Grading and recapping all 255 picks from the 2020 NFL Draft.
The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, and the 2020 NFL season is now hopefully on deck.
This season will be loaded with intrigue not only from all of the veteran player movement across the league but obviously with a loaded, star-studded 2020 NFL Draft class with impact players seemingly in every round.
The 2020 draft was definitely different, but the NFL pulled it off and in impressive fashion. This event served as a proof of concept, of sorts, that the league can point back to as something with record-breaking viewership despite no fans in attendance.
Ideally, teams would love to have their fans in attendance, but that may not be our reality for a while.
We’ll all have to wait and see.
For now, the league is planning on playing the games as scheduled. If that’s the case, there are some fascinating matchups between 2020 rookies every single week. I wrote about some of those matchups here.
Which teams had the best draft classes? In all reality, no one is going to know the real answer to that question for a few years. Draft grades are pretty much pointless until we actually see these players out on the field, but that doesn’t mean we can’t analyze the picks, player/team fits, and throw out opinions about which players were good values based on where they were selected.
My philosophy has always been to evaluate draft prospects with an optimistic outlook, but that doesn’t mean teams always make the right calls, either.
Let’s look through every draft class in the league and every single selection. We will use the original 2020 draft order to go through each team’s picks.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. QB Joe Burrow, LSU
- 2. WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
- 3. LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
- 4. LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
- 5. EDGE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
- 6. OL Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
- 7. LB Markus Bailey, Purdue
Top pick: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Nobody questioned how the 2020 NFL Draft was going to start. LSU’s Joe Burrow established himself with one of the best seasons from an individual player we have ever seen at the collegiate level.
The Ohio native returns to his home state to take on rejuvenating a franchise that has plenty of talent and weapons, but needs the right catalyst to get everything going.
Steal: Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue — 7th round
If Markus Bailey is healthy, he could wind up being the best of the Bengals’ linebacker picks, and that’s saying something.
When healthy, he does a tremendous job on all three downs, not only playing the run and playing in the trenches but also in coverage. I loved this pick for the Bengals because it completed a trio of linebacker picks that could ultimately prove to be Cincinnati’s starting trio for the foreseeable future.
Overall Grade: A
Joe Burrow headlines the class, but the Bengals did well in all seven rounds and didn’t move off of any of their spots, which is really rare nowadays.
Despite his athletic testing, I like Tee Higgins in the second round and the Bengals have plenty of complementary pieces offensively to get the most out of his skill set.
Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither with back-to-back picks in the third and fourth rounds is really fun, and in particular, I think Wilson is going to be an impact player year one that not a lot of people have been talking about.
Khalid Kareem has a chance to factor into the rotation off the edge, and if all goes according to plan, Hakeem Adeniji could be poised for a successful transition to the interior offensive line as a pro where the Bengals need help.
Markus Bailey was a very nice seventh-round selection as a top 100 guy whose injury issues pushed him down boards.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. DE Chase Young, Ohio State
- 3. RB Antonio Gibson, Memphis
- 4a. OT Saahdiq Charles, LSU
- 4b. WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty
- 5a. OL Keith Ismael, San Diego State
- 5b. LB Khaleke Hudson, Michigan
- 7a. DB Kamren Curl, Arkansas
- 7b. DL James Smith-Williams, North Carolina State
Top pick: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Just like Joe Burrow to the Bengals, this selection was a no-brainer. The Redskins got the player many believe is the best in the entire draft regardless of position.
He is capable of coming in immediately as a rookie and changing the 2020 outlook for this team.
Steal: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU — 4th round
This year’s draft class was really strong at the offensive tackle position, and because of that and a couple of other off-field factors, LSU’s Saahdiq Charles went a bit overlooked.
Charles has the athleticism to play in the NFL, no question, and he showed over the course of the year at LSU that he can hang with any type of pass rusher.
Overall Grade: B+
The grade is lifted tremendously by the presence of Chase Young at the top. He is going to make everyone on the Washington defense better.
No pressure, kid.
Antonio Gibson is an intriguing third-round pick and someone whose skill-set as a receiver and physical back is reminiscent of Christian McCaffrey. He’s going to need to provide Washington something as a rookie, and what he can give them immediately is a tremendous third-down weapon.
Charles could be the steal of the class for Washington but Antonio Gandy-Golden will be right on his heels. Gandy-Golden has Brandon Marshall-esque abilities as a big-bodied receiver with after the catch potential.
Keith Ismael looks like an eventual starting center in the NFL, and all of Khaleke Hudson, Kamren Curl, and James Smith-Williams should be able to provide depth and/or special teams versatility early on.
Hudson is particularly interesting as a speedy linebacker/safety hybrid type of player. We know how Ron Rivera values those types of guys.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
- 2. RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
- 3a. EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
- 3b. OL Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
- 4. OL Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
- 5a. WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin
- 5b. RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico State
- 6. DL John Penisini, Utah
- 7. DL Jashon Cornell, Ohio State
Top pick: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions undoubtedly had to address the cornerback position after trading away Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After signing Justin Coleman last year and Desmond Trufant this year, the addition of Okudah should help revitalize Detroit’s defense. He was unquestionably the most dominant corner in college football this past season, and has the ability to shut down his side of the field.
Steal: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia — 2nd round
Although he was a high second-round pick, D’Andre Swift could wind up being one of the top steals of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He was RB1 on many draft boards and the Lions certainly struggled last season with Kerryon Johnson struggling with injuries.
Swift was a player some considered a top 20 talent in this draft and he gives the Lions a true three-down back who can make an impact immediately.
Overall Grade: B+
The pick of Jeffrey Okudah up top was necessary and widely expected.
The D’Andre Swift pick was a surprise, but a nice way for the Lions to show they were sticking to their board and picking the best player on it at that time.
Julian Okwara has flashed first-round potential in the past but lasted until round three because there is some inconsistency there. It’s fun that the Lions reunited him with his big brother Romeo, and perhaps he can provide them some much-needed juice off the edge.
The back-to-back interior OL selections of Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg could prove to be some of the shrewdest by the Lions. Jackson could start for them as a rookie to replace Graham Glasgow and Stenberg has starter qualities as well.
In the fifth round, the Lions took some shots on offensive skill players, snatching the talented Quintez Cephus out of Wisconsin who can make an impact right away, as well as a possible small school gem in New Mexico State’s Jason Huntley.
Huntley was a dynamic playmaker for the Aggies.
John Penisini and Jashon Cornell are both role players from really good college defenses who could factor into the Lions’ depth on the defensive line either this year or down the road after some more development.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
- 2. S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
- 3. OT Matt Peart, UConn
- 4. CB Darnay Holmes, UCLA
- 5. OG Shane Lemieux, Oregon
- 6. LB Cam Brown, Penn State
- 7a. LB Carter Coughlin, Minnesota
- 7b. LB TJ Brunson, South Carolina
- 7c. CB Chris Williamson, Minnesota
- 7d. LB Tae Crowder, Georgia
Top pick: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Giants undoubtedly needed to upgrade their offensive line early in this draft, and they took one of the safest players in the class in Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.
