With the 2020 NFL Draft just days away, here’s my final mock for Round 1.
School: LSU | Year: Senior (RS)
This has been a fait accompli since the draft process began in January. The
Bengals officially choose their new face of the franchise.
Chase Young – Edge
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
The best edge rusher and arguably the best player in the 2020
NFL Draft.
Jeff Okudah – CB
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
The
Lions need help along the defensive front, too, so Auburn DT
Derrick Brown will also be considered here.
Tristan Wirfs – OT
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
HUGE debate for the
Giants here … protect
Daniel Jones or select the most versatile defender in the draft in Clemson LB
Isaiah Simmons? Keeping the QB upright wins.
Tua Tagovailoa – QB
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
There has been a lot of chatter that Oregon QB
Justin Herbert will be the “safe” pick for the
Dolphins. Instead, they choose the bold route and welcome the “Lefty Drew Brees” to Miami.
Justin Herbert – QB
School: Oregon | Year: Senior
The
Chargers take their QB of the future, but an OT will be in consideration.
Derrick Brown – DT
School: Auburn | Year: Senior
Carolina could go in a variety of directions here. I’ve had Brown in this spot in all of my mock drafts.
Isaiah Simmons – LB/S
School: Clemson | Year: Junior (RS)
Dynamic and versatile, Simmons will give the
Cardinals defense a new identity.
Javon Kinlaw – DT
School: South Carolina | Year: Senior
The
Jaguars could go in a number of different directions with so many needs to fill, but they opt for a player who can help them try to regain their identity on defense.
Mekhi Becton – OT
School: Louisville | Year: Junior
Massive and agile, the 6-foot-7, 364-pound Becton will start immediately at left tackle opposite free agent acquisition
Jack Conklin on the right side.
Jedrick Wills – OT
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
Plenty of reasons why the
Jets could select a WR here to help out QB
Sam Darnold, but they opt to support their young QB by adding to his protection detail.
Jerry Jeudy – WR
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
GM Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden fill a screaming need on the
Raiders‘ roster with a precise route runner who’s ready to come in and make an immediate impact.
Andrew Thomas – OT
School: Georgia | Year: Junior
Perhaps the most ready-to-play OT in the draft, Thomas should provide immediate protection for G.O.A.T. QB
Tom Brady.
Henry Ruggs III – WR
CJ Henderson – CB
School: Florida | Year: Junior
The
Falcons struggled for much of the 2019 season on the defensive perimeter. So, when the best man-coverage player is available for them at No. 16, they don’t hesitate to grab him.
K’Lavon Chaisson – Edge
School: LSU | Year: Sophomore (RS)
Star pass rusher Tank Lawrence approves of this selection.
Xavier McKinney – S
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
McKinney can play at all levels on the back end of the defense, boasting terrific instincts and range.
Patrick Queen – LB
School: LSU | Year: Junior
The
Raiders further bolster their linebacker corps with a guy who has great speed, closes, tackles well and has a terrific football IQ.
A.J. Terrell – CB
School: Clemson | Year: Junior
The Jags start to fill the massive hole left in the wake of the
Jalen Ramsey and
A.J. Bouye trades by selecting the Clemson corner.
Kenneth Murray – LB
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
I came into this process thinking the
Eagles were a lock for a WR here, but the mature, speedy tackler from OU slots into the middle of their defense.
Justin Jefferson – WR
School: LSU | Year: Junior
Exactly what the doctor and QB
Kirk Cousins ordered: a dynamic receiver who can make big plays in the slot and outside the numbers.
A.J. Epenesa – Edge
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
Brings power to the pass rush and could potentially do his most damage as a rusher inside in sub or nickel packages.
Jordan Love – QB
School: Utah State | Year: Junior (RS)
If coach Sean Payton is truly committed to QB
Taysom Hill as his future QB1, perhaps this pick is a defender.
Jaylon Johnson – CB
School: Utah | Year: Junior
One of my favorite CBs in the 2020 class, Johnson has plenty of strength and confidence to match up on the perimeter at the next level.
Joshua Jones – OT
School: Houston | Year: Senior (RS)
The
Dolphins will likely consider an RB here, but protecting their new franchise QB, and getting better push up front, makes Jones the choice at No. 26.
Yetur Gross-Matos – Edge
School: Penn State | Year: Junior
Willowy and rangy with some juice. Some believe Gross-Matos won’t make it out of the teens on Day 1.
Zack Baun – LB
School: Wisconsin | Year: Senior (RS)
Adaptable, versatile and brings excellent pressure off the edge. Baun fits what the
Ravens covet in a defender.
Austin Jackson – OT
School: USC | Year: Junior
I’m going with an OT with upside to fill free-agent departure
Jack Conklin‘s spot at right tackle. I do keep hearing that the
Titans like Auburn DE
Marlon Davidson‘s physical play, though.
Brandon Aiyuk – WR
School: Arizona State | Year: Senior
Explosive and tough, Aiyuk would be a great addition to
Aaron Rodgers‘ arsenal. But what if the
Packers decide to plan for the future and go QB here? Could Green Bay make a bold move for
Jalen Hurts?
Trevon Diggs – CB
School: Alabama | Year: Senior
Big, physical former WR who will make plays on the ball and tackle. Diggs will immediately compete to start opposite
Richard Sherman.
D’Andre Swift – RB
School: Georgia | Year: Junior
The
Chiefs could go big and target the offensive line with the last pick in Round 1, but the allure of Swift in this offense might be too much for GM Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid to pass up. Defensive tackle
Ross Blacklock from TCU makes sense here, too.
Follow Charles Davis on Twitter @CFD22.