2020 NFL Draft: Eric Galko Mock Draft 1.0

My first 2020 NFL Mock Draft of the year, this is a projection based on what I’ve heard is possible to date. 

This draft is a bit heavy on trades, focuses on team-player interest matching when possible.

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Bengals are actually set up to give Burrow success if their offense can stay healthy.

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

It would take an RG3-level offer for the Redskins to trade.

3. Miami Dolphins (via DET) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Historically, teams move up to secure their quarterback. Wouldn’t take much for the Dolphins to move up two spots.

4. New York Giants – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Giants could go Simmons, but if they go offensive line, I believe it’ll be Wirfs or Becton. I’ll go Becton.

5. Las Vegas Raiders (via DET)– Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Raiders move up for a quarterback they like, giving up a 2021 1st. Derek Carr likely on the move if they draft Love. Maybe to New England?

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Chargers keep things quiet, but many believe Herbert is genuinely their pick. They could move up to three to secure him.

7. Carolina Panthers – Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Carolina lost Bradberry, and need a starting cornerback.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Arizona needs long term defensive line help more than an offensive tackle. They went offense heavy last draft.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

If Jacksonville goes offense, it’ll be a left tackle, so either Wirfs or Becton. Could be a trade down candidate if both are gone.

10. Atlanta Falcons (via CLE) – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Atlanta could move up six spots and get a perfect fit for their defense and fill a major need.

11. New York Jets - Jedrick Willis, OT, Alabama

Jets likely prefer Becton or Wirts, but Willis fits what they seem to like at tackle.

12. Detroit Lions (via LV) – CJ Henderson CB, Florida

Detroit can trade down from 3 and still get a player many teams grade similar to Okundah.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

49ers will likely look to trade down, but Jeudy on this offense is tempting if he’s here.

14. Tampa Bay Bucs – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Bucs could see a team jump to 13 to get a tackle (like Miami or Jacksonville if they pass at 9). If not, easy pick.

15. Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

Many teams tie Ruggs to Denver, so I included them here. Darkhorse floor for Justin Herbert.

16. Cleveland Browns (via ATL) – Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

May be able to slide down for him a bit more, but Cleveland may be the tackle the Browns want.

17. Dallas Cowboys – Xavier McKinney, SAF, Alabama

Lots of options left, and Javon Kinlaw may be tempting. But they need to restock their DB unit.

18. Miami Dolphins – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Not a need, but adding a top defensive star at nose tackle is tough to pass on. They’ll need to get creative in finding an OT later.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Raiders need a cornerback, and Trevon Diggs could be the pick. But CeeDee Lamb is too good to pass on.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Coupling a left tackle with a top receiver should give this offense every chance to succeed in 2020.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

I’m expecting the Eagles to go linebacker (Murray or Patrick Queen if they trade down) or safety (McKinley) rather than receiver.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Vikings need a long term left tackle. Jones can sit for a year and then develop into a starter in 2021.

23. New England Patriots – K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU 

Patriots need a pass rusher. Zach Baun fits but Chaisson is a great value here.

24. New Orleans Saints – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

I’d expect New Orleans to try to move down or out of the first round. Linebacker is a need. Gets thin after the 1st round.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

Vikings need a receiver, but they can find one in the second or third round. Gross-Matos fits their scheme very well.

26. Miami Dolphins – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Dolphins need to add a running back and likely will in the first. Swift or Taylor make sense.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Seahawks could use more offensive line help, and Wilson is athletic to fit their scheme and can plug and play right tackle.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Cesar Ruiz, OC, Michigan

Ravens need a starting center, and Ruiz can replace Matt Skura right away.

29. Tennessee Titans – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Titans are thin in cornerback depth and prefer defensive backs who can remain versatile.

30. Green Bay Packers – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Green Bay always looks to stash offensive line tackle. Jackson could be a replacement for Ricky Wagner in two years.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (via SF) – JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

Bucs need a stable running back to lead them. Dobbins plus Thomas gives this team the necessary stability at both positions.

32. Kansas City – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Chiefs would likely look to trade down if Taylor wasn’t available. If he’s here, he fills their biggest need.