PFF suggests surprise O-line replacement for Bills in latest mock

Pro Football Focus’ latest 2020 NFL mock draft has the Buffalo Bills selecting offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz from Wisconsin.

Pro Football Focus‘ latest 2020 NFL mock draft has the Buffalo Bills selecting offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz from Wisconsin.

Prior to this season, the Bills revamped their offensive line and one of the surprise players having a solid 2019 campaign for the Bills is left guard Quinton Spain.

So how do those two players connect? PFF predicts the Bills could use their first-round pick in the upcoming draft to replace Spain.

Here’s how PFF explains the pick:

26. BUFFALO BILLS – C TYLER BIADASZ, WISCONSIN
The highest-graded center in college football, Biadasz has the size to play any interior position. Quinton Spain has been a godsend at left guard but is only on a one-year deal and the Bills can’t afford to let their line backslide in 2020.

The Bills could certainly use a draft pick to replace Spain, but two other options will also be on the table early for Buffalo: receiver and pass rusher. Spain is only on a one-year deal, but it could be imperative they bring him back. Offensive lines build cohesion over time and this Bills unit could be even better next season.

Another reason for keeping Spain could be Dion Dawkins. As a rookie, Dawkins thrived next to Richie Incognito, then took a step back. Re-signing Spain could be an investment in keeping the entire left side of the Bills’ offensive line playing well via a Dawkins-Spain duo.

Plus, Spain is only 28 so a long-term deal with him shouldn’t be off the table. His “Mr. Undrafted” mentality as an NFL player suits the Bills’ “culture” perfectly.

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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.

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Draft Wire’s latest mock draft has Bucs adding size to their defensive line

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could find their defensive tackle of the future in the 2020 NFL Draft.

As we get closer and closer to the end of the 2019 NFL season, the draft order for 2020 is becoming clearer and clearer.

For the 4-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they currently hold the 12 spot, which in the past has produced some quality picks, like Vita Vea for the Bucs in 2018 and Deshaun Watson for the Texans the year before that.

While the Bucs would certainly love it if a quarterback of Watson’s caliber were available at that spot in the 2020 NFL Draft, it’s looking more and more likely that the three biggest QB names on the board — Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert — could be gone by the time Tampa Bay is on the clock, at least, according to the latest mock draft from Draft Wire.

While finding an offensive lineman might be the team’s biggest need after quarterback, Draft Wire has the Bucs adding size and strength to their already formidable defensive line with the selection of South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Kinlaw, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound senior, could be the perfect replacement for Ndamukong Suh, who signed a one-year deal with the Bucs in the offseason shortly after the release of Gerald McCoy. Kinlaw is larger than Suh and also a decade younger. Pairing him with Vea could help the Bucs maintain their strong defensive front for years to come.

Kinlaw would certainly be a welcome addition, and given that the Bucs used several draft picks in April on their secondary, perhaps adding to the defensive line could be the way to go this time around.

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Bengals take next franchise passer, retool offensive line in new 4-round mock

A new four-round mock draft sends Joe Burrow and others to the Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals are the star of any 2020 mock draft right now.

Favorites to land the first pick by a large margin, those Bengals don’t go the unexpected route in mocks right now — it’s all about LSU passer Joe Burrow.

Burrow, the fast-rising quarterback and Athens, Ohio native, is the pick by the Bengals in a new four-round mock from Luke Easterling of Draft Wire:

“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.”

After Burrow, the Bengals grab some offensive line help with Alex Leatherwood from Alabama at No. 33 in the second round. They then follow up with another tackle in the third round at No. 65, this one Darryl Williams out of Mississippi State. In the fourth, things switch to the defensive side of the ball where they grab Michigan linebacker Khaleke Hudson at No. 97.

As far as a top-100 goes, it’s hard to complain here at the end of November. Adding two linemen to pair with the returning Jonah Williams and Trey Hopkins at center could fully turn the unit around in time.