Thomas is the most NFL-ready left tackle in the incoming rookie class and he will be an asset for both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
Steal: S Xavier McKinney, Alabama – 2nd round
Xavier McKinney could have gone in the top 15-20 picks and no one would have batted an eye. For the Giants to get him in the second round is one of the better ‘steals’ of the 2020 NFL Draft.
McKinney can play a versatile role in this New York defense.
Overall Grade: C+
It’s hard to argue that the Giants got two instant starters with their top two picks, but much of the rest of this class is going to have to take a wait-and-see approach.
Darnay Holmes could start out as the team’s primary nickel corner or return specialist, and he will add special teams value right away.
Matt Peart is a developmental tackle who could potentially be the heir apparent to Nate Solder, who was disappointing last season for the Giants.
Shane Lemieux was a solid mid-round value and is a player who could compete for the Giants at any of the interior offensive line positions.
The Giants took an interesting approach late on day three by selecting four linebackers in five picks. As much as New York has struggled in recent years to find guys at the linebacker position with longevity, their strategy there might not be a bad one.
If nothing else, the seventh round of the Giants was one for Joe Judge — a potential group of special teams reinforcements.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
- 2. Austin Jackson, OT, USC
- 3. Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
- 4. Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana Lafayette
- 5. Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
- 6. Brandon Jones, S, Texas
- 7. Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
- 8. Jason Strowbridge, DL, North Carolina
- 9. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
- 10. Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
- 11. Malcolm Perry, RB, Navy
Top pick: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Some dreams do come true. The Dolphins were widely thought to be tanking for Tua Tagovailoa a year ago, and here they are entering the 2020 season with him as their quarterback of the future.
Even with Tagovailoa’s injury history, he was a tremendous pick for the Dolphins and he could wind up being a steal at five overall. The Dolphins were rumored to have to move up and get Tua, but they stayed put and stayed true to their board.
I absolutely love this pick and the value for the Dolphins here.
Steal: EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise State — 5th round
You could look at a number of picks here, but nobody had Curtis Weaver lasting to the fifth round of their 2020 NFL mock drafts.
In fact, Weaver made it into quite a few first-round projections. He had 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss over three seasons with Boise State and should be an ideal fit in Brian Flores’ defense.
Overall Grade: A
If you look over this class in its entirety and don’t give the Dolphins an ‘A’ grade or better, you might be insane.
Even with Tagovailoa’s injury history, he’s worth the risk when you have no quarterback of the future and three first-round picks to work with.
The Dolphins fortified their secondary depth with converted receiver Noah Igbinoghene in the later portion of the first round and he gives Brian Flores another intriguing man coverage option along with Byron Jones and Xavien Howard.
Robert Hunt and Raekwon Davis are two starting players taken in the second round on the offensive and defensive lines respectively, and I think the Dolphins are going to be really glad they got both of those guys.
I loved that this team used three out of five picks in the trenches in the first two rounds.
Brandon Jones was an obvious target of Flores and the defensive staff because not many people had him going in the top 75 before the draft. His character and intangtibles likely led to that selection.
In the fourth round, I thought Solomon Kindley was a worthwhile risk. The Dolphins obviously needed to invest in protecting Tagovailoa and at that point, he was their third offensive linemen selected. He’s raw, but the starter upside is definitely there.
The fifth round was very good to the Dolphins with the versatile Jason Strowbridge who can play all over their defensive line and obviously the top steal of this class — Curtis Weaver.
Even though drafting a long snapper is not always preferred, the Dolphins had a million picks and Blake Ferguson will handle those duties hopefully for the foreseeable future.
Malcolm Perry was the Navy quarterback and he can really make plays as a runner. He had over 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns last season on the ground.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
- 2. Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
- 3. Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
- 4. Joe Reed, WR, Virginia
- 5. Alohi Gillman, S, Notre Dame
- 6. KJ Hill, WR, Ohio State
Top pick: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Chargers didn’t exactly have the ammunition (not by comparison with the Dolphins) to move up and get Tua Tagovailoa, but even in hindsight it’s a bit surprising that neither team decided to move up for their respective quarterback choices.
The Chargers stayed put and drafted Oregon’s Justin Herbert, a player they were also very high on a year ago.
Herbert is now the QB of the future for the new-look Chargers, and the big question now becomes when will we see him on the field? He’s got to beat out Tyrod Taylor.
Steal: WR KJ Hill, Ohio State – 7th round
It’s insane that KJ Hill was a 7th-round draft pick, even in a class of wide receivers as deep as the one we saw in 2020.
Hill could factor into the Chargers’ lineup immediately as a rookie. He was the 220th pick and will likely wind up being a steal for LA.
Overall Grade: B+
This draft class for the Chargers was all about the quarterbacks. Justin Herbert could wind up being their QB of the future with the Philip Rivers era in the rearview while Kenneth Murray could ultimately become the signal caller and leader of the defense.
The pick of Joshua Kelley could wind up being a lot more important than anyone is talking about at the moment because of the departure of Melvin Gordon, and the Chargers need a featured runner to pair with Austin Ekeler.
The day three picks of Joe Reed, Alohi Gillman, and KJ Hill are as good as any trio of day three picks around the league. If the Chargers’ draft had ended like this after four rounds, I don’t think anyone would have batted an eye, but for them to spread this kind of haul over seven rounds is pretty impressive.
This grade could easily be an “A” depending on how highly you think of Justin Herbert.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
- 2. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
- 3. Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
- 4. Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
- 5. Kenny Robinson Jr., S, West Virginia
- 6. Bravvion Roy, DL, Baylor
- 7. Stantley Thomas-Oliver, CB, Florida International
Top pick: Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
The last new era of Panthers football with Ron Rivera coming on as the team’s head coach in 2011 started with an Auburn star, and the Matt Rhule era is beginning a similar way.
Rhule’s top draft choice as an NFL head coach was Derrick Brown, the stud interior defender from Auburn who absolutely wrecked games the past couple of seasons.
He has every tool in the box to be a great pro from the first time he takes the field.
Steal: S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois – 2nd round
One of the freakish athletes of this draft class, Jeremy Chinn has the ideal type of skill set to line up all over a defense at the next level.
Some felt like Chinn was the consolation prize to Isaiah Simmons in this draft class. He’s certainly not as well-rounded or advanced in his all-around game at this point, but Chinn is a physical freak of nature who can play deep safety, come up and play nickel corner, or play in the box.
