LIVE: 2020 NFL Draft

1. Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, QB out of LSU

My thoughts: Ever since they landed the first pick, the Bengals have had their eyes on this Bayou Bengal. Burrow had a historic season in 2019, carving up every single defense he saw en route to leading LSU to a title. Burrow is an older prospect and some may label him as a one-year wonder, but I think Burrow is absolutely legit and will have lots of success in Cincy as long as Zac Taylor does an adequate job building around him. Great Pick

2. Washington Redskins select Chase Young, EDGE out of Ohio State

My thoughts: The Redskins have a ways to go to return to contention, but grabbing one of the greatest EDGE prospects the NFL has ever seen will definitely help. Young to me, is far and away the top player in this draft class. He did it all as a pass rusher at Ohio State with his gigantic 6'5" 265 lbs and I see no reason as to why that wouldn't translate to the NFL. Chase Young will make an instant impact and be a perennial All-Pro for Washington. Great Pick

3. Detroit Lions select Jeff Okudah, CB out of Ohio State

My thoughts: Okudah is an absolute dog, the undisputed top cornerback in America in 2019. He's not the same as Jalen Ramsey, but to me he's the best DB prospect since Ramsey was drafted out of Florida State. After shipping off disgruntled CB Darius Slay, Okudah will slot in easily in the Mo-Town secondary. Great Pick

4. New York Giants select Andrew Thomas, OT out of Georgia

My thoughts: Our first somewhat surprising pick, the Giants bypass Isaiah Simmons and select Andrew Thomas. While Thomas isn't my favorite of the OT prospects, he is considered a very safe prospect, and in these times with teams not getting in-person workouts, Thomas isn't a bad pick. If I was Dave Gettleman, I would've went Jedrick Wills, my OT1, but Andrew Thomas can start early and protect whoever is under center. Decent Pick

5. Miami Dolphins select Tua Tagovailoa, QB out of Alabama

My thoughts: The Dolphins did a great job of keeping the public guessing, but after lots of speculation, Tua is a Dolphin. Sans the injuries, this is likely an easy pick, but Tua does come with those health concerns. With Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen on the roster, Chris Grier bit the bullet and is taking the risk. Let me tell you, the risk is 100% worth it. After bursting onto the scene in the second half of the National Championship vs Georgia and has just gotten better and better. He has the arm strength, touch, and the intangibles to be a superstar in this league. Tua is no guarantee, but he has as high of a ceiling as anyone in this draft. Great Pick

6. Los Angeles (bleh) Chargers select Justin Herbert, QB out of Oregon

My thoughts: I really thought the Chargers would pass on a QB in the 1st round and take an OT, but I was wrong! Herbert is built like an NFL player, standing 6'6" 238 lbs. Herbert has incredible arm talent and flashed insane potential in Eugene, but has struggled with consistency. The Chargers can ease him into the league with Tyrod Taylor being a capable stopgap for a short period, allowing Herbert to refine his craft before moving up to center stage. He isn't a perfect fit for Anthony Lynn's scheme, but Lynn will retool his offense around his young QB. Solid Pick

7. Carolina Panthers select Derrick Brown, IDL out of Auburn

My thoughts: The Panthers have long been linked to the Auburn defensive linemen and confirm that interest in selecting him with the #7 pick. Carolina's roster has many holes, so it makes sense they take Brown, who in this case is considered the best player available on the board. Brown wreaked havoc on the Plains and was able to capture the SEC Defensive Player Of The Year in 2019. There's no need to continue to say it in different ways, Derrick Brown is a monster. Great Pick

8. Arizona Cardinals select Isaiah Simmons, LB/S out of Clemson

My thoughts: The Cardinals were already winning the offseason before this selection, but with the addition of Isaiah Simmons, they may be my early pick to win the NFC West. Simmons can line up anywhere defensively and will be amazing. Taking one of the three remaining top OTs would've made sense and I'm sure Kyler Murray would've loved a reunion with CeeDee Lamb, but with a rare talent like Isaiah Simmons still on the board, Steve Keim couldn't pass up on the former Clemson man. I absolutely cannot wait to watch the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. Great Pick