But the real treasure of the class here is obviously Burrow, the man who so far has completed 78.9 of his passes for 4,000-plus yards with 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions. In the wake of the Tua Tagovailoa injury he’s the top choice, so fans would be wise to start getting to know him now.

As far as mocks go, it’s hard to complain about hitting on the team’s biggest needs at what early in the process here seems to be good value.

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Ravens bolster their offensive depth in Draft Wire’s latest 4-round mock

Luke Easterling of Draft Wire put together a four-round mock draft after Week 12 that has the Baltimore Ravens adding valuable depth

The Baltimore Ravens are on a roll right now. Having won seven-straight games and looking like the best team in the NFL, all eyes are on Baltimore. But part of what makes the Ravens such a consistently great franchise is that they continuously look forward. So while they sit at 9-2 and are fighting for the top seed in the AFC playoff picture, expect scouts and general manager Eric DeCosta to already be paying some attention to the 2020 NFL draft.

Luke Easterling of Draft Wire is also starting to look at how the 2020 NFL draft could play out. In a four-round mock draft, Easterling has Baltimore grabbing Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor with the 30th pick in the first round.

“This rushing attack is already dangerous, but Mark Ingram won’t be around forever, so the Ravens should be targeting a potential replacement sooner than later. Justice Hill is a promising change-of-pace back, but Taylor’s complete skill set and physical running style would be too perfect to pass up here.”

Easterling has three running backs coming off the board in the first round, which seems unlikely. Though Baltimore is certainly proving a potent rushing attack can still be deadly in the NFL, pretty much the entire league has focused on high-flying aerial attacks instead. But if the board does play out this way, Baltimore would be getting Easterling’s second running back of the night and a good fit for their scheme.

As noted, Ingram is towards the tail end of his career. Though he’s having a career season with the Ravens, Ingram will turn 30 later this season. If Baltimore is smart, they’ll be looking for his eventual replacement as the power back between the tackles. And that’s where Taylor excels.

Still, with Ingram and Hill still under contract and Gus Edwards set to be an exclusive-rights free agent (effectively keeping him on the roster if the Ravens want him next year), I’m not sure if Baltimore has to spend their first-round pick on a running back with the future in mind. If Taylor is a guy they absolutely love, the Ravens have shown they’ll use a first-round pick and bring him into the fold slowly but really good running backs can often be found in the middle rounds where they’re a better value.

Click on the next page to see who Baltimore grabs with their other selections.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 4-round projections

Luke Easterling updates his early projections for the 2020 NFL draft, expanding his forecast to cover the first four rounds

November is winding down, which means both the college football and NFL seasons are ramping up.

Few games remain for top college prospects to show pro decision-makers what they can do on the field, while the homestretch of the NFL season will set the top of the draft order for April’s big weekend.

As many prep for holiday celebrations this week, let’s take another stab at projecting the early going of the 2020 draft, expanding to cover the first four rounds using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

2. New York Giants | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

3. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

4. Washington Redskins | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

5. Denver Broncos | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

This scenario is a huge win for the Broncos, who desperately need an upgrade at left tackle, regardless of who ends up throwing passes for them in 2020 and beyond. Thomas is the best prospect in a deep offensive tackle class.

6. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

7. Detroit Lions | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

8. Arizona Cardinals | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

The Cards need to protect their investment in 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, and that means getting him a franchise left tackle. Wirfs is a polished, powerful blocker who could be a plug-and-play starter in one of the NFL’s most vastly improved offenses.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

10. New York Jets | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

With the top offensive tackles off the board, the Jets should turn their attention to the defense in this scenario, looking for the best value at either the corner spot or on the edge. Epenesa gets the call here, giving New York a versatile, dominant presence to pair with Quinnen Williams.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 11

See how Tua Tagovailoa’s season-ending injury impacts Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’re halfway through November, which means while the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into clearer focus, so is the top of the board for next year’s NFL draft.

While the league’s worst teams are jockeying for position at the top of the first round, the nation’s top college prospects are trying to take advantage of key opportunities in big games down the stretch.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order after Week 11 games:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

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

Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.

