NFL MOCK DRAFT 2020: ROUNDS 1 & 2

*I have purposely avoided trades in this mock draft. Trades are a common feature in the NFL Draft, and you can almost guarantee at least one shall crop up during the opening night of the draft weekend, but with players signing contracts left, right and centre just now it’s tougher to track team needs.

1: Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow – QB – Louisiana State

The biggest ‘no brainer’ of the 2020 NFL Draft. Cincy have never had an elite quarterback and need a young franchise guy to lead them for years to come. ‘Tanking for Tua’ was the tagline for purposely poor performing sides at the beginning of the 2019 season but with Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa picking up a couple more serious injuries last season, intertwined with Joe Burrow’s completely flawless Heisman year, he became the obvious pick.

2: Washington Redskins – Chase Young – DE – Ohio State

Chase Young may well be the best, most NFL ready guy in this year’s class. His quick hands and lightning fast footwork make him a nightmare to cover and poses a serious threat to opposition QB’s. Later in the season Chase was constantly double-teamed in order to eliminate him from the game, causing a great impact on his statistics but showing just how much teams fear him. Edge rushers aren’t the Redskins primary need, but you can’t pass up on a guy of Chase’s ability and potential.

3: Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah – CB – Ohio State

The Buckeyes continue to equip the NFL Draft with some of their most valued talents. Jeff Okudah is certainly one of them. Another individual who looks ready to start almost immediately, Okudah has the potential to fill the void left upon the Lions with their recent loss of Darius Slay.

4: New York Giants – Mekhi Becton – OT – Louisville

Eli’s gone; Daniel Jones is at the wheel now. A QB as inexperienced as ‘Danny Dimes’ needs time to work, which means beefing up the mediocre offensive line. Becton’s size appeals to many of the league’s GM’s, he’s a monster! Lighting up the NFL Combine Becton can not only protect Jones but will open gaps allowing the Giants to unleash their biggest weapon, Saquon Barkley. The Giants have needs all over the board but GM Dave Gettleman looks as though he’s fixing defensive woes in Free-Agency, he’s going O-Line here.

5: Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa – QB – Alabama

‘Tanking for Tua’. Here it is, Fins’ fans this is your reward for a year of anguish. Although Tagovailoa’s 2019 season had a very premature, tragic ending with his dislocated hip against Mississippi State, he remains one of the years hottest prospects. With the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic restricting Tua from visiting with NFL franchises, and not allowing scouts to track his recovery progress, doubts will continue to surround Tua’s longevity. One thing is for sure however, Tua’s ability should never be in doubt, when fit he is one of the most dangerous QB’s to have graced modern college football.

6: Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert – QB – Oregon

At 6ft 6’ and over 230 lbs, Justin Herbert (on paper) is a bigger athlete than Chargers’ legend Philip Rivers, who the team just parted with earlier this month. Herbert has terrific arm strength and good accuracy. Able to throw on the run and with great athletic ability for a young man his size, Herbert could be ready to start from week one if the Chargers opt for it, but he will need to prepare to release the ball quicker. Oregon’s O-Line protected Herbert during his time in the PAC-12 but the Chargers need to address that position soon.

7: Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons – LB – Clemson

Whoever lands this guy in the draft have basically got themselves two for one. Isaiah Simmons is maybe the most valuable guy in the draft due to his immense versatility. Simmons’ snaps by position look like this: 116 at Outside Line-backer, 299 at Inside Line-backer, 262 at Cornerback, 132 at Free-Safety, 100 at Strong-Safety. Carolina are crying out for someone to replace the face of their franchise Line-backer Luke Keuchly after his shock retirement. Simmons can be that guy and more! Along with Bradberry and Cockrell’s departures in the secondary, Simmons can be a fixture in that position too.

