The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books, and we’re already seeing draft stock moving in opposite directions for a long list of this year’s prospects.
As teams and prospects alike prepare for pro day workouts and the homestretch of this year’s predraft process, here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, with a handful of trades that could provide a little chaos along the way.
*denotes projected trade
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Burrow’s reticence in recent weeks appears to be much more about him than the Bengals, as he made clear in multiple interviews at the combine. He doesn’t want to just assume he’ll be the top pick, but if he is, it looks like he’ll have no problems putting on tiger stripes. The Bengals desperately need a quarterback who can change their fortunes, and Burrow absolutely has what it takes to make it happen.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Sure, there’s plenty of talk about Washington pulling a Kyler Murray here and taking Tua Tagovailoa, despite having taken Dwayne Haskins in the first round last year. I’m not buying it just yet, especially with a rare pass rusher like Young available. If Washington isn’t bowled over by a trade offer, standing pat and taking the best player in the entire draft is anything but a consolation prize.
3. Miami Dolphins (from DET)*
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
Of all the things I think about this draft, I’m most certain about the Lions wanting to trade out of this pick. They can move down a couple of spots, get an extra pick or two, and still probably end up with the guy they would have originally taken here anyway. The Dolphins need to make sure they get the quarterback they want, and while there are rumors that’s Oregon’s Justin Herbert instead, I still think Tua is the better option if he’s fully healthy.
4. New York Giants
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
Clemson defensive weapon Isaiah Simmons is tempting here, but I just don’t see Giants GM Dave Gettleman opting for a new-age hybrid defender over a trench player, particularly with the offensive tackles that are available to him this year. Gettleman could take any of the top four tackles here and they’d all be worthy, but I’m betting on the biggest one, with the most upside, and that’s Becton.
5. Detroit Lions (from MIA)*
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
As I said earlier, this is the ideal scenario for the Lions, who still get the guy they probably would have taken at No. 3 overall. No matter what happens with Darius Slay, Okudah is the best blend of need and value here, as easily the top corner in this year’s class. He has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate impact player for a defense that desperately needs more of them.