2020 NFL mock draft: Latest 4-round projections

Luke Easterling updates his four-round projections for the 2020 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft is just days away, but there’s still time to fire off a few more mock drafts before the real thing kicks off Thursday night.

Rumors are flying in every direction already, with teams looking to move up or down all across the first round. Many expecting this to be the most surprise-filled draft in recent memory due in part to this year’s strange and difficult predraft process.

As we head into the homestretch, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of this year’s draft could shake out:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

Barring a last-minute trade offer that rivals the likes of Herschel Walker and Ricky Williams, this is going to be the pick. All the talk about Burrow not wanting to play in Cincinnati was just smoke, and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has made it clear he’s got no problem being a Bengal.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Much like the Bengals, Washington is likely to listen to any potential offers for this pick, but it’ll have to be a sweet deal to get them to give up the best player in the entire draft. Young is a dominant edge rusher with Hall of Fame potential, and while the Redskins have bigger needs elsewhere, Young’s talent and upside trumps all.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

Now, this is where the action should really start. The Lions would love to move back a few spots here, and they’ll be trying to entice any team in need of a top quarterback prospect to swap with them. If they can’t, though, they have a glaring hole where Darius Slay used to be, and filling it with this year’s top cover man in Okudah makes the most sense.

4. New York Giants

Jedrick Wills, Jr. | OT | Alabama

It’s a great year to need an offensive tackle at the top of the draft, but that won’t stop the Giants from listening to offers for this pick. If they remain at No. 4, don’t be surprised if they make the fast-rising Wills the first tackle off the board. He’s been tested against some of college football’s best edge rushers in the SEC, and he’s ready to do the same against pro talent.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

Yes, there are rumors the Dolphins prefer Justin Herbert, but I’m not buying. It’s been “Tank for Tua” for over a year, and if the Dolphins still get the chance to land him at No. 5 without trading up, it’s a no-brainer. Tagovailoa’s recovery from a nasty hip injury seems to be going extremely well, and if he’s healthy, he’s easily the better prospect with the higher ceiling.

Prospects most commonly falling to Cincinnati Bengals at No. 33 in mock drafts

2020 NFL mock drafts keep letting some interesting names fall to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 33.

Most 2020 NFL mock drafts that don’t go past the first round aren’t very entertaining for Cincinnati Bengals fans given the well-known incoming No. 1 pick of Joe Burrow.

But we can make our own fun, right?

Looking at most single-round mocks out there, we can get an idea of the prospects most mocks project to fall to the Bengals at No. 33.

And the list is quite exciting.

Mocks included belong to Peter King, Rhett Lewis, Chad Reuter, Bucky Brooks, and Daniel Jeremiah, among others.

These are the players most commonly available to the Bengals at No. 33 in mock drafts.

 

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims (5) looks over to the side line after a touchdown in an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Waco, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)

Mims is a big-play threat who might sneak into the first round most years were it not for the depth of the class.

A threat to score from almost anywhere on the field, Mims has No. 1 upside and is quite the security blanket for a rookie passer — especially if he’s on the same field as A.J. Green.

2020 NFL Draft: Two Round Mock Draft, Betting Odds For Each First Round Pick

2020 NFL Draft: Two round mock draft with the betting odds on picks, predictions and players at every first round slot.

2020 NFL Draft: Two round mock draft with the betting odds on picks, predictions and players at every first round slot.


CFN Podcast: How Many QBs Will Go In 1st Round? 
Pete Fiutak and Nick Shepkowski dive deep on whether or not five might be picked on Day One.

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Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews | @PeteFiutak

CFN 2020 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
from the college perspective …
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG & C
DE | DT | LB | CB | Safeties
Greatest NFL Draft Picks From Each School
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
32 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time
Full 2020 NFL Draft Order
CFN Top 106 Player Rankings (1st 3 rounds)
How Will Leagues Do in 1st Round?
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC

It’s time.

What’s the call, where are the top players going to go, and what are the big predictions for the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft? There are plenty of betting options, lots of great players in a loaded early part of the draft, and whole lot of puzzle parts that will be scrambled up in a hurry.


CFN in 60: 2020 Top Five Overall Prospects
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One key note here. It’s not a fair for a mock draft to project trades. It’s very, very possible that Washington at the 2 and Detroit at the 3 will move down, until something is concrete, you have to play the mock drafts straight.

