NFL
Most Valuable Intel From Each Team’s NFL Draft Class
Identifying the biggest takeaways and insights for all 32 teams after the 2020 NFL Draft
ESPN
The first ever Virtual NFL Draft became one of the most unpredictable Draft’s in recent memory after the initial top-10 picks. There was plenty of intel and insights to take away from each team’s decisions that could impact 2020 and beyond. Here are the most important things to know about every team’s 2020 NFL Draft:
CARDINALS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (8): LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Rd3 (72): OT Josh Jones, Houston
Rd4 (114): DL Leki Fotu, Utah
Rd4 (131): DL Rashard Lawrence, LSU
Rd6 (202): LB Evan Weaver, CAL
Rd7 (222): RB Eno Benjamin, Arizona St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Josh Jones could be 1 of the biggest steals of the draft
Isaiah Simmons was viewed as a top-3 player in this draft class entering the 1st Rd, so him falling all the way to the 8th pick is a steal in itself. However, Josh Jones was also getting 1st Rd consideration yet found himself falling all the way to the 3rd Rd.
Considering Justin Murray isn’t a likely long-term solution at RT, Arizona didn’t hesitate to draft the best player on the board at 72 overall and got a OT with one of the highest ceilings in the 2020 class. Jones can be instrumental in Kyler Murray’s potential Pro Bowl career and become one of the biggest steals of the draft.
FALCONS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (16): CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
Rd2 (47): EDGE Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Rd3 (78): C Matt Hennessy, Temple
Rd4 (119): LB Mykal Walker, Fresno St.
Rd4 (134): S Jaylin Hawkins, CAL
Rd7 (228): P Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Secondary still a major need going forward
Atlanta’s first pick in the 2020 Draft was the first major reach of the Draft when they selected Clemson CB A.J. Terrell 16th overall, who most evaluators believed was a Round 2 player. Terrell still has exciting potential and should help ease the wound of Desmond Trufant’s departure right off the bat. However, the rest of the secondary still has major holes in 2021 and beyond.
The group of Terrell, Isaiah Oliver, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at Corner alongside Keanu Neal (coming off another season-ending injury), Ricardo Allen, and Damontae Kazee at Safety might be enough in 2020, but a lot of those players are Free Agents after the season. Expect Atlanta to prioritize more secondary help over the next 365 days.
RAVENS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (28): LB Patrick Queen, LSU
Rd2 (55): RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio St.
Rd3 (71): DL Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Rd3 (92): WR Devin Duvernay, Texas
Rd3 (98): LB Malik Harrison, Ohio St.
Rd3 (106): OT Tyre Phillips, Mississippi St.
Rd4 (143): OG Ben Bredeson, Michigan
Rd5 (170): DL Broderick Washington Jr, Texas Tech
Rd6 (201): WR James Proche, SMU
Rd7 (219): S Gene Stone, Iowa
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Lamar-Dobbins dynamic duo poised to dominate the 2020’s.
Mark Ingram and Lamar Jackson provided a powerful 1-2 punch in Baltimore during the 2019 season that helped fuel the greatest rushing attack in NFL history. While Lamar Jackson (only 23 years old) has an extremely bright future ahead of him, Mark Ingram is already 30 years old and BAL’s front office knows RB careers typically aren’t very productive after 10 years of taking NFL hits. Ingram’s late-season injury could’ve foreshadowed what would have come again had the Ravens fully featured a RB with 1,750+ NFL touches in 2020 after another year of wear and tear.
Instead, Baltimore added a young dominant CFB player that can also develop into a premier RB at the next level. Any RB playing alongside Lamar Jackson in Greg Roman’s offense will have a great opportunity to succeed. Especially one with Dobbins’ impressive vision and elusiveness which will fit great in an explosive Ravens rushing attack that is poised to dominate the 2020’s.
BILLS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (54): EDGE AJ Epenesa, Iowa
Rd3 (86): RB Zach Moss, Utah
Rd4 (128): WR Gabriel Davis, UCF
Rd5 (167): QB Jake Fromm, Georgia
Rd6 (188): K Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern
Rd6 (207): WR Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon St.
Rd7 (239): CB Dane Jackson, Pittsburgh
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Bills stacking pass rush depth & giving Josh Allen weapons
The Bills biggest offseason move was of course acquiring Stefon Diggs from Minnesota. That gives Buffalo three quality WRs in Diggs, John Brown, & Cole Beasley. In last year’s draft, Buffalo added RB Devin Singletary and TE Devin Knox to add to the team’s weaponry. The Bills aren’t stopping there as they picked up RB Zack Moss and WR Gabriel Davis to give this 2020 Playoff contending team some more young playmakers to help Josh Allen develop into an elite Quarterback.
With Josh Allen’s ceiling being as high as having future MVP-caliber seasons, being able to surround him with weapons and a strong O-Line will go a long way in making that ceiling attainable. While Buffalo didn’t address the OL in this draft, they have LG Spain, C Morse, and RT Ford (38th overall pick in 2019) in place for at least the next three years. The LT and RG situation will have to be addressed next year, but they could also extend LT Dion Dawkins & RG Jon Feliciano that keeps a decent unit in place. Look for Buffalo to either keep those guys in place or add more talent to their Offensive Line in the next year.
