Tag: NFL draft preview

2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons team preview

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Dan Quinn

General Manager: Thomas Dimitroff

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (16)

2 (47)

3 (78)

4 (119)

4 (143, from BAL)

7 (229, from TB)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

This entire unit needs help, both along the interior and on the edge. Grady Jarrett is the only reliable, consistent performer across the board, making the defensive trenches this year’s top priority for the Dirty Birds. Vic Beasley didn’t live up to the hype, Takk McKinley is running out of time to do the same, and Jarrett could use a running mate inside. Don’t be surprised if multiple early picks are used to address this group.

Cornerback

Both Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield have shown promise, but with Desmond Trufant gone, Atlanta’s corners are still more upside than proven commodity. A draft pick won’t add what Trufant’s departure took away, but bringing in another top talent at this premium position wouldn’t hurt. You can never have too many talented corners in today’s pass-happy NFL.

Running Back

Devonta Freeman is gone, and while Todd Gurley was a big-name signing, this position still has no long-term solution past the 2020 season. This year’s deep running back class should provide the Falcons with plenty of starting-caliber options across the first four rounds. Whether it’s a workhorse back or a third-down specialist who could develop into something more, Atlanta needs to add a back at some point in this draft.

TOP TARGETS

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

Cam Akers | RB | Florida State

Antonio Gibson | RB | Memphis

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2020 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything Kansas City Chiefs fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Kansas City Chiefs fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Andy Reid

General Manager: Brett Veach

2019 record: 12-4

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (32)

2 (63)

3 (96)

4 (138)

5 (177)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The Chiefs run defense was quite underwhelming last season, finishing No. 26 in rushing yards allowed. The unit made up of Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson and Ben Niemann played well as the season went on, but they are lacking speed. Wilson and Niemann are also in contract years.

Cornerback

The Chiefs secondary was stout last season, finishing eighth in passing yards allowed. However, one of the main contributors to their success – cornerback Kendall Fuller signed with the Redskins in free agency. Bashaud Breeland re-signed with the team, but only on a one-year deal.

Running back

The Chiefs high-powered offense was the primary reason why they ended up raising the Lombardi Trophy. In the backfield carrying the load was Damien Williams, but he is on the final year of his contract. Finding another multi-dimensional back should be a priority.

TOP TARGETS

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU

D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech

Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah

Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia

2020 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers team preview

Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything fans need to know about the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Los Angeles Chargers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Anthony Lynn

General Manager: Tom Telesco

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (6)

2 (37)

3 (71)

4 (112)

5 (151)

6 (186)

7 (220)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

The 16-year marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers came to an end after mutually agreeing to part ways earlier this offseason. With Rivers gone, Tyrod Taylor is slated to start Week 1, but he only has one more year remaining on his contract. They need a plan for the future as they embark on their new era in brand new stadium.

Left tackle

The Chargers signed Bryan Bulaga, solidifying the right tackle spot. But the left tackle position remains at question. Former third-round pick Trey Pipkins is currently the projected starter, but it remains to be seen if he needs more time to develop. Drafting one in the early rounds would allow them to have competition at the position.

Wide receiver

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both coming off productive seasons, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, there is no one behind the two that can be called upon. Travis Benjamin was released and the other guys at the position didn’t produce when they had the opportunity last season.

Linebacker

The Chargers struck gold with rookie sensation Drue Tranquill, but there are a lot of questions in regards to the positional group. Thomas Davis was let go of, Denzel Perryman only has one more year remaining on his contract, and there are durability concerns with Kyzir White.

TOP TARGETS

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State

Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming

2020 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints team preview

Everything New Orleans Saints fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New Orleans Saints fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Sean Payton

General Manager: Mickey Loomis

2019 Record: 13-3

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (24)

3 (88)

4 (130)

5 (169)

6 (203)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

The 2020 NFL season will likely be the last for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints need to find his heir apparent. Taysom Hill has been a great addition to the team but his projection at this point doesn’t seem to be any more than a special teamer/gadget player/backup quarterback. The Saints could have an opportunity to grab their quarterback of the next decade plus if it all falls right for them in the first round.