2020 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

1. Cincinnati

Mock Draft Pick: QB Joe Burrow, LSU

The Bengals should trade away the No. 1 overall pick to someone with several first round selections – hello, Miami – and move down in a deep draft, but they won’t. Burrow is deeply flawed as a top selection – if there wasn’t a 2019 season, he would’ve been a fifth-rounder – but he’s a must-get to get the franchise rolling again.
BetMGM Team To Trade 1st Pick on Draft Day
Cincinnati +1000

2. Washington

Mock Draft Pick: DE Chase Young, Washington

Do not get remotely comfortable with the idea that Young is heading to Washington. Watch out for several teams to offer a whole lot of cash and prizes to get up to the No. 2 spot for a quarterback – think Chicago Bears paying to move one pick up to get Mitchell Trubisky in 2017. If there’s no movement, this is a no-brainer.
BetMGM Chase Young Draft Position
Over 2.5 +800, Under 2.5 -1429
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Chase Young
Washington -1250
BetMGM Position of Washington 1st Drafted Player
Offense +850, Defense -1667

3. Detroit

Mock Draft Pick: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

See the Washington pick. Get ready for several teams to try getting up to the 3 to jump ahead of Miami and the Chargers to grab Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. The Lions, though, desperately need a corner, and they have a shot at the prototype of prototypes.
BetMGM Jeff Okudah Draft Position
Over 4.5 -130, Under 4.5 +105
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Jeff Okudah
Detroit -176
BetMGM Position of Detroit 1st Drafted Player
Offense +380, Defense -527

4. NY Giants

Mock Draft Pick: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

A case can be made that Washington should stand pat at the 2 and grab an elite DE talent in Chase Young, and Detroit should probably stick at 3 since it needs a corner and it has a superstar right there in Jeff Okudah. There’s no reason the Giants should stay at 4 in a deep draft of offensive tackles. This is WAY too high for Wirfs, especially with at least four other good OT options available in the first round.
BetMGM Tristan Wirfs Draft Position
Over 8.5 +135, Under 8.5 -162
BetMGM Position of NY 1st Drafted Player
Offense -304, Defense +235
BetMGM Exact Position of 1st Drafted Player (if it’s an OT) -304

5. Miami

Mock Draft Pick: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

This is a gigantic wild-card in every way possible. Will Miami stay with this pick? It has three first round selections and might use them to move around. Will it go with Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert? Will either of those two still be around at the 5? Don’t be shocked if Miami gets its quarterback at the 2 or 3.
BetMGM Tua Tagovailoa Draft Position
Over 5.5 +110, Under 5.5 -136
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Tua Tagovailoa
Miami -106
BetMGM Position of Miami 1st Drafted Player
Offense -715, Defense +490

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6. LA Chargers

Mock Draft Pick: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

There’s a thought that the Chargers really might go with Tyrod Taylor for wee bit and go with a quarterback – Jacob Eason or Jake Fromm – a bit later. They need a top offensive tackle, too, so they might trade down for multiple picks, but … nah. The franchise needs a young superstar quarterback to build around, and it might have to move up to do it.
BetMGM Justin Herbert Draft Position
Over 5.5 -110, Under 5.5 -110
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Justin Herbert
LA Chargers +200
BetMGM Position of LA 1st Drafted Player
Offense -715, Defense +490

7. Carolina

Mock Draft Pick: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

It’s a value pick at the fantastic time. Carolina might need a corner, and it could use a boost to the defensive line, but it can sit there at the seven and wait for a fantastic prospect to fall to its spot. It’s Christmas for Matt Rhule and the new regime if Simmons – a top four talent in this draft – drops this far.
BetMGM Isaiah Simmons Draft Position
Over 6.5 -139, Under 6.5 +115
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Isaiah Simmons
Carolina +160
BetMGM Position of Carolina 1st Drafted Player
Offense -120, Defense +100


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8. Arizona

Mock Draft Pick: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

This is a draft about building up the infrastructure around Kyler Murray. The defense needs a LOT of help, but that can come later on. For now, the Cardinals will find a tackle to keep the Face of the Franchise healthy. There might be concerns about Becton’s failed drug test at the combine, but how do you know teams want him? They’re talking about how his stock might drop.
BetMGM Position of Arizona 1st Drafted Player
Offense -278, Defense +220

