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2020 NFL Mock Draft 1: Todd McShay 🏈
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay's post-combine prediction for Round 1 picks
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The 2020 NFL combine is complete, leaving under two months of lead-up to the 2020 NFL draft in Las Vegas. Time for another mock draft.
The combine highlighted the abilities of the class' top prospects and helped a handful of players climb up my board. With every pre-draft event, the board becomes clearer and clearer, but there is still plenty of time for players to rise or fall through pro day showings and interviews, and for teams to finalize their rankings and preferences. And of course, free agency, the franchise tag period and looming trade talk will also resort each franchise's needs.
Here are my predictions coming out of the combine for all 32 first-round picks of the 2020 draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
What, you thought 9-inch hands were going to keep Burrow from Cincinnati? No chance. Burrow threw for 5,671 yards and completed 76.3% of his passes at LSU. He has elite pocket presence. And now he has quieted rumors that he might not suit up for the Bengals if they were to draft him. For a team desperately looking for a star to rebuild the franchise around, this makes too much sense. He'd be the fourth QB the Bengals have taken in the top-three picks of the draft (Carson Palmer, Akili Smith and Jack Thompson). And in addition to a new quarterback, some more good news for Cincy fans: The Bengals are reportedly looking to franchise tag A.J. Green, meaning the Heisman QB will have a proven weapon on the outside.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Washington is super happy it's Cincinnati picking at No. 1. Any team not in obvious need of a quarterback would probably be running to the podium to draft Young first overall, but instead, the Redskins land him at No. 2. He's the best player in the draft and one of the best pass-rushers I've ever scouted. Yes, the Redskins had 46 sacks last season (10th in the NFL), but they won't pass up the opportunity to add a pass-rusher of this caliber. Young had 16.5 sacks to lead the nation despite missing two games, and he could take a middle-of-the-road passing defense to the next level.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Any team would love to add an explosive cornerback with excellent ball skills. But a team that managed just seven interceptions and gave up a league-worst 284.4 passing yards per game in 2019? A team potentially losing Rashaan Melvin to free agency and putting Darius Slay on the trading block? That sort of team needs to do it. Okudah is perfect for what Detroit needs right now: He brings size, versatility and elite athleticism, shown by his 41-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad jump at the combine. Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson could be in play here too, but Okudah would be an immediate impact player for the Lions, and the fit is right.
4. New York Giants
Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson
The Giants defense needs everything, and everything is exactly what Simmons brings to the table. He was a factor in every single statistical area in 2019 for the Tigers, and his blazing 4.39-second time in the 40, wild 39-inch vertical and ridiculous 11-foot broad jump took Indianapolis by storm. It was one of the best workouts we've ever seen from a linebacker. A converted safety, Simmons fits what NFL teams are looking for today and can affect so many areas of the game. New York handed 28.2 points per game to opponents last season, more than all but two other teams. Let's jump start the defensive rebuild with a true difference-maker.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
March 9 and April 9 are the key dates for this pick. First, Tagovailoa is expecting to get full medical clearance in March after a serious hip injury sidelined him for four months. Then NFL teams will get their first look at the Alabama lefty throwing the ball at the Crimson Tide pro day in April. When he's right, Tagovailoa is special. He has incredible accuracy and some twitch to him. I love the way he reads a defense. The question is whether the Dolphins feel comfortable with Tagovailoa's injury history and durability. I said recently that if I were promised 10 years of good health for both, I'd take Tua over Burrow. He's that good. And with Ryan Fitzpatrick still in town, Tagovailoa could be afforded a nice adjustment period to the NFL.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Open up that wallet, Mel. I bet Kiper that Love is going to be drafted before Oregon's Justin Herbert, and I'm going with him here to the QB-needy Chargers. Love's 2019 season won't excite too many folks -- he managed just 20 touchdowns to 17 interceptions -- but you have to remember that the Aggies lost nine players off their offense, plus the full offensive staff. In apples-to-apples situations, like the Senior Bowl and the combine, Love stood out. He has a huge arm, strong instincts and mobility in the pocket. NFL teams want quarterbacks who can create in today's game, and that's exactly what Love does. Philip Rivers won't be back, and Tyrod Taylor could act as a bridge to Love.
