2020 NFL draft preview – Syndication Server

Everything you need to know about the 2020 NFL Draft

Draft Wire’s complete preview of the 2020 NFL Draft, including rankings, mock drafts, scouting reports, team needs, interviews and more

It won’t be like every other year, but there’s still that unmistakable buzz as we kick off NFL draft week.

Teams are putting their finishing touches on everything (just via Zoom from their converted-den-home-office this time), and prospects are sending out the last few links to their video pro day workouts. The hay is in the virtual barn, and the 2020 NFL Draft is nearly upon us.

From rankings, mock drafts and team needs to scouting reports and exclusive interviews, here’s your complete preview for this year’s three-day extravaganza (sans the casinos and boats):

WHAT

2020 NFL Draft

WHEN

1st Round: Thursday, April 23rd, 8 p.m. ET

2nd-3rd Rounds: Friday, April 24th, 7 p.m. ET

4th-7th Rounds: Saturday, April 25th, noon ET

WATCH

ESPN, NFL Network

MORE DETAILS

2020 NFL Draft will be a completely virtual experience

Top prospects to participate in virtual 2020 NFL Draft experience

PROSPECT RANKINGS

2020 NFL Draft big board: The Draft Wire 300

2020 NFL Draft: Final rankings for every position

MOCK DRAFTS

Mock drafts are a year-round endeavor at Draft Wire. Click here to see all of our projections for this year’s draft, from full seven-round mocks to multiple-round projections with trades and more.

SCOUTING REPORTS

Draft Wire’s staff has compiled details scouting reports on more than 150 of this year’s top prospects. Click here to see them all.

TEAM PREVIEW PAGES

Which picks does your team have? What are their biggest needs? Which prospects are they likely to target in early rounds? Click here to find out all of that and more in our full preview pages for all 32 teams.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

Throughout the year, the Draft Wire staff produces a series of exclusive, 1-on-1 interviews with some of the top prospects in the draft. This year’s series features over 125 interviews with first-round talents, mid-round sleepers, and late-round flyers. Click here to see them all.

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2020 NFL Draft: Full previews for every team

Draft Wire previews the 2020 NFL Draft for each of the league’s 32 teams

The 2020 NFL draft is nearly upon us, and we’re here to give you all the information you need heading into this year’s event.

Our team at Draft Wire has compiled complete previews for each of the league’s 32 teams, complete with the team’s vital information, their list of draft picks, biggest needs, and top prospects they could target.

Find your team and get ready for the draft:

AFC EAST

AFC NORTH

AFC SOUTH

AFC WEST

NFC EAST

NFC NORTH

NFC SOUTH

NFC WEST

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2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down everything Los Angeles Rams fans need to know about the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Los Angeles Rams fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Sean McVay

General Manager: Les Snead

2019 record: 9-7

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (52)

2 (57)

3 (84)

3 (104)

4 (126)

6 (199)

7 (234)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The Rams lost a key play-maker in Cory Littleton, who signed with the Raiders earlier this offseason. Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Travin Howard will all be fighting for a starting job, but adding a premiere linebacker who has proven to do it all should be a priority.

Offensive Line

The interior part of the line is made up of David Edwards, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett, Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen. While they will all be fighting for starting jobs, the Rams could benefit from a surefire starter. A tackle could be prioritized, as well. Rather than hanging up the cleats, 38-year old Andrew Whitworth signed a three-year deal. There’s still the possibility of Whitworth retiring after this upcoming season, so planning to find his successor could be near the top of the to-do list.

Edge Rusher

In 2019, the Rams only had two players in double-figures for sacks, and three players over five sacks for the season. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald led the team in sacks by no surprise, and edge rushers Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews were the next two in the category. The Rams added Leonard Floyd, and they also have Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam on the roster, but it’ll be hard to replicate Fowler and Matthews’ production from last season.

Wide Receiver

With the loss of Brandin Cooks, who was traded to the Texans, the Rams could use another wide receiver to stretch the field and draw defenders away from the box to join Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.

