November 27, 2024
Premium Users get access to ad-free content on Debacled | Check-In.
Headlines

2020 NFL Draft Goals

Walt15 mins
Posted April 20, 2020.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

What does every team need to accomplish in the 2020 NFL Draft? We’ll look at each team’s goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. See how the goals are being addressed in the 2020 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).



  1. Cincinnati Bengals:
    The Bengals will obtain their new franchise quarterback with the first-overall pick. What they do after that is almost as imperative. They must protect Joe Burrow as well as possible, and that would entail selecting two offensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cincinnati also must address its dreadful pass defense in Rounds 3-5.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    1. Joe Burrow, QB
    33. Josh Jones, OT
    65. Jordyn Brooks, LB
    103. Ben Bredeson, G

  2. Washington Redskins:
    The Redskins have no desire to trade down, as they love Chase Young. The Ohio State star doesn’t fill a need, but he’s the best player available, by far, and the Redskins just need talent. Thus, they’ll have to address needs later in the draft. They must find some weapons and protection for Dwayne Haskins, as well as some talent for their secondary and linebacking corps.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    2. Chase Young, DE
    66. Adam Trautman, TE
    108. Cameron Dantzler, CB
    142. Casey Toohill, LB




  3. Detroit Lions:
    The Lions are in a difficult position. Their front office and coaching staff needs to do everything in its power to win now, but that conflicts with the health and status of Matthew Stafford. The long-time Detroit quarterback has a bad back and doesn’t seem like he’ll be available to play much longer. It’ll be tough for Detroit to balance immediate success with a long-term answer. What they can do is trade down from No. 3 to accumulate more draft capital.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    6. Jeff Okudah, CB (trade down)
    35. Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB
    37. Cam Akers, RB
    67. Jordyn Brooks, LB
    85. Ashtyn Davis, S
    109. James Morgan, QB



  4. New York Giants:
    The Giants must build around Daniel Jones, which entails finding him some better protection. Once that is achieved, the Giants must address their woeful pass defense by adding some edge rushers and defensive backs. Another talented linebacker to go along with Blake Martinez wouldn’t hurt either.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    5. Tristan Wirfs, OT (trade down)
    36. Jeremy Chinn, S
    99. Darnay Holmes, CB
    110. Julian Okwara, DE/OLB

  5. Miami Dolphins:
    The Dolphins obviously need to decide whom they want as their franchise quarterback and then build around him. Their offensive line is dreadful, so they need at least two new blockers. They also must find a new running back to pair with their franchise-signal caller. The defense must be addressed as well, particularly the weak pass rush.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB
    18. Austin Jackson, OT
    26. D’Andre Swift, RB
    39. Antoine Winfield, S
    56. Lloyd Cushenberry, C
    70. Ezra Cleveland, OT
    141. Chauncey Rivers, DE



  6. Los Angeles Chargers:
    The Chargers don’t have a viable starting quarterback on their roster right now, so that must be addressed at No. 6 overall (or earlier via a trade). Adding a left tackle and a running back to replace Russell Okung and Melvin Gordon, respectively, is also essential. The Chargers don’t have any pressing needs outside of those three areas, so they can focus on adding the best talent available.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    6. Tua Tagovailoa, QB
    37. Josh Jones, OT
    71. Zack Moss, RB
    112. Collin Johnson, WR

  7. Carolina Panthers:
    Despite the signing of Teddy Bridgewater, the Panthers are in rebuild mode. They have holes all over their roster that must be addressed, including the offensive line, defensive backfield, defensive line, and most of all, linebacker in the wake of Luke Kuechly’s retirement. This draft is all about the Panthers just adding as much talent as possible so they can begin winning again in 2021.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    7. Derrick Brown, DT
    38. Grant Delpit, S
    69. Jordyn Brooks, LB
    113. Terrance Steele, OT



  8. Arizona Cardinals:
    The Cardinals did a great job of helping Kyler Murray this offseason, as they traded for DeAndre Hopkins and re-signed both of their free agent tackles. They still need help offensively, but this draft class should be focused on improving one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    8. Isaiah Simmons, LB
    72. Jaylon Johnson, CB
    111. Saahdiq Charles, OT
    114. Ben Bartch, G
    131. Jordan Fuller, S

