2020 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Sunday, April 19, 2020. Major changes.
Next update: Our 2020 NFL Mock Draft will be updated each week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

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 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

archived mock section

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Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
This selection is fairly obvious by now. The only way Joe Burrow wasn’t going to be the pick happened to be if he specifically said he would refuse to play for the Bengals if they drafted him. However, Burrow stated that he’ll play for whomever drafts him, so he’s now locked in as the No. 1 overall selection.

Burrow has made quite the leap. He was actually not considered a first-round prospect back in September. Charlie Campbell reported that NFL Teams See a Day 2 Ceiling for Joe Burrow. Burrow has improved exponentially, and he’s now the no-brainer No. 1 overall selection.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

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Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE/OLB, Ohio State
I’ve had the Redskins trading down for the past several updates, but I’ve moved them back to the No. 2 overall pick in the wake of some news Charlie Campbell broke from the Combine. In a recent NFL Hot Press, Charlie wrote that the Redskins are unlikely to trade the No. 2 overall pick.

With that in mind, it’s obvious that the Redskins will select Chase Young. The dynamic edge rusher enjoyed a breakout season in the wake of Nick Bosa’s injury in 2018, and was very dominant this past year. He’s a very athletic edge player with great size (6-5, 265), and it will take a miracle for the Redskins to pass on him at No. 2 overall.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trade Down – The Redskins love Young enough that they don’t want to trade down. But if some team were to offer them three first-round picks, perhaps they’d change their minds.

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Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
I believe the Lions will trade down from No. 3 because they might be able to obtain their top targets two or three selections after this. There’s no point in remaining at this juncture, so the Lions should make a move, even if they don’t receive full value for the pick.

I’ve had the Dolphins moving up for the longest time, but I’m beginning to think the Chargers will pull the trigger. If another team like the Buccaneers, Panthers, Colts, Patriots (to a lesser extent) moves ahead of the Dolphins for a quarterback, they’ll be out of luck for a franchise signal-caller. They can’t afford to remain at No. 6.

Tua Tagovailoa is ahead of schedule in his recovery. We’ll have a better idea of this when he throws prior to the draft, but everything is positive right now. The Chargers should be convinced that he can be their franchise quarterback in 2021 and beyond.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Justin Herbert, QB – The Chargers could aim to move ahead of the Dolphins for Herbert instead of Tagovailoa.

New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Giants’ defense is an abomination, and they also need help on the offensive line so that Daniel Jones doesn’t keep fumbling twice every week. A No. 1 receiver can be obtained as well. I’ve had Jerry Jeudy slotted here for a while, but the more I think about it, the more I believe general manager Dave Gettleman will address the offensive line.

Despite Mekhi Becton’s freaky 40 time, Tristan Wirfs was the best offensive lineman at the combine. He also posted stellar testing numbers, and he was superb in the drills. I could see Gettleman falling in love with the prospect of Wirfs’ anchoring his offensive line.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Andrew Thomas, OT – Perhaps the Giants like Thomas more than Wirfs. Either way, they’ll be taking a tackle at No. 4.

2. Trade Down – The Giants can get Thomas later, so they could opt to trade out of this pick.

Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
I’ve had the Dolphins trading up with the Redskins or Lions for several weeks, but I’ve decided to have the Chargers make a trade in this version of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft. It seems as though the Dolphins legitimately love both quarterback prospects, so they’re in a nice position to remain at No. 5 and select one of the signal-callers.

Justin Herbert endured an up-and-down 2018 season. He was considered the top quarterback prospect for the 2019 NFL Draft before making the mistake of returning to school, where he risked injury and regression. We saw that regression from Herbert late in the 2019 campaign, but he rebounded by doing very well at the Senior Bowl and the combine.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Tua Tagovailoa, QB – The Dolphins love both of the two quarterbacks after Joe Burrow.

Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
I’ve had Jeff Okudah slotted here (or No. 3) for a while. I still think it could happen, but I’m now leaning toward the pick being Isaiah Simmons. The Clemson stud would be a great chess piece in Detroit’s defense, and he was a team captain last year, which is a big deal for Detroit’s front office.

Simmons flew all around the field and has been a physical presence for Clemson. He can play linebacker and safety, or really almost any position on defense. He put on a show at the combine with some amazing testing numbers, so he could be chosen earlier than this.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jeff Okudah, CB – It might be too early to take a cornerback at No. 3, but certainly not at No. 6.

2. Derrick Brown, DT – Brown is a team captain, and he could be considered the second-best player in this class after Chase Young.

Pick change; previously Jeff Okudah, CB

Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DE/DT, Auburn
The Panthers are getting an absolute steal with this pick, as Derrick Brown has the talent to be chosen in the top five, perhaps even No. 3 overall if there are no trades. Carolina could use a long-term replacement for Gerald McCoy in the interior of its defensive line.

Brown has great size (6-5, 316) and tons of upside. He can be a great interior disruptor if he lives up to his potential. He had a chance to be a top-five pick (No. 5 overall?) in the 2019 NFL Draft before he returned to school. Brown has thrived this past season, and he was an absolute monster in the 2019 Iron Bowl.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jeff Okudah, CB – The Panthers lost James Bradberry this offseason, and Okudah would be a great replacement.

2. Isaiah Simmons, LB – Luke Kuechly is also gone, so Simmons makes lots of sense.

Arizona Cardinals: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Cardinals did a good job of addressing their offense during the free agency period. They traded for DeAndre Hopkins and re-signed their two starting offensive tackles. Thus, they could opt to fix their defense with this selection. Arizona was atrocious in coverage last year, especially when it came to defending the middle of the field. Linebacker was a major weakness that could be addressed if Isaiah Simmons is available. Simmons is off the board in this update, but that’s fine because Arizona needs a cornerback anyway. Not only is an upgrade needed across from Patrick Peterson; a successor for Peterson must be obtained as well, given that Peterson will be a free agent after 2020.

Jeff Okudah is a big, athletic, speedy cornerback with immense upside. He’s a bit stiff, but that’s commonplace from tall cornerbacks.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jedrick Wills, OT – The Cardinals may decide that they need more tackle help beyond re-signing both of their starters.

2. Isaiah Simmons, LB – Arizona can’t defend the middle of the field, so Simmons would fix that problem.

Pick change; previously Jeff Okudah, CB

Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Jacksonville’s defense has lost countless starters since the 2019 offseason. This includes Calais Campbell, whose monstrous presence in the trenches will be missed. The Jaguars can replace him with one of the two top-10 defensive tackles in this class.

Javon Kinlaw is a great athlete, and he has been a major disruptor in 2019. He dominated the Senior Bowl, just like Aaron Donald did six years ago.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. C.J. Henderson, CB – The Jaguars’ once-great defense has been ravaged by departures. A replacement for Jalen Ramsey is needed.

2. Jedrick Wills or Andrew Thomas, OT – Jacksonville’s offensive line is a mess, so protecting Trevor Lawrence has to be a priority.

Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Perhaps the Browns will think twice about entering the season with Greg Robinson as their left tackle. They desperately need help on the offensive line.

Jedrick Wills is a quick and athletic tackle who has the strength to open up huge running lanes. Several teams absolutely love him, so he’ll likely be chosen earlier than most expect.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. CeeDee Lamb, WR – There’s been some discussion about Odell Beckham Jr. being traded. Jarvis Landry is banged up. The Browns may take a receiver.

2. Trade Down (Ezra Cleveland, OT) – It’s been reported that the Browns love Ezra Cleveland. They could trade down for him, or even select him here, which is what I had happening in our 2020 NFL Mock Draft video:

New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Jets need someone to help Sam Darnold, so both a No. 1 receiver (Jerry Jeudy) and a talented left tackle (Jedrick Wills) make sense. The former happens to be the superior prospect, but I think the front office will value protecting Darnold.

