Draft Time is here and it is definitely more interesting this year, due to the unforeseen circumstances in the world today. This year, the draft will be done virtually, which will be interesting to see played out. Last year, I did a personal mock draft and I broke down each draft pick in the first round. I will do the same this year, but this year a couple of the Sport Chief guys did their own first round mock, so I will include their picks as well. We don’t know if this draft will be a mess or a really cool display, which makes it even more interesting from a sports fan’s perspective.

2020 NFL Mock Draft

- 1: Cincinnati Bengals: QB, Joe Burrow (LSU)

This is pretty much a no-brainer. The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and QB for the 2020 National Champions played his way to the number one pick and it would be a total shock to see anything different. Cincinnati will hope to get their franchise QB, something that they haven’t had since Carson Palmer.

Garret and AustYn: QB, Joe Burrow (LSU)

- 2: Washington Redskins: DE/LB, Chase Young (Ohio State)

After the first pick, there is a flurry of trade talks within the Top 10. A couple weeks ago, there were talks of Washington possibly choosing a QB, but much of that talk has died down. Chase Young has been described by many scouts as one of the best edge rushers in recent memory. Also, the Redskins new defensive-minded Head Coach, Ron Rivera will likely lean towards someone like Young.

Garett and AustYn: DE, Chase Young (Ohio State)

- 3: Detroit Lions: DB, Jeff Okudah (Ohio State)

There have been lots of rumors saying that the Lions are moving down from the 3rd spot in the draft, but I think they take Okudah regardless. They likely will not take a QB, but they could get more value in return by moving down. The two likely teams to move up are the Dolphins or the Chargers, so if they end up with the 3rd pick, don’t be surprised. The Lions traded Darius Slay to the Eagles last month and Okudah would fill that void, without taking on the cap space of a player like Slay.

Garett: OLB, Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

AustYn: DB, Jeff Okudah (Ohio State)

- 4: New York Giants: OT, Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

Other than RB, the Giants need a lot of help in a lot of places on the field. Their biggest need is seemingly at O-Line, particularly at OT. OT is a deep position in the draft this year and they have plenty to choose from. I think they go with Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa. Jedrick Wills Jr. and Mekhi Becton are also picks that could go here.

Garett: OT, Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

AustYn: OT, Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)

- 5: Miami Dolphins: QB, Justin Herbert (Oregon)

A trade wouldn’t be a surprise here, but the Dolphins going with anything other than a QB with their pick would be pretty shocking. Reports have surfaced that Herbert is preferred over Tua in the Dolphins camp due to injury concerns. Whether or not this is a smoke screen will be revealed by the time Miami selects, but for now, it looks like it will be Herbert to the Dolphins.

Garett: QB, Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

AustYn: OT, Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

- 6: Los Angeles Chargers: QB, Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

Tua seems like he is the Chargers guy at the moment. They parted ways with their long-time franchise QB, Phillip Rivers this offseason and it is clear that they want to refresh the team. Tyrod Taylor is their current QB and while he can be a short-term fix, he isn’t the long-term solution. Tua can be that guy within a year or two. There are injury concerns, but I think he is definitely worth the risk.

Garett and AustYn: QB, Justin Herbert (Oregon)

- 7: Carolina Panthers: OLB, Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

I think this will probably be the farthest that Simmons falls in the draft. The Panthers seem like they will be down to 2 picks if they’re available. Simmons and Defensive Tackle Derrick Brown. While DT is their most glaring need, I don’t think they will pass on Simmons if he is available. OL is another need for the Panthers, but I think they will wait for that.

Garett: DT, Derrick Brown (Auburn)

AustYn: OLB, Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

- 8: Arizona Cardinals: OT, Mekhi Becton (Louisville)

The biggest need for the Cards is at the OT position. They could go with a defensive player here, but I don’t see why they would bolster their offense. Mekhi Becton is a 6’7” 370 lb. OL that runs a 5.1 40-yard dash. Yes, you heard that right. His strength and ability to move should help Kyler Murray out. Also, with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, it only makes sense for them to draft OL help.

Garett: DB, Jeff Okudah (Ohio State)

AustYn: OT, Andrew Thomas (Georgia)

- 9: Jacksonville Jaguars: DT. Derrick Brown (Auburn)

It seems like a couple years ago, Jacksonville was the team of the future, but that quickly turned sour. They are in yet another rebuilding session, and there is seemingly a lot of confusion behind the scenes and in the locker room. It would shock me to see Derrick Brown fall below this pick. He is a great talent and would be by far the best available at this point. Jacksonville has traded most of their assets away in the last couple of years, so best available seems like it will be the pick here.

