Tag: 2020 Draft NFL

Every 2020 NFL Draft class, ranked (from Miami to Pittsburgh)

Where did your favorite team rank?

The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone but that doesn’t mean we have to stop obsessing over it. I certainly haven’t. After reviewing each and every pick that was made over the weekend, I’ve ranked every team’s draft class based on the amount of talent added.

I graded each pick of the first three rounds (which you can find here) but the criteria are a little different for these rankings. Instead of factoring in draft position, available players and other factors that go into your typical draft grades, I focused only on how much talent a team added. Both quality and quantity matter for these rankings, so a team with only a few picks will naturally be lower on the list. The opposite is true for a team with a bunch of picks.

This post is on the longer side, so we’ve split it up into pages. If you want to jump to a certain team, you can follow the links below:

Page 1: Dolphins, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Bengals
Page 2: Panthers, Jets, Broncos, Ravens
Page 3: Redskins, Lions, Vikings Browns
Page 4: Raiders, Eagles, Jaguars, Patriots
Page 5: Saints, Giants, Colts, Chiefs
Page 6: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams, Chargers
Page 7: Bears, Bills, Seahawks, Titans
Page 8: Packers, Falcons, Texans, Steelers

Let’s get to the rankings…

1. Miami Dolphins

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
  • QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama (5th)
  • T Austin Jackson, USC (18th)
  • CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn (30th)
  • OG Robert Hunt, Louisiana (39th)
  • DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama (56th)
  • S Brandon Jones, Texas (70th)
  • DT Solomon Kindley, Georgia (111th)
  • DT Jason Strowbridge, UNC (154th)
  • EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise State (164th)
  • LS Blake Ferguson, LSU (185th)
  • QB/WR Malcom Perry, Navy (246th)

The Dolphins had a lot of picks to work with and brought in a lot of talent at important positions. Tagovailoa is obviously the centerpiece and should, at the very least, develop into a reliable starter if healthy. The offensive line got better with the Hunt pick and could get even better if the coaching staff gets Jackson to reach his potential. I really like the additions to the secondary. Igbinoghene will be a matchup piece that Brian Flores can use against vertical threats and Jones is a safety with legit cover skills in the slot. The defensive line is a lot deeper after the weekend, as well. Miami used its draft capital well.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
  • WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (17th)
  • CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama (51st)
  • DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (82nd)
  • CB Reggie Robinson, Tulsa (123rd)
  • C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin (146th)
  • EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah (179th)
  • QB Ben DiNucci, James Madison (231st)

Good prospects just kept falling into the Cowboys’ lap, and to their credit, they just kept drafting them. We can’t say the same about other teams. Lamb was the missing piece for a receiving corps that is among the best (and most well-rounded) in the NFL. Diggs was overrated as a prospect but he’ll be a useful starter in that system. Gallimore is an ascending interior rusher and fills a need. Tyler Biadasz may not be Travis Fredrick, but he’ll do an adequate impression of him. Not bad for a Day 3 pick. The Cowboys were already the most talented team in the NFC East. That gap is a little wider now.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • T Tristan Wirfs, Iowa (13th)
  • S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota (45th)
  • RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt (76th)
  • WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota (161st)
  • DT Khalil Davis, Nebraska (194th)
  • LB Chappelle Russell, Temple (241st)
  • RB Raymond Calais, Louisiana (245th)

Here’s something you can rarely say about a team that was seen as playoff contenders BEFORE the draft: Those first four picks are going to walk into the starting lineup. Wirfs was my top offensive tackle, and he won’t have to transition to the left side with the Bucs needing a right tackle. Winfield will fill a long-standing hole at safety and add a play-maker to a secondary that lacked one. Johnson is the slot receiver the Bucs lacked and Vaughn is a home run hitter at running back. And I’m calling this now: Calais will score at least one long touchdown in 2020. This was an ideal class for Tampa Bay.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
  • QB Joe Burrow, LSU (1st)
  • WR Tee Higgins, Clemson (33rd)
  • LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming (65th)
  • LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State (107th)
  • EDGE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame (147th)
  • OT Hakeem Adenji, Kansas (180th)
  • LB Markus Bailey, Purdue (215th)

Drafting at the top of each round makes things easier. The Bengals added a franchise quarterback in Burrow and turned right around and got him a future No. 1 target in Higgins. They then addressed a long-time need by drafting two rangy linebackers. There’s not a lot to be excited about in the later rounds — Kareem could be a depth piece — but that matters less when you nail the first two days of the draft. The Bengals roster looks a lot more promising after the weekend. The bar wasn’t very high going in, but still.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8

The colleges with the most picks in the 2020 NFL Draft

The national champion LSU Tigers had more selections than any other school by a wide margin.

