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TheTylernator's 2020 NFL Mock Draft: V1 (Midseason Edition)

Discussion in 'NFL Draft Forum' started by thetylernator, Oct 16, 2019.

  1. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    Now that we're inching closer to the halfway point of the 2020 NFL season, there's an essence of clarity emerging as to the potential draft order. That being said, I played out the remainder of the 2020 season on playoffpredictors.com to determine a draft order for this mock. For the most part, I tried to avoid potential upset picks/personal biases, mostly selecting the likely favorite of a given matchup. For those interested, here were my results:


    AFC North

    • Baltimore Ravens (11-5) Y
    • Cleveland Browns (7-9)
    • Pittsburgh Steelers (5-11)
    • Cincinnati Bengals (3-13)

    AFC South

    • Houston Texans (10-6) Y
    • Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
    • Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
    • Tennessee Titans (5-11)

    AFC East

    • New England Patriots (14-2) Z
    • Buffalo Bills (9-7) X
    • New York Jets (6-10)
    • Miami Dolphins (2-14)

    AFC West

    • Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) Z
    • Oakland Raiders (8-8) X
    • Los Angeles Chargers (6-10)
    • Denver Broncos (4-12)

    NFC North

    • Green Bay Packers (11-5) Y
    • Detroit Lions (9-6-1)
    • Chicago Bears (9-7)
    • Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

    NFC South


    • New Orleans Saints (14-2) Z
    • Carolina Panthers (8-8)
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
    • Atlanta Falcons (4-12)

    NFC East

    • Dallas Cowboys (10-6) Y
    • Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
    • New York Giants (6-10)
    • Washington Redskins (3-13)

    NFC West

    • Seattle Seahawks (13-3) Z
    • San Francisco 49ers (11-5) X
    • Los Angeles Rams (11-5) X
    • Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)

    I also played out the playoffs, wherein the Saints bested the Chiefs in a Super Bowl matchup.

    Alas, here is our draft order and my first version mock:

    1. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama – comparable to Russell Wilson and Chad Pennington

    Miami secures its QB of the future and much needed face-of-the-franchise with the best QB prospect—on and off the field—in nearly a decade.

    2. Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

    Zac Taylor finds a better fit for his offense in the dynamic Justin Herbert as the Bengals move on from Andy Dalton.

    3. Washington Redskins: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

    Trent Williams is done in Washington, and this offensive line stands to lose Brandon Scherff as well. Replacements are needed, and Thomas is oozing with potential.

    4. Denver Broncos: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

    Denver could consider a QB here, but I decided to operate under the premise that John Elway signs a veteran (a la Newton, Mariota) and continues to groom Drew Lock. Meanwhile, Delpit is the best safety prospect since Eric Berry in 2010; he's an obvious choice for a team in need of secondary help.

    5. Atlanta Falcons: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

    I'm sure Dan Quinn gets fired after this abysmal season, but Atlanta lucks out with Young--a blue-chip EDGE defender--falling right into their laps. He's immediately the best defender on this defense with more upside than either of the Bosa brothers.

    6. Tennessee Titans: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

    Mariota is done in Tennessee and RT17 isn't the future. Meanwhile, Burrow's stock has skyrocketed. If it continues to soar, the Titans may have to move up for him. His risk-taking and in-game edge are everything Mariota was not, and this selection marks a drastic change in direction for the franchise.

    7. Miami Dolphins: Jerry Jeudy, WRF, Alabama – comparable to Odell Beckham Jr. and Sammy Watkins

    The second of three, Miami secures Tua's favorite target from Alabama to bring some much-needed talent to a lacking skill position group. Jeudy is absurdly talented, has a damn-near uncoverable double-move, and his ceiling is off-the-charts as a true No. 1 wideout.

    8. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Brown, DL3T/1T, Auburn

    Arizona's defensive line hasn't been the same since Calais Campbell left; here's a much needed, quality replacement.

    9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

    It remains to be seen how Jacksonville will cope without Ramsey, but if they struggle, Henderson would be a nice replacement and scheme fit. Just don't expect him to seamlessly fill Ramsey's shoes.

    10. New York Jets: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

    The Jets have been hurting for pass-rush help for a long time now, and with Leonard Williams set to hit free agency, this defense is only getting thinner. Epenesa helps NY in both ways: he can play as a 5-tech and has the athleticism to rush off the edge.

    11. Los Angeles Chargers: D'Andre Swift, RBF, Georgia

    With Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler set to depart (and a potential retirement looming for Philip Rivers), the Chargers may be searching for an identity on offense very soon. Swift gives them that immediately as a dynamic, patient, and vision-focused back in the mold of Le'Veon Bell.

