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Luke Easterling
9 hours ago
We’re halfway through November, which means while the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into clearer focus, so is the top of the board for next year’s NFL draft.
While the league’s worst teams are jockeying for position at the top of the first round, the nation’s top college prospects are trying to take advantage of key opportunities in big games down the stretch.
Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest updated order after Week 11 games:
1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while a hip injury has ended Tagovailoa’s season. Burrow looks like the real deal in every way.
2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.
3. New York Giants | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is a bigger need and a more premium position, but GM Dave Gettleman has proven he’s willing to go for the dynamic playmaker over the pick that seems to make more sense. Jeudy is an explosive pass-catcher and the most polished route-runner in college football.
4. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After his season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s class. He’s since had successful surgery, and is expected to make a full recovery. That being the case, I’m leaving him in this spot for now. If his recovery has any setbacks that cause him to miss key workouts leading up to the draft, his stock could still take a hit.
5. New York Jets | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Sam Darnold is ever going to develop into the franchise quarterback the Jets drafted him to be, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to keep him upright. Thomas is the best of a deep class, and would be an immediate upgrade for New York.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Jameis Winston has the NFL’s best WR tandem, but a set of tackles that keeps getting him beat up. Demar Dotson is an aging vet with nagging injuries, and while Donovan Smith has started 74 straight games at left tackle for the Bucs, that’s mostly been by default. Wirfs would be an instant upgrade on either side.
7. Denver Broncos | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Offensive tackle is the bigger need, but the talent is too good to pass up elsewhere. Brown is a rare athlete for his size, with the explosiveness and power to be a dominant force up front. He’d be a much better use of a top-10 pick than reaching for he next-best tackle.
8. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.
9. Arizona Cardinals | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
The Cardinals have lots of young talent, but they need more difference-makers on defense. Epenesa is a disruptive force who can line up inside or on the edge, making him the kind of versatile prospect Arizona should be targeting.
10. Detroit Lions | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Matt Patricia’s defense needs more help across the board in the trenches, making this pick a choice between the best value at defensive tackle or on the edge. In this scenario, Kinlaw’s incredible athleticism and limitless upside give him the nod.
11. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.
13. Cleveland Browns | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Another team that needs an offensive tackle, but the value is so much better elsewhere. The Browns just lost veteran Morgan Burnett for the season with an Achilles injury, and he’ll be 31 next season with just one year left on his contract. Delpit has underwhelmed for much of this season, but his talent and upside are still through the roof.
14. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
The Antonio Brown debacle is in the rear-view mirror, but the Raiders still need a No. 1 receiver who can take over a game with size, athleticism and physicality. Current management takes a page out of the late, great Al Davis’ book, opting for Ruggs and his elite speed.
15. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
Injuries continue to limit a secondary with tons of youth and potential, and the Eagles should continue to stock their cupboard with talented corners. Fulton is a big, physical cover man who could give them an immediate upgrade.
16. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
This pick has to be about helping Tua, so the Dolphins need to balance value along the offensive line versus what’s available at receiver. That should lead them to Higgins, who has a rare combination of size, athleticism, length and body control.
17. Tennessee Titans | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
If there’s not a quarterback worth taking here, the Titans should set their sights on improving the interior of their offensive line instead. Biadasz is one of the most polished, experienced prospects in this entire class, and would anchor this unit for years to come.
18. Carolina Panthers | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
The Panthers are likely to lose a big, physical corner in James Bradberry to free agency, which makes Diggs the perfect replacement here. His size, length and ball skills would be a fantastic fit, giving the Panthers a cheaper alternative to re-signing Bradberry.
19. Oakland Raiders | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a difference-maker in the middle who can set the tone for the entire unit, and Simmons is the perfect fit. While some may view him as a ‘tweener, Simmons is an athletic playmaker who can transform an entire defense, no matter where you line him up.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Henderson needs to improve as a tackler, but his size, length and ball skills make him a fantastic cover man.
21. Dallas Cowboys | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
This defensive front needs more physicality, athleticism and versatility. That makes Davis the perfect fit, thanks to his massive frame, rare athletic ability, and experience lining up all over the defensive line. Depending on the severity of the injury Davis suffered against Mississippi State, he should be worthy of first-round consideration.
22. Indianapolis Colts | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
T.Y. Hilton is still one of the league’s better big-play receivers, but the Colts need a big-bodied pass-catcher to pair him with. Shenault has the size, physicality and after-the-catch ability to be the perfect match, giving Jacoby Brissett another dynamic weapon.
23. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama
After getting their franchise passer and a top pass-catcher, it’s time for Miami to look to the trenches and protect their investments in the skill positions. Wills is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, and would be a solid replacement for Laremy Tunsil.
