Tag: 2020 NFL draft preview

2020 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles team preview

Everything Philadelphia Eagles fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Philadelphia Eagles fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Doug Peterson

General Manager: Howie Roseman

2019 Record: 9-7

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (21)

2 (53)

3 (103) compensatory

4 (127)

4 (145) compensatory

4 (146) compensatory

5 (168)

6 (190)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

The biggest glaring need for the Eagles without question should be the wide receiver position. Alshon Jeffrey is coming off foot surgery and the team isn’t sure that he will be ready come season’s start. Nelson Agholor is now gone and this team doesn’t have many options as far as the younger players. DeSean Jackson is reliable when he is on the field but his availability is the biggest question mark. The Eagles need to find a receiver early on and they need to be an immediate starter for this team.

Safety

The Eagles didn’t exercise their option on safety Malcolm Jenkins allowing him to reunite with Sean Payton in New Orleans. This leaves a whole in the secondary next to Rodney McLeod. Philadelphia needs to find someone to team up with McLeod. A safety who can create turnovers on the backend is what this team really needs. The team could look to address this need early on with a selection in the first two days of the NFL Draft.

Cornerback

Even though the Eagles were able to bring back Jalen Mills for another season, they did lose Ronald Darby to Washington. The team currently has Rasul Douglas and Sydney Jones at cornerback as well but the group underperformed at the starter level. For the team to repeat as division champions and compete for another Lombardi Trophy, they need to upgrade the cornerback position early on.

TOP TARGETS

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins team preview

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Ron Rivera

General Manager: Dan Snyder

2019 Record: 3-13

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (2)

3 (66)

4 (108)

4 (142) compensatory

5 (148)

7 (216)

7 (229)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

Washington currently deploys a pass rush duo of Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan. The latter is coming off his worst season of sack production in his entire nine-year career. As he approaches the latter part of his career, Washington could use a young talent to be the future pass rusher. A young talented edge rusher the likes of Chase Young could be a cornerstone for the franchise as they try to climb out of the doldrums of the NFC East, a spot they have held down for the most part of the last decade.

Offensive Tackle

Many thought that they found their franchise quarterback with the selection of Dwayne Haskins. If that is indeed the case then the team needs to find a way to protect him. Trent Williams has obviously played his final game for Washington so they must address the blindside spot. They added Cornelius Lucas in the offseason but the former undrafted free agent is on his fifth team since 2014. They will have their choice of tackles if they pass on Chase Young with their first pick at second overall.

Wide Receiver

The team hit the jackpot with a mid-round selection of Terry McLaurin out of Ohio State. Now the focus needs to be on finding another receiver who can be a playmaker across from him. In a passing league a team needs more than one or two options. CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy can really help improve this team. Passing on Young wouldn’t be exactly smart but both would be worthy selections. They will have plenty of receiver optios by the time they pick in round three.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

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2020 NFL Draft: New York Giants team preview

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Joe Judge

General Manager: Dave Gettleman

2019 Record: 4-12

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (4)

2 (36)

3 (99)

4 (110)

5 (150)

6 (183)

7 (218)

7 (238)

7 (247)

7 (255)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

The most likely to be the top need is edge rusher. The Giants need to find a way to get to the quarterback with Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott in the division. They have tried going the free agent in the past but for this season they need to find a way to upgrade their defensive front and it starts on the edge. While it remains unclear which route they will take on the defensive scheme, the team shouldn’t overthink it if somehow Chase Young makes it to them at four. Young is the best talent in the draft and if the Giants want to rebuild this team it starts with him.

Offensive Tackle

One of the top priorities for Gettleman and first-year head coach Joe Judge needs to be finding someone to protect their young quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones was sacked 38 times a year ago. The team brought in Cameron Fleming who was a swing tackle in Dallas to reunite with now offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. They could use an upgrade at right tackle to team with Nate Solder. If Chase Young and or Isaiah Simmons are gone by pick four then the Giants would have their pick of the best offensive tackle available.

