November is winding down, which means both the college football and NFL seasons are ramping up.
Few games remain for top college prospects to show pro decision-makers what they can do on the field, while the homestretch of the NFL season will set the top of the draft order for April’s big weekend.
As many prep for holiday celebrations this week, let’s take another stab at projecting the early going of the 2020 draft, expanding to cover the first four rounds using the latest updated order:
1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.
2. New York Giants | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
This team has needs on offense if they want Daniel Jones to develop quickly, but there’s no way the Giants should pass on the best overall prospect in this class. Landing a rare talent like Young would be a huge steal, even at No. 2 overall.
3. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.
4. Washington Redskins | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
This is a tough call between giving Dwayne Haskins a replacement for Trent Williams at left tackle, or this year’s most polished and electrifying pass-catcher. Jeudy is one of the most pro-ready prospects in this draft, giving him the slight edge here.
5. Denver Broncos | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
This scenario is a huge win for the Broncos, who desperately need an upgrade at left tackle, regardless of who ends up throwing passes for them in 2020 and beyond. Thomas is the best prospect in a deep offensive tackle class.
6. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.
7. Detroit Lions | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Matt Patricia’s defense needs more help across the board in the trenches, making this pick a choice between the best value at defensive tackle or on the edge. In this scenario, Brown’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.
8. Arizona Cardinals | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Wirfs is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.
10. New York Jets | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
With the top offensive tackles off the board, the Jets should turn their attention to the defense in this scenario, looking for the best value at either the corner spot or on the edge. Epenesa gets the call here, giving New York a versatile, dominant presence to pair with Quinnen Williams.