3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a bigger need and a more premium position, but GM Dave Gettleman has proven he’s willing to go for the dynamic playmaker over the pick that seems to make more sense. Jeudy is an explosive pass-catcher and the most polished route-runner in college football.

4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

5. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.

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Latest 2020 NFL mock draft has Bucs passing on both Tagovailoa and Herbert

The latest 2020 mock draft from Draft Wire has the Buccaneers looking to shore up their offensive line.

The Bucs sit at 3-7 right now and at the bottom of the NFC South.

With another losing season potentially in their future, Tampa Bay could find itself sitting at or near the top of the 2020 NFL Draft. The good news for them, should they decide to move on from quarterback Jameis Winston, is that next year’s draft will likely be filled with talented young signal-callers.

So, if one of the top quarterbacks in the 2020 class falls into their laps, the Bucs will have to draft them, right? Not according to the latest mock from Draft Wire, which predicts the Buccaneers taking Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs in the seventh spot, passing on both Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. (LSU’s Joe Burrow is pegged to be the top pick by the still-winless Cincinnati Bengals.)

While Wirfs would certainly help shore up the offensive line, would the Bucs really pass up the chance at drafting either Tagovailoa or Herbert? Tagovailoa’s recent hip injury might scare some teams away, but Herbert looks to be the ideal quarterback for a guy like Bruce Arians.

To check out the rest of mock draft, click here.

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2020 NFL mock draft: How Tua Tagovailoa’s injury impacts 1st round

See how the season-ending injury to Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa could impact the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

Both college football and the NFL will feel the seismic impact of the season-ending injury suffered Saturday by Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The Crimson Tide’s top prospect is out for the rest of the 2019 college football season, but it remains to be seen whether or not his injury will be career-threatening.

A candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Tagovailoa’s draft stock is now in flux, as his long-term durability could be in question. If he ends up leaving school after this injury-shortened season, medical checks at the NFL Scouting Combine will be key to determining his eventual draft slot.

Here’s an updated look at how the first round of next year’s draft could look if Tagovailoa’s stock takes a hit:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

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

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

4. Miami Dolphins | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

5. New York Jets | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

6. Atlanta Falcons | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

8. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

9. Arizona Cardinals | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

10. Detroit Lions | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

11. Cleveland Browns | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

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

13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

14. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

15. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

16. Tennessee Titans | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin

17. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

18. Indianapolis Colts | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

19. Carolina Panthers | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

21. Dallas Cowboys | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma

22. Oakland Raiders | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

23. Kansas City Chiefs | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

24. Minnesota Vikings | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama

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

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

27. New Orleans Saints | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

28. Seattle Seahawks | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford

29. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

30. Green Bay Packers | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama

31. New England Patriots | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington

32. San Francisco 49ers | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

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Bengals nab Joe Burrow and overhaul offensive line in new 3-round mock draft

The Bengals get a big haul in a new 2020 mock.

Yet another mock draft has the Cincinnati Bengals grabbing LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the top overall pick in 2020.

Quarterback seems like a forgone conclusion for the winless Bengals led by a coaching staff that didn’t hesitate to bench Andy Dalton during a bye week.

Which isn’t to say Burrow isn’t a fun topic of discussion. But perhaps more interesting now is what the Bengals might do with their other top-100 selections.

A new mock from Luke Easterling of Draft Wire tackles this very subject thanks to its three-round nature. The Bengals grab Burrow at No. 1, then offensive linemen Trey Adams from Washington at No. 33 and Trey Smith out of Tennessee at No. 65.

Taking consecutive offensive linemen might seem a bit boring at first. But it might be the only way to quickly correct a depth chart where one could argue four of the starting five need replaced.

Landing both Adams and Smith in the same draft, paired with a returning Jonah Williams, could go a long way toward revamping the offense and hopefully providing a situation where a rookie quarterback can develop and eventually succeed.

This is one of many scenarios it is easy to see playing out for the Bengals, the NFL’s lone winless team with plenty of problems to patch between now and next season.

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