He will excel right away as a man coverage defender matching up on tight ends and running backs for Carolina.
Overall Grade: B+
The Panthers went an unconventional route for a rebuilding team and just completely focused on the defensive side of the ball in this draft.
The top three picks of Derrick Brown, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Jeremy Chinn will have an instant impact, but the rest of this draft haul is interesting as well.
Troy Pride Jr. is a speedy, athletic cornerback prospect who could fight for snaps right away.
Kenny Robinson was a star in the XFL who took an unconventional route to pro football after two seasons at West Virginia where he was a stud as well. He might be this team’s sleeper pick.
Bravvion Roy obviously has some familiarity with Rhule from his time at Baylor and Stantley Thomas-Oliver was a nice flyer late in the draft with solid athletic ability and nice production as a blitzer at Florida International.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
- 2. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
- 3. Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
- 4. Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
- 5. Evan Weaver, LB, Cal
- 6. Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Top pick: Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson
The Arizona Cardinals stayed put with their top pick instead of trading down like many thought they would, and they also passed on an offensive lineman, which was the direction many expected them to go.
They stayed put and took Isaiah Simmons, the most versatile player in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Simmons is slated to play linebacker for Vance Joseph’s defense, but he will likely move all over the formation. He’s a weapon in so many ways.
Steal: OT Josh Jones, Houston – 3rd round
Josh Jones was in the first round of my final mock draft of the 2020 NFL Draft season, and I actually had him going to the Cardinals in a trade down scenario.
The fact that they were able to get him in the third round is highway robbery. He has starter traits and potential. It might not take long before he’s in the Cardinals’ lineup.
Overall Grade: A++
I don’t see a flaw in this draft class, especially when you consider the Cardinals were able to acquire DeAndre Hopkins for the low price of a second-round pick, basically. The final terms of that deal were running back David Johnson and a 2nd-rounder for Hopkins and a 4th-rounder.
With Simmons on top of this draft class and the acquisition of Hopkins, you could give the Cardinals an “A” already.
The fact that they went and added Josh Jones in the third-round bumps that “A” up to an “A+” and the picks after that bump it up to an “A++”, my highest grade in this draft.
Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence are both strong leaders and captain-type players who can contribute to this defensive line rotation as rookies.
Evan Weaver might be somewhat limited athletically but he’s smart enough to earn a role at some point.
Eno Benjamin was predicted to be a 4th-round pick at the worst, and to get him in the 7th was a tremendous value for Arizona.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
- 2. K’Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
- 3. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
- 4. Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
- 5. Ben Bartch, OL, St. John’s
- 6. Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
- 7. Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
- 8. Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn
- 9. Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
- 10. Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
- 11. Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
- 12. Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis
Top pick: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
The Jaguars had to replace both Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye in this draft class, and they did so to begin with by adding CJ Henderson.
Henderson was one of the best man cover corners in this draft, especially on his 2018 tape where he was downright dominant at times. Even in an injury-limited 2019 season, Henderson put some of his best tape out there going up against Ja’Marr Chase of LSU.
He could struggle like any rookie does but he has the makeup of a star.
Steal: WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado – 2nd round
Laviska Shenault was predicted to be a top 15 pick at this time last year, but injuries and a really stacked injury history in general contributed to his fall to the second round.
He is a tremendous talent and pairing him up with DJ Chark and Dede Westbrook, he can really be ‘himself’ in the Jacksonville offense. This kid is a playmaker no matter where he lines up.
Overall Grade: B+
I really like this draft for the Jaguars.
Not only did they get CJ Henderson in the first round, but they also got K’Lavon Chaisson in round one. He can rush the passer, cover, play the run, and do anything you ask of him. He’s also a great leader for your locker room.
Davon Hamilton is going to be a starter for this team before too long on the interior defensive line and is coming off of a tremendous year at Ohio State.
I think Jacksonville had one of the more interesting crops of day three selections in this draft, starting with Josiah Scott of Michigan State who has ideal nickel corner traits in the NFL.
Collin Johnson is a big-bodied receiver who could develop into a starter down the line.
There were plenty of people who felt like Ben Bartch, a converted small school tight end, could be a top sleeper at the offensive tackle position.
The only reason this grade is not an “A” for the Jaguars is the fact that their top three picks are all significant injury risks at this point.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
- 2. Grant Delpit, S, LSU
- 3. Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
- 4. Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
- 5. Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
- 6. Nick Harris, C, Washington
- 7. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Top pick: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Although plenty of people would have probably thought Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs to be a better scheme fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offense, the Browns used their top pick on Jedrick Wills, the nasty and athletic tackle from Alabama.
Wills has some of the best run blocking skills in the class but he’s also got great feet and the Browns are clearly confident he’s going to be able to transition smoothly to the left side with free agent Jack Conklin taking the right tackle spot.
Steal: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan – 6th round
This was actually a hard team to pick just one steal. Donovan Peoples-Jones in the sixth round is probably the biggest discrepancy in actual draft position vs. pre-draft value.
Peoples-Jones was going in the 2nd-4th round of most mock drafts and even early on in his career, he offers upside as a rotational slot player with tremendous athleticism.
Overall Grade: A
From start to finish, the Cleveland Browns got excellent value.
For the second straight season, they managed to get a really nice value in the second round with a defensive back out of LSU. Grant Delpit may not be renowned for his tackling skills, but he’s undoubtedly a ball hawk in the secondary who can help create turnovers for the Browns.
Jordan Elliott was hilariously underrated going into the draft process and I think he’s going to end up being a starter for the Browns at some point in the near future.
Jacob Phillips, Harrison Bryant, and Nick Harris are all players who can make significant contributions to the Browns with Phillips and Harris having starter upside in the very near future. Bryant is in a bit of a logjam at tight end.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
- 2. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
- 3. Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal
- 4. Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
- 5. La’Mical Perine, RB, Florida
- 6. James Morgan, QB, Florida International
- 7. Cameron Clark, OL, Charlotte
- 8. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
- 9. Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
Top pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Getting protection for Sam Darnold was paramount in this draft for the Jets, and they definitely got it with Mekhi Becton.
Daniel Jeremiah had made a tremendous point about Becton in the pre-draft process. You can’t really just run around him. You can’t run through him. How are you supposed to get a great rush on this guy?
He’s so long, athletic, and strong, that it’s tough to fathom anything but injury preventing him from having a great career protecting Sam Darnold’s blind side.
Steal: CB Bryce Hall, Virginia – 5th round
Bryce Hall was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft.
Teams must have been really scared off by his injury this past season at Virginia. If he ends up staying healthy, this is a guy who had 23 passes defended two seasons ago along with a pair of forced fumbles.
There’s no doubt he’s a starter if healthy.
Overall Grade: B+
Ultimately, this draft is going to be judged by how well the Mekhi Becton selection works out, because his success could determine Sam Darnold’s success.
The value of Denzel Mims in round two was tremendous, and he might end up being the Jets’ WR1 as a rookie.
Ashtyn Davis and Jabari Zuniga give the Jets a pair of starting-caliber players for their defense right away, and La’Mical Perine was one of the more underrated backs throughout the pre-draft process.
The Jets’ most interesting selection to monitor could be Charlotte offensive lineman Cameron Clark, who was a pre-draft favorite of a number of analysts. He may need a season to grow, but he could end up being really good.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
- 2. Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
- 3. Lynn Bowden Jr., RB, Kentucky
- 4. Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
- 5. Tanner Muse, LB, Clemson
- 6. John Simpson, OL, Clemson
- 7. Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Top pick: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
The Raiders wanted to add some firepower to their offense early in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they did just that by taking the fastest player in the class.
Henry Ruggs was not a unanimous WR1, but he was the Raiders’ WR1 and now they get to give the Kansas City Chiefs a taste of their own medicine twice a year.
Steal: CB Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech – 5th round
One of the most underrated defensive playmakers in this rookie class, Amik Robertson was a heck of a value for the Raiders in the fifth round.
Unlike the 2019 NFL Draft, I think the Raiders got really good value at just about every turn of this class. Robertson has immediate starter upside as a nickel cornerback, but he was no slouch on the outside either.
Overall Grade: A
Armed with two first-round picks, the Raiders got themselves a big-time playmaker at receiver and then a player they hope can help Trayvon Mullen shut down receivers in Damon Arnette.
Arnette has big pressure to perform early for a secondary that desperately needs him.
Lynn Bowden Jr. and Bryan Edwards with back-to-back picks in the third round was fascinating and both players should contribute a little bit as rookies with starter upside down the line.
The Raiders completed their revamped linebacker group with the selection of safety Tanner Muse, who will play linebacker in the pros.
John Simpson at guard was a contender for biggest steal in this class. He should be able to step into a starting role at the right guard position whenever the Raiders ultimately move on from Gabe Jackson.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
- 2. Antoine Winfield Jr., DB, Minnesota
- 3. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
- 4. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
- 5. Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
- 6. Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple
- 7. Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana
Top pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Tristan Wirfs was not expected to last beyond the top 10 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, so the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to be thanking their lucky stars when he was there at 13 overall. They traded up one spot with the San Francisco 49ers to get Wirfs who will be an immediate starter and impact player for them as a rookie.
Wirfs gives the Bucs an athletic, physical right tackle to help protect Tom Brady in 2020.
Steal: WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota – 5th round
The Bucs got a couple of the best the Minnesota Gophers had to offer in 2020, and Tyler Johnson could wind up being one of the biggest steals of this draft overall.
Johnson made one ridiculous catch after another over the past couple of years at Minnesota, and he should fit in nicely as the slot in Bruce Arians’ offense along with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Overall Grade: B+
In the second round, the Bucs got a versatile weapon for their secondary and a tough, physical player who can attack the football in Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield’s presence in the secondary was much-needed since the Bucs used their primary free agent assets (aside from Tom Brady) on the defensive front.
Everyone was intrigued to see what back the Bucs would add and it ended up being Ke’Shawn Vaughn. He has a real opportunity to impress the Bucs’ staff as well as Brady and have a significant role as a rookie.
One pick Bucs fans might really love over time is seventh-rounder Raymond Calais. Calais ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine and threw up 20 bench press reps at 225 pounds even though he only weighs 188.
He averaged over seven yards per carry last year at Louisiana-Lafayette and might be a nice sleeper pickup for this team.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
- 2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
- 3. Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia
- 4. Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
- 5. Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
Top pick: Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Although he wasn’t as consistent as some wanted him to be, Javon Kinlaw has the ability to be a game-wrecker on the defensive line and he will try to fill the big shoes of DeForest Buckner as a rookie with the 49ers.
San Francisco has so much talent on their front seven defensively that it’s hard to believe Kinlaw will face too many double teams as a rookie. He should thrive early on in this defense.
Steal: WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee – 7th round
Many felt like Jauan Jennings was going to be a steal in this draft no matter where he landed, and he wound up in a great situation with the 49ers.
He will have an immediate role as a special teams ace, but this guy is a physical player after the catch offensively as well and could use his ability on special teams to beat out other players for regular season snaps on offense as well.
Overall Grade: B+
This was a small, modest class for the 49ers, but they made their imprint with two first-round picks used on Javon Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk.
The addition of Aiyuk gives the 49ers of dynamic playmakers after the catch offensively along with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.
Colton McKivitz and Charlie Woerner are players who will factor into the team’s depth and future conversation at both tackle and tight end, respectively.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
- 2. KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
- 3. Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
- 4. Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU
- 5. McTelvin Agim, DL, Arkansas
- 6. Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
- 7. Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
- 8. Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
- 9. Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
- 10. Derrek Tuszka, EDGE, North Dakota State
Top pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Broncos struck gold with the 15th overall pick getting Jerry Jeudy, the best route runner in this draft class.
Jeudy was a projected top five pick at one point by many draft analysts, so for Denver to get him at 15 and keep all the rest of their picks in the process is a huge coup.
He will be an immediate impact playmaker alongside Courtland Sutton.
Steal: C Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU – 3rd round
After losing Connor McGovern to the Jets in free agency, the Broncos filled their need at center with Lloyd Cushenberry III, a player many in their fan base wanted the team to select with the 46th overall pick in the second round.
The Broncos got him at 83 overall.
Cushenberry is a great day one starter for this team and a great value in the third round.
Overall Grade: A
Even if you don’t love the strategy of taking back-to-back wide receivers to open the draft, the Broncos made their young quarterback’s life easier by taking both Jerry Jeudy and Penn State’s KJ Hamler.
They followed those picks up by taking Cushenberry to start at center and the athletic Albert Okwuegbunam — one of Drew Lock’s best friends at Missouri — to pair with stud rookie Noah Fant.
Defensively, the Broncos will likely rely on Michael Ojemudia to start in his rookie season after a very good career at Iowa.
McTelvin Agim has pass rush upside and can factor into the team’s future on the defensive line.
Justin Strnad is the type of coverage linebacker the Broncos have desperately needed, and although injuries are a concern, Netane Muti could be a future starter at guard.
The seventh-round picks of Tyrie Cleveland and Derrek Tuszka can play immediately on special teams.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
- 2. Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
- 3. Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
- 4. Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
- 5. Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Cal
- 6. Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
Top pick: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
This pick isn’t going to be viewed by many as the greatest first-round value in the 2020 NFL Draft, but the Falcons can’t really afford to care what anyone thinks.
Terrell is going to have to play a huge role as a rookie for Atlanta and coming off of his debacle in the College Football Playoff, he’s got to prove he’s got a short memory and that he can keep fighting.