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
I had Brown to Carolina in my last mock draft, and I'm not changing anything with this pick now -- even though the Panthers would be tempted by one of the terrific offensive tackles on the board after surrendering 58 sacks last season. The same front-seven concerns are still there. Gerald McCoy, Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin and Vernon Butler are all free agents, Luke Kuechly is off to retirement and the Panthers gave up 143.5 rushing yards per game (fourth-worst in the league) last season. For a 6-5, 326-pound tackle, Brown can move. Along with 2019 first-rounder Brian Burns, he would be a big piece in refurbishing the front seven.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Linemen weighing in at 364 pounds aren't supposed to run 5.10-second 40 times. Becton has versatility and power, and he obviously moves extremely well for his massive 6-7 frame. And if you're the Cardinals, you can't let your 5-10 franchise mobile quarterback continue to take 50 sacks per season. They just locked up D.J. Humphries -- the team's last first-round offensive line selection (2015) -- to a new contract, but Marcus Gilbert is headed toward free agency. It's time to invest another high pick in that line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Wirfs, Cam Robinson and 2019 second-rounder Jawaan Taylor would be a very strong trio of tackles for the Jaguars, and Wirfs could pop inside to guard if Jacksonville decides to go this route. He is 6-5, 320 but leapt 36.5 inches in the vertical jump -- higher than DeAndre Hopkins did at his 2013 combine -- in addition to recording a 10-foot-1 broad jump and running a 4.85 in the 40 in Indianapolis. Did I mention he's 320 pounds? Edge rusher would be a reach at No. 9, and while the Jags could use another receiver, it isn't a pressing need. So the athletic Wirfs makes sense as another asset on that line, driving defenders off the ball and protecting Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II or whoever else is throwing the passes in 2020 and beyond.
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
The Browns also need offensive line help for Baker Mayfield in Year 3, especially since Greg Robinson is a free agent. Enter Wills, who has good size and versatility. Yes, that's three offensive tackles in a row, all in the top 10. That's how good this class is. Wills is a nasty finisher, and he ran an impressive 5.05 in the combine 40 at 312 pounds. He is a two-year starter at Alabama and outplayed the highly touted Alex Leatherwood for much of the 2019 season. I think he'd be a great fit as Robinson's replacement.
11. New York Jets
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jets go offensive line here. But rather than reaching here after those three tackles went off the board, let's get Sam Darnold someone to throw to -- especially since Robby Anderson might suit up elsewhere in 2020. Jeudy is a masterful route runner and tracks the deep ball extremely well. He'd be an instant target for Darnold in a passing game that was one of four to average fewer than 200 yards and score fewer than 20 touchdowns last season.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Raiders of course dealt Amari Cooper to the Cowboys 18 months ago, and the Antonio Brown experience didn't work out last summer. And Tyrell Williams isn't a No. 1 option. So there is a glaring need at receiver for the Raiders in Year 1 in Las Vegas, and this class features multiple elite talents at the position. Lamb knows how to create separation and is terrific after the catch. Derek Carr has had success in the past when given legitimate receivers to work with, and Lamb paired with Darren Waller and Williams should put the seventh-year QB in a better spot.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
In the first season since Andrew Luck shockingly retired, the Colts' passing game averaged 194.3 yards per game, third-worst in the league, under Jacoby Brissett. Luck had them at No. 6 in the NFL the previous season, and the aerial attack flameout left the Colts at 7-9 in a division that featured two playoff teams. A change under center is likely needed. Brissett has another year on his deal, and that'll be important. Herbert needs a little more time. The 6-6 gunslinger tested well at the combine and lit up the Senior Bowl in January, but consistency concerns haven't gone away. He has the physical traits you want in a quarterback, including a big arm and mobility, but questions about whether he can lead an NFL offense explain why Herbert is available to the Colts at No. 13.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Swift is explosive, and while Ronald Jones II looked good at moments in 2019, the Bucs could use some explosion in the run game. Hand him the ball, and watch him make one cut and turn on his 4.48 40 speed. Tampa Bay was bottom-third in rushing last season and ranked 17th in receptions by running backs. Swift, one of the best pass-catching RBs in the class, would help in both areas. But keep an eye on QB and edge rusher too. If Jameis Winston doesn't return and Love or Herbert slide, this could be a good landing spot. And with all of the Bucs' potential losses to their pass rush, reaching for someone such as LSU defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson here could be in play.
15. Denver Broncos
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Alabama safety Xavier McKinney would help lessen a potential free-agency loss of Justin Simmons, while Florida's CJ Henderson would be a solid replacement for Chris Harris Jr. at corner. And South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw could drop into a defensive line losing a few pieces, though he is more of a 4-3 interior guy than a true 3-4 nose tackle. But with Ruggs and his fighter jet 4.27 speed still on the board, I'm getting a burner opposite Courtland Sutton for second-year quarterback Drew Lock. Ruggs is explosive and has a skill set that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur can design plays around. With some development to his route running and some tacked-on strength, Ruggs has the chance to be special in the NFL and could instantly be a favorite target of the big-armed Lock.