9. Jacksonville Jaguars select C.J. Henderson, CB out of Florida

My thoughts: The Jags could've went many ways here, but they ultimately keep Florida DB C.J. Henderson in state. He's been a top DB in college football since his emergence as a true Freshman. Henderson battled with guys like J'Marr Chase, Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley week in and week out in the SEC. I think C.J. Henderson should be an above average DB in the pros. Solid Pick

10. Cleveland Browns select Jedrick Wills, OT out of Alabama

My thoughts: The Browns were able to stand pat and get my top OT prospect to fall to them. Cleveland desperately needed to up the protection for Baker Mayfield and Wills is just the guy to do it. Jed played RT for Alabama and served as Tua's blindside blocker. Playing on the right side and being the blindside for a QB (meaning he's left handed) is a unique position for an offensive linemen to be in, but Wills did a good job. He will be able to play either side of the line at a high level in the NFL. Great Pick

11. New York Jets select Mekhi Becton, OT out of Louisville

My thoughts: Pain. It seemed there was no chance Tristan Wirfs would be available at #11, but he was! However, of course, the Jets bypass the clear guy and select Mekhi Becton. By no means do I dislike Mekhi, I think he can be a good tackle that will help keep Sam Darnold upright, but he's the least polished of the four and questions remain about a complication with a previous drug test. Only time will tell with this pick, but I am disappointed. Questionable Pick

12. Las Vegas Raiders select Henry Ruggs III, WR out of Alabama

My thoughts: While it may be a shocker that Ruggs is the first wideout off the board, it has been apparent for a long time that the Raiders were in love with the Alabama speedster. Ruggs has a coveted combination of speed and hands, warranting many to compare him to Tyreek Hill. I don't know if he's Tyreek Hill, but Henry Ruggs III is a great WR prospect. Although I have Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb ranked higher, I don't think this is a bad pick. Solid Pick

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via San Francisco) select Tristan Wirfs, OL out of Iowa

My thoughts: It is absolutely criminal that the Bucs were able to get Tristan Wirfs without trading into the top 10. Wirfs is my OT2 after a great career at Iowa. Some see him more as an OG in the pros, but regardless of where he lines up for Tampa Bay, Tom Brady will be pleased to have him on board. The addition of Tristan Wirfs coupled with Rob Gronkowski's return (and trade) make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers one of the scariest offenses on paper. Great Pick 

14. San Francisco 49ers (via Tampa Bay) select Javon Kinlaw, IDL out of South Carolina

My thoughts: Woah! I thought trading DeForest Buckner for this pick showed the 9ers belief in the depth of the defensive line, but John Lynch saw Javon Kinlaw and couldn't resist. His pass rushing abilities from the inside are mind blowing, he's easily the best interior pass rusher in the class. Because of the aforementioned depth San Francisco has on the line, Kyle Shanahan can ease him into the league by starting with him coming in on obvious passing downs. Just because this pick was a surprise, doesn't mean it wasn't a good one. Solid Pick

15. Denver Broncos select Jerry Jeudy, WR out of Alabama

My thoughts: Somewhere in the country, Drew Lock is jumping up and down. It was widely believed that Denver would have to trade up to select Jeudy or Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb, but they stayed at 15 and had the choice of either! Jeudy is my WR1 because of his route running that is comparable to none. Jerry's route running along with his above average athleticism, speed, and hands made all of Tuscaloosa "ooo" and "ahh" through his three seasons at Alabama. Jerry Jeudy has the makings of being a #1 WR and should be a focal point of the Bronco offense immediately. Great Pick