    12. New York Giants: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

    Gross-Matos is an absolute freak who, with an elite combine, has the opportunity to usurp Chase Young as the premier EDGE defender prospect—he's that good. Meanwhile, the Giants are hurting everywhere on defense, making this a very easy pick.

    13. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

    Brissett may secure a few respectable wins for this Colts team, but at the end of the day, he’s not a difference-maker at QB. To truly replace Andrew Luck, the Colts need to look to the draft—and while Fromm may not have the physical attributes of No. 12, his character and intellect will feel very familiar in Indianapolis.

    14. Cleveland Browns: Trey Adams, OT, Washington

    Baker Mayfield is under siege and this talented Cleveland offense has been sapped of its dynamite potential. A new blindside protector is needed, and Adams is elite as long as he’s healthy.

    15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

    It’s no secret that Jameis Winston is done in Tampa. Meanwhile, Bruce Arians loves veteran QB’s—perhaps he signs one of Cam Newton/Marcus Mariota and drafts the upside-laden Eason, who’s a perfect candidate to sit for a year before starting.

    16. Carolina Panthers: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

    Carolina passed on ’19’s crop of corners—something they can’t afford to do again—and this secondary is hurting as a result. Donte Jackson is the only respectable defensive back, so Okudah falling to No. 16 is a blessing for this club.

    17. Minnesota Vikings: Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa

    Minnesota is stuck with Kirk Cousins, so they have no choice but to make it work. The best thing they can do is improve his protection; Jackson is a mauler of a tackle and fits this run-first offense like a glove.

    18. Oakland Raiders: Laviska Shenault, WRF, Colorado

    Shenault has drawn comparisons to both Julio Jones as a physical receiver and Julian Edelman as a savvy route-runner. If he’s available here, this is immediately the biggest steal of the draft. Shenault will make Raiders Nation forget about “MBC” in a blink.

    19. Detroit Lions: Nick Coe, DL5T, Auburn

    Not a sexy pick, but certainly a smart one. Detroit could stand to improve its defense across from Trey Flowers, and Coe is tough, reliable defender.

    20. Philadelphia Eagles: Troy Dye, ILB/OLB, Oregon

    Philadelphia has an out with Nigel Bradham in 2020 and the rest of the position group is middling at best. Dye is a twitchy defender with nice upside.

    21. Oakland Raiders: Isaiah Simmons, S/OLB, Clemson

    Another steal for Oakland, Simmons is a blue-chip defender with the versatility to cover in zone defenses, play the box as a SS, and move sideline-to-sideline as an OLB. Luckily for Oakland, they need help in both facets with an abysmal linebacking corps and Karl Joseph’s contract set to expire.

    22. Buffalo Bills: CeeDee Lamb, WRF, Oklahoma

    Buffalo could stand to upgrade its shallow receiving room. Lamb gives Josh Allen a dynamic wideout to work with (seriously, this guy is averaging 22 yards per catch right now). Lots of big-play potential between Lamb and Allen.

    23. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Diggs, CB/S, Alabama

    Byron Jones is expected to be the major cap casualty of an expensive roster. Luckily, Diggs is of the same archetype: a safety/corner hybrid who excels in the slot and can flex outside as needed.

    24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Raekwon Davis, DL3T/5T, Alabama

    Marcell Dareus and Yannick Ngakoue are likely out; meanwhile, Taven Bryan has looked every bit of a bust thus far. A talented defensive line may suddenly be a weakness if Jacksonville doesn’t find a solution. Davis can play inside as a 3-tech until Calais Campbell moves on, then slide outside as an EDGE/5-tech.

    25. Miami Dolphins: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford – comparable to Josh Norman and Cortland Finnegan

    Miami has more than enough cap to address the secondary in free agency, but if they choose to spend it elsewhere, Adebo could prove to be a nice complement to Xavien Howard. A former wideout, Adebo is a highly competitive player who battles for every catch. His length and scrappy build will frustrate many receivers in the NFL.

    26. Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

    Baltimore failed to replace Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs last offseason, and it’s showing this season. Lewis fits this defense as an EDGE in Baltimore’s 3-4 perfectly.

    27. San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, WRS, Alabama

    The ‘9ers aren’t hurting anywhere and don’t stand to lose much in free agency, making this selection a luxury pick. Ruggs will be among the speediest prospects at the combine, but unlike Marquise Goodwin, he has the height to get up. Kyle Shanahan will love the creative potential Ruggs brings to his playbook.

