So we’re really doing this.
Commissioner Roger Goodell informed all 32 NFL teams the 2020 NFL draft will proceed in a fully virtual format in a memo sent out Monday.
My bet is on the Browns asking if Isaiah Simmons is still available in the fifth round.
Look, we’re in uncharted waters. I understand those who feel this might be inappropriate, but I believe the NFL is actually doing the right thing here. For once.
Team personnel will be in separate locations, handling their responsibilities from the comfort of home. Safety first (for once).
Plus, there will reportedly be a telethon aspect, where donations will be collected for our fight against COVID-19. A good touch because we need all the help we can get.
We also need this distraction.
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THE PREAMBLE
The NFL draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September (cross your fingers). A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I was the fifth most accurate (out of 101) — most accurate in print — NFL draft prognosticator according to The Huddle Report. I’m 18th over the past five years.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.
Here’s an updated version of my 2020 NFL mock draft, now through five rounds:
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FIRST ROUND
1. Cincinnati (2-14) — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Sr.
A team would have to offer a king’s ransom for the Bengals to even consider moving this pick. The only team with that much draft capital is the Dolphins. Top needs: QB, OL, LB, S, TE
2. Washington (3-13) — Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The Redskins aren’t taking a quarterback here. Also, I can’t imagine two coaches like Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio, with their defensive backgrounds, would pass on Young. Top needs: OL, CB, LB, WR, TE
3. Detroit (3-12-1) — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
This pick makes too much sense to mess with. Pairing Okudah with Pro Bowler Desmond Trufant should help mitigate the loss of All-Pro Darius Slay. Even better, if they can strike a deal with the Dolphins or Chargers, stockpile picks and take the unanimous All-American a few spots lower. Top needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, RB
4. N.Y. Giants (4-12) — Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa, Jr.
Taking an offensive lineman here is an investment in the futures of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Top needs: OL, CB, Edge, WR, K
5. Miami (5-11) — Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr.
The connection between the Dolphins and Justin Herbert is likely a smokescreen. They’ll likely have to burn some picks in order to beat the Chargers to Tagovailoa. They’d rather stand pat and land their quarterback of choice. Top needs: QB, OL, S, Edge, WR
6. L.A. Chargers (5-11) — Jordan Love, QB, Utah St., Jr.
The Chargers are drafting a quarterback here if they don’t sign Cam Newton. Love has a higher ceiling than Herbert. Top needs: QB, OL, RB, LB, WR
7. Carolina (5-11) — Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Jr.
The Panthers have focused most of their attention on offense during free agency. They can restock their defense during the draft. The only defensive position Simmons is ill-equipped to play is nose tackle. Top needs: DL, CB, LB, OL, S
8. Arizona (5-10-1) — Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn, Sr.
Brown is a run-away train who never wears down. He’s just as active in the fourth quarter as he is in the first. A mediocre performance at the combine could lower his draft stock a bit (but it shouldn’t). He won’t fall past the Cardinals. Top needs: OL, Edge, CB, LB, DL
9. Jacksonville (6-10) — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, Sr.
The Jaguars find some competition for Gardner Minshew. Top needs: CB, Edge, DL, OL, RB
10. Cleveland (6-10) — Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama, Jr.
The Browns added right tackle Jack Conklin, but they need more. Wills is an upgrade at left tackle or the interior. Top needs: OL, LB, DL, Edge, WR
11. N.Y. Jets (7-9) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia, Jr.
This pick is either an offensive tackle or wide receiver. Thomas is a big, powerful, athletic lineman with springy footwork and quick hands who’s a dynamic closer in both the run and pass game. Top needs: OL, WR, Edge, CB, RB
12. Las Vegas (7-9) — C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida, Jr.
Coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock have yet to solve the riddle that is the Raiders secondary. Henderson’s draft stock jumped after an impressive performance at the combine in Indy. Top needs: WR, CB, LB, OG, S
13. San Francisco from Indianapolis (7-9) — Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Jeudy and coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme are a perfect match. Top needs: WR, CB, OL, DL, LB
14. Tampa Bay (7-9) — Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville, Jr.
The Buccaneers did the impossible by luring Tom Brady away from New England. Now they can focus on protecting the G.O.A.T. You can’t teach Becton’s size (6-7, 369) and he’s surprisingly nimble, especially as a run blocker. Top needs: OL, DB, DL, RB, QB
15. Denver (7-9) — Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Ruggs would pair nicely with Courtland Sutton. Top needs: WR, CB, OL, LB, DL
16. Atlanta (7-9) — Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU, Sr.
There’s been too much smoke surrounding the Falcons and cornerbacks during this draft process. Top needs: DB, Edge, LB, OG, RB
