.png){kind=small}
GM's will be making their picks from their basements similar to the millions of fantasy football owners who do the same from their mom's basement. What could go wrong (insert unreliable internet service name here)? One thing is for sure, there are some GM's out there that some fans believe are not worthy of being an NFL GM, and that truth might just come to light due to the lessening of in-person scouting and interviews that GM's and scouts depend on to make their evaluations whole. Many prospects had to cancel their scheduled pro days, and a few were able to do a virtual pro day. The one certainty is that we are going to find out what teams employ the best talent evaluators.
The final Football Scout 365 2020 Mock Draft Offers A Shake-Up
What if Tua goes Number two? I don't see many in the media or the self-proclaimed "analysts" on the socials giving any credence to the possibility that Tua could go number one. In fact, it is not a thing anywhere that I have searched. The only conversation over the last few months regarding the possibility of Tua going any earlier than 6th to LAC happened back in early March where many different media outlets reported that the Redskins were interested in taking Tua at #2 instead of Chase Young. The reasoning among the internet rumor mongers was that Ron Rivera wanted to bring in someone else to compete with Hasking AKA, Riverboat Ron doesn't have confidence in Haskins.
Tua Tagovailoa Moves to Number 1 In Our Overall Player Rankings
Tua and Joe Burrow are 1A and 1B. You will not go wrong picking either of the two. But if you really watch Tua on tape and I mean you take it all in, he is the more impressive prospect athletically. Tua and Burrow share a lot of competitive traits, and in terms of scouting, both lack flaws in their game. What separates Tua is his athletic ability, but that same athletic ability is what put him in harm's way at times when he tried to make something out of nothing. If not for the injury to Tua's hip and the two previous ankle surgeries, Tua might be the number one player on all Draft Boards this year, but the reality is that there are skeptics and rightfully so.
Click to go to Tua and Joe Burrow's full analysis below.
Final FIrst Round 2020 NFL Mock Draft
1. Cincinnati QB JOE BURROW, LSU Instant Impact Value
Tua and Burrow are 1A and 1B, and the Bengals appear locked in on Burrow.
Bengals Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, IOL, EDGE
The most obvious pick in this draft is Joe Burrow. The Bengals are moving on from Andy Dalton, but they have a lot of needs. Whoever is at QB needs protection so the Bengals will have to improve their offensive line. The Defensive line also needs depth.2. Washington QB TUA TAGOVAILOA, ALABAMA Potential Upside
You cannot pass on a potential franchise QB
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) EDGE CHASE YOUNG, OSU Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, WR, EDGE The player most draft pundits think is the best in this draft cycle is Chase Young and it is hard to argue. But the Redskins have floated the possibility of moving on from Haskins and Pursuing Tua Tagovailoa. They have needs on the OL, and at WR.3. Detroit CB JEFF OKUDAH, OSU Instant Impact Value
Why not Chase Young if available? Because elite corners are hard to find and are in higher demand in today's NFL.
3/17/20 *(Original projection before signing LB Jamie Collins) Detroit LB/S ISAIAH SIMMONS, CLEMSON Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: EDGE, LB, CB
The Lions need to improve all three levels of their defense. The defensive back opposite of Slay needs to be upgraded. The LB position has underperformed the last two years. They are in great spot and rumors have been spun that they have interest in Tua, others believe they go with the best CB in this draft cycle (Jeff Okudah), but after Isaiah Simmons combine performance it might be too difficult to pass on his versatile ability.4. NY Giants EDGE CHASE YOUNG, OSU Instant Impact Value
Well, the Giants would be lucky to land in this spot. They would sprint up the basement to the "virtual" podium with their card if young is available.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) T TRISTAN WIRFS, IOWA Long Term Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, EDGE, LB The Giants need to draft a tackle, or two. They also need to fix their secondary on a defense that ranked 30th in 20+ yard plays allowed and in the bottom third of our 2019 defensive HIP Rate. 5. Miami T TRISTAN WIRFS, IOWA Long Term Value
The Dolphins lost the Tua sweepstakes by not tanking enough in 2019. They go tackle in hopes they can land Herbert, or Love at 18. Cam Newton is sitting at home waiting for a call.
