2020 NFL Draft: Round Three
65) Cincinnati Bengals: Lucas Niang, OT TCU
Despite what was said about Bobby Hart earlier, he is, you know, still Bobby Hart. There’s room for the Bengals to upgrade at right tackle, or add high-end depth if the value is right, and Lucas Niang provides great value here, serving as a potential Day 1 starter, if a changing of the guard occurs.
66) Washington Redskins: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn
The Redskins have their quarterback and their blue-chip defender. Now it’s time to enter the protection phase with their assets. Prince Tega Wanogho is an athletic, big-bodied lineman who projects well as a starting left tackle.
67) Detroit Lions: Netane Muti, OG Fresno State
The Lions have been plagued by poor interior line play, and with Graham Glasgow leaving for Denver, that problem only worsens. One thing the Lions can do to stymie that issue is add an athletic, powerful option like Netane Muti. If he can stay healthy, he’s the best guard from the class.
68) New York Jets (via NYG): Darrell Taylor, EDGE Tennessee
The New York Jets are severely lacking in terms of edge presence, and at 68, the best thing they can do is add raw traits to help them spark life into their pass rush. Darrell Taylor is underdeveloped, but he has the size, burst, and bend they’d be looking for.
69) Carolina Panthers: Ben Bartch, OL St. John
The Panthers have a definite need at guard after moving on from Trai Turner, but they could also use tackle depth, given Russell Okung’s age. Ben Bartch makes sense here, as he’s a versatile prospect who could start at either position in a year or two.
70) Miami Dolphins: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR Michigan
The Dolphins did a great job acquiring core pieces in the first round, and now, in the third, they can afford to be a little flexible. Donovan Peoples-Jones isn’t as developed as other receivers, but he offers outrageous athleticism and body control, and by the time the Dolphins enter their contention window, he could be a premier playmaker.
71) New England Patriots (LAC): Jacob Eason, QB Washington
The value is right for New England here, so they pounce on a quarterback option. There’s still a chance Jarrett Stidham wrangles the starting job in September, but Jacob Eason, with his raw traits, ensures that there will be a battle.
72) Arizona Cardinals: Ross Blacklock, DT TCU
The Cardinals have yet to address their defensive line, a key position of need. They’re severely lacking in talent there. Thus, adding a raw, explosive talent like Ross Blacklock in the third is a big win for a team that’s creeping toward contention.
73) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Fromm, QB Georgia
Jay Gruden certainly has a “type” at quarterback, and Jake Fromm fits it. Fromm has just enough functional mobility to get by in west coast passing concepts, and he’s a conservative, relatively accurate passer who likes to stay within structure. He’ll provide competition for Gardner Minshew, although the Mustache should muster enough votes to stay on top.
74) Cleveland Browns: Van Jefferson, WR Florida
Behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, the Cleveland Browns lack wide receiver depth, and they could also use more versatility. Van Jefferson has a skill set which translates, as he’s an excellent route runner with enough athleticism and size to separate from defenders.
75) Indianapolis Colts: Adam Trautman, TE Dayton
We always knew this was a weak tight end class, and seeing the first pure tight end go off the board at 75 only confirms that. That said, Adam Trautman is excellent value for the Colts here, as he has the size and agility to potentially develop into a premier receiving threat, and offers utility as a blocker as well.
76) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bryan Edwards, WR South Carolina
The Buccaneers have hit this draft out of the park so far, and that doesn’t change with their third-round selection. Bryan Edwards is a big, physical, and productive receiver who’ll fit very well next to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
77) Denver Broncos: KJ Hamler, WR Penn State
Who says the Broncos can’t draft another wide receiver? They added Jerry Jeudy in the first round, who’s plenty fast, but now in round three, they double down and select speed demon KJ Hamler to infuse their offense with a fiery burst.
78) Atlanta Falcons: Malik Harrison, LB Ohio State
The Falcons lost De’Vondre Campbell in free agency, so they could use a new body at linebacker to fill in. Ohio State’s Malik Harrison provides good value here, as he possesses good athleticism and a strong build for the position, standing at 6-foot-3, 247 pounds.
79) New York Jets: Kyle Dugger, DB Lenoir-Rhyne
Another upside pick for the Jets, who have ironically never been able to consistently glean upside from their selections. Right now, however, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that, in Kyle Dugger, the Jets now have an aggressive, explosive weapon in their defensive toolbox.
80) Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Hurts, QB Oklahoma
Jon Gruden already has Marcus Mariota and Derek Carr pitted against one another, but why not add a young quarterback to give this quarterback battle a new wrinkle? Jalen Hurts has to be one of Gruden’s favorites, as he’s a high-character player with very good playmaking ability. He’s still developing as a passer, but his versatility offers immediate upside.
81) Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI): Jordan Elliott, DT Missouri
Now to the defensive side of the ball, where the Raiders can afford to add a game-changing presence on the interior of their line. Jordan Elliott has the potential to become just that; he’s extremely explosive, and at 6-foot-4, 302, he fits the mold of the modern pass-rushing interior lineman.
82) Dallas Cowboys: Amik Robertson, CB Louisiana Tech
The Cowboys have some options at cornerback, even with Byron Jones gone, as Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown both have starting experience at various spots. In Amik Robertson, the Cowboys get a slot specialist who can help free up other roles, while providing a competitive, contentious presence on the hash.
83) Denver Broncos (via PIT): Neville Gallimore, DT Oklahoma
A scheme diverse interior defensive lineman is on the Broncos’ wish list for the second day of the draft, and luckily for them, one falls into their lap at 83 here. Neville Gallimore is a strong, stout player, with the explosiveness and natural power to be a fixture wherever he plays.
84) Los Angeles Rams: Justin Madubuike, DL Texas A&M
The run on defensive players continues, as the Rams opt for a value acquisition in Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike. Madubuike gives Los Angeles an athletic lineman with juice to add to their rotation, and once he adds a bit more to his frame, his tools can be maximized.
85) Detroit Lions (via PHI): Willie Gay Jr., LB Mississippi State
Selling out for speed hasn’t always been a winnings strategy for the Lions at linebacker, but Willie Gay Jr. has the speed that matters. His range is very apparent, and as an outside linebacker, he’d be an immediate playmaker in Matt Patricia’s defense.
86) Buffalo Bills: Reggie Robinson, CB Tulsa
Often regarded as a sleeper in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tulsa’s Reggie Robinson has the athleticism, size, and smoothness to be an early contributor for any defense he joins. For the Bills, he could rotate in as a starter fairly early, and provide even more upside later in his rookie contract window.
87) New England Patriots: Cole Kmet, TE Notre Dame
For what seems like a half-decade, mock drafts have been predicting that the Patriots will select Rob Gronkowski’s replacement. Now, with Gronkowski down in Tampa Bay, they kind of have to. Cole Kmet will never reach Gronkowski’s level, but he offers a combination of size and explosiveness that will be valued by whoever the quarterback ends up being.
88) New Orleans Saints: Troy Pride Jr., CB Notre Dame
This might be a bit of a reach on some boards, but the New Orleans Saints need more utility at cornerback, and Troy Pride Jr. is a high-character player who also possesses the speed and athleticism needed to play the position at a high level.
89) Minnesota Vikings: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE Florida
After letting go of Everson Griffen in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings need a new presence on the edge across from Danielle Hunter. Jabari Zuniga is one player who should provide an immediate impact, as his length and explosiveness as a speed rusher is impossible to ignore.
90) Houston Texans: Terrell Lewis, EDGE Alabama
Medicals will likely knock Alabama’s Terrell Lewis down the draft board, but in a 3-4 scheme, he has the athleticism and length to be a dangerous edge rusher, if he can stay healthy and hone in on his physical traits.
91) Las Vegas Raiders (from SEA via HOU): Ashtyn Davis, S California
The back end of the Raiders defense still needs more fine-tuning, even with the addition of Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette. Safety is a particular area of need, where Ashtyn Davis can help by providing range and playmaking ability alongside Johnathan Abram.
92) Baltimore Ravens: JK Dobbins, RB Ohio State
The long slide for JK Dobbins finally ends, as the Ravens pick him up at 92. Running backs aren’t valued as they once were in the modern NFL, but Dobbins’ game-breaking ability as a spark plug will be a great asset for John Harbaugh and his offensive cast.
93) Tennessee Titans: Brycen Hopkins, TE Purdue
Jonnu Smith deserves some trust as a tight end option for the Titans moving forward, but the team has fairly little depth at the position. Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins is a great upside pick for Tennessee here, possessing high-end potential as a receiving threat at the NFL level.
