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2020 NFL Draft, winners and losers from first round: Raiders reach, Vikings hit home run

By Bob Blackwood

UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
(Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /

Loser: Aaron Rodgers

It’s not just that the Green Bay Packers gave up a fourth-round pick to trade up to No. 26 to draft quarterback Jordan Love. This was probably difficult enough news for Aaron Rodgers since Love will be his presumptive successor. The other issue is that the Packers sacrificed two picks they could’ve used to help Rodgers win now to address the quarterback situation for the future.

Many assumed Green Bay may trade up but everyone thought it would be for a wide receiver to help Rodgers out as Davante Adams is his only proven pass-catcher of consequence. Instead, they have begun the process of turning the page.

Winner: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins went into the night with three first-round picks and they took the long view and drafted on athletic potential rather than drafting safe. For a team showing promise to end last season and no real threat to go to win-now mode, this may have been the right view. The Dolphins were able to draft Tua Tagovailoa at No. 5 and, despite injury concerns, this must have felt like a win for him.

The team has Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract for next year so Tagovailoa can sit, heal and learn during his rookie season if it is needed. He went into the last college season as the sure No. 1 pick and had earned the moniker “Tank for Tua”. Miami was supposed to have wanted him as far back as last season’s training camp and were rumored to be attempting to trade up to No. 3 just to ensure they could draft him.

In the end, Miami was able to take him without giving up other picks and, four years from now, people might be wondering how he did not get drafted sooner. Along with Tua, the Dolphins also drafted offensive tackle Austin Jackson at No. 18  and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene after trading down from No. 25 to No. 30.

Both Jackson and Igbinoghene need some time to develop, but with patience and coaching, they may be viewed as steals three years from now. All of this while adding two additional picks later in the draft for them to make more moves if they would like to.

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