Tag: 2020 NFL draft preview

2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything fans need to know about the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

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

VITALS

Head Coach: Anthony Lynn

General Manager: Tom Telesco

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (6)

2 (37)

3 (71)

4 (112)

5 (151)

6 (186)

7 (220)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

The 16-year marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers came to an end after mutually agreeing to part ways earlier this offseason. With Rivers gone, Tyrod Taylor is slated to start Week 1, but he only has one more year remaining on his contract. They need a plan for the future as they embark on their new era in brand new stadium.

Left tackle

The Chargers signed Bryan Bulaga, solidifying the right tackle spot. But the left tackle position remains at question. Former third-round pick Trey Pipkins is currently the projected starter, but it remains to be seen if he needs more time to develop. Drafting one in the early rounds would allow them to have competition at the position.

Wide receiver

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both coming off productive seasons, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, there is no one behind the two that can be called upon. Travis Benjamin was released and the other guys at the position didn’t produce when they had the opportunity last season.

Linebacker

The Chargers struck gold with rookie sensation Drue Tranquill, but there are a lot of questions in regards to the positional group. Thomas Davis was let go of, Denzel Perryman only has one more year remaining on his contract, and there are durability concerns with Kyzir White.

TOP TARGETS

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State

Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming

2020 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints team preview

Everything New Orleans Saints fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New Orleans Saints fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Sean Payton

General Manager: Mickey Loomis

2019 Record: 13-3

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (24)

3 (88)

4 (130)

5 (169)

6 (203)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

The 2020 NFL season will likely be the last for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints need to find his heir apparent. Taysom Hill has been a great addition to the team but his projection at this point doesn’t seem to be any more than a special teamer/gadget player/backup quarterback. The Saints could have an opportunity to grab their quarterback of the next decade plus if it all falls right for them in the first round.

Wide Receiver

The Saints have one of the best receivers in the game with Michael Thomas but one man cannot do it alone. The team needs to invest in a number two receiver in this draft class. A class that is full of receivers in one of the deepest classes in some time. It isn’t a position that needs to be address in the first round but definitely within their first three selections.

Linebacker

The defense needs to be addressed as far as their depth at linebacker. Manti Te’o is.a free agent, Another key linebacker was AJ Klein who moved on to Buffalo. With some of the talent at linebacker in the class, it wouldn’t be a stretch to find one on day three to come in and compete for a starting role or rotational role immediately.

TOP TARGETS

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

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2020 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens team preview

Here’s a look at the 2020 NFL draft for the Baltimore Ravens.

Everything Baltimore Ravens fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head coach: John Harbaugh

General manager: Eric DeCosta

2019 record: 14-2

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (28)

2 (55)

2 (60)

3 (92)

3 (106)

4 (129)

4 (134)

5 (170)

7 (225)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker/Edge Rusher

The Ravens need to add multiple pieces along the second level, particularly guys who can serve multiple roles. This draft class has several exceptional edge rushers who are also adept at sliding inside or dropping into coverage.

Wide Receiver

The Ravens have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. But there is always room in a very deep draft to add another playmaker for quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have plenty of speed on the outside so they could look for a big physical target in the passing game.

Interior Offensive Line

There might not be a player in this draft who can replace Marshal Yanda. But Baltimore will try. In fact they might opt for a couple of interior offensive linemen in this draft just to hedge their bets. There are some strong run blockers in this draft class and this is exactly what the Ravens need.

Top Targets

Zack Baun | LB/EDGE | Wisconsin

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

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2020 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns team preview

Cleveland Browns 2020 NFL Draft preview

Everything Cleveland Browns fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

Vitals

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

General Manager: Andrew Berry

2019 record: 6-10

2020 draft picks

1 (10)

2 (41)

3 (74)

3 (97)

4 (115)

6 (187)

7 (244)

Team Needs

Offensive Tackle

Despite the signing of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, the Browns still desperately need help along the offensive line. They should have their pick of two of the three top tackles in the first round and you have to assume this is the direction they will go. In fact, the Browns might draft multiple offensive linemen to hedge their bets.

Safety

The Browns are pretty shorthanded at safety and did nothing to truly address it in free agency. So don’t be shocked if they use a day two pick on one of the more athletic guys in what is turning out to be a very deep safety group.

Linebacker

The loss of Joe Schobert left a big hole in the middle of the Browns defense and the absence of his production will be missed. There are several middle round prospects who have been highly productive college players despite not having overwhelming athletic traits who could fill a similar role with the Browns.

Top Targets

Tristin Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

Grant Delpit | S | LSU

Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming

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2020 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers team preview

Previewing the Steelers 2020 NFL draft.

Everything Pittsburgh Steelers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

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VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

General Manager: Kevin Colbert

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (49)

3 (102, compensatory)

4 (124)

4 (135)

6 (198)

7 (232)

TEAM NEEDS

Running back

Last season the Steelers had what might have been their worst rushing season of the modern era. Not all of this can fall on the running backs but at this point, we can safely say there is no dynamic threat in the backfield. James Conner has proven to be injury-prone and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

Wide receiver

The Steelers have some quality talent at wide receiver with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington. However, what this group lacks is speed. With Smith-Schuster coming off of a down season and in the final year of his contract, Pittsburgh needs to think about adding a player who can really stretch the field.

Offensive line

Pittsburgh has one of the oldest offensive lines in the league and it really showed last season. The young guys on the roster have some promise but guys like Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villanueva are getting older. A replacement for one or both makes sense in this draft.

Edge rusher

The Steelers were able to hold onto Bud Dupree for one season on the franchise tag but it’s highly unlikely Pittsburgh can sign him to a longterm contract after this season. This class of edge rushers is deep who could give the Steelers a legitimate third option as a pass rusher.

TOP TARGETS

WR | Jalen Reagor | TCU

RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin

OL | Jonah Jackson | Ohio State

EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan

LB | Malik Harrison | Ohio State

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2020 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals team preview

Everything Cincinnati Bengal fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Cincinnati Bengal fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Zac Taylor

General Manager: Michael Brown

2019 Record: 2-14

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (1)

2 (33)

3 (65)

4 (107)

5 (147)

6 (180)

7 (215)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

It all begins and ends at the quarterback position and for the Cincinnati Bengals it is no different. For the better part of the last five months, one name has been linked to the team more than any other. With the first selection, they should select Joe Burrow to be their new franchise-leading man. The Andy Dalton era has passed and now the Bengals can get behind Burrow as they try and rebuild the roster.

Offensive Line

After finding their new face of the franchise, the next focus should be on protecting that quarterback. The teams really could use an upgrade at both right guard and right tackle. Plenty of players in the upcoming draft to do so when the time comes but if they want to return to the playoffs in the near future, those two spots need attention.

Linebacker

Most NFL defenses spend the majority of their time in nickel and other sub packages, which makes athleticism a must for today’s linebackers, given the extra ground they have to cover in the middle of the field. That athleticism is lacking among Cincy’s current linebacker group, and they should look to address that in the early rounds with someone like LSU’s Patrick Queen or Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray.

TOP TARGETS

Joe Burrow | QB | Louisiana State

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Zack Baun | LB | Wisconsin

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Jalen Reagor | WR | Texas Christian

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2020 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers team preview

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Rhule

General Manager: Marty Hurney

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (7)

2 (38)

3 (69)

4 (113)

5 (152)

6 (184)

7 (221)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The sudden retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly left a hole in the middle of the Panthers defense. Addressing that spot early on in the NFL Draft will be key for Carolina and new head coach Matt Rhule. It wouldn’t hurt for them to take more than one linebacker in this class. The top of the list is Isaiah Simmons who could play a hybrid linebacker-safety for the defense.

Cornerback

Top cornerback from the 2019 season James Bradberry left to the New York Giants through free agency leaving a hole for the defense. Ross Cockrell who was also a free agent from the 2019 season remains unsigned. The dream scenario would be Jeffrey Okudah sliding outside of the top five to allow Carolina to swoop in and snag the top cornerback of the class. CJ Henderson is also another viable option as he is seemingly gaining momentum as the NFL Draft approaches.