  9. Jacksonville Jaguars:
    The Jaguars have traded almost everyone away, so it’s clear that they’re either “tanking for Trevor” or “losing for Lawrence.” They should still add the best talent available in this draft so that Lawrence is surrounded by a solid supporting cast once he enters the NFL in 2021. One specific thing Jacksonville must address is the offensive line, which was particularly dreadful last year.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    9. Isaiah Simmons, LB
    20. C.J. Henderson, CB
    42. Laviska Shenault, WR
    73. Ezra Cleveland, OT
    116. Jordan Elliott, DE/DT
    137. Hakeem Adeniji, G/OT



  10. Cleveland Browns:
    The Browns were the most disappointing team in the NFL for most people last year, but their struggles weren’t a surprise to those who paid attention to how bad their offensive line was. They must fix their blocking even though they’ve already added Jack Conklin, as two new linemen will need to be acquired. Cleveland must also address its poor linebacking corps.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    10. Jedrick Wills, OT
    41. Shane Lemieux, G
    74. Jacob Phillips, LB
    97. Neville Gallimore, DT
    115. Tyler Johnson, WR

  11. New York Jets:
    The Jets must fix some parts of their defense – namely the cornerbacks and edge rushers – but this draft must be about strengthening Sam Darnold’s supporting cast. Darnold’s protection and receiving corps are both weak points, so both areas absolutely must be addressed with multiple selections.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    11. Jedrick Wills, OT
    48. Laviska Shenault, WR
    68. Jeff Gladney, CB
    79. Terrell Lewis, DE/OLB
    120. Netane Muti, G

  12. Las Vegas Raiders:
    The Raiders are ready to contend now. They have some major needs, like receiver, linebacker and cornerback, but they have a pair of first-round picks to fill two of those. Whatever they do, they must come out of the 2020 NFL Draft with a repaired receiving corps after what transpired with Antonio Brown last year.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    12. CeeDee Lamb, WR
    19. Kenneth Murray, LB
    80. Lynn Bowden Jr., WR
    81. Kristian Fulton, CB
    91. Bradley Anae, DE
    121. J.R. Reed, S

  13. Indianapolis Colts:
    The Colts traded the 13th-overall pick for DeForest Buckner, which was a great deal for them. Because they’ve addressed the defensive line, they can now look to helping Philip Rivers by giving him a new weapon or two. The secondary must be upgraded as well.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    34. Denzel Mims, WR
    44. Trevon Diggs, CB
    75. Adam Trautman, TE
    122. Kenny Willekes, DE

  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
    The Buccaneers have gone “all in” on winning this year by acquiring Tom Brady. Thus, they need to make sure he has the appropriate talent around him to win a Super Bowl. This includes a new right tackle to replace Demar Dotson and a new running back to pair with Ronald Jones. The Buccaneers could use some pieces on their defense as well, but they should focus on the offense in this draft.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    14. Andrew Thomas, OT
    45. Cam Akers, RB
    75. Jaylon Johnson, CB
    117. James Morgan, QB
    139. Jack Driscoll, OT

  15. Denver Broncos:
    The Broncos have an inexperienced quarterback at the helm in Drew Lock, so they must make sure that he has plenty of talent around him. The pass protection must improve, and a speed receiver to complement Courtland Sutton must be added as well. Defensively, the Broncos have to find a replacement at cornerback for the departed Chris Harris.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    15. Henry Ruggs, WR
    46. Solomon Kindley, G
    77. Kenny Robinson, CB
    83. Matt Peart, OT
    95. Bradley Anae, DE/OLB
    118. Tyler Johnson, WR



  16. Atlanta Falcons:
    The Falcons finished 6-2 down the stretch, buying Dan Quinn and the front office another year. They need to do everything in their power to save their jobs, which they can do by reaching the playoffs. Thus, making sure they have a great defensive front and cornerback group to combat Drew Brees and Tom Brady is imperative.

    Ideal 2020 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    16. Javon Kinlaw, DT
    47. Trevon Diggs, CB
    78. Nick Coe, DE
    119. A.J. Dillon, RB


    17. Go to 2020 NFL Draft Goals: Picks 17-32

    Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.

