Thursday marks the opening round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and with the sports world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sports fans across the United States have been clamoring for something to give them their sports fix. When the Cinncinati Bengals go on the clock Thursday night, the NFL will take another step forward in 2020, giving us hope that we'll get back to some sense of normalcy at some point this year.
The NFL Draft is an exciting moment in the NFL calendar. Much of what happens with the 256 picks can shape a franchise's future for years to come. A good draft can propel a team from bottom-feeder status to playoff contender and can take a fringe playoff team and put them over the top.
We here at InsideTheStar.com took a couple of days and did a two-round mock draft for all 32 teams. This mock draft is a projection of what we think the NFL teams will do, not what we would do. We attempted to take both team need and positional value into account as well as select players for organizations that have been linked to them in some way.
Without further adieu, with the first pick in the first round of the Inside The Star 2020 NFL Mock Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock.
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R1/1 – CIN: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
This one's pretty obvious at this point.
After winning the National Championship, the Heisman Trophy, and finishing one of the greatest college football seasons ever, the Bengals have themselves a new face of the franchise with great accuracy, leadership, and a play style that's been compared to Tony Romo.
Shane Carter, Contributor InsideTheStar.com
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R1/2 – WAS: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
This was a no brainer. Chase Young is the best pure football player in this draft, and as close to a slam dunk prospect as you'll find. Adding him to a defensive line that already has the likes of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat gives Washington a heck of a young core.
Kevin Brady, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/3 – DET: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions could trade out of this pick, but assuming they stay put, they can't pass on Jeffrey Okudah. He's NFL-ready and should be able to match up against top receivers week one. Darius Slay is gone for the Lions, but it won't take long for the Ohio State prospect to become a true CB1.
Mauricio Rodriguez, Junior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/4 – NYG: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
New York Giants Offensive Coordinator and former Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett is going to have a lot of influence here with Dave Gettleman and convince him to find protection for their second-year quarterback Daniel Jones. Tristan Wirfs has that combination of power and athleticism that makes him a plug and play left tackle for the New York Giants.
John Williams, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/5 – MIA: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Lack of updated medicals on Tua Tagovailoa cause the Dolphins to go with the safer and are complete just as talented QB and Justin Herbert. Herbert has the prototypical size and arm strength of an NFL QB, and his durability is a better fit in Miami while they continue to rebuild under new head coach Brian Flores.
Brian Martin, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/6 – LAC: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Already falling behind the Rams in the battle for Los Angeles, the Chargers need a big move at quarterback, and Tua Tagavailoa will bring the spotlight. He also has the highest upside of any QB after first overall pick Joe Burrow.
Jess Haynie, Senior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/7 – CAR: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
After losing both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe to free agency, Derrick Brown makes perfect sense as the top-rated defensive tackle in the draft. A rare combo of size and power, Brown is a disruptive anchor on the interior. He impressed with his workout at the NFL Combine.
Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/8 – ARI: Jedrick Willis, OT, Alabama
The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback and plenty of weapons for him, and now they need to keep him upright. The Cardinals extended DJ Humphries to protect the blindside, but now they need to secure the other tackle position. Jedrick Wills is not only the best right tackle in the draft but arguably the best overall lineman too, which should keep Kyler Murray happy and healthy.
Shane Carter, Contributor InsideTheStar.com
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R1/9 – JAC: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Jags could've gone a variety of ways with the 9th overall pick here, but Kinlaw is an excellent interior presence to add to a now rebuilding defensive unit. Kinlaw's draft-day ceiling may be ninth to the Jags.
Kevin Brady, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/10 – CLE: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Browns need to upgrade both tackle positions, and Mehki Becton has the versatility to play either on the left or right side. He has surprising athleticism for his size which helps him in pass protection, and he's an absolute road grader in the run game.
Brian Martin, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/11 – NYJ: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
The Jets will be thinking offensive tackle all the way, but how can they pass on Isaiah Simmons at number 11? Simmons is a versatile defender that can play anywhere and might be a top-5 talent in the Draft. Finding him outside of the Top 10 is a steal for the Jets, who will wait on an offensive tackle for now.
