: Jordan Elliott is one of the more polarizing second day defenders. I had a late-second round grade on the Missouri defensive tackle, who plays with tremendous agility and quickness but struggles at times to maintain a level of consistency with his reaction. There’s a lot to like about the twitchy defensive lineman, however, and he has plenty of room to develop.
87. New England Patriots: Anfernee Jennings, ILB, Alabama
Pauline’s Ranking: #237 (ILB12) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #178 | RAS: 2.74
Pauline: The Patriots have an infinity for Alabama players, especially linebackers from the Crimson Tide, so Anfernee Jennings should come as no surprise. He’s a forceful defender best moving up the field but Jennings has speed and agility concerns and struggles making plays in anything other than a straight line.
DiCecco: I thought Alex Highsmith would garner some consideration at 87, but the Patriots instead go with the Jennings, a talented, albeit raw edge rusher to pair with Josh Uche.
86. Buffalo Bills: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Pauline’s Ranking: #236 (RB16) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #144 | RAS: 2.87
Pauline: The Bills take a chance on Zack Moss, a talented running back with a long injury history. At the top of his game, Moss shows solid interior running skills with the speed to turn the corner. He’s explosive and quick but also injury prone.
DiCecco: Much like the Green Bay Packers, the Buffalo Bills form their version of thunder and lighting, teaming Zack Moss with Devin Singletary. Moss is has exceptional burst and contact balance but failed to shed the injury tag. Not sure he can ever be a true bell-cow runner, but should handle the bulk of the carries in a backfield timeshare.
85. Indianapolis Colts: Julian Blackmon, CB, Utah
Pauline’s Ranking: #226 (CB26) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #202 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: I’ve been a fan of Julian Blackmon the past three years but the third frame is a bit early for his talents. He’s a smart and tough defensive back with the ability to line up at corner or as a cover safety.
DiCecco: Julian Blackmon has been a tough, dependable centerfielder for Utah for three seasons, that boasts the versatility to line up anywhere on the back end. Like the pairing with Rock Ya-Sin and Kenny Moore.
84. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama
Pauline’s Ranking: #82 (OLB7) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #53 | RAS: 8.1
Pauline: Earlier this week, I mentioned Terrell Lewis had failed a number of team physicals around the league. Yet, even with that, I kept my third-round grade knowing a team who didn’t fail him would take a flyer on Lewis and that’s what the Rams did. When healthy and at the top of his game Lewis is a terrific 3-4 OLB who forcefully rushes the passer while also showing ability playing in space.
DiCecco: Terrell Lewis has endured a myriad of injuries throughout his career, but if he is able to shake the free of the injuries and play to his potential, the Rams are getting a ferocious pass rusher that will vastly outperform his draft slot.
83. Denver Broncos: Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU
Pauline’s Ranking: #130 (C6) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #73| RAS: 7.42
Pauline: The Broncos needed offensive line help and hope they received some with Lloyd Cushenberry. The LSU center is a wide-bodied blocker with a degree of versatility to his game. He not exceptionally powerful nor is he exceptionally mobile.
DiCecco: The Broncos upgrade their interior with LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry. The experienced center is intelligent and versatile, but doesn’t move exceptionally well laterally.
82. Dallas Cowboys: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
Pauline’s Ranking: #68 (DT7) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #52| RAS: 7.11
Pauline: The Cowboys go back to Oklahoma and take CeeDee Lamb’s teammate. In Neville Gallimore, they are getting an explosive defensive line prospect who plays with great quickness, balance, and movement skills. He’s a lot like Trysten Hill, selected in the second round of the 2019 Draft.
DiCecco: Much like Madubuike, Gallimore was another interior defender that surprisingly fell past the second round. Some think Gallimore has the potential to be a top-three interior player from this class, due in large part to his quickness, nonstop motor, and intriguing upside.
81. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Pauline’s Ranking: #77 (WR14) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #67 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: Though not as fast as the first two receivers they drafted, Edwards is bigger, more reliable, and tougher. Had it not been for a late-season injury there’s a good chance he could’ve snuck into the second round.
DiCecco: Bryan Edwards becomes the third wide receiver taken by the Raiders, who stumble on tremendous value in the South Carolina wideout. His role will be the bigger, physical, red zone target in Vegas.
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Lynn Bowden, RB/WR, Kentucky
Pauline’s Ranking: #74 (WR13) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #78 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Raiders add more speed and athleticism at the reciever position with Lynn Bowden Jr. The former college QB turned WR is fast, feisty, and has an upside. He can be used tat receiver, on reverses, and as a return specialist.
DiCecco: Announced as a running back, I am interested to see how Gruden chooses to deploy the versatile Bowden, who has the elusiveness and explosiveness to make defenses pay as a running back, or as a wide receiver — his best fit at the next level.