8: Arizona Cardinals – Tristan Wirfs – OT – Louisville

There are three kinds of QB’s who really need protection and a good offensive line. 1) terrible QB’s. 2) running QB’s. 3) inexperienced QB’s. Kyler Murray is two of those things, and he certainly isn’t terrible. Kyler loves to step up in the pocket and either run to gain yards or extend plays plus he’s just been handed a new toy to play with in WR DeAndre Hopkins. To get full advantage of both Murray and his receivers, the Cards will draft an offensive lineman. Wirfs is a 6ft 5’ unit at right guard who ‘won’ the NFL scouting combine breaking the record for his position with a 36.5 inch vertical, tied the record for the broad jump at 10ft 1’ and ran an O-Line best 4.85 40-yard dash.

9: Jacksonville Jaguars – C.J. Henderson – CB – Florida

The Jags were putting together their own ‘Legion of Boom’ a few years ago and came incredibly close to knocking down Tom Brady’s NE Patriots on the road in the AFC Championship game of January 2018. Since that almighty collapse Jacksonville have taken massive strides in the wrong direction. The cornerback pairing of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye are a distant memory to the handful of supporters Jacksonville cling onto. C.J. Henderson has been a pivotal figure in the Florida Gators resurgence of late. The second highest CB on most peoples draft boards, Henderson is local talent that can rejuvenate this defence.

10: Cleveland Browns – Grant Delpit – S – Louisiana State

The Cleveland Browns have a young defence and some very gifted young cornerbacks including last years second round pick Greedy Williams out of LSU. I have the Browns reuniting Williams with his old college teammate Grant Delpit. Damarious Randall is now off the books and leaves a hole at the safety position, there were talented options in free agency but Delpit is a very promising star and the Browns could add to their dangerous young secondary.

11: New York Jets – A.J. Epenesa – DE – Iowa

Last year the Jets pulled the trigger on a defensive end in the first round and I really wouldn’t be surprised if they repeated themselves this season. A.J. Epenesa is a freak of nature. At 6ft 5’ 275lbs Epenesa and last years’ first rounder Quinnen Williams can combine to be a dynamic duo in New York. Williams, slightly smaller (6ft 3’) and over 300lbs is a different type of Edge compared to the leaner and taller Epenesa who possesses great pace for his overwhelming frame. Both bring different platforms to the game.

12: Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb – WR – Oklahoma

With the move from Oakland to Las Vegas finalised the Raiders need some explosive players to bring in a regular fanbase. Sooners’ wide-receiver CeeDee Lamb was one of college footballs most electrifying wideouts last season. Lamb has the best hands in this year’s draft, his acrobatic side-line catching ability is of pro standard already, he has great speed for his 6ft 2’ frame and is a serious deep threat. The Antonio Brown experiment fell flat last offseason and the new Las Vegas Raiders are desperate for a franchise wideout to attract crowds.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Jeudy – WR – Alabama

Last season’s Super Bowl runners-up relied heavily on their run game as they charged through the play-offs. Jimmy Garoppolo was essentially a game manager, in the NFC Championship game Jimmy G attempted 8 passes, completing just 6. The 49ers have one of the games best Tight-Ends in Kittle and a handful of talented young receivers but with Emmanuel Sanders moving on in free agency, the Niners need to add more firepower for Garoppolo. Jerry Jeudy was neck and neck with Lamb as the draft’s top receivers, Lamb just pipped Jeudy but the former Bama star has incredible agility and racks up a lot of YAC (yards after catch). He is a terrific slot receiver with bags of pace and ready to start straight away.

14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas – OT – Georgia

Last year only four QB’s were sacked more than Jameis Winston (sacked 47 times in 2019). Tampa didn’t protect their guy enough and you could probably pin some of his 30 INT’s last season on being knocked about and throwing off balance. Jameis is out of there now and the goat, Tom Brady, has been brought in to fill seats and push for a play-off spot. Brady will be 43 by the time the 2020 season begins and is already quite fragile. The Buccs’ are looking offensive tackle to protect their man. Andrew Thomas was a huge factor in Georgia finishing 5^th in least sacks allowed in 2019. Just watch tape of the Bulldogs unstoppable run game to see how good 6ft 5’ 320 lbs Thomas was.

