Mock Draft #2
Mock Draft 2.0
Post Free Agency Edition
Here we go ladies and gentleman. My second installment of the 2020 NFL mock draft. In this edition I put more of an emphasis on what I would do if I were putting my GM hat on for these teams. So you will see less quarterbacks in this mock then will probably actually go in the real draft, as I am not very high on this year's QB class. I individualized every team's specific situation and gave them players who I thought provided value at each draft slot. Oh and I added the second round so all of the teams could be represented in this mock. No need for thanks, I am a man of the people! Without further ado Mock Draft 2.0!
ROUND 1
1.CINCINNATI BENGALS: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Not much to discuss here. Burrow is coming off of quite possibly the best season by a QB in NCAA history. The Bengals should be more than ready to move on from Andy Dalton and start a new era of football.
2.WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Tua Tagovialoa, QB, Alabama
I wasn’t high on QB Dwayne Haskins going into last year's draft and he did nothing to change my mind in his rookie season in the NFL. If I’m the Redskins I pull the trigger on Tua ala the Cardinals drafting Kyler Murray despite already having top 10 pick Josh Rosen on the roster. Despite Rosen having a pretty rough rookie year they were still able to get a 2nd round for him.
3.DETROIT LIONS: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St.
With Tua gone there shouldn’t be many teams calling with trades worth passing on Young. Head coach Matt Patricia’s seat is pretty damn hot and he needs players that will come in and immediately help the Lions make a playoff push or else Patricia will be looking for defensive coordinator jobs next off-season.
4.NEW YORK GIANTS: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
This is where the draft really opens up as the Giants could go in a number of directions here. Who they take will have a ripple effect on the rest of the top half of the first round. I actually think the Giants should trade down with a team thirsty to add high end talents like Okudah or Simmons, as they would still be able to land their coveted offensive tackle.
5.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The flurry of veteran signings in free agency suggest the Dolphins may be looking to contend a lot sooner than many anticipated them to. With Tom Brady out of the division now is as good a time as any. With that being said the only addition to a putrid O-Line was Ereck Flowers. Wills gives them a ready made OT for either side of their line.
6.LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The veteran additions of Trai Turner, Linval Joseph and Chris Harris suggest the Chargers front office believes this roster is ready to compete for a championship. They are fools if they think they are doing that with Tyrod Taylor at QB. (Trust me chargers fans) This should put them in the veteran QB market (Cam Newton Anyone???) Whoever is under center is working behind a pretty bad O-Line. Turner was a good start but they need a lot more help. Enter Wirfs who can play either guard or tackle.
7.CAROLINA PANTHERS: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St.
Easy pick for the Panthers as the second rated defensive player on my board falls to them at 7. Okudah will come right in and not only replace, but provide an upgrade over departed CB James Bradberry.
8.ARIZONA CARDINALS: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Cards addressed a big need with the acquisition of WR DeAndre “NUK” Hopkins. They continue to get support for second year signal caller Kyler Murray in Becton. He can slide into the RT spot and help this offense take the next step forward.
9.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Jags take full advantage of the Cardinals no longer needing a WR and snag Lamb for themselves. Assuming Gardner Minshew is their future I think Lamb is a better fit for him and that offense than Jerry Jeudy with his size and RAC ability.
10.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The Browns were really hoping that one of the “Big Four” offensive tackles fell to them at 10. Simmons is no consolation prize however. He is the most talented player available and helps them at two positions of need, as he can play both safety and linebacker. He adds to a very talented young nucleus on that defense.
11.NEW YORK JETS: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Jets did some work adding to the interior of their offensive line. The tackle spots are still in dire need of some help however. Like the Browns they missed out on the top of this OT class. Lucky for them the best WR in this class is still available, giving Sam Darnold a much needed #1 option.
12.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Jon Gruden’s face turns bright red as Jeudy is plucked from his grasp one pick earlier. So he pivots to the CB group which has plenty of talent available. There are many varying opinions on who the #2 CB is in this class. My vote goes to Fulton who hails from “DB-U”. He is a smooth player with good size that will be perfect in that defense.
13.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
The Niners acquired this pick when they traded away DL DeForest Buckner. They use the pick to get his replacement. Kinlaw is a bully on the inside who can do plenty of damage playing along the likes of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford.
14.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The monumental signing of QB Tom Brady immediately gives the Bucs a championship window, albeit small. They need to get this roster ready for a playoff push. The Bucs defense seemed to make major strides in the second half of last season. They will need to get some reinforcements for a leaky O-Line that will now be protecting 40 plus year old Brady. Jones is a plug and play option at either tackle spot and will immediately give a boost to that line.
15.DENVER BRONCOS: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
The Broncos used free agency to bolster their defense with additions of CB AJ Bouye and DL Jurrell Casey. They should use the draft to get some support for their young QB Drew Locke. None of the offensive linemen would be a great value at this point in the draft. So we turn to WR to provide Locke with an explosive weapon opposite WR Courtland Sutton.
16.ATLANTA FALCONS: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
CB was a need for the Dirty Birds before they parted ways with Desmond Trufant. With the signing of Edge Dante Fowler they can focus on this need in the draft and grab Henderson, who should immediately step in and assume the #1 CB role. Henderson is a great athlete with really good man to man coverage skills. He will sometimes play too aggressive and get caught out of position but the Falcons should be very happy with this pick.
17.DALLAS COWBOYS: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
With CB Byron Jones leaving in free agency the Cowboys are in need of a #1 CB. Diggs fits the bill with adequate size and coverage skills to succeed at the NFL level.