79. New York Jets: Jabari Zuniga, DE, Florida
Pauline’s Ranking: #56 (DE06) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #88| RAS: 9.75
Pauline: On Monday, I mentioned the Jets were one of the teams most interested in Jabari Zuniga and they got their man in the third round. Zuniga is a tremendous athlete who was a consistent defender at Florida. He has the ability to stand over tackle, which is what he’ll do for Greg Williams
DiCecco: The Jets were in dire need of a pass rusher and get a good one in Florida’s Jabari Zuniga. Zuniga has good size and played well in spurts but must be more consistent under Gregg Williams.
78. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Hennessy, C Temple
Pauline’s Ranking: #67(C02) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #55 | RAS: 8.9
Pauline: The Atlanta Falcons broke the hearts of the NY Jets by selecting offensive lineman Matt Hennessy one spot before the Jets were called to the clock. Hennessy is a terrific prospect who can line up at center or guard and will improve as he adds strength and bulk to his frame.
DiCecco:The Falcons add Temple center Matt Hennessy to become Alex Mack’s eventual successor, but Hennessy, an athletic interior lineman with good initial quickness, offers guard versatility. Not much of a mauler of the inside, but Hennessy is an intelligent player with tremendous range.
77. Denver Broncos: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Pauline’s Ranking: #150 (CB18) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #130| RAS: 9.18
Pauline: Michael Ojemudia of Iowa is a tough, physical corner who flashed ball skills the past two seasons. I thought he looked better in 2018 than last year and never progressed but he comes with terrific size and speed.
DiCecco: Michael Ojemudia is a bit of a project player, but gives Denver a lengthy boundary player with a developing skill set to go along with exceptional recovery speed. A round earlier than I had him slotted, but Ojemudia has some upside.
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Pauline’s Ranking: #131 (RB9) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #139| RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Bucs needed to come out of the draft with a running back and got an underrated ball carrier in Ke’Shawn Vaughn. One of the few Vanderbilt prospects who lived up to expectations this season, Vaughn is a tough, downhill ball carrier with excellent vision and power.
DiCecco: Ronald Jones performed well down the stretch for Tampa Bay, but the Bucs get a significant upgrade in KeShawn Vaughn. Vaughn offers the perfect blend of power and finesse. He has the breakaway speed to turn the corner and run to daylight, and the power to find success running between the tackles to grind out tough yards.
75. Detroit Lions: Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
Pauline’s Ranking: #113 (G03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #151| RAS: 6.43
Pauline: Guard Jonah Jackson had been moving up draft boards and will help fill out the Lions’ offensive line. He’s a tough as nails mauler with outstanding power. Jackson plays strong, intelligent football and will eventually develop into a starter.
DiCecco: The Lions add to the trenches, adding Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson. Jackson is a powerful blocker with terrific hand usage and plays with a mean streak.
74. New Orleans: Zac Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Pauline’s Ranking: #47 (OLB04) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #39| RAS: 7.85
Pauline: Zack Baun of Wisconsin fell hard in the draft and it had little to do with a failed drug test. In the weeks leading up to the draft I mentioned time and time again I thought Baun was being over-hyped. He lacks the size to be an edge rusher in the NFL and despite being a good athlete, Baun looked terrible in coverage drills at the Senior Bowl. He has upside but there will be a lot of bumps in the road as Baun develops his game.
DiCecco: Despite the medical concerns, I had Baun graded as a late-first round prospect, so the Saints landing him at 74 is a steal. Baun, who racked up 12.5 sacks a season ago, plays well in space and can fill a multitude of roles for the Saints.
73. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Pauline’s Ranking: #90 (DT10) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #93 | RAS: 7.21
Pauline: Davon Hamilton was soaring up draft boards and fits the bill for what the Jaguars need. He’s a wide-bodied gap occupier that’s impossible to move off the point. He has limitations as a pass rusher but his run-stuffing skills are next-level good.
DiCecco: Jacksonville gets a defensive tackle to push the underperforming Taven Bryan. Hamilton is a space-eater along the interior and doesn’t offer much upside as a pass rusher, but is an extremely stout run defender and can adequately hold the point of attack.
72. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Pauline’s Ranking: #49 (OT08) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #34 | RAS: 7.83
Pauline: Josh Jones was graded by some as a potential first-round pick but I never bought the hype. In fact, I went against my better instinct and graded him a round higher than I wanted. He’s a big-bodied guy who lacks the footwork and balance for left tackle and may ultimately be pushed into guard.
DiCecco: Josh Jones is a player with first-round upside, but his technique needs refinement if he expects to play on the edge at a high-level. The Cardinals do well to add protection for last year’s first-round investment, however, as Jones should find his way onto the field early, most likely on the right side.
71. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Pauline’s Ranking: #58 (DT05) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #40| RAS: 9.32
Pauline: Justin Madubuike was considered a top-45 prospect by some but character concerns pushed him down a full round. He’s an explosive 3-technique type with a great first step and solid movement skills. Madubuike needs to add some power to his game but should do well in the Ravens system.
DiCecco: Not quite sure how Madubuike was still available, but the Ravens defense gets richer with the athletic defensive lineman from Texas A&M. Madubuike is a fluid mover that plays with good pad level and short-area quickness. Should become an early contributor as a rookie.
70. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Pauline’s Ranking: #102 (S07) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #116 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: Brandon Jones is a safety I’ve ranked highly the past three years and he takes his game to Miami. He’s a hard-hitting defensive back with solid size and better than average speed. He has potential at both free and strong safety.
DiCecco: Dolphins continue to revamp their secondary, taking Texas safety Brandon Jones a round earlier than I projected. Jones plays bigger than his size would indicate and offers deep cover skills, but likely won’t supplant Eric Rowe or Adrian Colbert in his first year.
69. Seattle Seahawks: Damien Lewis, G, LSU
Pauline’s Ranking: #256 (G17) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #158 | RAS: 7.96
Pauline: The Seattle Seahawks make another surprise selection choosing Damien Lewis, the first offensive lineman from LSU selected in this year’s draft. Lewis is a stout blocker with an NFL build but someone who must play in a small area.
DiCecco: Seattle bolsters their offensive line by adding LSU’s Damien Lewis. Lewis is more of a technician than a fluid-mover in space, but should develop into a starter in time.
68. New York Jets: Ashtyn Davis, S, California
Pauline’s Ranking: #114 (S08) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #64| RAS: N/A
Pauline: Ashtyn Davis was considered a potential first-round pick by many, but I was never overly high on his next-level potential. He’s a terrific athlete, a champion hurdler in fact, who plays fast, fierce football. My problem with Davis is he’s to straight-linish and does not show great range or ball skills.
DiCecco: Ashtyn Davis is another player that tumbled further than anticipated, but lands in a crowded safety room with Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in East Rutherford. Davis is one of the better athletes in the draft and plays with desired urgency, but he offers little ball production and fluidity on the back end.
67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
Pauline’s Ranking: #50 (DE5) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #45| RAS: N/A
Pauline: Julian Okwara entered the season graded as a potential first-round prospect by scouts yet never found his footing. He’s an explosive athlete who covers a tremendous amount of area and shows a lot of force as a pass rusher as well as making plays in pursuit. If he plays at the level he’s capable of, the Lions got a steal.
DiCecco: Okwara is another lengthy pass rusher with terrific bend around the edge. He is explosive off the ball and plays with solid anticipation, but must add size to his frame in order to become more than a high-upside rotational player.
66. Washington Redskins: Antonio Gibson, WR/RB, Memphis
Pauline’s Ranking: #146 (WR23) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #106| RAS: 9.29
Pauline: Entering the season Gibson was not even a whisper in the scouting community but he made his way into the third round of the draft after a sensational senior season. Gibson was a consistent wideout with game-breaking skills who then showed great prowess at running back during the AAC title game. He topped it off with a great combine workout. He’s still rough around the edges but has both versatility and upside.
DiCecco: Antonio Gibson saw his stock rise ever since his record-breaking performance against SMU. He spent his first two seasons at a junior college, but maximized his limited touches at Memphis, finding the end zone 14 times on just 77 touches. His skill set translates best to running back, but he offers the versatility to split out wide.
65. Cincinnati Bengals: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Pauline’s Ranking: #59 (LB03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #59| RAS: 8.84
Pauline: Prior to the start of day two I mentioned the Bengals would address the linebacker position and they did exactly that with Logan Wilson at the top of round three. Wilson is a complete three-down defender who plays with intensity and intelligence. He’ll be a great addition and a day one starter.
DiCecco: Logan Wilson, 6-foot-2, 240, is an excellent fit for Cincinnati and a first day starter at linebacker. Wilson is an instinctive second-level defender that has the range and coverage prowess to be a three-down defender.
2020 NFL Draft: Round 2
64. Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Pauline’s Ranking: #86 (S05) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #57| RAS: 10
Pauline: Jeremy Chinn is an interesting selection for the Carolina Panthers, a team that does not really need a safety. He comes with linebacker size yet defensive back speed. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers use Chinn.
DiCecco: I am honestly surprised Chinn lasted this long, but he is one of my favorite prospects in this class. Chinn, 6-foot-3, 221 pounds represents the new-age NFL defender, in that he can play single-high, box, defend the slot, and play linebacker if asked. Very high football IQ and impressive athlete.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Willie Gay, OLB, Mississippi State
Pauline’s Ranking: #84 (OLB8) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #79 | RAS: 9.71
Pauline: Despite having him graded as a third-round prospect, I mentioned in the weeks before the draft that Willie Gay was graded as a second-round talent by some in the league and that’s where the Kansas City Chiefs selected him. Gay is a sensational athlete who covers a lot of area on the field and makes plays all over the place. He needs to refine his game and mature as a person but Gay comes with a large upside.
