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2020 NFL Draft: Early mock draft led by Tua Tagovailova, Chase Young

By Cody Williams

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the touchdown in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the touchdown in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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2020 NFL Draft, mock draft
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 01: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases down Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats in in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. New York Giants: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

For my money, Daniel Jones is not the New York Giants answer at quarterback — and many would likely agree with that sentiment. However, they’re going to roll with him and Eli Manning, so they go defense and get a stud in Chase Young. The 6-5, 265-pounder racked up 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season for Ohio State and displays elite potential rushing off the edge.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Andy Dalton is going to be on a short leash with the Cincinnati Bengals this year as they can get out of his contract with no dead cap next offseason. With little faith in Dalton, the Bengals get the prize of Tua Tagovailoa. In his first season as a starter last year, Tagovailoa threw for 3,966 yards, 43 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He’s a stud quarterback prospect that leads a talented group at the position.

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3. Miami Dolphins: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins worked to solidify the offensive line in front of Josh Rosen and could still do work there, but they need to get him an elite weapon. Jerry Jeudy fits the bill in that regard. He’s a top-tier route-runner with speed, solid size and big-play ability, taking 68 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns last season with Alabama.

4. Detroit Lions: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Perhaps the Detroit Lions should move on from Matthew Stafford, but it makes no financial sense to do so in the 2020 NFL Draft. Thus, they take an elite defensive prospect in the hulking A.J. Epenesa out of Iowa. The 6-5, 277-pounder broke out to earn 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss with the Hawkeyes last year and, if he continues that production, should be a top-five lock.

5. Oakland Raiders: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Derek Carr isn’t long for the Oakland Raiders, unless he pulls something out in the 2019 season. I’m projecting that doesn’t happen, so the Raiders take Justin Herbert here to put under center. The Oregon quarterback would’ve been the top player at the position in 2019 had he not elected to return. As he adds more polish to his game with his great tools and potential, he could be the guy Jon Gruden is searching for.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

You could likely consider the 2019 season an audition for Jameis Winston in front of Bruce Arians in the latter’s first year as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They need new life on offense, and Jake Fromm can give that to the Bucs. While Fromm still has growth to do as a player, making some questionable throws at times, the Georgia signal-caller has great potential and should be the third quarterback taken in the top 10.

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