The 2020 NFL draft is less than a week away, and so much uncertainty is still in the air. COVID-19 has changed the way the Las Vegas Raiders scout, interview, and even draft new prospects. Watching it all play out is going to be very different from past years. One thing that isn’t different is sportswriters like myself taking a few shots in the dark with mock drafts.
I’m gonna do three rounds and regrettably, it won’t be very accurate because:
A) Mock drafts literally never are.
B) there will likely be quite a few trades.
I think the Raiders will trade back from No. 19 to pick up a second round selection, and the Broncos will jump ahead to get a wide receiver. Dollars to donuts, Bill Belichick will trade back.
Raiders Draft: Ryan’s Three-Round Mock
Round One
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
This is pretty much a done deal. It wouldn’t surprise me if Burrow already has the Bengals playbook. Head coach Zac Taylor likes to pass the ball, and Burrow looks good passing the ball, it’s a match made in heaven.
2. Washington Redskins- Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
Young may be the best player in this draft. Defensive guru Ron Rivera gets a huge piece for his defense with the stud pass rusher from Ohio State. A lot of mock drafts get cute with this pick, but I bet the Redskins would trade down before they take anyone but Young at number two overall.
3. Detroit Lions- Isaiah Simmons, Everything, Clemson
This is the first “real” pick in this draft IMO. The Lions could do a few different things here. They could take a quarterback, they might take this draft’s best corner, or they could take Isaiah Simmons, the defensive swiss army knife from Clemson. I mock them Simmons because I believe defensive “mastermind” Matt Patricia could get more value out of a versatile linebacker than a shutdown corner.
4. New York Giants- Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
Offensive line is always a boring pick, but the Giants have a stud tailback and a young quarterback to protect. This has been an issue for the Giants for years.
5. Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
A year ago, Tagovailoa to Miami seemed like an obvious first overall pick. But he got hurt, the Dolphins accidentally won a few games, and Joe Burrow exploded at LSU. The Phins already have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen on the depth chart, so Tagovailoa can heal up and learn the playbook as Reggie McKenzie and company build up the team.
6. Los Angeles Chargers- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
With Philip Rivers gone, the Chargers need a quarterback. With Burrow and Tagovailoa off the board, Herbert is the best quarterback available, it’s too easy.
7. Carolina Panthers- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State
Astonishingly, the best corner in this draft, a certified “can’t miss” pick, falls all the way to seven. But in a league where quarterbacks, the men who pursue them, and the ones who protect them are highly valued, skill position players take a hit.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Jedrick Willis, OL, Alabama
The Cardinals would’ve been one of the favorites to take a wide receiver not that long ago, but with the trade for DeAndre Hopkins, they’re actually pretty set at the position. Instead, they turn their focus to their offensive line, as they put together a unit to protect Kyler Murray.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Derrick Brown might not be the sexiest pick, but he’s one of the best players in this draft, and a rebuilding Jaguars team needs as much talent as they can get.
10. Cleveland Browns- Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
The Browns desperately need offensive line help, and I can’t help but love the poetry of the Browns drafting a tackle named Thomas. Baker Mayfield better hope Andrew is half as good as Joe was.
11. New York Jets- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
With Robbie Anderson departing in free agency, the Jets need receiver help. CeeDee Lamb becomes Sam Darnold’s best friend, and everyone hopes Adam Gase doesn’t ruin him.
12. Las Vegas Raiders- CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
I know, everyone hates me, they wanted a wide receiver here, but hear me out. Maybe Mike Mayock means what he’s been saying about not trusting first round receivers, and this is the same braintrust that took “scheme fit” Clelin Ferrell at number four last year.
The Raiders have almost nothing at corner, and with Okudah long gone, the Raiders need to jump on a talented defensive back early. There will be other receivers available in this draft, trust me.
