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.
PFF 2020 mock draft sends WR Tee Higgins to Bills
Pro Football Focus 2020 NFL mock draft gives Buffalo Bills Clemson WR Tee Higgins.
Where have we heard this one before?
The Bills, on the clock at the NFL draft, and the team selects a wide receiver from Clemson?
Well at least in this mock draft ahead of the 2020 NFL draft via Pro Football Focus doesn’t see the Bills trading up to do so. At pick No. 23, the Bills select receiver Tee Higgins in their recent mock draft released this week.
Here’s how PFF explains the pick:
23. BUFFALO BILLS — WR TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON
Six-foot-plus receivers aren’t supposed to be home-run threats the way Higgins has been for Clemson this season. The junior is averaging 20.8 yards per catch and has the highest receiving grade of any Power-5 receiver.
For the Bills, Higgins makes sense. Cole Beasley and John Brown have had great seasons for Buffalo in 2019. But they’re aging and don’t exactly strike fear into many. But having said they, they’ve played well. Moving more talent into the receiver room around them in the short term, and getting a long-term, go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen, should be a goal for the Bills this offseason.
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2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick Ohio State CB at No. 8 overall
The Panthers need to find more help at cornerback as much as any position this offseason.
The Panthers need to find more help at cornerback as much as any position this offseason. There are a few interesting pending free agents like Marcus Peters and Chris Harris, but the draft is usually the best place to find talent.
In a new two-round Christmas mock draft, Luke Easterling at Draft Wire has Carolina picking Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah at No. 8 overall.
“The Panthers continue to climb the draft board after losing seven straight games, but they may just get this year’s best corner for their trouble. With James Bradberry heading into free agency this offseason, getting a polished playmaker like Okudah to replace him would be a fantastic scenario.”
The Panthers should do their best to keep Bradberry in the fold with an extension. Even if they don’t, drafting another cornerback is an absolute necessity. Donte Jackson has shown promise at times since he was a second-round pick in 2018, but his consistency has become a serious concern. He was benched last week in favor of Ross Cockrell and Perry Fewell seems inclined to do so again Week 17.
Jackson needs more time to develop and the Panthers don’t have a ton of depth to go around, so adding a defender like Okudah makes a lot of sense. Let’s take a look at the film.
Okudah vs. Michigan State
Okudah vs. Indiana
Okudah vs. Washington
Okudah (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) is considered the top corner in his class. In 34 career games with the Buckeyes, he’s posted 16 pass breakups and three interceptions.
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2020 NFL mock draft: 2 rounds of Christmas gifts for your favorite team
Luke Easterling serves up a Christmas Day mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first two rounds
We’re just one week away from the end of the 2019 NFL regular season, and bowl games are already in full swing as top prospects and sleepers try to make a strong last impression on their game film before the predraft process kicks off.
It’s also Christmas Day, and what better gift than a mock draft that goes beyond the first round? 32 picks are never enough around here, so here’s my latest take on how the first two 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. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
After losing to the Giants in Week 16, Washington has the inside track to landing the No. 2 pick, and therefore the best overall prospect in this class. 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.
Broncos select LB Isaiah Simmons in 2020 NFL mock draft
The Broncos land Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the first round of this 2020 NFL mock draft.
In his latest three-round 2020 NFL mock draft for Draft Wire, Luke Easterling has the Denver Broncos selecting Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons with the 10th overall pick in the first round. Here is Easterling’s commentary with the selection:
This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.
Simmons (6-4, 230 pounds) is a linebacker/safety who has totaled 93 tackles (including 14.5 tackles for losses) and seven sacks this season. He has also intercepted two passes, broken up six passes, recovered one fumble and forced two fumbles.
Denver has been lacking a linebacker who can cover tight ends for years so Simmons seems like an ideal fit for Vic Fangio’s defensive unit.
To view Easterling’s complete three-round mock draft, click here.
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Saints’ pass rush gets stronger in ESPN’s 2020 NFL mock draft
The New Orleans Saints selected the best player available in Todd McShay’s first 2020 NFL mock draft, adding Iowa Hawkeyes DE A.J. Epenesa.
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What is the biggest offseason need for the New Orleans Saints? With an 11-3 record and one of the NFL’s deepest and most widely-talented rosters, there isn’t much to complain about. There’s a good chance that they struggle to find a day-one starter in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Maybe wide receiver is the position to target. While Michael Thomas has managed the tall task of running a one-man show, it’s a very bad thing that he outpaces the next-best wide receiver by 104 receptions, 1,441 receiving yards, and four touchdown catches.