Terrell was definitely more good than bad in college, but the Falcons are banking on his raw talent and their defensive scheme winning out here.
Steal: C Matt Hennessy, Temple – 3rd round
It’s not every day you see a center from Temple entering the draft early.
Matt Hennessy is a tremendous talent on the interior offensive line and the Falcons have just about completely redone their offensive line with recent high draft choices.
Hennessy can fit in as the heir apparent to Alex Mack and was projected by some to go in the second round.
Overall Grade: C
This Falcons draft class is a typical wait-and-see type of group.
This team identified players and went after them regardless of their perceived value from analysts or pundits.
Marlon Davidson is a versatile defensive lineman who can even stand up and play some rush linebacker.
Mykal Walker is a big athlete at the linebacker position who absolutely loaded up the stat sheet over the last two seasons at Fresno State.
Jaylinn Hawkins picked off nine passes over the last two seasons at Cal and can bring some depth to the secondary.
Sterling Hofrichter was an All-American punter at Syracuse who seems like a no-brainer at the NFL level. He can boom it.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
- 2. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
- 3. Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
- 4. Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa
- 5. Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
- 6. Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
- 7. Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison
Top pick: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
There was no way the Dallas Cowboys could pass on CeeDee Lamb with the 17th overall pick after he was projected to go in the top 10-12 by many.
Lamb’s after-the-catch ability is his most outstanding trait, and he may be one of the most productive players in that regard that I have scouted in recent years.
Even with as much money as Amari Cooper just made, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lamb is the Cowboys’ number one receiver before too long.
Steal: EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah – 5th round
Bradlee Anae was consistently productive for the Utah defense over the past three seasons and put together some of the most dominant reps on tape at the 2020 Senior Bowl.
Anae didn’t test overly well athletically, but he can undoubtedly factor into Dallas’ rotation sooner rather than later off the edge. He doesn’t have the quickest get-off but he can rush the passer and he hits with a ton of force.
Overall Grade: A
The Cowboys got good value at every selection in this entire draft.
Looking up and down the list, their best value could be argued as any one of these picks.
Trevon Diggs will be counted on to start as a rookie in all likelihood. He is a converted wide receiver whose struggles with consistency are likely the reason he dropped to the second round, but he was predicted to be a first-round pick in a lot of mock drafts.
Neville Gallimore replaces Maliek Collins as the small, quick, powerful interior pass rusher on the Cowboys’ defensive line.
Reggie Robinson was not a highly touted prospect with just one season at Tulsa, but he had a very nice 2019 campaign with three interceptions and 13 pass breakups.
Tyler Biadasz should be an instant starter at center if the Cowboys need him to be after the retirement of Travis Frederick.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
- 2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
- 3. Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
- 4. K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
- 5. Jack Driscoll, OL, Auburn
- 6. John Hightower, WR, Boise State
- 7. Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple
- 8. Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi
- 9. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
- 10. Casey Toohill, DE, Stanford
Top pick: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
The Eagles wanted to add speed to their wide receiver group, and the selection of Jalen Reagor accomplishes that.
Reagor has big-time vertical speed but more than just that, he is a physical receiver who is an absolute bully after the catch and at the catch point.
He struggled some with drops, but he also didn’t have the best quarterback play at TCU.
Steal: WR John Hightower, Boise State – 5th round
This draft was all about adding speed for the Eagles, and John Hightower is another speedy receiver who can play from the slot and provide a vertical threat who averaged over 18 yards per catch last season for Boise State.
He had 14 touchdown catches over the last two seasons for the Broncos.
Overall Grade: B
This draft class was all about speed for the Eagles.
Every single one of these picks was one of the fastest guys at his respective position.
The interesting selection among all of these is the second-round pick of Jalen Hurts, the Alabama/Oklahoma quarterback who really improved as a passer this season under Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma.
The Eagles will need Davion Taylor to be an instant contributor to their linebacker group, and he certainly has the athleticism to do so.
The picks of Auburn’s tackle pair Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho were fun for this Eagles team, and both guys could wind up as starters at some point in the future.
K’Von Wallace could be a wild card for this draft class and a player who can give you a lot of production from a variety of positions.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
- 2. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
- 3. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
- 4. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
- 5. DJ Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
- 6. James Lynch, DL, Baylor
- 7. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
- 8. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
- 9. KJ Osborn, WR, Miami
- 10. Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State
- 11. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
- 12. Kenny Willekes, DE, Michigan State
- 13. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
- 14. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
- 15. Kyle Hinton, OG, Washburn
Top pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Every time you turned on LSU in 2019, Justin Jefferson was finding a way to stand out.
He developed into one of the best route runners in the country this past season and did most of his damage from the slot.
It will be interesting to see how he fits in Gary Kubiak’s offense with Adam Thielen, but he should be poised for a big rookie year with the departure of Stefon Diggs.
Steal: LB Troy Dye, Oregon – 4th round
There were a lot of potential steals to choose from in this Vikings class, but Troy Dye is one of my favorites.
The speedy, athletic linebacker prospect has three-down abilities and is coming from a defense where he was asked to do a lot over the last four years.
He has been very productive and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him develop into a starter sooner rather than later for this Vikings team.
Overall Grade: A+
In all the time I’ve been evaluating draft classes, I don’t know if I can specifically recall a class this massive.
The Vikings’ 15 selections here make up a diverse group of young players who could be the foundation for this team going into the future.
Jeff Gladney is as physical and productive as you will find at the cornerback position, and with all of the losses the Vikings took in the secondary this offseason, he is going to need to play a big role.
If Ezra Cleveland ends up starting for this team at left tackle, the Vikings will have maybe the most athletic tackle duo in the NFL between Cleveland and Brian O’Neill.
Cameron Dantzler, DJ Wonnum, and James Lynch are all starting-caliber NFL prospects even if it’s not in year one.
Dantzler’s length and ball skills are outstanding, and the Vikings may have found their two starting outside corners with he and Jeff Gladney.
From start to finish, this class was really outstanding for the Vikings both in terms of addressing needs as well as finding depth and potential solutions to future needs.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
- 2. Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
- 3. Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
- 4. Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi State
Top pick: Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Ruiz was considered perhaps the unanimous top interior offensive lineman in this draft, reminding many of former Iowa Hawkeyes center James Daniels.
After the Saints picked Erik McCoy high in last year’s draft, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ruiz kick over to guard.
This team has built a very strong, home-grown offensive line group.
Steal: LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin – 3rd round
There were some in the NFL Draft community who felt like Zack Baun was a first or second-round pick, but certainly not much worse than a high or mid-second rounder.
He ended up going to New Orleans in the third round, and I love the value there.
Baun can play off the edge as a traditional edge defender but he’s also got the skills to play an off-ball linebacker position and drop into coverage.
