Way too early 2020 NFL mock draft: quarterbacks, wide receivers early

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Steven Montez, QB, Colorado

Let’s face it, there will always be intrigue surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars and quarterbacks. The Jags let go of Blake Bortles in the offseason and signed Nick Foles to a large deal. But, he isn’t going to be the guy long term. Here, Jacksonville looks for the heir apparent to Foles and selects Steven Montez. Montez isn’t getting the hype of Herbert, Tua, or Fromm, but he has good poise in the pocket and great touch down the field.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The Steelers made a big move in the 2019 draft to get Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, and that is huge for their defense going forward. Even so, they can make improvements on the back end in 2020. They drafted Justin Layne on day two, but C.J. Henderson can have a huge impact from day one. Henderson is very good in coverage with excellent ball skills, and he can rejuvenate the Pittsburgh secondary and get it back to where it’s been.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

It was no secret the Falcons liked Ed Oliver and would probably have taken him if he fell to 14 overall. Instead, the Falcons went offensive line heavy, shoring up the right side with Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary. Looking to 2020, adding someone to pair with Grady Jarrett would complete this defense. Davis decided to return to school for 2019, and that might prove to be best for him. He’s athletic with pass rushing upside, but sometimes he plays too tall.

20. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

The Chargers made important upgrades on defense in 2019, selecting Jerry Tillery and Nasir Adderly to help their run defense and coverage, respectively. The one area they still need improvement at is protecting Philip Rivers in his final seasons. Tyler Biadasz is the latest in the long line of Wisconsin linemen to have Pro Bowl potential. He would be excellent on the interior for this team.

21. San Francisco 49ers: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

The Niners could definitely use a lot of help at corner after putting the final piece on their defensive line with Nick Bosa. Ahkello Witherspoon hasn’t done much since he was drafted in 2017, and they only spent a sixth round pick on one in the draft this year. Kristian Fulton was talked about in late December for the 2019 draft, but he returned and is primed for a big 2019 and a top corner in 2020.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

The Vikings don’t have a ton of holes, and they filled up the offensive line nicely in 2019. Shifting to 2020, getting help along the interior line makes sense at this point in the first round. Derrick Brown is a strong, powerful space eater who can play right away and make a difference with looming contracts in Minnesota.

23. Green Bay Packers: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The Packers went defense early, and then helped the offense a bit on day two of the 2019 draft. However, they didn’t select a receiver in the draft, and must feel confident that their three picks last year will grow in year two. I’m still concerned they need more help than that, and the good news is the receiver talent in 2020 is insane. CeeDee Lamb is an explosive talent with great hands, and can be moved all over the field.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Like the Packers, the Dallas Cowboys are another team who should look receiver in 2020 after passing on some strong talents in 2019. Henry Ruggs might have the highest ceiling of any receiver in the 2020 class. He was reportedly timed in the 4.2s at Alabama’s pro day, and he is excellent after the catch and in contested catch situations.

25. Chicago Bears: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The Bears don’t have a ton of needs at the moment, but losing Bryce Callahan to free agency hurts the secondary a little bit. Bringing in Trevon Diggs to pair with Kyle Fuller would be excellent. Diggs has the speed and technique to be a first round talent, and this could be his real breakout season for Alabama.

26. Philadelphia Eagles: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

The Eagles were one of the tougher teams to figure out for the 2020 draft. They don’t have a ton of needs other than in the secondary, but with Brandon Graham‘s future up in the air and Derek Barnett still waiting to breakout, adding edge help should continue to be the move. Yetur Gross-Matos had 20 tackles for loss as a sophomore, and still has great football in front of him.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

The Colts had an interesting draft in 2019, trading back out of round one and selecting Rock Ya-Sin with their first selection. They also selected Parris Campbell on day two who could provide a spark with his speed. In 2020, the Colts opt for getting a true number two wideout with wide receiver one ceiling. Tee Higgins had a breakout sophomore year at Clemson. He plays well above the rim and is dynamic after the catch as well.

28. Cleveland Browns: Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan

The Browns are back this far because of where Vegas has their odds (just a quick reminder). If they end up drafting this far back in 2020, they will likely miss out on some top guys. With the running back and receiver room very crowded, they opt for more help along the offensive line. Ben Bredeson doesn’t have a ton of hype going into the 2019 season, but he’s strong at the point of attack and has versatility to play multiple spots.

29. New Orleans Saints: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

This is where it gets interesting, because it’s very possible that Drew Brees hangs it up after the season. Teddy Bridgewater did re-sign to stay in New Orleans, which furthers the evidence that 2019 might be it for Brees. Here, the Saints go with selecting Jake Fromm, who had a little bit of a down year as a sophomore, but possesses so much of what teams want in a franchise quarterback. New Orleans can’t pass on that value here.

30. Los Angeles Rams: Tommy Kraemer, OL, Notre Dame

The Rams are another team who filled their needs well in the draft this past week. They got Taylor Rapp and David Long to help out the secondary, along with Greg Gaines to help the pass rush. Here, the Rams opt for some more offensive line help to protect Jared Goff and help out Todd Gurley and the run game. Tommy Kraemer is a mauler with great power to drive defenders off their spot.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: DeAndre Swift, RB, Georgia

The Kansas City Chiefs are a bit of an enigma at the bottom of the draft. They suddenly need help at the wide receiver and running back spots. Luckily, they get an elite talent here at the bottom of the round. DeAndre Swift has the speed and lateral quickness to make defenders miss at will, and he’s on his way to becoming another very talented Georgia running back prospect.

32. New England Patriots: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

The Patriots opted not to take a tight end in this past draft, but they scoop one up here at the end of the round to help Tom Brady at the end of his career.

Albert Okwuegbunam is another physically gifted player at the tight end spot who can be an excellent receiving tight end. He needs to work on his blocking, and another year at Missouri will help him develop his game a bit more.