Linebacker

The team really needs playmakers at all three levels of the defense and it is no different at linebacker. They currently deploy Blake Martinez and David Mayo in the middle but adding a player the caliber of Isaiah Simmons can only strengthen this team. Given the fact that Simmons is so dynamic, he doesn’t have to play one specific spot on the field. He can help at linebacker or play a variation of a backer-safety-nickel corner hybrid for this defense.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

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2020 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys team preview

Everything Dallas Cowboys fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Dallas Cowboys fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy

General Manager: Jerry Jones

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (17)

2 (51)

3 (82)

4 (123)

5 (164)

5 (179, compensatory)

7 (231)

TEAM NEEDS

Secondary

Without question one of the top needs for the Dallas Cowboys is in the secondary. The Cowboys lost their top cornerback Byron Jones to the Dolphins in free agency and don’t have the depth to fill his role. The team has signed two cornerbacks but neither of which is viewed as a replacement for Jones. Dallas will need to address cornerback in the early part of the draft.

Not only do the Cowboys need help at cornerback but safety. A position they have not address early on in the draft since they selected Roy Williams out of Oklahoma in the 2002 draft. Dallas did sign HaHa Clinton-Dix but he is a short-term answer to a long-term question.

Defensive Line

Knowing there were holes in the middle of the defense, the Cowboys added both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe from the Carolina Panthers during free agency. The Cowboys lost their starting three technique tackle in Maliek Collins who left to Las Vegas. The Cowboys needed a presence in the middle which they are likely to get with McCoy and Poe but they need to look to the future. Javon Kinlaw would fit in nicely if he is able to slide to 17.

Wide Receiver

With the departure of Randall Cobb to Houston, the Cowboys find themselves short of a starting receiver next to Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. The depth beyond the duo leaves a lot to be desired with Noah Brown and Cedrick Wilson. Both have been injured for the better part of the last two seasons. Wilson shows promise but they need a guy that can be relied on. Dez Bryant could be an option if the team chooses to go that route but they still need another young talented player. Good thing for Dallas is that this draft is full of receivers.

TOP TARGETS

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

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2020 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers team preview

Everything Green Bay Packers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Green Bay Packers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt LaFleur

General Manager: Brian Gutekunst

2019 Record: 13-3

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (30)

2 (62)

3 (94)

4 (136)

5 (175)

6 (192, from Raiders)

6 (208, from Titans)

6 (209)

7 (236, from Browns)

7 (242, from Ravens)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

As of right now, the Packers have very little help alongside Davante Adams at wide receiver. Adams is a star, sure, but they desperately need another reliable starter for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. With the depth of this wideout class, Green Bay should be able to find a starter in the draft.

Linebacker

The Packers replaced Blake Martinez with Christian Kirksey at linebacker, doing little else to bolster the depth at the position. There’s still a glaring hole at the other starting inside linebacker position, so the team could look to plug in a rookie if the value is right.

Offensive Tackle

Ricky Wagner is a step down from Bryan Bulaga at right tackle, and even if the veteran bounces back from his poor 2019 season, he turns 31 in October. Green Bay could stand to look for an eventual replacement early in the draft if an intriguing prospect falls.

TOP TARGETS

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Josh Jones | OT | Houston

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2020 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings team preview

Everything Minnesota Vikings fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Minnesota Vikings fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Zimmer

General Manager: Rick Spielman

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (22, from Bills)

1 (25)

2 (58)

3 (89)

3 (105, compensatory pick)

4 (132)

5 (155, from Browns via Bills)

6 (201, from Bills)

6 (205)

7 (219)

7 (249, compensatory pick)

7 (253, compensatory pick)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

While Adam Thielen is a talented wide receiver, he’s coming off of a down year in which he missed six games due to injury, and with Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo, there’s a huge hole at receiver in the Vikings’ starting lineup. With three picks in the first 60 spots – including two first-round selections – expect them to draft a receiver early in this year’s draft.

Cornerback

Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackenzie Alexander are all gone, leaving the Vikings with a desolate cornerback group. While the team likes youngsters Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, they’re going to need to upgrade the position, especially if they want to keep up in a division that features Davante Adams, Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay.

Edge Rusher

Long-time stalwart Everson Griffen is no longer on Minnesota’s roster, and while Ifeadi Odenigbo broke out with 7 sacks this past year, the Vikings will likely at least add competition for the starting edge rusher spot alongside Danielle Hunter. The depth at the position is worrisome, too.

TOP TARGETS

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

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2020 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears team preview

Everything Chicago Bears fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Chicago Bears fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Nagy

General Manager: Ryan Pace

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (43, from Raiders)

2 (50)

5 (163)

6 (196)

6 (200, from Eagles)

7 (226, from Raiders)

7 (233)

TEAM NEEDS

Offensive Guard

With the retirement of Kyle Long, the Bears currently have a big hole at right guard. While Germain Ifedi was signed for cheap to provide veteran competition for the starting spot, look for them to throw a draft prospect into the mix and have him fight for reps – and don’t be surprised if that rookie is a player who started at center in college.