At 6-7, 340, Mekhi Becton is a massive human being. Despite his size, however, Becton is athletic and flexible, as he showed us at the combine. He projects similarly to Cordy Glenn.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jedrick Wills or Andrew Thomas, OT – The other tackle options.

2. CeeDee Lamb, WR – In the unlikely event that the top four tackles are off the board, the Jets may decide to give Sam Darnold a new No. 1 receiver.

Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Raiders wanted to have Antonio Brown as their top receiver in 2019, but their plans went awry. Here’s a new No. 1 receiver to replace him.

CeeDee Lamb is a terrific route runner with great hands. He’s been amazing this year and is now the No. 2 receiver on my board.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Isaiah Simmons, LB – This is Simmons’ floor. Simmons dropped to No. 12 in the video mock draft I posted earlier, so it’s possible that he’ll drop to the Raiders.

2. Jerry Jeudy, WR – The Raiders would consider Jeudy as an alternative to Lamb.

Pick change; previously Jerry Jeudy, WR

San Francisco 49ers: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The 49ers acquired this pick from the Colts in the DeForest Buckner trade. They could use this selection to replace Buckner, but perhaps John Lynch will want to find a talented receiver to help his inconsistent quarterback. Emmanuel Sanders departed in free agency, so San Francisco needs a new wideout to go along with Deebo Samuel.

Jerry Jeudy isn’t the elite freak that Julio Jones was, but he’s also considered better than Calvin Ridley. He’s somewhere in between, so he’s expected to be chosen in the 8-13 range. I’m sure the 49ers will love his great character and high football IQ.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Javon Kinlaw, DT – I don’t think the 49ers would obtain their replacement for DeForest Buckner at this spot unless both top receivers were off the board.

2. Trade Down – After the first round, the 49ers don’t pick again until No. 156. They need to accumulate more selections.

Pick change; previously CeeDee Lamb, WR

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Buccaneers will have a 43-year-old quarterback playing for them next year, so they need to make sure he’s very well protected. They have a solid offensive line, but right tackle is an issue because Demar Dotson’s contract expired.

Andrew Thomas has been very impressive, using his great athleticism and length. NFL personnel believe he has tremendous potential.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trade Up – The Buccaneers need a tackle to protect Tom Brady, so they may move up to secure one of the top four players at the position.

2. Trade Down – If the Buccaneers miss out on the top four tackles, they could decide to move down and take Austin Jackson or Josh Jones.

Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Courtland Sutton is a beast, but the Broncos have nothing else at receiver after moving on from Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in consecutive seasons. Drew Lock looks like he has some potential, so John Elway needs to give his young quarterback another weapon.

Henry Ruggs is a very fast receiver who would be a nice complement for Sutton.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kenneth Murray, LB – The Broncos need to strengthen the middle of their defense, so they could take Kenneth Murray and pursue a receiver in the second round.

2. Denzel Mims, WR – Ideally, Denver would trade down and obtain Mims as an alternative to Ruggs.

Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
There’s some chatter that the Falcons want to move up to No. 11. In doing so, they’d leap over some teams that need cornerbacks, such as the Raiders, Broncos and 49ers. This makes sense, as Atlanta lost Desmond Trufant to the Lions in free agency.

There’s a ton of hype around C.J. Henderson. There’s now talk that he could be a top-10 pick, as you can read about in Charlie Campbell’s entry in the NFL Hot Press.

*** OTHER 2020 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Javon Kinlaw, DT – This seems like Kinlaw’s floor. He would be great next to Grady Jarrett.

2. K’Lavon Chaisson, DE – During our mock draft video, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter commented that he thinks Chaisson would be Atlanta’s pick if Henderson and Kinlaw were off the board.

Go to 2020 NFL Mock Draft: 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.