16. Atlanta Falcons select A.J. Terrell, CB out of Clemson

My thoughts: Yikes! First pick that I really question is this selection of A.J. Terrell. I thought EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson was the clear pick, but the Falcons do also need a DB. However, I think Terell is a fringe 1st round pick and definitely a reach for Thomas Dimitroff, who is fighting for his job this season. I like CBs Jeff Gladney and Kristian Fulton much more than A.J. Terrell, but in the end, WHY WAS IT NOT K'LAVON?!? Poor Pick

17. Dallas Cowboys select CeeDee Lamb, WR out of Oklahoma

My thoughts: This draft was expected to be wild, and boy is it! I couldn't imagine CeeDee Lamb falling to #17, but he did! WR isn't necessarily a top priority for "America's Team," but CeeDee Lamb is a different breed. He walked onto campus in Norman and balled out from day 1. DB remains a big need for Dallas, however the never satisfied Cowboys fans should be thrilled with this selection, as should Dak Prescott. Great Pick

18. Miami Dolphins select Austin Jackson, OT out of USC

My thoughts: I'm not a huge fan of Jackson, but the Fins needed to upgrade the OL and he does just that. Whether or not he's day 1 starter, I expect Jackson to eventually be a solid OT that can help keep the quarterback (Tua) upright. Decent Pick

19. Oakland Raiders select Damon Arnette, CB out of Ohio State

My thoughts: Did I miss something? Do teams think drafting non first round caliber CBs is the move? This selection makes the A.J. Terrell pick look incredible because while Arnette was solid in Columbus, he is not close to worthy of a first round selection. I mean I didn't have him taken in my two round mock and I believe he wasn't selected until the end of the third round in a collaborative 7 round mock I did a few weeks back. Mike Mayock and co. are big on "high character," but this pick is awful.  Poor Pick

20. Jacksonville Jaguars select K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE out of LSU

My thoughts: Very nice pick for Jacksonville that clears the way to trade Yannick Ngakoue. Chaisson is incredibly quick and athletic off the edge, two traits that are hard to teach. In my mock I compared him to the Vikings' Danielle Hunter, who is one of my favorite players in the league. Chaisson may need time to develop, but he has lots of talent. Solid Pick

21. Philadelphia Eagles select Jalen Reagor, WR out of TCU

My thoughts: While I prefer Justin Jefferson over Reagor, I think Philly fans are happy with any WR. Jalen Reagor had a poor offense around him in 2019, but don't get it twisted, he's very good. Jalen is undersized, but has burner wheels that will stretch the field and give Carson Wentz a legit deep ball threat. He needs to bulk up and be able to run routes over the middle of the field if he wants to have a chance to be a WR1, but Reagor is a good fit for Doug Peterson's team. Decent Pick

22. Minnesota Vikings select Justin Jefferson, WR out of LSU

My thoughts: The Vikings shipped off Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for the #25 this offseason, giving them two chances to draft his replacement. Justin Jefferson is the guy and I think it's a phenomenal pick. Jefferson went off for the National Champions in 2019, hauling in 111 receptions from Joe Burrow. The Vikings have Adam Thielen, who had a 100+ reception season in 2018, as the top dog of the WR corps and a guy that can help get JJettas acquainted with the league and improve his craft. Solid Pick

23. Los Angeles (bleh) Chargers (via New England) select Kenneth Murray, LB out of Oklahoma

My thoughts: When the Chargers traded back into the 1st round ahead of the Saints, it was clear they wanted to snag a linebacker. Murray was the leader of the Sooner defense for essentially all 3 years he was in Norman. Murray is versatile from the ILB spot, capable of doing whatever his team asks of him. Solid Pick

24. New Orleans Saints select Cesar Ruiz, IOL out of Michigan

My thoughts: After a great career at Michigan, Ruiz was being mocked anywhere from high teens to 3rd round. In the end, he finds himself in New Orleans with Sean Payton. I would've loved to see the Saints take a chance on Jordan Love, but taking an offensive lineman (especially after Kenneth Murray was selected) makes sense.  Decent Pick

