2020 NFL Mock Draft
The clock is ticking, the spotlight is making you sweat, and this one pick could affect your franchise for years to come. That’s the beauty of the NFL draft. You could draft the next Tom Brady in the sixth round, or you could spend multiple first-round picks on players who won’t even be on your roster after a few seasons (ie: Cleveland Browns). You draft to build a team, not to collect talent. Now that free agency has ended, some of the staff here at The Fantasy Headliners have completed a mock draft. Not only are we going to share with you our picks, but we’re also going to let you know our reasoning for why we selected each player.
This was our system: Eight of our writers were each given a division, and we went through the first round as though we were the general managers for each franchise. Some drafted based on team need, some based on value, and others drafted because the player happened to be the best available option.
Here are the writers and the divisions they were in charge of:
AFC East: Chris Kennedy (@ChrisKennedy318)
AFC North: Jake Hubman (@FntsyHeadliners)
AFC South: Ethan Turner (@ETurnerFF_PT)
AFC West: Lior Kolton (@liorkolton)
NFC East: Tony Culler (@FntsyGold)
NFC North: Kyle Richardson (@krich1352)
NFC South: Chris Chous (@chris_ADF1)
NFC West: Miguel Chapeton (@DynastyGuruFF)
Now, without further ado, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock!
1. Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Joe Burrow has to be their guy, right? At this point, I think it's obvious that Andy Dalton is not the future of the Bengals and they need something to energize that fan base. You have a Heisman winning quarterback coming off one of the best college seasons ever, who also happens to be from the state of Ohio. It just makes sense. Now, the Bengals were the worst team in the NFL last year for a reason. While they do have plenty of needs all over the field, there are some bright spots for Cincinnati this year. 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams is coming back from injury to help along the offensive ine, they’ve franchised tagged A.J. Green, and they still have Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon as weapons to help the incoming young quarterback. - Jake Hubman
2. Washington Redskins select Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
The 2019 Washington Redskins were not a good team, and owning the second overall pick in the draft proves that statement to be true. The one bright spot on this team, however, is the former first-round pick, Dwayne Haskins. While Haskins hasn't cemented himself as a franchise quarterback yet, there has been enough activity within the organization where Washington can ignore the quarterback position in this draft. While trading down to a quarterback-needy team is always an option, the Redskins have an alternative option that could make the rest of the league jealous: edge rusher Chase Young. Young is the number one player on a large number of teams’ big boards after becoming just the second player to record 30 or more sacks at Ohio State. With a Pass Rush Win Rate ranked 25th in the league (ESPN), Washington has a desperate need for a versatile defensive weapon like Young. - Tony Culler
3. Detroit Lions select Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
As a Detroit Lions fan, my hope is that they either trade back in the draft or the Redskins trade back and Chase Young falls here. If dream scenario A and B do not work out, then I hope the Lions invest in the versatile Isaiah Simmons from Clemson. Simmons is a versatile and prolific defender. He can play the run in the box, he can blitz, he can line up are corner or he can play safety. This is exactly the type of leader the Lions could use for the next several years, similar to what Tyrann Mathieu has been able to provide over his career. - Kyle Richardson
4. New York Giants select Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama
Despite only winning four games in 2019, the New York Giants are not as bad as some might think. Daniel Jones broke out during his rookie campaign, throwing for 3,000 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions in just 13 games. He has a plethora of weapons surrounding him, but he wasn't protected by his offensive line, who allowed 38 sacks last season, eight of those sacks allowed by Arizona in Week 7. While the Giants could address their struggling defense, their best bet is to bolster their offensive line with Wills. - Tony Culler
5. Miami Dolphins select Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
If not for a terrible hip injury suffered in November, Tagovailoa would have been the quarterback of the future for the Bengals. He was one of the more accurate passers in college and showed the ability to extend plays with his legs. While he doesn’t have the strongest of arms, he’s not afraid to take shots downfield while still maintaining solid accuracy. When he’s ready to take over this offense, he’ll be fun to watch for years to come. - Chris Kennedy
6. Los Angeles Chargers select Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Before the 2019 NFL Draft, Herbert was undoubtedly a top first-round selection. However, Herbert decided to finish what he started as a senior, which says a lot. All the on-paper stats and figures are checked off for Herbert. He has the size, arm strength, and has improved in every statistical category since his freshman year. Herbert is a born leader, mature, and will quickly gain the trust of a veteran filled Chargers locker room. The Chargers cannot head into a new stadium and face off against division rivals led by Mahomes, Lock, and Carr with just Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Herbert is the perfect transition quarterback after the departure of Philip Rivers. - Lior Kolton
7. Carolina Panthers select Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Heading into the draft, Jeff Okudah is being regarded as the best defensive back in the class and has drawn very encouraging comparisons. Checking off most boxes in the form of intangible qualities, Okudah has potential star written all over him. Having good size, speed, athleticism and of course quick feet – the impressive aspect for this player is there’s room to get even better. There truly aren’t many weaknesses in his game and he should improve any defense from day one on the backend. Okudah is a pure elite-level prospect that in our eyes, will not disappoint at the next level. - Chris Chous
8. Arizona Cardinals select Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Last year the Cardinals drafted their franchise quarterback and this year they draft an offensive tackle to protect Kyler Murray for the next decade. Murray was running for his life last year and this should help bring some stability to their offensive line and help unlock both Murray and the entire offense. - Miguel Chapeton
9. Jacksonville Jaguars select Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
This was a no-brainer pick for Jacksonville. They need to sure up a defensive line that gave up over 190 rushing yards in five different games last season. Brown is a monster of a man on the interior and, despite pedestrian numbers at the combine, he is one of the top defensive talents in this draft. This is a team that wants to win with defense, and stopping the run should be their first priority in this draft. - Ethan Turner
10. Cleveland Browns select Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The team that so many people love to hate. One thing is for sure though, Cleveland has built an offense with some of the best weapons in football. Now is the time to start protecting them though. They added the best offensive lineman among this year’s free agency class, Jack Conklin, but now they need to protect the blindside of Baker Mayfield if this project in Cleveland is ever going to work. Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is a 6’7” 360lb monster with quick feet, a huge seven-foot wingspan and still plenty of room to be coached up. Addressing the offensive line is where Cleveland needs to go here. - Jake Hubman
11. New York Jets select CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Jets lost Robby Anderson in free agency, and right now they don’t have a true number one receiver. Between his sophomore and junior years at Oklahoma, Lamb averaged 64 receptions, 1,243 yards, and 12.5 touchdowns each season. He’s not a burner, but he has good size and is a plus route-runner. He’s someone that has shown an ability to rack up yardage after the catch, and since he can line up almost anywhere on the field, he should be able to take advantage of smaller corners at the next level. - Chris Kennedy
12. Las Vegas Raiders select Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
As of now, the Raiders are moving to Las Vegas with Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow as their starting wide receivers. Jerry Jeudy can run every route in the route tree and is arguably the best receiver in this draft class. He embodies former Alabama’s Julio Jones’s route running, Calvin Ridley’s deep threat ability, and Amari Cooper’s YAC (Yards After Catch) talent. The Raiders have been coveting a one of a kind perimeter player since Antonio Brown’s departure, and now he’s here. Jeudy is a no-brainer for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden with the 12th overall pick. - Lior Kolton
13. San Fransisco 49ers (from IND) select Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
With both of the top corners and wide receivers off the board, the 49ers would like to trade down a couple of spots and pick up more drafts picks in rounds two thru four. However, current tackle Joe Staley may retire this off-season which means they need to have a plan in place. Landing Thomas here would be huge as the Niners love to dominate in the trenches and this will set them up for years to come. - Miguel Chapeton
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
One of the fastest, strongest defensive backs in the draft – CJ Henderson is another player that will turn heads in the right system. His elite speed and fabulous athletic ability will allow him to remain stride for stride with the best in the business. Teaming that speed with fantastic ability in press coverage, Henderson has flirted with being the draft’s best defensive back. While we do like the skillset a great deal, there is work to be done in zone coverages where Henderson isn’t as polished. Tackling has also been a concern, but nothing sound coaching can’t correct. Henderson is another sure-fire cover corner that will change the landscape of any secondary. - Chris Chous
15. Denver Broncos select Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