17. Dallas (8-8) — K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU, Soph.
The Cowboys miss out on a top-tier cornerback so they upgrade their pass rush and linebacker corps. Chaisson features one of the highest upsides at any position in this draft class. He’s a natural speed rusher who is capable of dropping into coverage and can be an asset in defending the run. The one knock is his durability. Top needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, LB
18. Miami from Pittsburgh (8-8) — Josh Jones, OT, Houston, Sr.
What’s the point of drafting a franchise quarterback if you can’t protect him? Top needs: QB, OL, S, Edge, WR
19. Las Vegas from Chicago (8-8) — CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma, Jr.
It would be fortuitous for this scenario to play out for the Raiders. Lamb’s elite hands and RAC skills make him the No. 1 option in this passing game day one. Top needs: WR, CB, LB, OG, S
20. Jacksonville from L.A. Rams (9-7) — Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, Sr.
The Jaguars are in the middle of a complete overhaul of their defensive line. Kinlaw has the potential to be a force against the pass and run at the next level. Top needs: CB, Edge, DL, OL, RB
21. Philadelphia (9-7) — Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, Jr.
The Eagles’ wide receiver corps is in shambles. The inconsistent Nelson Agholor signed with the Raiders while DeSean Jackson isn’t getting any younger (or healthier). A surprising 4.43 40-yard dash in Indy likely elevated Jefferson’s draft stock. Top needs: WR, LB, S, OL, RB
22. Minnesota from Buffalo (10-6) — Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU, Sr.
Trae Waynes signed with Cincy and the Vikings released Xavier Rhodes. Gladney is a press master who plays a physical game. Top needs: CB, WR, Edge, OG, S
23. New England (12-4) — Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois, Sr.
Chinn is a poor man’s Isaiah Simmons. Imagine what Bill Belichick can do with a chess piece like that. Top needs: QB, LB, Edge, DL, TE
24. New Orleans (13-3) — Patrick Queen, LB, LSU, Jr.
Linebacker is the last hole in the depth chart that needs to be filled for this Super Bowl contender. Queen is a three-down, sideline-to-sideline terror with an elite football mind. Top needs: CB, LB, WR, OL, QB
25. Minnesota (10-6) — A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa, Jr.
Everson Griffen’s departure makes this a necessary pick. There are plenty of wide receivers left on the board. Top needs: CB, WR, Edge, OG, S
26. Miami from Houston (10-6) — Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin, Jr.
Jordan Howard has short-term value for the Dolphins, but Taylor would be their long-term solution at running back. His 4.39 40-yard dash in Indy reminded everyone he was an elite athlete on top of the elite production he’s known for. Top needs: QB, OL, S, Edge, WR
27. Seattle (11-5) — Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
The Seahawks need an edge rusher who can take advantage of Jadeveon Clowney’s presence, assuming he returns. Top needs: Edge, OL, DL, CB, WR
28. Baltimore (14-2) — Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma, Jr.
The Ravens finally replace C.J. Mosley. Murray is an explosive athlete who developed elite instincts during his three seasons in Norman. Top needs: WR, LB, Edge, OG, S
29. Tennessee (9-7) — Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia, So.
The Titans need to replace Jack Conklin. Wilson’s draft stock is rising at the right time. Top needs: Edge, CB, DL, OL, RB
30. Green Bay (13-3) — Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona St., Sr.
Davante Adams was the Packers only effective wideout in 2019. Aiyuk is a run-after-the-catch dynamo. Top needs: WR, DL, LB, OL, TE
31. San Francisco (13-3) — Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama, Sr.
The 49ers likely will trade this pick to the highest bidder, considering they won’t be on the clock again until the fifth round. Otherwise, they need to improve at cornerback and on the interior offensive line. Top needs: WR, CB, OL, DL, LB
32. Kansas City (12-4) — Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan, Jr.
The champs need an infusion of talent on the interior offensive line. Ruiz is an upgrade at center and would provide depth at guard. Top needs: CB, LB, RB, Edge, OL
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SECOND ROUND
33. Cincinnati — Zach Baun, OLB, Wisconsin, Sr.
34. Indianapolis from Washington — Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson, Jr.
T.Y. Hilton and Higgins would give Philip Rivers a pair of dynamic receivers. Top needs: WR, Edge, CB, QB, K
35. Detroit — Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma, Sr.
36. N.Y. Giants — Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama, Jr.
37. L.A. Chargers — Austin Jackson, OT, USC, Jr.
Jackson would pair nicely with Bryan Bulaga to solidify the tackle position for the Chargers. Top needs: QB, OL, RB, LB, WR
