The 2020 NFL draft is just over three weeks away, so the Lions Wire staff decided to jump into the mock draft game.
Our own Jeff Risdon, Scott Bischoff, and Erik Schlitt decided to put their collective minds together — via online conferencing — and create a realistic look at the first round (plus a few bonus picks) of the upcoming draft.
For this version (1.0), Schlitt took the role of moderator, facilitating the draft, while Bischoff and Risdon traded turns making selections they believed the team on the clock would make. Bischoff opened things up by making a selection for the Cincinnati Bengals:
1. Bengals, Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Easy choice, next.
2. Washington, Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Whether Washington stays put or a team like the Chargers trade up, the growing sentiment is Tagovailoa is going to be the pick here.
3. Lions, Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Bischoff: Young is the best non-quarterback prospect in the draft, and he falls to the Lions here because of how critical the quarterback is to teams in need of one. Young is a complete, three-down pass rusher and a player that will add a tremendous punch of playmaking to the Lions pass rush whole also being a very good run defender.
4. Giants, Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
A pick everyone agreed seems quite likely to happen.
5. Dolphins, Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Reports out of Miami suggest the Dolphins have similar grades on Herbert and Tagovailoa and would be willing to wait on whichever quarterback falls to them here.
6. Chargers, Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Risdon: Not their biggest need after signing Bryan Bulaga but Wills has this sort of talent to go here.
7. Panthers, Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina
The Panthers are switching to a 43 defensive scheme and are looking to add a disruptive interior presence, thus Kinlaw over Derrick Brown here.
8. Cardinals, Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Surprised a bit he fell this far and Risdon (who made the pick) strongly believes this would be as far as Okudah would fall.
9. Jaguars, Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
The Jaguars would have loved for Okudah to fall to them here, but their defense is in serious need of a makeover and that can begin upfront with Brown.
10. Browns, Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Risdon: Easy call, he’s a perfect fit for their new zone-blocking scheme.
11. Jets, Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Bischoff: The first wide receiver of the draft goes to a team desperate for help at the position for young quarterback Sam Darnold. Jeudy is an excellent fit as he is capable of creating easy separation to all parts of the field through incredibly precise route running. He will make Darnold happy very quickly.
12. Raiders, Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The late Al Davis would approve, as Bischoff noted.
13. 49ers, Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Bischoff: Ruggs is an incredibly explosive weapon, and he is going to make big plays in this offense. His presence on the field will also create massive open areas of the field for second-year receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle. Ruggs’ speed will occupy defenders and leave a void for their other weapons, even when he is not targeted.
14. Buccaneers, Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Risdon took some time on this pick, but it’s hard to see a player with his potential at such an important position falling any farther.
15. Broncos, CeeDee Lamb WR, Oklahoma
The Broncos land the top wide receiver on most analyst’s draft boards.
16. Falcons, K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Quick consensus on this pick after a little discussion.
17. Cowboys, C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The perfect fit of speed and athleticism for the Cowboys as they attempt to replace Byron Jones.
18. Dolphins, Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Risdon: Everything indicates the NFL views him this highly.
19. Raiders, Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
After snagging a defensive player from the National Championship runner-up Clemson Tigers at pick No. 12, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden now grab an offensive player from the winning side of that game.
20. Jaguars, Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Some debate here but Risdon opted to rebuild the secondary, noting the current projected starters at cornerback are ex-Lions D.J. Hayden and Rashaan Melvin.
21. Eagles, Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz gets some much-needed speed in the middle of his defense.
22. Vikings, Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
A bit of a curveball with the impressive pass-rusher.
23. Patriots, Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The Patriots starting quarterback in 2020?
24. Saints, Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Another Risdon pick where it isn’t the team’s biggest need but still helps the club.
25. Vikings, Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Bischoff: Mims going to the Vikings is not a great outcome if you are a Lions fan. He has a unique blend of strengths, and he was a touch limited by the Baylor offense which pushed him to be a vertical weapon. He is a good route runner and is fluid and smooth in his movements which makes him deceptive because he is also very fast. Mims is an intriguing compliment to receiver Adam Thielen, and he could emerge as a No. 1 receiver in time.
26. Dolphins, J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
More debate here about what do with Miami’s third pick. Risdon noted Ryan Fitzpatrick was their leading rusher in 2019 and that sealed it for Dobbins.
27. Seahawks, Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
Bischoff: Ruiz is a strong fit for the Seahawks, bringing positional versatility as he can play guard or center. Ruiz will be a stabilizing force at the center position and a player that can help both the running and passing game. Ruiz is ready to roll, and he will have a long career in the NFL.
28. Ravens, Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Baltimore’s need at linebacker gets quickly fixed with Murray.
29. Titans, A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Perfect scheme fit and incredible value at the bottom of the first round.
30. Packers, Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
“Dang, he’d be really good for them with Davante Adams” — Risdon, who made the pick.
31. 49ers, Ross Blacklock, IDL, TCU
He won’t replace DeForest Buckner outright, but he’ll take his starting spot.
32. Chiefs, Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU
Fun fact from Risdon: two of the Chiefs’ three starting interior linemen were dumped by the winless Browns team of 2017. They need Cushenberry.
33. Bengals, Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Jonah Williams is coming off a missed season due to a torn labrum and Bobby Hart has struggled to hold down the right side. Jackson gives them much-needed depth/competition.
34. Colts, Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota
This pick took some time. All liked Winfield to go higher than this draft slot.
35. Lions, Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
There was some debate over selecting a defensive tackle or cornerback at this spot but at the end of the day, the Lions need level, plus Diggs talent and scheme fit, were too good of a match to pass up.