2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 15

Check out Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections for the 2020 NFL draft

Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and in the college football world, bowl season will be kicking off this week.

The battle for the top picks in next year’s draft is coming to a dramatic close, while this year’s top prospects and sleeper hopefuls have one last chance to put out some quality game film for NFL decision-makers.

As we hit the homestretch of another football season, 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

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. 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.

4. Washington Redskins

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

This pick has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins reach his lofty potential. While a premier pass-catcher like Jerry Jeudy would be tempting, Haskins already has a stellar rapport with former college teammate Terry McLaurin. The bigger need, and the better pick, is a franchise left tackle like Thomas.

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

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but I would be shocked if the Cardinals passed on the chance to give Kyler Murray an elite pass-catcher like Jeudy, should he fall into their lap. His combination of explosiveness and polish will make him an instant sensation at the next level, and a steal outside the top five.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Denver Broncos

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

This defense needs a three-down playmaker at the second level, and this pick would be the perfect fit. Simmons is a rare athlete and a versatile defender who can matchup with the best player on any offense, making him the kind of guy opposing offenses have to scheme for on a weekly basis.

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2 Wisconsin players selected in Draft Wire’s 2020 NFL mock draft

Wisconsin stars Tyler Biadasz and Jonathan Taylor were each mocked in the first round of Draft Wire’s latest 2020 NFL Mock Draft.

USA TODAY’s Draft Wire put together a three-round mock draft during Week 15 of the NFL season, and two Wisconsin players were projected to get selected – both in the first round.

First up is Rimington Trophy winner Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin’s starting center, who is mocked to the Tennessee Titans at no. 19 overall.

Biadasz was recognized as the top center in the NCAA, and that will no doubt land him within the first two rounds of the NFL draft in April, depending how he performs at the combine. His high football IQ and brute strength give him a great chance to be an elite blocker up front in the NFL for years to come.

Next up, to no one’s surprise, is running back Jonathan Taylor, who was mocked four picks later at no. 23 overall to the Miami Dolphins.

Taylor has once again been an absolute force for the Badgers this season, and his newfound ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will no doubt help his draft stock.

He’ll be one of the top running backs off the board in April, and should make an immediate impact in the NFL.

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2 Notre Dame players selected in Draft Wire’s 2020 NFL mock draft

Notre Dame stars Tommy Kraemer and Julian Okwara were both mocked within the first three rounds of Draft Wire’s latest 2020 NFL mock draft.

USA TODAY’s Draft Wire put together a three-round mock draft during Week 15 of the NFL season, and two Notre Dame players were projected to get selected.

First up was right guard Tommy Kraemer, who was mocked in the late second round (no. 63 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens.

Kraemer sprained his MCL and has not played in the final five games of the 2019 season. As of now, it is unclear if he will play in the Camping World Bowl. It’s also unclear if he will even declare for the NFL Draft, or if he will stay for a fifth season in South Bend.

If he does decide to go the professional route, landing in Baltimore with a chance to protect future MVP Lamar Jackson would certainly be desirable.

Next up is Julian Okwara, another injured Irish player who has played his final game of the season after suffering a broken fibula.

Okwara has seen his name pop up in the first round of a lot of draft boards, but this one has him all the way down in the third round, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs at no. 90 overall.

Okwara has all the potential in the world to be an elite pass rusher off the edge, and how he recovers from this injury will have a lot to do with his draft stock, and potential future earnings, in the NFL.

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Who did Colts select in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round mock draft?

A look at the Colts’ crop in the latest mock draft.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-70 are facing official elimination from the playoffs when they travel south to take on the New Orleans Saints (10-3) in a primetime matchup Monday night.

With the Colts’ season all but over, much of the focus has been shifted to who they might select in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. While that is still a long way away, it will soon become the dominating topic of discussion.

Here is who the Colts took in Draft Wire’s latest three-round mock draft:

15. DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

36. WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

46. S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

77. CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State

What the Colts will actually do in the draft is impossible to tell. Even in the week leading up to the draft, it will be immensely difficult to figure out what direction they go in.

Many are vying for a quarterback in this year’s class. With the struggles of Jacoby Brissett and the questions that have risen with him as a franchise quarterback, there are many hoping that general manager Chris Ballard pulls the trigger if the opportunity presents itself.

If they don’t, though, there are other positions that need help as well. The Colts must add impact players to the interior defensive line. They must also add more depth to the wide receiver position.

Free agency will dictate much of what the Colts do in the draft, but there are plenty of options that could help them when April rolls around.

Latest 2020 mock draft has Dolphins tripling down on skill players

The latest mock draft from USA Today’s Draft Wire has the Dolphins going extra heavy on the skill players and skipping offensive line early.

The Miami Dolphins’ options ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft are endless. With three picks currently in the top-25 and four picks projected in the top-40 selections, the Dolphins are going to have ample opportunities to overhaul their roster and target the youth necessary to kickstart a new era of successful football in South Florida. But these assets will only go so far for the Dolphins — the team must choose wisely and also choose the biggest difference makers for the team.

