Trey’s 2020 Final 2-Round Mock Draft
The NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday, leaving sports fans with at least something in the world of sports, that we’ve been craving for since the collective end of professional sports for a while. This year’s draft is going to be either an impressive success or a massive disaster, being held in the basement of Roger Goodell’s house. Also, the lack of medical checks will likely hurt players like Tua Tagovailoa and Laviska Shenault who have recently came off some big injuries. Nonetheless, let’s get into it.
Round-1
Pick-1 Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
No question about this pick right here. Bengals can’t, and won’t mess this up. Joe Burrow can’t completely bring this team out of the bottom of the league immediately, but with a decent surrounding cast, you have your next franchise QB. There were only two questions with this pick. The first is if Joe Burrow even wants to play for Cincinnati, but after press conferences at the combine, those were shut down. And second, if Tua was instead going the be the pick. But the medical situation with Tua has kicked him out of the race indefinitely. The pick might as well already be in for the Bengals.
Pick-2 Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
The quickest way for a GM to be fired is to draft need over potential. This is why, when you have arguably the best player in the entire draft in your lap at pick two, you can’t pass him up. Ryan Kerrigan isn’t getting any younger, and a defensive line consisting of Montez Sweat and Chase Young would be one of the most feared forces in all of the NFL.
Pick-3 Detroit Lions
Derrick Brown | IDL | Auburn
Derrick Brown going to the Lions at pick three in the draft has been trending more and more coming up to the draft, and it does make sense. Matt Patricia, Lions head coach, has 15 former Patriots on the roster. He is a product of Bill Belichick, so I asked myself one thing, “What would Bill Belichick do?” I think the answer to that is to not pick the flashy big-name player like Okudah, and instead get one of, if not the best run stopper in this class. To add to that, cornerback is one of the deepest positions in this draft and you could easily find a pretty decent cornerback in day 2 of the draft or even early day 3. Lions will get the defensive lineman to be the face of the d-line for years to come.
Pick-4 New York Giants
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
The Giants could likely go for any of the four top tier offensive tackles in this class and still come out with a great player, but I have them choosing Mekhi Becton. Becton has the best upside out of any of the four top offensive tackles (Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, and Andrew Thomas). He is an absolute “giant” coming in at 6’7” and 368 lbs but was able to run a 5.10 40-yard dash despite that. I don’t think his failed drug test at the combine will affect his stock too much because of no previous failed drug test. He is the perfect project in the eyes of Giants GM, Dave Gettleman.
Pick-5 Miami Dolphins
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
It definitely is not the flashy pick, but no quarterback will be able to succeed with this offensive-line the Dolphins have currently. After these top 4 offensive tackles go, there is a pretty significant drop off in talent. Picking up Wirfs right here will allow you to either wait for a quarterback to drop to pick 18, or trade-up using a few of the 14 total selection you have in the 2020 draft (including 6 of the first 70 picks), while still getting a top tier lineman.
Pick-6 L.A. Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Chargers are in win-now mode, and Tua is not going to do that for them. Tua will need to sit behind to learn from a veteran QB and rest from his injury if you want him to have a chance at success in the NFL. Justin Herbert is entirely more ready to be an NFL starter right away. Great arm talent and a perfect body for a quarterback. But most importantly, no injury concerns. Herbert has been gaining some momentum coming up on the draft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes before Tua this draft.
Pick-7 Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons | LB/S | Clemson
With the Panthers first pick in the Matt Rhule era, they select the face of their defense for years to come, Isaiah Simmons. This was tough between Simmons and Jeffrey Okudah but was the right move nonetheless. The Panthers were a terrible defense last year, after being used to having a top-10 defense years prior. Unfortunately, they just got worse this offseason losing players like Luke Kuechly, Mario Addison, James Bradberry, Gerald McCoy, and Eric Reid. They have holes everywhere, and Jeffrey Okudah cannot fill all those roles. But the Swiss Army knife linebacker coming out of Clemson can do just that. No one can truly replace Luke Kuechly, but Isaiah Simmons is a man that can do it all.
Pick-8 Arizona Cardinals
Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
Before the blockbuster trade involving Deandre Hopkins, I believe the Cardinals would’ve drafted a wide receiver with this pick. But with the addition of Hopkins, protecting 2nd-year quarterback, Kyler Murray, is one of the most pressing issues. Jedrick Wills is a top-tier lineman in this draft and a great choice to be the face of the offensive line in Arizona.