After Bills HC Sean McDermott (w/ PHI from 2001-10) witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl behind a Defensive Front that had many more starting-caliber players than starting positions, Buffalo is now following suit. Rotating high-quality players that stay fresh while rushing the passer effectively, gets the most out of each player while they’re in the game and produces a balanced attack.
Adding A.J. Epenesa (PFF’s No.20 ranked overall player) gives Buffalo an eighth starting-caliber player in 2020 to rotate between the four starting D-Line positions. It looks like Buffalo’s plan is to air it out often and use a fierce pass-rushing unit to prevent the other team from matching their big offensive drives.
PANTHERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (7): DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
Rd2 (38): EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn St.
Rd2 (64): S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois [FCS]
Rd4 (113): CB Troy Pride Jr, Notre Dame
Rd5 (152): S Kenny Robinson Jr, WVU
Rd6 (184): DL Bravvion Roy, Baylor
Rd7 (221): CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, FIU
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Panthers investing a lot into the Defensive Line
2020 might be Matt Rhule’s first year in Carolina but GM Marty Hurney has been the draft’s final decision-maker for 13 of the last 18 years (fired in 2012, re-hired in 2017). Carolina has invested major draft capital in their Defensive Line over the years in the form of Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, Vernon Butler, and Brian Burns all in the first round over the last seven years and continued that trend with the early selections of DL Derrick Brown and EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos in this draft.
This year, with Rhule coming from a Baylor team that excelled on offense but continually struggled to keep teams under 30 points defensively, Carolina went ALL-IN on defense, selecting seven defensive players with all of their picks (most in NFL history).
BEARS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (43): TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Rd2 (50): CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
Rd5 (155): EDGE Trevis Gipson, Tulsa
Rd5 (163): CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern
Rd5 (173): WR Darnell Mooney, Tulane
Rd7 (226): OT Arlington Hambright, Colorado
Rd7 (227): OG Lachavious Simmons, Tenn St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Offense improving at all in 2020 all comes down to the QB
Chicago had the 29th ranked offense and scored the fourth least amount of points in 2019. To improve in 2020, the Bears front office acquired Nick Foles… and didn’t do much else. After an injury-riddled season from Trey Burton, Chicago upgraded their TE position with the additions of Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet, but neither player is expected to do much damage in 2020.
The receiving corps and backfield will look almost identical, and the addition of Foles might prove to be irrelevant if Trubisky remains the starter. So the Bears only chance at improving offensively in 2020 relies on Trubisky proving he was worthy of the No.2 overall pick or Foles emerging as productive passer for an entire season. If neither of them improve upon their disappointing 2019 campaigns, neither will Chicago.
BENGALS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (1): QB Joe Burrow, LSU
Rd2 (33): WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
Rd3 (65): LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Rd4 (107): LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian St.
Rd5 (147): EDGE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
Rd6 (180): OT Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
Rd7 (215): LB Markus Bailey, Purdue
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Joe Burrow is the guy to turn this franchise around
Before 2019, nobody could’ve predicted Joe Burrow would’ve been drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. Yet a year later, nobody is surprised that the 15-0 National Champion Heisman Trophy winner was picked before every other player in the draft.
Burrow proved this season he has the leadership, pinpoint accuracy, effective decision-making, and mobility to be a real difference-maker at the next level. His mental toughness is exactly what Cincy needs from its franchise QB to turn things around, and who better than the Ohio native himself?
BROWNS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (10): OT Jedrick Wills Jr, Alabama
Rd2 (44): S Grant Deplit, LSU
Rd3 (88): DL Jordan Elliott, Missouri
Rd3 (97): LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
Rd4 (115): TE Harrison Bryant, FAU
Rd5 (160): C Nick Harris, Washington
Rd6 (187): WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Browns execute the best draft in the business
The Cowboys, Ravens, and Vikings all deserve respect for their excellent 2020 draft classes, however Cleveland’s 7-man group stands out as the best. Jedrick Willis was ranked as a top-5 prospect entering the Draft, and Cleveland benefitted from him still being on the board at 10th overall.
They lucked out in the 2nd round as well when Grant Delpit’s 1st Rd potential slipped to the 44th overall pick. Along with those two studs, Cleveland added a potential starting DL Jordan Elliott and TE in Harrison Bryant. The Browns have solidified their Offensive Line after this draft and look to finally end their 17-year Playoff drought in 2020.
