2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Hello everyone,

With everything going on in the world, the NFL Draft has gone under the radar, and rightfully so. However, that doesn't stop my colleague, Josh Mitri, and I from doing our homework and making our expert predictions for the 2020 NFL Draft.

We have created an Instagram page where we will be sharing some of our NFL takes, follow us @Pick6ixfootball for more in depth NFL opinions.

For the first time, we have expanded our scouting horizons to the first three rounds. We believe that this is significant because around 80% of the leagues Pro-Bowlers are selected in the first 100 picks or so. There will always be an impact player who slips through the cracks, but by expanding to three rounds, we will be able predict where most impact players will land. Since we still are a couple of weeks away from the draft, we would appreciate feedback in the comments or via direct message. The more feedback the better, as we are consistently looking to improve at our craft. Thanks for the support, and enjoy Pick6ixFootball's 2020 NFL Mock Draft.

ROUND 1

1.   Bengals: QB, Joe Burrow,LSU

Bengals are in total rebuild mode and who better to rebuild with than a National Champion Quarterback coming off of a statistically incredible season. Burrow has excellent awareness in the pocket, he’s accurate in the short and medium game and does a great job creating plays when his first few reads aren’t there. Sure, he struggles with the deep ball, but so did Joe Montana, and he turned out alright. Although he raises concerns as only a 1-year starter, Joe Burrow has shown enough to go first. This one is a no brainer.

2.   Redskins: Edge, Chase Young, Ohio St.

Probably the best player in the draft, you simply can’t pass up on Chase Young here. This explosive/disruptive pass rusher is one of the best defensive talents we’ve seen in recent memory. Young has the perfect blend of speed and power and will wreak havoc at the NFL level. Redskins don’t need a pass rusher, but if Chase Young is available, you take Chase Young.

3.   Lions: CB, Jeff Okudah, Ohio St.

Okudah is a long, athletic, disciplined cornerback who excels in man coverage. Okudah’s ball skills are terrific, and has the physicals to be an immediate CB1 in the NFL. After trading Darius Slay, the Lions have a gaping hole in their secondary. Okudah fills that hole here at pick 3.

4.   Giants: T, Jedrick Wills, Alabama

In my opinion Wills is the best T in the draft which is saying a lot considering how good this T class is. Wills’ agility in pass protection is advanced which will give Daniel Jones more time in the pocket. He’s also an excellent open field blocker which would help Barkley on outside runs and screen passes. Can’t go wrong with any of the top 4 tackles here, I think Wills is the best fit.

5.   Dolphins: QB, Tua Tagovaialoa, Alabama

He was our highest graded QB in this draft but injury history has many of us wondering if he can sustain a career in the NFL. On tape, Tua shows so much promise. He’s accurate in short, medium and deep passing game, he has a good enough arm to get some zip on the ball, he is able to read the field better than any QB in this class and can fit the ball into tight windows. Dolphins get their franchise QB at 5, now it’s time to surround him with some weapons.

6.   Chargers: QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon

After the departure of Philip Rivers, the Chargers are most likely going QB here. Justin Herbert fits the mould of what the chargers are looking for. Big, strong-armed, athletic QB who can really sling it. Herbert has an absolute cannon and he is not afraid to go deep. His accuracy will be an issue at the NFL level, but he possesses so many other positive traits as a QB that any NFL team would love. Herbert goes to the Bolts.

7.   Panthers: MLB, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

After a tough offseason, it seems like the Panthers are in complete rebuild mode. Why not start on the defensive side of the ball and pick up one of the most versatile players we’ve ever seen in Isaiah Simmons. We classify him here as a MLB but this guy can play anything. We’ve seen him play Nickel Corner, Free Safety, we’ve seen him rush off the edge, he can do anything. That type of versatility on the defensive end is unheard of and is so valuable. He would be their defensive anchor moving forward, we like Simmons to the Panthers.

8.   Cardinals: T, Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Kyler Murray won rookie of the year and opened a lot of eyes last year with his stellar QB play. He would have been 5x better if he had any sort of protection. Cards go with the most well rounded T in the draft with Andrew Thomas. Thomas is excellent in pass protection and should give Kyler Murray the time that he needs to find his new target, Deandre Hopkins.