Guard could be an option if the Saints focus on offense. While they have two Pro Bowlers on each side of the offensive line, they’re both hurt, and left guard Andrus Peat is going to be a free agent in March (with right guard Larry Warford on track to test free agency a year later).
Quarterback is fascinating. The Saints will get the opportunity to scout several big-name draft prospects at January’s Senior Bowl, such as Utah State’s gambling Jordan Love and unfinished Michigan project Shea Patterson. Other names worth monitoring include Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurd and his former Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa.
The first mock draft from ESPN senior writer Tod McShay throws the Saints a curve ball, connecting them with Iowa Hawkeyes defensive en A.J. Epenesa. McShay cites the injuries that have struck the Saints defensive front this season as a natural draw for the team to target Epenesa, though he acknowledges needs at wide receiver and quarterback, too:
The Saints’ defensive line depth has been ravaged this season, and Epenesa is a powerful end with a high ceiling. The Saints also have a need at receiver, and they could keep a close eye on the quarterback class, with Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater headed to free agency. But Epenesa offers the best value at No. 29, and adding a quality edge rusher is never a bad call.
It would be tough to question Epenesa being the selection. He’s a well-coached technician who has bagged 24 sacks (34.5 total tackles for loss of yards), 8 forced fumbles (1 recovery), and 7 passes defensed in his first three years for the Hawkeyes (a stretch of 36 games). The big junior is listed at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, and could help out right away if Marcus Davenport’s recovery from Lisfranc surgery lags into the regular season.
And if Davenport does return in time for training camp, there’s absolutely room for them to both coexist behind Cameron Jordan at the top of the defensive end rotation. Trey Hendrickson will be in a contract year next season, as will be defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Starting tackle David Onyemata is scheduled to see which offers are out there in free agency. Epenesa has the frame to bulk up further and rush from interior alignments sometimes, as do Davenport and Jordan.
The Saints ran an eight-man rotation along the defensive line in 2019; adding a talented first-rounder to the mix in 2020 makes plenty of sense despite their other needs. Still, it would be nice to see them target a position of higher need, but maybe they’ll be able to invest well in free agency and go into the draft ready to select the best players available, regardless of position. Isn’t that the goal?
Todd McShay NFL mock draft 1.0: Broncos select DB Grant Delpit
In his 2020 NFL mock draft 1.0, ESPN’s Todd McShay predicts the Broncos will select LSU safety Grant Delpit in the first round.
Todd McShay’s 2020 NFL mock draft 1.0 for ESPN has the Denver Broncos selecting LSU safety Grant Delpit in the first round (subscription required for link). In McShay’s mock, Georiga offensive tackle Andrew Thomas goes off the board to the New York Jets at No. 7 before Denver picks at No. 12.
One could argue that offensive tackle is one of the Broncos’ biggest needs this offseason but McShay noted that safety Justin Simmons and cornerback Chris Harris are both set to become free agents in 2020. McShay apparently hasn’t taken into consideration that the team has been hinting that Simmons will get a contract extension.
McShay did acknowledge that safety is just a “moderate need” before pointing out that there isn’t an offensive tackle who fits at No. 12. Of course, Denver’s draft order could change between now and the end of the season.
McShay’s first mock draft last year had the Broncos selecting Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise Brown late in the first round. His final mock draft of 2019 had Denver selecting Missouri quarterback Drew Lock. The Broncos did select Lock, but it was in the second round, not the first.
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2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 15
Check out Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft
Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and in the college football world, bowl season will be kicking off this week.
The battle for the top picks in next year’s draft is coming to a dramatic close, while this year’s top prospects and sleeper hopefuls have one last chance to put out some quality game film for NFL decision-makers.
As we hit the homestretch of another football season, 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. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. New York Giants
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.
3. 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.
4. Washington Redskins
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
This pick has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins reach his lofty potential. While a premier pass-catcher like Jerry Jeudy would be tempting, Haskins already has a stellar rapport with former college teammate Terry McLaurin. The bigger need, and the better pick, is a franchise left tackle like Thomas.
5. 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.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but I would be shocked if the Cardinals passed on the chance to give Kyler Murray an elite pass-catcher like Jeudy, should he fall into their lap. His combination of explosiveness and polish will make him an instant sensation at the next level, and a steal outside the top five.
7. New York Jets
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.
10. Denver Broncos
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.
2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections heading into Week 15
Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft
We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.
That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.
With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, 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. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. New York Giants
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.
3. Washington Redskins
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.
8. Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.
9. New York Jets
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.
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.