    28. Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma

    Murray has been a steady riser and has one of those natural instincts for always being around the ball. Meanwhile, The 'Pack is facing the potential losses of both Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez this off-season with no real contingency plan in place. Here’s one for them.

    29. Seattle Seahawks: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

    Seattle’s secondary has been mediocre so far, and safety isn’t their biggest need, but McKinney being available here is just silly. He was the best safety on Alabama’s roster in ’18 despite the presence of Deionte Thompson.

    30. New England Patriots: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

    Okwuegbunam has been stifled as a receiver this season, but his redzone capabilities are outstanding. He’s a quality replacement for Gronk.

    31. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

    Long, physical corner that will remind Andy Reid of Marcus Peters. While Kansas City may win most shootouts with Mahomes at the helm, they have to get better at corner if they want to avoid that risky game.

    32. New Orleans Saints: Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia

    QB is an option if Brees retires, but I expect Teddy Bridgewater to be re-signed and named the starter moving forward. Here’s a rising guard prospect to replace Andrus Peat and give Bridgewater a fighting chance.
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  2. Galant

    Galant Love - Unity - Sacrifice - Eternity

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    Nice thread.

    I don't see teams at the top of the draft who don't draft a QB passing on Chase Young. The dysfunctional Redskins might pass on him but I can't see the Broncos doing so.

    I'm also not convinced by Justin Herbert going above other QB's. That's based on my personal take on Herbert and other QB's, I know he's been talked up a lot, but if suspect Herbert might fall. If Burrow's trajectory continues I see him going very high. So I'd put Burrow over Herbert, maybe even - bold prediction here - the 1st QB of the board. Why? Because the only think against Burrow right now is that he wasn't widely considered last year. Other than that, he's showing strength in all the desired traits, character AND he has the physical stature that's preferred. I think there's an NFL GM out there who will be attracted by Burrow and will take him high.
     
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  3. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    Fair enough! Chase Young has more upside than either of the Bosa brothers, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go much earlier than No. 5--maybe even to Washington over an offensive tackle. It's just tough to justify Denver taking him when they already have two premier edge rushers in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. I like Grant Delpit a lot, too, and in my evaluation, there isn't much of a drop-off between the two. Delpit is an all-decade safety.

    As for Herbert, you're spot on. I'm no fan of him and if Burrow continues to trend upward, there's no doubt that Herbert will fall as a result. But if the draft were held right now, I do think Herbert is the consensus No. 2 QB. Burrow needs to show that he can maintain this level of play through the rest of the season as his schedule gets tougher.
     
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  4. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    Not a QB evaluator here, but when a senior kind of comes on like Burrow, you have to wonder if it's a case of the light finally going on, or a senior peaking at his ceiling. Will he continue to get better in the pros?

    The Broncos organization is a mess right now with Bowlen dead. There are some major squabbles and nobody is really available to hold Elway - who is a terrible GM - accountable. Who knows what they do. There are reports they could trade Miller, so if that happens, Young makes sense. Otherwise, one could easily see them going OL after the debacle that their line has been this year, Bolles in particular.

    I love the idea of a Tua/Jeudy combo. Based on your specific mock, I think it would be hilarious if we also picked Ruggs with the Houston pick.
     
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  5. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    That's a good thought about Burrow. Personally, I think he has more room to grow; it's a case of things coming together for him, in my mind. His emergence is so sudden; I think if he were hitting his peak, it would have occurred more gradually.

    That being said, let's also consider that Tua and Joe are essentially playing on the same level right now, with the only significant difference being experience/age. Burrow, a senior at (almost) 23, has had two extra years of opportunity and refinement compared to Tua, who's a junior at 21. Imagine what Tua might look like two years from now.

    Denver is certainly a mess. I suppose anything could happen with them.

    I love Jerry Jeudy, and his rapport with Tua is just icing on the cake. I honestly believe Jeudy can be an all-time great at wideout--I just hope he's there for our second pick. Teams are going to be all over him.

    Ruggs is a nice fallback option though. Hell, he'd be a great pick even with Jeudy. I'd love to see the team go offense with all three first rounders, but I doubt it happens. The defense is such a mess and coach Flo will probably want someone to groom.

    Tua-Jeudy-Swift/Ruggs/Etienne would be downright sexy, though.
     
  6. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    No love for Taylor?
     
  7. thetylernator

    thetylernator You're as cold as ice, Officer Friendly.

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    He's good, too. This class is loaded with offensive talent.
     

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