QB 4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) TUA TAGOVAILOA, ALABAMA Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, T, CB
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 upfront.6. LA Chargers QB JUSTIN HERBERT, OREGON Potential Upside The Chargers hold their breath and go with Herbert.
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, T, IOL Philip Rivers is on the way out, so te obvious pick at this spot is QB assuming Herbert or Tua is available you can expect the Chargers to go this route. They will need to also draft IOL, and T to protect their investment.7. Carolina DT DERRICK BROWN, AUBURN Instant Impact Value
Elite 5-tool DL are hard to find and Brown is an elite 5-tool talent filling an immediate need in Carolina
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: IOL, CB, DL
The Panthers need a lot of help. The offensive line will be a priority in this draft. Whoever they have at QB needs to be protected. The defense needs depth and talent up front so it wouldn't be a surprise if they go after a DT in round one.8. Arizona T JEDRICK WILLS, ALABAMA Long Term Value
Will's fill's the Cardinals need at RT.
3/16/20 *(Original Pick before Hopkins Trade) WR JERRY JEUDY, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, IOL, DL
The Cardinals need to protect their long term investment at QB. They should draft an Offensive lineman in this spot, but it might prove too challenging to pass on one of the top WR's in this draft. The Cardinals need help at every position.
Adam Schefter Tweet
3/16/20 Update: Arizona is working on finalizing a trade deal for Houston Texan WR Deandre Hopkins per Adam Schefter. We expect that the Cardinals will pick up one of the more coveted Tackles in this draft. 9. Jacksonville T ANDREW THOMAS, GEORGIA Long Term Value
The Jags go with OL to support their young QB Gardner Minshew protecting his mustache (if he still has one).
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: S, T, IOL Jacksonville needs help up front. 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.10. Cleveland LB/S ISAIAH SIMMONS, CLEMSON Instant Impact Value
The Browns land the NFL's top defensive utility player and they instantly upgrade their defense.
3/17/20 *(Original projection before signing LB Jamie Collins and Cleveland Signing T Jack Conklin)
OT MEKHI BECTON, LOUISVILLE Long Term Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, IOL, LB
Cleveland needs to fix the offensive line from the inside out. They also have needs on defense. The Browns need to upgrade at LB and depth is needed on the defensive line.11. NY JETS WR JERRY JEUDY, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
Jeudy is the top WR in the NFL draft. The Jets add an elite weapon at WR to support Sam Darnold.
Update 3/19/20 (Signed George Fant) OT MEKHI BECTON, LOUISVILLE Long Term Value
3/17/20 *(Jeudy, was the Jet's second option after not being in a position to land one of the top 3 tackles until the Jamie Collins to Detroit signing allowing the Lions to go get Okudah filling two of their needs. Cleveland signed Jack Conklin and now Mekhi Becton lands in the Jets lap. NY Jets WR JERRY JEUDY, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
3/16/20*(Original Pick before Hou-AZ Hopkins Trade) 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 lin12. Las Vegas WR CEEDEE LAMB, OKLAHOMA Instant Impact Value
They cannot go wrong with this pick, they have options including the ability to wait until later
(Update 3/19/20) Raiders Have to go Back to CeeDee because of changes ahead of them in the draft. Jets signed a tackle in free agency and are projected to take a WR. Las Vegas WR JERRY JEUDY, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
3/17/20 The Raiders appeared poised to snag Lamb until the reverberations of free agency and trades changed how we are projecting the picks ahead of the Raiders.
(Original Pick before until the Cleveland signed Jack Conklin leading them to not draft a tackle and Becton landing in the Jets lap). 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.