The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, and to no one’s surprise, NFL teams added plenty of stars from the SEC over the last three days. A total of 63 players were drafted from SEC programs, 16 more than the Big Ten, and nearly double the Pac-12’s total (32).

The Cincinnati Bengals led off the draft by taking former LSU Tigers star Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick, and four of Burrow’s teammates were selected in the first round after a stellar championship year. In all, LSU had 14 players drafted to tie Ohio State’s draft record for a single draft – and many fans were surprised the total wasn’t 15, as tight end Thaddeus Moss went undrafted (but quickly signed with the Redskins).

Here’s the full rundown of the schools with the most picks in the 2020 NFL Draft:

14 picks – LSU

QB Joe Burrow (1) – Bengals

OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (20) – Jaguars

WR Justin Jefferson (22) – Vikings

ILB Patrick Queen (28) – Ravens

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (32) – Chiefs

S Grant Delpit (44) – Browns

CB Kristian Fulton (61) – Titans

G Damien Lewis (69) – Seahawks

C Lloyd Cushenberry III (83) – Broncos

ILB Jacob Phillips (97) – Browns

OT Saahdiq Charles (108) – Redskins

DT Rashard Lawrence (131) – Cardinals

LS Blake Ferguson (185) – Dolphins

TE Stephen Sullivan (251) – Seahawks

10 picks – Ohio State

DE Chase Young (2) – Redskins

CB Jeff Okudah (3) – Lions

CB Damon Arnette (19) – Raiders

RB JK Dobbins (55) – Ravens

DT Davon Hamilton (73) – Jaguars

OG Jonah Jackson (75) – Lions

ILB Malik Harrison (98) – Ravens

S Jordan Fuller (199) – Rams

WR KJ Hill (220) – Chargers

DE Jashon Cornell (235) – Lions

10 picks – Michigan

C Cesar Ruiz (24) – Saints

DE Josh Uche (60) – Patriots

G Ben Bredeson (143) – Ravens

OLB Khaleke Hudson (162) – Redskins

DE Mike Danna (177) – Chiefs

OG Michael Onwenu (182) – Patriots

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (187) – Browns

OG Jon Runyan (192) – Packers

S Josh Metellus (205) – Vikings

ILB Jordan Glasgow (213) – Colts

9 picks – Alabama

QB Tua Tagovailoa (5) – Dolphins

OT Jedrick Wills Jr (10) – Browns

WR Henry Ruggs III (12) – Raiders

WR Jerry Jeudy (15) – Broncos

S Xavier McKinney (36) – Giants

CB Trevon Diggs (51) – Cowboys

DT Raekwon Davis (56) – Dolphins

OLB Terrell Lewis (84) – Rams

OLB Anfernee Jennings (87) – Patriots

7 picks – Georgia

7 picks – Florida

7 picks – Clemson

7 picks – Utah

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Ian Rapoport clashes with Trent Williams’ agent over trade report

Ian Rapoport says Trent Williams’ agent is falsely refuting a report that Williams turned down a trade to the Vikings.

Trent Williams has finally moved on from Washington, as the Redskins sent the seven-time Pro Bowler to San Francisco on Saturday in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2020 and a third-round pick in 2021. Williams had been seeking a trade from the Redskins since the 2019 offseason, and according to a disputed report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the franchise left tackle scuttled a potential trade to the Vikings before being dealt to San Francisco.

On Friday night, Rapoport reported that earlier in the day, Williams expressed that he would “rather not” land in Minnesota, as the Vikings had been having advanced discussions with the Redskins. According to Williams’ agent, though, that never happened.