DiCecco: Kansas City adds another outstanding athlete, this time of the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs linebacking corps is a bit underwhelming with Damien Wilson and Anthony Hitchens, but Gay is a player that flows roams the field and swarms to the football. He has a tendency to overrun plays at times, so he must play with more control, but his run-and-hit style should serve him well at the next-level.
62. Green Bay Packers: AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College
Pauline’s Ranking: #87 (RB05) | Scouting Reporthttps://www.profootballnetwork.com/acc-scouting-reports-2020-nfl-draft/2/
PFN Consensus: #131| RAS: 9.15
Pauline: There were only a few good fits for AJ Dillon’s style and talents, Green Bay was one of them. His pounding, grind it out skills immediately improves the Packers running game. Dillon is a throwback of sorts, a cold-weather back with a punishing style.
DiCecco: Green Bay creates their own version of thunder and lightning, pairing Boston College running back AJ Dillon with the ascending Aaron Jones. Dillon’s rugged running style and downhill mentality should be a perfect match with cold weather in Wisconsin.
61. Tennessee Titans: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Pauline’s Ranking: #33 (CB05) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #27| RAS: 8
Pauline: Kristian Fulton came into the season with first-round grades but was out-played each week by his talented teammates. He flashed skill last season rather than playing with consistency. Still, Fulton has a huge upside and the Titans could end up with a starting corner selected late in round two- a huge achievement.
DiCecco: Thought the Titans should have gone with Jeff Gladney at the end of round one, but Fulton is a fantastic value for a cornerback-needy team. The LSU product is a fluid athlete with good length and should be a plug-and-play starter for the Titans.
60. New England Patriots: Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
Pauline’s Ranking: #40 (OL03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #41| RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Patriots trade back into round two and get a steal with Josh Uche. The explosive Wolverine is a terrific pass rusher who can also play in space. I expect the Pats to work wonders with Uche.
DiCecco: The Patriots add a player very reminiscent to me of former Patriots standout Jamie Collins. Uche has a quick-burst off the ball and a relentless motor and can play multiple positions. Lot’s of upside with Uche.
59. New York Jets: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Pauline’s Ranking: #26 (WR05) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #23 | RAS: 9.76
Pauline: It’s back to back steals as the Jets come away with someone described to me as the most complete package at the receiver position. In Denzel Mims, the Jets get a big, strong wideout with outstanding athleticism and speed. It’s a matter of coaching Mims to play to his 40-time but the fact the Jets traded down and still got such a talent is great news for their offense.
DiCecco: Mims, a projected late first or early second round selection, falls to the Jets at 59. With Robby Anderson in Carolina and Quincy Enunwa returning from a neck injury, the Jets needed to added another offensive weapon to complement Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perrimen. Mims has an outstanding catch radius and body control, but is coming from a system the utilized a limited route tree and has some drop concerns. Has as much upside as any of the wide receivers outside of the top-three.
58. Minnesota Vikings: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Pauline’s Ranking: #16 (OT5) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #24| RAS: 9.93
Pauline: Yesterday, I mentioned the Vikings interest in Ezra Cleveland. They got their man, albeit a round later than expected. The fact Cleveland fell this far is mind-boggling but the Vikings will benefit. He’s a day one starter who will have a long career in the NFL and turn into one of the steals of this draft.
DiCecco: Getting Cleveland at 58 is an absolute home-run selection for the Vikings, who seemingly always need help on the offensive line. Cleveland is an exceptional athlete and should slide right in and become an immediate starter.
57. Los Angeles Rams: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Pauline’s Ranking: #120 (WR20) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #96| RAS: N/A
Pauline: There was talk Van Jefferson could move into the second round of the draft after his brilliant week of Senior Bowl practice and that’s exactly what happened. He’s been a terrific receiver at both Florida and Mississippi, his original school, and comes with return potential. What Jefferson lacks is top end speed.
DiCecco: The Rams select Van Jefferson a round earlier than I expected, but with his father a coach in the league, coupled with his advanced route running, he is about as pro-ready as they come. He didn’t have a prolific collegiate career, as he shared the ball with three other talented pass catchers, but he proved his capabilities at the Senior Bowl. He should have a much more prosperous pro career.
56. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
Pauline’s Ranking: #64 (DT06) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #99 | RAS: 6.04
Pauline: In Raekwon Davis, the Dolphins get a potential steal on the defensive line. As a sophomore in 2017, Davis looked like a legitimate first-round pick yet his game leveled off and even regressed in some spots. He’s a massive athlete who beats opponents with power or quickness but must get back to his former level of play.
