Live 2020 NFL Draft Grades

These Live 2020 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2020 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | NFL Draft Team Grades

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU – A Grade
One-Year Grade: A- Grade

Joe Burrow was everything the Bengals had hoped for when they selected him first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burrow thrived as a rookie, throwing for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games. He generated at least 300 yards in five of his first seven starts.

Burrow, however, was lost for the year with a brutal knee injury. He tore multiple ligaments, echoing the Carson Wentz injury that the Philadelphia quarterback suffered during his near-MVP campaign. It remains to be seen if Burrow can overcome it, which is why this re-grade is an A- rather than an “A.”

Original Write-up:

The Bengals were undoubtedly tempted by trade offers, as the Dolphins were said to be in love with Joe Burrow. However, Cincinnati smartly held on to the No. 1 pick and selected Burrow. The LSU product is going to change the fortunes of this franchise, as the Bengals have been stricken with mediocre or worse quarterbacking ever since Carson Palmer left the team. Burrow, who has great accuracy, mobility and leadership, is a major upgrade over Andy Dalton, so it would’ve been a huge mistake to trade out of this pick.
Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE/OLB, Ohio State – A Grade
One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

Chase Young was incredible in his first NFL season. He absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage, especially late in the year when he willed his team into the playoffs. I nearly made Young the 4-3 Defensive End of the Year on my 21st-Annual NFL Awards page despite the fact that he was just a rookie. Young appears as though he’ll be able to displace Aaron Donald as the best non-quarterback in the NFL in the near future.

Original Write-up:

The Redskins received trade offers from the Falcons and perhaps other teams, but they were never moving out of this spot. Charlie Campbell reported prior to the combine that Washington was absolutely smitten with Young and didn’t want to trade the No. 2 pick. The Redskins believe Young can average double-digit sacks per season, and they might just be right about that. He’s a supreme talent, and Washington would’ve been foolish to pass up the opportunity of having him on its roster for the next decade.

Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State – D- Grade
One-Year Grade: F Grade

Jeff Okudah might have a bright future, but he struggled mightily as a rookie. Injuries definitely played a part, as Okudah was able to be on the field for five full games as a rookie. Okudah was torched often in those five games, but he likely wasn’t 100 percent. I suspect he’ll be better in 2021 and beyond.

That said, what I wrote originally still should be considered. The Lions’ incompetent front office could have obtained Okudah at No. 5 or 6 overall, so they should have traded down with one of the teams eager to select a quarterback. Luckily, Detroit has a new general manager running the show now. Perhaps he won’t make the same mistakes.

Original Write-up:

I like the player. I really do. This D- grade has nothing to do with Jeff Okudah. In fact, Okudah is the reason why this grade isn’t an O’Brien. However, this is very close to a failure. The Lions could’ve obtained Okudah at No. 5 overall. They should have at least obtained something for moving down two spots, even if it was just a fifth-round pick. This is just horrible management by the Lions.

New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia – B Grade
One-Year Grade: F Grade

The Giants had their choice of Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills and Andrew Thomas. Many thought the Giants were going to select Wirfs, and they were very close to doing so. However, they ultimately decided on Andrew Thomas, which has proven to be a huge mistake thus far.

Wirfs, Becton and Wills all had incredible rookie years. Thomas, conversely, struggled mightily. He performed a bit better toward the end of the season, but he resembled a fourth-round prospect, especially when compared to the other talented left tackles in his class.

Original Write-up:

There’s nothing wrong with the pick itself. Some say Andrew Thomas is the best tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Giants have to protect Daniel Jones. I’m a bit disappointed, however, that the Giants didn’t trade down. The Giants liked Thomas and Tristan Wirfs equally, so they could have moved down a spot or two, much like the Lions. However, a shift from No. 4 to 5 or 6 would’ve received less compensation that the Lions should have received, so I won’t punish the Giants as much as I did Detroit.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama – A+ Grade
One-Year Grade: C- Grade

I’m still a believer in Tua Tagovailoa. The Alabama product struggle as a rookie, but many were quick to forget that he wasn’t even a full year removed from his brutal injury. It’s likely that he wasn’t 100 percent, which makes me wonder why he even played. I would’ve sat Tagovailoa for an entire season, especially considering that Ryan Fitzpatrick was playing so well.

Tagovailoa will be much better in 2021, but this grade still can’t be very favorable for the Dolphins because of how great Justin Herbert was for the Chargers. Herbert was the best of all the rookie quarterbacks, and Miami could have selected him one pick earlier. The Dolphins would definitely choose Herbert over Tagovailoa right now, so this grade must reflect that.

