What happens on the actual field at the combine pales in comparison to what happens off of it. What happens off of it are medical evaluations, interviews, etc. But sometimes, things that take place between the white lines during the combine can influence a player’s draft stock. So here is my, (2nd) best guess as to how the 2020 NFL Draft shapes up now that the combine is behind us.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
Burrow didn’t throw at the combine. Burrow will throw on his Pro Day on April 3rd. Neither decision really matters as he is locked and loaded as the top pick in this year’s draft due to Tua’s obvious health concerns.
- Washington Redskins: Chase Young
Ditto here on Young. The Redskins take the consensus best defense player and maybe the best overall player in the country who plays at a premium position in the NFL.
- Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons
This pick does not change since my first mock and only is a stronger lock to go 3rd overall after an outstanding combine performance. Patricia is licking his lips as the lions turn in this card as they land a freakish athlete. The defensive guru gets a dynamic chess piece.
- New York Giants: Andrew Thomas
Could go Okudah here, but will stick with Thomas. I have Okudah slipping just like he did at the combine. Thomas helps both Danny Dimes and Saquon with one just one selection.
- Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagualovia
Fins’ don’t have to move up to get their man after all.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
Herbert showed off his athletic ability at the senior bowl and combine. He throws an effortless ball and the Chargers tab him as Rivers successor.
- Carolina Panthers: Jordan Love
17 picks is hard to overlook, but that’s exactly what the Panthers do here as Love just has too much talent to pass on, especially with Newton being anything but a guarantee.
- Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Jeudy
Kingsbury adds a dynamic wideout to lend Murray a helping hand.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeffrey Okudah
The Jags secondary took a hit when they dealt Ramsey to the Rams. Adding Okudah, who is the best cornerback in the class, helps eliminate some of the sting.
- Cleveland Browns: Derrick Brown
The offense has plenty of talent even if it all has yet to come together. That being said, the Browns jump at a chance to improve their defense with a player the caliber of Brown.
- New York Jets: Mekhi Becton
Darnold needs some help up front to be more effective, and that’s what the Jets provide him in Becton.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III
Moving to Vegas is a splashy move and so is this pick. Ruggs III 40 time at the combine will have Davis drooling.
- Indianapolis Colts: CeeDee Lamb
Regardless of who is the quarterback for Indy next season, they will need some weapons and to take some pressure off of Hilton.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jedrick Wills
Whether it’s Famous Jameis or not, they need to protect whoever lines up under center.
- Denver Broncos: Tristian Wirfs
Little bit of a run on the offensive line here. Wirfs helped himself with a quality combine and Elway knows all to well that is a quarterback has any shot, they need a good offensive line, and this is certainly a start.
- Atlanta Falcons: AJ Espensa
The Dirty Birds overlook a so-so combine from the former Hawkeye as they look to revamp their defense.
- Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw
With some players in their front seven positioned to leave via free agency, they turn to Kinlaw to help lessen that blow and inject some life into a defense that lost its way last season.
- Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson
Miami makes a pick it needs to after taking Tua at 5. Jackson’s athleticism is evident and the Dolphins hope he can keep Tua upright for the next decade.
- Las Vegas Raiders: K’Lavon Chaisson
The Raiders are still reeling defensively from trading Mack. Chaisson can get after the quarterback. The Raiders hope he can make a Mack-like impact on the defensive side of the ball.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: CJ Henderson
Jacksonville doesn’t have to worry about it’s secondary for a long, long time if these 2 first round corners pan out the way most think they should.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Yetur Gross-Matos
The Eagles take a talent from their backyard. Gross-Matos has proven he can get after the quarterback, something the Philly D has missed since it’s Superbowl victory.
- Buffalo Bills: Brandon Aiyuk
This pick stays the same as Buffalo takes a guy who can stretch the field and should work well with Allen’s huge arm.
- New England Patriots: Patrick Queen
The Patriots are going to lose some pieces on defense. Queen is a speedster who left his mark in the National Title game and can become a centerpiece for a Belichik led defense.
- New Orleans Saints: Justin Jefferson
Brees doesn’t have much time left. Adding another weapon for him and to take some of the focus off of Thomas certainly doesn’t hurt.
- Minnesota Vikings: Terrell Lewis
The Vikes shore up a defensive line. You can never have to many pass rushers.
- Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones
Once again, Miami continues to protect its investment in Tua and completely overhaul and offensive line that needs it.
- Seattle Seahawks: AJ Terrell
This pick has the 12th man reminiscing of the Legion of Boom days. It doesn’t quite bring them back to that sort of level on it’s own, but it is somewhere to start.
- Baltimore Ravens: Kristian Fulton
The rich get richer. The Ravens D adds a nice young piece in the secondary to be mentored by Earl Thomas.
- Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs
Vrabel goes where he knows best, to the defensive side of the ball.
- Green Bay Packers: Neville Gallimore
Packers always need defensive help. Gallimore gives them an injection of life to the defense front.
- San Francisco 49ers: Kenneth Murray
49ers are thrilled Murray fell into their lap. There is a ton of physical talent to work with, but needs to be more consistent.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier McKinney
It’s not the second coming over Eric Berry, but it helps a defense that could use a little help on the backend.
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