13. San Francisco 49ers- Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville
I almost went receiver here, but offensive tackle Joe Staley is 35 years old, and frankly, head coach Kyle Shanahan can gimmick production out of some of his other weapons. If the 49ers can’t run the ball, their entire offense falls apart, so they take an offensive lineman with incredible upside at No. 13.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
The Bucs are in “win now” mode. They went out and signed quarterback Tom Brady, and at 42 years old, they don’t have time to rebuild. In a competitive NFC South, Brady needs all the weapons he can get. Adding Henry Ruggs to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin gives Tampa one of the most explosive offensive units in the league.
15. Denver Broncos- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
In real life, the Broncos will probably trade up for a player like Jerry Jeudy, but not here. General manager John Elway gives Drew Lock an elite weapon to play opposite Noah Fant and Courtland Sutton, and they try to get back in the mix for the AFC West crown.
16. Atlanta Falcons- K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
This is the most obvious late round pick in this class. Big, raw, and athletic, Chaisson is just like every other pass rusher the Falcons have fallen in love with over the years.
17. Dallas Cowboys- Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Injuries might’ve scared off Javon Kinlaw, but he’s still one of the best players in this draft. The Cowboys gleefully jump on the BPA, adding to their defense.
18. Miami Dolphins- Ezra Cleveland, OL, Boise State
If there’s one thing Reggie McKenzie loves, it’s raw offensive linemen with big upside. It’s amazing he resists the urge to take Mekhi Becton early, but he gets Ezra Cleveland to potentially protect Tua in years to come.
19. Las Vegas Raiders- Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
This is a surprising pick, I know, but call it a gut feeling. Time and time again, the Raiders have said they needed speed on offense. Derek Carr needs playmakers, and that’s what Denzel Mims is. He’s one of the draft’s fastest receivers and has ideal speed. Put him on an offense with Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs, and let the fireworks go off.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Has there ever been more of a “Jaguars” pick than Jordan Love? Quarterback Gardner Minshew had moments of brilliance during his rookie season but is decidedly not a franchise quarterback. The Jags fall in love with Love’s upside, and bring the big-armed quarterback to Florida.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Carson Wentz had zero receivers with 500 yards last season. In fact, none of his weapons broke 1,000 yards, though Zach Ertz tried. Somehow, he still had a very strong year and took the Eagles to the playoffs. If the Eagles don’t get this man some weapons, then they don’t deserve a great young quarterback like him.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
With Stefon Diggs in Buffalo, the Vikings need another receiver to pair with Adam Thielen. Instead of going after someone similar to Diggs, like Jalen Reagor, they get a big-play target in Tee Higgins. Minnesota loves to throw the ball deep, and Higgins has the ideal size and speed to do so.
23. New England Patriots- Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
Unfortunately for the Patriots, all the first round quarterbacks are gone, so they turn to the best player available at a position of need, Gross-Matos. He’s a good enough athlete to play the edge regardless of scheme, and he’s versatile enough to make a serious impact in Belichick’s defense.
24. New Orleans Saints- Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Last year, New Orleans gave up a ton of yardage through the air, and with Tom Brady coming to town, they need to fix their secondary. They take the brother of the man who once ended their post-season dreams in Trevon Diggs.
25. Minnesota Vikings- Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Wide-out wasn’t the only position group where the Vikings created a need this offseason. By releasing Xavier Rhodes, and watching Mackensie Alexadner and Trae Waynes leave in free agency, they created a huge vacancy at corner. So they take LSU’s Kristian Fulton.
26. Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
That’s right, we’ve got a tailback in the first round! With quarterback and offensive line addressed, the Dolphins bring in the draft’s best back to give the offense something consistent in the backfield.
27. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jones, OL, Houston
After seemingly decades of neglecting Russell Wilson’s health, the Seahawks finally get a good offensive lineman in the first round. He’s a surprisingly good athlete for his size, and while it might not be the sexiest pick, he’s a got a solid floor and can help the team immediately.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Ravens would be thrilled to see the second best linebacker in this draft fall all the way to them. They finally replace C.J. Mosley inside, and are content to find some weapons for Lamar Jackson down the road.
