2020 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-16

A former Buckeye and two Ohio State players headline this 2020 NFL Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 23, 2020.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
   
   
   Cincinnati goes with a quarterback at 1. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman after his monster campaign in 2019 where he led LSU to a 15-0 season. Burrow had 5,671 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 76.3 completion percentage this season with LSU.
   
   
   
   LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has the leadership and attitude you want in a quarterback. He will take a football over a cell phone all day. His phone broke prior to the SEC Championship and he wanted to win the SEC Championship first. That's the attitude you want your quarterback to have.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 221 lb Burrow has the leadership, attitude, short accuracy, and medium accuracy that you want. Burrow has the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy that you want a quarterback to have along with the arm. Incredible arm strength and pinpoint accuracy by this pocket quarterback makes Burrow a special talent. He can read up to all six progressions as well.
   
   
   
   Joe Burrow can play in a west coast offense, shotgun spread offense, balanced run first offense, or a vertical offense. He can play in any offensive scheme. He is exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals need.
   
   
   
   Add me @DraftUtopia if you upload film and would like to join our film team. We are looking for new film editors to do film cuts for Draft Utopia as well.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Joe Burrow on our Youtube channel. You can watch it below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, RE, Ohio State
   
   
   Washington will most likely take Chase Young at 2. Once Washington moved into this draft spot, there were reports that Washington would release both Ryan Kerrigan and Josh Norman to save cap space. Norman has already been released and Ryan Kerrigan kept his job so it will be interesting to see how Washington uses three first round pass rushers in the 4-3 defense that Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio plan on transitioning to.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 264 lb Chase Young has the athleticism and explosiveness off the edge. The former 5-star recruit had 14.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks in 2018 when filling in for an injured Nick Bosa. Young stood out and is now the player commanding double teams with Bosa in San Francisco. Young can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, or 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility.
   
   
   
   Young can be used as a 4-3 right end or a 3-4 right outside linebacker. Drafting Chase Young to anchor this pass rush after he had 21 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks in 2019 is a smart move as him and Montez Sweat can anchor this 4-3 pass rush for years to come. You also got other first round picks like Jonathan Allen and Da'Ron Payne on the defensive line moving from 3-4 defensive linemen to 4-3 defensive tackles.
   
   
   
   Chase Young gives you an immediate impact player on defense that can come in for Ryan Kerrigan who got placed on injured reserve in 2019 after five consecutive seasons of 10 or more sacks. The downside is that Washington will have to address left tackle and field cornerback in Free Agency or the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft when the Washington Redskins are on the clock again.
   
   
   
   Joe Burrow and Chase Young are the only picks that I am 100 percent sure of heading into the 2020 NFL Combine. I was going to attend the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas this year after attending my first Senior Bowl in 2020, but COVID 19 decided to blitz off the edge like Chase Young with the Corona Virus closing public events. Rest assured, I plan on being at the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland assuming that it's open to the public with the Corona Virus being gone in a year from now.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
   
   
   The 6-1 205 lb Jeffrey Okudah showed the traits you want a number one field cornerback to possess after being a former five star recruit in High School like his teammate Chase Young. Even with the addition of Desmond Trufant in Free Agency, I still believe Detroit will take Jeffrey Okudah at three.
   
   
   
   Okudah is considered the top cornerback in this draft with 9 deflections from pass breakups and 3 interceptions in 2019. His man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage is great. You would like to see him do a better job stopping the run though.
   
   
   
   Okudah also went the entire 2019 season without being penalized. He showed the traits of a blue chip cornerback at the 2020 NFL Combine.
   
   
   
   You can go to my Bitchute Channel to view previously fully aired College Sports Games without commercials. Okudah Matata!
   
   
   
4. New York Giants: Isaiah Simmons, 3-4 MLB, Clemson
   
   
   New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman is known for taking the best player on the board. Isaiah Simmons is the best player not named Joe Burrow or Chase Young.
   
   
   
   He's versatile enough to play all three linebacker spots as well as both safety positions at strong safety and free safety. I'm not sure where this guy ends up, but he's a faster more versatile version of Mark Barron.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 238 lb Isaiah Simmons is also a two time Butkus Award Winner for the top linebacker in College Football. He has the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage you want a safety to have. His instincts and ball skills are outstanding.
   
   
   
   I was worried that Simmons would weigh in around 6-1 220 lbs. Simmons is bigger than I projected him to be which is another plus. Simmons did enough on tape at Clemson to earn this top 5 pick because even though he excelled at linebacker in College, I see someone that is a better fit at safety when I watch his tape.
   
