Saints land Justin Jefferson in Daniel Jeremiah’s first 2020 mock draft

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah connected the New Orleans Saints to LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson in his first 2020 mock draft.

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The NFL has converged on Mobile, Ala. for this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl, which features a series of media sessions and practices involving some of the top prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. Scouts, coaches, general managers, and everyone else are in town to get a first look at the next crop of rookies. So of course it’s time to start paying better attention to mock drafts.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has a reputation as one of the most-accurate prognosticators around the industry. His first 2020 mock draft has connected the Saints with LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jeremiah explained the logic behind his pick:

Jefferson is very precise as a route runner, and I love his toughness. He’ll fit perfectly next to Michael Thomas.

Plenty of things will change between now and draft day in late April, but it’s tough to argue against a better fit than Jefferson in New Orleans. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound junior thrived in a similar offense run by ex-Saints assistant Joe Brady (who’s now the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator), building on his sophomore-year momentum to lead the team in receptions (111) and rank second-best in receiving yards (1,540) and touchdown catches (18).

He wasn’t targeted in two appearances as a freshman; but in 28 games over his last two years, Jefferson averaged 5.9 catches per game for 86.3 yards gained through the air. He’s exactly who the Saints need to help take pressure off of Thomas, who led the league in receptions (149, breaking an all-time record). Only one other Saints wideout caught more than 18 passes, and that was pending free agent Ted Ginn Jr., who reeled in just 30.

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2020 NFL mock draft: How Luke Kuechly’s retirement impacts 1st round

Luke Kuechly’s shocking retirement could have a significant impact on the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

The NFL world got a jolt Tuesday night, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement after eight seasons.

The Panther currently hold a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and Kuechly’s departure could have a seismic impact on their plans for that selection.

Here’s how this offseason bombshell could impact that first round of this year’s draft:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

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

3. Detroit Lions | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

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

5. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

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

7. Carolina Panthers | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

8. Arizona Cardinals | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

9. Jacksonville Jaguars | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

10. Cleveland Browns | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

11. New York Jets | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

12. Oakland Raiders | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

13. Indianapolis Colts | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

15. Denver Broncos | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

16. Atlanta Falcons | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

17. Dallas Cowboys | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

19. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

20. Jacksonville Jaguars | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

21. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

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

23. New England Patriots | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

24. New Orleans Saints | Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame

25. Minnesota Vikings | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

27. Seattle Seahawks | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

28. Baltimore Ravens | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

29. Tennessee Titans | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

30. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

32. San Francisco 49ers | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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2020 NFL mock draft: 4-round projections after divisional playoffs

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling updates and expands his latest mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first four rounds with new projections

We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, as another wild week of postseason action sent another disappointing quartet back to the drawing board to prepare for the offseason.

At the same time, the college football landscape is buzzing, with the national championship game taking place Monday night, and the all-star circuit already in full swing for some of this year’s top prospects. Shrine Game practices kick off this week, while the Senior Bowl awaits in Mobile next week.

As draft stock continues to shift, underclassmen make their declarations, and the selection order becomes more secure, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The last time the Bengals had this pick, they spent it on a Heisman-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer. 17 years later, Cincy’s hoping to land another franchise quarterback in Burrow, who has been dominant all year long despite facing stiff competition. Only an elite QB prospect would be worth passing up Chase Young, but Burrow is exactly that.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

For the second straight year, the team picking No. 2 gets the No. 1 prospect. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, but Young is a generational talent who would be the rare “bargain” at this pick. A complete player who can take over a game all on his own, Young is one of the best pass-rushing prospects we’ve seen in years.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

You won’t find a more old-school general manager than Dave Gettleman, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick on improving the offensive trenches. If Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are going to rebuild this offense, they’ll need plenty of improvement up front. Thomas is a franchise left tackle who will be pro-ready from Day 1.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

They might have to move up to land him on draft day, but if Tagovailoa is still on the board here, it’s a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Assuming his medicals check out, Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be the difference-maker Miami has been desperately seeking for years.

