Each year, there are many questions and many moves to consider as the clock clicks down to zero. Here are things to keep in mind as we prepare for NFL Draft 2020.
Questions loom, big questions, too.
–Which team, if any, will move up in the Draft to get their franchise quarterback?
–How many teams are willing to trade down to acquire more draft picks?
It seems set in stone that the Bengals will take Heisman-winning quarterback, Joe Burrow, with the top overall pick. But make no mistake about this: some analysts aren’t high on Burrow. Why? His stock value is based on one collegiate season–an outstanding season, but….
If the Bengals aren’t completely dedicated to Burrow, then they can easily find a number of teams who’d love to take him … and give Cincy a king’s ransom in exchange. Take the Dolphins, a team that has three 1st round picks this year. Another team is the Redskins, who hold the 2nd overall pick of the Draft.
In addition to Burrow, another player getting solid looks is that pass-rushing beast from Ohio State, Chase Young. He’s a man amongst boys, a pass-rushing, run-stopping defensive lineman who’d yield value for any team. Just look at how the 49ers cashed-in on Nick Bosa. Bosa, the 2nd overall pick in 2019, helped carry the Niners to the 2020 Super Bowl.
The ‘Skins are very much in the same position as the Bengals. Both teams can benefit from high draft picks. Miami is sitting there with three 1st round selections, and Washington can potentially get two or three top-tier players as opposed to one.
Keep in mind that the Redskins are also dealing with their own QB situation. New head coach Ron Rivera was not part of the brain trust that drafted Dwyane Haskins. Is it possible, then, that the team will take a QB at #2? I doubt it. And I also doubt whether one player on defense–even one that’s as good as Chase Young–will change an entire franchise.
Generally, only a quarterback can turn around a franchise quickly. As incredible as Nick Bosa played in the Super Bowl, the opposing quarterback–Patrick Mahomes–won that game.
And what about those teams that don’t have the luxury of high picks in the first round? Take the Colts. Indy has the 34th and 44th pick, and the team may try to get into the first round for a wide receiver it covets. The Steelers is another team that will pick low, #49 to be specific. And without much to offer other teams, the Steelers will have to hope they can find a playmaker with a late 2nd round selection.
Then there’s the Rams. LAR will have to wait for the 52nd overall pick because of the Cooks’ trade. But now Cooks is gone to the Texans (his fourth team in a seven-year career) to replace DeAndre Hopkins, who was sent to the desert in Arizona.
My, on my, the Rams! LAR lost Todd Gurley II and Goff regressed last season. With the lack of offensive weapons, the Rams will need to find at least one pass-catcher to complement the up-and-down Robert Woods and injury-prone Cooper Kupp. To me, it was stunning to watch the Rams go so quickly from royalty to court jester.
Now for my final slate of first-round picks. As you’ll see below, there are a decent number of trades in my Mock Draft. And while you’re looking over my picks, please click this link to listen to The Route 4 Sports Podcast – NFL Mock Draft. My co-hosts and I make each pick in the first round. Put your Mock Draft against ours!
Enjoy!
1. Bengals – Joe Burrow QB (LSU)
2. Dolphins – Tua Tagaviaola QB (ALA) – trade via Redskins
3. Lions – Chase Young DE (OHIO ST)
4. Giants – Isaiah Simmons LB (CLEMSON)
5. Redskins – Jeffrey Okudah CB (OHIO ST) – trade via Dolphins
6. Chargers – Justin Herbert QB (OREGON)
7. Panthers – Derrick Brown DL (AUBURN)
8. Cardinals – Jedrick Wills Jr. OL (ALA)
9. Raiders – Henry Ruggs III WR (ALA) – trade via Jaguars
10. Browns – Tristan Wirfs OL (IOWA)
11. Jets – CeeDee Lamb WR (OKLA)
12. Jaguars – Jordan Love QB (UTAH ST) – trade via Raiders
13. 49ers – Jerry Jeudy WR (ALA) – trade via Colts (Deforest Buckner Deal)
14. Bucs – Mekhi Becton OL (LOU)
15. Eagles – Justin Jefferson WR (LSU) – trade via Broncos
16. Falcons – C.J. Henderson CB (FLA)
17. Cowboys – Xavier McKinnley S (ALA)
18. Redskins – Javon Kinlaw DL (South Carolina) – trade via Dolphins
19. Jaguars – Yetur Gross-Matos DE (PENN ST)
20. Jaguars – Andrew Thomas OL (GA) – trade via Rams (Jalen Ramsey Deal)
21. Broncos – Kristian Fulton CB (LSU) – trade via Eagles
22. Vikings – A.J. Terrell CB (CLEMSON) – trade via Bills (Stephon Diggs Deal)
23. Patriots – Kenneth Murray LB (OKLA)
24. Saints – Grant Delpit S (LSU)
25. Vikings – Josh Jones OL (HOU)
26. Dolphins – Brandon Alyuk WR (ARZ ST)
27. Seahawks – A.J. Epenesa DE (IOWA)
28. Ravens – Tee Higgins WR (CLEMSON)
29. Titans – K’Lavon Chaisson DE (LSU)
30. Packers – Zack Baun LB (WISC)
31. 49ers – Jeff Gladney CB (TCU)
32. Chiefs – Trevon Diggs CB (ALA)