16. Atlanta Falcons
K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
I considered Kinlaw here too, and even pondered reaching for Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet, but the Falcons really need an edge rusher. Vic Beasley Jr. is leaving in free agency, and Adrian Clayborn might join him. Takkarist McKinley's future in Atlanta beyond this coming season is hazy, as well. Chaisson surged late in the 2019 campaign as an athletic pass-rusher with speed. If he adds some power, my second-ranked edge rusher could be a great get for the Falcons in the middle of the first round. They tied for second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season with 28.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
We'll have more of a tell on what the Cowboys might do at No. 17 after free agency. They have a quartet of players in need of new deals (Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, Byron Jones and Robert Quinn), and whoever is the odd man out will leave behind an opening. Henderson, for instance, would make sense as a replacement at corner for Jones. But that secondary is already looking for help on the back end. Xavier Woods is a capable safety, but with Darian Thompson, Kavon Frazier and Jeff Heath all pending free agents, the other spot is wide open. Dallas hasn't had a high-impact safety like McKinney, who had 95 tackles and pulled in three interceptions last season, in years. His 4.63 40 time was a bit disappointing, but McKinney does have some range to his game, and he is super instinctive.
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
After getting their coveted quarterback earlier, the Dolphins bring in a talented cornerback to line up opposite Xavien Howard. It is another spot where I would have liked to finally take Kinlaw off the board, but after drafting Christian Wilkins last year, the interior defensive line isn't very high on the lengthy list of weaknesses in need of addressing. While Nik Needham and Eric Rowe teamed up for 20 passes defended and three interceptions in 2019, Miami needs a smooth, athletic corner such as Henderson. He posted a 4.39 in the 40 and has good ball skills.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
This is a big win for the Raiders, who already took an elite receiver in Lamb at No. 12 and now get a physical freak of nature in the middle of the defensive line. Kinlaw has power and twitch, and his Senior Bowl performance a month ago showed us all just how dominant he can be on the interior. Raiders coach Jon Gruden would love to drop Kinlaw in the middle of that line and team him up with 2019 picks Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby to create havoc for opponents. The Raiders tied for the eighth-fewest sacks in 2019 (32), but it was a big improvement from their 13 in 2018. Kinlaw will not only help that pass rush make the next step but also help keep the run defense a team strength.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Blacklock has very good size and power, and he'd go a long way in improving what was one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last season. The Jaguars opted to decline Marcell Dareus' contract option for 2020, and Taven Bryan hasn't worked out well in Jacksonville. Tackle is a huge need. That said, if Yannick Ngakoue does indeed play elsewhere next season, the Jags could look at someone like A.J. Epenesa to replenish the edge.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Only the Ravens had fewer receiving yards from their wide receiver corps than the Eagles, and Greg Ward Jr. was the No. 1 option at the end of the 2019 season after injuries downed Philadelphia's top three outside weapons. Alshon Jeffery isn't getting any younger, and Nelson Agholor is a pending free agent. The Eagles' 27-year-old quarterback Carson Wentz is in his prime and has no one to throw to outside the numbers. Jefferson posted 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, looked great at the combine and has a high-end ability to find pockets in coverage and generate separation.
22. Buffalo Bills
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Let's find Josh Allen a receiver to pair with John Brown. I thought about Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State), but his game is very similar to Brown's. What the Bills want instead is a big, strong receiver who can make tough contested catches and create matchup problems in the red zone. Enter Higgins, with his 6-4, 216-pound frame. He will come down with any ball thrown his way and then make defenders miss with his strength. The Bills also will be looking for offensive linemen, but the value isn't right at No. 22. And while they could also use a running back to pair with Devin Singletary, that's a position that can be addressed on Day 2.
23. New England Patriots
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
The Patriots recorded 47 sacks last season, so pass rush isn't any form of weakness in Foxborough. But Epenesa is a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end replacement for Trey Flowers one year after Flowers signed with Detroit. He plays right around 280 pounds and with power, making up for a lack of explosiveness (he ran a 5.04-second 40 at the combine). Epenesa finished his final Iowa season with eight sacks in five games, but his ability to set the edge against the run shouldn't be discounted. While the Patriots might need an interior offensive lineman or safety, with Joe Thuney and Devin McCourty set to be free agents, the value isn't as strong at No. 23. And don't expect coach Bill Belichick to draft a receiver in the first round in back-to-back years despite a desire to upgrade there, too.
24. New Orleans Saints
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Part of the reason Michael Thomas caught 147 balls and had 28 more targets than anyone else in the NFL in 2019 is he is ridiculously talented at football. The other reason? The Saints have long needed a quality No. 2 wideout option. Aiyuk averaged 18.3 yards after the catch last season at Arizona State, and his strong combine workout showcased the kind of explosion he'd bring to the table for Drew Brees and New Orleans. As an added bonus, Aiyuk has plenty of versatility in where he lines up and can also return kicks.