Overall Grade: B+
Besides Ruiz and Baun, the Saints got a nice value later in the draft in Adam Trautman, a big and athletic tight end prospect who could wind up being one of the top steals of this class as well.
It was a small, modest class for the Saints and guys who may not draw a lot of headlines, but it was solid.
Tommy Stevens was an interesting seventh-round pick for this team, so we’ll have to see how the Saints decide to deploy him. With the way they have utilized Taysom Hill, it’s better to trust their plan than to question it.
Overall, this is a solid class and the Saints identified a few guys who can help them right away.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
- 2. AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College
- 3. Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
- 4. Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
- 5. Jon Runyan, OL, Michigan
- 6. Jake Hanson, OL, Oregon
- 7. Simon Stepaniak, OL, Indiana
- 8. Vernon Scott, S, TCU
- 9. Jonathan Garvin, DE, Miami
Top pick: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
This pick ruffled some very important feathers in Green Bay.
Aaron Rodgers has spoken openly about how this selection could mean that his dream of finishing his career playing for just the Packers may not come to fruition.
Considering the Packers had other needs and are otherwise in a championship window with an elite QB and a great defense, this selection made absolutely no sense to me.
With that said, Jordan Love is a boom or bust type of guy with big-time physical skills and a great arm. He is not a bad prospect, by any means, but this timing and the fit for the Packers were just way off.
Steal: OL Jake Hanson, Oregon – 6th round
Jake Hanson has the ability to become a starter along the interior line for the Packers sooner rather than later.
He’s a smart football nut who has plenty of experience at the center position, and he should eventually develop the functional strength to play there full time for the Packers.
Overall Grade: D
The Packers made a grave mistake by not taking a wide receiver with any of their nine picks. They used a second-round pick on AJ Dillon of Boston College, who has the look of a solid featured back at the NFL level, but the Packers also have Aaron Jones who broke out in a big way last year.
Josiah Deguara is a fullback/H-back type of tight end who can play all over the offensive formation and provide a nice outlet in the passing game.
Kamal Martin will give the Packers a strong special teams option right away, and the Packers followed up that selection with three straight offensive line depth picks.
Vernon Scott and Jonathan Garvin could factor into the rotation as rookies but might be more likely destined for practice squad work before they make an impact on the roster.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
- 2. Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
- 3. Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
- 4. Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
- 5. DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami
- 6. Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
- 7. Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
- 8. Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
Top pick: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
The Seattle Seahawks always seem like a safe bet for a bit of a surprise in the early portion of the NFL Draft, and the 2020 NFL Draft was no different.
Jordyn Brooks played like a first-round pick and looked like a first-round pick, but no one predicted he would be a first-round pick, at least not throughout the majority of the draft process.
Still, it’s hard not to like this pick. The Seahawks are getting a leader in the middle of their defense who simply makes plays all over the field and plays really fast.
Steal: WR Freddie Swain, Florida – 6th round
The Florida Gators’ receiver group this past season was extremely talented, and Freddie Swain probably didn’t get enough love in the pre-draft process.
Like many of his Gators teammates, Swain has speed and quickness, but he’s also a physical presence at the position and somewhat of a poor man’s Percy Harvin. He could be a great value for Seattle.
Overall Grade: B
It’s hard to hate on a Seahawks draft class when this team has been so good at developing talent at all levels of the draft in the Pete Carroll era.
Jordyn Brooks should be an instant impact player for the Seattle defense, and they certainly need second-round pick Darrell Taylor to have an instant impact as well. He was actually my final first-round pick prediction for Seattle.
Damien Lewis has NFL starter written all over him at right guard.
The tight end duo of Colby Parkinson and Stephen Sullivan are really both more of massive wide receivers than traditional tight ends. Parkinson is 6-foot-7 and Sullivan is 6-foot-5. The Seahawks love their athletic freaks offensively.
DeeJay Dallas is the prototypical Seahawks back with the ability to bounce off tackles and absorb contact.
Alton Robinson has some developing to do but he has some raw pass rush abilities as well.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
- 2. JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
- 3. Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
- 4. Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
- 5. Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
- 6. Tyre Phillips, OL, Mississippi State
- 7. Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
- 8. Broderick Washington Jr., DL, Texas Tech
- 9. James Proche, WR, SMU
- 10. Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Top pick: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Ravens desperately needed help at the linebacker position in this draft, and they got it in the form of Patrick Queen, the LSU linebacker who was dominant in the College Football Playoff.
Queen has speed, instincts, and the coverage ability to play all three downs.
He will be a defensive rookie of the year candidate for this team.
Steal: S Geno Stone, Iowa – 7th round
It’s hard to pick just one steal for this Ravens draft class, but getting Geno Stone in the seventh round is ridiculous.
Stone was tremendous for the Iowa Hawkeyes playing a box safety role and it would be shocking if he did not eventually develop into a significant contributor for Baltimore’s defense.
Overall Grade: A+
What is there not to like about this class for the Ravens?
Patrick Queen could be a rookie of the year candidate defensively.
JK Dobbins in the second round is already a huge value, but putting him on this Ravens team which led the NFL in rushing by a mile last season?
Yikes.
Justin Madubuike has the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior defensive line and had 11 sacks over the past two seasons for Texas A&M.
Devin Duvernay could win the Ravens’ slot job as a rookie. He’s a wide receiver in a running back’s body with tremendous after-the-catch ability.
Malik Harrison is another player who could start for the Ravens as a rookie. He may not have the same type of three-down abilities as Queen, but he’s a big-time athlete with a whopping 16.5 tackles for loss last season.
Tyre Phillips is a nasty offensive line prospect who projects to the inside going forward.
Ben Bredeson, Broderick Washington Jr., and James Proche are all awesome picks late in the draft as well.
Proche, in fact, is one of my favorite picks in this draft as a slot type of receiver who catches just about everything thrown his direction.
Overall, this draft class is incredible.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
- 2. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
- 3. Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
- 4. Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
- 5. Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
- 6. Chris Jackson, S, Marshall
Top pick: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
The Titans had to replace Jack Conklin at the right tackle position, and they did so with the raw but talented Isaiah Wilson.
The Titans are going to ask Wilson to do a lot of paving the way for Derrick Henry and the running game, and that’s what he’s best at right now.
If the Titans can help him figure out his pass pro skills, this pick could be a steal. But it was a big risk for them to take him here in round one. This was not a BPA type of pick, but addressing a clear need with one of the only top players left.
Steal: CB Kristian Fulton, LSU – 2nd round
If the Titans’ top two picks had been swapped around, it would have still made sense after the 2020 NFL Draft.
Kristian Fulton doesn’t have the cleanest resume, but he is going to be able to play right away for the Titans and showed off the best of what he can be this past season at LSU with 14 pass breakups.
Overall Grade: C
I liked what the Titans did addressing the offensive line and cornerback positions with their top two picks in this class.