13. San Francisco Via IND WR HENRY RUGGS, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
Flatbill Nepotism gets another scary weapon that he can use to unleash hell on defenses around the NFL.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) DT JAVON KINLAW SOUTH CAROLINA Instant Impact Value
Update 3/19/20 (Changes ahead of them in the draft lead the 49ers to change their pick from Lamb). WR CEEDEE LAMB, OKLAHOMA Instant Impact Value
3/17/20 (Colts Trade 13th pick to SF for Deforest Buckner)
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: CB, WR, CB
The 49ers have to upgrade at CB in 2020. Richard Sherman is aging but still playing at a high level, but they need more stability opposite Sherman. The 49ers could use an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line (G), but at the end of the day, we believe they will draft a young corner.14. Tampa Bay OT MEKHI BECTON, LOUISVILLE Long Term Value
Tampa works on protecting Tom Brady.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) 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.15. Denver DT JAVON KINLAW SOUTH CAROLINA Instant Impact Value
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) 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. Denver goes with a DT to fill a need on the interior of their defensive line. 16. Atlanta CB CJ HENDERSON, FLORIDA Potential Upside
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) 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.17. Dallas EDGE K'LAVON CHAISSON, LSU Instant Impact Value 4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) 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.18. Miami f/PIT QB Jordan Love, Utah State (Click to View Player Profile)
After the Dolphins reach out to Cam Newton, they secure Jordan Love who can be mentored by Cam for a season or two.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) T ISAIAH WILSON, GEORGIA Instant Impact Value
3/17/20 *(Original projection prior to Dolphins acquiring EDGE/LB Kyle Van Noy). EDGE K'LAVON CHAISSON, LSU Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, T, WR
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 upfront.19. Las Vegas f/CHI CB KRISTIAN FULTON, LSU
Raiders DC Paul Guenther gets himself a solid press corner to help bolster the Raiders secondary.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) LB PATRICK QUEEN, LSU 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.20. Jacksonville f/LAR CB Jeff Gladney, TCU Potential Upside
The Jags pick up an aggressive press man CB to help improve their atrocious 2019 pass defense.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) 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.21. Philadelphia WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON LSU Instant Impact Value
The Eagles snag the best predominantly slot prospect in this year's draft.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) WR HENRY RUGGS, ALABAMA Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, CB, LB
The Eagles need receivers. That is all. I don't foresee any other route in the draft for the Eagles in round one. But they need corners. They have work to do in the draft and free agency. We believe they will go with a WR in this spot. The draft is about value, so if the right DB falls into their lap at this spot, they might go the DB route. Remember, this NFL draft has a lot of WR depth, and the Eagles might be able to wait until round two.22. Minnesota via BUF WR JALEN REAGOR, TCU Potential Upside
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) WR DENZEL MIMS BAYLOR Instant Impact Value
*(Updated post-DIggs Trade) T EZRA CLEVELAND, BOISE STATE Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: IOL, CB, WR
Minnesota needs to upgrade its secondary and offensive line. Depending on who is available in this spot, they could go either way. We are going to go with the offensive line in this spot. Minnesota could not block the 49ers in the playoffs and need to upgrade both interior offensive line spots.
23. New England EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State Potential Upside
The Patriots pick a high upside anchor, run stopper, and pass rusher that will line up opposite of Chase Winovich.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) S GRANT DELPIT, LSU Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: T, WR, TE
The Patriots need a WR, and this is the perfect draft to get the right one. Regardless of what they decide to do at QB, the Patriots need to fill their void at outside WR opposite of N'keal Harry, and TE. The Patriots might be prepared to move up in the draft to get a QB to replace Brady if he decides to move on. The Patriots have a lot of variables that make this pick challenging to project. They have a need at safety, and this might be too early to go safety but it might be too early unless Grant Delpit falls into their lap.24. New Orleans IOL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan Long Term Value
With Larry Warford is in the last year of his deal the Saints add a young IOL who can play all three IOL positions.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) LB KENNETH MURRAY, OKLAHOMA Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: CB, LB, IOL
The Saints need to improve their secondary and dependent on who is available at this point in round number one; we assume this will be the area they want to upgrade. The Saints struggled against slot WR's in 2019 and can use a corner who can play the nickel. They should also consider an upgrade at Linebacker. With Larry Warford is in the last year of his deal the Saints add a young IOL who can play all three IOL positions. 25. Minnesota CB A.J. TERRELL, CLEMSON Potential Upside
