Earlier in the week, I tweeted out to the PFN readers asking what they consider to be the most significant draft needs of their favorite teams. Many fans are closer to the situation of their favorite team and can offer different perspectives and insights. I can provide a much more accurate 2020 NFL Mock Draft given the responses I received.
I’m only one person, so it’s difficult to try and familiarize myself with every team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as guessing what each teams’ front office will do in free agency. So with the information I now have, I’ve put together this mock draft with help of the awesome readers here at Pro Football Network.
As always, if there’s a pick you love or hate, tweet at me and tell me @MVScouting. Please note that this draft is order is the current one as of December 15, 2019 before heading into Sunday’s slate of games. Now, with all of that out of the way, here is my Week 15 NFL mock draft with help from the PFN readers.
Round One
#1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
The Bengals have struggled behind QB Andy Dalton over the past couple of seasons. Even though I don’t believe the Bengals are the least talented team in the NFL, they have been the worst. So who will be the man tasked with attempting to revitalize this franchise? None other than Ohio-born Joe Burrow. Burrow has been dominant this year, and he’ll bring moxie and competitiveness that the Bengals desperately need. Like I stated earlier, the Bengals roster isn’t awful. They just need the right man under center.
#2. New York Giants: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Maybe the best match in the entire draft. The Giants desperately need an elite pass rusher, and Chase Young is the best prospect since Myles Garrett. Young is a supreme athlete who showed impressive growth as a technician throughout the season. He’s been a record-breaker all year and should be the first non-QB drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Giants fans made it clear that Chase Young is the most coveted option.
#3. Washington Redskins: Andrew Thomas, OT, Alabama
The Redskins have struggled to protect QB Dwayne Haskins all season. Since the departure of Trent Williams, the Redskins have been forced into an alternative option in Donald Penn, who has not been good. The Redskins feel as though they virtually have to take a tackle early in the draft. The only other real alternatives should be Chase Young or trading down. However, Young has already been selected in the Week 15 NFL mock draft, and there are no trades. So the Redskins take Andrew Thomas. Thomas is a silky smooth pass protector who shows power in the run game and a bit of a nasty streak.
#4. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Dolphins have found a great coach in Brian Flores. Flores has a talent-starved Miami team playing very competitive football and finding ways to beat teams they shouldn’t. However, Flores won’t be able to take this franchise to where he wants to go until he finds his quarterback. Enter: Justin Herbert. Herbert has special physical traits that I think the Dolphins will love. Tua Tagovailoa was the other option here, but with the injury concerns, the Dolphins could look at Herbert as the top alternative.
#5. Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions could have gone with Derrick Brown here, but I think Okudah is a better overall prospect. I also believe that the Lions have a bigger need at cornerback. The team lacks a definitive CB2, and Darius Slay could be on the way out. If this happens, the Lions would be primed to replace him with Okudah, who I believe is the best cornerback prospect since Jalen Ramsey.
#6. Arizona Cardinals: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Cardinals desperately need to find someone who can block for Kyler Murray. The young signal-caller has been terrorized in the pocket all year. Cardinals fans made it clear that for this Week 15 NFL mock draft, I needed to give the Cardinals a franchise left tackle. Tristan Wirfs fits that description perfectly. A silky-smooth pass blocker with elite physical traits, Wirfs has the upside to be the best tackle in the NFL.
#7. Jacksonville Jaguars: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
CeeDee Lamb is my highest ranked WR, and it seems as though WR is one of the Jaguars’ immediate needs. DJ Chark has been excellent this year, but Jacksonville needs to pair him with another dynamic playmaker. Chark is a tad smaller and faster receiver, so I think pairing him with the jump ball ability of CeeDee Lamb gives the Jaguars one of the best young receiver duos in the NFL.
