2020 NFL Mock Draft: First-round mock with many trades

No surprise here, the Ohio kid goes home. Burrow has been the favorite for the No. 1 pick since he dominated the college level last season. The National Champion showed everyone he has what it takes to thrive at the next level, putting up 60 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions in Joe Brady‘s New Orleans based system.

Burrow should feel right at home with Zac Taylor, the Sean McVay disciple, in a QB-friendly system that will allow the Heisman winner to utilize weapons like A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, and (when healthy) John Ross to his advantage. Not to mention he has a pretty solid running back behind him in Joe Mixon.

With amazing accuracy, unthinkable poise in the pocket, and great football IQ, Burrow should find success right away. Cincinnati gets their franchise passer in one of the better QB prospects over the past decade.

After leading the nation in sacks last year with 16.5 in 12 games, Washington gets the guy everyone has been raving about.

Young is flat out special. GM’s and executives everywhere are praising the Ohio State product, saying he’s better than (both) Bosa brothers, and even being given the title of “best player in the draft”. His athleticism and elite speed off the edge, and textbook handwork make him a threat to get home on every play, and his big frame and physical nature make him a stout run defender.

Young will fit naturally into Washington’s new 4-3 defense and will help solidify the teams front seven opposite second-year pass rusher Montez Sweat, who at this time last year was the belle of the ball for athletic edge rushers. With possibly their only pick until mid-Day 2, the Redskins get a whole lot better.

This is where the draft actually starts. Detroit recently traded three-time Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay to the Eagles, leaving many to assume Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah to be the selection here.

Not so fast. SI’s Albert Breer says the Lions’ staff has “taken a real liking to” Brown and could look to take him at No. 3.

Brown is an explosive defensive tackle who’s first step quickness will allow him to penetrate any gap he needs to. His physicality and technique make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and his pure athleticism will allow him to blow plays up before they even get started. Brown becomes the building block for Matt Patricia’s defense in Detroit.

New York has a number of options with the fourth overall pick. The team could take combine standout Isaiah Simmons, they could give second-year passer Daniel Jones a new weapon on the outside, or they could simply trade back. Instead, they opt to solidify Jones’ blindside and draft arguably the best offensive line prospect in the draft.

Wirfs is a plug-and-play starter from day one and could give solid production across the offensive line for New York, his sturdy 6-5,  320-pound frame and light feet give him the ability to challenge elite pass rushers on the edge, while his hand placement and raw power give him the ability to blow defenders back in the running game. Wirfs will have a steady career in the Big Apple and will have plenty of battles against Chase Young over the next decade. Daniel Jones should be thrilled.

Miami seemingly has been infatuated with Tua Tagovailoa since the start of last NFL season. Tank for Tua was the motto for the Dolphins as they set out on a course to land the top pick in the draft before they went on a two-game winning streak in Weeks 9 and 10.

Since then, Joe Burrow has leaped Tua as the “lock” to go number one overall, and Tua has fallen out of the good graces with a handful of teams, three of which have taken him off their board completely due to health concerns. That leaves Justin Herbert as the most attractive quarterback after Joe Burrow.

Herbert is coming off a 32:6 touchdown to interception season and has set himself up to be the new man in Miami. The former Oregon Duck stands 6-6 and has great arm strength and mobility. His ball placement and fearless demeanor will impress a lot of people. However, he is a raw prospect and will need to clean up his footwork and his ability to beat pressure in the pocket in order to become a franchise QB at the next level. His touch and accuracy down the field are also areas of concern.

Miami gets their guy, but it might take a year or two for him to reach his potential.

Tua’s minor slide ends with the LA Chargers, though Isaiah Simmons or simply trading back were very close second options here. But in the end, the Chargers love the value of Tua at this spot especially if he stays healthy.

It’s been reported that LA is all in on letting Tyrod Taylor be the guy for 2020, which makes this pick all the more palatable. Without instant pressure on the rookie southpaw, the Chargers can give Tua an extended period of time to heal from the hip injury that cost him the end of his season in 2019 and allow him to learn what he can to ease his transition onto the field should it be in Week 10 or 2021.

Carolina lands the top corner in the draft and not only fills the hole left by James Bradberry, but actually improves at their No. 1 corner spot. Okudah has star written all over him and will have a chance to showcase his abilities right away in a division where he has to defend Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and now, Rob Gronkowski. The Panthers land a shut down corner and a guy that could become a multi-time All-Pro.

TRADE

Las Vegas receives: No. 8 overall

Arizona receives: No. 15 overall,  Raiders third round pick (80 overall), and a 2021 2nd round pick.

Raiders GM Mike Mayock reportedly loves CeeDee Lamb, and it’s no surprise why. Lamb is a strong route runner with soft hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch that puts him in high demand in this year’s draft. Not to mention Derek Carr, or whoever is under center for the Raiders (hint hint), could use a new weapon outside of Darren Waller and Tyrell Williams.

Lamb comes in as the first wideout off the board, and moving up four spots was the only way for Mayock and Gruden to get the former Sooner pass catcher.