Wide Receiver

The Saints have one of the best receivers in the game with Michael Thomas but one man cannot do it alone. The team needs to invest in a number two receiver in this draft class. A class that is full of receivers in one of the deepest classes in some time. It isn’t a position that needs to be address in the first round but definitely within their first three selections.

Linebacker

The defense needs to be addressed as far as their depth at linebacker. Manti Te’o is.a free agent, Another key linebacker was AJ Klein who moved on to Buffalo. With some of the talent at linebacker in the class, it wouldn’t be a stretch to find one on day three to come in and compete for a starting role or rotational role immediately.

TOP TARGETS

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

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2020 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens team preview

Here’s a look at the 2020 NFL draft for the Baltimore Ravens.

Everything Baltimore Ravens fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head coach: John Harbaugh

General manager: Eric DeCosta

2019 record: 14-2

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (28)

2 (55)

2 (60)

3 (92)

3 (106)

4 (129)

4 (134)

5 (170)

7 (225)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker/Edge Rusher

The Ravens need to add multiple pieces along the second level, particularly guys who can serve multiple roles. This draft class has several exceptional edge rushers who are also adept at sliding inside or dropping into coverage.

Wide Receiver

The Ravens have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. But there is always room in a very deep draft to add another playmaker for quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have plenty of speed on the outside so they could look for a big physical target in the passing game.

Interior Offensive Line

There might not be a player in this draft who can replace Marshal Yanda. But Baltimore will try. In fact they might opt for a couple of interior offensive linemen in this draft just to hedge their bets. There are some strong run blockers in this draft class and this is exactly what the Ravens need.

Top Targets

Zack Baun | LB/EDGE | Wisconsin

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

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2020 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns team preview

Cleveland Browns 2020 NFL Draft preview

Everything Cleveland Browns fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

Vitals

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

General Manager: Andrew Berry

2019 record: 6-10

2020 draft picks

1 (10)

2 (41)

3 (74)

3 (97)

4 (115)

6 (187)

7 (244)

Team Needs

Offensive Tackle

Despite the signing of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, the Browns still desperately need help along the offensive line. They should have their pick of two of the three top tackles in the first round and you have to assume this is the direction they will go. In fact, the Browns might draft multiple offensive linemen to hedge their bets.

Safety

The Browns are pretty shorthanded at safety and did nothing to truly address it in free agency. So don’t be shocked if they use a day two pick on one of the more athletic guys in what is turning out to be a very deep safety group.

Linebacker

The loss of Joe Schobert left a big hole in the middle of the Browns defense and the absence of his production will be missed. There are several middle round prospects who have been highly productive college players despite not having overwhelming athletic traits who could fill a similar role with the Browns.

Top Targets

Tristin Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

Grant Delpit | S | LSU

Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming

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2020 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers team preview

Previewing the Steelers 2020 NFL draft.

Everything Pittsburgh Steelers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

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VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

General Manager: Kevin Colbert

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (49)

3 (102, compensatory)

4 (124)

4 (135)

6 (198)

7 (232)

TEAM NEEDS

Running back

Last season the Steelers had what might have been their worst rushing season of the modern era. Not all of this can fall on the running backs but at this point, we can safely say there is no dynamic threat in the backfield. James Conner has proven to be injury-prone and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

Wide receiver

The Steelers have some quality talent at wide receiver with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington. However, what this group lacks is speed. With Smith-Schuster coming off of a down season and in the final year of his contract, Pittsburgh needs to think about adding a player who can really stretch the field.

Offensive line

Pittsburgh has one of the oldest offensive lines in the league and it really showed last season. The young guys on the roster have some promise but guys like Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villanueva are getting older. A replacement for one or both makes sense in this draft.

Edge rusher

The Steelers were able to hold onto Bud Dupree for one season on the franchise tag but it’s highly unlikely Pittsburgh can sign him to a longterm contract after this season. This class of edge rushers is deep who could give the Steelers a legitimate third option as a pass rusher.

