The 2020 NFL combine provided an opportunity for former track athletes to show their outstanding ability to run in a straight line or around cones before picking up and putting down heavy weights. The NFL’s most-meaningless spectacle broadcast in primetime and spanned over a week this year — and of course we all followed closely, like usual.
As silly as that may ultimately be, we learned a few things along the way. There were some exercises that held importance. The medicals and interviews mattered a great deal. The combine is probably the most awkward event in sports. But it provides teams with excellent access to players — and reporters with excellent access to NFL decision-makers. The week brought some clarity to the draft picture, even smokescreens abound.
With that in mind, let’s mock the draft in our post-combine world.
1. Cincinnati (2-14) — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Sr.
Do I want Joe Burrow to pull an Eli Manning? Uh, duh.
The Bengals are notorious for penny-pinching, which could hinder Burrow’s development — or ruin his career altogether. But Cincy appears ready to make an effort at reversing its bad reputation for failing to retain talent. The Bengals are expected to place the franchise tag on receiver A.J. Green. That’s one way to keep Burrow from demanding a trade on draft night.
2. Washington (3-13) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
It feels crazy to put a quarterback with a hip injury on a team that just drafted a quarterback in the first round. But it’s actually a fairly rational decision. Even with Dwayne Haskins on the roster, the Redskins should draft Tua. Competition is good!
If Washington emerges with a franchise quarterback, the Redskins are winners. It doesn’t matter that they used two consecutive first round picks. Look at the Cardinals, who are no worse for wear after doing just that with Josh Rosen and Kyler Murray. The money isn’t an issue. It’s just a matter of overtly admitting that one of these quarterbacks won’t be your franchise guy.
3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St.
If Young lasts to third overall, Matt Patricia will be stoked. Young is arguably the best prospect in the draft class.
4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
There’s no doubt in my mind that Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge are going to come away from the combine in love with Simmons’ athleticism. (Look at his numbers in comparison to Julio Jones! Sources tell me The Avengers are trying to recruit Simmons.) But the Giants will have to reconcile with the fact that there are a few starting left tackles on the board, and that’s a position of tremendous need.
#Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
6-4 (93rd percentile)
39” vert (92nd percentile)
11’0” broad (98th percentile)
4.39 40-yard (99th percentile)This is Earth’s greatest defender pic.twitter.com/uXboqqGT0Z
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 1, 2020
5. Miami (5-11) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Dolphins must protect Ryan Fitzpatrick AT ALL COSTS. What would they do if they lost him to injury?