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Jordan Katz 2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Post Combine

Posted on March 1, 2020 Updated on March 2, 2020

The most pivotal weekend in the draft process has come and gone, which means it is time for an updated mock draft. We had some extremely impressive athletic performances during the weekend’s proceedings in Indianapolis. Henry Ruggs and Isaiah Simmons dominated the show, but there were plenty of other players that raised their draft stocks significantly at the Combine.

A few things to keep in mind about my personal style mock drafts. This is strictly what I would do if I were in charge of all 32 teams. If a trade is made, it is because it makes sense for both teams. The selections are based off of my own rankings, as well as my evaluation of team needs. There is also a hidden twist in this mock draft, which you will see early on (Big J tease right there).

Mock Lyfe Never Sleeps, and we’re grinding our gears once again. Let’s get to it.

ROUND ONE

1) *Miami Dolphins via Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB LSU- Part of doing mock drafts is playing out different scenarios, even in a personal style mock draft like this one. So let’s shake things up and assume that Burrow pulls an Eli Manning, and says he does not want to play in Cincinnati. What do the Bengals do?

I think the easy answer is to trade out. Even if Cincinnati has to take “less value,” they would easily pull at least two first round picks from Miami in a trade. In short, Cincinnati can still pull enough value to create a roster that’s ready to insert a QB in 2021. Miami uses their assets to land a franchise QB, while Cincinnati gets their roster ready for Trevor Lawrence next year.

2) Washington Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE Ohio State- In my previous mock, I gave Washington Andrew Thomas, a franchise left tackle to protect their franchise QB. This time, I’ll give them a franchise changing defensive talent. 

By now you know that Young is an elite player that changes games as a pass rusher. For those that want to argue “he disappeared late in the season,” the dude had 10 QB pressures and four QB hits against Clemson alone. That narrative is ridiculous, and it’s generated by people looking for clicks. Young is a player that changes your franchise, plain and simple.

3) *Indianapolis Colts via Detroit Lions: Justin Herbert, QB Oregon- In my previous mock, I had the Colts make the jump up for Herbert around pick seven. He’s an ideal guy for Head Coach Frank Reich; a big guy that can make all the throws and moves around with plus athleticism. In this scenario where Joe Burrow chooses to not go to Cincy, the Bengals could still trade out and select a QB at five like Herbert. Therefore, the Colts have to move a little higher up the board to get their guy.

4) New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia- While everyone is all over Mekhi Becton and Tristan Wirfs after this weekend, my top Dawg (if you know, you know) is still Andrew Thomas. His tape is just simply miles better than anyone I have ever scouted. Thomas is smart in pass protection, he throws a wicked first punch, and his hands are always ready for counters. With him “slipping,” to four, the Giants land their left tackle of the future.

5) *Cincinnati Bengals via Miami Dolphins: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT Alabama- If the Bengals do trade out because Joe Burrow refuses to play for them, it makes the most sense for them to build out a roster that can be competitive without elite QB play. Wills would sure up Cincinnati’s offensive line and give them the foundation to select Lawrence in 2021, as I mentioned above. 

Editor’s Note: As you know by now from reading my personal style mock drafts, I am lower on Tua Tagovailoa than others. So while Tua is an option for the Bengals if Burrow opts to play elsewhere, for me, he is not.

6) Los Angeles Chargers: Tristan Wirfs, OT (TACKLE, Not Guard) Iowa- I mean, what else does this dude have to do to convince the masses that he is a franchise left tackle? He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.86 seconds, his 10 yard split was sub 1.7 seconds (a freakish time), and he showed elite power in his legs during vertical and broad jumps. We know his game matches his athleticism, so why move him to guard? Wirfs deserves the chance to start a tackle right away.

7) Carolina Panthers: Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State- I thought about mocking a scenario where the Panthers re-sign James Bradbury, but I just can’t see them putting 15+ million into a corner with amount of needs they have. Instead, they use that money to rebuild their roster, and select the best cover corner in the draft like they did last time.

8) Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Brown, IDL Auburn- Arizona has a number of needs in the trenches, one of which is continuing to revamp their front seven. Brown did not have a good weekend, struggling during the athletic portion of the Combine. However, he still has phenomenal tape. His ability to win one-on-one matchups with quickness and power will make him a hot commodity early in the draft.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, OLB/ILB Clemson- With all the talent at the top this year, someone has to fall once the Quarterbacks get mixed in. This time, that someone was the Unicorn. Jacksonville is in a prime position to capitalize on players that fall, and they do so here.

10) Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville- Think about how good of an athlete you have to be to run a 5.11 in the 40 at 364 pounds. Now imagine that player was a mauler up front with legit first round technique. That’s who Mekhi Becton is, and that’s the player the Browns are getting at 10.

11) New York Jets: Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama- Okay, so in a world where the Jets have to go receiver, CeeDee Lamb should still be the choice. His game is the most complete of any receiver in the class. However, Ruggs proved why he’s my WR2 this weekend, so let’s make the case for him to be WR1.

If you believe Ruggs is a better route runner than the draft media is giving him credit for, which I do, then you have an elite player on your hands. Ruggs can win contested catches with strong hands and a big time vertical. In fact, he had the highest recorded vertical of any player to run a sub 4.3 in the history of the Combine (shout out to Nick Depinho for this stat). This is an elite playmaker, and in an era where you have to make YAC plays to be successful, maybe Ruggs deserves to be WR1.

12) Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma- Allow me to take this opportunity to explain why Lamb is still my WR1. Lamb is a threat to score in so many ways. He can take the top off of the defense, he’s a nightmare with the ball in his hands, and he’s ridiculously quick in and out of cuts. Lamb’s 10 yard split at the combine was 1.46, which is just .03 seconds slower than Henry Ruggs! His game is complete, and that’s why he is still WR1 on my board.

13) *Detroit Lions via Indianapolis Colts: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE LSU- I prefer when the prospects work out at the combine because it’s a free chance to compete against your fellow draft prospects. However, I recognize that this is a business, and Chaisson made a good business decision. The edge rushers that did work out did not have a good weekend, making Chaisson a top 20 lock. His dip and bend ability would be a terrific fit in Matt Patricia’s aggressive defense.

14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kristian Fulton, CB LSU- Tampa Bay’s defense was number one against the run last year. However, they were third to last against the pass. Something tells me that the Bucs could use defensive backs this offseason. Todd Bowles plays man to man defense a lot, and Fulton shows good technique when mirroring and trailing receivers. This is a very good fit.

15) *Philadelphia Eagles via Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama- Philadelphia getting aggressive for one of the big three wide receivers makes a lot of sense. They do need a corner, but they also need a real threat on the outside for Carson Wentz. If I were running the show, I would look to move up a few spots into the teens for whichever of the big three slides down the board a bit.

Editor’s Note: Jeudy had a really nice weekend. He showed some elite speed that people did not think he had. His strength is still as a route runner, but showing the top end speed was a plus for him.

16) Atlanta Falcons: Jeff Gladney, CB TCU- Gladney continues to rise up my personal mock drafts. His ability to mirror receivers from the boundary as well as the slot makes him a weapon at the next level. For a team that requires their corners to do a lot, Gladney’s footwork and technique make him a great fit in Atlanta.

17) Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina- In my previous mock, I assumed the Cowboys brought back Dak Prescott, but let Amari Cooper walk. This time, I assumed that both re-upped, which puts defense at the top of their draft needs.

Much like Chaisson, Kinlaw not working out this weekend definitely helped his draft stock. He was less productive than Derrick Brown on tape, but after the weekend, there is little doubt that he is significantly more athletic. Kinlaw may not have put the QB down a lot during college, but he won a lot of reps on tape with multiple moves and good quickness for his size. I think he would flourish with a team like Dallas.