DiCecco: The Dolphins continue to build the trenches under Brian Flores, adding Raekwon Davis to play alongside Christian Wilkins. Davis has an innate burst off the line of scrimmage, and despite his length, plays with solid leverage. His play tailed off last season, but if he can return to form, the Dolphins will have two blue-chip talents along the interior.
55. Baltimore Ravens: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Pauline’s Ranking: #41 (RB3) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #51| RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Ravens come away with a steal in running back J.K. Dobbins. The Ohio State junior is one of the most complete backs in this draft and a stand out carrying the ball, catching it out of the backfield, as well as blocking. He lacks top end speed but is terrific in all facets of the position.
DiCecco: The dynamic Ravens offense adds another prominent piece in Dobbins, who reminds me a bit of Mark Ingram. Dobbins is one of the favorite runners in this draft, largely due to his innate contact balance while navigating through traffic and his remarkable polish in the receiving game.
54. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Pauline’s Ranking: #23 (DE02) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #21| RAS: 4.08
Pauline: The Bills make a terrific choice in A.J. Epenesa. I reported Epenesa was receiving some second-round grades as teams were concerned about his testing numbers. He’s an intense defensive lineman who can stop the run, rush the passer, and now comes with a chip on his shoulder.
DiCecco: Epenesa’s free fall ends, and the Buffalo Bills add tremendous value in the Iowa defensive lineman. Epenesa may never be a double digit sack guy, but boasts terrific play-strength and can anchor against the run. Strong player with limited upside.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Pauline’s Ranking: #91 (QB6) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #72 | RAS: 9.55
Pauline: The Eagles make a mildly surprising selection in quarterback Jalen Hurts. The OU passer has great upside and showed a lot of progress last season. In the end, Doug Pedersen is the perfect coach for Hurts, who can sit and watch Carson Wentz.
DiCecco: The Eagles make a stunning selection, opting to go with decorated Oklahoma passer Jalen Hurts. Hurts, 38-4 as a starter, is an exceptional athlete that will have the opportunity to learn behind Carson Wentz.
52. Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Pauline’s Ranking: #134 (RB10) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #81 | RAS: 8.8
Pauline: The Rams hope they chose the replacement for recently Todd Gurley, who was recently cut, by selecting Cam Akers. Opinions on Akers vary across the league, and I’ve never been high on the FSU ball carrier. He’s a solid running back yet possesses no outstanding trait in his game.
DiCecco: The Rams make a mildly surprising pick at 52, selecting Florida State running back Cam Akers after taking Darrell Henderson in the third-round a season ago. Akers is a powerful running that never stops churning his legs for yardage. His vision and footwork work in unison and he has shown promise as a pass protector.
51. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Pauline’s Ranking: #43 (CB6) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #49 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: Dallas lost a big-time free agent corner in Byron Jones and they hope they found his replacement in Trevon Diggs. The Alabama senior is big, fast, and incredibly smooth. He possesses outstanding ball skills and is a great fit for Dallas assuming he stays healthy and consistently plays at a high level.
DiCecco: With Byron Jones gone, Dallas is in dire need of help at cornerback. Chidobe Awuzie is a fine option but Diggs gives them another boundary player to work in tandem. Diggs is an extremely gifted, physical talent who has yet to scratch the surface of how good he can be.
50. Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Pauline’s Ranking: #32 (CB4) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #32 | RAS: 7.78
Pauline: After getting first-round consideration, Jaylon Johnson finally comes off the board in the middle of round two. Johnson is a big, physical corner who beats down receivers defending passes but needs a lot of work on his corner techniques and mechanics.
DiCecco: Jaylon Johnson, once thought to be a first-round prospect comes off the board at 50. Johnson is perhaps the draft’s most physical perimeter defender with outstanding press technique and the fluidity to match-and-mirror receivers off the ball. His shoulder injuries likely scared some teams off, but Chicago gets great value.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Pauline’s Ranking: #88 (WR16) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #102 | RAS: 9.98
Pauline: In Chase Claypool, the Steelers get a big-bodied pass catcher they can line up all over the field. Some teams like him at tight end while others feel he’s best as a big-bodied receiver. Claypool put on an athletic show at the combine.
DiCecco: Regardless of how the Steelers opt to deploy Claypool, the big-bodied pass catcher can be moved around formations to cause mismatches. Claypool has impressive build-up speed and will win contested catches. The Notre Dame standout is the protoypical Steelers pass catcher.
48. Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, OLB, Tennessee
Pauline’s Ranking: #112 (OLB10) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #100 | RAS: 6.42
Pauline: Darrell Taylor entered the season with first-round grades but was hampered with a stress fracture in his leg all season long. He’s incredibly athletic and a play-maker both up the field and in pursuit. If Taylor gets healthy and consistently plays at a high level this will be a terrific pick for Seattle.