COWBOYS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (17): WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Rd2 (51): CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
Rd3 (82): DL Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
Rd4 (123): CB Reggie Robinson II, Tulsa
Rd4 (146): C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
Rd5 (179): EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah
Rd7 (231): QB Ben DiNucci, James Madison (FCS)
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Dallas has the best receiving corps in the league
How ’bout them Cowboys? After a solid Free Agency period that saw Dallas add S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, DL Gerald McCoy, and DL Dontari Poe, the ‘Boys kept that momentum going into the Draft and added an exceptional class. No rookie will get more attention among “America’s Team” than CeeDee Lamb, who’s College film and earning of Dallas’ honorable #88 jersey lead many to believe that Lamb will become the next excellent Cowboys WR in the league.
Combining his future dominance alongside Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup after their career-years in 2019 gives Dallas the best receiving trio in the NFL. Dak Prescott is loaded with weapons as he looks to have another career-year himself and earn an extremely lucrative contract at the QB position (in the event he doesn’t have a long-term deal in place before the season).
BRONCOS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (15): WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Rd2 (46): WR KJ Hamler, Penn St.
Rd3 (77): CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa
Rd3 (83): C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU
Rd3 (95): DL McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
Rd4 (118): TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
Rd5 (178): LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest
Rd6 (181): OG Netane Muti, Fresno St.
Rd7 (252): WR Tyrie Cleveland, Florida
Rd7 (254): EDGE Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota St. (FCS)
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Denver gives Drew Lock the weapons to succeed
If there’s anything to take away from John Elway’s 2020 Draft, it’s that he clearly made it a priority to give his young franchise QB Drew Lock some weapons to play with this season and beyond. Jerry Jeudy is arguably the best WR in this class and instantly becomes the best route-runner on the team, if not the entire league (he’s that good).
Meanwhile, KJ Hamler is a premier slot WR in this draft class that can be an instant deep threat and creates high-level separation himself. Denver added TE Albert Okwuegbunam and WR Tyrie Cleveland on Day 3 of the Draft just to reiterate it’s mission of giving Drew Lock some weapons to succeed with. It’s hard to argue that he doesn’t have those in place now.
LIONS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (3): CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio St.
Rd2 (35): RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Rd3 (67): EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
Rd3 (75): OG Jonah Jackson, Ohio St.
Rd4 (121): OG Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
Rd5 (166): WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin
Rd5 (172): RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico St.
Rd6 (197): DL John Penisini, Utah
Rd7 (235): DL Jashon Cornell, Ohio St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Make-or-break year coming for Detroit
While Cleveland and Chicago are getting more attention for their make-or-break 2020 seasons, Detroit is right with them when it comes to this year potentially being the end of the road for the team’s current leaders in place. Matt Stafford was in trade rumors before the Draft as Detroit had a top-3 pick and he could be in the same place next year if they suffer the same result. Matt Patricia is certainly entering what could be his final season if he doesn’t have a winning record to show for it. The same goes for Detroit’s GM Bob Quinn this year.
The entire leadership group in Detroit that includes Patricia, Quinn, and Stafford could all be working elsewhere at this time next year. With that urge to succeed quickly, Detroit drafted players that could contribute from day 1 like CB Jeff Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift, and ED Julian Okwara. With that strategy, they missed out on higher-ceiling players that would fit Detroit’s long-term timeline of competing better, but wouldn’t help save the front office’s jobs if they don’t produce from the jump.
PACKERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (26): QB Jordan Love, Utah St.
Rd2 (62): RB AJ Dillon, Boston College
Rd3 (94): TE Josiah Deguara, Cincinatti
Rd5 (175): LB Kamal Martin, Minnesota
Rd6 (192): OG Jon Runyan, Michigan
Rd6 (208): C Jake Hanson, Oregon
Rd6 (209): OT Simon Stepaniak, Indiana
Rd7 (236): S Vernon Scott, TCU
Rd7 (242): EDGE Jonathan Garvin, Miami
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Aaron Rodgers won’t finish his career in Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers sent a powerful message by selecting QB Jordan Love with their first round pick this year. The Wisconsin franchise did a similar thing in 2005 when they drafted Aaron Rodgers despite Brett Favre still having half a decade left in the tank. The Pack are hoping this decision comes anywhere close to being as good as that decision to draft Rodgers 24th overall 15 years ago.
After a NFC Championship appearance in their first season with Matt LaFleur calling the shots, many expected Green Bay to make win-now decisions in the Draft and look to fill the needs necessary to get over the hump with San Francisco, Seattle, and New Orleans all legit threats in 2020. Instead, they drafted a guy who might not see the field for 3-4 years and more importantly, their future 1st ballot HOF QB is now almost guaranteed to put on a jersey other than Green Bay’s before he puts on that gold jacket.
TEXANS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (40): DL Ross Blacklock, TCU
Rd3 (90): EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Florida
Rd4 (126): OT Charlie Heck, UNC
Rd4 (141): CB John Reid, Penn St.
Rd5 (171): WR Isaiah Coulter, Rhode Island (FCS)
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Trades gave Texans little chance to hit on draft class
HC/GM Bill O’Brien was wheeling and dealing 2020 NFL Draft picks like it was his job to not have any draft picks left this year. O’Brien traded away five 2020 NFL Draft picks before the event even started. He fortunately gained some other picks and compensatory selections to help aid the near-empty cupboard left after O’Brien’s ultra-aggressiveness.