John Elway could fill other needs such as linebacker and cornerback, but here’s why he won’t take one. Henry Ruggs III is another can’t miss wide receiver for a team that lacks a deep threat. With Ruggs III and Courtland Sutton, Drew Lock will have an arsenal of talent surrounding him. I find it hard to believe that Elway will pass on Ruggs III due to not signing a wide receiver in free agency. - Lior Kolton
16. Atlanta Falcons select Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
In our eyes there is no argument on the matter - Xavier McKinney is the best safety in the class. Being gifted with good size, elite athletic ability, along with being regarded as highly intelligent, he will be a monumental piece to a defense that requires a leader like Tyrann Mathieu. The impressive characteristic of McKinney is his supreme versatility. Having the ability to play free safety while switching it up and locking down receivers as a nickel back – the schemes are endless in where he can line up. McKinney plays like a corner but has the talent of a hard nose safety ready to provide a licking on ball carriers. Any defense would be salivating to add this player to their club. - Chris Chous
17. Dallas Cowboys select K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
The Cowboys desperately need help in the secondary, after losing All-Pro cornerback Byron Jones in free agency. But Jerry Jones loves elite athletes, and Chaisson available at number 17 might be too enticing to pass up. - Tony Culler
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) select Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
I felt 18th overall was a bit high to take a running back, which the Dolphins should still be able to target in rounds two or three, so I decided to go with the best available player in Javon Kinlaw. Miami drafted Christian Wilkins out of Clemson last year, and I think Kinlaw would be a great compliment to him especially if Miami plays a 4-3 defense. Miami’s defensive line was dead last in 2019 when it came to adjusted line yards (5.00) (Football Outsiders), and the addition of Kinlaw will not only help to improve their run defense, but he will improve their pass rush, as well. - Chris Kennedy
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) select Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
With Trevon Diggs, the Raiders will now have addressed their two biggest concerns: wide receiver and cornerback. Coming from an NFL family with Stefon Diggs as his brother, Trevon is an impact ready corner for the Raiders. Eli Apple’s contract mishap means that the Raiders are starving for a starting corner. Diggs will be a band-aid to a gruesome cornerback group in Las Vegas. Nevin Lawson and Trayvon Mullen are not enough to hang with the rest of the receivers in the AFC West. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden need someone to decently defend wide receivers like Tyreek Hill, and Diggs can be that guy. - Lior Kolton
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) select Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
The Jaguars can go a lot of places with this pick, but with arguably the second-best corner in the draft still available, they should be doubling down on defense. With the trades of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, the Jaguars will be looking to add to what is currently a thin cornerback depth chart. Athletically, Fulton can hang with the best wide receivers in the league but he will need to develop his takeaway game to live up to this draft position. - Ethan Turner
21. Philadelphia Eagles select Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Philadelphia traded for Darius Slay last month, but could still address the cornerback position with their first-round pick in this year’s draft. Gladney could be an instant starter in any system. He has ideal size (6'0", 183 lbs), speed (sub 4.5 40), and is a tenacious defender. At TCU, he was consistently traveling across the formation to match up against the opposing team’s number one receiver. - Tony Culler
22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF) select Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
My favorite receiver in this draft will likely fall to the end of the first, even though his draft stock has him potentially falling into the second as well. I am higher on him than most and I have a late-first-round grade on him. The Minnesota Vikings will need to replace Stefon Diggs on the outside to help Adam Theilen and Dalvin Cook continue to find space. Even though Diggs didn’t put up the gaudy numbers we hoped for while in Minnesota, he was pivital in helping keeping the defense spread and not allowing any target to be the main focus. You paid Kirk Cousins a ton of money, give him the weapons. - Kyle Richardson
23. New England Patriots select Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
New England lost both Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins this offseason in the free agency. While most are clamoring for the Patriots to draft a signal-caller with their first-round pick, they need to continue to build through their defense and let Bill Belichick do what he does best. Murray provides a combination of size and speed, especially when blitzing opposing quarterbacks. While Murray can sometimes be over-aggressive at times, it’s his sideline to sideline quickness that any NFL team will appreciate. - Chris Kennedy