9.   Jaguars: DT, Derrick Brown, Auburn

Jags finished 28th in the NFL in rush defense last year and struggled to stop really anyone on the ground. Derrick Brown would be their anchor of their front four and compliment Josh Allen really nicely in their pass rush. This is just a great fit for Jacksonville.

10. Browns: T, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Browns finally get their tackle here at pick 10 and they get a good one at that. Tristan Wirfs is excellent in the interior run game, and is agile enough to pass protect as well. They’ve needed a tackle for the last two years and they finally get the opportunity to get their tackle for the future. Protect Baker, give him time to find Odell & Landry.

11. Jets: WR, CeeDee Lamb,Oklahoma

After losing Robby Anderson to free agency, the Jets receiving core went from bad to worse. They need to give Sam Darnold some kind of option in the passing game and CeeDee Lamb fits perfect here. A big, strong, WR1 who can make any catch and run any route. To us, he is the clear #1 receiver in this draft, he falls to NYJ at 11.

12. Raiders: DT, Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Raiders were 24th in the NFL in sacks last year and struggled to get to the QB. With a hole at DT, Kinlaw is the disruptive interior pass rusher that they need. Kinlaw probably won’t be on the board at 19, and is very good value in the mid 1st. Kinlaw is our highest rated DT and really helps the raiders pass rush. Love this pick.

13. 49ers: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The 49ers lost Emmanuel Sanders in free agency and can replace him with one of the best playmakers in the draft in Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy is an excellent route runner who is able to create separation and make plays in the open field. Jeudy, Kittle, Deebo gives Jimmy G more than enough options to have an electric offense.

14. Bucs: T, Mekhi Becton, Louisville

The Bucs acquired an immobile, old, pocket passer in the offseason (we all know who), so they need to protect him and address that immediately in the first round. Mekhi Becton is a little bit raw in terms of footwork and technique, but is an absolute beast physically. You can’t teach size. Becton has too much upside to pass up here at 14.

15. Broncos: WR, Henry Ruggs, Alabama

Courtland Sutton emerged as a clear WR1 last year, but they could really use an injection of speed with Drew Lock slinging the ball downfield. Ruggs is the fastest player in this draft and it’s not even close. He compliments Sutton and Fant well and makes this passing game one of the better ones in the NFL.

16. Falcons: CB, CJ Henderson, Florida

Falcons have plenty of holes on the defensive side of the ball, but after releasing their CB1 (Desmond Trufant), they need to get a corner here at 16. CJ Henderson has terrific speed and explosiveness at the CB position to go along with decent corner size and scheme versatility. In a pass heavy division, corner makes the most sense for Atlanta here.

17. Cowboys: S, Grant Delpit, LSU

Finally the Cowboys get a safety that they have been looking for. Delpit is our top safety in the draft and it’s not close. He has excellent size for a safety at 6-2, 220 and ran a 4.39 40 yard dash on pro day. Delpit hits like a linebacker with ball skills of a corner. He is a certified baller and we love the fit here at 17.

18. Dolphins: T, Josh Jones, Houston

After taking Tua at 5, the Dolphins need to find a way to protect him. Josh Jones is the next best T on the board, this pick works here at 18. Jones was very good in pass coverage and fills the Dolphins team need at T. If they want to keep Tua healthy, they need to address the O-line in the first round.

19. Raiders: Edge, K’lavon Chiasson

The Raiders don’t necessarily need a pass rusher, but Chiasson is too good to drop here. Chiasson is so fast and explosive off the Edge who can bring the Raiders pass rush from good to elite. If they wanted to replace Khalil Mack, Clelin Ferrell can’t do it alone. Their other needs (CB, WR) can be addressed in later rounds, the value is just too good for Chiasson here.

20. Jaguars: CB, Jeff Gladney, TCU

Jeff Gladney graded as our 2nd best CB in this draft and the Jags desperately need some help in their secondary. Gladney is an terrific man-corner who loves to be physical and possesses great speed and toughness. Gladney is slightly undersized but makes up for it with press skills, athleticism and ball skills. In a division with smaller speed receivers (TY Hilton, Brandin Cooks), Gladney is a perfect fit in Jacksonville. He is a baller and he is going to be a very good player wherever he lands.