Pick-9 Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State
Might just be the steal of the draft; Jaguars draft Jeffrey Okudah at pick 9. Getting the best cornerback in the draft at number 9 is great value, and most importantly, the Jaguars find a replacement for Jalen Ramsey.
Pick-10 Cleveland Browns
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
The last of the top-tier offensive tackles hop off the board with the Browns selecting Andrew Thomas at number 10. You could say it’s unfortunate to not have your choice at offensive lineman, but all these guys are so talented, that you win any way around. I expect these guys to fly off the board when it comes time for the draft, and definitely don’t be surprised if it happens all in the top 10 picks.
Pick-11 New York Jets
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
The first wide receiver flies off the board, and arguably the most talented. Sam Darnold finally gets his true #1 receiver that he never had in his career. The Jets were likely considering one of the offensive tackles, but since all of them are off the board, their decision got a lot easier and they pick up a great wide receiver.
Pick-12 Las Vegas Raiders
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
With the first-ever pick in Las Vegas, the Raiders select Alabama star, Jerry Jeudy. He fits the Raiders scheme very well and is a great route runner who can be a target to whoever plays quarterback for the Raiders.
Pick-13 San Francisco 49ers
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Henry Ruggs started to shoot up boards when he ran a blazing 4.27 40-yard dash at the combine and can arguably be the best wide receiver in this draft. I have him going #13 to the 49ers that was received from the Colts when 49ers traded defensive lineman, Deforest Buckner, during free agency.
Pick-14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Jones | OT | Houston
I seriously considered selecting a running back here, but I feel you’ll get a better value for a running back in day 2. That’s why I felt the Buccaneers were going to reach a bit, and select one of my “tier-two” offensive tackles at #14.
Pick-15 Denver Broncos
C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida
C.J. Henderson is another prospect that has been gaining momentum lately as the draft gets closer. Some teams have even put Henderson higher on their board than Jeffrey Okudah. While I wouldn’t agree with that opinion, C.J. Henderson is a great pick at #15 and will quickly replace Chris Harris Jr. at cornerback.
Pick-16 Atlanta Falcons
Javon Kinlaw | IDL | South Carolina
This might be my favorite pick in the first round. Javon Kinlaw has everything you want in an interior defensive lineman. He is a great pass rusher that has produced way better than Derrick Brown. He can create so much disruption in the middle of the line and will help in all aspects of the game. While he most likely won’t make a huge impact right away, he has a great upside and many non-coachable traits.
Pick-17 Dallas Cowboys
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
Robert Quinn had a great year for the Cowboys last year, but he went off to free-agency which means they need someone to play across from Demarcus Lawrence. K’Lavon Chaisson is a stud as a pass rusher and a decent value pick here.
Pick-18 Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
Let me start this off with, there is no chance Tua drops past 15. Some team will trade up. Dolphins would be in a great situation in this scenario because of how loaded up they are in picks. But I have no trades in this mock draft, which means no team can sneak up and steal him from the Dolphins. But a team will no doubt, trade up to take him.
Pick-19 Las Vegas Raiders
Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
Derek Carr will not be the quarterback for the Raiders anymore and Marcus Mariota is not the answer if they want to start being relevant. Jordan Love has the highest upside out of any quarterback in this draft, and there’s a big drop off after Love to players like Jalen Hurts, Jacob Eason, and Jake Fromm. The cornerback class is deep and can get a solid cornerback with their next picks in the third round. But the Raiders are going to hit their ceiling at an 8-8 record with Carr or Mariota. Let Love sit for a year to learn like most rookie quarterbacks should and let him get used to the offense before he gets his time to shine.
Pick-20 Jacksonville Jaguars
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
I’m a big fan of Grant Delpit. The big knock on him is his tackling ability. But he’s a safety going into a pass-happy NFL. What matters is his pass coverage which is phenomenal. More good value with this pick.
Pick-21 Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
His production was unbelievable at LSU. And while his supporting cast was great, you cannot ignore talent and he has a bunch of talent. He’s my #4 wide receiver in the draft and the best one that was currently on the board. There is a chance the Eagles choose a linebacker, but that’s unlikely with a wide receiver like Jefferson on the board.
Pick-22 Minnesota Vikings
Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes are gone. Mike Hughes is a good cornerback, but it’s a bad group after that. Hughes and Jeff Gladney do have a lot of potential to be a great young cornerback duo, and it’s too much to pass up here at #22.
Pick-23 New England Patriots
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
The Patriots have a few things they need to address, that including EDGE. Gross-Matos has great size and length and was very effective last season.