38. Carolina — Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn, Jr.
39. Miami — Grant Delpit, S, LSU, Jr.
40. Houston from Arizona — Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor, Sr.
Mims would have some huge shoes to fill for the Texans, but he’d be a capable target for Deshaun Watson. Top needs: WR, CB, DL, Edge, OL
41. Cleveland — Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota, So.
42. Jacksonville — A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.
43. Chicago from Las Vegas — Lloyd Cushenberry III, OL, LSU, Jr.
Kyle Long’s retirement makes this pick a necessity. Top needs: DB, OL, LB, WR, TE
44. Indianapolis — Jacob Eason, QB, Washington, Jr.
45. Tampa Bay — D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia, Jr.
46. Denver — Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah, Jr.
47. Atlanta — Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU, Jr.
48. N.Y. Jets — Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU, Jr.
49. Pittsburgh — Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn, Sr.
If you watched Derrick Brown, it was hard not to notice the Tigers other dominant defensive lineman. Davidson’s addition would ease the loss of Javon Hargrave during free agency. Top needs: OL, DL, QB, Edge, DB
50. Chicago — Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne, Sr.
51. Dallas — Ashtyn Davis, S, California, Sr.
52. L.A. Rams — Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise St., Jr.
The Rams offensive line needs an overhaul if the offense hopes to return to its lofty status of 2018. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB, DB, RB
53. Philadelphia — Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.
54. Buffalo — Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame, Sr.
The Bills dropped out of the first round, but landed a true No. 1 wide receiver (Stefon Diggs) in a trade with Minnesota. Okwara would have been a first-round pick had he not broke his leg. Top needs: Edge, OL, CB, RB, WR
55. Baltimore from Atlanta — Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado, Jr.
56. Miami from New Orleans — Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama, Jr.
57. Houston — Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama, Sr.
58. Minnesota — K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn St., So.
59. Seattle — Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn, Sr.
60. Baltimore — Jabari Zuniga, Edge, Florida, Sr.
61. Tennessee — Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M, Jr.
62. Green Bay — Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame, Jr.
63. Kansas City from San Francisco — Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia, Sr.
64. Seattle from Kansas City — Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr.
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THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati — Netane Muti, OL, Fresno St., Jr.
66. Washington — Lucas Niang, OT, TCU, Sr.
67. Detroit — J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio St., Jr.
68. N.Y. Jets from N.Y. Giants — Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida, Sr.
69. Carolina — Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri, Jr.
70. Miami — Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio St., Sr.
71. L.A. Chargers — Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC, Sr.
The cupboard is bare at receiver after Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Top needs: QB, OL, RB, LB, WR
72. Arizona — Matthew Peart, OT, UConn, Sr.
73. Jacksonville — Terrell Burgess, S, Utah, Sr.
74. Cleveland — Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi St., Jr.
75. Indianapolis — Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton, Sr.
76. Tampa Bay — Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU, Sr.
77. Denver — Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian St., Sr.
78. Atlanta — Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee, Sr.
79. N.Y. Jets — Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio St., Sr.
80. Las Vegas — Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma, Sr.
81. Las Vegas from Chicago — Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio St., Sr.
82. Dallas — Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple, Jr.
83. Denver from Pittsburgh — Ben Bartch, OT, St. John, Sr.
84. L.A. Rams — Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming, Sr.
The Rams find a replacement for Cory Littleton. Wilson is one of the best coverage linebackers in this class. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB, DB, RB
85. Detroit from Philadelphia — Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan, Jr.
86. Buffalo — Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU, Jr.
87. New England — Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame, Sr.
88. New Orleans — Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame, Sr.
89. Minnesota — Damien Lewis, OL, LSU, Sr.
90. Houston — Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah, Sr.
91. Las Vegas from Seattle — Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin, Jr.
92. Baltimore — Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia, Jr.
93. Tennessee — Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA, Jr.
94. Green Bay — Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio St., Sr.
95. Denver from San Francisco — Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan, Sr.
96. Kansas City — Cam Akers, RB, Florida St., Jr.
97. Cleveland from Houston — Saahdiq Charles, OL, LSU, Jr.
98. New England — Josh Uche, Edge, Michigan, Sr.
99. N.Y. Giants — Khalid Kareem, Edge, Notre Dame, Sr.
100. New England — Troy Dye, LB, Oregon, Sr.
101. Seattle — Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina, Sr.
102. Pittsburgh — Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia, Jr.
103. Philadelphia — K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson, Sr.
104. L.A. Rams — Alex Highsmith, Edge, Charlotte, Sr.
The Rams need to fill voids left by Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB, DB, RB