25. San Francisco 49ers (via Minnesota) select Brandon Aiyuk, WR out of Arizona State

My thoughts: I'll do my best to be impartial and not biased, but I love Brandon Aiyuk and I love this fit in San Francisco. Aiyuk transferred to ASU from JUCO and ended up breaking out his Senior season in 2019. Aiyuk has high-end speed and is one of the best receivers after the catch in this draft class. He struggles in press coverage and overall is pretty raw, but I think Kyle Shanahan will be able to get the most out of Aiyuk. Solid Pick 

26. Green Bay Packers (via Miami) select Jordan Love, QB out of Utah State

My thoughts: While Aaron Rodgers isn't necessarily near the end, the Packers trade up and select Utah State signal caller Jordan Love. Love's 2019 numbers may make one question why he's a first round pick, but he has arm talent that's off the charts. Love has all the natural tools to be a starting QB in the league, but needs lots of refining in his footwork, decision making, and accuracy. That's what makes Green Bay a perfect pick, Love isn't expected to be the starter for a while. Green Bay similarly drafted Aaron Rodgers with a high pick while Brett Favre was still around, and that worked out pretty well. The Packers have some more pressing needs, but they don't have a glaring hole that makes this an awful pick. Terrific fit for the most polarizing prospect in the 2020 Draft. Solid Pick

  27. Seattle Seahawks select Jordyn Brooks, LB out of Texas Tech

My thoughts: It's the Seahawks and I know they love to reach in the 1st round, but this one is awful with Patrick Queen available. It amazes me how the Seahawks maintain contender status and continue with these awful first round habits. Brooks isn't bad, but not 1st round caliber and just horrible value this early. Poor Pick

28. Baltimore Ravens select Patrick Queen, LB out of LSU

My thoughts: Homerun pick here for Baltimore. After the Packers traded up, it seemed like Queen would be headed to Wisconsin. The Ravens get blessed by both the Packers and Seahawks passing on the former LSU standout. The Ravens only real need was for another inside linebacker, i.e. Pat Queen. The rich get richer with this selection and further develop the blueprint for a deep postseason push. Great Pick

29. Tennessee Titans select Isaiah Wilson, OT out of Georgia

My thoughts: Georgia now has two tackles selected in the first round, but the latter (Wilson) is an incredible reach for Tennessee. Ezra Cleveland, Josh Jones, Prince Tega Wanogho, or Lucas Niang all would've been better selections at the OT position. Questionable Pick

30. Miami Dolphins (via Green Bay) select Noah Igbinoghene, CB out of Auburn

My thoughts: Teams must know something we don't, because there have been multiple picks of DBs that weren't expected in the first round while guys like Xavier McKinney, Jeff Gladney, and Kristian Fulton remain available. I like Igbinoghene as a prospect, I just think #30 is a bit high. The Dolphins started the night hot in my eyes, but cooled off more and more in there next two picks. Questionable Pick

31. Minnesota Vikings (via San Francisco) select Jeff Gladney, CB out of TCU

My thoughts: I mocked Gladney to Minnesota at #22 in my mock draft, and while it wasn't at pick 22, Gladney will don the purple and yellow. Many evaluators feel differently about the TCU product, but I think he's very serviceable and will be an adequate replacement for Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes. Solid Pick

32. Kansas City Chiefs select Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB out of LSU

My thoughts: I wish I didn't already use the term "the rich get richer" earlier because the best offense in football just got even better. I have DeAndre Swift as my RB1, but CEH is an absolute dog that can power through the middle, make defenders miss, and be a weapon in the passing game out of the backfield. RB was not a big need, but you can't fault the Chiefs for this selection to end the night. Solid Pick

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading and following along live during the 1st round of the NFL Draft! What are your thoughts on the 1st round? Who made the best pick? Who made the worst? Let me know down in the comments below!