I also think Darrynton Evans is one of the most underrated players in their class.
There is just a lot of risk in this group here. Isaiah Wilson and Kristian Fulton are not sure things (no rookie is, but these guys present a bit more risks than others) and the Titans kind of need them to be.
This is a class that might take some time to really evaluate, especially with a guy like Isaiah Wilson who shouldn’t be judged solely based on whatever he does in 2020.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
- 2. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
- 3. Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
- 4. L’Jarius Snead, DB, Louisiana Tech
- 5. Michael Danna, DE, Michigan
- 6. Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane
Top pick: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Thinking about this pick prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, it was clear the Chiefs could afford the luxury of a first-round running back, and I love the fit.
Kareem Hunt was a huge asset for this team but obviously that didn’t end well, and the Chiefs have been making due since they cut him.
Edwards-Helaire is not the ‘same’ as Hunt, but he certainly has the ability to break tackles and catch passes, and I think he’s going to be a huge asset to the Chiefs in his rookie season.
Steal: OT Lucas Niang, TCU
As a right tackle prospect, Niang looked like a rookie starter coming out of TCU.
Perhaps the NFL disagreed with that, but I think the Chiefs got themselves a player they can develop into a long-term option whether they keep him at tackle or move him to the interior offensive line.
Overall Grade: C
I like the pick of Edwards-Helaire up top, but after that, I have some questions.
Willie Gay Jr. is a heck of an athlete, but what about the off-field concerns? Was there enough of a body of work here to take him in the second round?
Niang was a nice value but where does he fit in with this team? Why did they not prioritize their defensive backfield sooner?
The Chiefs deserve the benefit of the doubt coming off of a Super Bowl victory, but this draft class was hit or miss for me.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Michael Pittman, WR, USC
- 2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
- 3. Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
- 4. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
- 5. Danny Pinter, OL, Ball State
- 6. Robert Windsor, DL, Penn State
- 7. Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Massachusetts
- 8. Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington State
- 9. Jordan Glasgow, LB, Michigan
Top pick: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
The Colts needed to upgrade their receiver room in this draft class, and they looked to an NFL legacy to do it.
Michael Pittman Jr. is the son of former NFL running back Michael Pittman, and just like his dad, Pittman uses his size and physicality to his advantage.
Unlike his dad, Pittman is a big, tall wide receiver with a massive catch radius, a good understanding of how to manipulate coverage, and fantastic hands.
One fun fact about Pittman: He blocked three punts in his time at USC.
Steal: QB Jacob Eason, Washington – 4th round
The Colts could have taken Jacob Eason in the second round and I don’t think it would have been highly disputed.
Eason has a huge arm and joins a suddenly crowded QB room with the Colts where Philip Rivers is the QB1 and behind him is Jacoby Brissett.
I like the situation here for Eason with Frank Reich as his coach and after a strong season at Washington, he can continue his development as a learner. I think he has a good chance of becoming a starter down the line.
Overall Grade: A
For not having a first-round pick, this is one of the best draft classes in the league.
Jonathan Taylor could have been a first-round pick, and there were some who had Michael Pittman Jr. in their top 32 as well.
Jacob Eason was a really nice steal in the fourth round of this draft class, and I think the Colts got an early contributor with Julian Blackmon.
Blackmon has played both cornerback and safety and is a tough player in the secondary.
A late-round pick for the Colts to keep a close eye on is former UMass cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who picked off 11 passes with three touchdowns along with 34 pass breakups in four seasons.
He also had a punt return for a touchdown last season and was a full-time kickoff returner for UMass.
Dezmon Patmon in the sixth round was also a really nice value for the Colts. The 6-foot-4 receiver out of Washington State has speed, explosive leaping ability, and he caught eight touchdowns last season.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
- 2. Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
- 3. Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
- 4. Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
- 5. Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
- 6. Julian Rohrwasser, K, Marshall
- 7. Michael Onwenu, OL, Michigan
- 8. Justin Herron, OL, Wake Forest
- 9. Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming
- 10. Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis
Top pick: Kyle Dugger, S/LB, Lenoir-Rhyne
The Patriots traded out of the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and used their top pick on one of the best small-school players in the class, Kyle Dugger of Lenoir-Rhyne.
Watching Dugger’s college highlights was like watching an adult play with a bunch of little kids in the backyard.
It didn’t matter if he was playing defense or returning kicks, Dugger was just bigger, faster, stronger, and better than everyone he played against.
Translating to the NFL, I think Dugger can be a versatile weapon for Bill Belichick’s defense but he’s going to have to learn to rely on his film study rather than raw athleticism going forward.
Steal: OL Michael Onwenu, Michigan – 6th round
The Patriots have found a number of really solid offensive linemen in the later rounds of the NFL Draft and Michael Onwenu could be their latest.
The sixth-round pick out of Michigan is a massive, powerful lineman at 6-foot-3, 350 pounds. He can dominate one-on-one situations, though he obviously needs to prove he can match speed and quickness from the interior line.
He’s got a good veteran to learn from in Shaq Mason.
Overall Grade: C
The Patriots passed on quarterbacks in this draft, which was their prerogative, but they had opportunities to add some young talent at the position and passed on them.
They took to re-shaping their defense early on in this class by taking Kyle Dugger and then Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings off the edge.
In the third round, the Patriots addressed their tight end position with Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, two very different types of players who can help the Patriots’ offense immediately.
The Patriots made Julian Rohrwasser the first kicker off the board after he connected on 18-of-21 field goal attempts last season at Marshall with a long of 53.
Michael Onwenu and Justin Herron are two depth additions to the offensive line who have the upside to develop into starters down the line.
Seventh-rounders Cassh Maluia and Dustin Woodard are strong practice squad candidates in their rookie seasons.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
- 2. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
- 3. Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina
- 4. John Reid, CB, Penn State
- 5. Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
Top pick: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
The Texans had a lot of holes to fill this offseason, but one of the most underrated losses was the loss of DJ Reader who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Although Ross Blacklock may not be able to replace Reader all on his own as a rookie, this was a nice value for the Texans, who didn’t have a first-round pick. Injuries limited him to just two seasons at TCU but Blacklock’s talent is obvious and he is going to be able to boost Houston’s interior pass rush right away.
Steal: EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Florida – 3rd round
There aren’t many options to pick from in this category for the Texans having just five selections overall, but Jonathan Greenard in the third round is a nice steal.
This year’s class was not known for its group of edge defenders or pass rushers, but Greenard is a player who can give you a little bit of everything off the edge.
Even as a third-round pick, I think he has a good chance to start as a rookie in Houston and give them a much-needed boost in the pass rush department.
Overall Grade: C-
The Texans acquired an additional second-round pick in this draft through the DeAndre Hopkins trade. They sent a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, which doesn’t exactly ease the pain of trading one of your franchise cornerstone pieces.