What does that look like, exactly? In the eyes of USA Today’s Draft Wire, that means finding fresh talent to score more points on offense. Each of the Dolphins’ three 1st-round picks in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft are invested into skill players on offense, surprisingly foregoing offensive line.

Here are the picks:

4. QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide

“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.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire

22. WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado Buffaloes

“After getting their franchise quarterback, the Dolphins need to surround him with as much help as possible. There’s not much value in terms of offensive line help here, so Miami tabs one of the most complete pass-catchers in the draft in Shenault, who excels at breaking tackles and making big plays after the catch.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire

23. RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Badgers

“Few (if any) teams need an upgrade in the backfield more than the Dolphins, and this scenario lets them have their pick of a deep, talented class. With three first-round picks, they can afford the luxury of using one at running back, where they land one of the most productive runners in college football history.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire

And here lies the challenge to the Dolphins — Easterling is right. Miami needs upgrades at each and every one of these positions and about 15 more. How can Miami possibly hope to find clarity in the best avenues to explore? And could the Dolphins really forego the offensive line all together in the first round despite a dire need for protection? Should the Dolphins draft Tua, it would seem to further amplify the need for quality offensive line play.

There will be no easy answers or solutions, even with the prospect of drafting Tua Tagovailoa. With no guarantees that his injured hip will go on to provide him with a long, healthy career in the pros, the Dolphins must carefully glean over every option. And when the time comes to act, they must do so decisively to execute their plan and ensure this team acquires the talent necessary to make a push back to the top.

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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

2. New York Giants

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

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

5. Detroit Lions

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

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

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

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

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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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Latest 2020 mock draft features Dolphins going heavy on the offense

The latest 2020 NFL mock draft by USA Today’s Draft Wire features the Dolphins digging into a heaping pile of offensive picks.

The Miami Dolphins’ 2019 season will soon be over, and when that time comes the team will be able to fully focus their efforts on reinforcing the roster and hoping to build out a more competitive squad for 2020. That plan will likely feature some offseason spending, but it will also most likely feature a ton of rookies via the NFL Draft.

With so many picks, the Dolphins’ combinations are nearly endless, but that won’t stop analysts from trying to find the perfect blend. Here’s how the latest mock draft from USA Today’s Draft Wire shook out:

3rd overall – QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide

This pick is still a no brainer for the Dolphins. The team needs a new franchise quarterback and Tagovailoa is probably the most gifted passer in the class. But his recent hip injury will ensure another QB-hungry team in Cincinnati opts to go a different direction with the top pick. If Miami doesn’t have Chase Young to be tempted by, this is a great pick.

22nd overall – WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado Buffaloes

The Dolphins have a subtle need at wide receiver after injuries claimed Preston Williams and Jakeem Grant’s seasons prematurely. Add in the Dolphins’ likely decision to cut Albert Wilson and this pick makes sense for Miami gaining a new weapon to grow into the offense.

25th overall – RT Jedrick Wills, Alabama Crimson Tide

Wills has plenty of chemistry blocking for Tagovailoa already — he’s been his blind side protector in college. Should Wills be available here at 24, it’s the final touch on a successful 1st-round.

34th overall – C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma Sooners

One could argue the Dolphins’ need at center is just as pressing as their need at tackle. Daniel Kilgore hasn’t played particularly well this season and he serves as the anchor to the offensive line. Miami will need a young stalwart here to help keep their new franchise QB clean and off the turf.

62nd overall – DE Jabari Zuniga, Florida Gators

Zuniga’s stock has been a bit impacted by injuries this season, but his presence and quickness on the Gators line is hard to miss when he’s there. Miami needs a lot of reinforcements in the pass rush department, too.

68th overall – RB Najee’ Harris, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Dolphins’ need at running back has never been more apparent than right now in the aftermath of the trade of Kenyan Drake and the release of Mark Walton. Harris is one of the hottest names in the running back field, showing skills on all three downs in the Tide’s potent offense.

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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Broncos select Auburn DL Derrick Brown in 2020 NFL mock draft

Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown lands with the Broncos in this 2020 NFL mock draft.

In his latest three-round 2020 NFL mock draft, Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling has the Denver Broncos selecting Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown in the first round. Here is Easterling’s commentary alongside the selection:

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 the next-best tackle.

Brown (6-5, 318 pounds) has totaled 42 tackles — including eight tackles for losses — and four sacks through 10 games this season. He has also broken up four passes, recovered two fumbles and forced two fumbles.

After landing Brown in the first round in Easterling’s mock, Denver goes on to select Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho (No. 38), LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips (No. 69), Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (No. 82) and Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade (No. 96).

To view Draft Wire’s complete three-round NFL mock draft, click here.

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