Jack Bethel 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Well, I certainly never thought the first day of NFL free agency would be anything like today. Regardless of all the trades and new signings, our world has come to a halt in regards to the worldwide pandemic. I’ve decided to release my first mock draft of the season tonight, to keep my mind (and possibly the 3 people that read this) off the horrible virus.
The first day of free agency certainly did not disappoint. We’ve seen blockbuster trades sending DeAndre Hopkins to the desert, to giant signings like top DB, Byron Jones, to South Beach. All these trades and crazy acquisitions will certainly play a factor in which prospects land where. Without further ado, here’s my first mock draft of the season.
***Disclaimer: I did not include any round 1 trades in my first draft, something that is very unlikely to happen, especially this year***
#1 Cincinnati Bengals: Joseph Burrow, QB, LSU
Ever since the end of the college football season, this seems to be a lock. Nothing has changed. Placing the franchise tag on AJ Green secures this pick even more.
#2 Washington Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Although there has been speculation with Tua landing here, I can’t see the ‘Skins abandoning ship on Dwayne Haskins just yet. They pick up the best player in the draft.
#3 Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Barring trades, this is arguably where the draft starts to get interesting. Detroit desperately needs help on defense and Simmons is the type of player that can play nearly every position in the back-7.
#4 New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
The G-men have an option of elite tackles to choose from here, and I think Wirfs proved at the combine he deserves to be first off the board. Pairing his insane athletic ability with the reputation of Iowa lineman escalates him to a top 5 pick.
#5 Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
It’s almost certain Tua will be gone by now via trade, but if Miami thinks he’s their man, they will certainly go up to get him. Two SEC QBs in the top 5 for the first time in NFL history.
#6 Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
If LAC misses out on the Brady sweepstakes, it’s an almost certainty that they address the position with the #6 pick. It’s possible the Bolts could go with Jordan Love here, but I don’t see them passing up on rocket-arm Herbert.
#7 Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Wow, is this a match made in heaven. In my opinion, a top-three player in the class falls to Carolina because of team needs. He immediately steps in as CB1 after James Bradberry left in free agency.
#8 Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
I originally had CeeDee Lamb here, but upon today’s ludicrous trade for Hopkins, the Cardinals can address a big need in OT. Murray can finally stop having to run for his life with every dropback.
#9 Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Jaguars address a position of need here. Great value pick in Brown who will continue to scare QBs down south.
#10 Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
I see Cleveland taking what they can get here. Between Wirfs, Wills Jr., and Becton, I see 2 of the 3 being gone by pick #10. The Dawg Pound cleans up the last third to get Baker something he desperately needs.
#11 New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Although it’s somewhat of a stretch, the Jets also need help on the line. They get a quality OT they wouldn’t be able to find in later rounds.
#12 Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Boy, is Jon Gruden jumping for joy. I originally had Jerry Jeudy here, but Gruden will jump at the chance of grabbing Lamb. Whatever top WO goes to LV will thrive in Gruden’s up-in-coming team.
#13 San Fransisco 49ers (via Colts): Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Much like the previous pick, I had a wideout here until a surprising trade sent DeForest Buckner to Indy, in exchange for the #13 pick. San Fran immediately replaces Buckner with a player with potentially more upside.
#14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
I could see Tampa addressing a number of positions here, including quarterback, but I see them picking great value in a solid pick. Plus, Chaisson and Devin White already have great chemistry.
#15 Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
John Elway is as happy as can be. The Broncos desperately need help opposite Courtland Sutton and they find in Jeudy. He provides great help for 2nd-year QB Drew Lock.
#16 Atlanta Falcons: AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
I’ve thought of this pairing since last year. I can just see it happening. The Falcons need help off the edge badly to replace the average Vic Beasley. Epenesa is a day one starter.
#17 Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The Cowboys have needed secondary help for as long as I can remember. Although with Byron Jones leaving today we need CBs too, we have had atrocious safety play. McKinney is a huge upgrade. See ya, Jeff Heath.
#18 Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Much like the Jets at 11, this may be a reach as well. It’s a gamble as Jones could be a hidden gem or a potential bust. Let’s hope he helps in Miami’s return to greatness.
#19 Las Vegas Raiders: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
This just sounds good together. Queen is the stereotypical linebacker that old school fans love. Yet, he’s fast and can fall back into coverage as well. He’s a perfect hybrid for a new Vegas system.
#20 Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
As you can see by this pick, the Jaguars need secondary help after trading away Jalen Ramsey. They address it here with in-state star Henderson.
#21 Philadelphia Eagles: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Crossing my fingers that the Eagles miss out on Amari Cooper, they grab a speedster with high upside. The Eagles desperately need to get Wentz some weapons. Luckily, this draft has a surplus of them.
#22 Buffalo Bills: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
It seems like every year the Bills get more Clemson players. Maybe I’m just dumb. Either way, Higgins and Josh Allen can provide a great duo for a team poised at making a Super Bowl run.
#23 New England Patriots: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
This may come as a surprise first-rounder, but let’s remember it’s New England. They seem to always know the hidden gems and I think Baun can continue this tradition. He’ll replace Kyle Van Noy who left for division rival Miami via free agency.
#24 New Orleans Saints: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Now, it’s almost certain Love will not fall this far. My guess is a team will trade up for him if he makes it past the top 10. Nevertheless, the Saints don’t have any glaring needs and provide Brees a mentorship position for his final years.
#25 Minnesota Vikings: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
A popular pick here is Trevon Diggs because of his brother Stephon, but I think Fulton is the better option. Statistically speaking, I’d take Fulton. Not to mention, Trevon has a better chance of being in Minnesota than Stephon next year.
#26 Miami Dolphins: Deandre Swift, RB, Georgia
The ‘Fins round a great first round with getting their quarterback and running back of the future. Swift is easily the top back in this class, making it necessary for Miami to take him.
#27 Seattle Seahawks: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Seattle could go with offensive line help here, but I see them yet again letting Russell run around every play. They pick up a solid tackle here who could provide a cornerstone in Seattle for years to come.
#28 Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Ravens don’t have many glaring needs but could use some depth at linebacker. They pick up a great backer who can develop into a longterm starter down the road.
#29 Tennessee Titans: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
The Titans get the steal of the first round in my opinion here. Gross-Matos is a force in all phases of the game. He can rush the passer, drop back, or attack the ball. I really like where this Tennessee team is going.
#30 Green Bay Packers: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
One team that it seems everyone knows needs WR help is Green Bay. They provide Rodgers with immediate relief with a taller target in Jefferson. I really like this pairing and hope it does come to fruition.
#31 San Fransisco 49ers: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
One player that seemed to be a lock for the first round a few years ago was Grant Delpit. Through some inconsistencies, his stock has slipped. The Niners see his potential and snag him up just before the round ends.
#32 Kansas City Chiefs: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
The reigning champs close out the first round with addressing one area they could use some help. As mentioned earlier, Stefon’s younger brother can become a CB1 in due time.