The Texans will rely on Blacklock and Greenard to play significant roles as rookies in 2020, but not having a first-round pick could be detrimental for this team.
Charlie Heck is an NFL legacy who started a lot of games over the past few years at North Carolina and could certainly factor into the Texans’ future plans at left tackle.
John Reid could develop into a top nickel corner for Houston in short order. He had seven interceptions and 26 pass breakups over four years at Penn State.
Isaiah Coulter was a worthwhile late-round selection for Houston with speed, athleticism, and a lot of upside with a big catch radius.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
- 2. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
- 3. Trevis Gipson, EDGE, Tulsa
- 4. Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern
- 5. Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
- 6. Arlington Hambright, OT, Colorado
- 7. Lachavious Simmons, OL, Tennessee State
Top pick: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
The Bears didn’t have a first-round pick, but they still got the player many believed to be the top tight end in the draft.
Cole Kmet has all of the traits you look for in a full-time tight end with size, speed, catch radius, and the athleticism to make every type of play you need in the passing game.
The Bears desperately needed to get better at tight end this offseason and with Jimmy Graham coming in along with Kmet, they have seemingly done that.
Steal: CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern – 5th round
One of the biggest steals in this draft regardless of position was Kindle Vildor, and I will stand by that until he fails in the league.
Vildor was very productive at Georgia Southern and has the type of competitive attitude to succeed early on in the NFL.
He’s a heck of an athlete with an aggressive mentality at the cornerback position, and he’s confident he can lock receivers down in man coverage. For that reason, I think he will wind up being a great nickel corner in the NFL.
Overall Grade: C
It’s hard to argue with the value the Bears got with their top two picks and Kindle Vildor in the 5th round, but will this rookie class along with their other moves made in the 2020 offseason be enough to buy this coaching staff some more time?
The Bears had to surround Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles with the best supporting cast possible, and while they addressed tight end, did they get enough instant impact from this draft crop?
If Jaylon Johnson is not in the starting lineup as a rookie, the Bears may have only gotten one significant year one contributor from this group, and tight end is a tougher position to transition from college to the pros compared to others.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
- 2. Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
- 3. Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
- 4. Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah
- 5. Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
- 6. Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
- 7. Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
- 8. Sam Sloman, K, Miami (OH)
- 9. Tremayne Anchrum, OL, Clemson
Top pick: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
The release of Todd Gurley paved the way for the Rams to draft Cam Akers, whose bounce-back season in 2019 really helped raise his value back up to the second round.
After a tremendous freshman campaign, Akers took a bit of a step back in 2018 and many NFL analysts wondered if he would be able to recover.
He did in a big way and now he’s poised to be the lead back in one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Steal: DB Terrell Burgess, Utah – 3rd round
One of the most versatile defensive backs in this class, Burgess can play a hybrid safety/nickel role for the Rams’ secondary right away.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley can blitz, cover, tackle — you name it. He’s going to be a big-time weapon in the NFL and the Rams got him in the third round.
Overall Grade: B
Although Cam Akers and Van Jefferson didn’t scream ‘value’ or ‘star power’, the Rams may have sneakily gotten a lot better on offense with those two picks.
If healthy, Terrell Lewis is a big-time threat as a rusher off the edge, and the Rams desperately need that.
Other than their top four picks, the most impactful rookie could wind. up being kicker Sam Sloman, a second-team All-American in 2019 who connected on 87 percent of his college field goals.
He hit on four-of-five field goals last season of 50 yards or longer.
Jordan Fuller should provide nice special teams ability immediately, and tight end Brycen Hopkins is a player who could definitely factor in down. the line or if injuries arise in 2020.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
- 2. Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
- 3. Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
- 4. Kevin Dotson, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette
- 5. Antoine Brooks, S, Maryland
- 6. Carlos Davis, DL, Nebraska
Top pick: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
The Steelers always do a good job of drafting receivers, so we have really no reason to believe that Chase Claypool is not going to be successful in their offense.
With his size and ridiculous athleticism, it will be interesting to see how they pair him up with their receiver group as well as their tight end duo of Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron.
The big question is — was this pick the right one with the Steelers’ top pick? It’s hard to fault a team for wanting to have the most weapons possible.
Steal: OL Kevin Dotson, Louisiana-Lafayette – 4th round
Kevin Dotson was a sleeper on the offensive line in a good offensive line draft. The Steelers got themselves a very nice piece with this pick and a player who can start for them at right guard.
He was a first-team All-American at right guard in 2019, and even though he wasn’t as highly touted as his teammate Robert Hunt (Dolphins) he will be an effective starter in the NFL.
Overall Grade: B-
It’s tough to critique this class negatively when you look at what the Steelers accomplished last year with so many key injuries.
The Steelers seemingly went with their gut on some of these picks and took shots on players they can develop and let contribute as they grow in 2020.
The pick of Alex Highsmith could shock some people down the line. He has the makings of a really good pass rusher.
Anthony McFarland is a heck of an offensive weapon who gives the Steelers a different style of back to go with James Conner and Benny Snell.
Antoine Brooks and Carlos Davis are very solid late-round picks with Brooks able to play a box safety/dime linebacker type of role as well as a role on special teams.
2020 NFL Draft Picks
- 1. AJ Epenesa, DL, Iowa
- 2. Zack Moss, RB, Utah
- 3. Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
- 4. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
- 5. Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
- 6. Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
- 7. Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
Top pick: AJ Epenesa, DL, Iowa
If the Bills had kept their first-round pick and taken AJ Epenesa, no one would have thought twice about it.
The fact that they got him in the second round as the last team to make a selection in the 2020 NFL Draft is astounding.
Epenesa is a base defensive end on the right side who can play from the 3T all the way out to the standing linebacker position when needed.
He’s best with his hand in the dirt and he can get pressure on the QB as well as hold his ground against the run.
Steal: WR Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State – 6th round
If not Epenesa, I think the biggest steal from this class is the big-bodied Isaiah Hodgins out of Oregon State.
The Bills have a very interesting core of receivers already, but adding Hodgins to the mix gives the team a red zone weapon and 50-50 specialist who can come down with tough, contested catches.
Overall Grade: C+
Although the class for the Bills is altogether unspectacular, they got nice value with most of their picks and managed to address some areas of need.
Epenesa in the second round is a high “A” grade with Zack Moss in the third round being a nice follow up.
Gabriel Davis will provide depth as a rookie and Jake Fromm was a solid value where the Bills got him based on his college resume.
The Bills took Georgia Southern kicker Tyler Bass, who is going to have to prove his range in the NFL after kicking a career-long of only 50 yards in college.
Dane Jackson can play special teams and eventually provide some depth at secondary and was a nice seventh-round pick.