TOP TARGETS

Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama

Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame

Lloyd Cushenberry | OL | LSU

Matt Peart | OT | UConn

Hakeem Adeniji | OT | Kansas

Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech

Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State

Devin Duvernay | WR | Texas

John Hightower | WR | Boise State

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2020 NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down everything Arizona Cardinals fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Arizona Cardinals fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury

General Manager: Steve Keim

Team Record: 5-10-1

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (8)

2 (40)

3 (72)

4 (114)

6 (202)

7 (222)

TEAM NEEDS

Offensive tackle

The Cardinals signed D.J. Humphries to a new three-year deal, solidifying the left tackle spot. However, the right side still needs to be prioritized despite Marcus Gilbert signing to a one-year extension. His past few seasons have been showered with injuries as he’s missed an average of 12 games over the past three seasons.

Defensive line

The Cardinals added Jordan Phillips in free agency, pairing him alongside Corey Peters, Zach Allen. Jonathan Bullard, Trevon Coley, Michael Dogbe, Miles Brown and Lyndon Johnson. However, the talent on the interior part of the defensive line is still thin and could benefit from another premiere defensive tackle. Adding another solid pass-rusher is something needed to get some help for Chandler Jones.

Cornerback

The Cardinals didn’t add any cornerbacks early in free agency. Robert Alford is projected to play outside cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson in 2020, but the veteran broke his leg in training camp and missed the 2019 season, drawing some concern with his durability. Byron Murphy is slotted to play nickel cornerback, so getting inside-out versatility is essential.

TOP TARGETS

Derrick Brown | DT | Auburn

Leki Fotu | DT | Utah

Darrell Taylor | EDGE | Tennessee

Bradlee Anae | EDGE | Utah

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

Matt Peart | OT | UConn

Javaris Davis | CB | Auburn

Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State

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2020 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything Seattle Seahawks fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Seattle Seahawks fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Pete Carroll

General Manager: John Schneider

2019 record: 11-5

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (27)

2 (59)

2 (64)

3 (101)

4 (133)

4 (144)

6 (214)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

It’s easy to point the Seahawks needing just an edge rusher with Jadeveon Clowney’s decision still looming, but they need defensive tackle help, too. Seattle finished 29th in sacks, 29th in quarterback hits and 26th in pressures last season.

Wide Receiver

The Seahawks hit a home run with D.K. Metcalf in last year’s draft, and while they have him along with Tyler Lockett, Seattle could afford to add a game-changing receiver to compliment them.

Offensive Tackle

With the losses of Germain Ifedi and George Fant, there is a gaping hole at right tackle. The Seahawks acquired Brandon Shell, but he only offers low-end starting value. Seattle could afford to find the successor to Duane Brown, as well.

TOP TARGETS

Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn

Neville Gallimore | DT | Oklahoma

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

John Hightower | WR | Boise State

Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia

Lucas Niang | OT | TCU

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2020 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything Denver Broncos fans need to know about the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Denver Broncos fans need to know about the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Vic Fangio

General Manager: John Elway

2019 record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (15)

2 (46)

3 (77)

3 (83)

3 (95)

4 (118)

5 (178)

6 (181)

7 (252)

7 (254)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

Giving quarterback Drew Lock more weapons is key. The Broncos traded Emmanuel Sanders early on, leaving Courtland Sutton to responsibility of handling the load. Many thought DaeSean Hamilton would step up, but he’s been inconsistent since his rookie season.

Cornerback

The Broncos made a splash with the signing of A.J. Bouye, but they lost four-time Pro Bowler Chris Harris Jr. There are concerns with Bryce Callahan’s availability after a foot injury kept him out of the entire 2019 season.

Interior Offensive Line

The Broncos moved on from center Connor McGovern and guard Ronald Leary. They signed Graham Glasgow and have Elijah Wilkinson to fill in at right guard, for now.

TOP TARGETS

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Amik Robertson | CB | Louisiana Tech

Terrell Burgess | DB | Utah

Cesar Ruiz | IOL | Michigan

Matt Hennessy | IOL | Temple

Shane Lemieux | IOL | Oregon

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2020 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything Oakland Raiders fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Oakland Raiders fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Jon Gruden

General Manager: Mike Mayock

2019 record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (12)

1 (19)

3 (80)

3 (81)

3 (91)

4 (121)

5 (159)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide receiver

The Raiders added Nelson Agholor to the mix via free agency, and they have Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow as solid complementary options, but they need a dynamic centerpiece at the position.