Safety

Probably a need that is likely addressed on day two of the NFL Draft, safety is also a concerning need for this team. The back seven could use some attention and with targets such as Ashtyn Davis, Antoine Winfield, Jr., Xavier McKinney or one of the small-school prospects. There are plenty to choose from. The team did sign Tre Boston to a three-year deal, but they could use depth and an eventual starter.

TOP TARGETS

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Jeffrey Okudah | CB| Ohio State

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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2020 NFL Draft: Houston Texans team preview

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Bill O’Brien

General Manager: Bill O’Brien

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (40)

3 (97)

4 (111)

5 (171)

7 (240)

7 (248)

7 (250)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

Despite the fact that the Texans added Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb, wide receiver is still a top need for Houston. The loss of DeAndre Hopkins will leave a huge void for this team. Cooks has had issues with staying on the field in recent years despite being traded multiple times for top picks. The team needs to find a dependable target for Deshaun Watson. Especially when you consider both Cobb and Cooks have had issues staying on the field over the years.

Offensive Line

Protecting Watson should be a priority. Much the reason why the Texans traded for Laremi Tunsil, but the right side of the line needs some attention. Watson has been sacked 106 times over the past two seasons, far too many for Houston’s franchise quarterback. Upgrading either guard is one spot in particular.

Secondary

It was clear that the current secondary wasn’t up to the task in 2019. A team that ranked near the bottom in interceptions should look to find upgrades at cornerback or safety. Houston picked up two former first-round selections at corner, but if they can upgrade the position, it can only help out the team.

TOP TARGETS

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Damien Lewis | OL | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts team preview

Everything Indianapolis Colts fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Indianapolis Colts fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Frank Reich

General Manager: Chris Ballard

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (34)

2 (44)

3 (75)

4 (122)

5 (160)

6 (185)

6 (193)

6 (211)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

The Colts need to find another weapon to go along with TY Hilton. The currently deploy a duo of Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal but could definitely upgrade the position in the upcoming draft with a deep class. Justin Jefferson would be a solid addition and would likely man an immediate impact for Phillip Rivers and the new look Colts offense.

Quarterback

Despite adding Phillip Rivers in free agency, the Colts are still looking for their quarterback of the future following the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck last year. Rivers provides an upgrade at the position now but they need their future. Jordan Love was a name that could intrigue the Colts. If he were to fall into round two, Indy would be a good spot for him to sit and learn.

Defensive Line

This team needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball, more importantly on the front four. They added DeForest Buckner via trade but they still need depth inside and an edge rusher. The draft isn’t full a top talent but they can find a young talent to develop. Boise State’s Curtis Weaver could be one to keep an eye on.

TOP TARGETS

Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State

Laviska Shenault | WR | Colorado

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

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2020 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars team preview

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Doug Marrone

General Manager: David Caldwell

2019 Record: 6-10

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (9)

1 (20)

2 (42)

3 (73)

4 (116)

4 (137)

4 (140)

5 (165)

5 (170)

6 (189)

6 (206)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

The interior of the defensive line in Jacksonville leaves a lot to be desired. They had issues on the inside against the run for the latter part of the 2019 season. The Jags’ defense needs to upgrade the defensive tackle position to help stiffen up against the run. Derrick Brown of Auburn should be a top target for the Jags.

Tight End

The team added Tyler Eifert in the offseason but he has his own issues with availability. Last season Eifert appeared in 16 games for the first time in his career and the most since 2015 when he played in 13 games. The team can’t bank on him staying healthy for all 16 games. Although there isn’t a first round worthy tight end, day two is a spot to begin looking for one.

Cornerback

The team is looking to upgrade the position since trading away former first-round pick Jalen Ramsey. Currently their projected starters are Rashaan Melvin and DJ Hayden. The team could definitely use more than one cornerback most likely and plenty of selections available to address it.

TOP TARGETS

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

Austin Jackson | OT | USC

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

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