First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft: “If I were the GM”

Projected Starter: Tyrod Taylor

The best pure arm talent in the class, Justin Herbert has displayed every single attribute in an NFL quarterback. Herbert has displayed the ability to push the ball downfield, make reads through to the second level beyond the linebackers, and thread passes between defenders in tight windows.

Oregon’s offense also showcased his ability to throw on the run outside of the pocket. Current Chargers starter Tyrod Taylor has been established at the number one quarterback on their depth chart for the 2020 season and will have his chance to create the same magic he had in Buffalo. Drafting Herbert will give time for his to acclimate to the NFL game and become familiar with weapons Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry.

Projected Starters: Shaq Thompson, Tahir Whitehead

The most dynamic player in this class, Isaiah Simmons played all over the Clemson defense. From inside to outside linebacker, strong safety, as well as some slot corner, Simmons is a game-breaking defensive chess piece who could become the first true defensive mismatch. At 6-foot-4, running a 4.39 forty with a 39-inch vertical, Simmons has every physical tool to play as a do-it-all inside linebacker.

Carolina legend Luke Kuechly retired this past offseason and the Panthers need a new face of their defense. In an ever-changing NFL with more and more uncoverable athletes on the offensive side of the ball, Simmons will fit in perfectly as a modern inside linebacker who can shoot running lanes from sideline to sideline as well as match up against mismatch tight ends in coverage.

Projected Starters: D.J. Humphries, Marcus Gilbert

The Arizona Cardinals are able to land the best pure pass-protecting offensive tackle in the 2020 NFL mock draft. Jedrick Wills is a smaller, more mobile tackle who can keep up with any of the modern speed-rushers of the NFL. At Alabama, protecting Tua Tagovailoa‘s blindside, Wills asserted himself as a top-tier pass protector and will bring value from day one.

Arizona has now substantiated themselves as the air-raid offense Kliff Kingsbury is so well known for after an up and down 2019 campaign led by Kyler Murray and the trade of David Johnson for elite receiver Deandre Hopkins. Wills will be a perfect fit at tackle for this passing offense and will be able to show off his premier pass protection on every snap.

Projected Starters: Tre Herndon, Rashaan Melvin

After one of the most impressive combine performances of the 2020 draft season, C.J. Henderson ran at 4.39 40-yard dash, benched 20 reps, and posted a 37.5-inch vertical all at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds.

Henderson is a physical specimen with the ability to keep up in coverage with any opposition he may face. His speed and quickness, as well as his fluidity, create a difficult matchup for any wide receiver looking to create separation.

After trading away all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville needs a new dominant presence in their secondary. Henderson is not the same physical corner as Ramsey who can bring toughness against the run or bigger receivers, but he is capable of providing impressive coverage and has shown to be a valuable pass-rusher off of the edge from the slot.

Projected Starter: Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm

Possibly the offensive tackle with the highest floor in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Andrew Thomas proved to be a consistent presence as both a pass protector for Jake Fromm and a run blocker for D’Andre Swift.

At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Thomas has the physical tools to compete as an offensive tackle and provide consistent production on the edge. He may not be as specialized as the mammoth Becton or pass specialty Wills, but Thomas is a well-rounded tackle who will be able to both protect Baker Mayfield and set the edge for Nick Chubb at a position currently severely lacking talent in Cleveland.