24. Minnesota Vikings | Alex Leatherwood | OL | Alabama
This offense has plenty of talent at the skill positions, and a capable quarterback in Kirk Cousins, but they need to upgrade the offensive line if all of those players want to reach their full potential. Leatherwood’s ability to play either guard or tackle, along with his experience against top competition, make him a perfect fit.
25. Kansas City Chiefs | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
There are bigger needs on defense, but in this scenario, the Chiefs have the opportunity to give Patrick Mahomes and an already explosive offense the top running back in a loaded class. Swift is a complete prospect who would be a big-play machine in this situation.
26. Buffalo Bills | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
A defensive coach like Sean McDermott should love the opportunity to add athletic, high-ceiling players to that unit. Chaisson still needs plenty of polish and a few pounds of quality bulk, but his explosiveness, athleticism and technique are the makings of a dynamic pass rusher.
27. Green Bay Packers | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
This defense is among the league’s most improved units in many ways, but they still need a three-down, sideline-to-sideline playmaker at the second level. Murray brings the athleticism, physicality and finishing ability that the team is lacking at this position.
28. Seattle Seahawks | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
The Seahawks have a type when it comes to corners, and Adebo is the perfect fit with his combination of size, length and physicality. The “Legion of Boom” rebuild is still underway, and this pick would go a long way toward completing it.
29. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
This rushing attack is already dangerous, but Mark Ingram won’t be around forever, so the Ravens should be targeting a potential replacement sooner than later. Justice Hill is a promising change-of-pace back, but Taylor’s complete skill set and physical running style would be too perfect to pass up here.
30. New Orleans Saints | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
A quarterback is tempting here, but there’s too much value at other positions of more immediate need. Moses suffered a knee injury just before the 2019 season began, but if he’s back to full strength, he would be an immediate upgrade at the heart of one of the NFL’s most pleasantly surprising defenses.
31. New England Patriots | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
Since Rob Gronkowski is having a big Super Bowl party instead of announcing his return to the Patriots, the defending champs might actually have to look for his replacement next offseason. Bryant is a matchup nightmare who would be a perfect fit.
32. San Francisco 49ers | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
This just seems unfair. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are a fantastic 1-2 punch in this backfield, but their contracts are expiring soon. Etienne’s explosiveness and three-down skill set would be the perfect match with a creative offensive coach like Kyle Shanahan.
SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati Bengals | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
34. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
35. Miami Dolphins | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
36. New York Giants | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
37. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
38. Denver Broncos | Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Auburn
39. Atlanta Falcons | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
40. New York Jets | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
41. Arizona Cardinals | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
42. Detroit Lions | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
43. Los Angeles Chargers | Trey Smith | OL | Tennessee
44. Cleveland Browns | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
45. Chicago Bears | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Shane Lemeiux | OL | Oregon
47. Pittsburgh Steelers | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
48. Tennessee Titans | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
49. Carolina Panthers | Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
50. Philadelphia Eagles | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
51. Los Angeles Rams | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
52. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
53. Indianapolis Colts | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
54. Houston Texans | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
55. Dallas Cowboys | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
56. Minnesota Vikings | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
57. Kansas City Chiefs | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
58. Buffalo Bills | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
59. Seattle Seahawks | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
60. Green Bay Packers | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
61. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Jabari Zuniga | EDGE | Florida
62. Baltimore Ravens | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
63. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
64. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
66. Washington Redskins | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
67. New York Jets (from NYG) | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
68. Miami Dolphins | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
69. Denver Broncos | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
70. Atlanta Falcons | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
71. New York Jets | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
72. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
73. Arizona Cardinals | Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mississippi State
74. Detroit Lions | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
75. Los Angeles Chargers | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
76. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Nick Coe | DL | Auburn
78. Cleveland Browns | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
79. Tennessee Titans | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
80. Carolina Panthers | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
81. Philadelphia Eagles | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
82. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
83. Oakland Raiders | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
84. Los Angeles Rams | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
85. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
86. Dallas Cowboys | Shyheim Carter | DB | Alabama
87. Indianapolis Colts | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
88. Minnesota Vikings | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah
89. Kansas City Chiefs | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
90. Buffalo Bills | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
91. Green Bay Packers | Jon Runyan | OL | Michigan
92. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
93. Baltimore Ravens | Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State
94. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
95. New England Patriots | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
96. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
2020 NFL mock draft: Updated 3-round projections after Week 11
We’re halfway through November, which means while the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into clearer focus, so is the top of the board for next year’s NFL draft. While the league&…
draftwire.usatoday.com