DiCecco: The Seahawks continue to add speed and playmakers on defense, and land an upside-laden edge rusher in Taylor. He’s dealt with nagging injuries, but if he is able to move past them, Seattle gets an explosive, reactive pass rusher.
47. Atlanta Falcons: Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn
Pauline’s Ranking: #37 (DE04) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #62 | RAS: 6.42
Pauline: Marlon Davidson was getting first-round consideration so the Falcons got a steal in round two. He’s an explosive big man who rushes the edge with speed and gets a lot of force going up the field. There will be bumps in the road for Davidson, who benefitted from a lot of the double and triple teams his college teammate Derrick Brown was attracting.
DiCecco: The Falcons add Davidson to a suddenly loaded defensive line. Davidson possesses a quick get-off, violent hands, and exceptional lateral movement. He may be a rotational player in the early goings but could earn a starting role sooner than later.
46. Denver Broncos: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
Pauline’s Ranking: #34 (WR6) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #60 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Broncos again go receiver in the draft, and this time, get a true speedster and burner in Hamler. One of the most underrated players in this draft, Hamler has home run hitting speed and is a terrific pass catcher who competes to come away with the contested grade. He’ll line up in the slot and boundary, run reverses, and return punts and kicks. In the end, this pick will be considered a steal.
DiCecco: The Broncos came away with Jerry Jeudy on yesterday, but add a true downfield burner in Penn State’s K.J. Hamler. Hamler has an innate burst off the line and gets to top speed in a hurry. He struggled immensely with concentration drops in 2019, but Hamler should thrive in Denver’s star-studded receiving corps. The Broncos figure to make good use of Drew Lock’s rocket arm in 2020.
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., Safety, Minnesota
Pauline’s Ranking: #48 (S03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #42 | RAS: 7.82
Pauline: The Bucs get one of the most underrated and versatile defensive backs in Antoine Winfield Jr. He possesses the physicality to line up at safety, the ball skills to play corner, and is a terrific playmaker. Todd Bowles will have a field day with Winfield who, like his dad, plays with great competitiveness.
DiCecco: Tampa Bay adds a heat-seeking missile in Winfield. The Minnesota product covers a ton of ground and plays a physical brand of football. Winfield is a versatile chess piece on the back end with plus balls skills.
44. Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, Safety, LSU
Pauline’s Ranking: #31 (S01) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #30 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: In last year’s draft, the Cleveland Browns selected a free-falling Greedy Williams who started as a rookie at cornerback. This year, they did the same with his former LSU teammate, Grant Delpit. The junior is an athletic safety with great range and explosion. He possesses terrific ball skills and, like Williams, was a heck of a pick by Cleveland.
DiCecco: The Browns, who currently have Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo atop the safety depth chart, sorely needed a youth infusion at the position. Delpit is a physical, rangy defender who plays with instincts and an innate sense of urgency. He’ll add to the young nucleus of Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams.
43. Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Pauline’s Ranking: #51 (TE1) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #95 | RAS: 8.92
Pauline: Despite not owning a first-round pick again this year, the Bears fill a need at tight end with the best prospect at the position. Kmet had been climbing draft boards since his terrific combine performance. He’s a tall pass-catcher who holds his own blocking and Kmet will only improve as he physically matures.
DiCecco: Chicago parted ways with Trey Burton, and while they have a bevy of depth, they lack that front-line starter. Kmet is a work in progress as a blocker but gives the Bears a big-bodied target to work the middle of the field.
42. Jacksonville Jaguars: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Pauline’s Ranking: #66 (WR12) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #43 | RAS: 6.98
Pauline: The Jaguars make a risky selection in Laviska Shenault Jr., a talented receiver that’s struggled with injuries for almost two seasons. At the top of his game, Shenault is a game controlling receiver that’s also a terrific vertical threat. The problem for Shenault is he’s not been at the top of his game since he was a freshman.
DiCecco: Jacksonville unexpectedly stumbled on K’Lavon Chaisson, otherwise I believe they would have considered addressing the wide receiver position. They end up landing Shenault, a potential game-breaker that can line up all over formations. The Colorado pass-catcher has durability concerns, including a labrum issue prior to last season, and his route running needs refinement, but if he catches on quickly he can add a different dimension to the offense.
41. Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Pauline’s Ranking: #27 (RB02) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #29 | RAS: 9.53
Pauline: The Colts couldn’t wait around as Jonathan Taylor fell and made a move up to get him. Taylor immediately jumps to the top of the depth chart at running back for the Colts and is a terrific fit for the offense. He’s powerful, fast in a straight line, and will take the pressure off Phillip Rivers.
DiCecco: The Colts add my top-rated running back in Jonathan Taylor to likely assume the lions share of the carries in Indianapolis. Taylor is a well-rounded that rushed for over 200 yards 12 times in his Badgers career. Two concerns I have are his durability — he’s had over 300 carries the past two seasons — and occasional lapses in ball security.