21. Eagles: WR, Justin Jefferson, LSU

Philadelphia’s need at WR needs to be addressed in the first round. Fortunately for them, one of the best WR’s in the draft falls into their lap at 21. Jefferson has a long athletic frame with a large catch radius. Jefferson is a refined route runner who can run anything in the route tree. He creates separation consistently and rarely drops balls. He’s a perfect fit for the Eagles at 21.  

22. Vikings: DT, Jordan Elliot, Missouri

Most people will think that this is a reach, but we love Jordan Elliot after watching his tape. Elliot played on a mediocre Missouri team and still wreaked havoc as a pass rusher in the SEC. Elliot is a non-factor in the run game, but compliments the Vikings newly acquired pass rusher, Michael Pierce, very well. The Vikings have a whole at DT and they get the best guy on the board with Jordan Elliot at 22.

23. Patriots: LB, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Pats may have lost their offensive QB, but Kenneth Murray gives them a defensive QB. Murray is excellent value here at 23 and makes the linebacker core in New England scary. Pats can address QB and DT (their bigger needs) in later rounds, the value here at 23 is too good to pass on Murray.  

24. Saints: LB, Patrick Queen, LSU

With Murray off the board, the Saints go Patrick Queen here at 24. Saints are so well rounded on both ends; linebacker is really the only position that they could use help. Patrick Queen is fast and can get end to end with tremendous speed. He’s a factor in the pass game and could be really useful in complex defensive schemes.

25. Vikings: WR, Tee Higgins, Clemson

The Vikings get rid of Diggs for a 1st, and now have a gaping hole at WR. Tee Higgins compliments Adam Thielen and the TE core so well. Higgins is a big, long, WR with a massive catch radius and does a great job making contested catches. Higgins is a solid deep ball receiver with skills that translate to being a dependable red zone option. Thielen is a pure route runner and their TE’s play up the middle. Tee Higgins falling to Minnesota at 25 makes so much sense.

26. Dolphins: S, Ashtyn Davis, Cal

One of our hot takes in the draft is having Ashytn Davis as the 2nd S off the board, but we truly believe that Davis is going to be a special player. The Cal prospect showed versatility at the Safety position who is effective downfield, but is also a factor in run support. Davis is rated as our 2nd best Safety in the draft, and we think the Dolphis compliment their already stacked secondary here at pick 26.

27. Seahawks: S, Xavier Mckinney, Alabama

The Seahawks #1 need is a pass rusher if Clowney does not re-sign, but the value of Xavier Mckinney at pick 27 is just too good to pass up on. Quandre Diggs isn’t the long term answer at Safety in our opinion. Mckinney gives you speed and instincts at the safety position, making the Seattle secondary go from okay, to solid. We all know how much Seattle loves Safeties, they go with Mckinney here.

28. Ravens: Edge, Julian Okwara, Notre Dame

Okwara graded higher for us than he did for a lot of other people, but his tape shows why we have him projected as a first round pick. Okwara has a great combination of power, strength and speed. His broken tibia injury makes him a bit of a risk here in the first round, but his tape & production makes him a high ceiling player at the end of the first round.

29. Titans: Edge, Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn St

Titans need an Edge with the loss of Jurrell Casey, they go with YGM here at 29. YGM is very raw who relies purely on athletic ability to get to the QB. If anyone can develop defensive pass rushers it’s Mike Vrabel, we like YGM to the Titans here to strengthen their pass rush.

30. Packers: WR, Denzel Mims, Baylor

It’s no surprise that the Packers for WR here at pick 30. Mims is the most athletically gifted receiver in this draft and will finally give Rodgers that #2 receiver he needs to make this offense explosive. Mims is excellent in the red zone and will make contested catches downfield in this offense. Really good value here at pick 30 for the Packers.

31. 49ers: CB, Kristian Fulton, LSU

Okello Witherspoon was shaky last year as a CB2, so SF goes with Fulton here to solidify their secondary. Fulton is a little undersized but is excellent in Zone schemes and has the speed and instincts to be a perfect CB2 on this team. They don’t call the Tigers DBU for nothing, Fulton is the guy at 31.

32. Chiefs: CB, AJ Terrell, Clemson

Rounding out the first, the Chiefs replace Kendall Fuller with a solid CB prospect in AJ Terrell. Terrell has good size and strength for a CB and would be a good fit in the AFC West against bigger more physical receivers (Tyrell Williams, Keenan Allen, Courtland Sutton). Chiefs address a major hole in their roster here with Terrell at pick 32.

