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Projecting the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft using our Team Needs Analysis and identifying the best available player based on draft position. The NFL Draft is all about drafting the best value to fill a position of need.
The Process
We use a combination of our internal player rankings, composite player rankings to match the best available fit based on the needs of each team.
No Trades
We are not using a trade thought process, but in some cases, we pick the best fit, assuming that a trade might be needed to get a particular player that would fit a team need.
Instant Impact Value
Instant impact value includes the players in the draft who can make an impact immediately, whether its a position of need or not. A great example is Saquan Barkley, who when drafted, made an immediate impact. Barkley is a high-level example and a generational talent and not every instant impact player is a generational type. A non-generational example might be the impact that Devin Bush had at MLB for the Steelers a season ago. Instant Impact can also be attributed to the team a player joins. For example; If CeeDee Lamb joins the Chiefs we can assume right away he would be an instant impact player. This process is mostly a subjective way of categorizing each player.
Long Term Value
We are weighing the long term value when making our picks. For example, in a WR heavy draft, it might be wiser to pick an IOL or T in round one to fill a need for the long term, especially for teams who have a franchise QB already in place. Long Term Value players are those who we believe can produce at a consistent level for 8-10 years in the NFL.
Potential Upside
Coaches and GM's love to draft players with high upside that they believe can develop. These players are higher risk values. These players might have been high level in college but may lack the consistency needed to become a long term value in the NFL.
20. Jacksonville f/LAR CB CJ HENDERSON, FLORIDA Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: DL, LB, CB
Jacksonville needs help upfront. The question mark is if they believe that Cam Robinson will develop into the player they thought he could become. They can use a lot of help on defense at all three levels.
19. Las Vegas f/CHI LB PATRICK QUEEN, LSU Instant Impact
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, CB, LB
The Raiders are desperate for an elite WR after leaning on a TE (Darren Waller) a season ago. The Raiders are also in urgent need of an upgrade at LB. The consensus has been that the Raiders will take any of the elite WR's on the board (Jeudy, Lamb, Reagor. If any of the three are on the board, expect them to snag one. Don't be surprised if the Raiders try to trade up to secure Lamb or Jeudy.
18. Miami f/PIT EDGE K'LAVON CHAISSON, LSU Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, IOL, EDGE
Miami will draft Tua if available in this spot, or will they? Tua is not guaranteed to play in year one so the Dolphins might need to ride with Ryan Fitzpatrick for a year to assure Tua is 100%. Regardless of who is at QB, the Dolphins need help up front.
17. Dallas S XAVIER MCKINNEY, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: DL, CB, S
The Cowboys need to upgrade or replace members in their secondary. The Cowboys are only a few pieces and few contracts away from becoming Super Bowl contenders. Once they sure up their secondary, they will need to find a DT.
16. Atlanta CB KRISTIAN FULTON, LSU Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, EDGE, CB
It feels like an eternity since the Falcons Super Bowl collapse vs the Patriots. In NFL years it has been an eternity and the clock is running out on Matt Ryan. The Falcons aren't in the market for a new QB yet but will be in the coming years. For now, they need to upgrade their secondary and find an EDGE rusher.
15. Denver WR JALEN REAGOR, TCU Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, G, CB
The Broncos need to add another WR to the mix opposite of Courtland Sutton. The other issue is at Guard where they need a lot of help in order to keep Drew Lock upright.
The Broncos could also use a corner opposite Chris Harris.
14. Tampa Bay RB JONATHON TAYLOR WISCONSIN Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: S, CB, RB
The Bucs need help all over and will likely target the best available player at either of the three primary positions of need. In this case, the Bucs address a need at RB that has plagued them the last two seasons.
13. Indianapolis CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: DL, CB, WR
The Colts needed help in the secondary and if one of the top corners in Okudah, or Diggs are available, the Colts should sprint to the podium. They have to find another WR or two in an effort to support Jacoby Brissett assuming he is still the signal-caller in 2020.
12. Las Vegas WR CEEDEE LAMB, OKLAHOMA Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, CB, LB
The Raiders are desperate for an elite WR after leaning on a TE (Darren Waller) a season ago. The Raiders are also in urgent need of an upgrade at LB. The consensus has been that the Raiders will take any of the elite WR's on the board (Jeudy, Lamb, Reagor. If any of the three are on the board, expect them to snag one. Don't be surprised if the Raiders try to trade up to secure Lamb or Jeudy.
11. NY Jets T JEDRICK WILLS, ALABAMA Long Term Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, IOL, WR
Protect your top asset by adding long term value. The Jets need to keep Darnold upright if they want to contend in the AFC East. The next priority is at WR and the interior of their offensive line.
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