TOP TARGETS

WR | Jalen Reagor | TCU

RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin

OL | Jonah Jackson | Ohio State

EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan

LB | Malik Harrison | Ohio State

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2020 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers team preview

Everything Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Bruce Arians

General Manager: Jason Licht

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (14)

2 (45)

3 (76)

4 (117)

4 (139, compensatory)

5 (162)

6 (195)

TEAM NEEDS

Offensive Tackle

Donovan Smith is locked in at left tackle for at least one more season, but while he’s been durable, he hasn’t been consistent. Things are even less certain on the right side, where Demar Dotson is a free agent, and would need an understudy even if he returned. Joe Haeg was signed as a stop-gap solution and versatile depth, but a long-term upgrade is needed here.

Running Back

Ronald Jones II flashed some promise in his second season after a dismal rookie campaign, but Peyton Barber is gone and there’s nobody to push Jones at the top of the depth chart. This year’s deep running back class should give the Bucs starting-caliber options all across the first three rounds, and Tampa Bay is likely to target one with pass-catching prowess.

Defensive Line

Ndamukong Suh was brought back on another one-year deal, but the Bucs need a long-term solution alongside nose tackle Vita Vea. Todd Bowles’ aggressive, hybrid scheme requires versatility, intelligence and athleticism, all things Tampa Bay needs more of up front. Don’t rule out adding depth on the edges behind Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul either, especially after the departure of key reserve Carl Nassib.

TOP TARGETS

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals team preview

Everything Cincinnati Bengal fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Cincinnati Bengal fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Zac Taylor

General Manager: Michael Brown

2019 Record: 2-14

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (1)

2 (33)

3 (65)

4 (107)

5 (147)

6 (180)

7 (215)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

It all begins and ends at the quarterback position and for the Cincinnati Bengals it is no different. For the better part of the last five months, one name has been linked to the team more than any other. With the first selection, they should select Joe Burrow to be their new franchise-leading man. The Andy Dalton era has passed and now the Bengals can get behind Burrow as they try and rebuild the roster.

Offensive Line

After finding their new face of the franchise, the next focus should be on protecting that quarterback. The teams really could use an upgrade at both right guard and right tackle. Plenty of players in the upcoming draft to do so when the time comes but if they want to return to the playoffs in the near future, those two spots need attention.

Linebacker

Most NFL defenses spend the majority of their time in nickel and other sub packages, which makes athleticism a must for today’s linebackers, given the extra ground they have to cover in the middle of the field. That athleticism is lacking among Cincy’s current linebacker group, and they should look to address that in the early rounds with someone like LSU’s Patrick Queen or Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray.

TOP TARGETS

Joe Burrow | QB | Louisiana State

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Zack Baun | LB | Wisconsin

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Jalen Reagor | WR | Texas Christian

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2020 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers team preview

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Rhule

General Manager: Marty Hurney

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (7)

2 (38)

3 (69)

4 (113)

5 (152)

6 (184)

7 (221)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The sudden retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly left a hole in the middle of the Panthers defense. Addressing that spot early on in the NFL Draft will be key for Carolina and new head coach Matt Rhule. It wouldn’t hurt for them to take more than one linebacker in this class. The top of the list is Isaiah Simmons who could play a hybrid linebacker-safety for the defense.

Cornerback

Top cornerback from the 2019 season James Bradberry left to the New York Giants through free agency leaving a hole for the defense. Ross Cockrell who was also a free agent from the 2019 season remains unsigned. The dream scenario would be Jeffrey Okudah sliding outside of the top five to allow Carolina to swoop in and snag the top cornerback of the class. CJ Henderson is also another viable option as he is seemingly gaining momentum as the NFL Draft approaches.

Safety

Probably a need that is likely addressed on day two of the NFL Draft, safety is also a concerning need for this team. The back seven could use some attention and with targets such as Ashtyn Davis, Antoine Winfield, Jr., Xavier McKinney or one of the small-school prospects. There are plenty to choose from. The team did sign Tre Boston to a three-year deal, but they could use depth and an eventual starter.

TOP TARGETS

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Jeffrey Okudah | CB| Ohio State

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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