Garett: OT, Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)

Austyn: DT, Derrick Brown (Auburn)

- 10: Cleveland Browns: OT, Jedrick Wills (Alabama)

The Browns could move back from this spot, but if they keep it I think Wills is the best bet if he is still on the board. Something I found interesting is the fact that Joe Thomas really likes him. I think the Browns go with Wills to complement their new acquisition at RT, former Titan Jack Conklin. They clearly need to keep Baker Mayfield safe if they want him to be as successful as possible and extra help at OL will be a nice safety blanket.

Garett and AustYn: OT, Mekhi Becton (Louisville)

- 11: New York Jets: WR, Jerry Juedy (Alabama)

There are a few needs for the Jets, but the biggest is a receiving core. The Jets GM said that they were looking for OL help, but I think they can wait on that. In my mock, this will be the first WR off of the board, but it is possible for a WR to be chosen before this. Juedy is the top receiver in the class and he fills the void of Robby Anderson leaving for the Panthers.

Garett: WR, Jerry Juedy (Alabama)

AustYn: WR, CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

- 12: Las Vegas Raiders: CB, CJ Henderson (Florida)

This is the first draft for the Raiders since their move to Las Vegas and they have been a franchise with infamously memorable draft picks. With that being said, I don’t think we’ll get that this year. Thinking outside of the box isn’t going to do them any favors in this particular draft and should just draft on a need basis. I feel like the Raiders have been hurting in the secondary department for a long time and Henderson would be a good fit.

Garett: DT, Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

AustYn: WR, Jerry Juedy (Alabama)

- 13: San Francisco 49ers: WR, Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)

It is weird seeing the 49ers at the 13th pick and I think they’re going to make the most of this pick. The 49ers need WRs. Emmanuel Sanders is gone and Kyle Shanahan isn’t sold on the rest of the receiving core, besides Deebo Samuel. Shanahan’s offense is built on speed, speed, and more speed. If Ruggs is on the board, they will choose him, but if they don’t, look for them to pick a receiver regardless.

Garett: WR, CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

AustYn: MLB, Patrick Queen (LSU)

- 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT, Andrew Thomas (Georgia)

The biggest news ahead of the draft in sports since the Covid-19 pandemic has been solely about the Buccaneers. That is strange to say, but it is the truth. Tom Brady is their QB and Rob Gronkowski is coming out of retirement to join Brady. With that being said, Brady isn’t a scrambler and he needs protection, desperately. Thomas is the best available OL prospect and if he isn’t on the board, I expect them to go with another OL option.

Garett: OT, Andrew Thomas (Georgia)

AustYn: QB, Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

- 15: Denver Broncos: WR, CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

It isn’t really a secret that the Broncos are looking for a WR. They have even been rumored to look for a higher draft pick to choose a WR. There are a lot of options at receiver and if they can get any of these top guys, I think they will be satisfied. CeeDee Lamb is a wideout with good size and speed and he should complement Cortland Sutton quite nicely. They could also look for a QB, so pay attention to that.

Garett: DE/OLB, K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

AustYn: CB, CJ Henderson (Florida)

- 16: Atlanta Falcons: DE, Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)

The Falcons are in need of pass rushers and there are a good amount of options at the 16th pick. The Penn State product has great size and speed for a 4-3 DE and I think he would be a good fit for the Falcons.

Garett: CB, CJ Henderson (Florida)

AustYn: DE/OLB, K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

- 17: Dallas Cowboys: S, Xavier McKinney (Alabama)

McKinney is the best rated Safety in the class and I think the Cowboys will grab him up at 17. I think there is a good chance he will be available here when the Cowboys are choosing.

Garett and AustYn: S, Grant Delpit (LSU)

- 18: Miami Dolphins: OT, Ezra Cleveland (Boise State)

I don’t think the Dolphins will still have this pick by the end of the night, but if they do, I think they spend it on an OT. A lot of teams are interested in Ezra Cleveland in the 20’s. With the way that I think the draft will go, I think OTs will be chosen rather quickly and Cleveland is in that range where he would be of very good value.

Garett: WR, Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)

AustYn: DT, Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

- 19: Las Vegas Raiders: DT, Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

Looking back, I don’t think Kinlaw will fall this far, but if he does, I think the Raiders will not waste any time. He is one of the best prospects in the draft and the Raiders would get great value in him at 19.

Garett: S, Xavier McKinney (Alabama)

AustYn: CB, Kristian Fulton (LSU)

- 20: Jacksonville Jaguars: S, Grant Delpit (LSU)

There are a lot of possibilities for Jacksonville, because they have many voids in their roster that need to be filled. I think they will try to strengthen their defense first, then add offensive pieces later in the draft. Delpit is a big Safety and has great upside.