   
   
   The New York Giants have Jabrill Peppers at strong safety, Antoine Bethea at free safety, and former Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love as the backup to Bethea as well as the free safety of the future. New York is also losing David Mayo and Deonne Buchannon after releasing Alec Ogletree their starting 3-4 middle linebacker.
   
   
   
   Even though I feel Simmons would make a better safety. My opinion is irrelevant here because if New York cut Ogletree and two of their other inside linebackers are set to be Free Agents, then New York is taking the best player on their board at four as a 3-4 middle linebacker on the inside. The good news is New York already signed Blake Martinez so they will have Isaiah Simmons complimenting Martinez on the inside.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
   
   
   Miami gets a quarterback with this pick if Ryan Fitzpatrick beats out Josh Rosen for the starting job. Assuming the Dolphins finish this poorly it's safe to say that Rosen will be labeled a bust if he screws up with another bad offensive line. Ryan Fitzpatrick defeated New England on the road in week 17 so he should be back, but will Miami draft a quarterback or make a play for someone like Philip Rivers in Free Agency. I feel like the Dolphins will take Tua here.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 217 lb signal-caller had 3,966 passing yards, 43 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 69% completion percentage in 2018. Tua has two number one targets to throw to, but lost two running backs, his best tight end, and three offensive linemen to the 2019 NFL Draft after being the Heisman Runner Up to last years top draft pick Kyler Murray. Tua demonstrated the throwing power and throwing accuracy versus Duke cornerback Mark Gilbert who had NFL talent. Tua completed 71 percent of his passes before his season ending injury.
   
   
   
   Tua showed the ability to make up to six progressions on tape last year during the regular season. Tua had multiple receivers, multiple running backs, and Irv Smith Jr. at tight end which enabled him to make multiple progressions. Against Clemson, he only made two progressions due to a stout defensive line. Tua fixed his accuracy concerns and looks like the second best quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft even behind Joe Burrow with his injury.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut on Tua Tagovailoa versus LSU. Check it out and make a case for why Miami should take Tua at 5.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
   
   
   Los Angeles has stated that they are moving on from Philip Rivers. They now draft a new starting quarterback with this pick at 6. They get a local guy who played PAC 12 football on the west coast with Justin Herbert.
   
   
   
   The 6-6 227 lb Herbert has the arm strength and poise you look for in a quarterback. Herbert read all six progressions in 2019.
   
   
   
   Herbert only started six games as a freshman. He had an injury in 2017. He was healthy in 2018 when he threw for 3,151 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Herbert had 3,471 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 2019. Herbert has the composure you look for in an NFL quarterback, but his accuracy needs to improve since he only had a 59.7 completion percentage in 2018 following his injury in 2017 when he had a 67.5 completion percentage prior to his season ending injury. Herbert holds onto the ball too long at times and his accuracy is a correctable trait if he can fix his mechanics. Herbert corrected a lot at the 2020 Senior Bowl which is why I have him going this high.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Justin Herbert VS Auburn. Herbert did good in this game despite having four injured wide receivers. Most people who observed the game are giving Herbert crap for not winning or not having 300 passing yards, but a lot of his issues from bad throws either stem from missed assignments from the wide receivers or just bad decisions that Herbert made throughout the game.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I also have a press conference of the 2020 Senior Bowl MVP. Click this Justin Herbert Interview to listen to Herbert in Mobile.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, NT, Auburn
   
   
   Carolina drafts the 6-5 326 lb nose tackle out of Auburn at 7. Derrick Brown had 24 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 6 quarterback hurries, and 4.5 sacks in 2018. Brown had 33 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 55 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries in 2019. Brown is the only four down nose tackle in this draft class which is why he will get pushed up boards. With Carolina declining to pick up Dontari Poe's club option, that is a huge indicator that this team will draft Derrick Brown at 7 if he's there.
   
   
   
   Derrick Brown showcased rip moves, swim moves, spin moves, and uppercuts that I saw some of the defensive tackles at the 2020 Senior Bowl do at Auburn's Pro Day on Friday. Brown has cemented himself as the top defensive tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
8. Arizona Cardinals: Javon Kinlaw, 3-4 RE, South Carolina
   
   
   Arizona will have D.J. Humprhies back at left tackle if they re-sign him, Justin Pugh at left guard, J.R. Sweezy at right guard, and righ tackle Justin Murray who performed relatively well in relief of Marcus Gilbert. A.Q. Shipley is a Free Agent at center, but you still have Mason Cole who did well as a rookie at center and Lamont Gallard as a backup center in the event that Shipley opts not to return to Arizona. Arizona brought back both Murray and Gilbert at right tackle which means right tackle is no longer a position I see the Arizona Cardinals drafting at eight.
   