15: Denver Broncos – Patrick Queen – LB – Louisiana State

Denver’s devastating defence from their Super Bowl 50 winning season has slowly dissolved over the past few seasons. Von Miller still headlines the group along with the 5^th overall pick from 2018, OLB (outside line-backer) Bradley Chubb, but to get back to that dominant pass rushing D of five years ago they need help. LSU’s Patrick Queen was magnificent for the Tigers on their National Championship run last season; he can offer some support at ILB (inside line-backer). Significantly smaller than Chubb and Miller (both OLB) he would feature on the field at the same time, offering something different.

16: Atlanta Falcons – K’Lavon Chaisson – LB – Louisiana State

Listed as a line-backer, K’Lavon Chaisson is yet another highly rated draft prospect given his ability to rotate between his outside line-backer duties and push forward and assist on the defensive line. Chaisson is an explosive edge rusher, a position which Atlanta really need to look at this offseason. OLB DeVondre Campbell has just moved on to pastures new in Arizona and LSU’s playmaker Chaisson looks like a picture-perfect replacement.

17: Dallas Cowboys – Kristian Fulton – CB – Louisiana State

‘Dem Boyz’ recently acquired the tremendously named Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency but with the loss of Byron Jones at the cornerback position there is a gap. Fulton is just the latest in a long line of superb secondaries to learn the art of defending at ‘DBU (defensive back univ.)’ by the Bayou.

18: Miami Dolphins – D’Andre Swift – RB – Georgia

Another entertaining, star studded playmaker for the Dolphins to add for their ‘comeback season’. Many reporters and scouts have Swift as their number one running-back of 2020, and although I went in another direction (you’ll see later), it is easy to see why Swift will be the first RB off the board. Swift can do it all! You’re not just getting a halfback; you get a secret receiver too. D’Andre Swift loves to drift wide pre-snap and become an added passing option. Not to put you off his running ability, Swift has brilliant acceleration, clever footwork and the football brain of a 20-year veteran. With his strong build Swift will also chip in with some pass protection for the quarterback.

19: Las Vegas Raiders – Trevon Diggs – CB – Alabama

Last year, in his first season as Raiders GM, former NFL Draft analyst Mike Mayock spent four of the teams nine draft picks on players who featured in the College Football Play-Off Final. Clemson and Alabama have their respected dynasties for a reason, they have the nation’s top players. Trevon Diggs was a member of that Alabama roster that reached another championship final and although it ended in heartache for the Tide, Diggs remains one of the best defensive backs on offer when the draft takes place in Vegas next month. The Raiders are on the lookout for DB’s and with Mayock’s inclination towards CFP members, it makes sense.

20: Jacksonville Jaguars – Javon Kinlaw – DL – South Carolina

I had Jacksonville taking a cornerback (C.J. Henderson) at #9 due to Ramsey and Bouye both leaving Florida, two key members of the ‘Sacksonville’ squad of a few years ago. Unfortunately for the Jaguars’ fans, defensive woes don’t end in the secondary. Calais Campbell has departed and with Yannick Ngakoue franchise tagged and likely to follow, the defensive line has been hit hard. Javon Kinlaw has been tipped as a top 10 or 15 pick by some but with desperate needs elsewhere the Jags get an absolute steal at 20. The giant lineman puts a lot of pressure on QB’s and could start immediately.

21: Philadelphia Eagles – Henry Ruggs III – WR – Alabama

Ruggs was kicking himself after failing to shatter the 40-yard dash record at the recent NFL Combine but still impressed scouts with a blistering 4.27. Speed is a huge aspect of Ruggs’ game and provided a great downfield option for Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama. Like former teammate Jeudy, Ruggs is very dangerous after catching the ball, he can shimmy and slide out of reach before putting the burners on and racing downfield. A different option to this Eagles offense.

22: Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson – WR Louisiana State

Head coach Mike Zimmer is a defensive guy and one of the Vikings priorities is their secondary, but having just lost serious playmaker Stefon Diggs, I could see the Vikes shooting for a wideout early. Justin Jefferson of LSU tormented SEC defences last season. Jefferson finished second in receiving touchdowns in all of college football last year and really made a name for himself. Jefferson isn’t afraid to take a hit mostly due to his top ball security.