18.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
This is a case where the Dolphins decide to go “best talent available”. Every team is looking for that “do it all” safety who can cover tight ends, help in the run game, blitz and cover the deep parts of the field. Delpit has the tools to provide just that to a team. Although I think he would be best used as a roaming box safety. While I would not compare him to Derwin James, as he doesnt have the instincts James does. I think he would be best in that type of role.
19.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
The Raiders missed out on the top two WR with their first pick. But they will be very happy with Mims, who I have as the third rated WR prospect in the class. Size, speed, hands, route running, body control - Mims has everything you would want in a top target and should mesh well with QB Derek Carr’s skill set.
20.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
After addressing the offense with their first pick, the Jags replenish the interior of their defensive line which has lost both Marcel Dareus and Calais Campbell this offseason. Brown will immediately come in and be a force against the run with the potential to add some pop to the pass rush.
21.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
It seems like since the dinosaurs roamed the earth that the Eagles have been in need of CB and WR. That hasn’t changed this year as their CB group leaves a lot to be desired. Their WR group is getting old and banged up and it seems as if the relationship between the team and Alshon Jeffery has soured. Despite those needs McKinney provides them with the best value with this pick at a new position of need after the team moved on from S Malcolm Jenkins.
22.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
The Vikings got this pick by trading away WR Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills obviously making WR a need coming into this draft. CB is a much bigger need however, as they have lost their top three CB from last year. Johnson is an underrated CB in a very deep class that can immediately step in and provide some much needed support in the secondary.
23.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: AJ Epenesa, Edge, Iowa
The shock of the offseason was QB Tom Brady leaving the Patriots. This leaves a meteor sized hole at the QB position. I definitely believe they will bring in a QB prospect in this draft but I don’t see it happening in the first round. Instead they grab a falling Epenesa who is the exact type of prospect they have had success with over the years. A versatile defender that Belichick will get the most out of. The Pats get great value with this pick.
24.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
The signing of WR Emmanuel Sanders allows the Saints to look at other positions in the first round of the draft. They take advantage and grab a talented edge rusher who falls a bit in this mock and continue to reinforce a super bowl caliber roster.
25.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Vikings use their second pick in the first round to replace the traded Stefon Diggs. In Higgins they get a big bodied, super skilled WR with the tools to win from the outside. A perfect compliment to the slot oriented Adam Theilen.
26.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
I personally don’t have a first round grade on Herbert but he is too talented for a team not to take him in round one. With an abundance of picks in the first two rounds Miami would be a perfect team to take a chance on Herbert. With QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on the roster coach Brian Flores could bring Herbert along as fast, or slow as he’d like.
27.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise St.
Trying to figure out what the Seahawks will do on draft day is nearly impossible. They love trading back and always seem to draft a player that no one saw coming. Nor did most, if any, have that player as a round one prospect. With needs all over the O-line as usual, Cleveland is just that type of prospect who is gaining buzz after a good showing at the combine.
28.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Ravens could really use some athleticism at the LB spot having never truly replaced CJ Mosely. They get the pick of the litter here with Murray who oozes athleticism and should step right into being a three down LB right in the middle of that defense. The rich get richer!!
29.TENNESSEE TITANS: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Having to replace free agent CB Logan Ryan, the Titans grab Gladney who is a physical, in your face corner that coach Vrabel will LOVE!!! The Titans believe the playoff run they had last season was legit and are running it back. This pick keeps things moving without any setbacks.
30.GREEN BAY PACKERS: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
After losing LB Blake Martinez to the Giants, the Packers have a hole to fill in the middle of that defense. While I think Queen is a bit raw as a prospect, he’s a really good athlete that profiles as a three down LB that can be a weapon in coverage. QB Aaron Rodgers will have to wait for his WR help.
31.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
CB is a quiet need for the Niners with Richard Sherman in the twilight of his career. Emmanuel Moseley showed some promise last year but beyond him the rest of the group is pretty average. While I dont think Terrell has the upside of some of the other prospects in this class, he should be a very good player for this defense for years to come.
32.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin
Although he is most commonly listed as an edge defender, I don’t necessarily see him there full time. He offers some versatility off the ball and in coverage as well as getting pressure off the edge. Fortunately for the Chiefs they could use some help in all of these areas. Having versatile players who can fill multiple roles, specifically on defense is how you keep championship windows open.
ROUND 2
33.CINCINNATI BENGALS: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
34.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
35.DETROIT LIONS: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
36.NEW YORK GIANTS: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn St.
37.LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Netani Muti, G, Fresno St.
38.CAROLINA PANTHERS: Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
39.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame
40.HOUSTON TEXANS: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St.
41.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Antoine Winfield Jr, S, Minnesota
42.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
43.CHICAGO BEARS: Jalen reagor, WR, TCU
44.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise St.
45.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
46.DENVER BRONCOS: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
47.ATLANTA FALCONS: JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio St.
48.NEW YORK JETS: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
49.PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
50.CHICAGO BEARS: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi St.
51.DALLAS COWBOYS: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn St.
52.LOS ANGELES RAMS: Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama
53.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Michael Pittman, WR, USC
54.BUFFALO BILLS: Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah
55.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan
56.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
57.HOUSTON TEXANS: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
58.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
59.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Kyle Dugger, S
60.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
61.TENNESSEE TITANS: Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
62.GREEN BAY PACKERS: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
63.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
64.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame