The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is now in the books, and after 32 selections and countless hours of trying to figure out where players might land, it’s time to break down who win the day.
Here are our picks for the best and worst draft choices from Thursday night’s first-round action:
BEST PICKS
Cincinnati Bengals | LSU QB Joe Burrow, No. 1 overall
This was an easy decision. Burrow was the best quarterback available, and well, the Bengals needed a quarterback. In no way, shape or form should the team have gone in any other direction and they didn’t. They resisted the urge to listen to trade offers for this pick, and they’ll reap the benefits. Burrow brings a lot of excitement to a fan base in dire need of some.
Washington Redskins | Ohio State EDGE Chase Young, No. 2 overall
This is once again a no-brainer, but given the history of Washington, would they stick to it? Young was by far the best player in this draft. Had it not been for a quarterback-needy team selecting first, Young would have and should have been the top player overall. The strength of this Washington team just got stronger.
Denver Broncos | Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy, No. 15 overall
The Broncos have recently drafted a young tight end in Noah Fant, their quarterback in Drew Lock, and another wide receiver in Courtland Sutton. Now add in Jerry Jeudy to the mix, the most complete pass-catcher in this year’s loaded class. The Broncos have a young group of playmakers that should breathe excitement into the fan base. The way to compete with Kansas City is to load up on offense, and John Elway has done that over the last few years.
Dallas Cowboys | Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb, No. 17 overall
The Cowboys had one of the top offenses in all of the NFL a season ago. We’re not sure why or how, but a a top-10 overall prospect fell all out of the top 15 and into their waiting arms. Lamb was widely viewed as the top receiver in a deep class, him landing in Dallas has now made an already potent offense just that much more lethal.
Minnesota Vikings | LSU WR Justin Jefferson, No. 22 overall & TCU CB Jeff Gladney, No. 31 overall
Minnesota had needs at wide receiver and cornerback. They were able to address both in the first round, and that will allow them to lock both players up for the next five years. Jefferson comes in to replace Stefon Diggs, and Gladney to replace Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes. They filled their top needs with two players that can help bring the Vikings back to the top of the division.