In a statement, Williams’ agent Vince Taylor said the reporting was “false,” and that the Williams camp would respect the Redskins’ right to negotiate a deal.

Via ESPN:

“There has been false reporting that Trent and I objected to particular trades. I will continue to respect the Redskins’ right to negotiate a trade, and hope that the negotiations quickly lead to a trade that is in the Redskins’ interest, Trent’s interest, and the interest of the other team.”

Rapoport, however, later responded by calling Taylor’s statement false. Rapoport said that multiple sources confirmed to him that Williams stopped the Vikings deal.

“[Williams], from what I understand, did not want to go to the Minnesota Vikings. Preferred to play elsewhere. That message was communicated. I’ve received confirmation from several sources on this despite the fact that as you just tweeted, Trent Williams’ agent Vince Taylor just released a statement calling it false reporting. 

His statement is actually false. What I reported is true. Either way, he’s not going to the Vikings…… I’m just saying, he’s wrong. What do you want me to say?”

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Packers QB Jordan Love on his first conversation with Aaron Rodgers

Jordan Love says he’s just going to try and get behind Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

One of the biggest storylines of the 2020 NFL Draft was the Packers’ surprising move up the board on Thursday to select former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. The Packers traded up from pick 30 to pick 26, and while many analysts projected that Green Bay would take a receiver in the first round to help Aaron Rodgers, the Packers instead opted to draft his successor.

The pick was baffling for many, and extended the Packers’ streak of not using a first-round pick on a non-QB skill position, something they’ve never done in the Rodgers era. Our Steven Ruiz gave the pick a grade of D-, and Stephen A. Smith ranted that Rodgers should be “disgusted” by the move.

It remains to be seen how the Rodgers-Love relationship will function during the season, but Rodgers got in touch with Love to congratulate him after he was selected. In an interview with ESPN’s Maria Taylor on Friday, Love said that Rodgers is a “really good guy,” and that he just wanted to get behind Rodgers and learn all he can.

“I was able to talk with him earlier. A really good guy. Just congratulating me, you know, I was just letting him know I’m excited to be able to work with him. 

…. It’s a lot of things to be able to learn. I’m just going to take it step-by-step. Just try to get behind him and learn everything that he’s doing and just try and understand the process.”

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2020 NFL Draft: What time does Day 3 start on Saturday?

The 2020 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday.

The virtual 2020 NFL Draft will conclude on Saturday with the final four rounds, and there are still a few notable college players left on the board that we could see taken early in the fourth round. There will be a total of four rounds completed on Day 3, and with only a few minutes in between each pick, the action is going to be non-stop all afternoon.

Round 4 of the 2020 NFL Draft will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network.

In Rounds 4, 5 and 6, each team will have five minutes to make its selection. In Round 7, teams get just four minutes per selection.

You can stream the draft online via Watch ESPN, or on a smart device using the ESPN app.

The 13 best prospects available for Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft

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The 13 best prospects available for Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft

Two big-name quarterbacks are still on the board.

The 2020 NFL Draft still has plenty to offer, even in the later rounds of the class, and perhaps particularly at the quarterback position. Only one quarterback went on Day 2 (Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts) after four went on Day 1. That has left a few of college’s best starters in the mix for Day 3.

After the NFL set a record of receivers drafted in the first two rounds, the pass-catchers are looking less impressive. And the tight end group, which was never particularly awe-inspiring, has one big name leftover. Defensively, there are a handful of starting-caliber talents, too. Here’s a look at the 13 best prospects available.

Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

He’s an enticing physical talent, but clearly, NFL teams are concerned about his processing power. He didn’t show an advanced ability to read defenses or handle pressure. Even so, NFL.com gave him a second-round grade with the potential to be an average starter. He’ll likely go off the board early.

Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

Fromm is a quarterback with equally uncertain pro prospects to Eason, but they’re totally opposite. Fromm has all the brains and work ethic to hang in the NFL, but his arm talent doesn’t seem to match. Those physical tools (or lack thereof) seem to be scaring off teams.

Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty

He blew up at the Senior Bowl with a strong set of practices, but his measurements didn’t wow at the 2020 NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash was 4.6-seconds and 3-cone drill was 7.33-seconds — neither is particularly impressive. But perhaps at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he can be a big, possession receiver in the NFL.