It’ll still be a few years before we know how those trades played out in retrospect, but because of those deals, the Texans didn’t have much to work with in this draft and it’ll be shocking to see it become an above-average class. As of right now, only Ross Blacklock was projected to develop into a starting-caliber player by both NFL.com & PFF in their pre-Draft evaluations.
COLTS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (34): WR Michael Pittman Jr, USC
Rd2 (41): RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Rd3 (85): S Julian Blackmon, Utah
Rd4 (122): QB Jacob Eason, Washington
Rd5 (149): OG Danny Pinter, Ball St.
Rd6 (193): DL Robert Windsor, Penn St.
Rd6 (211): CB Isaiah Rodgers, Massachusetts
Rd6 (212): WR Dezmon Patmon, Washington St.
Rd6 (213): LB Jordan Glasgow, Michigan
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Jacob Eason could be the future franchise QB in Indy
The Indianapolis Colts are one of the biggest sleeper teams entering the 2020 NFL Season. While Andrew Luck’s absence still hurts them, the Colts now have a more accomplished signal-caller in the fold who has experience working with Frank Reich in future HOF Philip Rivers. Of course, Rivers is already 38 years old and only signed a one-year deal. With that in mind, the Colts went ahead and drafted Washington QB Jacob Eason with their fourth round pick.
Eason was viewed as a tier below the top-5 QB prospects of Burrow, Tagovailoa, Herbert, Love, and Hurts, but can be just as good as those guys if he puts it all together. Eason’s inconsistencies were frustrating to watch at Washington, however, he’s entering an ideal situation to learn under Rivers and will benefit from the protection of the Colts cohesive O-Line. It might not necessarily be likely, but don’t be surprised if Jacob Eason becomes the next franchise QB in Indy. The only other two times in the last 30 years that the Colts drafted a QB before the fifth round, they became franchise game-changers: Peyton Manning (1st Rd in 1998) & Andrew Luck (1st Rd in 2012).
JAGUARS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (9): CB CJ Henderson, Florida
Rd1 (20): EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Rd2 (42): WR Laviska Shenault Jr, Colorado
Rd3 (73): DL Davon Hamilton, Ohio St.
Rd4 (116): OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s-Minn (DIII)
Rd4 (137): CB Josiah Scott, Michigan St.
Rd4 (140): LB Shaq Quarterman, Miami
Rd5 (157): S Daniel Thomas, Auburn
Rd5 (165): WR Collin Johnson, Texas
Rd6 (189): QB Jake Luton, Oregon St.
Rd6 (206): TE Tyler Davis, GA Tech
Rd7 (223): CB Chris Claybrooks, Memphis
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Jags are the most logical fit for Trevor Lawrence
As much hype as #TankforTua got during the 2019 season, it might not compare to the #TankForTrevor chants that take place this year. Gardner Minshew was exciting as a 6th Rd rookie in place for an injured Nick Foles, but it’s just as likely that he was a flash in the pan than the actual solution at QB in Duval.
If he’s any worse this year now that Defensive Coordinators have had a chance to study his weaknesses on tape, then the Jags will be the favorite for the No.1 overall pick, with Trevor Lawrence being the obvious selection. Carolina, Detroit, Chicago, and Las Vegas could also be logical fits if any of their upcoming seasons falter to warranting the 1st overall pick in 2021.
CHIEFS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (32): RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Rd2 (63): LB William Gay Jr., Mississippi St.
Rd3 (96): OT Lucas Niang, TCU
Rd4 (138): S L’Jarius Sneed, LA Tech
Rd5 (177): ED Michael Danna, Michigan
Rd7 (237): CB Thakarius Keyes, Tulane
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Chiefs have the best skill players EVER
Kansas City already had a good argument for having the greatest skill players ever over the last couple seasons with MVP Patrick Mahomes, All-Pro WR Tyreek Hill, All-Pro TE Travis Kelce, along with rushing leader Kareem Hunt and major FA signing WR Sammy Watkins. Then, new GM Brett Veach added rookie speedster Mecole Hardman who’s Pro Bowl freshman season would likely put him in the first round of any kind of 2019 re-draft.
Now Veach has done it again as the rich get richer with the addition of RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire who brings a level of versatility, power, and ability to run in between the tackles that the Super Bowl champs were lacking. Now that all of KC’s talent is coming back with another year under their belt PLUS the addition of Edwards-Helaire in the backfield to pair alongside Playoff record-setter Damien Williams, the Chiefs can make the case for having the best skill players EVER.
RAIDERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (12): WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Rd1 (19): CB Damon Arnette, Ohio St.
Rd3 (80): WR Lynn Bowden Jr., Kentucky
Rd3 (81): WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
Rd3 (100): S Tanner Muse, Clemson
Rd4 (109): OG John Simpson, Clemson
Rd4 (139): CB Amik Robertson, LA Tech
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Raiders honor late Al Davis in 1st Vegas draft
While few evaluators predicted Henry Ruggs would be the first wideout off the board, that’s exactly what took place when the Las Vegas Raiders drafted the speedster with the 12th overall pick despite Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb still being on the board. If any of the other 31 teams made this surprising decision, it’d be completely unexpected.
