The 2020 draft is full of weapons, and teams will be able to draft game-changing talent on the offense because of that. There are three to four potentially franchise-altering quarterbacks who are top-ten picks. The teams picking in the top five may get lucky. The order for this draft is based on Tankathon, which uses the strength of schedule (SOS) and up to date records to determine the draft order.
1. New York Jets – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Lawrence is a generational prospect and will be the first overall pick unless something crazy happens. He is the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck and may flip the fortunes for the Jets.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
A comparison thrown around the internet for Fields is Deshaun Watson. Jaguar fans would love to have another version of him. Fields is the clear second-best quarterback in this class and can change the Jaguars for the foreseeable future.
3. Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
This pick is based on need more than value. The Cowboys have an atrocious secondary and need another corner. Farley has the build to be a top corner in the NFL and should hit the ground running.
4. New York Giants – Trey Lance, QB, NDSU
The Daniel Jones experiment is over, and Lance is still worth a top selection. His arm talent makes him worthy of this pick.
5. Washington Football Team – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Washington misses the top three and is still too early to take Wilson. They need to begin rebuilding the offensive line, and they have the most pro-ready offensive linemen to fall to them in Sewell.
6. Los Angeles Chargers – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Leatherwood isn’t worth a top 10 pick. However, his upside is that of a franchise tackle. To summarize him in one line – Leatherwood is a project with significant balance concerns.
7. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans) – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
One of the few needs on the Dolphins defense, Parsons can make this an elite unit. Parsons should be considered the best defensive prospect with his athleticism and instincts at linebacker.
8. Cincinnati Bengals – Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Davis is a smooth athlete and someone who is a plug and play offensive linemen. Moreover, the Bengals need someone right away to step in and alleviate pressure from Joe Burrow.
9. Carolina Panthers – Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
The Panthers need to try to replace Luke Kuechly with Moses. Moses isn’t as athletic as Parsons (which is why Moses is Linebacker #2 in this class), but his play diagnosis is elite. He can bring this defense to the next level.
10. TRADE: Indianapolis Colts (via Atlanta Falcons) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
(Colts trade 21 overall, 2021 second round, and a 2022 second round for Atlanta’s 2021 first-round pick – 11th Overall).
Philip Rivers has not been the answer thus far, and the Colts need to think long term. Chris Ballard typically doesn’t trade up, but the circumstances here are different as the Vikings could be a candidate to take Wilson. If the Colts give Wilson a year to clean up his footwork, he has the potential to be a quality NFL Starter.
11. Detroit Lions – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Regardless of Kenny Golladay returning, Chase has the potential to change this offense and make a top unit in the league.
12. Minnesota Vikings – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
After trading Yannick Ngakoue and Danielle Hunter going on the IR, the pass rush has been horrendous. Wyatt Davis is the ideal pick here, but Vikings have a good history of developing high upside pass rushers.
13. New England Patriots – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Patriots need a dominant receiver who can draw double coverages, create separation, and be a chain mover. Pitts is all of that and more. He’s miles ahead of any receiver the team currently has.
14. Denver Broncos – Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
The Broncos need secondary help desperately. If they hit on a corner, it could go a long way to helping their defense regain its dominant form. Surtain has the length and size to be a dominant corner in the league.
15. San Francisco 49ers – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Niners need to replace Joe Staley but are very particular about their tackles. In short, they need someone who is mobile and can make reach blocks.
16. Chicago Bears – Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Faalele is #13 on the 2021 big board, and for good reason. He’s 400 lbs, 6’9”, and can move like he’s 320 lbs. Chicago needs to improve on their offensive line and can address the quarterback position in the second or third round.
17. Miami Dolphins – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Waddle falls due to the abundance of receivers in the draft. He’s the perfect complement to DeVante Parker and Preston Williams, but also he has a rapport with Tua Tagovailoa.
18. Las Vegas Raiders – Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee
Las Vegas doesn’t go with a sexy pick, but Denzelle Good is an average guard, and Richie Incognito is 37. Smith is a people mover and can improve the run game significantly.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Wade will test well and still be a first-round pick despite a disappointing season. Ohio State put him outside corner this year, but he thrives in the slot, where he could return for the Eagles.