Defensive Back

After Prince Amukamara was released and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix having left in free agency for Dallas, the Bears have needs at both cornerback and safety. They seem to be confident in taking a cheap approach to both positions, but don’t be surprised if one of their two second-round picks was used on a defensive back.

Wide Receiver

It may not seem like a major need on paper, but the Bears don’t have a dynamic speed option at wide receiver at the moment. Taylor Gabriel was released, and though second-year wideout Riley Ridley is a talented player, he doesn’t bring that game-breaking speed to the ‘Z’ receiver position that Gabriel did. If the Bears like the value enough early on, they could look at add a wideout to a room that already features Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller.

TOP TARGETS

Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan

Lloyd Cushenberry | OL | LSU

A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson

Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

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2020 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions team preview

Everything Detroit Lions fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Detroit Lions fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Patricia

General Manager: Bob Quinn

2019 Record: 3-12-1

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (3)

2 (35)

3 (67)

3 (85, from Eagles)

4 (109)

5 (149)

5 (166, from Eagles)

6 (182)

7 (235, from Eagles via Patriots)

TEAM NEEDS

Cornerback

Desmond Trufant gives the Lions a solid No. 1 starting cornerback with Darius Slay gone, but they still lack depth and a reliable starter on the outside. Many expect them to draft Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, either at No. 3 or in a trade-back scenario, for this very reason.

Edge Rusher

Trey Flowers is a talented defender off the edge, but the Lions only got 1.5 sacks out of the edge rusher position outside of him in 2019. Don’t be surprised if they look for some pass-rushing value at some point early in the draft.

Offensive Guard

The Lions signed Halapoulivaati Vaitai in free agency to presumably play right tackle on their offensive line, but they still could use an upgrade from Joe Dahl at left guard. Though this year’s guard class isn’t a stellar one, they could still find a potential starter on Day 2.

TOP TARGETS

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

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2020 NFL Draft: New England Patriots team preview

Everything New England Patriots fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New England Patriots fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Bill Belichick

General Manager: Bill Belichick

2019 Record: 12-4

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (23)

3 (87)

3 (98, compensatory pick)

3 (100, compensatory pick)

4 (125, from Bears)

5 (172, from Seahawks via Lions)

6 (195, from Broncos)

6 (204, from Texans)

6 (212, compensatory pick)

6 (213, compensatory pick)

7 (230, from Falcons)

7 (241, from Seahawks)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

The Patriots need to find a new starting quarterback to replace Tom Brady, which is a sentence that still feels weird to write. Even if their front office feels confident in Jarrett Stidham, they should strongly consider drafting a quarterback early or even trade up in the first round for one.

Edge Rusher

Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy both left the Patriots in free agency, leaving their defense devoid of their two most productive pass-rushers from their dangerous 2019 unit. Adding some talent at edge rusher should be a priority for New England.

Tight End

Benjamin Watson retired in March, leaving the Patriots with an even thinner group of tight ends than they already had. While the 2020 draft class doesn’t feature much in the way of Day 1 starters at tight end, New England would be wise to add a player with some upside at the position to their roster.

TOP TARGETS

Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

Jacob Eason | QB | Washington

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame

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2020 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills team preview

Everything Buffalo Bills fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Buffalo Bills fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Sean McDermott

General Manager: Brandon Beane

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (54)

3 (86)

4 (128)

5 (167)

6 (188, from Browns)

6 (201)

7 (239, from Vikings)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

The Bills are in a good spot at edge rusher for 2020 with Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison and Trent Murphy. But by the end of the season those players will be 32, 30 and 33, respectively. They could look to add a young player who could serve as depth and eventually develop into a long-term starter.

Cornerback

Tre’Davious White is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, but alongside him is an aging Josh Norman, with an injury-prone Taron Johnson in the nickel. Buffalo should make it a priority to add some youth to the group to push either Norman or Johnson for a starting spot.

Running Back

Devin Singletary showed plenty of promise in 2019, but as they showed with Frank Gore this past season, the Bills seem to prefer a committee in their backfield, and their depth at the running back position is poor. They could target another back to complement Singletary at some point in the draft.

TOP TARGETS

Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame

Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan

Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah

Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn

Zack Moss | RB | Utah

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