#8. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
The Falcons are desperate for any help on the defensive side of the ball, with pass rush being the primary need. With Chase Young off the board, the Falcons could select AJ Epenesa if they wanted edge rush help, but instead, they’re going to choose the most talented defensive player on the board. Auburn’s Derrick Brown would immediately provide a boost to this weathered-down Falcons pass rush. Brown and Grady Jarrett would be a devastating interior pass rush duo. Falcons fans told me that Derrick Brown would be their dream pick in this Week 15 NFL mock draft.
#9. New York Jets: AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
The Jets miss out on Chase Young and the top two tackles, but they still get an impact player in AJ Epenesa. Epenesa was actually more productive than Chase Young coming into the season, and some thought he would be the best edge defender in the class. Opinions have since changed, but don’t let it lead you to believe Epenesa is not a great player. He’s dominant at the point of attack and rushes the passer with his great length and natural power. Pairing him with Quinnen Williams would be a scary problem for opposing offensive lines.
#10. Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
If the Chargers wanted to, they could franchise tag Phillip Rivers next season and bring on a rookie to develop for a year. In Tua’s case, he could use the season to completely heal from his hip surgery. Tua is a QB prospect with accolades rarely matched. When he’s in a rhythm, he’s an incredibly dangerous QB. He would fit perfectly in LA with the Chargers talent at wide receiver.
#11. Denver Broncos: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Wills stock has skyrocketed as the season has gone on. Wills was always a dominant run blocker, but this season he has developed into a smooth and consistent pass protector. Some analysts believe Wills has overtaken Thomas and Wirfs as the top tackle in the class. This pick is a fantastic match as the Broncos are in desperate need of finding a left tackle that isn’t Garett Bolles. Drew Lock looks like the future, now Denver needs to invest in him.
#12. Carolina Panthers: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
It looks more and more likely that the Panthers won’t resign cornerback James Bradberry. Panther fans made clear the need to upgrade at corner if the team lets Bradberry walk. This selection would pair Fulton with his former LSU Tiger teammate Donte Jackson. This duo would be deadly in man coverage and give the Panthers one of the better young cornerback duos.
#13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Eagles desperately need WR help. There’s a very real chance the Eagles go into next season without Alshon Jeffrey and Nelson Agholor. If that happens, the Eagles may have no choice but to select a receiver on day one. Jeudy is the best route runner I’ve ever evaluated, and his skill after the catch is elite. His talents complement the play style of 2019 draft pick JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Giving Carson Wentz as many weapons as possible is not a bad strategy.
#14. Oakland Raiders: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The Raiders took Simmons’ teammate Clelin Ferrell last year with the 4th overall pick. However, they still greatly lack defensive talent. Isaiah Simmons would provide Oakland with their future mike linebacker while also bringing value as a pass rusher and impressive ability in pass coverage. The NFL is evolving, and Isaiah Simmons is the ideal modern linebacker. The Raiders get a steal in this Week 15 NFL mock draft. Pairing Simmons with Ferrell and Crosby gives the Raiders a formidable young front seven.
#15. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Love is built in the same kind of mold that Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen were as prospects: a QB with big-time talent, but played at a smaller school and needs some time to develop. Brissett has shown this year that he’s not a franchise QB. With Love’s upside, the Colts could be positioned to be a Super Bowl contender once again.
#16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grant Delpit, Saf, LSU
The 2019 Jim Thorpe award winner, LSU safety Grant Delpit is another do-it-all defender. He struggled a bit in 2019, battling some nagging injuries. If Delpit can return to form, the Bucs might be getting the steal of the draft similar to the Chargers’ selection of Derwin James in the 2018 NFL Draft.
#17. Cleveland Browns: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Leatherwood is the other half of Alabama’s dynamic tackle duo. Leatherwood hasn’t shined like Wills has this year, but the Browns’ main mission this April might be to draft the best lineman available. More specifically, the best tackle available. Leatherwood has nice upside and has been a solid and consistent player for Alabama.