The Vikings need a CB, and Terrell fits the Holton Hill Mold. If Hill does not stay healthy Terrell can man the boundary, or flip to the field when needed.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) CB JAYLON JOHNSON, UTAH Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: IOL, CB, WR
Minnesota needs to upgrade its secondary and offensive line. Depending on who is available in this spot, they could go either way. We are going to go with the offensive line in this spot. Minnesota could not block the 49ers in the playoffs and need to upgrade both interior offensive line spots.26. Miami f/HOU RB JONATHON TAYLOR WISCONSIN Instant Impact Value
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON LSU Instant Impact Value
*(Second projection prior to team needs review) T AUSTIN JACKSON USC Potential Upside
*(Original projection CESAR RUIZ MICHIGAN Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: QB, T, WR
Miami improved quite a bit late in the year in a lot of areas. They also have three first-round picks. The Dolphins have a lot of leverage in this draft, and if they are wise, they should draft Tua at pick five and go with two additional offensive linemen (Guard and Tackle). The thought process is that Tua will sit year one giving the Dolphins a season to develop their newly drafted offensive line. So we think they go with OL, but if Swift is available this late the Dolphins will add him to the mix with Tua, assuming Tua is available at number 5.27. Seattle RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State Potential Upside
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) OT JOSHUA JONES, HOUSTON Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: IOL, T, WR
The Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line to protect their most significant asset in Russell Wilson. We expect the Seahawks to snag the best available guard or tackle. The Seahawks could pick as many as three offensive linemen in the 2020 draft.28. Baltimore LB PATRICK QUEEN, LSU Instant Impact Value
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) WR CHASE CLAYPOOL, NOTRE DAME Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, EDGE, LB
The Ravens need a physical outside WR to line up opposite of Hollywood Brown. This is a no brainer and should be one of the more obvious choices in this draft. The Ravens have additional needs on the interior of their offensive line after the Yanda retirement. They will be looking to add a pass rusher to a defense that ranked 10th overall in Defensive HIP Rate (14%) but only accumulated 37 sacks while ranking atop the NFL in blitz rate29. Tennessee DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama Potential Upside
The Titans pick the freakish 6"7' 300+ lb Davis to replace the departed Jurrell Casey.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) EDGE A.J. EPENESA, IOWA Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: EDGE, DL, IOL
The Titans had a hard time getting pressure on Mahomes in the AFC Championship game. During the regular season, the Titans ranked 14th in sacks and 15th in overall HIP Rate (High Impact Play Rate) on defense. For the Titans to get back to the AFC title in 2020, they will need to improve their pass rush. The Titans will most likely draft an edge rusher in round one.
30. Green Bay LB KENNETH MURRAY, OKLAHOMA Instant Impact Value
The Packers pick up the best sideling to sideline LB in the draft to place beside Christian Kirksey at WLB.
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) DT JUSTIN MADUBUIKE, TEXAS A&M Instant Impact
*3/17/20 (Original Projection of a WR has begun to make less sense with the depth at the position and team needs. After reevaluating top available players, the decision to move to a DT made more sense). WR LAVISKA SHENAULT, Colorado Instant Impact Value
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: WR, T, TE
The 2020 NFL Draft offers the Packers the chance to grab a high-level WR in the first round, but the depth at WR does offer the Packers a shot to address a need in their front seven. Green Bay couldn't stop Raheem Mostert in the NFC Title game, and during the regular season, the Packers ranked in the middle of the league (16th) in missed tackle rate (10.42%). Depending on the free agency market, the Packers might not be able to pass on drafting a high-level defender and waiting until the 2nd or 3rd to draft a WR. Based on need, we think they go defense, but we are going with WR in this spot to fill a need opposite of Davante Adams.
31. San Francisco DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma Potential Upside
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) CB A.J. TERRELL, CLEMSON Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: CB, S, IOL
The 49ers have to upgrade at CB in 2020. Richard Sherman is aging but still playing at a high level, but they need more stability opposite Sherman. The 49ers could use an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line (G), but at the end of the day, we believe they will draft a young corner.32. Kansas City IOL Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin Long Term Value
4/20/20 *(Original projection before rankings change) ROSS BLACKLOCK, TCU Potential Upside
3/17/20 *(Original projection Prior to Stefan Diggs to trade to Buffalo) DT JAVON KINLAW SOUTH CAROLINA Potential Upside
Team Needs Assessment Primary Needs: LB, DT, CB
The Super Bowl Champions are far from exempt as it pertains to team needs. The Chiefs have holes in their defense at all three levels, and because the NFL is a pass-first league, we believe the Chiefs will try to upgrade at corner. Depending on who is available at this point in the draft, the Chiefs could go with a DT to plug in right next to Chris Jones.