23: New England Patriots – Jordan Love – QB – Utah State

Quarterback of the New England Patriots? No pressure kid... As we all know Tom Brady is in Tampa now and the Pats search for a new QB is on. Jordan Love might not have been the biggest name in college football but a large amount of ‘NFL Comparisons’ have Love as the ‘new Mahomes’. Even though Mahomes is just 24… Love’s deep ball is impressive. He throws an accurate pass and can locate those tightest of windows. There is a lot of velocity in his passes. His footwork and scrambling ability give his game an extra edge. Decision making could be improved but his future is bright.

24: New Orleans Saints – Jedrick Wills – OT – Alabama

Jedrick Wills has been huge for Alabama during his college career. Tua Tagovailoa’s success in Tuscaloosa can be partially credited to his quality offensive line. With Brees heading back to New Orleans and at the tender age of 41 he needs wrapped up in as much cotton wool as possible. Wills can be that wool.

25: Minnesota Vikings – Damon Arnette – CB – Ohio State

Arnette was overshadowed by his DB counterpart Jeff Okudah at Ohio State last season but the stats from last year show that the two cornerbacks were almost similarly productive for the Buckeyes. Okudah defended just one more pass than Arnette last season (9>8) whilst the two recorded just as many total tackles with 35. The Vikings need to boost their secondary, especially after Xavier Rhodes just ended his six-year stint in Minneapolis.

26: Miami Dolphins – Yetur Gross-Matos – DE – Penn State

The latest inclusion to the South Beach revival is Edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos from the Penn State Nittany Lions. Gross-Matos moves so fluidly for a guy of his proportion, 6ft 5’ 266 lbs. Along with last years first rounder Christian Wilkins, the two DE’s can provide years of pain against AFC East QB’s.

27: Seattle Seahawks – Austin Jackson – OT – Southern California

Russell Wilson loves to move. Whether running to gain yards or just biding time to find a pass, Wilson needs as many extra seconds to work with as he can possibly get. Offensive line is a priority for the Hawks, and they can find a top-quality tackle in USC’s Austin Jackson.

28: Baltimore Ravens – Kenneth Murray – LB – Oklahoma

Most of the 2019 season Baltimore looked flawless. There aren’t many spots on the Ravens roster than need an upgrade, however with Matthew Judon’s future in doubt I could see the Ravens getting ready for his departure by selecting a line-backer. Kenneth Murray was a diamond in the rough that is an Oklahoma Sooners defence. Murray is a very aggressive LB who brings an unanticipated level of speed with his game.

29: Tennessee Titans – Ross Blacklock – DL – TCU

Tennessee were the surprise package of the AFC last season, but their defensive line is an issue that needs addressed. HC Mike Vrabel is a defensive minded guy and I could see him opting for a tough defensive tackle like TCU’s Ross Blacklock to strengthen his side. Blacklock is a unit and when he gets his hands wrapped round the ball carrier he doesn’t let go.

30: Green Bay Packers – Laviska Shenault – WR – Colorado

Why have one of the league’s best arms and most creative QB’s and not give him the tools to succeed. The Pack don’t know how long they have Rodgers for, so they ought to make the most of it and surround him with talented receivers in pursuit of another ring or two. Colorado’s Laviska Shenault is built like a running-back and whilst he can provide runs with end-arounds and lining up in the slot don’t underestimate his catching ability. He is a top receiver.  

31: San Francisco 49ers – Xavier McKinney – S – Alabama

The 49ers defence was one of the league’s best last year but their secondary is filled with more natural cornerbacks than safeties. With Bama’s Xavier McKinney still on the board this late in round one I feel the niners will be happy to snatch up a young safety to add to their impressive D.

32: Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Taylor – RB – Wisconsin

It might seem unfair that the Super Bowl winners, with the best QB in the league manage to land who I view as the best running-back in the 2020 NFL Draft. Kansas have a few decent running-backs in their roster but no superstar. Mahomes has enough receivers to succeed, as we all saw in February, but it’s scary to picture this Chiefs team, already on the brink of a dynasty, with the two-time Doak Walker (awarded to college’s top RB) winner Jonathan Taylor.