20. Cleveland Browns – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The Browns are still missing the dynamic linebacker who can get side to side. Owusu-Koramoah has been a huge riser throughout the draft process and can improve this defense significantly.
21. Atlanta Falcons (via Indianapolis Colts) – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
(Colts trade 21 overall, 2021 second round, and a 2022 second round for Atlanta’s 2021 first-round pick- 11th Overall).
Falcons can go multiple ways here, however, the Falcons face a cast of elite receivers in the NFC South. Campbell could replace Isaiah Oliver and pair with A.J. Terrell to be a competent duo.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Horn is another riser through the draft process and would be a perfect pairing with Henderson. Horn is someone who would be able to take on larger receivers – something C.J. Henderson has struggled with.
23. Arizona Cardinals – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Getting help across from Chandler Jones needs to be a priority. Paye has been dominant this year and fits the system as a 3-4 edge rusher.
24. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Myers, IOL/C, Ohio State
The Ravens need to improve their interior offensive line as they still haven’t recovered from losing Marshal Yanda. Myers offers upside and has the versatility to play guard and center.
25. New Orleans Saints – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Another receiver would go a long way to making this offense as dynamic. Bateman looks like a possession receiver, but he can get downfield and be a complimentary piece to Michael Thomas.
26. Green Bay Packers – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
There are no linebackers worth this pick, and the Packers need weapons to support Aaron Rodgers (or Jordan Love?). Moore brings a run after catch skill set and explosive play capability.
27. Tennessee Titans – Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State
The Titans still need a pass rush from their defense. Toney is a project, but he has bend unlike anyone else in the class, making him worth a first-round pick.
28. Buffalo Bills – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Dawson Knox has been average, but Freiermuth can bring another dimension to this offense. He has surprising run after the catch skills and a wide catch radius, making him the perfect addition for the Bills receiving core.
29. New York Jets (Seattle Seahawks) – Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Smith is a weapon for Lawrence to develop with. Smith won’t test off the charts, but his production isn’t something to scoff at. The Jets would have a viable cast for Lawrence to excel with for the future.
30. Kansas City Chiefs – Brevin Jordan, WR/TE, Miami
Another luxury pick for the Chiefs, Jordan can develop behind Travis Kelce for two years and then become a top option for Patrick Mahomes and this passing offense. Think of Jordan as a Jonnu Smith clone, except with a more polished route tree.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
Basham is a stout run defender and can get to the passer. Buccaneers need to think about letting Shaquil Barrett go if they want to have the money to pay Chris Godwin, and hopefully, Basham can somewhat replace Barrett.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
A pick to replace Bud Dupree, Oweh has considerable upside with his athleticism.
Round 2
33. New York Jets – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Jets need to give Lawrence as much help as possible, and that includes developing a tackle while George Fant gets paid an absorbent amount of money. Mayfield could be an excellent year-two starter but needs time to develop.
34. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Holland is a versatile safety who would be a much-needed boost to Jacksonville’s poor defense. While Jarrod Wilson has been admirable, Holland is a far better player.
35. New York Giants – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
Marshall has significant speed and has proven this year to be a reliable #1 target. He could amplify Lance’s strengths.
36. Dallas Cowboys – Jay Tufele, DT, USC
Tufele paired with Neville Gallimore could end up being one of the better young defensive tackle duos in the NFL. Cowboys need to retool the defense, and Tufele could go a long way to helping.
37. Los Angeles Chargers – Tamorrion Terry, WR, FSU
There aren’t many football players like Terry (6’4”, 210 lbs and will run 4.3s in the 40-yard dash), and after the combine where teams get to see him up close, there will be less hesitation to draft him. He can be the downfield target to start his career and improve his route running. Terry paired with Mike Williams, and Keenan Allen makes this one of the most dangerous receiving cores in the league.
38. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans) – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Etienne is a luxury pick to improve the offense. Myles Gaskin has been good, but Etienne is a different breed of running back.
39. Washington Football Team – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Someone is going to take a chance on Ridder, who at times looks like the next big thing; other times he hasn’t been good. Sitting behind Alex Smith (or Dwayne Haskins?) for a year would do him loads of good.
40. Cincinnati Bengals – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Echenberg has risen throughout the year and put quality tape out. The Bengals need to take chances everywhere on their offensive line. Eichenberg can pass protect well and will provide more stability to a hazardous Bengals offensive line.