Original Write-up:

The Dolphins once didn’t sign Drew Brees because they deemed him too risky. A few years later, they passed on Matt Ryan because they wanted to go the safer route with Jake Long. This time, they didn’t make the mistake. The Dolphins medically cleared Tua Tagovailoa, so he had to be the choice at No. 5 overall. What makes this an A+ is that the Dolphins didn’t have to trade up for him. The Miami front office did a great job of not panicking and getting its franchise quarterback.

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon – A Grade
One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

The Chargers hit a home run with Justin Herbert. He was the best of the rookie quarterbacks from the 2020 NFL Draft class. This was a bit surprising because Herbert was so inconsistent at Oregon, but he took the NFL by storm right away, nearly beating Patrick Mahomes in his first-ever start. Herbert has so much potential, meaning he should get much better going forward. This is a no-brainer A+ re-grade.

Original Write-up:

The Chargers must be praised like the Dolphins were for not trading up and yet still being able to land a franchise quarterback. The only reason this isn’t an A+ is because I don’t like Herbert as much as Tua Tagovailoa. I worry about Herbert making lots of mistakes once he’s thrust into real NFL action – unlike the safe Senior Bowl and combine situations – but it’s not like first-round quarterbacks pose much risk anymore. Just look at the Cardinals. They drafted Josh Rosen, then gave up on him for Kyler Murray with no penalty. This is the right pick because of the upside.
Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn – A+ Grade
One-Year Grade: B Grade

Derrick Brown got off to a rough start in his rookie year, but improved as the season progressed. He didn’t quite look like the No. 7 overall pick, but he showed promise to make a big leap in his second season. With his raw talent, Brown should be able to dominate the trenches in the NFL for a long time, so I have no problem grading this pick favorably. It’s not the A+ I issued last April, but something in the “B” range seems correct.

Original Write-up:

Some consider Derrick Brown to be the second-best prospect in this class behind Chase Young. The Panthers were able to get the No. 2 prospect with the seventh pick, so you could say that this is a steal. The Panthers now reside in a division with Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. Beating elite (and very good) quarterbacks requires teams to have elite four-man fronts that can deliver pressure consistently without the help of a blitz. Brown will be able to provide that for the Panthers. I love this pick.

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson – A Grade
One-Year Grade: C Grade

People were shocked when Isaiah Simmons slipped past the Panthers. The Cardinals appeared to obtain a great value, but the 2020 season told another story. The Cardinals didn’t seem to know how to utilize Simmons, as they used him in various roles without much success. Simmons played more as the year progressed, but was never really a full-time player.

Simmons was a big disappointment in his rookie year, but I’m not going to dismiss him as a bust just yet. He’s extremely talented and should improve in the coming seasons.

Original Write-up:

I had Isaiah Simmons slotted to the Cardinals forever, but moved him the day prior to the draft. It just made too much sense. Arizona was torched by tight ends week after week last year. They really needed to find a player who could help put a stop to that, and Simmons is the answer. Simmons will be able to play all over the Cardinals’ defense and help them immensely.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida – B+ Grade
One-Year Grade: B Grade

I’d say my original grade for this pick was about right. C.J. Henderson missed half of his rookie season with various injuries. He looked great at times, especially in his first few games, but he later struggled, likely because he wasn’t 100 percent. It remains to be seen if Henderson is very injury-prone, but if he isn’t, he should be able to carve out a successful career in the NFL.

Original Write-up:

This isn’t a sexy pick, but it’s a solid one, and it’s probably what the Jaguars should have done outside of trading down. We know that at least one NFL team slotted Henderson ahead of Jeff Okudah on their board, so the Jaguars might be getting their top cornerback at No. 9. Henderson is very talented and happens to be more athletic than Okudah, and he fills a huge need with Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye both gone.

Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama – A Grade
One-Year Grade: A Grade

Cleveland’s offensive line played a huge role in the team’s first appearance in the playoffs since the 2002 season. The Browns had some of the best blocking in the NFL, and Jedrick Wills played a major reason for that. He was excellent as a rookie on the blind side, so the Browns obviously made the correct decision with this pick.

Original Write-up:

I’ve seen several people suggest that Jedrick Wills clashes with Jack Conklin because they both played right tackle last year for Alabama and the Titans, respectively, but Wills is a natural left tackle; he simply played on the right side because Tua Tagovailoa was left-handed. With that in mind, I love this pick. The Browns made a huge mistake last year when they went into the year with Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard as their tackles. Their blocking is so much better now.
New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville – C Grade
One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

When I graded this pick as a “C,” I questioned the Jets’ decision to select Mekhi Becton over Tristan Wirfs because I thought Wirfs was the better prospect. I considered Becton to be too raw. I was correct on half that assessment. Wirfs was incredible as a rookie, but Becton performed on a high level right away. He missed some action with an injury, but he was a dominant force when he played. I’d rank him as the No. 2 tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft class, so the Jets deserve an A+ because they obtained him as the third tackle.

