Mock Draft Edition 3

NFL 2020 MOCK DRAFT 3.0

3 ROUND EDITION

With the NFL Draft less than a week away, my favorite event on the NFL calendar is finally upon us. Albeit this year's draft will be quite different due to COVID-19. The draft will be held virtually and I’m actually very intrigued to see what the NFL comes up with and how the broadcast turns out. This is not a predictive mock. I put my GM hat on for all 32 NFL franchises and tried to pick the best players that provided the best value at each draft slot. There will be players who inevitably go much higher in the real draft than the do in mine, i.e. Justin Herbert. As I stated my goal isn’t trying to predict what will happen as that is an impossible task, but to look back on this mock a few years down the road and see how well I was able to evaluate these players and value them. I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Hope everyone is staying safe and I hope you all enjoy the draft!

1.CINCINNATI BENGALS: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

At this point in the process there shouldn’t be much discussion about this pick. There are reports that the Dolphins really want Burrow and are trying to trade up to get him. Unless they are starting the discussions with all 3 of their 1st round picks I’m not picking up the phone if I’m the Bengals. Even then, there’s no amount of draft capital that will give them the value a franchise QB does. So unless the Bengals aren’t high on Burrow he should be the pick here.

2.WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St.

If QB Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t have any health concerns then he is a no brainer here at 2. (I would take him at 1!) But his injury history gives the Skins just enough pause to pass on him and give Dwayne Haskins another season to prove himself. If he stinks(he probably will) then they will be in position to draft a franchise QB in next year’s class. Oh and Chase Young is pretty damn good too!

3.DETROIT LIONS: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio St.

This is the sweet spot for a team to trade up and grab a QB. If I’m the Lions I’m listening to all offers! But in a mock without trades they take Okudah who has all of the tools necessary to immediately become a top corner in the league. 

4.NEW YORK GIANTS: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

If the draft were to play out this way then the G-Men should be working the phones to find someone to trade down with. Without that option they take their much needed franchise tackle. LB Isaiah Simmons was tempting but the Giants need to give as much support as they can to 2nd year signal caller Daniel Jones. That starts with the O-Line!

5.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama 

There have been recent reports that teams are favoring QB Justin Herbert over Tua due to his health concerns. I don’t see any way you could watch tape of these two players and pick Herbert over Tua, health concerns or not. This sounds like teams trying to get Tua to fall so they won’t have to give up draft capital to go get him. Ultimately any team that wants him will have to go get him. But here he falls right into the laps of the Dolphins and “Tank for Tua” is a success! Also with QB Ryan “Dripatrick” on the roster the Phins can afford to be patient with Tua and give him all the time he needs to get ready to play.

6.LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

All reports coming out of LA are the Chargers are set to roll out Tyrod Taylor as their starting QB for the upcoming season. I just can’t see that happening if they are serious about contending this year. Which their free agent signings lead me to believe they are. The lack of a QB being brought in via free agency (Cam Newton, Jameis Winston) makes me think the Chargers are a team to watch for a trade up for Tua. With Tua gone and Herbert an underwhelming prospect they go to work on their O-Line which is the weakest position on the roster.

7.CAROLINA PANTHERS: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

The Panthers are probably the toughest team to mock for as we don’t really know what to expect from them schematically, specifically on defense. Lucky for them Simmons is a scheme proof prospect with the versatility to play pretty much anywhere on defense.

8.ARIZONA CARDINALS: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

The Cardinals are doing everything they can to surround their young QB with the pieces he needs to be successful. It started with the trade for WR DeAndre Hopkins. Despite bringing back OT DJ Humphries the O-Line is still in need of major work. Wills is the top OT on my board and gives a much needed All Pro caliber talent boost to the line.

9.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

We could have gone a number of ways with this pick. We have needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball and holes in the secondary. But Lamb is just too good a talent to pass up and he gives our offense the #1 target it’s missing. 

10.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

No OT???? You don’t reach for need, especially not in the early rounds of the draft. The value at OT just isn’t there at pick 10 with the top 3 options off the board. Instead we grab a true top 12 talent in Kinlaw to add to the D-Line. 

11.NEW YORK JETS: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The Jets also are in big need of OT help, but again the value just isn’t there. Plus Jeudy is an elite talent that fell out of the top ten at arguably a greater position of need. The Jets WR group is average at best and receives a huge boost with this pick.

12.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

If both Jeudy and Lamb are gone when the Raiders are up to pick I could see them trading down to acquire some more picks. I think WR Henry Ruggs would be a bit of a reach here so instead we dip into a CB group that has been untouched other than Okudah. The #2 CB comes down to Fulton or CJ Henderson. I give Fulton the slightest of edges and think he is a perfect fit for the Raiders defense.

13.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

The Niners acquired this pick by trading away DL DeForest Buckner and have a chance to add a top talent to a team coming off a Super Bowl run. They rush to the virtual podium and grab Henderson who will be an immediate playmaker for this defense. CB Richard Sherman is in the last leg of his career. Henderson will slot right into the #1 CB role for years to come.

14.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

The acquisition of free agent QB Tom Brady immediately puts the Bucs in Super Bowl mode. This means making sure Brady has everything he needs to succeed in his new offense. They already boast the best WR duo in the league with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but the O-Line could definitely use some reinforcements. Keeping Brady on his feet is paramount and Jones is a ready made pass protector they can slot in on either side of the line.

15.DENVER BRONCOS: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

The Broncos seem to have found their future at QB in Drew Locke who played well down the stretch. So well that he actually cost his team some draft position. They need to get him more weapons to maximize his talent. Enter Ruggs who’s speed will slot in perfectly with Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant, giving this offense the explosive element it is missing.

16.ATLANTA FALCONS: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Atlanta really needs some help at CB but with the top 3 options off the board they grab Brown, who many believe to be a top ten talent in this draft.  He will slot in next to Grady Jarrett and new addition Dante Fowler and form a potentially scary defensive front for the Dirty Birds.

17.DALLAS COWBOYS: AJ Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

The Cowboys could also use some help in the secondary but can’t pass up Epenesa here. He will replace Robert Quinn who departed in free agency and give Dallas some versatility up front, as he can line up both inside and out. 

18.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

The Phins got their franchise QB with their 1st pick. With their 2nd first round pick they grab one of the top overall talents in the draft in the middle of the first round. Delpit’s stock took a bit of a hit due to a “down” year. But they get a potential franchise building block at the 18th pick. Great start to the draft for Miami.

19.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Mims’ draft stock skyrocketed after a great combine performance. After watching his film he is so much more than a good athlete. He has everything you would want in a #1 WR. His skill set is a perfect match for Derek Carr and he will make an immediate impact in this offense. The Raiders fill their two biggest needs in the 1st round of the draft.

20.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Xavier Mckinney, S, Alabama

After addressing the offense with their 1st pick, the Jags go defense here and get a swiss army knife to anchor the back line of the D. On paper they may have bigger “needs” but McKinney’s versatility offers them the most value at this pick.

21.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

It looks as if the Eagles need a makeover at WR. Alshon Jeffery has battled injuries and it sounds like he wants to be traded. DeSean Jackson also can’t seem to stay healthy and is on the wrong side of thirty anyways. The depth chart behind those two is not pretty. Enter Higgins, who will give QB Carson Wentz an all around weapon that can make plays at all levels of the field.

22.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson

I realize this isn’t a sexy pick but Minnesota can’t afford to get cute considering all of the failed draft capital they have invested at the position in recent years. Terrell is a long smooth CB that is ready to come in and cover NFL receivers immediately. While he may not ever be an elite corner, he should be a rock solid player for years to come.

23.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The biggest question for the Pats after the departure of QB Tom Brady is how they will handle the position this upcoming season. So far all of the noise coming out is that they are more than comfortable with 2nd year man Jarrett Stidham as their starter. I don’t believe that to be true, as they always seem to have something up their sleeve. (Imagine the offense Josh McDaniels could design around a healthy Cam Newton!!!!) I don’t see them spending early draft picks on a QB. What they do get is a potential every down LB that can wreak havoc on offenses. Bill Belichick is the perfect coach to unlock all of that potential.

24.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The addition of free agent WR Emmanuel Sanders made wideout a less immediate need for the Saints. Instead they pair Diggs with Marshon Lattimore and continue to stockpile one of the most complete and talented rosters in the league. They also seem to be pretty high on Taysom Hill taking over for Drew Brees which prevented me from considering a QB here.

25.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Michael Pittman, WR, USC

With their 1st pick they filled their need at CB. With their 2nd pick in the first round they fill the hole left by the trade of WR Stefon Diggs. Pittman has been undervalued during the draft process in a very deep WR class. But with good size, ball skills, deceptive speed and surprising YAC ability he has everything you’d want at the position.

26.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Admittedly Becton will probably go much higher than this pick, potentially in the top 10. While his talent and freakish athleticism is undeniable, I have a 2nd round grade on him. (I actually don’t have any players with 1st round grades left on my board) He needs a lot of work on his technique and other nuances of the position. He is solely reliant on pure strength and athletic ability to win his matchups which won’t cut it at the next level. With 3 picks in the first round however,  the Dolphins can afford to take a shot at his immense upside and get a potential steal this late in the round.

