We’re nearly two weeks into the NFL new year, which means free agency is starting to slow down, and preparations for the 2020 NFL draft are beginning to ramp up.
Many teams have already used free agency to fill their biggest needs with veteran help, while others may have struck out on the open market, and will now head into the draft desperate for rookies who can make an immediate impact.
As the league continues to grapple with the changes forced by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out, including compensatory picks.
Positional Rankings | Top 200 Big Board
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Despite rumors to the contrary, this has been set in stone for quite a while. Burrow won’t make trouble about playing in Cincy, and the Bengals finally get the franchise quarterback they so desperately need.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This is another no-brainer pick. Unless Washington gets a huge offer from a QB-needy team trying to jump ahead of everyone else on the board, this has to be the selection. Young is the best overall prospect in this year’s class, which makes him a steal anywhere else but No. 1 overall.
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
I’m betting the Lions would love to move down from this spot, and they’re sure to have plenty of willing trade partners with some talented QB prospects on the board. If not, though, expect them to replace the recently traded Darius Slay with Okuda, this year’s best corner prospect by far.
4. New York Giants
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Any of this year’s top four offensive tackle prospects could make a strong case to go here, which is good news for the Giants, who need a franchise player at the position. Wirfs is a rare athlete for his size, and has as much upside as any other tackle in the class. He’s ready to protect Daniel Jones from Day 1.
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
It’s highly likely that the Dolphins will need to move up to get Tagovailoa on draft day, but in this scenario, they’re able to land him without moving up. Yes, there will be durability concerns, but Tagovailoa’s recovery appears to be ahead of schedule. At full strength, he would easily be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.