29. Tennessee Titans- Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
With Jurrell Casey gone, the Titans have a need at defensive tackle, so they take TCU’s studley defensive tackle at the end of the first round. He’s a freakish athlete and an explosive disrupter on the inside.
30. Green Bay Packers- Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
That’s right, Aaron Rodgers finally gets another big play target to pair with Davante Adams in First-Team Draft All-Name stud, Lavis Shenault. He’s big, versatile, and explosive. He seeks out contact and is a bully after the catch.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU
Brandon Aiyuk is the most obvious 49ers receiver in this draft class. He’s versatile, he’s fast, and he’s a demon after the catch. The 49ers have one of the most gimmick-happy offenses in football, and a player like Aiyuk would fit in very nicely.
32. Kansas City Chiefs- Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The defending Super Bowl champs select a reigning National Champion with their first pick in the draft. They gave up far, far too many yards on the ground last season, and the Chiefs hope the athletic Queen can come in and help shore up the run defense.
Related: GM Mike Mayock ready to seize the draft again
Raiders Draft: Round Two
33. Cincinnati Bengals- Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
34. Indianapolis Colts- A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
35. Detroit Lions- Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
36. New York Giants- A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
37. Los Angeles Chargers- Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
38. Carolina Panthers- Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
39. Miami Dolphins- Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
40. Houston Texans- Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
41. Cleveland Browns- Grant Delpit, S, LSU
42. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
43. Chicago Bears- Casar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
44. Indianapolis Colts- Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
46. Denver Broncos- Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
47. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
48. New York Jets- Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
49. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
50. Chicago Bears- Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal
51. Dallas Cowboys- Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
52. Los Angeles Rams- Austin Jackson, OL, USC
53. Philadelphia Eagles- Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
54. Buffalo Bills- Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State
55. Baltimore Ravens- Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
56. Miami Dolphins- Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
57. Houston Texans- Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
58. Minnesota Vikings- Isaiah Wilson, OL, Georgia
59. Seattle Seahawks- Rawkwon Davis, DL, Alabama
60. Baltimore Ravens- Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
61. Tennessee Titans- Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
62. Green Bay Packers- Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
63. Kansas City Chiefs- Cameron Dantzler, CB, Miss. State
64. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan
Raiders Draft: Round Three
65. Cincinnati Bengals- Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn
66. Washington Redskins- KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
67. Detroit Lions- Marlon Davison, Auburn
68. New York Jets- Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
69. Carolina Panthers- Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame
70. Miami Dolphins- Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
71. Los Angeles Chargers- Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
72. Arizona Cardinals- Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
73. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lucas Niang, OL, TCU
74. Cleveland Browns- Nick Harris, OL, Washington
75. Indianapolis Colts- Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
77. Denver Broncos- Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah
78. Atlanta Falcons- Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
79. New York Jets- Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida
80. Las Vegas Raiders- Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
81. Las Vegas Raiders- Zach Moss, RB, Utah
82. Dallas Cowboys- Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
83. Denver Broncos- Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
84. Los Angeles Rams- Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
85. Detroit Lions- Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
86. Buffalo Bills- Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
87. New England Patriots- Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
88. New Orleans Saints- Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
89. Minnesota Vikings-Troy Pride Jr. CB, Notre Dame
90. Houston Texans- Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State
91. Las Vegas Raiders- Willie Gay Jr., LB, Raiders
92. Baltimore Ravens- Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana
93. Tennessee Titans- Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee
94. Green Bay Packers- Mat Peart, OL, Connecticut
95. Denver Broncos- Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
96. Kansas City Chiefs- Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
97. Cleveland Browns- Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah
98. New England Patriots- Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
99. New York Giants- Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
100. New England Patriots- Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
101. Seattle Seahawks- Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska
102. Pittsburgh Steelers- Khalid Kareem, Edge, Notre Dame
103. Philadelphia Eagles- Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
104. Los Angeles Rams- John Hightower, WR, Boise State
105. Minnesota Vikings- James Lynch, DL, Baylor
106. Baltimore Ravens- Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
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