Garett: CB, Kristian Fulton (LSU)

AustYn: RB, Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

- 21: Philadelphia Eagles: MLB, Patrick Queen (LSU)

The Eagles had a disappointing season last year, missing the playoffs. They need a little more depth at the LB spot and I think they will go with Patrick Queen here. I’m noticing there are a lot of SEC prospects in the first round.

Garett: CB, Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn)

AustYn: WR, Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)

- 22: Minnesota Vikings: WR, Justin Jefferson (LSU)

Stefon Diggs isn’t with the Vikings anymore and I think they could fill that void pretty quickly. Jefferson could go as a high as a Top 10 pick, but I think this will be about the farthest he falls.

Garett: WR, Justin Jefferson (LSU)

AustYn: DE/OLB, Zack Baun (Wisconsin)

- 23: New England Patriots: DE/OLB, K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

It would be an understatement to say it feels weird that Brady isn’t playing with New England, but is still in the league. With that being said, I think Jarrett Stidham is their guy. They can choose to get him some help on offense or maintain their elite defense. I think they will bolster that defense and if Chaisson is available, that is a heck of a value at 23.

Garett: CB, Jeff Gladney (TCU)

AustYn: DE, AJ Epenesa (Iowa)

- 24: New Orleans Saints: CB, Bryce Hall (Virginia)

Concerning teams as good as the Saints, it is literally a guessing game as to what direction they will go in the draft. Hall is a good prospect with good size and a great knack for football. He is praised for his leadership and I think the Saints is a great place for him.

Garett: DE, AJ Epenesa (Iowa)

AustYn: MLB, Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

- 25: Minnesota Vikings: DT, Ross Blacklock (TCU)

Linval Joseph is no longer with the Vikings and Blacklock can jump right in. Late 1st- Early 2nd Round is Blacklock’s projection and they definitely wouldn’t be reaching for him.

Garett: S, Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)

AustYn: WR, Justin Jefferson (LSU)

- 26: Miami Dolphins: RB, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)

Right now, I have Edwards-Helaire as my first RB off of the board. I don’t think the Dolphins will keep this pick, but if they do, I think they will try to add to their RB depth. Edwards-Helaire is an explosive back with above average pass catching ability. That is a great mix for a team that needs virtually everything.

Garett: OT, Ezra Cleveland (Boise State)

AustYn: S, Xavier McKinney (Alabama)

- 27: Seattle Seahawks: RB, D’Andre Swift (Georgia)

It seemed like Seattle was down to their 5th string RB in the playoffs and even had to bring Marshawn Lynch out of retirement. They need to make sure they have solid RBs this season. Swift is the best RB prospect in the draft and I think he is a perfect fit for Seattle’s run-heavy offense.

Garett: RB, Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

AustYn: OT, Austin Jackson (USC)

- 28: Baltimore Ravens: MLB, Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

The Ravens aren’t in need of a lot, but MLB is a concern. Murray could honestly go in the top half of the first round, but if he falls, I’d say he will be a Raven.

Garett: MLB, Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

AustYn: WR, Denzel Mims (Baylor)

- 29: Tennessee Titans: DE, AJ Epenesa (Iowa)

I am a Titans fan and when I look at the roster, there aren’t many glaring needs, but defensive line has been a little bit of a concern this offseason. Jurrell Casey and Cameron Wake are no longer on the team and Jeffery Simmons is expected to take on a larger role. They could also decide to take an OT, but I don’t think that is a pressing matter to be honest. For the most part, I think they have the team that they want at the moment.

Garett: OT, Austin Jackson (USC)

AustYn: DE, Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)

- 30: Green Bay Packers: WR, Michael Pittman Jr. (USC)

The Packers always find themselves good enough to be considered title contenders, but they can’t seem to get over the proverbial hump. Green Bay needs receiving help. Pittman can provide that. He is a big WR with great ball skills. They desperately need to give Aaron Rodgers more help.

Garett: WR, Jalen Reagor (TCU)

AustYn: WR, Lavishka Shenault Jr. (Colorado)

- 31: San Francisco 49ers: OG/C, Cesar Ruiz (Michigan)

It is difficult to pick many needs for the 49ers. They’re a Super Bowl caliber team. Ruiz could give their O-Line some depth and maintain their rushing attack.

Garett: CB, Jaylon Johnson (Utah)

AustYn: CB, Trevon Diggs (Alabama)

- 32: Kansas City Chiefs: MLB, Logan Wilson (Wyoming)

Troy Babbitt/University of Wyoming Athletics

Don’t expect the Chiefs to look for offense with their first-round pick. Inside Linebacker seems to be the biggest need for them and Logan Wilson may be a bit of reach, but I think they should go for it. They really don’t have anything to lose in this spot.

Garett: MLB, Patrick Queen (LSU)

AustYn: S, Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota)

Yacs

The Sports Chief's 2020 First Round NFL Mock Draft

2020 NFL Mock Draft