   
   
   Arizona loses Damiere Byrd to New England, but traded for DeAndre Hopkins and still kept this pick with Larry Fitzgerald and DeAndre Hopkins on the outside with Christian Kirk in the slot. Last year, the Cardinals drafted Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson. None of those rookies came in to win a starting job at wide receiver next to Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk.
   
   
   
   One player that Arizona did not repalce in Free Agency is 3-4 right end Rodney Gunter. The 6-5 315 lb Javon Kinlaw dominated versus Georgia and has asserted himself as a top 15 pick on tape despite what his stats say. Javon Kinlaw was also described by Senior Bowl Chairman Jim Nagy as "Unblockable" when facing Alabama.
   
   
   
   Javon Kinlaw has the speed and athleticism to be an effective pass rusher and run stuffer. Kinlaw can play the 0-technique, 1-techinque, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, and 5-technique. Was easily the best defensive player in Mobile during the 2020 Senior Bowl and has four down ability. Click this Javon Kinlaw Interview to hear Kinlaw's press conference from Mobile.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
   
   
   
   
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
   
   
   The Jacksonville Jaguars spent big on Nick Foles, but benched him for Gardner Minshew II. Neither quarterback is a franchise guy in my eyes, but Jacksonville may not be ready to come to terms with that. They could also be one of the teams in the market for Philip Rivers since Rivers has moved to Florida.
   
   
   
   Getting a true number one flanker receiver that can make things easier for D.J. Chark in a number two receiver role and Dede Westbrook in a slot receiver role is so paramount.
   
   
   
   Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, and Tee Higgins are my top three wide receivers with Henry Ruggs III as my fourth best receiver. Jacksonville gets their pick between these four at nine. With Jacksonville drafting an SEC player in the first round of the NFL Draft each year dating back to 2017, my pick to be selected by Jacksonville here at 9 is Jerry Jeudy.
   
   
   
   Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb are both blue chip wide receivers in my honest opinion. Now they get a receiver that can compliment Larry Fitzgerald and become Kyler Murray's biggest asset when Fitz decides to hang up the cleats and call it a career. The 6-1 193 lb Jerry Jeudy has Calvin Ridley's foot speed, Amari Cooper's route running, and the blocking of Julio Jones packed into one super receiver despite his size. He may be faster than all three receivers too with his speed and ability to stretch the field deep in terms of game speed. He also knows how to run short, medium, or deep routes and use his agility to create separation when running a deep route with his speed.
   
   
   
   Jeudy was mainly used in the slot at times in 2018. He was used on the outside versus Clemson too where he did not drop a single ball versus Clemson's defense. There were plays where Jeudy was wide open where Tua did not make the easy play.
   
   
   
   Calvin Ridley had great foot speed, but his route tree was limited to about 15 routes. I'd argue Jeudy can run 18 of the 30 routes you need a receiver to run in the NFL. He does a better job creating separation than any Alabama receiver I've seen under Nick Saban. Jeudy had 68 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns in 2018. Jeudy had 77 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns in 2019.
   
   
   
   Jeudy ran a 4.45 40-time at the 2020 NFL Combine. He has been my top ranked receiver all year and is my guy to go eighth overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Jerry Jeudy VS LSU. Jeudy did very good in this game.
   
   
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
   
   
10. Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, LT, Iowa
    
    
    Cleveland has most of the pieces to contend. Every offensive tackle is on the board at ten. With Tristan Wirfs dominating the 2020 NFL Combine, Cleveland will be thrilled to land Wirfs at 10. Baker Mayfield will have Tristan Wirfs as his blindside left tackle with Free Agent signing Jack Conklin complimenting Wirfs at right tackle.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 320 lb offensive tackle is versatile enough to play left tackle or right tackle on either side of the offensive line. He has the pass blocking strength and run blocking strength to maintain a block for 7 seconds at right tackle just like Andrew Thomas. Wirfs showcased the upside and potential to maintain blocks at left tackle longer than Andrew Thomas despite only playing a few games at left tackle. Wirfs ran a 4.85 40-yard dash while doing 24 reps on the bench press at the 2020 NFL Combine. Now that Cleveland has a legit blindside, there are no more excuses for Baker Mayfield.
    
    
    
    
    
11. New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
    
    
    New York seems contempt with George Fant at left tackle, Greg Van Roten at left guard, Connor McGovern at center, Brian Winters at right guard, and Chuma Edoga at right tackle. I like the interior offensive line, but the offensive tackle duo of Fant and Edoga may backfire. Getting Sam Darnold some weapons to compliment this offensive line after Robby Anderson signed with the Carolina Panthers has to be priority for the New York Jets.
    