Cornerback

After finishing No. 25 in passing yards allowed last season, the Raiders were aggressive in trying to lure in Byron Jones and Chris Harris Jr. to help fix their woes, but they fell short. Eli Apple was signed, but it’s unlikely that he fills the No. 2 role.

Safety

The marriage between Karl Joseph and the Raiders came to an end despite his high level of play. Oakland needs to add a player that will start opposite of Johnathan Abram.

TOP TARGETS

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

Ashtyn Davis | S | California

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2020 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything San Francisco 49ers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything San Francisco 49ers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan

General Manager: John Lynch

2019 record: 13-3

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (13)

1 (31)

5 (156)

5 (176)

6 (210)

7 (217)

7 (245)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide receiver

This position was always a need heading into the offseason, but after the 49ers lost WR Emmanuel Sanders, who signed with the Saints in free agency, it became even more glaring.

Defensive tackle

The 49ers traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts. Jullian Taylor, who’s expected to fill in for Buckner, is coming off a severe knee injury. Nose tackle D.J. Jones is also in a contract year.

Cornerback

Richard Sherman and Akhello Witherspoon are entering the final years of their contracts. Witherspoon hasn’t done enough to be retained and Emmanuel Moseley hasn’t proven himself as a long-term solution, either.

Offensive line

After releasing Mike Person, there’s expected to be a three-way competition for right guard between Ben Garland, Shon Coleman and Daniel Brunskill. The 49ers also need to find the successor to tackle Joe Staley.

TOP TARGETS

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Ross Blacklock | DT | TCU

Justin Madubuike | DT | Texas A&M

Josh Jones | OT | Houston

Matt Hennessy | IOL | Temple

Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn

Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State

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2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons team preview

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Dan Quinn

General Manager: Thomas Dimitroff

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (16)

2 (47)

3 (78)

4 (119)

4 (143, from BAL)

7 (229, from TB)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

This entire unit needs help, both along the interior and on the edge. Grady Jarrett is the only reliable, consistent performer across the board, making the defensive trenches this year’s top priority for the Dirty Birds. Vic Beasley didn’t live up to the hype, Takk McKinley is running out of time to do the same, and Jarrett could use a running mate inside. Don’t be surprised if multiple early picks are used to address this group.

Cornerback

Both Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield have shown promise, but with Desmond Trufant gone, Atlanta’s corners are still more upside than proven commodity. A draft pick won’t add what Trufant’s departure took away, but bringing in another top talent at this premium position wouldn’t hurt. You can never have too many talented corners in today’s pass-happy NFL.

Running Back

Devonta Freeman is gone, and while Todd Gurley was a big-name signing, this position still has no long-term solution past the 2020 season. This year’s deep running back class should provide the Falcons with plenty of starting-caliber options across the first four rounds. Whether it’s a workhorse back or a third-down specialist who could develop into something more, Atlanta needs to add a back at some point in this draft.

TOP TARGETS

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

Cam Akers | RB | Florida State

Antonio Gibson | RB | Memphis

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2020 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything Kansas City Chiefs fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Kansas City Chiefs fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Andy Reid

General Manager: Brett Veach

2019 record: 12-4

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (32)

2 (63)

3 (96)

4 (138)

5 (177)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The Chiefs run defense was quite underwhelming last season, finishing No. 26 in rushing yards allowed. The unit made up of Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson and Ben Niemann played well as the season went on, but they are lacking speed. Wilson and Niemann are also in contract years.

Cornerback

The Chiefs secondary was stout last season, finishing eighth in passing yards allowed. However, one of the main contributors to their success – cornerback Kendall Fuller signed with the Redskins in free agency. Bashaud Breeland re-signed with the team, but only on a one-year deal.

Running back

The Chiefs high-powered offense was the primary reason why they ended up raising the Lombardi Trophy. In the backfield carrying the load was Damien Williams, but he is on the final year of his contract. Finding another multi-dimensional back should be a priority.

TOP TARGETS

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU

D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech

Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah

Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia