The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is in the books and, after what’s already happened, it’s time to predict what’s next with a mock draft for Rounds 2-3.
Plenty of rumblings throughout the league suggested that the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly the first round, was going to be far different than what most projected or expected. But while there were some shockers — hello, Damon Arnette and Jordyn Brooks — keeping it chalk would’ve been the right mock draft approach if you were looking for correct predictions in Round 1.
One of the beautiful aspects of the NFL Draft being a three-day affair, however, is that things are far from over after the first 32 selections. Teams can adjust to what’s happened and, in truth, so can we as we now see what the league is valuing and how the board is falling. So that’s what we’re going to do.
With the benefit of the first round in the books, it’s time for a Day 2 mock draft, predicting how the second and third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft will go down on Friday, April 24.
There was no question what the Cincinnati Bengals were going to do at No. 1. At No. 33, it’s a different story. However, I believe the defense is the next focus for this team as they look to get younger and more explosive up front. Yetur Gross-Matos is not a finished product but his upside is tremendous.
T.Y. Hilton is the only weapon of consequence for Philip Rivers on the Colts right now and that needs to change. Denzel Mims offers a big body with a massive catch radius but also a player who has athletic tools to do more than just be a 50-50 ball threat.
Matt Patricia and the Detroit Lions should rush to the virtual podium with Xavier McKinney still on the board. Trading Quandre Diggs was a questionable move last season but the Alabama product can replace him as a versatile threat on the back end of the defense.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman loves his “hog mollies” and A.J. Epenesa is that. Though the Iowa product’s athleticism is worth questioning, his power off the edge is not and he fills a need in the front seven for Big Blue.
The fact that the Patriots traded out of No. 23 with Jordan Love on the board leads me to believe they’ll either sign or trade for a veteran. That veteran will need weapons and Michael Pittman Jr. is a big body who always seems open and has sure hands. He’ll be a heavily used weapon in New England.
Carolina addressed the defensive line at No. 7 and now looks to the secondary here. Kristian Fulton has elite man-coverage upside in the NFL and the Panthers face some superstar wide receivers in the NFC South. The LSU star will be an asset in helping to slow them down.
Some people will cry foul about the Dolphins taking a running back — I’m not some people. Miami had the league-worst rushing attack last year and they need a versatile playmaker. D’Andre Swift fits the bill as a player who can run between the tackles and also be a good pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Marlon Davidson just has the Texans written all over him to me. With defensive tackle size but an edge-rushing background at Auburn, he’ll be a versatile piece on a defensive line in Houston that needs help around J.J. Watt.
Another run-to-the-podium pick, the Browns saw the top offensive tackle on their board fall to No. 10 and now they get the safety with arguably the highest upside at No. 41. Grant Delpit has some risk attached but his upside is that of a potential star in the secondary.
From what they did in Round 1, it’s clear the Jaguars are trying to rebuild their defense with playmakers and Antoine Winfield Jr. can be that at safety. Though he lacks size, his athleticism and football IQ are elite and he can be a ballhawk on the back end.
Chicago finally comes on the clock for the first time in the 2020 NFL Draft and they get a cornerback that can help the defense immediately. Jaylon Johnson is a big, physical player on the boundary who has enough athleticism to be successful as a year one starter for the Bears.
Some might say this is a reach for Robert Hunt but the Colts have a tendency to take the guy they believe can help them right now. Hunt is a mauler on the interior of the line and keeping Philip Rivers in the pocket is critical, so fortifying a strength is key for Indianapolis.
An offense that now has Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski now gets Jonathan Taylor. Talk about unfair advantages. Taylor can be a workhorse in the rushing attack while potentially being a high-upside player as a pass-catcher, though he’s unproven there.
Denver has long-term concerns at offensive tackle and Ezra Cleveland his a high-upside player at the position. No one can question the athleticism of the Boise State product but the question is if his technique and functional strength are ready for the NFL right away.
Addressing the secondary was the right call for the Falcons in Round 1 but now the defensive line needs some attention. Putting the explosive Ross Blacklock on the interior next to Grady Jarrett could possibly turn a weakness for Atlanta into a viable strength right away.
Considering how barren the wide receiver room is for the Jets, some are likely upset at this pick. However, the value of Terrell Lewis is greater and still addresses a big need. Though injuries are a red flag, the talent and upside of a healthy Lewis could change the face of the Jets defense.
While taking a running back or quarterback would be the “sexy” pick for the Steelers here, taking Neville Gallimore fills the hole left by Javon Hargrave on the defensive line. The former Sooner is an athletic freak who can fill different roles at a high level.