Pick-24 New Orleans Saints
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
Kenneth Murray is one of my favorite players in this draft. A great linebacker, and even a better character. He’s very involved in his disabled siblings life, and been known as a great guy to talk with, and have good connections with teammates.
Pick-25 Minnesota Vikings
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
Denzel Mims is an athletic freak. He started blowing up after the combine and entered a few people’s mock drafts in the first round. Minnesota’s need at wide receiver is pressing and needs to be handled immediately after trading Stefon Diggs to the Bills for this very pick. Adam Thielen cannot be the only decent wide receiver on this roster if you want to see Kirk Cousins succeed.
Pick-26 Miami Dolphins
Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
I wouldn’t be completely against the Dolphins getting another offensive lineman like Cesar Ruiz from Michigan. But I decided to use one of the first-round picks on a defensive player which happens to be a pretty decent safety in Xavier McKinney.
Pick-27 Seattle Seahawks
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
Jadeveon Clowney still is not signing with anybody, which leads to a role that needs to be filled on that defensive line. A.J. Epenesa is the best EDGE on the board at this point and would be a great pick. Seahawks like to reach with their first-round picks and get there guy, even if they’re projected to go in the third round. This makes me think there is a chance they go, Jeremy Chinn since they recently had a video chat with the safety and he’s been getting a lot of hype. But I still have them getting A.J. Epenesa.
Pick-28 Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray are at the same level in my eyes, but one had to drop. Queen is an amazing value at #28 and could become the leader of this defense in a few years.
Pick-29 Tennessee Titans
Neville Gallimore | IDL | Oklahoma
The Titans got rid of Jurrell Casey in exchange for a 7th-round pick from the Broncos. The hole in the d-line is a big need and they might’ve had to reach a tiny bit, but they still got there guy.
Pick-30 Green Bay Packers
Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
Jalen Reagor was the face of the TCU offense since he got there. Reagor won many awards with his electric play. The Packers biggest need is a second wide receiver behind Davante Adams and Jalen Reagor can be just that.
Pick-31 San Francisco 49ers
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The 49ers had two positions they had to address in the first round. The first was wide receiver which was addressed when getting Henry Ruggs III earlier and then a cornerback. Kristian Fulton was injured much of this past season which hurt his stock. I don’t see him dropping out of the 1st-round nonetheless. This 49ers team will be set next year.
Pick-32 Kansas City Chiefs
J.K. Dobbins | HB | Ohio State
At one point last year, the Chiefs had the worst run game in the league. It was the one thing that held them back during the season, even though they turned it up in the postseason. This needs to be fixed before it starts costing the Chiefs more games.
Round 2
Pick-33 Cincinnati Bengals
Cesar Ruiz | IOL | Michigan
Pick-34 Indianapolis Colts
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
Pick-35 Detroit Lions
Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
Pick-36 New York Giants
Zach Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin
Pick-37 L.A. Chargers
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Pick-38 Carolina Panthers
Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
Pick-39 Miami Dolphins
Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
Pick-40 Houston Texans
Ross Blacklock | IDL | TCU
Pick-41 Cleveland Browns
Antoine Winfield Jr. | S | Minnesota
Pick-42 Jacksonville Jaguars
Raekwon Davis | IDL | Alabama
Pick-43 Chicago Bears
A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
Pick-44 Indianapolis Colts
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Pick-45 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
D’Andre Swift | HB | Georgia
Pick-46 Denver Broncos
Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
Pick-47 Atlanta Falcons
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
Pick-48 New York Jets
Austin Jackson | OT | USC
Pick-49 Pittsburgh Steelers
Jordan Elliot | DT | Missouri
Pick-50 Chicago Bears
Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois
Pick-51 Dallas Cowboys
Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn
Pick-52 L.A. Rams
Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
Pick-53 Philadelphia Eagles
Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
Pick-54 Buffalo Bills
Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
Pick-55 Baltimore Ravens
K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
Pick-56 Miami Dolphins
Netane Muti | IOL | Fresno State
Pick-57 L.A. Rams
Willie Gay Jr. | LB | Mississippi State
Pick-58 Minnesota Vikings
Joshua Uche | LB | Michigan
Pick-59 Seattle Seahawks
Lloyd Cushenberry | IOL | LSU
Pick-60 Baltimore Ravens
Jonah Jackson | IOL | Ohio State
Pick-61 Tennessee Titans
Isiah Wilson | OT | Georgia
Pick-62 Green Bay Packers
Adam Trautman | TE | Dayton
Pick-63 Kansas City Chiefs
Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia