2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick Washington QB in second round

In the second round of Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, he has the Panthers picking Washington quarterback Jacob Eason with the No. 43 overall pick.

With the Carolina Panthers officially eliminated from playoff contention this last week, it’s time to start focusing on the offseason and what comes next. Once again, one of the major decisions will be what to do at quarterback. Cam Newton remains the best option on the roster and he still has one year left on his contract. However, he’s coming off a foot surgery and there’s no guarantee he’ll be around next season.

Also, whoever the next head coach is might want to start over with a younger QB who fits their vision better than Newton might. If that’s the case, the draft will probably be the best place to find him.

In the second round of Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, he has the Panthers picking Washington quarterback Jacob Eason with the No. 43 overall pick.

Eason (6-foot-6, 227 pounds) started his college career at Georgia, but he lost the starting QB job to Jake Fromm in 2017. Eason transferred to Washington. He’s completed 63.8% of his passes for the Huskies this year, averaging 7.8 yards per pass attempt and posting a 144.8 passer rating. He has thrown 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Numbers can only tell us so much, though. Let’s take a look at the tape.

Eason vs. Oregon

Eason vs. California

Eason vs. Utah

Eason vs. Arizona

Eason vs. BYU

Like Newton, Eason could stand to put more touch on his passes and use his lower body more in his throwing motion. He has the arm talent to drive the ball to any part of the field, though. Critics will point to his lack of consistency and experience (28 games).

We still hope to see Newton in a Carolina uniform next year. If that doesn’t happen, taking Eason or another QB prospect on Day 2 is a good idea.

Kyle Allen is a strong backup option. He’s not a starting level quarterback at this point, though. This year’s third-round pick Will Grier could be the next Joe Montana or the next Geno Smith for all we know. It’s impossible to tell what his potential is since he hasn’t seen any live game action yet. However, Grier looked like he wasn’t pro ready during the preseason, so that’s another point in favor of drafting a quarterback in 2020.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections heading into Week 15

Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.

That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.

With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, using the latest updated order.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.

3. Washington Redskins

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.

4. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

8. Atlanta Falcons

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.

9. New York Jets

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.

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.

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

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. 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.

4. 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.

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

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.

7. 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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. 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

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. 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.

2020 NFL mock draft: Latest 3-round projections

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling updates his three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

We’re 10 weeks into the NFL regular season, and the college football season is hitting crunch time, with playoff pushes starting at both levels.

It’s crunch time for some of the nation’s top prospects, as well as the pro teams fighting for position at the top of next year’s draft board.

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated pick 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 another high-ankle injury has dinged Tagovailoa’s stock. Don’t be shocked if there’s a different QB in the top spot come next April.

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

Now that Odell Beckham, Jr. is gone, the Giants need a true No. 1 target to help Daniel Jones reach his full potential. Jeudy is one of the most polished, explosive pass-catchers we’ve seen in years, and he’s well worth a top-three pick.

4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

Aside from the injuries, it’s hard to find a flaw in Tagovailoa’s game. A few months ago, it would have been hard to imagine the Dolphins landing him without getting the No. 1 overall pick, but thanks to Burrow’s soaring stock, he just might fall into their lap here.

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.

6. 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.

7. Cleveland Browns | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

After all the offseason hype, the Browns have struggled mightily this season. They need to give Baker Mayfield everything he needs to succeed, and that means improving things up front. Wirfs would be an instant upgrade at either tackle spot.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

Despite investing heavily into their secondary in recent drafts, Tampa Bay still needs help on the back end. Without a worthy tackle prospect still on the board here, the Bucs opt for the best playmaker in the defensive backfield, getting a versatile playmaker who can line up all over the field.

9. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but the talent is too good to pass up elsewhere. Brown is a rare athlete for his size, with the explosiveness and power to be a dominant force up front. He’d be a much better use of a top-10 pick than reaching for he next-best tackle.

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

The Cardinals have lots of young talent, but they need more difference-makers on defense. Epenesa is a disruptive force who can line up inside or on the edge, making him the kind of versatile prospect Arizona should be targeting.