However, with the Raiders past owner Al Davis’ history of valuing speed over tape when it comes to top WR prospects (See Darius Heyward-Bay in 2009), it makes a little more sense than other situations. In the LAS VEGAS Raiders’ first ever draft, they honored their previous legendary owner by drafting the exact player he would be salivating over and surely inform the front office to pull the trigger on. This one’s for you, Al Davis!
CHARGERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (6): QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Rd1 (23): LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Rd4 (112): RB Josh Kelley, UCLA
Rd5 (151): WR Joe Reed, Virginia
Rd6 (186): S Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame
Rd7 (220): WR KJ Hill, Ohio St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Chargers need Herbert to be the face of the franchise
The Los Angeles Chargers really needed Tom Brady (more than anyone), but they ended up with Justin Herbert instead. There’s no doubt that Herbert has a brighter future outlook than Tom Brady (obviously since Brady’s 43 years old), but Brady could’ve done things to the Chargers that Herbert likely won’t in 2020. However, that’s what LA needs Herbert to do eventually.
The Chargers NEED to assert themselves in the Los Angeles market and Brady would’ve given them the “Tom Brady” effect. Philip Rivers wasn’t enough to generate real home crowds in LA, so Herbert will have to truly be something special to earn LA fans away from the Rams (who were the 1st team in that market back in 1946 and didn’t move to St. Louis until 1994). The only way he can do that is become the face of the franchise that LAC is hoping he’ll be when they drafted him sixth overall.
RAMS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (52): RB Cam Akers, FSU
Rd2 (57): WR Van Jefferson, Florida
Rd3 (84): EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama
Rd3 (104): S Terrell Burgess, Utah
Rd4 (136): TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
Rd6 (199): S Jordan Fuller, Ohio St.
Rd7 (234): LB Clay Johnston, Baylor
Rd7 (248): K Sam Sloman, Miami (OH)
Rd7 (250): OG Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Pressure on 2020 draft class to hit after last 2 years
The last two draft classes have only produced three starting-caliber players so far in DL Sebastian Joseph (6th Rd – 2018), S Taylor Rapp (2nd Rd – 2019), and RG David Edwards (5th Rd – 2019). ALL of their major acquisitions over the past couple of years (DL Ndamukong Suh, CB Marcus Peters, CB Aqib Talib, WR Brandin Cooks, ED Dante Fowler, S Eric Weddle) besides CB Jalen Ramsey will never wear a new Rams uniform.
Considering they haven’t gotten much reinforcements in the last two drafts, the class of 2020 becomes integral to the Rams potential success over the coming years. LA’s undesirable cap situation is what led to RB Todd Gurley, LB Cory Littleton, and K Greg Zuelein departing, making it even more crucial that some of these Rams rookies become impact contributors sooner than later.
DOLPHINS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (5): QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Rd1 (18): OT Austin Jackson, USC
Rd1 (30): CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
Rd2 (39): OG Robert Hunt, UL Lafayette
Rd2 (56): DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama
Rd3 (70): S Brandon Jones, Texas
Rd4 (111): OG Solomon Kindley, Georgia
Rd5 (154): DL Jason Strowbridge, UNC
Rd5 (164): EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise St.
Rd6 (185): LS Blake Ferguson, LSU
Rd7 (246): WR Malcolm Perry, Navy
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Tanking for Tua worked to perfection
The Miami Dolphins entered the 2019 season as the large favorite to finish with the worst record in the NFL. While HC Brian Flores respectively got 5 wins in 2019, they still ended up with a top-5 pick. Many things had to happen over the past year for Tua Tagovailoa to fall to Miami at fifth overall.
1. Tua had to suffer some kind of career-threatening injury. Check.
2. Some other QB would have to come out of nowhere and prove to be a premier passing prospect in his own right. Check.
3. Other than Miami, somehow only one other team with a top-5 pick must believe they lack a franchise QB. Check.
Maybe Miami didn’t lose games on purpose, but their plan to rebuild and put a less talented team on the field every week worked to perfection and culminated in them landing their franchise guy. It may not have gone the way most people predicted, but tanking for Tua ended up working to perfection.
VIKINGS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (22): WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
Rd1 (31): CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
Rd2 (58): OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise St.
Rd3 (89): CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi St.
Rd4 (117): EDGE DJ Wonnum, South Carolina
Rd4 (130): EDGE James Lynch, Baylor
Rd4 (132): LB Troy Dye, Oregon
Rd5 (169): CB Harrison Hand, Temple
Rd5 (176): WR KJ Osborn, Miami
Rd6 (203): OT Blake Brandel, Oregon St.
Rd6 (205): S Josh Metellus, Michigan
Rd7 (225): EDGE Kenny Willekes, Michigan St.