33: Cincinnati Bengals – Julian Okwara – DE – Notre Dame

The Bengals have needs everywhere, but the edge position is very bare. Notre Dame’s DE Julian Okwara just misses out on the 1^st round.

34: Indianapolis Colts – Tee Higgins – WR – Clemson

Indy lost their TE Eric Ebron and whilst they have a few good receivers on their books they will want to add some more talent for new QB Philip Rivers. Higgins is a terrific athlete with great hands and good vertical skills.

35: Detroit Lions – Terrell Lewis – DE – Alabama

The ‘Chase for Chase’ was on but the Redskins ‘won’ the higher draft pick. They took the highest DE going so Detroit went corner. The second round the Lions go DE to fix their problems. Lewis out of Bama is the top edge remaining.

36: New York Giants – Marlon Davidson – DT – Auburn

The Giants defence has been worrying for several years now although they have somewhat bolstered it in free agency so far signing a couple of LB’s. Their D-Line still needs work and Auburn’s Marlon Davidson can help.

37: Los Angeles Chargers – Isaiah Wilson – OT – Georgia

Georgia’s offensive line was top notch last season, Andrew Thomas was the standout guy, but Wilson also provided protection to the QB and a gap for their running-backs. L.A. just signed Bulaga at OT but he’s a big injury risk.

38: Carolina Panthers – Jaylon Johnson – CB – Utah

In round one I had the Panthers taking Isaiah Simmons, a LB who chips in with some CB play. Round two they do go CB though; Utah’s Jaylon Johnson is a nitty gritty hard-hitting cornerback and has NFL potential.

39: Miami Dolphins – Josh Jones – OT – Houston

Miami have got their franchise QB in Tua Tagovailoa and some tools for him to work with, but they need to keep him healthy, some tip Josh Jones as first round quality so the Fins will be happy to pick him up in round two.

40: Houston Texans – Jeff Gladney – CB – TCU

The Texans first pick is used on improving their poor secondary. They’re defensive line is sound, but the secondary does need work. Gladney remains in Texas and will battle it out for a starting spot.

41: Cleveland Browns – Zack Baun – LB – Wisconsin

Schobert has left ‘The Land’ and a gap at the line-backer position. The D-Line is quite good, and they’ve added to their secondary in round one so taking the tough Zack Baun from Wisconsin should help create a solid line on D.

42: Jacksonville Jaguars – Anfernee Jennings – LB – Alabama

Sacksonville’s rebuild continues, they improved their secondary, defensive line but now looks to make an upgrade at the line-backer position. Jennings is a very talented line-backer who recorded 83 tackles and 8 sacks last year.

43: Chicago Bears – Ashtyn Davis – S – Cal

From one Bears D to another. Ashtyn Davis is a very good athlete with great acceleration. Chicago lost safety Clinton-Dix and their options at corner are ageing. Davis could also convert into a cornerback under the right training.

44: Indianapolis Colts – Jacob Eason – QB – Washington

Indy were in the market for a quarterback but signed veteran Philip Rivers. Rivers only has a couple of years left; Eason has shown flashes of a QB ready to start in the pros but has a lot to work on. Rivers could mould Eason.

45: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – J.K. Dobbins – Ohio State

Tampa took a running-back in round two a couple of years ago (Ronald Jones of USC) but with the agile, tricky Dobbins still on the board, Tampa pull the trigger here and with his receiving ability this can help Tom Brady too.

46: Denver Broncos – Denzel Mims – WR – Baylor

I thought about Denver going QB here as their depth isn’t great and I’m unsure how convinced they are on Drew Lock but what they really lack is options for their QB. Denzel Mims can be another quick, go to guy.

47: Atlanta Falcons – Jake Fromm – QB – Georgia

Atlanta struggled last year and since his collapse in Super Bowl 51, Matt Ryan hasn’t lived up to the hype. Jake Fromm is going to stay in Georgia and give Ryan that competition he needs to get back to his best before taking over.

