First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft with many interesting trades

It is always difficult to predict trades that will go down on draft night, but this just feels like one that has to happen. The Miami Dolphins have been connected to Tua Tagovailoa for a while now and have plenty of draft capital to come up and secure his services as their franchise quarterback. Trading up to three would allow the Dolphins to protect themselves against another team trading up. The Detroit Lions only move down two spots and pick up a valuable high second-round pick.

While his injury history is a major concern, Tagovailoa is one of the most talented quarterback prospects in recent memory. His pinpoint accuracy and incredible ball placement immediately stand out on tape and make him an extremely appealing prospect going forward. Add in his strong arm, good mobility and great decision-making ability and it is obvious that Tagovailoa has a high ceiling at the next level.

The only real question here is his durability. If Tua can stay healthy as an NFL quarterback, he will be a star and the Miami Dolphins will be set at the most important position in the game. If not, this pick could become a major mistake that significantly holds the franchise back going forward.

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman loves to draft big and powerful guys who can make an impact on either side of the line of scrimmage. Both Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas and Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. undoubtedly fit Gettleman’s mold and are realistic and worthy options for the team here at number four. Tough call between the two, but I’ll give Thomas the edge due to his proven ability to play left tackle.

Thomas is an incredibly powerful offensive lineman who absolutely dominates at the point of attack. He gets off of the ball quickly, strikes with power and shows incredible natural grip strength. Thomas has a powerful lower half and extremely strong hands. Simply put, once this guy gets ahold of the opposing defender, it is game over.

Thomas could immediately take over left tackle responsibilities for the Giants and form a nasty and exciting duo with Will Hernandez on the left side of the offensive line. He is a fantastic run blocker who would consistently open up holes for Saquon Barkley and a strong pass protector who would help keep Daniel Jones clean. Thomas feels like an ideal fit for the G-Men.

This feels like an ideal situation for the Detroit Lions. In this 2020 NFL mock draft, they pick up an early second-round pick to trade back two spots in the first round and still get their guy. Many consider Jeffrey Okudah to be the best fit for the Lions at number three overall and they are still in a position to snag him here at number five.

Okudah is the top cornerback in this draft class and has a chance to be a tremendous defensive playmaker at the next level. With an incredible combination of size, speed, length, quickness and athleticism, Okudah matches up well against nearly any receiver. He is a strong man-to-man defender who also shows fantastic instincts in zone coverage.

Simply put, Okudah is the kind of guy who can erase half of the field for the offense. Teams simply will not want to throw to any receiver he is defending, and if they do, Okudah can make them pay with his strong ball skills. He is undoubtedly one of the best defensive players in this draft class and a fantastic fit for the Lions here at number five.