18) *Cincinnati Bengals from Miami Dolphins via Pittsburgh Steelers: Grant Delpit, FS/SS LSU- Cincinnati needs playmakers on their roster, and Delpit is just that. He may have struggled during his final year at LSU, but Delpit is still an elite playmaker in the secondary with the ability to change games at the line of scrimmage. He’s an impact player, and the Bengals need those.

 

19) Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears: Patrick Queen, ILB LSU- This pick stays the same from the last mock, largely because it’s just so obvious to me. Queen is a three down linebacker with the ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. I think he’s a plug and play guy from day one in the middle of the front seven for any NFL team.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: CJ Henderson, CB Florida- “Mr. 4.39,” balled out this weekend in Indianapolis, and catapulted his draft stock even further. As someone who loved his footwork and knew the kind of athlete he was before the weekend started, this was the Combine I thought he would have. He can excel in both man and zone coverage, making him a really good fit in Jacksonville’s defense.

21) *Denver Broncos via Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Epenesa, DL Iowa- Epenesa did not have great times for a player on the edge. Having said that, he did test incredibly well for an interior defensive lineman. If you have been paying attention to my mock drafts, you know that I view him as a 3-4 defensive end. He’s a 3 tech and a 5 tech player, not a dip and bend guy. Use his strengths to his advantage. Denver is losing a few starters up front, which makes them a good landing spot for Epenesa.

22) Buffalo Bills: Justin Jefferson, WR LSU- Jefferson had a great weekend, and put himself into the round one conversation by showing top tier athleticism to match his quality route tree at LSU. Fortunately for me, I had a round one grade on him all along. Buffalo needs a true number one receiver, which is what I expect them to select in round one.

23) *Kansas City Chiefs via New England Patriots: JK Dobbins, RB Ohio State- I loved this move by the Chiefs in my previous mock draft, so it stays in this one too. Dobbins has home run ability every time he touches it. He has elite vision as a one cut back, and makes plays in the passing game too. Kansas City trades up for the only weapon their offense is missing.

24) New Orleans Saints: Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama- Another pick that stays the same from my previous mock, and it’s largely because of the medical reports about Tua. While he passed everything he had to, there are rumblings that teams may want him to sit for 2020. If that’s the case, when you combine that with where I evaluated his tape (I have questions about his ability to make progressions, as well as his ability to anticipate receivers out of their break), it makes more sense for teams to take him in the back end of round one.

25) Minnesota Vikings: Damon Arnette, CB Ohio State- Arnette has first round tape. He’s physical with receivers, his footwork in trail coverage is clean, and he breaks quickly out of his backpedal. His 40 time was a bit concerning for someone that is not super long, but his tape is so good that if he answers the character concerns teams will have about him, I would take him in the top 40.

26) Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans: Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL LSU- I wanted to go a different direction with this pick, but if Miami lands Burrow because Burrow plays the “Eli Manning,” card with the Bengals, getting Burrow his Center from LSU feels like a layup.

27) Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE Penn State- Gross-Matos did not participate in the athletic testing of the Combine, but he did choose to do the drills. And during the drills, he showed why he is the top guy in the second tier of edge rushers. He has a bevy of moves as a rusher, and he showed solid ability to run the edge and flatten towards the QB during the drills. Seattle needs pass rushers, making them a likely landing spot for Gross-Matos, both on my board and in real life.

28) Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, ILB Oklahoma- This is a little bit of an overdraft based on the tape grade I gave him, but Murray looked good this weekend. He showed elite athleticism for the linebacker position, and a quick twitch ability during the drills. Baltimore is losing a lot of positions along the front seven, so they reach a bit for the last three down linebacker in the 2020 class.

29) *Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Tennessee Titans: Jacob Eason, QB Washington- Eason went much higher in my previous mock draft, but the Bucs decided to play this one differently. Instead of taking a QB early, I played this mock draft like they landed a veteran free agent QB. If they do that, trading back into round one and having Eason sit for a year would make the most sense.

