We are still more than a month out from the 2020 NFL Draft, but now that the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine are in the books, the top prospects have become even clearer. We are also getting a better idea of how the top picks might fall. Trades and free agency will also play a big role in determining the draft order, but in the meantime, I’ve updated my top-10 picks for the 2020 NFL Draft.
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Top 10 Picks after the Scouting Combine
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Burrow strikes me as a solid quarterback prospect and not a franchise-changer, but while I wouldn’t take him No. 1, I’d put a massive sum of money on the Bengals making him the top pick. Coming off a record-setting, championship-winning season at LSU, Burrow should at least be a serviceable replacement for Andy Dalton.
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
I’m sure the Redskins will take plenty of calls from QB-needy teams looking to move up, but if a deal isn’t made, Young is a pretty nice consolation prize. The best edge-rusher in this draft could be a legit game-wrecker, and he has the potential to take Washington’s defense to another level.
3. Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
You don’t see a lot of linebackers selected this high, but Simmons is a different breed. He has the speed and coverage skills to shift between linebacker and safety seamlessly, which will allow him to be an every-down playmaker.
4. New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
The Giants are in prime position to trade down, but if they stand pat, upgrading the offensive line makes a lot of sense. Wirfs lit up the combine, leaving no doubt he has the physical tools to be a force as either a tackle or guard at the next level. When your two foundational pieces are RB Saquon Barkley and QB Daniel Jones, trying to give them more room and time to operate seems like a no-brainer decision.
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
He was going to be the No. 1 pick before the hip injury, but as encouraging medical reports continue to come in, it becomes more likely that a team will trade up to grab Tagovailoa before the Dolphins are on the clock. If he’s still on the board when the Dolphins do select, I think this selection is a lock.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is over for the Chargers, and while this roster actually has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, no team is going far without a solid option under center. Choosing to return to school this past season caused him to be picked apart by analysts, but he has elite arm talent, and Herbert impressed teams with his ability to command an offense during the Senior Bowl. Unless the Chargers make a big move in free agency to address the QB spot, I think Herbert is the pick.
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Panthers were gashed by the run game last year, and losing Luke Kuechly in the middle of the defense isn’t going to help. Grabbing Brown will start to right the ship. With his combination of size, strength and quickness, he can be a disruptive force up front for Carolina.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
I’m sure there will be the temptation to add an offensive lineman or to reunite Kyler Murray with his go-to college target, CeeDee Lamb, but Jeudy is the most polished route runner in this draft and the most complete receiver. He will be a true No. 1 target for Arizona’s up-tempo passing attack.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
You will see Okudah mocked much higher, but since 2004, a grand total of three corners have been taken in the top five. One of those corners happened to be Jalen Ramsey, and what better way for Jacksonville to replace their former shutdown DB than with the best defensive back prospect in this draft. Okudah has the size and athleticism to shine in today’s pass-happy NFL.
10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Browns have no shortage of talent at key positions, but they need to get tougher in the trenches. Becton is a massive human being, and he showed at the combine that he is shockingly athletic for his size. He should provide a huge boost to the line, allowing Nick Chubb to become the unquestioned driving force of the offense and taking a little pressure off Baker Mayfield.