48: New York Jets – Prince Tega Wanogho – OT – Auburn

The Jets could do with adding to Darnold’s arsenal, but I think they go with protecting him first. Prince Tega Wanogho from Auburn can help cover Darnold and create an opening to unleash LeVeon.

49: Pittsburgh Steelers – Trey Adams – OT – Washington

Roethlisberger got a serious injury last season that kept him side-lined. Trey Adams was UW’s standout offensive lineman last year and is ready to go pro.

50: Chicago Bears – Brandon Aiyuk – WR – Arizona State

The Bears are loaded for TE’s, but they could go with some more receivers. Aiyuk from Arizona State has good feet and can gain more yards after the catch. He probably needs to fill more and get physical but is still a playmaker.

51: Dallas Cowboys – Raekwon Davis – DT – Alabama

Everything’s bigger in Texas, Raekwon Davis should fit right in. At 6ft 7’ and over 300 lbs, Davis can fit right in. Michael Bennett has moved on, as has Christian Covington, Raekwon Davis has first round potential, this is a good fit.

52: Los Angeles Rams – Cam Akers – RB – Florida State

Todd Gurley had two incredible seasons in Hollywood but unfortunately injuries have curtailed his career, at least at the top level. Akers has been the only shining star in FSU football lately, he’s tough, fast and nimble, this works.

53: Philadelphia Eagles – A.J. Terrell – CB – Clemson

Ignore Terrell’s tape against LSU in the National Championship and Philly can be very pleased with this. The Eagles recently signed Darius Slay but have had numerous departures in the secondary and need reinforcements.

54: Buffalo Bills – Jordan Elliot – DL – Missouri

Buffalo have a pretty solid defence although the defensive line could add some talent seeing as Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips have moved on, enter Elliot.

55: Baltimore Ravens – Jon Greenard – DE – Florida

Again, Baltimore don’t need to add too much to their roster, but their defence could use some more pass rushers and Greenard was one of the best in a fantastic Florida Gators defence.

56: Miami Dolphins – Jalen Reagor – WR – TCU

The Dolphins have added a QB, protected him with an offensive lineman, got a running-back to help and will now throw a new receiver into the mix. Reagor is a creative, speedy receiver who can also return punts and kick-offs.

57: Houston Texans – Justin Madubuike – DL – Texas A&M

The Texans have lost some key players in this spot over the years and although they boast J.J. Watt, one of the games best players, he is very injury prone and Madubuike can stay in the Lone Star State and offer cover.

58: Minnesota Vikings – Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB – Louisiana State

The Vikes already have Dalvin Cook but Helaire can be a different approach. He’s a tough back who isn’t afraid to lower his head and charge at opponents, but he also has a reputation as a receiving back too.

59: Seattle Seahawks – Noah Igbinoghene – CB – Auburn

The Seattle secondary hasn’t really been the same since the break-up of the legendary ‘Legion of Boom’. Igbonoghene has bags of potential and can also be used as a kick/punt returner.

60: Baltimore Ravens – Michael Pittman Jr – WR – Southern California

Michael Pittman is a great receiver that comes with safe hands and creativity. With the reigning league MVP, Lamar Jackson, Baltimore wouldn’t mind adding some more options at wide receiver.

61: Tennessee Titans – Ezra Cleveland – OT – Boise State

The Titans have got Derrick Henry, an absolute cheat code, adding to the offensive line can’t hurt.

62: Green Bay Packers – Cole Kmet – TE – Notre Dame

The receiving core is a big problem for Green Bay and they just moved on from veteran tight-end Jimmy Graham. Kmet is the top tight end in this year’s draft class and to pick him up late in the second round is good business for the Pack.

63: Kansas City Chiefs – Bryce Hall – CB – Virginia

The Chiefs could add more back-up in this area. Bryce Hall is a promising player. Prior to the 2019 season he was one of the highest cornerback prospects.

64: Seattle Seahawks – Antonio Gandy-Golden – WR – Liberty

The Hawks could use extra targets for Russell Wilson. Baldwin and Kearse leaving the team created a heavy workload for the remaining receivers. Gandy-Golden isn’t the most household name in the draft but his slender frame and impressive jump make him a nightmare one-on-one.