2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections for the new year

Luke Easterling rings in the new year with a new three-round projection for the 2020 NFL draft

New year, new decade, new mock draft.

The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and while 12 teams still have their eyes on the Lombardi Trophy, the rest of the league is preparing for an offseason battle plan to hopefully be one of those contenders next season.

Now that the top 20 spots in next year’s draft order have been locked into place (for now), let’s take an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. Burrow has not only been dominant all year long against top competition, he’s taken his game to another level on the game’s biggest stages at the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Much like last year with the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa, Washington lands the best overall prospect in this class at the No. 2 pick. Young is a rare pass rusher with an incredible combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness, making him a steal even this early.

3. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

Losing out on Young hurts, but this pick is hardly a consolation prize. The Giants need a franchise left tackle every bit as much as they need an impact edge rusher, and Thomas has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate and long-term upgrade at a premium position.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.