Mauricio Rodriguez, Junior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/12 – OAK: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
With this pick, the Raiders add another stud Alabama receiver since 2015. Much like Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy is a route-running wizard with tremendous playmaking ability after the catch.
Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/13 – SF: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The San Francisco 49ers were able to accomplish a lot offensively despite lackluster play at the wide receiver position. Though George Kittle is one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL, they need more on the outside to help Jimmy Garapolo, and the offense maintains their status as contenders in the high octane NFC. CeeDee Lamb is the best wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, route-running ability, and tackle-breaking will make him the next great 49ers wide receiver.
John Williams, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/14 – TB: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Signing Tom Brady in the off-season shows the Buccaneers are in win-now mode. Tom Brady already comes to an offense with plenty of weapons but a few holes in the offensive line. Adding Andrew Thomas, the best available offensive tackle available, this offense will look as good and efficient as it ever has.
Shane Carter, Contributor InsideTheStar.com
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R1/15 – DEN: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
It's clear the Broncos are betting on Drew Lock, but Courtland Sutton isn't enough. Ruggs is a great athlete who will make plays for the Broncos. With two nice weapons on the outside, Melvin Gordon at running back, and Noah Fant at tight end, Denver will be set with a young group on the offensive side of the ball
Mauricio Rodriguez, Junior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/16 – ATL: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The need and the player match up nicely for Atlanta. They may look at another position if Okudah and Henderson are off the board, but they can't let C.J. get past them if available.
Jess Haynie, Senior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/17 – DAL: K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
With Jeudy, Lamb, and Ruggs all off the board, the Cowboys prioritized the defensive side of the ball 17th overall. This came down to K'Lavon Chaisson or Alabama safety Xavier McKinney, and I went with the 20-year-old explosive pass rusher who could be game-changing down the line. Chaisson offers the possibility for 2020 production, but you are looking towards the next 3-5 years when taking someone like him.
Kevin Brady, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
Some quick thoughts before I move on. I polled each member of the staff with who they'd pick at this point if this were the way the first round went down and all, but one said K'Lavon Chaisson would be the selection.
Chaisson would be a great pick. He's already a good to great pass rusher and has room to get better. His ability to stand up or put his hand in the dirt in both three and four-man fronts gives the Dallas Cowboys the versatility they're looking for on the edge.
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R1/18 – MIA: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The Dolphins traded away former Alabama Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019 to the Pittsburgh Steelers only to replace him with another versatile Crimson Tide S Xavier McKinney. With McKinney, Byron Jones, and Xavien Howard, Miami's secondary becomes the strength of their defense.
Brian Martin, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/19 – OAK: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
After getting a WR1, the Raiders get their S1 in Grant Delpit. He's a physical safety with great instincts and versatility to play in multiple spots. Tackling was an issue during his days at LSU, but he made ten tackles in the College Football Playoffs and didn't miss any.
Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/20 – JAC: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Already addressing their defensive line 9th overall, the Jaguars added Jeff Gladney to the back-end later on in the first round. Gladney is a top 3 cornerback prospect in my mind, and with both Okudah and Henderson off the board, he was the clear choice for a DB-needy team.
Kevin Brady, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/21 – PHI: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
I can see the Eagles going for a cornerback in this spot, but Jefferson seems worthier of the pick in this scenario. Jefferson excelled as a third-down weapon at LSU and should provide a safe pair of hands for Carson Wentz's offense. They're in desperate need of a receiver.
Mauricio Rodriguez, Junior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/22 – MIN: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Needs work, but A.J. Epenesa immediately helps at multiple positions on the defensive line. Could play DE in base and move inside to tackle on passing downs. He has the physical tools to become a star if coached up.