Eddie Jackson has All-Pro potential if allowed to play a true free safety role. Adding Jeremy Chinn will allow Jackson to do that as the Southern Illinois product not only gets to stay in-state but brings a wild blend of athleticism and size to the table, making his potential extremely high for the Bears.
The Cowboys couldn’t pass on the value of CeeDee Lamb with the No. 17 pick but now they need to turn their attention to the defense. With the projected value here, Dallas should be looking at whatever cornerback is available to them. Here, it’s Trevon Diggs, who has the potential to be a surefire replacement for Byron Jones.
While the potential versatility of Zack Baun makes him valuable, the fact that he is between positions right now makes him fall a bit in my book. Still, the Rams need both a linebacker and edge rusher, so they grab the Wisconsin standout and plan to use him wherever he succeeds the most.
Many Eagles fans were not happy with the Jalen Reagor pick but it’s clear Philadelphia wants to get fast and athletic at positions of need. Next up on that list is linebacker and Willie Gay Jr. is a phenom in terms of his tools. With proper development and coaching, he can be a do-it-all stud in the middle of the field.
Buffalo’s front office would have to be celebrating if Josh Uche fell in their laps at No. 54. The Bills need a replacement for Lorenzo Alexander, who as a hybrid linebacker pass-rusher for them. Uche is readymade to fill that void and keep the defense as one of this team’s strengths.
Landing Queen in Round 1 was a phenomenal pickup for the Ravens. Now they need to focus on replacing longtime star guard Marshal Yanda. Baltimore goes back to the LSU well with Lloyd Cushenberry III. A nice player already with room to grow and a great leader, Cushenberry should fit well with the Ravens offense.
After trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and then releasing Reshad Jones, the cupboard is bare for the Dolphins at safety. Ashtyn Davis isn’t going to be a physical force by any stretch but his athleticism and ability in coverage make him a strong piece to add to this budding secondary.
There are likely to be many people who aren’t fans of this pick but the simple truth is that the Rams need a high-level replacement for Todd Gurley. J.K. Dobbins can be that as a dual-threat player out of the backfield that can re-open the play-action passing that helps the LA offense thrive.
Curtis Weaver just feels like the exact type of player that Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is going to love. While the Boise State product isn’t the greatest athlete nor does he have atypical size, his production in college and his motor stand out and he’s going to be a gritty presence at a position where there’s a newfound hole.
This is just a gut feeling but the fact that Josh Jones didn’t go in the first round tells me he might not be valued quite as highly as some think. For the Seahawks, however, they take the mountain out of Houston to try and provide some long-term protection for Russell Wilson on the O-line.
It’s pretty much take-your-pick for the Ravens and the wide receivers left on the board at No. 60. For me, Donovan Peoples-Jones seemingly fits the mold for what they could use. He’s a great blend of size, athleticism and skill/potential to give Baltimore’s offense a new dynamic.
Trading Jurrell Casey has left a substantial hole on the Titans defensive line. Raekwon Davis is a big enough man to fill that hole. A former 5-star recruit, Davis was never the star many thought he’d be for Alabama but his size and traits make him well worth a late-second-round pick.
Taking Jordan Love at No. 26 — yes, they traded up for him — was the Packers’ big surprise for everyone. Now they get their quarterback of the now, Aaron Rodgers, the weapon he needs in Laviska Shenault. The Colorado product can be a stud if healthy but injuries allow him to fall to Green Bay in this spot.
Taking a running back in Round 1 tells me the Chiefs are willing to focus on their offensive “needs”. The next up to get this unit in the best shape possible is the interior of the O-line, which Jonah Jackson can fill. While he still needs some technique work, the tool chest is full for the former Buckeye.
All signs point to the fact that the Seahawks aren’t going to have Jadeveon Clowney for the 2020 season. That means Julian Okwara becomes an incredibly valuable prospect for them. While his inconsistency is frustrating, there is plenty of talent for Seattle to mine out of the Notre Dame standout.
A.J. Green will play the 2020 season on the franchise tag in Cincinnati, meaning the Bengals need a big-body wide receiver to take his spot for the future. Tee Higgins may not possess top-tier athleticism but he’s a big target who proved himself plenty while at Clemson.
If not for injuries, Lucas Niang would’ve probably heard his name called in the first round. As Trent Williams still seems likely to be traded, Washington has a big need on the offensive line and they fill it with the mobile TCU product in the hope that he can stay healthy.
The Lions started with two picks to address the secondary, they now look at the defensive line. Justin Madubuike isn’t a player who should be bothered with stopping the run but he has more than enough burst and juice as a pass-rusher to be worth the No. 67 pick.
New York neglected wide receiver with their first two picks but can’t afford to do so here. They take Chase Claypool, whose traits are too great to pass up. His blend of size and elite athleticism to go with promising, albeit not top-tier, production give hope he can be a high-end target for Sam Darnold.
Trai Turner was a stalwart piece of the Panthers offensive line for many years but he’s now in the City of Angels. He needs to be replaced for the offensive line to function and Matt Hennessy has the potential to be able to fill that role. The Temple product could be a steal with the 69th pick.
It’s clear that concerns about his size and drops have caused K.J. Hamler to fall because he has first-round caliber speed and quickness. The Dolphins get Tua Tagovailoa a shiny new toy in hopes that he and Hamler can connect on the deep ball for the foreseeable future.
No matter whether the Patriots start Jarrett Stidham or land a veteran to take the helm, they need an option at quarterback for the future. Jalen Hurts, for my money, can be that. A consummate leader with high-end athleticism and improved throwing, he’s worth the shot to try and develop.
Another offensive tackle who has great athletic traits but has unfortunately been dealing with injuries, Prince Tega Wanogho is of great value to the Cardinals after they landed Isaiah Simmons in Round 1. He has the potential to be the right tackle of now and left tackle of the future.
Everything the Jaguars have done on defense thus far in the 2020 NFL Draft says they are trying to get game-changing athletes on defense. To replace Telvin Smith, they take Akeem Davis-Gaither. A supreme athlete with speed, quickness and range, the App State star is ready to step into Jacksonville.
The Browns would have to start Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki ate linebacker if the season began today. That can’t happen, making Malik Harrison the ideal pick in the third round. He can be a stud against the run and has enough athletic promise to be adequate dropping into coverage.
Adding a wide receiver in the second round was just the start for the Colts. Jack Doyle is a fine tight end but adding Cole Kmet is yet another weapon for Rivers, who we’ve seen succeed with pass-catchers at the position throughout his career.
The Buccaneers can get a high-upside safety in Kyle Dugger that can make a big impact right away. Dugger should only get better as he gets NFL experience and coaching and can be a movable force on the Tampa Bay defense that they lack right now on the back end.
There is an undeniable contrast between Cameron Dantzler’s tape and his athletic testing. Denver banks on the former with the No. 77 pick and take the lengthy SEC cornerback to give them another outside option moving forward.
Continuing to overhaul the defensive line, Darrell Taylor should be a high-impact player for the Falcons coming off the edge. He was highly productive at Tennessee and has a nice blend of speed and power that should help him succeed as a pass-rusher.
Since Trumaine Johnson didn’t work out for the Jets, they very much need some help at cornerback. Troy Pride Jr. was a star of the pre-draft process and, though not a perfect player, he can be an upgrade to the Gang Green secondary.
The Raiders got the speed that the franchise is famous for loving with Henry Ruggs III in the first round. Up on the clock again, they get another weapon that offers a new element. Van Jefferson isn’t an athlete but has elite route-running and hands to be a steadying force.
Back on the clock again in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Raiders take Bryce Hall out of Virginia. Hall would’ve been a first-round pick had he come out in 2019 and injuries cause him to drop here. Still, his upside is there and he and Arnette should pair well as a future cornerback duo.
The need for a playmaking safety has been there for the Cowboys for quite some time. Terrell Burgess has great potential in that regard. Not only is he a top-notch athlete but the converted cornerback’s coverage skills should make him a ballhawk on the back end.
Admittedly, Logan Wilson still isn’t totally my cup of team. However, the Wyoming product has a lot of fans around the media and reportedly the league. With the Broncos’ need at linebacker, they could easily land him at the No. 83 pick.
Though the Rams traded for Jalen Ramsey, the cornerback group still needs longterm help outside of the star. Darnay Holmes as the man coverage ability to be a terrific pairing with Ramsey and should be able to play well right away while staying in Los Angeles.
Defense, defense, defense — Matt Patricia keeps getting his way. Jonathan Greenard is a player who put some really nice things on tape this past year at Florida and should give some pop to the defensive end group when paired with Trey Flowers in Detroit.
Suffice it to say that Tre’Davious White and some veteran — take your pick — should have the Bills top two cornerbacks looking good. However, the nickel spot could be upgraded and Amik Robertson is the best in the class there.
