2020 NFL Draft: Mid-season mock draft
By Seth Steere
The Miami Dolphins actually won a game, a victory that dramatically changes the order at the top of the draft halfway into the season.
Yes, you read the header correctly, the Miami Dolphins actually won a game. Sure it came against the Adam Gase-led New York Jets, but a win is a win. The Dolphins winning definitely shook things up, especially for those who love the draft.
The Bengals are now the lone winless team in the NFL and hold the rights to the number one pick. What will they do, you ask? Read on and find out.
1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
If you saw Burrow atop a mock draft a few weeks ago you may have been bemused, but now it makes a lot more sense. Burrow appears to be the most pro-ready of the signal-callers in this year’s class. He may not be the most talented quarterback, but his ability to read defenses pre-snap should allow him to find success early on.
2) Washington Redskins: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
It would be a shocker if Trent Williams is still in Washington next season. The Redskins will need to replace him, especially if they want Dwayne Haskins to have any success. Thomas may not be an immediate upgrade to what Williams provides, but he should give them long-term stability.
3) New York Jets: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
The consolation for a tough loss to the Dolphins is the best player in the draft. A defensive line with Young and Quinnen Williams would be absolutely frightening.
4) Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Luckily for the Dolphins, the Redskins and Jets both have two young quarterbacks in place, but they’ll need to give up some of their acquired picks if they want to move up and get their guy.
5) Atlanta Falcons: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Who knows if Dan Quinn will still be in Atlanta next season, but what we do know is the Falcons need help.
Desmond Trufant’s contract extends through 2023 and by adding Okudah to the mix, Atlanta with have a formidable cornerback duo.
6) New York Giants: AJ Epenesa, Edge, Iowa
This pick just screams David Gettleman. He recently traded for Leonard Williams and last season he drafted Dexter Lawrence, so the interior is good to go, but he won’t be able to help himself. With Epenesa on the outside and rookie Oshane Ximines coming into his own, the Giants will have a very promising defensive line.
7) Cleveland Browns: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Yes, the Browns need help on the offensive line, but there is always free agency and after the way they pursued Trent Williams before the trade deadline, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s in Cleveland next season. After drafting and trading Jabrill Peppers the Browns lost out on a former first-round safety. They would get a major upgrade with the addition of Delpit.
8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Regardless of who is playing quarterback for Tampa next season, they will need help upfront. Enter Wirfs, who many believe to be the best tackle in the 2020 class.
9) Denver Broncos: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
At this point, John Elway is best off just drafting a quarterback every year until he finds his guy. Last year, it was no secret that Elway was a huge fan of Herbert’s and he personally attended one of his games. Yet to find a quarterback since Peyton Manning, Elway is starting to get a lot of flack from Denver fans. Landing a stud like Herbert may help calm some nerves in Denver.
10) Oakland Raiders (Via Chicago Bears): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Raiders desperately need a No. 1 receiver, and they get one at a bargain price.