2020 NFL Draft: Way-too-early first-round mock draft

5. Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Thomas– Offensive Tackle- Georgia

The Cardinals took steps this offseason to improve their offensive line by trading for Marcus Gilbert to play right tackle and signing Max Garcia and J.R. Sweezy. However, I still do not think that is sufficient enough, which is why I have them taking Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.

Thomas looks like a great technician and an absolute bully at the line of scrimmage. Thomas is a player who reminds a lot of Ronnie Stanley based on a few game tapes I’ve seen. If he brings that to Arizona, then they have a potential franchise left tackle on their hands.

6. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa-Defensive End- Iowa

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With the addition of Ed Oliver, the Bills defensive line looks very good on paper, but there is still room for growth here. Defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy are each getting up there in age and while have they have both had decent production throughout their career, they are not elite players on the edge.

That’s why A.J. Epenesa is the pick here. Epenesa is a terror off the edge who notched 10.5 sacks this past season as a backup. He will bring an elite toughness and will power that the other pass rushers on the Bills roster lack.

7. Detroit Lions: Tee Higgins– Wide Receiver- Clemson

After selecting T.J. Hockenson in the first round, the Lions could look to add another weapon for Matthew Stafford. They already have Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Danny Amendola on their roster at wide receiver, but they could get better.

Stafford has not had an elite receiver since Calvin Johnson. Now, this does not mean I am comparing Tee Higgins to Megatron but make no mistake, Higgins is a good player. Coming from a long line of talented Clemson receivers, Higgins is the next in line. He would bring great hands and route running to an offense that needs a bit of a spark.

8. Oakland Raiders: Tua Tagovailoa– Quarterback- Alabama

Ever since he broke his leg in 2016, Derek Carr just hasn’t been the same player. Whether it was from a lack of help, Carr’s play at quarterback is not cutting it, especially if his downturn continues in 2019. This is why I have given them Tua.

While having an amazing 2018 season, Tua still has some things he needs to work on as a player in terms of consistency — so the Raiders wouldn’t necessarily need to start him right away unless he outperforms Carr in training camp. However, Tagovailoa is still a great quarterback who offers mobility and arm talent to Raiders offense.