The holiday season is upon us, which means crunch time across both levels of the football landscape.
Only four weeks remain the NFL regular season, which means the top portion of the league is jockeying for playoff position, while the league’s bottom-feeders are competing for draft position over the final month.
In the college football world, Rivalry Week is behind us and conference title games are next on the docket as top prospects and sleepers alike try to put the finishing touches on their on-field resumes to show NFL decision-makers this offseason.
Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Thomas is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.
8. 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.
9. NEW YORK JETS
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
The primary objective for the Jets here? Protect your investment in franchise quarterback Sam Darnold. They luck out in this scenario, landing one of this year’s top offensive tackles just inside the top 10. Wirfs is a pro-ready blocker who would be an immediate upgrade on either side.
10. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.