John Hightower, WR, Boise State

His athletic profile is impressive, at 6-foot-1 and 190 yards and a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 7.07-second 3-cone drill and a 38-inch vertical leap. He can stretch the field with his speed and route-running, and also works well after the catch. He’s an example of how deep this class is.

Hunter Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic

Look, I may or may not have pegged him as a potential first-rounder — and at the time, I was willing to admit it was a little crazy. But I do think he can be a productive tight end in the NFL, in the same vein of Austin Hooper. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in his final season at FAU.

Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

He’s a really good athlete with solid production in his three seasons as a starter, and in the process, he’s found ways to be productive in a number of ways. He had a career-high 11 touchdowns in his first season, a career-high 43 catches and 466 yards in his second season. But he didn’t quite develop over his college career.

Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU

He missed six games for disciplinary reasons, but he’s a starting tackle on a National Championship-winning team. He saw no shortage of excellent pass rushers, and showed enough size and athleticism to give promise of being an NFL starter.

Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State

He was a three-year starter, and managed impressive production with 128 tackles, 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss. It seems his promise as a pass-rusher hasn’t outweighed his shortcomings as a run defender.

Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah

He popped in his senior season with 13 sacks, 41 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. NFL.com touted his “revved-up motor and salty disposition,” with the ability to work on all four downs.

Geno Stone, S, Iowa

He’s a super smart safety, whose athleticism isn’t necessarily as impressive. There’s a good chance he can work his way up a depth chart into a starting role.

Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa

He has the right size, speed and athleticism that NFL teams want in a cornerback. But he’s still on the board, likely because of his difficulties as a tackler while competing at a lower level of competition

Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech

He’s a physical, nasty cornerback who is on the smaller side, but has the potential to earn a starting role in the NFL, specifically in the slot.

Larrell Murchison, DT, NC State

He’s a smaller and less athletic interior defensive lineman, whose effort and technique have helped him be a disruptor.

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NFL Draft: Fans had so many jokes about the Bears adding a 10th tight end to the roster

The Bears now have *10* tight ends.

The Chicago Bears entered the 2020 NFL Draft with a total of nine tight ends on the roster. Seriously! Just a few weeks ago, the Bears gave Jimmy Graham a two-year deal worth $16 million. For a team that went from 12-4 in 2018 to 8-8 in 2019, tight end wasn’t exactly a pressing need.

What did the Bears do with their first pick of the 2020 Draft, then? Add another tight end, of course! Chicago selected Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, a very good player who was projected to be a potential first-round target for some teams, but who is also the Bears’ 10th tight end. He joins a list that includes:

  • Jimmy Graham
  • Demetrius Harris
  • Adam Shaheen
  • Ben Braunecker
  • Jesper Horsted
  • J.P. Holtz
  • Eric Saubert
  • Dax Raymond
  • Darion Clark

2020 NFL Draft: Live grades and analysis for every Day 2 pick

NFL fans thought the pick was hilarious.

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Bill Belichick’s dog instantly became the most adorable part of the NFL Draft

A dog is apparently calling the shots for the Patriots during the NFL Draft.

The all-virtual 2020 NFL Draft has given us access to draft rooms and watch parties around the country, as coaches and executives try to operate from home while prospects watch along their families and loved ones. It’s also led to some funny moments, from CeeDee Lamb’s cell phone snatch to all the crazy things happening behind Titans coach Mike Vrabel.

It didn’t take long for another viral moment to occur in Friday’s second round. The New England Patriots traded out of the first round, and with their first pick of the draft, selected Lenoir-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger. The broadcast cut to a shot of Bill Belichick’s draft room – only to find that Belichick at been replaced at his computer by an adorable dog.

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Stephen A. Smith rants about why Aaron Rodgers should feel ‘disgusted’ over Packers’ draft

“As far as I’m concerned, if I was Aaron Rodgers, I’d ask to be traded,” Stephen A. Smith said.

In a surprising move Thursday on the first night of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers traded up to select Utah State quarterback Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick.

