Category: Mock Drafts

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections

With NFL playoff runs and college football conference title games on the horizon, here’s an updated three-round mock for the 2020 NFL draft

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.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 4-round projections

Luke Easterling updates his early projections for the 2020 NFL draft, expanding his forecast to cover the first four rounds

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.

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Draft Wire pairs Lions and DT Javon Kinlaw in consecutive Mock Drafts

In Draft Wire’s latest 2020 mock draft, they have the Detroit Lions targeting three potential defenders, all at serious positions of need.

With every loss, the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) fan base interest in the 2020 NFL Draft grows. The latest updated draft order has the Lions picking 10th overall putting them in an excellent position to land another quality player and to the surprise of no one, that person plays on defense.

Our brother site Draft Wire has been knocking out draft content year-round and in their latest 3-round mock draft, not only do they have the Lions drafting defense in all three rounds, but they have paired the team with the same first-rounder in consecutive weeks.

With the 10th pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select:

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, 6-5, 308

Here is Luke Easterling’s explanation for pairing Kinlaw with the Lions:

“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, Kinlaw’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.”

A 2-gapper who will primarily line up at the 3-technique, but can spend time at the 1, 4i, and 5-techniques. Kinlaw’s game is drenched in length and power which makes him an elite run defender, but he also possesses more pass-rushing skills than he is given credit for.

Lions Wire’s own Jeff Risdon has compared Kinlaw to the Pro Bowl version of Shaun Rogers because “they play with a similar style and destructive athletic dominance on the interior”.

With pick 42 in the second round, Easterling has the Lions selecting:

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State, 6-5, 265

So you want a pass rusher, right? Well, Gross-Matos is a supreme athlete who has the size/length of Romeo Okwara combined with the positional versatility of Trey Flowers — both can also line up on the edge and at the 3-technique.

Gross-Matos is still raw in a lot of areas but he has a loaded toolbox and the potential to develop into an impact player.

With enough length and power to set the edge, Gross-Matos would fit like a glove in the coach Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme, while his pass-rushing ceiling would potentially fill a major hole in the Lions defensive front.

With pick 74 in the third round, Easterling has the Lions selecting:

Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan, 5-11, 181

The Lions stay local here, grabbing the Detroit Martin Luther King high school product. The Lions need help at corner and Hill fits the scheme profile as a multi-year starter in Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown’s aggressive man coverage defense.

Hill is very aggressive and attacks the ball with ferocity, which often leads to pass breakups and interceptions in coverage. In the video clip below, Hill shows his natural instincts to locate the ball at the same time as the receiver, then stacking the route to give him an angle on the ball. Just textbook stuff from Hill here:

That’s as good as you can do it.

Hill’s size does leave something to be desired in this scheme, but he has the identical measurements as Justin Coleman and offers the same ability to play in the slot and on the outside.

2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 11

See how Tua Tagovailoa’s season-ending injury impacts Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’re halfway through November, which means while the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into clearer focus, so is the top of the board for next year’s NFL draft.

While the league’s worst teams are jockeying for position at the top of the first round, the nation’s top college prospects are trying to take advantage of key opportunities in big games down the stretch.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order after Week 11 games:

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. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.

3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a bigger need and a more premium position, but GM Dave Gettleman has proven he’s willing to go for the dynamic playmaker over the pick that seems to make more sense. Jeudy is an explosive pass-catcher and the most polished route-runner in college football.

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. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.

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2020 NFL mock draft: How Tua Tagovailoa’s injury impacts 1st round

See how the season-ending injury to Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa could impact the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

Both college football and the NFL will feel the seismic impact of the season-ending injury suffered Saturday by Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The Crimson Tide’s top prospect is out for the rest of the 2019 college football season, but it remains to be seen whether or not his injury will be career-threatening.

A candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Tagovailoa’s draft stock is now in flux, as his long-term durability could be in question. If he ends up leaving school after this injury-shortened season, medical checks at the NFL Scouting Combine will be key to determining his eventual draft slot.

Here’s an updated look at how the first round of next year’s draft could look if Tagovailoa’s stock takes a hit:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

3. New York Giants | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

4. Miami Dolphins | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

5. New York Jets | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

6. Atlanta Falcons | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

8. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

9. Arizona Cardinals | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

10. Detroit Lions | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

11. Cleveland Browns | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

12. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

14. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

15. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

16. Tennessee Titans | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin

17. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

18. Indianapolis Colts | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

19. Carolina Panthers | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

21. Dallas Cowboys | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma

22. Oakland Raiders | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

23. Kansas City Chiefs | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

24. Minnesota Vikings | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama

25. Buffalo Bills | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

27. New Orleans Saints | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

28. Seattle Seahawks | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford

29. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

30. Green Bay Packers | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama

31. New England Patriots | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington

32. San Francisco 49ers | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

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Mock draft watch: Lions haul in major help in the latest 3-rounder from Draft Wire

Two ready-to-roll defensive linemen and an impact wide receiver join the Lions in this fantasy projection

The latest three-round mock draft update from our friends at Draft Wire is one that should pique some intrigue among Detroit Lions fans. Disconsolate over the direction of the defense? You’re gonna like this one…

This edition breaks from the prior versions where the first-rounder has been a defensive back. It’s still defensive help, just in much brawnier fashion at the No. 11 pick.

South Carolina’s wrecking ball of a defensive tackle that is Javon Kinlaw gets the nod in edit Luke Easterling’s latest. It’s a pick that makes a lot of sense,

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, Kinlaw’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.

I have personally compared Kinlaw to the healthy and motivated Shaun Rogers of his Pro Bowls years; they play with a similar style and destructive athletic dominance on the interior.

The second round brings talented Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson. With only Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones under contract at WR  after this season (and both potential free agents after 2020), adding receiving help is a major imperative.

In the third round, Draft Wire sticks close to Detroit. Michigan State EDGE Kenny Willekes joins the Lions with the No. 75 overall pick. That’s decent value for a high-floor, high-motor player who plays the run well on his way to the passer.

2020 NFL mock draft: Latest 3-round projections

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’re 10 weeks into the NFL regular season, and the college football season is hitting crunch time, with playoff pushes starting at both levels.

It’s crunch time for some of the nation’s top prospects, as well as the pro teams fighting for position at the top of next year’s draft board.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated pick 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 another high-ankle injury has dinged Tagovailoa’s stock. Don’t be shocked if there’s a different QB in the top spot come next April.

2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.

3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Now that Odell Beckham, Jr. is gone, the Giants need a true No. 1 target to help Daniel Jones reach his full potential. Jeudy is one of the most polished, explosive pass-catchers we’ve seen in years, and he’s well worth a top-three pick.

4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

Aside from the injuries, it’s hard to find a flaw in Tagovailoa’s game. A few months ago, it would have been hard to imagine the Dolphins landing him without getting the No. 1 overall pick, but thanks to Burrow’s soaring stock, he just might fall into their lap here.

5. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.

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. Cleveland Browns | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

After all the offseason hype, the Browns have struggled mightily this season. They need to give Baker Mayfield everything he needs to succeed, and that means improving things up front. Wirfs would be an instant upgrade at either tackle spot.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

Despite investing heavily into their secondary in recent drafts, Tampa Bay still needs help on the back end. Without a worthy tackle prospect still on the board here, the Bucs opt for the best playmaker in the defensive backfield, getting a versatile playmaker who can line up all over the field.

9. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but the talent is too good to pass up elsewhere. Brown is a rare athlete for his size, with the explosiveness and power to be a dominant force up front. He’d be a much better use of a top-10 pick than reaching for he next-best tackle.

10. Arizona Cardinals | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

The Cardinals have lots of young talent, but they need more difference-makers on defense. Epenesa is a disruptive force who can line up inside or on the edge, making him the kind of versatile prospect Arizona should be targeting.

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