9. Jacksonville

Mock Draft Pick: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

One of the hottest prospects in the late stages of the draft process, Brown could be a top five overall pick as a cornerstone type that every team wants to lead its D line. The Jaguars need a quarterback, but they should be able to roll the dice that Jordan Love or Jacob Eason will be there at the 20.
BetMGM Derrick Brown Draft Position
Over 8.5 +110, Under 8.5 -136
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Derrick Brown
Jacksonville +260
BetMGM Position of Jacksonville 1st Drafted Player
Offense +125, Defense -150

10. Cleveland

Mock Draft Pick: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

Insert one of the top offensive tackles here. Between Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, or Wills, one will be here at a need spot for a Brown line that needs a whole lot more help.
BetMGM Jedrick Wills Draft Position
Over 8.5 +130, Under 8.5 -162
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Jedrick Wills
Cleveland +500
BetMGM Position of Cleveland 1st Drafted Player
Offense -667, Defense -450

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11. NY Jets

Mock Draft Pick: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

The Jets have to give Sam Darnold more weapons to work with. This is a phenomenal draft for top wide receivers, and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb and Alabama’s Henry Ruggs would be easy calls. Jeudy is the best of the bunch.
BetMGM Jerry Jeudy Draft Position
Over 12.5 +120, Under 12.5 -145
BetMGM Position of NY 1st Drafted Player
Offense -556, Defense +400
BetMGM Exact Position of 1st Drafted Player (if it’s a WR) +110

12. Las Vegas

Mock Draft Pick: WR Henry Ruggs, Alabama

GM Mike Mayock can get a prime player at the 19, so here he can go grab a game-changing wide receiver to electrify the offense. CeeDee Lamb is an option and Jerry Jeudy is the perfect fit, but even with the move to Vegas, these are still the Raiders. Speed, speed, speed, speed, and speed.
BetMGM Henry Ruggs Draft Position
Over 13.5 +100, Under 13.5 -121
BetMGM Which Team Will Draft Henry Ruggs
Las Vegas +425
BetMGM Position of Las Vegas 1st Drafted Player
Offense -200, Defense +165

NEXT: 2020 NFL Mock Draft, First Round Picks 13-20

Report: NFL’s mock draft hits hiccups starting with Bengals pick

The NFL’s mock draft and Cincinnati Bengals’ pick didn’t go over so well.

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The NFL had a good-intentioned mock draft Monday to simulate the experience ahead of Thursday’s first round.

And as one could have reasonably expected, things didn’t go as planned.

The test run hit issues starting with the Cincinnati Bengals up front. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a tweet from a person involved in the proceedings: “Mock draft today already technical glitch w Cincinnatis 1st pick!!! Brutal.”

It’s unclear what problem the Bengals could’ve been involved in during the proceedings. Prospects were randomized for the purposes of the exercise and Dallas was actually scheduled to pick first.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini added more insight into the proceedings as they unfolded:

Hiccups weren’t wholly unexpected given the unorthodox, isolated nature of this virtual draft. This exercise effectively aimed to stamp out any issues before Thursday.

“Do you hate this? Love it? Want to share your thoughts on this article? Sound off in the Bengals Wire forum!”

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Cincinnati Bengals 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft based on best-player available

What happens when a Cincinnati Bengals mock draft focuses on best-player available only?

In an ideal world, the Cincinnati Bengals will find a nice marriage of value and need at each spot in the 2020 NFL draft.

Joe Burrow is a good example. He’s arguably the best player available at No. 1 and happens to play a major position of need.

But what if every pick strictly adhered to a best-player available requirement? Let’s tackle such an exercise, grabbing only the top players available as a live draft unfolds via The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator and predictive board.

 

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

LSU’s Joe Burrow (9) gets ready to snap the ball at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. LSU defeated Auburn 22-21.

Jc Auburnlsu 60

Is Joe Burrow the best player in the draft outright? Weighing positional importance, yes.

While some might pound the table for Chase Young as the best player, the difference between an elite edge rusher and a bonafide stud quarterback on Super Bowl chances isn’t even a conversation.

Burrow is the best passer to enter the draft since Andrew Luck and the hometown kid who revives fan engagement for a struggling franchise is one of the best possible bonuses.

Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft goes with surprise in 2nd round

It’s an unexpected position in the second round in a new Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft.

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Most Cincinnati Bengals seven-round mock drafts are by-the-books affairs at this point.

When it comes to the 2020 NFL draft, the Bengals figure to go with Joe Burrow at No. 1, then attack one of linebacker, offensive line or even wideout at No. 33 to start the second round.

But that’s not the case in a new mock draft from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, who goes with Burrow at No. 1 before diving off the well-traveled path for Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet in Round 2.

The first three rounds unfold as follows:

  • Round 1: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

  • Round 2: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

  • Round 3: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Tight end isn’t often viewed as a likely Bengals scenario at almost any point in the draft. C.J. Uzomah is lead man on the depth chart, Zac Taylor invested a second-round pick in Drew Sample last year, restricted free agent Cethan is back and the team has previously had trade offers for Mason Schreck.

That said, some view Kmet, a big 6’6″ target, as the best tight end in the class. He’s more receiving threat than run blocker and might fit what Taylor wants to do quite well.

Onlookers also shouldn’t 100 percent overlook the Bengals just going best player available, just as they did with Sample. More targets for Joe Burrow isn’t always a bad thing.

“Do you hate this? Love it? Want to share your thoughts on this article? Sound off in the Bengals Wire forum!”

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Cincinnati Bengals worst-case scenario 2020 mock draft

What would a worst-case Cincinnati Bengals mock draft look like?

It’s going to be hard for the Cincinnati Bengals to botch their premium picks in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Bengals hold the first pick in every round, which sets them up to grab Joe Burrow first and a likely first-round talent that falls to the top of Round 2.

But what would the worst-case scenario look like? Let’s find out using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.

 

1. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Jan 23, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; South quarterback Justin Herbert of Oregon (10) throws during Senior Bowl practice at University of South Alabama’s Jaguar Football Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

This is about as bad as it gets. The Bengals stand pat instead of selling off the top pick and instead of grabbing the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, settle for Herbert and the questions around his game.

While the Bengals do like Herbert and had him at the Senior Bowl, he’s just not at Burrow’s level right now. He’s only 22, but the worry is the Bengals pass on massively high upside with the other top passers and go with the steady option here in Andy Dalton-ish fashion, which they’ll then be stuck with for a long time.

2020 NFL mock draft: Surprise scenarios for every top-10 pick

What if a handful of blockbuster trades completely turned the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft upside-down?

We’re nearly a week away from the 2020 NFL Draft, so at this point, you’ve probably seen every possible mock draft scenario already.

Well, what it a truckload of trades turns the early part of the first round upside down?

Here’s a projection that throws a little chaos into the top of this year’s draft, starting with the No. 1 overall pick. Where’s what it might look like if a handful of blockbuster moves completely change the landscape of the first round and beyond.

1. Miami Dolphins (from CIN)

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

If there’s any team that has the ammo to put together a trade package that could entice the Bengals to move off this pick, it’s the Dolphins. They’re loaded with early round picks in this draft and the next one, giving them more than enough firepower to jump up from No. 5 overall.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Now, it’s easier said than done, but if the Bengals have the opportunity to fill multiple holes on their roster with premium picks, including a franchise quarterback at No. 5 overall, they have to listen.

Burrow is one of the best quarterback prospects I’ve ever scouted in over 20 years of evaluation, which means it wouldn’t surprise me for the Dolphins to make a bold move up the board to secure him. It would surprise me for the Bengals to give up the chance to draft him, but if the price is right, it could happen.

Cowboys News: Prescott clarifies party incident, video meetings held

Dak Prescott speaks clarifies party incident. The Cowboys hold vide meetings with several players.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has made a lot of headlines lately after hosting a party during the current coronavirus pandemic on April 10. On Tuesday night, he clarified that it was gathering with less than 10 people in attendance and that the whole situation was being blown out of proportion. It’s also being reported that Prescott won’t attend the virtual offseason workouts without a long-term deal, which shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The Cowboys have continued doing their due diligence as the NFL draft approaches by holding video meetings with CJ Henderson and Grant Delpit, who both have an opportunity to get drafted at 17. The wide receiver position is very deep in this class, and with the Cowboys having a need there, they shouldn’t come away empty. Who could be the Cowboys first-round selection, whether there’s room for another dynamic running back, and how Prescott might be losing his leverage with the organization and more are covered in the news and notes.


Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on report he held party: ‘Completely inaccurate’ :: USA Today

Prescott has been under fire for a TMZ report he held a party at his house with up to 30 guests, including a talking-to by Executive VP Stephen Jones. He categorically denies things were as reported.


Cowboys’ biggest NFL draft needs? Defense and backup QB:: ESPN

Todd Archer breaks down the Cowboy’s biggest needs in next week’s NFL draft.


2020 NFL Draft: Best WR Options for the Dallas Cowboys in Each Round:: Inside The Star

The Cowboys have a need at wide receiver. Brain Martin breaks down the best options for each round in the draft.


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Cowboys were among oldest teams in 2019, but with a special catch:: Cowboys Wire

Even with one of the NFL’s youngest rosters, the Cowboys were a little long in the tooth in one area.


What is the chance your favorite prospect makes it to the Cowboys at 17? We got some numbers for you:: Blogging The Boys

With the draft approaching fast, here are some numbers that’ll give you an idea of what to expect on April 23.


Mailbag: Any More Moves Before The Draft?:: Dallas Cowboys 

David Helman and Rob Phillips discuss what the Cowboys have done in free agency and if any more pre-draft moves will be made.


Cowboys offseason workouts start 4/20, any fire to “Dak no-show” smoke?:: Cowboys Wire 

Dak Prescott is likely to not participate in voluntary offseason workouts with a new deal.


Staff Writers Each Reveal Initial 7-Round Mock:: Dallas Cowboys

DallasCowboys.com staff writers each put together their own mock draft for 2020.


Cowboys Have Spoken To Dak, Zeke About Party:: Dallas Cowboys 

Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones tells 105.3 the Fan that he’s spoken to Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott about the party incident.


Dak Prescott’s leverage against the Cowboys is slipping away in a strange offseason:: Dallas Morning News

Tim Cowlishaw discusses how Dak Prescott is losing his advantage in negotiations.


Cowboys Rumors: Grant Delpit, CJ Henderson, More Had Pre-Draft Video Meetings:: Bleacher Report

Several of the nation’s top prospects have had video meetings with the Cowboys.



Who Will be the Cowboys Pick in Round 1?:: Inside The Star

CJ Henderson, Xavier McKinney, and K’Lavon Chaisson bring value to the Cowboys in round one, but who will get picked?

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The weirdest mock draft of 2020 features Bengals starting over with…Jordan Love

A new 2020 NFL mock draft jumps the shark and links Jordan Love to the Bengals.

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Mock draft season is almost mercifully over.

While usually an informative tool rounding up the prospect stock market and a list of team needs, mocks have been rather timid for the Cincinnati Bengals so far because everyone knows they’re taking Joe Burrow.

Timid until now.

Over at CBS Sports, a live mock draft from a panel of experts has the Bengals securing their franchise passer of the future — Jordan Love.

Here’s how it got to this point. During the mock, the Bengals traded down with Miami, picking up No. 5. But at No. 5, the Bengals passed on Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa, instead taking Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills.

The Bengals nab Love at No. 18, then add Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz at No. 26. They also apparently pounced on Cam Newton in free agency to give him a shot while Love develops.

Wow, right?

As Bengals undoubtedly understand now, the offensive line is an issue — but the team doesn’t fully agree. They like some of the developmental pieces like Fred Johnson and Michael Jordan. Selling out on a chance at a franchise passer to move down and select (and eventually pay again) two first-round linemen isn’t happening.

Newton in Cincinnati also isn’t happening, nor would the Bengals let Herbert — a guy they really like and coached at the Senior Bowl — slip past them if they for some reason did move out of the first pick.

Mercifully, the draft is almost here and Burrow getting his name called first will put an end to the speculation. While “what ifs” about a trade down are fun, they should probably be limited to the Bengals moving down for a historic haul and grabbing Herbert.

And even that will forever remain in “what if” territory by the time the draft arrives.

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