Editor’s Note: Eason is ahead of Tua on my personal board, but I think Tua is a better fit for Sean Payton than Eason is. Conversely, Eason is a better fit for Bruce Arians than Tua is.

30) Green Bay Packers: Denzel Mims, WR Baylor- The good news is that I was very high on Mims before the combine. He’s a big body receiver that excels down the field, separating with size and speed. He is what people thought Tee Higgins was, a Brandon Marshall-like receiver.

The bad news is, I did not have Mims high enough. He crushed his workout, running a strong 40 and the best three cone of the group. Let me say that again for the people in the back. At almost 6’3, he ran the best three cone of a loaded receiver group. Aaron Rodgers would love throwing to this kid.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Xavier McKinney, FS Alabama- McKinney’s ball hawking ability in the Niners aggressive cover three defense is a match made in heaven. He can also roam from the single high spot in cover one. San Francisco does not have many needs, but one of them is a safety to control the last line of defense. This is a good fit for the player and the team.

32) *New England Patriots via Kansas City Chiefs: Cesar Ruiz, IOL Michigan- Ruiz is one of my favorite prospects in this draft because he’s a smart offensive lineman with good athleticism. I love OL players that have the intelligence to play multiple positions up front, or to start for an extended period of time in college. The NFL looks for elite athletes and thinks they can teach them the technique necessary. I’ll take a smart player over the elite athlete along the OL any day of the week. 

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) Miami Dolphins trade the #5, #18, #39, a 2021 2nd Round Pick, and a 2021 3rd Round Pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the #1 Overall Selection.

2) Indianapolis Colts trade the #13, #34, #119, a 2021 1st Round Pick and a 2021 3rd Round Pick to the Detroit Lions for the #3 Overall Selection.

3) Philadelphia Eagles trade the #21, #53 and #168 to the Denver Broncos for the #15 and #115.

4) Kansas City Chiefs trade the #32, #63 and a 2021 3rd Round Pick to the New England Patriots for the #23 and #195.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #45, #161 and a 2021 2nd Round Pick to the Tennessee Titans for the #29 Overall Selection.

ROUND TWO

33) Cincinnati Bengals: Neville Gallimore, DT Oklahoma- Gallimore is an athletic pass rusher that would compliment Geno Atkins extremely well. 

34) *Detroit Lions from Indianapolis Colts via Washington Redskins: AJ Terrell, CB Clemson- Detroit is going to trade Darius Slay this offseason (see the latter portions of this mock draft for that prediction), which puts corner atop their needs this offseason.

35) Detroit Lions: Justin Madubuike, IDL Texas A&M- The depth in the defensive line group did not impress me much this weekend, which is why Madubuike’s athleticism as a pass rusher allows him to fly up the draft board this time.

36) New York Giants: Antoine Winfield Jr., DB Minnesota- Winfield answered the athletic questions people had about him, which should make him a top 40 lock. He mans up in the slot, and he can cover as a safety from cover one or cover two. 

37) Los Angeles Chargers: D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia- I don’t think Austin Eckeler and Justin Jackson can produce enough to replace Melvin Gordon, which is why I would select one of the talented running backs in this draft if I were the Chargers.

38) Carolina Panthers: Ross Blacklock, IDL TCU- Blacklock would be my number three IDL if he did not miss 2018 with an injury. He’s a better version of Gallimore and Madubuike on tape. Carolina gets a heck of a player here.

39) *Cincinnati Bengals via Miami Dolphins: Bryce Hall, CB Virginia- Hall had an ankle injury this year, which means has to test well at his pro day. If he does, and you combine that with his intelligence as well as his technique in off coverage, Hall will be a top 50 lock.

Editor’s Note: Look at the way Cincinnati has rebuilt their roster in this draft. That is why you build the roster before selecting the QB.

40) Arizona Cardinals: Austin Jackson, OT USC- Austin Jackson goes against everything I stand for with regards to OL prospects. However, I think his ability to knock players off the arch and his athleticism are too good. One team will take a swing on being able to teach him the finer points of OL play.