Rd7 (244): QB Nate Stanley, Iowa
Rd7 (249): S Brian Cole II, Mississippi St.
Rd7 (253): OG Kyle Hinton, Washburn (DII)
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: 6 potential future starters helps after losing 6 starters in FA
Before the NFL Draft, not many people expected Minnesota to repeat as a Final-4 team in the NFC in 2020. They’re still not a popular pick with San Francisco, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Seattle, Green Bay, and Dallas all getting better 2021 Super Bowl odds. Last year, they entered the season with the sixth best NFC odds after coming off of their disappointing first year with Kirk Cousins at the helm.
Now, they’re starting to develop some continuity in that Offense, but star WR Stefon Diggs requested a trade and will play in Buffalo this year. Starting ED Everson Griffen, DL Linval Joseph, CB Trae Waynes, CB Xavier Rhodes, & RG Josh Kline also left Minnesota this offseason. In spite of their losses this offseason, this 15-man Draft Class has a whopping six players (WR Jefferson, CB Gladney, LT Cleveland, CB Dantzler, DE Lynch, & LB Dye) that have future starting grades and could turn fortunes around in the Twin Cities.
PATRIOTS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (37): S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir Rhyne
Rd2 (60): LB/ED Josh Uche, Michigan
Rd3 (87): EDGE Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Rd3 (91): TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA
Rd3 (101): TE Dalton Keene, VA Tech
Rd5 (159): K Justin Rohrwasser, Marshall
Rd6 (182): OG Michael Onwenu, Michigan
Rd6 (195): OT Justin Herron, Wake Forest
Rd6 (204): LB Cassh Maluia, Wyoming
Rd7 (230): C Dustin Woodard, Memphis
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Drafted Gronk’s replacement but not Brady’s
New England entered this draft (and Free Agency) with gaping holes at Quarterback and Tight End. While New England addressed the QB position last offseason with the drafting of Jarrett Stidham and this offseason with the $2M signing of Brian Hoyer, Tight End was still left open (possibly in case Gronk decided to come out of retirement).
The good news for New England was Gronk decided to come out of retirement. The bad news was that he would do so only if he could play with the GOAT Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Bill Belichick traded the 4th Rd pick he got from the Bucs to move up and select TE Devin Asiasi out of UCLA late in the 3rd Rd. Then Belichick doubled down on ensuring the Pats have a quality TE in place by drafting Dalton Keene. The Pats now have two potential Tight Ends that could replace Gronk as a quality TE in the lineup, with Asiasi currently being the most likely answer, considering his draft profile.
However, their QB position is still left with more questions than answers. Will the Pats add someone like Cam Newton to start this year? Are they going to give a guy with experience in the system (Hoyer) the keys to the offense to prove Belichick doesn’t need a highly acclaimed signal-caller to win games? Did they really like what they saw from Stidham as a rookie and think he’s ready to take over for a living legend? While the QB questions still remain in Foxborough, at least their future TE outlook now has an answer.
SAINTS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (24): C/G Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Rd3 (74): LB Zach Baun, Wisconsin
Rd3 (105): TE Adam Trautman, Dayton
Rd7 (240): QB Tommy Stevens, Mississippi St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Saints attack three key future needs: RG, LB, TE
With Drew Brees locked in for 1-2 more years, it would make sense for the Saints to follow a similar path as Tom Brady’s Bucs and prioritize instant contributors in 2020. Instead, New Orleans drafted players who aren’t likely to start or play many snaps in year 1. Of course, four of their picks went to Minnesota in a trade that landed them Adam Trautman who will be placed on the TE depth chart behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill as a rookie, but fills a major need for New Orleans in 2021 and beyond.
That same theme applies to Cesar Ruiz and Zack Baun as well, who are stuck behind more established veterans currently, but Larry Warford, Demario Davis, and Alex Anzalone’s upcoming Free Agency should open a spot for them to start going forward after this season.
UPDATE: Larry Warford has been released to save $7.8M and NOLA will start Cesar Ruiz at RG in 2020.
GIANTS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (4): OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Rd2 (36): S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
Rd3 (99): OT Matt Peart, UCONN
Rd4 (110): CB Darnay Holmes, UCLA
Rd5 (150): OG Shane Lemieux, Oregon
Rd6 (183): LB Cam Brown, Penn St.
Rd7 (218): LB Carter Coughlin, Minnesota
Rd7 (238): LB TJ Brunson, South Carolina
Rd7 (247): CB Chris Williamson, Minnesota
Rd7 (255): LB Tae Crowder, Gerogia
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Giants get benefit of the doubt after last year
Pretty much EVERYONE was sleeping on New York’s draft class last year after they used the sixth overall pick to select Daniel Jones out of Duke. A year later, that pick along with the rest of their selections combine to look like one of the best classes from 2020. Getting four first-year starters in QB Daniel Jones, DL Dexter Lawrence, CB Julian Love, and WR Darius Slayton more than makes up for any ‘F’s given to their original draft grade.
