2020 NFL Mock Draft, final 7-round prediction: Patriots trade up for QB

The final 2020 NFL Mock Draft on the day of features full 7-round predictions with all 255 picks, including the Patriots trading up for a quarterback.

No more rumors and speculation — the 2020 NFL Draft is upon us. At 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23, the first round of the first-ever virtual draft will get underway and we’ll be off and running from there. And we’re sure to see one of the wildest drafts in recent memory, which makes doing a predictive NFL Mock Draft all the more difficult.

From everything that we’ve heard about the 2020 NFL Draft, not even factoring in all of the unique factors and complications created by the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancelation of pro days and in-person visits between prospects, it’s going to be unpredictable. There are just so many factors and, just as importantly, there is a deep, deep class of incoming prospects who could help an NFL team immediately.

Despite the projected unpredictability, we’re going to dive head-on into one final 2020 NFL Mock Draft and not just try to predict the first round but rather go through all seven rounds and 255 picks and see what could happen. There’s no chance that all 255 selections are correct but, with a mix of what we’re hearing and what we can speculate about picks, trades and otherwise, we can project as much as we know.

And with that, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick in the final 2020 NFL Mock Draft. (Note: Trades were performed using The Draft Network’s TDN Premium, subscription required.)

There’s no overthinking this one and you’ll find no chicanery here. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to select Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. They are ready to move on at quarterback and the LSU product is coming off of one of the most incredible seasons we’ve ever seen from a player in college.

Burrow may not be the most elite player in terms of what’s in the toolbox but everything he has is above average for the position. When you factor that in with his clear mentality and leadership ability, he’s clearly ready to be the face of the new-look Bengals and help them start a new chapter.

Just as was the case with the No. 1 pick, the same can be said of the second overall selection. While we’ve heard plenty of buzz about the Washington Redskins maybe trading out of this spot or maybe even throwing everyone for a loop and taking a quarterback, I don’t buy it. You don’t pass on Chase Young if he’s there.

With the addition of Young, the Redskins could potentially have five first-round picks on the defensive line in 2020. The Ohio State product would be the best of the bunch, however, a highly refined pass-rusher is a unique blend of strength and explosiveness to win in whatever way is necessary on any play.