41) Cleveland Browns: Josh Uche, EDGE/OLB Michigan- The Browns need playmakers on their defense, and Uche is a playmaker as a pass rusher. He fits right in as a LEO linebacker on the Browns.

42) Jacksonville Jaguars: Van Jefferson, WR Florida- Jacksonville does not have enough weapons on offense to compete for the playoffs in 2020. Van Jefferson’s route running ability makes him a playmaker at the next level.

43) Chicago Bears via Las Vegas Raiders: Matthew Peart, OT UCONN- Peart showed up in a big way this weekend, and I like his technique in pass protection on tape too. He’s a good fit for Matt Nagy and the Bears.

44) Indianapolis Colts: Ashtyn Davis, SS California- Davis is a thumper with legit ability in cover two. He’s a perfect fit to play alongside Malik Hooker in the back end of the Colts defense.

45) *Tennessee Titans via Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lucas Niang, OT TCU- Jack Conklin is likely walking in free agency, and one of the reasons why is because this OT group is very strong. Niang’s power up front makes him a perfect fit on the right side of any NFL offensive line.

46) Denver Broncos: Noah Igbinoghene, CB Auburn- The converted wide receiver turned corner has come a long way very quickly. Give him to a defensive guru like Vic Fangio, and he could turn into a star.

47) Atlanta Falcons: Julian Okwara, EDGE Notre Dame- Okwara does not play the run particularly well, but this dude is a dog as a pass rusher. He dips and bends really well, and uses the cross chop and rip moves to win reps against opposing tackles.

48) New York Jets: Ben Bredeson, IOL Michigan- Bredeson does not have elite length, but he makes up for that with his intelligence. I really like this fit for Adam Gase and the Jets.

49) Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Bartch, OT St. John’s- OL continues to fly off the board. The Steelers need a right tackle, which is what Bartch projects as at the next level because of his strength and ability in jump sets.

50) Chicago Bears: Kyle Dugger, FS/SS Lenoir-Rhyne- When I heard that Dugger was going to shine this weekend, I made sure to watch him before the proceedings. He jumps off the page as an athlete, which was obvious during the Combine. What I liked about his tape was his range, especially because he’s not particularly great at anticipating just yet. If he were younger (6th year senior), he would be a potential first round selection.

51) Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah- Dallas will add to their secondary with one of their first two selections in 2020. Johnson is a smart corner that mirrors well, and will fit nicely in the Cowboys secondary.

52) Los Angeles Rams: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE Florida- Zuniga showed the elite athleticism that I saw on tape throughout this weekend. He’s a quality dip and bend player off the edge. Zuniga replaces Dante Fowler, who should walk in free agency.

53) *Denver Broncos via Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Biadasz, IOL Wisconsin- The enigma of the draft year is what happened to Tyler Biadasz. If a team can unlock his 2018 tape once again, they will have a starting center on their hands for 10+ years.

54) Buffalo Bills: Jonah Jackson, IOL Ohio State- Jackson is a good athlete with a high IQ at the LOS as well as at the second level. He’s a nice day two selection for a team needing a starting interior offensive linemen.

55) Atlanta Falcons via New England Patriots: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU- Devonta Freeman getting cut is a dead giveaway that the Falcons are selecting a running back from this ridiculously talented group.

56) Miami Dolphins via New Orleans Saints: Cam Akers, RB Florida State- Speaking of needing a running back, Miami does not have a bell cow on the roster. Cam Akers is in fact that.

57) *Detroit Lions via Houston Texans: Jalen Reagor, WR TCU- Detroit trades Darius Slay to Houston and selects another target for Matt Stafford to groom into a productive receiver.

58) Minnesota Vikings: Saahdiq Charles, OT LSU- Charles struggles to pick up extra rushers, and does lose his technique at times. However, he’s an elite athlete who has the ability to slide with edge rushers. He could be a nice fit for a team on day two.