While many analysts aren’t so bullish on the Giants top-6 selection again this year, Dave Gettleman has proven that he’s a better evaluator than most of the national pundits and should be given the benefit of the doubt after last year’s excellent draft class.
JETS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (11): OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Rd2 (59): WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
Rd3 (68): S Ashtyn Davis, CAL
Rd3 (79): EDGE Jabari Zuniga, Florida
Rd4 (120): RB La’Mical Perine, Florida
Rd4 (125): QB James Morgan, FIU
Rd4 (129): OT Cameron Clark, Charlotte
Rd5 (158): CB Bryce Hall, Virginia
Rd6 (191): P Bradley Mann, Texas A&M
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Jets giving Darnold the pieces he needs
The New York Jets made it clear in the 2020 NFL Draft that they’re focused on surrounding their Franchise QB with a quality supporting cast. The Jets started that movement with last year’s signing of RB Le’Veon Bell, but have done little else to give Sam Darnold a respectable chance to succeed in the NFL. That changed this year with their wealth of signings up front in Free Agency to keep the pocket clean for their third-year signal-caller.
They followed that up with the drafting of their franchise blindside protector in Mekhi Becton and added one of the standout WRs in this class that can provide the USC product with a big, fast security blanket. NYJ later drafted La’Mical Perine just to ensure the offense has enough pieces around Darnold to help him fulfill his potential as a future Pro Bowl Quarterback.
EAGLES 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (21): WR Jalen Reagor, TCU
Rd2 (53): QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Rd3 (103): LB Davion Taylor, Colorado
Rd4 (127): S K’Von Walace, Clemson
Rd4 (145): OG, Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Rd5 (168): WR John Hightower, Boise St.
Rd6 (196): LB Shaun Bradley, Temple
Rd6 (200): WR Quez Watkins, Southern Mississippi
Rd6 (210): OT, Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
Rd7 (233): LB Casey Toohill, Stanford
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Eagles make the biggest statement of the Draft.
By drafting QB Jalen Hurts with the 53rd overall pick, the Eagles sent a statement to the entire NFL. What that statement exactly entails isn’t yet clear, but the possibilities are intriguing.
1. Either Philly is concerned about Carson Wentz’s extended injury history and now has a lack of faith in his ability to stay on the field and remaining their franchise QB long-term.
2. Maybe they’re sending a message to the NFL that Quarterback is the MOST important position by far so developing two really good QBs will lead to them being able to trade one for a great asset(s) in the future that can help the team in other areas.
3. Perhaps, this pick signifies that the front office sees Jalen Hurts as MORE than just a QB like Taysom Hill and can play alongside Wentz during some offensive situations.
4. What’s also very likely is how the influence of Nick Foles’ presence on the roster being so important to their last title run that they believe they always need to have a high-caliber backup QB in place under Wentz and see Jalen Hurts as just that – a high-quality backup.
Whether this powerful statement of drafting Hurts at #53 is about one of those possibilities or all of them, it is sure to have ripple effects across the league. Rookie contracts are great for the salary cap at any position, but having a successful QB that makes less than $5M/year is one of the greatest advantages in the league.
The question is, who’s Philly’s QB five years from now when Hurts & Wentz’s contracts are up. While the 2016 second overall pick was initially the no-brainer answer to be extended by then, Foles found a way to gas up that exact question and Hurts has a chance to set it in flames.
STEELERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd2 (49): WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Rd3 (102): EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
Rd4 (124): RB Anthony McFarland, Maryland
Rd4 (135): OG Kevin Dotson, UL Lafayette
Rd6 (198): S Antoine Brooks Jr, Maryland
Rd7 (232): DL Carlos Davis, Nebraska
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Steelers adding new dimensions to the offense
People know Pittsburgh’s defense is one of the best in the league, but what most don’t know is that this offense could be special in its own right this year. Of course, Ben Roethlisberger’s health and effectiveness is a huge x-factor to that, but if he can find a way to return to his Hall of Fame self, he’ll enjoy the most versatile supporting cast he maybe has ever had to work with.
While his days with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell gave him two versatile weapons, he’s never benefitted from the kind of depth Pittsburgh currently has at both the RB and WR positions, which is full of guys who can do various things. Their offensive weapons’ versatility can help Offensive Randy Fichter get super creative on a week-by-week basis, taking advantage of the opponent’s weakest link on each defense they face.
Need a deep ball against average Safeties? Throw it up to James Washington.
Facing weak press corners? Hit JuJu on the slant or quick pass.
Want to confuse a young defense with a motion threat? Dial up some plays for Diontae Johnson.
Time to abuse a poor run defense with a powerful rusher? Feed James Conner the rock.
And now they’re adding a fast redzone threat in Chase Claypool who doesn’t appear to have any true weaknesses in his game and a RB with true breakaway speed in Anthony McFarland, adding even more dimensions to an offense that enters 2020 with supreme versatility. This offense might not be as top heavy as year’s past, but the collective juice the Steelers have from their skill players could lead to a unique offensive attack every week.
49ERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (14): DL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Rd1 (25): WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona St.
Rd5 (153): OT Colton McKivitz, WVU
Rd6 (190): TE Charlie Woerner, Georgia
Rd7 (217): WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: 49ers are spinning the wheel at DL
When teams have to build 53-man rosters under a limited salary cap, it’s advantageous to have younger, cheaper players in place. With that in mind, San Francisco’s front office decided they rather have a younger, cheaper athletic specimen on their stout Defensive Line than proven Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner. SF has patented the strategy of investing first round pick after first round pick into the DL and kept the wheel spinning with Javon Kinlaw being the younger, cheaper replacement for DeForest Buckner.
SEAHAWKS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (27): LB Jordan Brooks, Texas Tech
Rd2 (48): EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
Rd3 (69): OG Damien Lewis, LSU
Rd4 (133): TE Colby Parkinson, Stanford
Rd4 (144): RB DeeJay Dallas, Miami
Rd5 (148): EDGE Alton Robinson, Syracuse
Rd7 (214): WR Freddie Swain, Florida
Rd7 (251): TE Stephen Sullivan, LSU
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Seattle’s 2022 outlook looks bleak right now
Before this draft, the Seattle Seahawks had the least amount of expected starters under contract two years from now (8) out of all 32 NFL teams. After this draft, they were able to add LB Jordan Brooks, EDGE Darrell Taylor, and RG Damien Lewis who are all projected to add to that total by 2022.
However, with only 11 expected starters on the roster by then, the Seahawks will have their work cut out for them over the coming offseasons to continue adding young talent and put together a competitive roster going forward with Russell Wilson’s monster contract taking up much of the available cap space. If Seattle’s top-3 picks from this draft all develop into the quality contributors they can be, that’ll go a long way in improving Seattle’s currently bleak 2022 outlook.
BUCCANEERS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (13): OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Rd2 (45): S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
Rd3 (76): RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt
Rd5 (161): WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Rd6 (194): DL Khalil Davis, Nebraska
Rd7 (241): LB Chapelle Russell, Temple
Rd7 (245): RB Raymond Calais, UL Lafayette
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Instant contributors were a priority
Before the NFL Draft, the only two key additions to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason was Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Considering they’re both in the last chapter of their NFL careers, it became clear that Tampa was going to target instant contributors in the Draft, which is exactly what they did.
Tristan Wirfs is a plug-and-play addition at RT while Antoine Winfield can step in as the Dime Safety in 2020. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Tyler Johnson are both likely to receive a good amount of touches this year as well. These players might not all have the highest ceiling by the time 2025 comes around, but in 2020 while Tampa has a clear Super Bowl window, these prospects can contribute instantly.
TITANS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (29): OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Rd2 (61): CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
Rd3 (93): RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian St.
Rd5 (174): DL Larrell Murchison, NC St.
Rd7 (224): QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii
Rd7 (243): CB Chris Jackson, Marshall
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Titans are ready to run it down everyone’s throats
Tennessee HC Mike Vrabel embraces old-fashion philosophies when it comes to the team’s game plan, which shouldn’t be surprising considering his All-Pro career started in 1997. Running the ball early and often was the recipe for success in the NFL during Vrabel’s early career, but has since lost its glamour around the league.
That was of course before Super Bowl Champion HC John Harbarugh and the transcendently athletic Lamar Jackson changed the game after setting a single-season NFL rushing record en route to the No.1 seed in the AFC (14-2).
Mike Vrabel might not have a QB with near as much physical talent, but his RB also has supremely unique athleticism himself. King Henry’s size/power/speed combo is second to none. While Harbaugh’s Ravens got the No.1 seed last year, Vrabel’s Titans carried Henry’s special running ability all the way to the AFC Championship, and they don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon with this draft class.
REDSKINS 2020 DRAFT CLASS:
Rd1 (2): EDGE Chase Young, Ohio St.
Rd3 (66): WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis
Rd4 (108): OT Saahdiq Charles, LSU
Rd4 (142): WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty
Rd5 (156): C Keith Ismael, San Diego St.
Rd5 (162): LB Khaleke Hudson, Michigan
Rd7 (216): S Kamren Clark, Arkansas
Rd7 (229): EDGE James Smith Williams, NC St.
MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Redskins will soon have the best D-Line in the NFL.
Chase Young has all the makings of being the next great NFL pass-rusher with a DPOY, All-Pros, and future large contracts to one day show for it. He’s now joining a Defensive Line that were all recent DC 1st Rd draft picks.
Washington is taking notes from their former Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s new team, who just won the NFC, largely thanks to a dominant D-Line built behind consecutive first round picks. With Young (2nd overall pick in 2020), Da’Ron Payne (13th in 2018), Jonathan Allen (17th in 2017), and Montez Sweat (26th in 2019), the Skins have a wealth of recent first round picks who have all impressed so far, and together will soon form the best Defensive Line in the NFL.
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