25. Minnesota Vikings
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Diggs is ultraversatile and has really good closing burst. And since he grew up playing wide receiver like his brother Stefon -- a future teammate in Minnesota in this scenario -- Diggs has excellent ball skills as well. Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Marcus Sherels are all free agents, and 29-year-old Xavier Rhodes struggled all season. The Vikings had 17 interceptions last season, tied for the third most in the NFL, and coach Mike Zimmer isn't afraid to draft a Day 1 cornerback (two since 2015) to keep that secondary strong amid potential losses.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
These guys again? Having three first-round picks allows a rebuilding team to work on multiple areas. So with Tagovailoa tagged as the quarterback of the future and Henderson helping out the defense, the Dolphins can bring in the big 6-5, 319-pound Jones to shore up an offensive line that tied for the most sacks allowed last season (58). That's not the kind of number you want to see if you're about to hand over the reins at QB to an oft-injured player coming off a devastating hip injury -- especially one you just invested a top-five pick in. Jones is tough to beat in pass protection and is very athletic for his size.
27. Seattle Seahawks
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Jadeveon Clowney might not return after his season under the franchise tag, and Ziggy Ansah is a free agent after barely playing in 2019. Seattle really needs to add an edge rusher -- 2019 first-rounder L.J. Collier was disappointing in Year 1 -- especially as it deals with other free-agency concerns within the front seven (Jarran Reed, Al Woods, Quinton Jefferson and Mychal Kendricks are headed toward the open market). The Seahawks tied for second-fewest sacks in the NFL (28) last year, but Gross-Matos is an above-average pass-rusher who had 9.5 sacks last season with the Nittany Lions. He might need a little time to develop and refine his game, but he has a chance to be a problem for opponents when turned loose.
28. Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen, ILB, LSU
Either Queen or Oklahoma's Kenneth Murray make sense for the Ravens here, but I give the slight edge to Queen at the moment. He has 4.50 speed and posted 85 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, last season with the national champion Tigers. A playmaking linebacker in the middle of the defense could take the unit to a whole other level in 2020 -- Baltimore never really replaced C.J. Mosley in that role. Josh Bynes and Patrick Onwuasor are both free agents, so landing Queen at No. 28 would be a perfect marriage of talent, value and need for a Baltimore team that will again be contending for the Super Bowl.
29. Tennessee Titans
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Titans' offensive line allowed 56 sacks (third most in the NFL) in 2019, and now Jack Conklin is looking as if he won't be back. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was a revelation for the Titans last season, but Tennessee can improve the protection around him. Sure, Tennessee has other issues to consider: Running back (Ohio State's J.K. Dobbins), linebacker (Murray), cornerback (Auburn's Noah Igbinoghene) and tight end (Kmet) could all be positions to watch depending on what happens with this month's free-agency period. But it also has no choice but to do something about the line. Thomas is a powerful tackle with natural ability, and if developed properly, he could go a long way toward cleaning up the team's pass protection.
30. Green Bay Packers
KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
So we're doing this again? Still screaming for the Packers to find Aaron Rodgers some help? You bet. I did so a year ago too, but when they opted to take two defensive players with their two Round 1 picks, I couldn't criticize the moves too much because of who was still on the board and the high-end talent of the two guys they did take (Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage). But now, Green Bay can't kick this problem down the road anymore. It needs someone opposite Davante Adams. And while Hamler didn't work out at the combine, he has some serious wheels. A burner like him in an offense with Rodgers, Adams and Aaron Jones would be a lot of fun to watch.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Jimmie Ward is due for free agency, and while Delpit didn't litter the box scores in Death Valley last season, he does have size, speed, instincts and ball skills at safety. To get back to the Super Bowl, coach Kyle Shanahan needs to keep his strength -- the defense -- a strength and continue adding valuable pieces to it. Delpit is effective as an overhang, playing a little closer to the line of scrimmage, and he'd be an asset for the Niners. Other directions might include cornerback depth (Igbinoghene would work here) or wide receiver.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Yet another possible landing spot for Igbinoghene or even LSU's Kristian Fulton, Kansas City again needs some cornerback help. But even with the Chiefs placing the franchise tag on Chris Jones, they could still move him (as they did last year with Dee Ford). Consider Madubuike insurance right now in case they suddenly have a hole in the middle of that line. We will know much more about the team's plan at defensive tackle when we hit April, but for now, I'm taking an athletic interior guy who had 11.5 tackles for loss last season and then ran a smoking 4.83 in the 40-yard dash at 293 pounds at the combine.
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