2020 NFL Mock Draft | 2020 NFL Mock Draft






NFL Picks - Nov. 25


NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 25


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4






NFL Draft Links:

My 2003 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2003 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/8/08)
My 2004 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2004 NFL Draft Prospects/ 2004 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/6/08)
My 2005 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2005 NFL Draft Prospects
2005 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/4/08)
My 2006 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2006 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded on 7/3)
My 2007 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/ Round 4/ Round 5/ Round 6/ Round 7
Other 2007 Mock Drafts:April Fools
2007 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/24)/Kenny Ortiz's Top 40 Prospects
2007 NFL Combine and Pro Day Results
2007 NFL Draft Grades
2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/Round 4/Round 5/Round 6/Round 7
Alternative 2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/7): Round 1 /Round 2
2008 NFL Re-Draft - Round 3 (UPDATED 4/27)
2008 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 8/5)
Other 2008 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/25)/ Craig Smith (4/22)/ Emmitt Smith (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Shocker (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Backwards (4/19)/ Forum Mock (4/15)/ April Fools (4/1)
2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Re-Draft (4/26) /Matt McGuire (4/25) /Reader Mock (4/25) /Hunter Ansley (4/24) /Backward Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Smith (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/9) /April Fools (4/1) /Experts (3/30) /KFFL (3/14)
2010 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 3 (4/24): Round 4 (Walt's) / Round 4 (Matt's)
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 2 (4/23): Round 2 (Walt's) / Round 3 (Walt's) / Round 2 (Matt's) / Round 3 (Matt's)
Other 2010 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Celebrity Mock (4/8) /Experts (3/17) /Reader (4/13) /Consensus (2/25)
2011 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2011 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2011 Mock Drafts: Free Agency (5/9) /Greg Cox (4/28) /Backward Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/21) /Team Big Boards (4/21) /Celebrity Mock (4/13) /Experts (4/7) /Not Mock (4/6) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Greg Cox's 2012 Mock (2/22) /Matt McGuire (1/8)
2012 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2012 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2012 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Pick History (4/23) /Emmitt Mock (4/19) /Not Mock (4/19) /Backward Mock (4/17) /Celebrity (4/15) /Goals (4/10) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Greg Cox (9/9)
2013 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2013 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2013 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /GM Mock (4/21) /Charlie's Trade Mock (4/20) /Goals (4/19) /Rapid Reader Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/14) /Not Mock (4/13) /Pick History (4/5) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Archived 2013 NFL Mock Drafts
2014 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATE 5/8): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2014 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/10): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2014 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/8) /Goals (5/3) /Not Mock (4/27) /Emmitt Mock (4/20) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Celebrity Mock (4/11) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2015 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2015 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/2): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2015 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/30) /Goals (4/25) /Not Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/3) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/5) /Overreaction Mock (12/29)
2016 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2016 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2016 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Combo (5/8) /Goals (4/23) /Not Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2017 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2017 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2017 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Combo (5/7) /Goals (4/22) /Not Mock (4/21) /Emmitt Mock (4/16) /Backward Mock (4/9) /Celebrity Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Overreaction Mock (1/2)
2018 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2018 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2018 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Combo (5/6) /Goals (4/21) /Not Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Backward Mock (4/8) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/11) /Senior Bowl (1/27)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2019 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /Combo (5/5) /Goals (4/20) /Not Mock (4/18) /Witten Mock (4/14) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Emmitt Mock (4/7) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/26) /Video Mock (1/8) /Overreaction Mock (12/31)
2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2020 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/23) /Combo (5/3) /Goals (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/12) /Trades Mock (4/8) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/16) /Corey Long (3/13) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2021 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2021 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/1): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2021 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/17) /Goals (4/23) /Backward Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/11) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/30) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2022 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2022 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Goals (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/5) /Overreaction Mock (1/10)
2023 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2023 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2023 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Backward Mock (4/19) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/4) /Overreaction Mock (1/9)
2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6
Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/22)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/23)
2018 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2017 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2016 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2015 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2014 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2013 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2012 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2011 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2010 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2009 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2008 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2007 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2006 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2005 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2004 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2003 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2002 NFL Draft Re-Mock


Related News