The pick didn’t address any of the team’s needs, though the Packers could still figure that out in the later rounds. And while they’re clearly looking to the future, drafting Love doesn’t help the team contend right now, which is why For The Win’s Steven Ruiz gave this pick a D- grade.

Yes, Aaron Rodgers is 36 years old, and his career is winding down. But he bounced back in 2019 from some previous struggles with the help of coach Matt LaFleur. And, as Rodgers said in March: “No matter who you bring in, they’re not going to be able to beat me out anytime soon.” That is certainly true, as Love needs some time to develop.

But Stephen A. Smith argued Friday that Rodgers should be “insulted” with the Packers’ decision to draft a quarterback in the first round when they haven’t selected any offensive players in the opening round in years. The ESPN personality ranted for about two-and-a-half minutes Friday, passionately explaining how he feels Rodgers should feel right about now.

Speaking to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter and First Take stars Molly Qerim and Max Kellerman, Stephen A. said:

“He should feel disgusted. He should feel insulted. And as far as I’m concerned, if I was Aaron Rodgers, I’d ask to be traded. To hell with all of them. Kick rocks. Have a nice life. I’ll move on without you. That’s how I feel Aaron Rodgers should feel at this particular moment in time.

“Let me be very, very clear about where I stand. This is no knock against Jordan Love; I want to make sure I’m clear about that, Adam. It’s no mark against Jordan Love, whatsoever. He may have the potential. Matt LaFleur may have every right to feel as exuberant about him as he may feel. But there comes a point in time where you gotta listen and really dissect the words of certain people. Like [Brian] Gutekunst, the GM. He goes out there and he says last night, what does he say? ‘Uh, Aaron Rodgers is a professional. He understands what this is about. This is about now.’ Well, it’s not about now. It’s about two years from now, it could be able three or four years from now. But certainly, it’s not about now, feeding off an NFC championship game appearance, which you just had.

“So let’s dissect this situation for a second here. Aaron Rodgers was drafted in 2005. Do you know that the Green Bay Packers have never drafted another offensive player in the first round since? No wide receiver, no running back, no tight end, nothing! He’s been your starting quarterback since 2008. He delivered a Super Bowl championship for you in 2010. He carried this franchise on his shoulders for a damn decade! You never got him any elite players in the first round! You’re always going the defensive route each and every single year!

“You drafted a quarterback back in 2005 in Aaron Rodgers. The next time you drafted an offensive player was last night in the first round. You might do things in the second and third round and all that stuff, and we get that. But there’s something to be said about your best player, your star, who had a down year and the definition of a down year was 4,000 yards passing with just four interceptions. Oh by the way! Since 2010, the man hasn’t thrown double-digits in the interceptions category, and this is how you treat him!

“In the end, it’s not about Aaron Rodgers. That’s what the Green Bay Packers are saying. It’s not about using his greatness, buffering that so we can go and win the ‘ship. It’s about thinking about life when he’s gone even though he’s still here! When you’re the best, and you’re the franchise, and you’re the guy carrying everything, you should be thought about! Your feelings, what you believe, what buffers and supports and augments you should be a priority! And if it’s not a priority, you should tell them to kiss you where the sun doesn’t shine! Get me the hell up out of here! Give it to Jordan Love! And let’s find a different location for me! That’s what I think Aaron Rodgers should be saying today!”

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2020 NFL draft recap: Grades, best players available, analysis and more

A look at all our post-draft content.

The 2020 NFL draft is far from over.

There’s still Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and another four on Saturday. So our super-awesome draft preview? Save for the player rankings, most of it is moot.

But now, the analysis of the draft begins after Thursday’s first round. And we’ve got lots and lots of that, including draft grades, winners and losers, a fantasy breakdown and a look at the best available players left after 32 of the best college talents were selected.

And there’s more to come, so we’ll update this after Friday and Saturday. Here’s a look at our coverage so far:

1. Our Steven Ruiz gives his grades for every first-round pick

2. The best remaining players heading into Day 2

3. Here’s the draft pick order and team needs for Rounds 2 and 3

4. The winners and losers of the first round.

Starring this guy.

5. The fantasy football impact from the first round of players selected.

Starring this guy.

6. The second episode of our new NFL podcast, The Counter, has a full breakdown of the first round.

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