24. New Orleans Saints select Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
With a draft class loaded with supreme talent at the wide receiver position, Justin Jefferson is right there to be considered a top commodity. Having great size, fantastic speed, and solid hands – that’s just the start of everything Jefferson does well. Jefferson has made a name for himself as being highly reliable for his quarterback when first downs are required but don’t get it twisted, he high points the ball with the best of them. Even as we could make arguments to see more from his route tree to create separation consistently, Jefferson will absolutely feast as a secondary option in any offense. Having the ability to play both the slot as well as the outside, we see a lot of Victor Cruz in this rookie pass catcher. - Chris Chous
25. Minnesota Vikings select Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
I thought about going with Austin Jackson here to help the offensive line, but the defense may need help as we wait on the Anthony Barr situation to play out. Still no word on if he returns to Minnesota, so the defense may need a leader in the middle and Patrick Queen is the perfect fit. His intangibles including leadership are off the charts. - Kyle Richardson
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) select Austin Jackson, OT, USC
If the Dolphins are going to take their franchise quarterback at number five, it’s only fitting that they draft the guy who will be protecting his blindside for the foreseeable future. Miami’s current left tackle, Davenport, allowed far too many pressures last season and an upgrade is in order. Jackson checks a lot of boxes when it comes to drills, due to his athleticism. He still needs some polishing and improvement, especially with his technique. The talent and upside are there and with the right coaching, he could turn into something special. - Chris Kennedy
27. Seattle Seahawks select Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
Seattle lost Jadeveon Clowney this off-season and need help to boost the pass rush. Enter Zach Braun from Wisconsin. Braun is one hell of a pass rusher and should help Seattle's defense as they try to recapture the “Legion of Boom” days. - Miguel Chapeton
28. Baltimore Ravens select Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
Don’t fix what's not broke here. The Ravens have transformed their identity with the addition of Lamar Jackson. This team is built to run the ball well and run the ball a lot. This offseason though they lost a Hall of Fame offensive lineman in Marshall Yanda, who retired, so why not take this opportunity to fill that void? With no other huge glaring needs, Baltimore needs to continue to build that offensive line and protect Lamar Jackson and the running game. Cesar Ruiz is a versatile interior offensive lineman that is capable of starting immediately in the NFL. It may not be the sexiest pick but it’s the smartest one. - Jake Hubman
29. Tennessee Titans select Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
If the Titans want to replicate their success from last season they will need to fully embrace becoming a defensive juggernaut. A run-first offense can succeed but will be exploited by teams like the Chiefs who can put up points in a hurry. Insert Yetur Gross-Matos. He’s a raw athlete at the edge position who is still learning the ropes of how to most efficiently use his incredible mix of power, size, and speed. Playing opposite of Harold Landry, Gross-Matos could thrive as a disruptor in the passing game and as a serviceable run stopper. With 17.5 sacks his last two seasons at Penn State it is clear that he is ready to get after NFL quarterbacks. - Ethan Turner
30. Green Bay Packers select Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
I don’t have much to say here other than this. Green Bay, do not waste the remaining years of Aaron Rodgers, get him some weapons. Denzel Mims has been skyrocketing up draft boards since the combine and he would be a great complement on the other side of Davante Adams. Rodgers has a WR1. but the rest of the WR room is unproven and sporadic plus you have an unknown at tight end now. It’s vital you help this offense in 2020. - Kyle Richardson
31. San Fransisco 49ers select A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Once again we hope the 49ers trade down here to accumulate more draft picks that they lost over the last year. But should they stay at 31, Clemson corner A.J. Terrell is great option. If you can't rush the passer you need to be able to defend the pass and with Richard Sherman on the wrong side of 30, the 49ers need to once again look to the future and begin to replace Sherman now rather than later. - Miguel Chapeton
32. Kansas City Chiefs select Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
If Jonathan Taylor is on the board at 32, I don’t know how Chiefs GM Brett Veach could pass on him. The Chiefs have three needs: defensive line, cornerback, and running back. Taylor has more than just potential; he has superstar ability. With Damian Williams in the last year of his contract, the Chiefs need to address the running back position in this draft. Andy Reid will get back a Kareem Hunt type of talent if Taylor somehow falls to 32. Mahomes, Kelce, Hill, Watkins, Hardman, and Taylor? My goodness! - Lior Kolton