59) Seattle Seahawks: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn- Wanogho is a big time player in the run game. He moves edge players backwards and creates holes for running backs. He checks the boxes as an athlete as well.

60) Baltimore Ravens: Bradlee Anae, EDGE Utah- Baltimore is most likely going to tag Matthew Judon, but they need a plan in place if he walks the following year.

61) Tennessee Titans: Darnay Holmes, CB UCLA- Holmes makes an appearance in my second round because he showed ball skills I did not think he had during the drills at the Combine. Tennessee needs a nickel corner, which is exactly what Holmes is at the next level.

62) *New York Jets via Green Bay Packers: Matt Hennessy, IOL Temple- Temple tough produces yet another day two talent that should start in the NFL for years to come. The Jets trade up to land their starting center.

63) *New England Patriots via Kansas City Chiefs via San Francisco 49ers: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR Colorado- If New England is becoming more playmaker oriented with guys similar to N’Keal Harry, there are not many guys that make plays with the ball in their hands like Laviska Shenault.

64) Seattle Seahawks via Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Dantzler, CB Mississippi State- Dantzler did not run well in Indianapolis, but he possesses quality footwork, and the necessary size and length that Seattle looks for in their corners. 

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) Detroit Lions trade CB Darius Slay to the Houston Texans for the #57 Overall Selection.

2) New York Jets trade the #68, #117 and a 2020 4th Round Pick to the Green Bay Packers for the #62 and a 2020 5th Round Pick.

ROUND THREE

65) Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Baun, EDGE Wisconsin
66) Washington Redskins: Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia
67) Detroit Lions: Marlon Davidson, IDL Auburn
68) *Green Bay Packers from New York Jets via New York Giants: Troy Dye, ILB Oregon
69) Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Chinn, FS Southern Illinois
70) Miami Dolphins: Terrell Lewis, EDGE Alabama
71) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Love, QB Utah State
72) Arizona Cardinals: Bryan Edwards, WR South Carolina
73) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin
74) Cleveland Browns: Alohi Gilman, FS Notre Dame
75) Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr., WR USC
76) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Driscoll, OL Auburn
77) Denver Broncos: Tee Higgins, WR Clemson
78) Atlanta Falcons: Cole Kmet, TE Notre Dame
79) New York Jets: Troy Pride Jr., CB Notre Dame
80) Las Vegas Raiders: Trevon Diggs, CB Alabama
81) Las Vegas Raiders via Chicago Bears: Brandon Jones, SS Texas
82) Dallas Cowboys: Alton Robinson, EDGE Syracuse
83) Denver Broncos via Pittsburgh Steelers: Leki Fotu, IDL Utah
84) Los Angeles Rams: Malik Harrison, ILB Ohio State
85) Philadelphia Eagles: Akeem Davis-Gaither, ILB Appalachian State
86) Buffalo Bills: Michael Ojemudia, CB Iowa
87) New England Patriots: Davon Hamilton, IDL Ohio State
88) New Orleans Saints: Devin Duvernay, WR Texas
89) Minnesota Vikings: Curtis Weaver, EDGE Boise State
90) *Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: Eno Benjamin, RB Arizona State
91) Las Vegas Raiders from Houston Texans via Seattle Seahawks: KJ Hamler, WR Penn State
92) Baltimore Ravens: Raekwon Davis, IDL Alabama
93) Tennessee Titans: Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota
94) Green Bay Packers: Hakeem Adeniji, OL Kansas
95) *Washington Redskins from Denver Broncos via San Francisco 49ers: Zack Moss, RB Utah
96) Kansas City Chiefs: Shane Lemieux, IOL Oregon

TRADES IN ROUND THREE

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #107 and a 2021 4th Round Pick to the Cleveland Browns for the #90 and a 2021 6th Round Pick.

2) Washington Redskins trade the #98 and a 2021 5th Round Pick to the Denver Broncos for the #95 and a 2021 6th Round Pick.