105. Minnesota — Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi St., Jr.
106. Baltimore — Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise St., Jr.
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FOURTH ROUND
107. Cincinnati — Evan Weaver, LB, California, Sr.
108. Washington — Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue, Sr.
109. Detroit — Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas, Sr.
110. N.Y. Giants — Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami, Sr.
111. Houston from Miami — Leki Fotu, DT, Utah, Sr.
112. L.A. Chargers — A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College, Jr.
The Chargers paid Austin Ekeler, but they still need a primary runner. Dillon is a load through the tackles with more quicks than you’d expect in a man his size (6-feet, 247 pounds). Top needs: QB, OL, RB, LB, WR
113. Carolina — Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU, So.
114. Arizona — Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa, Sr.
115. Cleveland — Nick Harris, OL, Washington, Sr.
116. Jacksonville — Van Jefferson, WR, Florida, Sr.
117. Tampa Bay — K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio St., Sr.
118. Denver — Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame, Sr.
119. Atlanta — Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis, Sr.
120. N.Y. Jets — Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky, Sr.
121. Las Vegas — Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
122. Indianapolis — John Simpson, OL, Clemson, Sr.
123. Dallas — Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska, Sr.
124. Pittsburgh — Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon, Sr.
125. New England from Chicago — Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri, Jr.
126. L.A. Rams — Brandon Jones, S, Texas, Sr.
The Rams need to fill voids left by Eric Weddle and Marqui Christian. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB, DB, RB
127. Philadelphia — Zack Moss, RB, Utah, Sr.
128. Buffalo — Larrell Murchison, DL, NC State, Sr.
129. Baltimore from New England — Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA, Jr.
130. New Orleans — Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky, Jr.
131. Arizona from Houston — Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan St., Sr.
132. Minnesota — Jason Strowbridge, DL, North Carolina, Sr.
133. Seattle — Nick Coe, Edge, Auburn, Jr.
134. Baltimore — Julian Blackmon, S, Utah, Sr.
135. Pittsburgh from Miami — Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland, So.
136. Green Bay — Hakeem Adeniji, OL, Kansas, Sr.
137. Jacksonville from Denver — Jake Driscoll, OL, Auburn, Sr.
138. Kansas City — Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona St., Jr.
139. Tampa Bay — Alton Robinson, Edge, Syracuse, Sr.
140. Jacksonville from Chicago — Essang Bassey, CB, Wake Forest, Sr.
141. Miami — Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota, Sr.
142. Washington — Collin Johnson, WR, Texas, Sr.
143. Atlanta from Baltimore — Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado, Sr.
144. Seattle — Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington, Jr.
145. Philadelphia — Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah, Jr.
146. Philadelphia — Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin, Jr.
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FIFTH ROUND
147. Cincinnati — Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M, Jr.
148. Carolina from Washington — Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon St., Jr.
149. Detroit — J.R. Reed, S, Georgia, Sr.
150. N.Y. Giants — Gabriel Davis, WR, Central Florida, Jr.
151. L.A. Chargers — Michael Onwenu, OL, Michigan, Sr.
The Chargers continue to rebuild a mediocre offensive line. Onwenu (6-3, 350) is an interior powerhouse who dominates in short spaces. Top needs: QB, OL, RB, LB, WR
152. Carolina — Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian St., Jr.
153. Miami — Geno Stone, S, Iowa, Jr.
154. Miami from Pittsburgh — Anfernee Jennings, Edge, Alabama, Sr.
155. Minnesota from Buffalo — Joe Bachie Jr., LB, Michigan St., Sr.
156. San Francisco from Denver — Lamical Perine, RB, Florida, Sr.
157. Baltimore from Jacksonville — Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA, Sr.
158. N.Y. Jets — Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati, Sr.
159. Las Vegas — Antoine Brooks, S, Maryland, Sr.
160. Indianapolis — McTelvin Agim, DL, Arkansas, Sr.
161. Tampa Bay — Kyle Murphy, OL, Rhode Island, Sr.
162. Washington from Seattle — Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan St., Jr.
163. Chicago — Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty, Sr.
164. Dallas — Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
165. Jacksonville from L.A. Rams — D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina, Sr.
166. Detroit from Philadelphia — Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue, Sr.
167. Buffalo — Aaron Parker, WR, Rhode Island, Sr.
168. Philadelphia from New England — Jake Luton, QB, Oregon St., Sr.
169. New Orleans — Cameron Clark, OT, Charlotte, Sr.
170. Jacksonville from Baltimore — Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt, Sr.
171. Houston — Trey Adams, OT, Washington, Sr.
172. New England from Detroit — James Morgan, QB, Florida International, Sr.
173. Miami from L.A. Rams — Harrison Hand, CB, Temple, Jr.
174. Tennessee — Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech, Jr.
175. Green Bay — Bravvion Roy, DL, Baylor, Sr.
176. San Francisco — James Lynch, DL, Baylor, Jr.
177. Kansas City — David Woodward, LB, Utah St., Jr.
178. Denver — Jonathan Garvin, Edge, Miami, Jr.
179. Dallas — A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma St., Sr.
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