41. Atlanta Falcons – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Todd Gurley is a shadow of his former self, Harris can be the bell-cow for the Falcons. Harris is a tank and someone who can grind tough yardage.
42. Carolina Panthers – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
The Panthers need another cornerback to pair with Donte Jackson. Maybe Troy Pride Jr. pans out, but in this league, you can never have enough corners.
43. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota Vikings) – Dillon Radunz, OT, NDSU
Not sure the team feels great about Cam Robinson going forward. Robinson has been average against lesser competition, whereas Radunz has the potential to be great. The level of competition has been the only concern.
44. New England Patriots – Marvin Wilson, DT, FSU
Wilson hasn’t played well this year and falls down the board. However, he’ll still be a dominant run-stuffer in the league and a high motor guy.
45. Denver Broncos – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Broncos bolster the defense with an edge rusher who can rush from the interior.
46. Detroit Lions – Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
A mammoth of a man who can take on double teams and provide some pass rush from the interior.
47. San Francisco 49ers – Asante Samuel Jr. CB, Florida State
The 49ers need to retool the secondary and think about life after Richard Sherman.
48. Chicago Bears – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Chicago has a chance to take a quarterback of the future here. Jones has been one of the best deep-ball throwers and would pair nicely with Darnell Mooney, (Allen Robinson?), and Anthony Miller.
49. Atlanta Falcons (via Indianapolis Colts) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
(Colts trade 21 overall, 2021 second round, and a 2022 second round for Atlanta’s 2021 first-round pick- 11th Overall)
Olave isn’t going to be the successor to Julio Jones (no one will), but he can provide Matt Ryan one last year of success. Olive separates very well and should be a high-end number 2 receiver in the NFL.
50. Cleveland Browns – Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pitt
Twyman is not going to dominate the run game but can be an effective pass rush specialist from the interior and give Myles Garrett some help.
51. Philadelphia Eagles – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Barmore adds depth to the defensive line and can draw double teams to assist Fletcher Cox. He should replace an injury-prone Malik Jackson. Barmore has shown flashes of elite play but needs to put it all together.
52. Miami Dolphins – Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State
Aside from Emmanuel Ogbah, the Dolphins have a tough time generating pressure from their edge rushers. Rashed is a typical project pick with the build to be a dominant edge rusher.
53. Los Angeles Rams – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Rams are forever looking for pass rushers, and Ossai brings upside. Ossai’s going to be a versatile player in the NFL.
54. Las Vegas Raiders – Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
This is a luxury pick, as the Raiders need depth in their pass rushers. A three-deep rotation of pass rushers will improve their ability to get to the passer at all times of the game. Roche has a high floor and might be a six to seven sack guy each year.
55. Arizona Cardinals – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Humphrey has some concerning plays while in pass protection. However, he would be a fine addition to this offensive line, which needs to improve the interior.
56. Tennessee Titans – Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Corey Davis has been okay but never lived up to his draft stock. Wallace finds a way to win and pair up with A.J. Brown. Tennessee’s passing offense would be successful with Brown and Wallace.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Walker Little, OT, Stanford
The Buccaneers need to think about a replacement for Donovan Smith – who leads the league in penalties with nine.
58. Baltimore Ravens – Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
DeShon Elliott has been good, but Cisco is a playmaker and could generate turnovers on this Ravens defense.
59. Seattle Seahawks – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Seahawks need to get offensive line help for Wilson. Slater has great mobility and has the potential to develop into a great tackle.
60. Buffalo Bills – Paulson Adebo, CB, Staford
The second cornerback position is always open for competition in Buffalo, and Adebo fits nicely as a zone heavy player.
61. Green Bay Packers – Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
There are a few linebackers who are in consideration, however, Rice is an excellent run defender and wins in short-yardage situations.
62. Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pitt
The Chiefs still need help getting to the passer, and Jones has shown the tools to be a good pass rusher.
63. New Orleans Saints – Paris Ford, S, Texas
Malcolm Jenkins will be 33 after the season. He could help with the development of Ford, who could be the next box safety for the Saints.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Someone will take a shot at Trask, who has done well this year. The Steelers need to think of a plan for Ben Roethlisberger‘s departure.
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