94) Green Bay Packers: Lynn Bowden, WR Kentucky
The Packers favored versatility with their first pick on the second day, so why not do the same thing here? Lynn Bowden is listed as a wide receiver, but he has the run-after-catch ability and natural affinity for ball carrying to be a threat however Matt LaFleur schemes the ball into his hands.
95) Denver Broncos (via SF): Terrell Burgess, DB Utah
The Broncos’ secondary is still a bit of a mix-and-match exercise, and to help with that, Vic Fangio could add a versatile piece in the third round, to free up players for different roles. Terrell Burgess is a good fit in this sense, as he offers the athleticism and awareness to be a competent slot defender or a box safety.
96) Kansas City Chiefs: James Lynch, DT Baylor
With Chris Jones’ long-term future in Kansas City uncertain, the Chiefs have a reason to invest in the line. James Lynch is a safe investment, in the sense that he’s versatile, and his motor runs hot on any given play.
97) Cleveland Browns (via HOU): Darnay Holmes, CB UCLA
Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, on paper, make for a promising boundary cornerback duo in the coming years. But in the slot, there’s a question mark for Cleveland. Darnay Holmes can help answer that question, as he’s a quick, scrappy slot defender who doesn’t back down from a challenge.
98) New England Patriots: Raekwon Davis, DT Alabama
This is a value add for the Patriots, something they’ve become known for over the years. Raekwon Davis may fall because of his relative lack of pass-rushing upside, but he has the size and foundation necessary to become a more well-rounded interior presence with some development. And either way, he’s tough to move against the run.
99) New York Giants: Devin Duvernay, WR Texas
When Joe Judge took the Giants job, he tied his legacy to Daniel Jones. The least he can do, after giving Jones a stud offensive tackle in Andrew Thomas, is supplement Jones’ offense with more weapons. Devin Duvernay is a good match for what the Giants currently have, offering solid speed, hands, and run-after-catch potential.
100) New England Patriots: Alex Highsmith, DE Charlotte
Just like that, the Patriots are up again, and just like that, they’re adding more talent to the defensive line. Some may not know of Alex Highsmith just yet, but he’s a hard-working, athletic edge rusher who produced at a high level in college. He’ll have doubters, going in the top-100, but he’s used to proving people wrong.
101) Seattle Seahawks: Jonah Jackson, OG Ohio State
Offensive line is to Seattle as Rob Gronkowski replacements are to New England. Every year, this is the pick you can’t go wrong with, as a mock drafter. Particularly on the interior, the Seahawks could use more starting potential, and Jonah Jackson is a blocker who could carve out a long career as a serviceable starter.
102) Pittsburgh Steelers: Cole McDonald, QB Hawaii
Some may see this as a bit too high for Cole McDonald, but after the top six quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft, there isn’t a lot of security or upside. McDonald offers both, to a degree. His developmental potential is through the roof, and while he’s a raw signal-caller, he has the smarts to pick up the pieces with a good support system. That’s what Pittsburgh can provide him.
103) Philadelphia Eagles: Davion Taylor, OLB Colorado
Speed is never a bad thing to add on defense, and that’s what the Philadelphia Eagles get in Colorado’s Davion Taylor. Taylor ran a sub 4.4 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, and on tape, his flashes are just as striking as his numbers.
104) Los Angeles Rams: Gabriel Davis, WR UCF
Gabriel Davis isn’t even close to the mold of receiver that the Rams lost in Brandin Cooks, but he does offer something in the way of early security. Davis is a receiving threat with solid size and contested catchability, and his athletic foundation is good enough to support his contribution as a rotational weapon.
105) Minnesota Vikings: Tanner Muse, DB Clemson
At the end of the third round, positions start to become bare, and teams may be inclined to pick high-upside prospects originally slated for day three, in order to ensure their ownership of that player. That’s what the Vikings do here, picking athletic specimen Tanner Muse. With Anthony Harris on the franchise tag and Harrison Smith growing older, the Vikings need more long-term security for the defense’s security blanket. Muse has the athletic traits to fulfill that role in time.
106) Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Florida
It’s looking more and more like Matt Judon will remain with the Ravens for the 2020 season. Barring a draft-day trade, he’s not going anywhere. But that doesn’t mean the Ravens can’t add more rotational depth at one of the sport’s most important positions. Jonathan Greenard offers a degree of consistency with his effort and power, and there’s always a place for players like him in the NFL.