2020 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine 3-round projection fueled by trades
player. 50. . CB. Detroit Lions. Jeffrey Okudah. 5
(Pick via Dolphins) In the past, I’ve toyed with the notion of the Carolina Panthers giving the Detroit Lions more draft capital to trade up to No. 5 for the third quarterback. Here, however, the Lions are going to stand pat to ensure they get their guy.
With some rumors circulating that Detroit could be interested in trading Darius Slay this offseason, they need answers in the secondary. Whether Slay is dealt or not, Jeffrey Okudah should be the pick here. The Ohio State cornerback is an elite prospect that checks every box to immediately excel in every aspect of coverage at the NFL level.
Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert. 6. player. 13. . QB
With Philip Rivers officially gone and Tyrod Taylor currently the QB1 for the Los Angeles Chargers, they need to make something happen at quarterback. Even if that “something” is signing Tom Brady, that’s not a long-term answer. Justin Herbert, however, can be.
His physical profile and baseline tools — along with his best film — show a franchise quarterback. The question is if he can develop the leadership and decision-making necessary to be that guy. But he’s the Bolts’ best option, especially staying put at No. 6.
Derrick Brown. 7. player. 87. . IDL. Carolina Panthers
Not trading up to get a quarterback and, thus, not getting Burrow, Tua or Herbert leaves the Panthers in an interesting position. Instead of reaching for another signal-caller, they beef up the interior of their defensive line with Derrick Brown. The Auburn product is a game-wrecking penetrator on the inside that can revamp this front seven in Carolina. And while there are big long-term questions to still answer, he can be a cornerstone for this defense.
32. . WR. Arizona Cardinals. CeeDee Lamb. 8. player
Kyler Murray flashed far more than I expected him too as a rookie, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. But now the Arizona Cardinals need to work to put him in the best situation possible to succeed and that means getting him more reliable weapons. With the No. 8 pick, they bring in his old Oklahoma teammate, CeeDee Lamb, to be that. Lamb isn’t a burner but the Cards have speed. He’s a matchup nightmare, though, capable of winning in contested situations and with RAC ability.