27.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri

I simply went BPA here and the Hawks get a good one. Elliott is a disrupter from the inside of the line and they need as much pass rush help as they can get with free agent Jadeveon Clowney still not re-signed and LJ Collier not showing much in his rookie season. If they can come to terms with Clowney this D-Line suddenly gets very good very quickly. 

28.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Ravens have yet to replace departed LB CJ Mosley and LB is definitely the weakest position group on defense. While he doesnt have the upside or pass coverage potential as Queen, Murray should provide a sideline to sideline backer that shouldn’t have to be taken off the field in passing situations.

29.TENNESSEE TITANS: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

CB Logan Ryan remains a free agent and Malcolm Butler has been pretty average since signing with Tennessee. When BPA also meets need early in the draft it’s an easy pick. Johnson will form a great young CB duo with Adoree Jackson.

30.GREEN BAY PACKERS: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

It’s about time the Packers gave QB Aaron Rodgers some weapons outside of Davante Adams. With a good O-line and Aaron Jones emerging as a lead back, some pass catchers at WR and TE can bring this offense to elite status. Reagor can take the top off a defense and open things up for Adams and the run game. 

31.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

I’m not quite as high on Jefferson as some others, as I would like to have seen him get more reps on the outside to project him as more than just a slot player. But his production this past season is undeniable and head coach Kyle Shanahan will put him in the best positions to succeed and get the most out of Jefferson.

32.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

Chaisson is the classic case of 1st round Tools but not production. But part of drafting players is projecting what a player will be and he has all the tools to be a force off the edge in the NFL. With Patrick Mahomes putting up endless amounts of points the Chiefs need pass rushers as teams will consistently be playing from behind and throwing the ball a ton.

ROUND 2

33.CINCINNATI BENGALS: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

34.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

35.DETROIT LIONS: Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame

36.NEW YORK GIANTS: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn St.

37.LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Netani Muti, G, Fresno St.

38.CAROLINA PANTHERS: Ross Blaylock, DL, TCU

39.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

40.HOUSTON TEXANS: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

41.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota

42.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi St.

43.CHICAGO BEARS: Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio St.

44.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St.

45.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

46.DENVER BRONCOS: Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

47.ATLANTA FALCONS: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

48.NEW YORK JETS: Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama

49.PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

50.CHICAGO BEARS: Laviska Schenault, WR, Colorado

51.DALLAS COWBOYS: Nick Harris, C, Washington

52.LOS ANGELES RAMS: Tyler Biadascz, C, Wisconsin

53.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah

54.BUFFALO BILLS: Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise St.

55.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

56.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

57.LOS ANGELES RAMS: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise St.

58.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

59.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Ashtyn Davis, S, California

60.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

61.TENNESSEE TITANS: K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson

62.GREEN BAY PACKERS: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn St.

63.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Willie Gay, LB, Mississippi St.

64.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn

ROUND 3

65.CINCINNATI BENGALS: Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

66.WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee

67.DETROIT LIONS: Damien Lewis, G, LSU

68.NEW YORK JETS: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

69.CAROLINA PANTHERS: Troy Pride, CB, Notre Dame

70.MIAMI DOLPHINS: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn

71.LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Jordan Love, QB, Utah St.

72.ARIZONA CARDINALS: Josh Uche, Edge, MichIgan

73.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

74.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Ben Bartch, OT, ST. Johns

75.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame

76.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee

77.DENVER BRONCOS: James Lynch, DL, Baylor

78.ATLANTA FALCONS: JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio St.

79.NEW YORK JETS: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio St.

80.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida

81.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech

82.DALLAS COWBOYS: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

83.DENVER BRONCOS: Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan St.

84.LOS ANGELES RAMS: Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah

85.DETROIT LIONS: Kenny Robinson, S, XFL

86.BUFFALO BILLS: KJ Hill, WR, Ohio St.

87.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

88.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: John Hightower, WR, Boise St.

89.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Calvin Throckmorton, OT, Oregon

90.HOUSTON TEXANS: Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio St.

91.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Lloyd Cushenberry, G, LSU

92.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky

93.TENNESSEE TITANS: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

94.GREEN BAY PACKERS: Chase Claypool, TE, Notre Dame

95.DENVER BRONCOS: Geno Stone, S, Iowa

96.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Zack Moss, RB, Utah

97.CLEVELAND BROWNS: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

98.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

99.NEW YORK GIANTS: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

100.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

101.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington

102.PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan St.

103.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana

104.LOS ANGELES RAMS: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple

105.MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Akeem Davis-Gaither, S, Appalachian St.

106.BALTIMORE RAVENS: Trevis Gipson, Edge, Tulsa