Jess Haynie, Senior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/23 – NE: Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
It was tempting to select a quarterback, but by all reports, Bill Belichick believes in Jared Stidham. He's going to get the shot at quarterback. Outside of that, having a great edge rusher is a very Patriots-type of pick, and Zack Baun fits it perfectly. A player who can excel on the edge and even move to the inside MIKE position is the kind of defender who could thrive under in the Patriots defense.
Shane Carter, Contributor InsideTheStar.com
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R1/24 – NO: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Anytime you look at the New Orleans Saints, it's easy to consider taking an offensive weapon for them. The Emmanuel Sanders addition allows the Saints to continue working on the defensive side of the football, and they add the most athletically gifted linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft in Oklahoma's Kenneth Murray. He has the speed and physicality to make him an impact player week one.
John Williams, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/25 – MIN: Denzil Mims, WR, Baylor
Denzel Mims is the best WR on the board and allows Minnesota to address their two biggest needs. Worthy talent for this point in the draft and a good compliment to Adam Thielen.
Jess Haynie, Senior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/26 – MIA: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
With the third of the Dolphins 1st-round picks, Miami adds Josh Jones to protect the blindside of their new franchise QB Justin Herbert. Jones is an athletically gifted LT who proved he belongs amongst the top OT prospects in this year's draft class at the Senior Bowl.
Brian Martin, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/27 – SEA: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
A raw talent at OT, Austin Jackson, is extremely athletic for a man 6'5 322 pounds. He gets to the second level well and can redirect when facing counter moves. His athleticism allows him to succeed when blocking in the screen game.
Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/28 – BAL: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
When All-Pro Guard Marshal Yanda retired, he left a huge hole to fill along the Baltimore Ravens offensive line. The power run and read-option game are huge staples of the Ravens offensive attack. Taking the best interior offensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft and would help them to maintain that same level of effectiveness next year. Cesar Ruiz can play both guard and center in the NFL with his blend of power and mobility.
John Williams, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/29 – TEN: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Kristian Fulton could be one of a few CBs still on the board that the Titans pick. It all depends on what traits their coaches like. Fulton is a more conservative pick than Trevon Diggs, and that seems like Coach Vrabel's style.
Jess Haynie, Senior Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/30 – GB: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Losing Blake Martinez in free agency was a big blow to the Packers LB position, but adding Patrick Queen negates that loss. Queen has a chance to be an upgrade over Martinez due to his rare athleticism and sideline to sideline speed.
Brian Martin, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/31 – SF: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
The draft community is mixed on Trevon Diggs. His size and athletic ability allow him to be an excellent player in the NFL. At Alabama, he showed a nice propensity to make plays in the passing game. Richard Sherman is 32, and Akhello Witherspoon will be a free agent next offseason, leaving cornerback as a serious need for the 49ers.
John Williams, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
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R1/32 – KC: A.J.Terrell, CB, Clemson
Kansas City's offense feels almost perfect at this point, so stopping opposing passing games looking to keep up with Patrick Mahomes should be their round one goal. I considered some offensive line talent here, but most of the first round worthy pass protectors seemed to be gone. A.J. Terrell is a top 3-5 cornerback in this class and could go as high as 17 to the Cowboys. 32nd feels like great value.
Kevin Brady, Staff Writer InsideTheStar.com
Round 2
In the second round of the mock draft, Staff Writer Kevin Brady selected Jalen Reagor, the wide receiver from TCU. Also under consideration were Defensive Tackle Justin Madubuike, Cornerback Cameron Dantzler, and Safeties Kyle Dugger and Ashtyn Davis.
Kevin opted to go with Raegor as the best wide receiver remaining with the ability to play in the slot, on the outside, and help on special teams while offering deep threat ability.
The cornerback run happened very early. By the time the Dallas Cowboys came on the clock at pick 51, there weren't a ton of options remaining. With the final pick in the second, Staff Writer Matthew Lenix selected Reggie Robinson out of Tulsa, who has become a popular pick for the Dallas Cowboys in later rounds. Given the lack of cornerback talent remaining on the board, this pick for the Seahawks makes some sense.