I’m not completely sold on the total athletic package of Bradlee Anae. Having said that, he’s a high-motor player with production in the pass-rushing department in college. The Patriots should like that and add him to the defensive line.
I’m still a bit perplexed by the Cesar Ruiz pick but the Saints need to take a shot at a linebacker with their lone Day 2 pick. Troy Dye has length and range but needs to fill out his frame and be coached on his tendencies in coverage. The potential for the former Duck is there, however.
Losing Linval Joseph this offseason leaves a big hole on the Vikings defensive line, a hole they need to fill. Davon Hamilton may not be a game-changing player but he’s someone who can come in and see time for Minnesota right away.
Houston showed they are unafraid of banking on the potential of a small-school offensive tackle with Tytus Howard last year. They make the same investment again with Ben Bartch. With Howard thriving at guard as a rookie, they hope Bartch can pair with Tunsil to keep Watson on his feet.
The Raiders took a tone-setter in Johnathan Abram last year. Now they need a move piece at free safety to pair with him, which is what K’Von Wallace can be. Not the greatest athlete nor physical presence, Wallace can wear a lot of hats well and be a plus asset in coverage.
Since the Ravens put the franchise tag on Matt Judon, it’s clear they value being able to generate a pass rush without having to blitz as much. Jabari Zuniga is a versatile threat in that regard who has the ability to be a valuable asset opposite of Judon.
With Logan Ryan not being re-signed (at least yet) the Titans need to bring in a cornerback to play the nickel. Josiah Scott’s stock has been on the rise throughout the process as he should be able to step onto the field immediately in that exact type of role.
The Packers add another weapon to try and help Rodgers win before Love takes over at quarterback. Hunter Bryant didn’t test as a great athlete but he plays like one and has the pass-catching ability to be another option in the passing attack.
Ronald Leary is a good veteran but he may be on the decline. To keep Drew Lock and the offense in a good position, the Broncos should look at a player like Damien Lewis. He was a key cog in the stalwart LSU line and should transition well to the next level.
I’ll admit, I’m enamored with the potential of Reggie Robinson II and maybe the Chiefs will be too. He was productive at Tulsa but also has prototype size and far better athleticism than many expected. Robinson could be a steal at No. 96 with the right development in KC.
The starters on the Browns defensive line are fearsome but they lack depth to keep them fresh. Jordan Elliott is a player who can address that. At Missouri, he was the force on the interior and his mentality should be welcomed as a rotational piece in Cleveland.
With Rob Gronkowski gone, the Patriots need a new tight end. Thaddeus Moss isn’t the athlete his father was but he has good hands, developing route-running and a strong profile already as an inline blocker. He fits the New England mold and addresses a big need.
Daniel Jones should be well protected with Andrew Thomas coming in but the Giants need to give him more options to throw to. I like Bryan Edwards’ profile for this offense as a nicely sized and movable pass-catcher who has great hands and should immediately contribute.
The Patriots always seem to be working on the offensive line and Logan Stenberg would fit that mold. While Stenberg isn’t going to be a workout-warrior, his functional power on the interior should be something New England sees and likes on tape.
Productive while at Ohio State, K.J. Hill is a guy who isn’t an athlete but just knows how to win against any type of coverage. His ability to get open in the short and intermediate parts of the field is why the Seahawks add him to their cast of offensive weapons.
Reading the tea leaves, the Steelers might be parting ways with James Conner after this season. With that and Conner’s health, they bring in Cam Akers as another high-end option. The Florida State product has breakout potential now that he’s escaping a bad situation with the Seminoles.
Even after the Darius Slay trade, the Eagles secondary could still use some attention. Michael Ojemudia has some real nice traits and played well in the pre-draft process. He’s well worth Philadelphia taking a look at No. 103.
Among many issues, the offensive line regressed terribly for the Rams last year. Tyler Biadasz can say the same as his 2018 tape was miles better than his 2019 film. However, after having offseason surgery, his value is good here with the hope he can be the player he was in 2018.
There’s not necessarily an immediate need at tackle for the Vikings but they could use a developmental player. Matthew Peart is a high-value prospect in that regard as he should be ready to see starting reps with a year of NFL practice experience and coaching.
I’m all about getting Lamar Jackson some more toys in the offense and that’s what Antonio Gibson is. A hybrid running back/wide receiver, Gibson is a threat for a big play whenever he gets the rock and should fit well int eh high-octane Ravens offense.
If the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft taught me anything, it’s that I know nothing. Even still, this gives us a good idea of where things could be heading on Friday night when Day 2 gets underway from the living rooms of all involved.