First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft: “If I were the GM”
By Ian Higgins
Ohio St. Chase Young. player. 56. Pick Analysis. EDGE. 1. Scouting Report
Projected Starters: Carlos Dunlap, Sam Hubbard
Easily the most dominant player in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Chase Young has every single physical tool to become a top-flight defensive end in the NFL. From his explosive first-step to his overwhelming power to his incredible hip bend to get around the corner, Young is a physical freak that is built to terrorize quarterbacks in the modern NFL.
Even though Cincinnatti has a gaping void at the quarterback position, Young is a can’t miss prospect who is going to become a perennial pro bowler. Current quarterback free agents Cam Newton and Jameis Winston could also be brought in on inexpensive one to two-year deals to fill the void in place of Andy Dalton while Cincinnatti waits for the 2021 NFL Draft with quarterbacks such as Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields.
Jeffrey Okudah. 2. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Ohio St. player. 58
Projected Starters: Kendall Fuller, Fabian Moreau
After a disappointing 2019 season by Josh Norman, Washington needs a new cornerback to anchor the secondary alongside Landon Collins. Okudah is easily the best cornerback in this draft class with a combination of physical tools and technical ability. Okudah can play in both man and zone coverage but will do his best work shutting down opposing number one wideouts and letting the rest of the Washington secondary handle the rest.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT. Auburn. Derrick Brown. 50. 3. player
Projected Starters: Danny Shelton, Nick Williams
A dominant interior presence out of Auburn, Derrick Brown has shown to be a prime nose tackle prospect who can also slide into the three-technique in a 4-3 defense. Detroit currently only has one substantial pass-rusher on their defensive line in Trey Flowers, and lack a penetrating presence on the interior. Brown can bring a physicality to this Detroit defense that ranked 21st in run defense in the 2019 season.
Scouting Report. Louisville. 31. Pick Analysis. OT. Mekhi Becton. 4. player
Projected Starters: Nate Solder, Nick Gates
Current franchise quarterback Daniel Jones showed promise in 2019, but will only be able to continue this success with proper protection on the edge in 2020. Mekhi Becton is the most impressive physical specimen at offensive tackle in this class, measuring in at 6-foot-7, 364 pounds and running a 5.1 40 at the combine.
On tape, Becton was lengthy and fluid in pass protection and was able to act as an avalanche in the run game. Saquon Barkley made many plays himself with his agility and burst, and will only improve with a mammoth offensive tackle blocking on the edge.
LSU. 5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Joe Burrow. 59
Projected Starter: Ryan Fitzpatrick
In this 2020 NFL mock draft, the predicted number one overall selection falls all the way to the number five slot with the Miami Dolphins. This is no fault of Burrow’s own since he is still the top quarterback in the class, but the previous three teams after the Bengals simply do not have a need at the quarterback position.
This series of cause and effect puts Burrow down to the five slot, where he finds his way to Miami. With no clear franchise quarterback, three first-round selections, and a blank slate to build their offense from, Brian Flores and company can acquire the perfect pieces to place around Burrow to bring him the most success at the next level.