2020 NFL Draft: Trades shake up this two-round 2020 NFL mock draft

The 2020 NFL Draft is just around the corner. So it’s time to reveal my official two-round NFL mock draft that provides a handful of trades on day one.

The 2020 NFL Draft is guaranteed to be a unique one following the announcement of going fully-virtual. Will this affect how teams attack? Only time will tell.

Things haven’t gone to plan due to complications of COVID-19. This year, the draft’s setting was set to be on the beautiful Bellagio Fountains on the Las Vegas strip. Now, the selections will not be called from a fancy podium and stage, but rather, Roger Goodell’s basement. Obviously a huge downgrade, but let’s be honest, it’s probably still pretty upscale.

Either way, most fans are glad the event is still happening. They should be, this draft class is going to be something special as it provides plenty of impact players throughout all rounds.

The time has come. This is it. My finalized two-round 2020 NFL mock draft. Consisting of my analysis and top notes for every first-round pick. I hope you all enjoy.

2020 NFL Draft: First Round

If a trade doesn’t occur, then this selection is set in stone, second nature, guaranteed; however you want to put it, Joe Burrow is going to the Cincinnati Bengals to kick off the 2020 NFL Draft. The team has been aggressive this offseason, signing a plethora of players in free agency as they attempt to transform the roster after that forgetful 2-14 season.

Burrow will come in and better this organization on day one. He’s the most for sure quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. His arm, pocket presence, throwing mechanics, athleticism and ability to adjust passes on the fly is bar-none.

The Heisman Winner’s arrival will be right on time. A.J. Green will be returning to wreak havoc with Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon in the passing game. 2019 offensive tackle first-round pick, Jonah Williams, is also expected to make his NFL debut following an injury last summer that abruptly ended his rookie outing. Simply put, the offense is ready for Burrow mania. Go get him, Zac Taylor.

Teams can commit to a more value over need approach in the draft. That’s exactly what the Washington Redskins do here with the second overall pick, selecting Chase Young from Ohio State.

For me, Young is the best prospect in this class and new head coach Ron Rivera would be senile to pass on him. They have to give quarterback Dwayne Haskins more time to develop and can’t just move on after one season. Getting the best player on the board is the way to go in their situation, even if they did have the worst offense last year.

Young is able to constantly gain leverage on speed, power, you name it. Highly explosive off the line with aid from his impressive burst and lateral quickness. His plethora of pass-rush moves and elite attributes is something that will give any NFL offensive lineman pre-game nightmares. His extremely athletic skill set is the reason why he earned a whopping 16.5 sacks in 2019. The Redskins’ defensive production will vastly improve with his presence.

TRADE

With the first trade in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins give up one of their three first-rounders to move up two spots and grab their quarterback of the future, Tua Tagovailoa.

Yes, the quarterback does carry injury concerns, but you’re almost obligated to completely look past them with what he was able to do when healthy at Alabama. He can extend plays with his legs and displays an incredibly accurate arm. Demonstrates amazing poise and field vision to find weapons downfield as he flawlessly runs through his progressions.

This trade will create the safety valve needed for Miami if other teams desired to move ahead of them. Brian Flores covets an offensive overhaul in the draft, and you can’t think of a better way to start it than for him to grab his franchise quarterback.

Eli Manning has called it quits, officially passing the torch onto Daniel Jones. The 2019 first-round selection received plenty of criticism after the last draft before his feet even touched NFL turf. He played with a chip on his shoulder and proved many wrong during his rookie season with a handful of impressive games. He obviously has much to work on but whether you like it or not, he’s ‘the guy’ going forward and the New York Giants must protect him.

General Manager David Gettleman could go with many offensive tackle options here, but Tristan Wirfs seems to be the best fit. The 6-foot-5, 320 pounder’s stock skyrocketed with his record-breaking performance at the combine- in which he ran a jaw-dropping 4.85 forty. Wirfs found himself at both left and right tackle at Iowa, dominating both phases on offense with raw power. Just imagine what a healthy Saquon Barkley could do if the surrounding production was reinforced.

Following a trade back with the Dolphins, the Lions are still able to address their top need in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions lost veteran cornerback Darius Slay in free agency. Their defense was atrocious last year and has only gotten worse with the departure of both Slay and Damon Harrison this offseason.

Jeffrey Okudah easily has the potential to replicate the production left by Slay. He excels in man coverage and obtains true lockdown traits. He packs along nice footwork and oily hips, allowing him to change directions with the best of them. Can create turnovers with help from his tremendous closing speed and ball skills. The former Buckeye will be a fantastic 1-2 punch with Desmond Trufant, who they acquired last month. Okudah is a solid addition to a defense that requires a complete rebuild.

It’s almost surreal, but the days of Philip Rivers on the Los Angeles Chargers are over. After a long 16 years, the Chargers are now on the hunt for a new man under center. Many see them pursuing Justin Herbert from Oregon as Rivers’ heir.

He might need a year to develop behind Tyrod Taylor, but he holds the potential to be worth the value here early in the 2020 NFL Draft. Herbert is highly mobile and competitive. He owns the ideal frame (6-foot-6) for the position and reads the field like a book. Feet stay settled under pressure, and eyes stay fixated downfield. He arguably has the best arm in the class.

I’ve had Isaiah Simmons mocked to the Carolina Panthers ever since Luke Kuechly retired. As you can see, that’s yet to change. His versatile playstyle his vastly different. He actually lined up as a slot corner more than he did as a linebacker. Wherever he is on the field for Carolina, the results should remain the same. Like Kuechly, Simmons attacks the ball carrier, totaling over 100 tackles last year.

Simmons is a unique hybrid player who can make plays on a handful of positions. He’s fast, athletic and smart. What makes him stand out to me is his contribution through the air. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year will bring a heavy impact on covering running backs in the backfield- an everlastingly growing element to modern-day NFL offenses.

The Cardinals were fortunate to extend tackle D.J. Humphries last February. Even with the signing, Arizona still desperately needs help in the offensive trenches. Their eventual Rookie of the Year quarterback, Kyler Murray, was pummeled 50 times (27th in NFL). According to Next Gen Stats, Murray had an average of 2.73 seconds (28th of 39 QBs). He was under pressure constantly. Simply put, Arizona’s o-line requires assistance.

Jedrick Wills should be called in for backup to The Grand Canyon State in the 2020 NFL Draft. The offensive line tackle is an extraordinary run blocker. He’s able to get quickly get square and flush linebackers out of plays on the second-level.

His technique and hand usage are superb. He also does a nice job of keeping his knees bent and pad level low, leading to explosive impacts on initial contact. Wills can pick up blitzes like the best of them. He’s fluent and balanced when anchoring the perimeter. Wills showed to be aggressive, finishing his blocks with tenacity many times on tape.