40. Houston Texans: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Pauline’s Ranking: #38 (DT03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #28 | RAS: 7.89
Pauline: Ross Blacklock received second-round grades before deciding to enter the draft and that’s where he ended up. He’s an incredible athlete and very explosive defensive lineman who penetrates the line of scrimmage. Blacklock must add bulk to his frame but has a terrific upside
DiCecco: Blacklock, a first-round talent, is excellent value at 40. Blacklock will likely need to add some size to his frame but has proven himself to be a disruptive force against the pass. He does come with some injury concerns, however, but he should have little trouble unseating Brandon Dunn on the Texans’ defensive line.
39. Miami Dolphins: Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana
Pauline’s Ranking: #81 (G02) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #97 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: With D’Andre Swift off the board the Dolphins went for another blocker, adding Robert Hunt. A right tackle at Louisiana, most team project Hunt to guard in the NFL. He’s a stout blocker with a powerful build and position versatility.
DiCecco: The Dolphins add Ragin Cajuns tackle Robert Hunt to a retooled offensive line that includes USC’s, Austin Jackson. Hunt, 6-foot-5, 323 pounds, is a powerful mauler, but will likely kick insider to guard at the pro level.
38. Carolina Panthers: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Pauline’s Ranking: #24 (DE03) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #44 | RAS: N/A
Pauline: The Panthers take another defensive lineman and get another first-round talent in Yetur Gross-Matos. The Penn State junior was a constant nuisance to opponents and comes with a great upside but needs to get strong and add bulk to his frame.
DiCecco: The Panthers came away with a blue-chip defensive tackle early on opening night, and now add Gross-Matos, a wiry, fluid edge rusher with fantastic bend around the corner. Great value here, as Gross-Matos has first-round talent.
37. New England Patriots: Kyle Dugger, Safety, Lenoir-Rhyme
Pauline’s Ranking: #53 (S04) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #54 | RAS: 9.56
Pauline: The Patriots come away with their type of safety in Kyle Dugger. The athletic small-school defensive back is tough, smart, and versatile. He was a game-breaking return specialist in college and showed terrific ball skills during the Senior Bowl.
DiCecco: I initially pegged Grant Delpit to New England to serve as the eventual successor to Devin McCourty, but the Patriots instead go with Dugger, the Division II standout. Dugger is an extremely physical player that can move around formations and make plays on the football in coverage. I had Southern Illinois’ Jeremy Chinn graded slightly higher, but that is a solid pick for the Pats.
36. New York Giants: Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama
Pauline’s Ranking: #35 (S02) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #22 | RAS: 5.88
Pauline: The Giants were considering three players at this spot; A.J. Epenesa, Grant Delpit, and Xavier McKinney. They settled on McKinney who was considered the only safety with a chance to sneak into the first round. I prefer Delpit as he’s faster and possesses better range, but McKinney is a hard hitter who brings it on every down. This could make Giants fans forget about the team letting Landon Collins go a few years ago.
DiCecco: The Giants added DeAndre Baker, Julian Love, and Corey Ballentine a season ago to fortify the cornerback position, but now add McKinney to play alongside Jabrill Peppers at safety. One of the best players available on the second day of the draft, McKinney is a steal and should be a plug-and-play option on the back end.
35. Detroit Lions: D’Andre Swift RB, Georgia
Pauline’s Ranking: #15 (RB01) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #20 | RAS: 7.57
Pauline: The Detroit Lions just broke the hearts of the Miami Dolphins by selecting running back D’Andre Swift. The only sure-fire first-round back on my board, Swift has the toughness to grind it out on the inside as well as the speed to turn the corner, and he’s a terrific pass catcher out of the backfield.
DiCecco: The Lions add who many believe to be the top running back in the class in Georgia’s DeAndre Swift. Swift is a versatile running back, boasting the size to pound the rock between the tackles and the fluidity to turn the corner on outside runs. He’ll team with Kerryon Johnson to man the backfield duties.
34. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr. WR, USC
Pauline’s Ranking: #42 (WR09) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #56 | RAS: 8.29
Pauline: As mentioned in this blog before the second round started, Pittman was the guy the Colts wanted if they could not trade down. A receiver who was building a lot of momentum the past week, Pittman is a faster version of Tee Higgins and should be an immediate starter for the Colts.
DiCecco: T.Y. Hilton was in and out of the lineup last season and Parris Campbell missed time, forcing Zach Pascal into a larger role without much depth behind him. Pittman, who generated some first-round buzz late in the process, is a pro-ready pass catcher that moves surprisingly well for a player of his size. He plays a physical brand of football and should thrive as a red zone option early on.
33. Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Pauline’s Ranking: #39 (WR08) | Scouting Report
PFN Consensus: #48 | RAS: 4.16
Pauline: There’s a lot to like about Higgins’ game besides his vertical speed. The Clemson product is exactly what new quarterback Joe Burrow needs — a big, strong, sure-handed possession wideout who consistently wins out for contested passes.
DiCecco: The Bengals wasted little time adding firepower for Joe Burrow to grow with to kick off the second day. Higgins, who is built similarly to A.J. Green, brings size and physicality to the perimeter. Higgins has an outstanding catch radius and body control and should form an instant connection with Burrow.
2020 NFL Draft Latest News and Rumors
Will the Vikings move up?
(via Tony Pauline, 7:00 pm ET)
While there are reports both the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts are looking to trade out of the top ten selections this evening, several sources told me there could be a lot of movement in the top half of round two. I’m told one team looking to move up is the Minnesota Vikings.
Miami Dolphins likely to draft Swift?
(via Tony Pauline, 6:50 pm ET)
Many, including yours truly, were surprised when the Miami Dolphins passed up D’Andre Swift with their third pick Thursday night and chose Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene.
I’m told that the reason for selecting Igbinoghene was that the Dolphins felt there would be a run on corners, and that they could be shut out Friday when they are called to the clock with the 39th pick. That being the case, sources tell me Swift is overwhelmingly the favorite at pick 39 if available.
Could the Colts be looking to move in the second round?
(via Tony Pauline, 6:50 pm ET)
The Colts own a pair of selections at the top of the second round, 34 and 44. They will work the phones to try to move down from 34. If they can’t move the pick, the selection is likely to be USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who would fill a void at the position.
Pittman was in the conversation Thursday night for both the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings ended up selecting Justin Jefferson, who they never expected to be available. The Niners settled on Brandon Aiyuk, as the team felt he was a better fit for their system.
The other player the Colts are interested in during the top half of round two is Notre Dame tight end, Cole Kmet. The junior has moved up boards recently and would be solid value for the Colts, who are looking to replace the departed Eric Ebron.
Who might the Cincinnati Bengals be looking at with the 33rd pick?
(via Tony Pauline, 5:30 pm ET)
Word is getting around that the Cincinnati Bengals are looking at either Denzel Mims or Ross Blacklock with the first pick of Round 2. Add the name of Zack Baun to the list, as the team intends to take a linebacker at some point Friday.
Willie Gay and Logan Wilson are names to remember at the top of Round 3 if the Bengals don’t add a linebacker at pick 33. Wilson is also getting interest from the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns, two linebacker-needy teams.
Patriots set to use a pick tonight to address their need at tight end?
(via Tony Pauline, 12:58 pm ET)
After trading out of the first round Thursday night, the New England Patriots find themselves with five selections Friday, including four choices in the third round. I expect the Patriots to address the tight end spot at some point on day two, and Dayton’s Adam Trautman is a player they like at the position.
Trautman really fits the mold of the type of player New England likes at tight end. He’s a stout, strong pass catcher who holds his own as a blocker. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he has similar dimensions to Rob Gronkowski (the weight being similar to Gronk’s when he was drafted in 2010).
And don’t be turned off by Trautman’s 40-yard dash time of 4.81 seconds at the Scouting Combine; he plays much faster and was timed at 4.68 seconds by Dayton coaches.
Related | 2020 NFL Scouting Report: Dayton TE Adam Trautman
Where might center Nick Harris land?
(via Tony Pauline, 11:07 am ET)
Washington center Nick Harris is all over draft boards. I’ve seen him graded as early as round three to as late as the fifth round. I presently stamp him as a fourth-round prospect, but there is a good chance he’s selected Friday during day two of the draft.
Harris is garnering interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos and New York Jets. Coincidentally, it’s the hometown Seattle Seahawks who have shown the greatest interest in Harris and could swipe him off the board today.
Tulsa cornerback could sneak into day two
(via Tony Pauline, 10:10 am ET)
Tulsa corner Reggie Robinson has gained a lot of upward momentum in the past month, and it would not be a surprise if he is selected at some point Friday. There are a number of teams who love Robinson’s size, speed and potential as well as the skills he flashed last year.
One league source told me Robinson could be the steal of the draft and turn into one of the better corners from this year’s class. Making this story all the more amazing is that Robinson was not graded by scouts entering the 2019 season.
The Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown a lot of interest in Robinson. Also, keep an eye on the Carolina Panthers.
Related | 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tulsa CB Reggie Robinson
Jets hoping Hennessy falls to them in round three
(via Tony Pauline, 9:25 am ET)
I continue to hear from a variety of sources that the Jets are seriously considering Matt Hennessy of Temple if he’s available in round three, something I first reported two weeks ago.
The question is whether Hennessy will be around when the Jets are called to the clock in the third round. With limited talent at the guard position available through the initial three rounds and many teams projecting Hennessy to guard, he may be pushed into round 2.