2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

Here are a few of the top prospects that could help the Bears to watch in Monday’s National Championship Game between LSU and Clemson.

All eyes will be glued to Monday night’s National Championship Game, where the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers will battle for the collegiate championship glory.

There will be plenty of scouts in attendance, and the Bears have plenty of needs they need to address this offseason. Monday night’s game will feature some of the best prospects heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Here are a few of the top prospects that could help the Bears to watch courtesy of Draft Wire:

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

LSU

With Leonard Floyd’s future in question, Chicago needs an edge rusher that can thrive opposite Khalil Mack. Chaisson’s explosiveness coming off the weakside is something that should make him an attractive option for teams.

In 2019, Chaisson had 58 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. His freakish athleticism and natural ability shows he can be effective as a speed rusher off the edge.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 4-round projections after divisional playoffs

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling updates and expands his latest mock for the 2020 NFL draft, covering the first four rounds with new projections

We’re down to just four teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, as another wild week of postseason action sent another disappointing quartet back to the drawing board to prepare for the offseason.

At the same time, the college football landscape is buzzing, with the national championship game taking place Monday night, and the all-star circuit already in full swing for some of this year’s top prospects. Shrine Game practices kick off this week, while the Senior Bowl awaits in Mobile next week.

As draft stock continues to shift, underclassmen make their declarations, and the selection order becomes more secure, here’s an updated look at how the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order:

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

The last time the Bengals had this pick, they spent it on a Heisman-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer. 17 years later, Cincy’s hoping to land another franchise quarterback in Burrow, who has been dominant all year long despite facing stiff competition. Only an elite QB prospect would be worth passing up Chase Young, but Burrow is exactly that.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

For the second straight year, the team picking No. 2 gets the No. 1 prospect. Washington has bigger needs elsewhere, but Young is a generational talent who would be the rare “bargain” at this pick. A complete player who can take over a game all on his own, Young is one of the best pass-rushing prospects we’ve seen in years.

3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.

4. New York Giants

Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

You won’t find a more old-school general manager than Dave Gettleman, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick on improving the offensive trenches. If Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones are going to rebuild this offense, they’ll need plenty of improvement up front. Thomas is a franchise left tackle who will be pro-ready from Day 1.

5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

They might have to move up to land him on draft day, but if Tagovailoa is still on the board here, it’s a no-brainer for the Dolphins. Assuming his medicals check out, Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect with all the physical and mental tools to be the difference-maker Miami has been desperately seeking for years.

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2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

On Monday night, the eyes of the college and NFL world will be on the Louisiana Superdome as LSU and Clemson battle for the College Football National Championship.

There will be plenty NFL scouts in attendance and with the Eagles have several needs, Monday night will be a prime opportunity to scout some of college football best athletes.

Here are a few of the top prospects that can help the Eagles to watch courtesy of the Draft Wire:

***
1. Justin Jefferson — WR — LSU

The Eagles can use an explosive playmaker on the outside and Justin Jefferson is a huge reason that Joe Burrow will be the No. 1 pick. Jefferson can run every route, he creates big plays and his explosiveness would put the Eagles offense on another level.

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Infusion of young talent deemed the Eagles biggest offseason need

Eagles in desperate need of young talent on the roster

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to part in one of the most important offseasons in franchise history.

With Carson Wentz signed to one of the richest guaranteed contracts in NFL history, it’s imperative that Howie Roseman and company get the most out of his prime years.

During his end of the season press conference, Roseman hinted at the Eagles overhauling the roster and getting younger at prospective positions.

According to Tim McManus via ESPN’s biggest offseason needs for all 32 NFL teams, an infusion of youth is No. 1 on the Birds to-do list.

An infusion of young talent. The Eagles loaded up the 2019 roster with veterans to make a Super Bowl push, but their age showed itself in the form of injuries and low energy. The offense took off when younger players like Miles Sanders rose to the forefront, and they need more of that to set up Carson Wentz as he enters Year 5. — Tim McManus

It’s no shock that the Eagles made their late-season run after adding Boston Scott and Greg Ward to the lineup and now Howie Roseman needs a complete overhaul of young and talented players at pertinent positions.

Looking at the depth chart, Miles Sanders and Dallas Goedert are the only two young guys under 25 that can be considered elite game-changers.

According to Reuben Franks of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Eagles’ have only had four Pro Bowlers ages 25 and under since draft LeSean McCoy. DeSean Jackson and Nick Foles in 2013, Fletcher Cox in 2014, Cody Parkey in 2015 and Carson Wentz in 2017.

2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

Monday night’s national title showdown between LSU and Clemson is loaded with top prospects for the 2020 NFL draft

This coming Monday all eyes will be on the National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana. While both teams are playing for college football immortality, for select players it goes beyond their final game in a college uniform.

There will be plenty NFL scouts in attendance as they get one final opportunity to put their notes together in a game before the offseason bowl games, combines and pro day workouts.

LSU TIGERS

QB Joe Burrow

At this point it seems like a foregone conclusion that Burrow will be the number one overall selection at this point. His Heisman season put him on the map and with the Cincinnati Bengals likely done with the Andy Dalton era all but over, look for Burrow to take off one tigers jersey and trade it for one in orange and black.

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Ravens 3-round mock draft selecting only players in the college football national championship

It is never too early for a mock draft and we’ve got this one chock full of LSU and Clemson National Championship players for the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are enjoying a bye week in the opening round of the NFL Playoffs after finishing the season with a franchise-best 14-2 record. They have the makings of a championship team but it’s never too early to look ahead at the 2020 NFL Draft.

We were dazzled over the weekend with some terrific efforts by the Clemson and LSU Tigers. Several of the players we will see in the national championship game will be starring in the NFL. It got us to thinking, can any of the LSU or Clemson athletes be on the Ravens roster next season?

While Baltimore will not be in the mix for most of the top athletes after making the playoffs and locking themselves in as one of the last eight picks in the draft, there’s still plenty of capable talent to check out.

Clemson had eight players drafted last year, while LSU had three. The orange Tigers expect to have a similar number of athletes make it to the next level, while the purple Tigers certainly anticipate more than three this season. So why not have some fun with an all-Tigers draft for the Ravens?

For the sake of this article, we will assume the absolute best scenario. The Ravens win the Super Bowl and select at No. 32.

So with the 32nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select . . .

Round 1: Clemson WR Tee Higgins

LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton could have been in the discussion, but with the Ravens giving Marcus Peters an extension, they do not need secondary help in the first round. It allows general manager Eric DeCosta to draft another wide receiver to complement last year’s first-round pick Marquise Brown.

Higgins is the perfect addition to the receiving corps with his size and speed. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds and will be faster than the 4.75 40-yard-dash he ran back in high school (likely to be in the 4.5-4.6 range now). Baltimore does not have a receiver with that combo on the roster, meaning Higgins would be able to make an immediate impact.

The more weapons for Jackson, the better, and adding more size and speed to this already dynamic offense would make them basically unstoppable.

Round 1 / Round 2 / Round 3

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Eagles land Clemson WR, TCU CB in Draft Wire’s updated 2-round mock

Eagles land Clemson WR, TCU CB in Draft Wire’s update 2-round mock

The Philadelphia Eagles are just hours away from clinching a playoff spot, but that doesn’t mean NFL Draft season hasn’t officially gotten underway.

With the College Football Playoffs kicking off on Saturday night, tons of draft day prospects will on display over the next few weeks in bowl games and then again in the Senior Bowl.

Draft Wire and Luke Easterling just released an updated two-round mock draft and the Eagles come away with an All Acc selection and a stud from TCU.

With the 21st pick in the first round, Draft Wire has the Eagles selecting Clemson star wide receiver Tee Higgins. with the No. 54 overall pick, the Eagles then are projected to snag TCU cornerback, Jeff Gladney.

A five-star recruit, Higgins originally committed to the University of Tennessee to play college football before changing to Clemson. The junior was Clemson’s leading receiver this season with 53 receptions for 1,103 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Higgins was second-team All ACC in 2018 and capped his final season at Clemson by garnering first-team All-ACC honors.

Gladney stands 6-feet tall almost 200 pounds and was a four-year starter at TCU and one of the fastest players in college football. Gladney has been clocked at a 4.34 40-yard dash time and bench pressed 400 pounds last offseason.

Gladney is a shutdown corner, allowing the lowest passer rating in the Big 12 in 2018 with 13 pass breakups, and this season collected 14 more deflections — tied for fifth in the FBS.

PFF 2020 mock draft sends WR Tee Higgins to Bills

Pro Football Focus 2020 NFL mock draft gives Buffalo Bills Clemson WR Tee Higgins.

Where have we heard this one before?

The Bills, on the clock at the NFL draft, and the team selects a wide receiver from Clemson?

Well at least in this mock draft ahead of the 2020 NFL draft via Pro Football Focus doesn’t see the Bills trading up to do so. At pick No. 23, the Bills select receiver Tee Higgins in their recent mock draft released this week.

Here’s how PFF explains the pick:

23. BUFFALO BILLS — WR TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON
Six-foot-plus receivers aren’t supposed to be home-run threats the way Higgins has been for Clemson this season. The junior is averaging 20.8 yards per catch and has the highest receiving grade of any Power-5 receiver.

For the Bills, Higgins makes sense. Cole Beasley and John Brown have had great seasons for Buffalo in 2019. But they’re aging and don’t exactly strike fear into many. But having said they, they’ve played well. Moving more talent into the receiver room around them in the short term, and getting a long-term, go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen, should be a goal for the Bills this offseason.

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Jags find DL, secondary help in Draft Wire mock

The Jags found themselves with a potential successor for Jalen Ramsey in Draft Wire’s latest mock.

Despite some uncertainty surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars’ staff, fans have been anticipating what will be an interesting offseason for the team. Of course, the draft will be a big part of the 2020 offseason and the Jags are loaded with picks to make things right down the road thanks to the Jalen Ramsey trade.

All of that said, our comrade Luke Easterling released yet another mock for Draft Wire, which had several changes for the Jags in comparison to his last mock. In the first-round, the Jags seemingly got lucky with their first selection as Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah fell to them, which is a selection we’ve seen made for the Jags before. Like they did in last week’s mock, the also were slotted Clemson receiver Tee Higgins.

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.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

After getting a defensive playmaker in the top 10, the Jags need to use their additional first-rounder in this draft to give their offensive a true No.1 receiver for whoever ends up throwing passes next season. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control.

We talked about Higgins last week, so we won’t really discuss him this time around. We’ve also talked about Okudah in the past, too. His addition, especially with Ramsey gone, would be huge. Scouts love his athleticism, hip fluidity, and ceiling as a man-to-man defender. He’s shown great versatility while at Ohio State and can hold his own well in zone coverage, too.

Afterward, the Easterling slotted the Jags two more players on the defensive side, an area where the Jags have been pretty bad during the second half of the season.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State

76. Jacksonville Jaguars | Ashtyn Davis | S | California

Fans of the Jags are likely familiar with Marvin Wilson due to Florida State being up the road from Jacksonville. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound standout is athletic as fans will find at his size, which is what the Jags need with Calais Campbell being the Jags’ oldest player.

As for Ashtyn Davis, our own Daniel Griffis has written about him before in the past. He praised Davis’ range and tackling ability, which is a nice mix of traits to have as a safety. While the Jags have more pressing needs, Davis has the type of abilities that are hard to find in the back field and could be well worth a third-round selection in the end.

Ohio State DB Jeff Okudah will be key vs. Clemson in Fiesta Bowl

The Ohio State Buckeyes will need star cornerback Jeff Okudah at his best if they want any chance in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are a week away from taking on Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Both are entering undefeated, and it’ll of course be each team’s most challenging matchup of the season.

For the Buckeyes, it’ll be both Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, two projected top-five picks, that must make their presence felt. However, with what Clemson can do through the air, Okudah might be the most important of the two.

In fact, Okudah will likely be shadowing the Tigers’ most dangerous receiver, Tee Higgins.

A junior, Higgins is a projected first-round pick and tallied over 1,000 receiving yards this season. He’s also been able to find the endzone 13 times, eight of which came in Clemson’s last three games.

The Tigers started off the season as a more run-heavy offense, but have transitioned back to Trevor Lawrence and the receivers throughout these last few weeks. And while there’s more than Higgins that can make electric plays, he’s been the biggest threat to make the most important game-breaking moments throughout the year.

He’s totaled over 280 yards his last two games. It’s clear that for the majority of the season Higgins has been Clemson’s No. 1 target on the edge. That’s where Okudah must come on strong.

Arguably the best cornerback in college, Okudah has forced many opposing offensive coordinators to limit where their offense to one-half of the field. He’s that good.

They call him "El Jefe," probably because he's nothing less than a true BOSS at CB.

More on Jeff Okudah's season ➡️ https://t.co/PmUoixiI52 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/gbXDVQoTls

— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) December 14, 2019

However, college football’s top wide receiver prospects are from Clemson, Oklahoma, and Alabama. Okudah faces players like Chris Olave and K.J. Hill in practice every week, but Higgins may be a different animal with his size, speed and ability to high-point the ball.

This will be the matchup of the game, and if Okudah wins it, you can expect the Buckeyes to have a good chance to come out on top.