2020 NFL Draft: First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft pre-free agency
By Ian Higgins
Pick Analysis. OT. Scouting Report. Georgia. Andrew Thomas. 11. player. 30
2019 Starters: Kelvin Beachum, Brandon Shell
With a clear need at tackle to protect franchise quarterback Sam Darnold, the New York Jets will be taking the best available tackle with likely the most respectable resume among the position group in the 2020 NFL Draft. A three-year starter at Georgia showing viable pass protection and strong downhill blocking for Georgia’s always competitive running backs, Thomas is the safest pick among the offensive tackles of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Pick Analysis. WR. Jerry Jeudy. Scouting Report. 12. player. 28. Alabama
2019 Starters: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones
The former number one receiver of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jerry Jeudy has the playmaking skill set to be the lead wideout in a weak Las Vegas receiving group. Currently led by Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, there is no true game-breaker in this group that can act as a primary weapon for Gruden’s offense.
Jeudy does not have the same size and strength as CeeDee Lamb but instead brings his speed and post-catch elusiveness. Running a 4.45 forty, Jeudy is more than capable of breaking a play open or beating coverage over the top, a valuable asset for a modern number one wideout.
Scouting Report. CB. player. 46. Pick Analysis. Florida. C.J. Henderson. 13
2019 Starters: Pierre Desir, Kenny Moore II
C.J. Henderson was great at the combine, posting a 4.39 forty, 20 bench reps, and a 37.5-inch vertical. All of these measurables combines with impressive on-field drills showing his ball skills and fluidity shot his draft stock through the roof, making him the clear number two cornerback of the draft class behind Okudah.
Indianapolis’ defense led by linebacker Darius Leonard and safety Malik Hooker lacks a coverage specialist on the outside, and Henderson is falling directly into their laps to become the new lockdown corner for this franchise.
Iowa. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. Tristan Wirfs. 14. 48
2019 Starters: Donovan Smith, Demar Dotson
Possibly the best performance of the combine by a big man, Tristan Wirfs upped his draft stock but was still unable to shake the label of a guard-prospect. Even though Wirfs has the athleticism of a pulling guard, his quickness and strength still make him capable of blocking on the edge. His pass-protection has been spotty with some rough spots in his game, but with coaching, Wirfs could become a lengthy-bulldozer of an offensive tackle to protect the quarterback.
WR. Henry Ruggs III. 15. 45. Pick Analysis. Alabama. player. Scouting Report
2019 Starters: Courtland Sutton, Daesean Hamilton, Tim Patrick
The talk of the combine with a 4.27 forty, Henry Ruggs III rose up draft boards to become the consensus number three receiver in the draft class behind Lamb and Jeudy. Ruggs is not only a burner through and through but possesses better hands than many of the league’s other speedster wideouts.
This consistency gives him consideration on more plays than just streaks and screens, opening up the playbook for crossing routes and other plays to create the separation needed for Drew Lock. Across from rising star Courtland Sutton, this could become a dynamic pass-catching group, along with tight end Noah Fant.