#18. Oakland Raiders (via CHI): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
After nabbing Simmons, the Raiders turn around and get their WR of the future in Henry Ruggs. It feels like the theme of the Raiders draft here is speed. Ruggs has arguably the highest ceiling of any receiver in this draft class. He currently lacks refinement, but his game-breaking speed is otherworldly.
#19. Tennessee Titans: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
The Titans quietly have a very deep roster, and with the potential of a Tannehill extension, there’s no much need for the team to reach on a QB here. Finding someone to pair with budding star Harold Landry could be just what the Titans need to wield a deadly defense. Chaisson and Landry would be scarily quick off the edge.
#20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via PIT): Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
From a playstyle perspective, Diggs is the closest player to Jalen Ramsey in this draft, being a long press corner with ball skills to boot. Now, I don’t think Diggs is the functional athlete that Ramsey is, but the Jags need a new CB1, and Diggs fits the bill.
#21. Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, Saf, Alabama
The Cowboys have lacked a safety who can make plays in the open field and cover tight-ends for as long as I can remember. McKinney has shined this year, and it’s evident he put in work to mightily improve this offseason. Coming into the season, I questioned his ability to tackle consistently. This year, he has shut those questions down. McKinney would be a great addition to a talented Dallas defense that has vastly underperformed this year.
#22. Miami Dolphins (via CHI): Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
YGM has been a steady presence for Penn State, but he’s never met the upside he possesses. He still has work to do as a strong side run defender and lacks a polished pass-rush attack. However, getting someone of his physical profile this late in the first round is a positive. YGM could reach his potential under Brian Flores and prove to be a steal for the Dolphins.
#23. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): Creed Humphrey, iOL, Oklahoma
The Dolphins need talent all along the offensive line, so they take the best one available here. Humphrey has been the best player on the Oklahoma line for two years now. That is impressive considering that the Sooner o-line had four starters drafted last year. The Dolphins need to invest in the trenches, and Humphrey is a great young addition.
#24. Minnesota Vikings: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
The Vikings have a vaunting defense, but the lack of pressure coming from the defensive interior has been worrisome. They’ve done an excellent job developing athletic specimens into pass-rushing monsters, and they should be able to do the same with Kinlaw, given his talent and upside.
#25: Buffalo Bills: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
I seriously considered Laviska Shenault here. However, the Bills have struggled winning when the ball is in the air, and they lack quality vertical ability. For this reason, I feel that Tee Higgins is best suited for Josh Allen and his tendencies. Higgins has the length and athletic ability to go up and grab it, while also possessing the ball tracking and body control to adjust to inaccurate passes.
#26: Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
The Chiefs desperately need defensive talent, and Dylan Moses happens to slip to them due to the injury that cost him his final season at Alabama. With Moses at the center of the defense, the Chiefs won’t be forced to score 40 points per game to win. This is highway robbery for Kansas City as they get maybe the biggest steal in this Week 15 NFL mock draft.
#27: Green Bay Packers: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
The Packers need to find someone to pair with Devante Adams. Without a consistent WR2, Adams has been the focus of defenses and receives far too much attention. With Shenault, Rodgers gets two receivers that can carry an offense on top of a strong running game with Aaron Jones.
#28: Seattle Seahawks: Prince Tega-Wanogho, OT, Auburn
The Seahawks have used Duane Brown as a stop-gap for their left tackle issues, but Brown is quickly coming to the end of his career. The Seahawks need to find his successor. Auburn’s Prince Tega-Wanogho fits the bill thanks to his soft feet and great length. He’s an excellent physical specimen that could benefit from a season learning behind Brown and could start if needed.
#29: New England Patriots: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
As per usual, the Patriots don’t possess any major needs. They could stand to upgrade the talent along the defensive line, and Okwara is the best available pass-rusher. He fits what the Patriots like in they’re edge rushers and could be the next player New England turns into a star.