    
    
    CeeDee Lamb did well in the three games where I watched Oklahoma on Bitchute. He got by five Texas defenders and caught some deep balls that Jalen Hurts threw his way. He even caught some balls that Hurts underthrew on tape which should speak volumes about his game.
    
    
    
    Lamb played with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts in his three seasons at Oklahoma. Playing with a new quarterback each year allowed Lamb to grow as a person while performing at a high level.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 198 lb CeeDee Lamb had 65 receptions, 1,158 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2018. CeeDee Lamb had 62 receptions, 1,327 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns in 2019. CeeDee Lamb can be the number one target allowing New York to finally get a long-term number one target for quarterback Sam Darnold.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr., RT, Alabama
    
    
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
    
    
    Las Vegas gets their go-to-guy at 12. Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins is the best player on the board and gives Derek Carr a true number one target at wide receiver to throw to. He picked apart Kristian Fulton in coverage on some plays in the College Football Playoff Championship Game against LSU. Before that, Higgins faced Jeffrey Okudah and had 1 or 2 big plays against Okudah despite being kept in check for most of the game. The year before that in 2018, him and teammate Justyn Ross torched Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love and Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs in the 2018-2019 College Football Playoff.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 216 lb wide receiver had 56 receptions, 936 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2018. Higgins had 59 recepitons, 1,137 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns in 2019 next to Justyn Ross for the second year in a row who is also a number one receiver on Clemson.
    
    
    
    Tee Higgins had a rough Pro Day. He ran a 4.54 40-time at Clemson's Pro Day after not running the 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine along with a 1.66 10-yard split which would have ranked the worst among every receiver at the 2020 NFL Combine. Higgins also dropped a few passes, but in his defense a third string quarterback not named Trevor Lawrence was not throwing him the football with Clemson's backup transferring to Duke.
    
    
    
    Many Raider fans will say Henry Ruggs III should be the pick here and get pissed because I mocked Higgins at twelve. Ruggs has more athleticism, yet his 40 receptions, 746 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 2019 are worse than what Higgins did in terms of production which is why Higgins still gets a landslide edge over Ruggs at 12. I'm also taking into account that Higgins faced way tougher corners during his two years in the College Football Playoff with Clemson compared to what Ruggs dealt with at Alabama.
    
    
    
    Derek Carr now has a ton of weapons as well as a go-to-guy thanks to this pick. Tee Higgins will be the primary receiver that Carr throws to. Derek Carr also has Tyrell Williams, Zay Jones, Hunter Renfrow, and Nelson Agholor pushing each other to be the number two target across from Higgins.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Tee Higgins VS Texas A&M. Tee Higgins did good in this game.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
    
    
    San Francisco goes with the man who ran a 4.27 40-time at the 2020 NFL Combine as a receiver who can replace Emmanuel Sanders while complimenting Dante Pettis and Deebo Samuel. The 6-0 190 lb Henry Ruggs III has the speed, athleticism, and outstanding hands that you look for in a wide receiver. He rarely drops anything.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Henry Ruggs III VS LSU. Henry Ruggs III did good in this game.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Grant Delpit, FS, LSU
    
    
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jedrick Wills Jr., RT, Alabama
    
    
    Tampa Bay gets a right tackle to solidify their offensive line here. Donovan Smith got extended last year. Getting a right tackle to replace Demar Dotson is paramount, and Jedrick Wills Jr. is a huge steal at 14 assuming he falls this far.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 312 lb Jedrick Wills Jr. has the pass blocking, run blocking, zone blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, and run blocking footwork you want a right tackle to have. He played right tackle in High School and at Alabama making him a pure right tackle. Tua Tagovailoa is left handed so Jedrick Wills Jr. was Tua's blindside at Alabama despite being a right tackle. Despite this, many members of the media have touted Jedrick Wills Jr. as the top offensive tackle in this draft.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Alabama's offensive line VS LSU. Jedrick Wills Jr. did very good in this game.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Mekhi Becton, RT, Louisville
    
    
    
    
15. Denver Broncos: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
    
    
    The 6-1 202 lb Justin Jefferson had 111 receptions, 1,540 receiving yards, and 18 receiving touchdowns in 2019 playing next to Billetnikoff Award winner Ja'Marr Chase. Denver has Courtland Sutton and now they get a receiver to compliment Sutton in Justin Jefferson out of LSU.
    
    
    
    Justin Jefferson has fantastic speed. He ran a 4.44 40-time at the 2020 NFL Combine.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
    
    
16. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Epenesa, RE, Iowa
    
    
    Atlanta gets a 4-3 right end here at 16. The 6-6 280 lb A.J. Epenesa had 14.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and 9 quarterback hurries in 2019. He gives Atlanta a good 4-3 right end with Vic Beasley gone making Epenesa a strong option here.