2020 NFL Draft first-round mock draft: Quarterback reshuffle

With the recent injury to Tua Tagovailoa, the 2020 NFL draft class has had a complete reshuffle. Which players rise and which teams switch their focus?

Tua Tagovailoa has now assumed the label of ‘injury-prone’ and ‘fragile.’ A possible return to Alabama has come into question, giving way to the rise of alternate quarterback prospects. Players such as Justin Herbert, Jake Fromm, and Jalen Hurts now find themselves in the first-round territory.

Many teams will switch their focus from finding a franchise quarterback to strengthening the defensive side of the ball and finding other offensive weapons. A single major injury to a top prospect and produce an entire change in the draft philosophy of numerous teams. This change in top-selection mentality will create a shakedown effect to also change how contenders strengthen their current rosters.

This mock draft will not contain any potential trades and focuses on what would be the best option for the drafting team, not necessarily what they will do on draft day. Also, we are going from the bottom to the top. First up, pick 32.

At 6’5″, 255 lbs, and a complete receiver skill set, Albert Okwuegbunam is a physically gifted tight-end prospect that could be a direct plug-and-play for New England. The Patriots currently lack a quality tight end in their offensive personnel, so far utilizing a combination of Ben Watson, Ryan Izzo, and Matt Lacosse.

Okwuegbunam will bring the same mismatch element to New England Gronkowski did years prior, and will be well-coached by Belichick & Co. His size and athleticism offer a perfect base to build from in run-blocking which has so far been lackluster at Missouri.

Okwuegbunam is a rare physical specimen who can contribute through the air day one in the NFL. Belichick favors utility in his tight ends though, so Okwuegbunam will have time to learn and develop within New England’s system.

Alvin Kamara currently holds a large stake in the Saints’ backfield workload. With the departure of Mark Ingram, Kamara has been left to lead the backfield only complemented by Latavius Murray. Modern NFL backfields rely on a stable of talent, normally lead by a solidified number-one option. Kamara needs assistance, and with a late first-round pick, New Orleans could still land the top half-back of the draft class.

D’Andre Swift is a talented runner who can go both in between the tackles and pop to the outside. His burst and acceleration after the handoff is a major draw for NFL front offices, able to hit holes and escape before linebackers can read and react. His running style will work in both zone and power concepts, but getting Swift to the hole as fast as possible should be the goal (hence a power scheme).

Swift is also a productive pass-catcher at Georgia and can add the same aerial dimension Kamara does when taking snaps alongside Drew Brees. Having a full workload levied onto a single running back is not only inefficient but highly risky. Kamara will be more than welcome to the support.

Julian Okwara is a Notre Dame sack-specialist who will be able to play either 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end depending upon his new team and weight management. Notre Dame lists Okwara as a defensive end, but NFL scouts view the young pass-rusher as an outside linebacker with the proper coaching and weight management.

Okwara’s burst and hand usage gets offensive tackles out of their stance and reeling back. Okawara is commonly able to gain the corner and uses his great hip-bend to turn to the quarterback.

With more physical development and weight, Okwara could also provide a physical presence on the outside, becoming a run-specialist over sack-specialist. In a draft class filled to the brim with pass-rushing talent, Okawara is a late-first round steal.