2020 NFL draft: Bills defense re-stocks in 3-round mock

Buffalo Bills 2020 NFL mock draft via the Draft Wire.

The Bills have plenty of needs on offense. Their defense under head coach Sean McDermott has remained one of the NFL’s best.

Despite that, in Draft Wire’s recent three-round mock draft following Wild Card weekend, the Bills go with two defensive players with those three picks, starting with their first rounder.

Here’s Draft Wire’s breakdown:

LSU Tigers linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
K’Lavon Chaisson, who will be getting after the Clemson Tigers in the national title game soon, sports a wide-range of moves as a pass rusher which could be intriguing to McDermott. Plus, the Bills really could stand to improve along their defensive end position.
Sure, Jordan Phillips was great while leading the Bills with 9.5 sacks, but it’s usually the pass rushers on the outside doing that. Shaq Lawson had 6.5 sacks there to lead the Bills. It’s a good step in the right direction for him, but he’s currently slated to be a free agent. Along with Lawson, Trent Murphy could be a cap-casualty for the Bills, too. The Bills could realistically have a nice spot for Chaisson next season.

Latest Draft Wire mock draft has Seahawks taking defensive tackle

The Seattle Seahawks select a defensive tackle, a guard, and a cornerback in the latest three-round mock draft from Draft Wire.

The Seattle Seahawks have advanced to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs and are all set to take on the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a peek at how the roster could get re-shaped during the 2020 NFL draft.

Despite a stellar 2019 season, Seattle clearly has some holes on its roster, holes that Luke Easterling of Draft Wire believes they will look to fill in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

In his latest three-round mock draft for Draft Wire, Easterling has the Seahawks picking No. 28, No. 60 and No. 63 overall based on current standings and trades.

With those picks, Seattle is mocked to select Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, Michigan guard Ben Bredeson, and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

“Free agency could decimate this defensive line this offseason, so don’t be surprised if the Seahawks opt for cheaper, younger talent in the draft to replace whatever they lose on the open market,” Easterling wrote about Davis. “Davis is huge, athletic, and versatile, and is ready to make an immediate impact.”

Davis is more of a run-stuffer than a pass rusher, which may not make him an ideal fit for a Seattle team that already has Poona Ford in the middle, but if Jarran Reed doesn’t return the team could opt to replace him with another Alabama product in Davis.

Bredeson is projected as a starting guard at the NFL level, and – unsurprisingly – is more of a run-blocker than a pass-protector. With both Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker potentially free agents after this year (depending if Fluker opts out) the team could certainly use more guard play up front.

Ethan Pocic may slide over to the starting center role, and having Bredeson and Phil Haynes to build around on the interior – not to mention Jamarco Jones, who seems to have transitioned to guard – would be a good start toward building a line Russell Wilson can succeed behind.

Johnson would join Cody Barton and Marquise Blair as former Utes on the Seattle defense, and his length and range as a cornerback will no doubt be attractive to coach Pete Carroll.

Seattle’s depth behind Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers is extraordinarily thin, and while Johnson may need some time to develop he has all the tools to be a legit shutdown corner in the NFL, with the proper molding from Carroll and company.

The Seahawks are no doubt focused on the task at hand against Green Bay on Sunday, but these three players are among the many they will be in on during draft season.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections after Wild Card weekend

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft following a crazy Wild Card playoff round

The NFL Playoffs kicked off with a memorable Wild Card weekend, with all four games being decided by one score, including a pair of overtime thrillers.

While the postseason field has been whittled down to just eight teams on either side of the tournament, four more teams have been banished to an early offseason, joining the ranks of those preparing for a playoff run next season.

As the playoff push and offseason preparations continue, 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

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

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This is the prime spot for a team to trade up for a quarterback, and I think they’d find a willing partner in the Lions, who have tons of needs to fill. If they stay here, Detroit has their pick of either a dominant interior force (Auburn’s Derrick Brown), or a blue-chip cover man in Okudah. They opt for the more premium position here.

