2020 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Major changes.
Next update: Our 2020 NFL Mock Draft will be updated each week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/20): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/15)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
(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: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
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 Jaguars or Patriots 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.

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. The important thing, for now, is that he’s currently healthier than Tagovailoa at the moment, and that could make the difference for the Chargers.

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

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

Pick change; previously Tua Tagovailoa, QB

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. However, 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: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
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.

I’ve said that I heard the Dolphins prefer Justin Herbert over Tua Tagovailoa, but that was information I gathered in early March. I’ve since heard differently. I’m not 100-percent confident that Miami wants Tagovailoa over Herbert, but it’s enough for me to make the change the day before the 2020 NFL Draft.

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

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

Pick change; previously Justin Herbert, QB

Detroit Lions: Derrick Brown, DE/DT, Auburn
I’ve had Jeff Okudah slotted here (or No. 3) for a while. However, I’ve been inching closer to mocking Derrick Brown to them, and I think I’m going to that going forward unless I hear anything new. Brown fills a huge need for the Lions, and many consider him to be the best player in this class not named Chase Young. Furthermore, Brown, unlike Jeff Okudah, was a team captain in college, which is something that’s very important to Detroit’s front office.

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

1. Jeff Okudah, CB – The pick could still definitely be Okudah.

2. Isaiah Simmons, LB – I’m not ready to discount Simmons from being the pick, but I have him third in the pecking order.

Pick change; previously Jeff Okudah, CB

Carolina Panthers: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t mock Derrick Brown to the Panthers, but he’s no longer available to them in my mock draft. If Brown is gone, Carolina seems likely to select one of the two cornerbacks.

So, why C.J. Henderson over Jeff Okudah? Well, as Charlie Campbell detailed in his NFL Hot Press entry, Okudah is slipping just a bit because Henderson is more athletic than Okudah. Either way, the Panthers must replace the departed James Bradberry.

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

1. Derrick Brown, DT – I expect Brown to be the pick if he’s available.

2. Jeff Okudah, CB – Okudah could be the pick over Henderson after all.

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
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 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. Jedrick Wills, OT – The Cardinals may decide that they need more tackle help beyond re-signing both of their starters.

2. Jeff Okudah, CB – Arizona has needed a No. 2 cornerback across from Patrick Peterson for quite some time.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Last year, the Jaguars were able to land a steal in Josh Allen. The same thing is happening here with Jeff Okudah, in what will undoubtedly earn an A+ grade in my NFL Draft Grades page. 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. However, Jacksonville lost not one, but two talented cornerbacks in the span of six months. Thus, corner could be the greater priority.

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

1. C.J. Henderson, CB – Henderson would be the alternative if Okudah is off the board.

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

Pick change; previously Javon Kinlaw, DT

Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Browns want to trade out of this pick. Their dream would be dropping all the way down to the late teens or early 20s and selecting Ezra Cleveland. However, if they can’t move down, they’re likely to remain in place and choose Andrew Thomas.

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 Down (Ezra Cleveland, OT) – The Browns will attempt to trade down. If they do so, they’ll target Cleveland.

2. 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.

Pick change; previously Ezra Cleveland, OT

New York Jets: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
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. I think the front office will value protecting Darnold, and a recent Charlie Campbell report in the NFL Hot Press backed up that belief.

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. Mekhi Becton 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.

There’s a decent chance CeeDee Lamb won’t be available with this pick, but if he is, it’s difficult to see the Raiders passing on him.

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

1. Henry Ruggs, WR – Another receiver option if Lamb is unavailable.

2. Isaiah Simmons, LB – This is Simmons’ floor. Simmons dropped to No. 12 in our 2020 NFL Mock Draft video:

Pick change; previously Henry Ruggs, 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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
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.

At 6-7, 340, 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. 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.

Pick change; previously Andrew Thomas, OT

Denver Broncos: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Broncos need a receiver, but given the depth of talent at the position in this class, they can afford to wait until the second round to address the position. Instead, they can really strengthen the middle of their defense, which has been a need ever since Danny Trevathan departed for Chicago.

Kenneth Murray was co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in the Big XII, thriving in coverage for the Sooners. He broke an Oklahoma record for tackles in a game with 28. Murray has excellent instincts and has great speed and athleticism for coverage.

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

1. Henry Ruggs, WR – 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.

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

Atlanta Falcons: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
There’s some chatter that the Falcons want to move up to No. 11. I’m sure they’ll be happy to know they can obtain a stud defensive lineman like Javon Kinlaw at No. 16 overall. It’s no guarantee, but Kinlaw could be available, and he’d provide a massive upgrade next to Grady Jarrett.

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. Jeff Okudah or C.J. Henderson, CBs – The Falcons could trade up for a talented cornerback.

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.