#30: New Orleans Saints: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Kenneth Murray has been the best linebacker in college football this season in my eyes. He isn’t as strong in coverage as the other top guys, but his instincts are second to none, constantly flying around the field. His nickname “K9” is fitting because he always seems to have a nose for the ball. The Saints add another piece to their influx of strong young defensive players.
#31: San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Biadasz, iOL, Wisconsin
One of my favorite players in the class, Biadasz is an old school nasty mauler on the interior. For a team that likes to run the ball as much as San Francisco, Biadasz would feel right at home. It’s hard to evaluate what the Niners’ biggest needs are after such a dominant year, so giving them arguably the best player available is always a good move.
#32: Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Matthew Judon has been the Ravens’ best pass-rusher this year, but he’s an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Whether or not the Ravens re-sign Judon, they should look to invest in another edge rusher. Lewis has the physical abilities to be a terror off the edge in Baltimore and rounds out the first round of this Week 15 NFL mock draft.
Round Two
Picks 33-43
33.) Cincinnati Bengals: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
34.) New York Giants: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
35.) Miami Dolphins: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
36.) Indianapolis Colts (via WAS): Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
37.) Arizona Cardinals: Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
38.) Detroit Lions: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
39.) Atlanta Falcons: Nick Harris, iOL, Washington
40.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
41.) New York Jets: Trey Adams, OT, Washington
42.) Denver Broncos: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
43.) Carolina Panthers: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Picks 44-54
44.) Los Angeles Chargers: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
45.) Chicago Bears (via OAK): Trey Smith, iOL, Tennessee
46.) Indianapolis Colts: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
47.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
48.) Cleveland Browns: Ashtyn Davis, Saf, California
49.) Philadelphia Eagles: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
50.) Chicago Bears: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
51.) Los Angeles Rams: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
52.) Tennessee Titans: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
53.) Dallas Cowboys: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
54.) Houston Texans: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Picks 55-64
55.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
56.) Minnesota Vikings: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
57.) Kansas City Chiefs: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
58.) Buffalo Bills: Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
59.) Seattle Seahawks: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
60.) Green Bay Packers: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
61.) Miami Dolphins (via NO): Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa
62.) Atlanta Falcons (via NE): Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
63.) Seattle Seahawks (via SF): Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
64.) Baltimore Ravens: Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Round Three
Picks 65-75
65.) Cincinnati Bengals: Lloyd Cushenberry III, iOL, LSU
66.) New York Jets (via NYG): Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
67.) Washington Redskins: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
68.) Miami Dolphins: Hamsah Nasirildeen, Saf, Florida State
69.) Detroit Lions: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
70.) Arizona Cardinals: Darryl Williams, iOL, Mississippi St.
71.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
72.) Atlanta Falcons: Shane Lemieux, iOL, Oregon
73.) New York Jets: Netane Muti, iOL, Fresno State
74.) Carolina Panthers: Brandon Jones, Saf, Texas
75.) Los Angeles Chargers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Picks 76-86
76.) Denver Broncos: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
77.) Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
78.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
79.) Cleveland Browns: Solomon Kindley, iOL, Georgia
80.) Philadelphia Eagles: Charles Snowden, LB, Virginia
81.) Oakland Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
82.) Oakland Raiders (via CHI): Carlos Basham Jr., Edge, Wake Forest
83.) Tennessee Titans: Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
84.) Los Angeles Rams: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
85.) Dallas Cowboys: Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt
86.) Denver Broncos (via PIT): Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Picks 87-96
87.) Cleveland Browns(via HOU): Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
88.) Minnesota Vikings: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
89.) Buffalo Bills: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi St.
90.) Kansas City Chiefs: JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
91.) Green Bay Packers: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
92.) Oakland Raiders (via SEA): Antoine Winfield Jr., Saf, Minnesota
93.) New England Patriots: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE ,Missouri
94.) New Orleans Saints: Gabe Davis, WR, UCF
95.) Denver Broncos (via SF): Logan Sternberg, iOL, Kentucky
96.) Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St.