4. New York Giants

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

If Daniel Jones is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a true franchise left tackle to keep him protected. The more I watch Wills, the more he separates himself from the crowd at the top of this year’s deep offensive tackle class. Don’t be shocked if he’s the first one off the board, and a top-five pick.

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.

2020 NFL Draft: Bills bolster both sides of the ball in 3-round mock

In the three-round mock draft, Easterling has the Bills drafting a cornerback in round one.

In Draft Wire’s most recent mock draft, published just before the New Year, Luke Eastering sees a scenario where the Bills further bolster their defense. Interestingly enough, Easterling has Buffalo in selecting a best-player-available scenario, strengthening the defense and searching for value on day two of the draft.

In the three-round mock draft, Easterling has the Bills drafting a cornerback in Round 1. Ultimately, the first selection would give the Bills a firm solution opposite Tre’Davious White.

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down Diggs’ selection by the Bills:

Rd. 1 Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

This defense already boasts one of the NFL’s top corners in Tre’Davious White, but the Bills could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. Diggs has the size, athleticism and ball skills to make an immediate impact for one of the league’s best units.

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Trevon Diggs. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Diggs was named an All-American by various publications and analysts, ranging from a first-team selection to a third-team choice. He intercepted three passes this year and allowed a passer rating of only 44.5 when targeted this year. Diggs elected not to play in the Citrus Bowl this year.

Panthers 2020 NFL mock draft: 7-round New Year edition

Here is our first seven-round Panthers mock draft to ring in the New Year.

Let’s start 2020 off right, shall we?

Here is our first seven-round Panthers mock draft to ring in the New Year.

7. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Derrick Brown
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Panthers need more youth and aggressiveness up front and Derrick Brown is the best option in this draft class to replace Dontari Poe by far. Unfortunately, Brown will not be at the Senior Bowl but he’s a special athlete for his size and should perform very well at the Combine. Putting Brown next to Kawann Short would give Carolina a strong starting interior combo for years to come.

Broncos select DL Javon Kinlaw in 2020 NFL mock draft

The Broncos land South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw in this 2020 NFL mock draft.

In his latest three-round 2020 NFL mock draft for Draft Wire, Luke Easterling predicts the Denver Broncos will select South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw with the 15th overall pick in the first round.

Here is Easterling’s commentary with the selection:

This defense has one of the league’s best edge-rushing tandems, but it could use a difference-maker for the interior. A rare athlete for his size, Kinlaw is a versatile, disruptive defender who would wreak havoc while opposing offensive lines are focused on Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.

Kinlaw (6-6, 310 pounds) totaled 35 tackles and six sacks as a senior. He also broke up two passes and recovered two fumbles in 2019. With Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris, Adam Gotsis, Mike Purcell and Joel Heath all set to become free agents, Denver could certainly use more depth on the d-line.

After selecting Kinlaw in the first round, the Broncos go on to select an offensive tackle, wide receiver, linebacker and cornerback in the next two rounds of Easterling’s mock. To view the complete mock draft, click here.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick Georgia safety at No. 69 overall

LeCounte and the rest of his team will take on Baylor in the Sugar Bowl tomorrow night.

Whoever the next coach of the Panthers is, he’s going to need some fresh blood in the secondary if his defense is going to improve in 2020. Many people are expecting the team to select a cornerback early, possibly as soon as the No. 7 pick. They could also use more safety depth, though. Eric Reid and Tre Boston are a fine starting combination but if either one goes down or doesn’t re-sign disaster could follow soon after.

So, picking up a safety in the 2020 draft makes a lot of sense. In a new three-round mock by Luke Easterling at Draft Wire, the Panthers select Georgia safety Richard LeCounte with the No. 69 overall pick.

LeCounte (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) has played 34 games for the Bulldogs over the last three seasons. He’s totaled three interceptions, six pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and five recoveries.

Let’s take a look at LeCounte’s college tape.

LeCounte vs. Notre Dame

LeCounte 2018 highlights

 

You can watch LeCounte and Georgia take on Baylor in the Sugar Bowl tomorrow night.

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