Original Write-up:

Over Tristan Wirfs!? Mekhi Becton has unbelievable upside, but he has a very low floor as well. There could be weight issues, and he’s not exactly the most refined prospect. He could end up being a perennial Pro Bowler, and he could also eat himself out of the league in three years. I think Becton is way too risky for the No. 11 pick with Wirfs and the receivers available. I don’t hate this pick, but the Jets could’ve done better.
Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama – D Grade
One-Year Grade: F Grade

The Raiders had their choice of CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and Justin Jefferson, and they chose the worst of the four receivers. This pick is a failure for that reason.

I can’t say I’m surprised. As I wrote in April 2020, Ruggs has huge upside, but he’s incredibly raw and shouldn’t have been the first wideout chosen. Receivers need to do more than just run sprints down the field, and it doesn’t seem as though Ruggs can do anything else at the moment.

Original Write-up:

The Raiders had both Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb fall into their laps, and they went with Henry Ruggs? Ugh, I don’t know about this. Jeudy and Lamb are such great, polished route runners, while Ruggs is just all speed. He has great upside, but he’s a raw receiver. He has the greatest chance of busting out of the top three wideouts, and that’s not good news for the No. 12 overall pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa – A+ Grade
One-Year Grade: A+ Grade

Tristan Wirfs had an incredible rookie year. He helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl as an elite protector and run blocker. He stepped into the right tackle spot and instantly became one of the top players at his position in the entire league. And to think, the Giants easily could have selected him at No. 4 overall, but opted for a much worse player instead.

Original Write-up:

Wow. I can’t believe the Buccaneers stole Tristan Wirfs. The Giants were very close to taking him – Dave Gettleman had him ranked higher than Andrew Thomas, but the coaches disagreed – so getting Wirfs at No. 13 is almost grand larceny. This is the perfect pick for the Buccaneers, who needed a big upgrade at right tackle to protect their 43-year-old quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina – B+ Grade
One-Year Grade: B Grade

Javon Kinlaw didn’t exactly fill DeForest Buckner’s shoes last year. Then again, how could he when all of the defensive linemen around him suffered injuries? Kinlaw had to anchor the defensive front late in the year along with Arik Armstead, and he just couldn’t do that as a rookie. He didn’t perform poorly, but didn’t look great either. That said, Kinlaw flashed some upside, so he should play better in 2021 when everyone returns.

Original Write-up:

The 49ers were desperate to trade down after Henry Ruggs was chosen at No. 12. They moved down once, and they tried to do so again, but ran out of time. I figured they might “settle” for the better receivers, CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, but they opted instead for Javon Kinlaw. I worry a bit about Kinlaw’s injury history, which is why this isn’t earning an “A” grade. However, Kinlaw is very talented, and he could end up being a great replacement for DeForest Buckner.
Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama – A+ Grade
One-Year Grade: C Grade

The Jerry Jeudy selection wasn’t as bad as the Henry Ruggs pick, but it can’t be graded favorably. The Broncos selected Jeudy over CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson, which has proven to be a mistake thus far.

That said, I’m still a believer in Jeudy. He dropped too many passes during his rookie campaign, but if he can get over that problem, he could become an excellent receiver during his career.

Original Write-up:

Ask three different people whom they believe to be the best receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft class, and you might get three different answers. The Broncos’ answer was Jerry Jeudy all along, and I agree with that. Jeudy’s football IQ is off the charts, and he’s a great route runner. He’ll be an excellent weapon for Drew Lock, and he’s a steal here at No. 15 overall.

Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson – C+ Grade
One-Year Grade: A- Grade

I didn’t grade this pick too favorably in April 2020 because I thought the Falcons needed to trade up to obtain a better player than A.J. Terrell in order to compete with the Buccaneers and Saints. It turns out that sentiment was correct, but Terrell turned out to be that “better player.”

Terrell lived up to his potential during his rookie season. He missed a couple of games in the first few weeks, but then returned to become Atlanta’s top cornerback, by far. Terrell’s stock fell ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft because he struggled in the national championship as a result of a 103-degree fever, so credit the Falcons for recognizing that and making a good pick.

Original Write-up:

I’m torn on this grade. On one hand, I really like A.J. Terrell. I think he was underrated by the media because of how poor he was in the national championship versus LSU. What people don’t recognize was that Terrell was playing with a 103-degree fever that day. However, on the other hand, the Falcons needed to trade up to make a splash in an attempt to keep up with the Buccaneers and Saints. Getting a player like Javon Kinlaw would’ve been a nice piece to help them defend Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Terrell will help, but he won’t be as impactful.