These are our projections for round 2 & 3. If you want any kind of explanation for our selections, feel free to comment on this post or direct message me for a more in depth discussion. Thanks for all the support.

ROUND 2

33. Bengals: G/T, Ezra Cleveland, Boise St

34.  Colts: WR, Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona St

35. Lions: Edge, Zack Baun, Wisconsin

36. Giants: Edge, AJ Epenesa, Iowa

37. Chargers: G, Ben Bredeson, Michigan

38. Panthers: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

39. Dolphins: RB, JK Dobbins, Ohio St

40. Texans: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

41. Browns: LB, Terrell Lewis, Alabama

42. Jaguars: WR, Laviska Shenault, Colorado

43. Bears: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

44. Colts: Edge, Curtis Weaver, Boise St

45. Bucs: RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

46. Broncos: T, Austin Jackson, USC

47. Falcons: Edge, Bradlee Anae, Utah

48. Jets: T/G, Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

49. Steelers: CB, Trevon Diggs, Alabama

50. Bears: T, Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn

51. Cowboys: CB, Bryce Hall, Virginia

52. Rams: T, Lucas Niang, TCU

53. Eagles: LB, Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

54. Bills: CB, Jaylon Johnson, Utah

55. Ravens: LB, Logan Wilson, Wyoming

56. Dolphins: WR, Bryan Edwards, South Carolina

57. Rams: CB, Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi St

58. Vikings: CB, Damon Arnette, Ohio St

59. Seahawks: Edge, Jonathan Greenard, Florida

60. Ravens: RB, D’Andre Swift, Georgia

61. Titans: T, Trey Adams, Washington

62. Packers: TE, Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

63. Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

64. Seahawks: C, Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

Round 3

65. Bengals: S, Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

66. Redskins: TE, Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

67. Lions: G, Netane Muti, Fresno St

68. Jets: OLB, Josh Uche, Michigan

69. Panthers: S, Kyle Dugger, Lenoir Rhyne

70. Dolphins: T, Saahdiq Charles, LSU

71. LAC: WR, KJ Hamler, Penn St

72. Cardinals: DT, Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M

73. Jaguars: S, Antoine Winfield, Minnesota

74. Browns: S, Terrell Burgess, Utah

75. Colts: QB, Jordan Love, Utah St

76. Bucs: CB, Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn

77. Broncos: CB, Troy Pride Jr, Notre Dame

78. Falcons: G, Robert Hunt, Louisiana Lafayette

79. Jets: CB, Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

80. Raiders: WR, John Hightower, Boise St

81. Raiders: CB, AJ Green, Oklahoma St

82. Cowboys: C, Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

83. Broncos: ILB, Evan Weaver, Cal

84. LA Rams: C, Matt Hennessy, Temple

85. Lions: S, K’von Wallace, Clemson

86. Bills: RB, Cam Akers, Florida St

87. Pats: Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

88. Saints: QB, Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

89. Vikings: G, Jonah Jackson, Ohio St

90. Texans: S, Brandon Jones, Texas

91. Raiders: G, Logan Stenberg, Kentucky

92. Ravens: G, Ben Bartch, St.Johns Minnesota

93. Titans: CB, Amik Robertson, Lousiana Lafayette

94. Packers: G/T, Solomon Kindley, Georgia

95. Broncos: Edge, Jabari Zuniga, Florida

96. Chiefs: ILB, Malik Harrison, Ohio St

97. Browns: DT, Ross Blacklock, TCU

98. Pats: TE, Adam Trautman, Dayton

99. Giants: Van Jefferson, Florida, WR

100.              Pats: QB, Jacob Eason, Washington

101.              Seahawks: G, Damien Lewis, LSU

102.              Steelers: WR, KJ Hill, Ohio St

103.              Eagles: JR Reed, S, Georgia

104.              Rams: WR, Michael Pittman Jr

105.              Vikings: LB, Jacob Phillips, LSU

106.              Ravens: WR, Tyler Johnson, Minnesota

Thank you so much for reading, we hope you enjoyed our mock draft.

Stay tuned for our Mock Draft 3.0 prior to the NFL Draft on Thursday April 23, 2020.

Respectfully,

Dave Monaco