The 2020 NFL Draft is only 2 weeks away and by now all teams should have draft boards finalized. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and linebacker are stronger than in recent years. Conversely, positions like edge rusher, tight end, and interior offensive linemen lack in the depth and top-end talent we’ve seen the past couple drafts. With a lack of pro days and player meetings, teams will rely more than ever on area scouts and tape to make their selections.
Here’s a look at our final 2020 NFL Draft Big Board:
Top 50
1 Chase Young, Edge - Ohio State
2 Joe Burrow, QB - LSU
3 Isaiah Simmions , LB - Clemson
4 Derrick Brown, DT - Auburn
5 Jeffrey Okudah, CB - Ohio State
6 CeeDee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma
7 Jerry Jeudy, WR - Alabama
8 Andrew Thomas, OT - Georgia
9 Tristian Wirfs, OT - Iowa
10 Henry Ruggs III, WR - Alabama
11 Jedrick Wills, OT - Alabama
12 Javon Kinlaw, IDL - South Carolina
13 Mekhi Becton, OT - Louisville
14 Jonathan Taylor , RB - Wisconsin
15 CJ Henderson, CB - Florida
16 Justin Herbert, QB - Oregon
17 D’Andre Swift, RB - Georgia
18 Tua Tagovailoa, QB - Alabama
19 K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge - LSU
20 Justin Jefferson, WR - LSU
21 Antoine Winfield Jr, S - Minnesota
22 J. Epenesa, Edge - Iowa
23 Kenneth Murray, ILB - Oklahoma
24 Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge - Penn State
25 Tee Higgins, WR - Clemson
26 Patrick Queen, ILB - LSU
27 Kristian Fulton, CB - LSU
28 Xavier McKinney, S - Alabama
29 Cesar Ruiz, IOL - Michigan
30 Jeff Gladney, CB - TCU
31 Jordan Love, QB - Utah State
32 Zach Baun, Edge/LB - Wisconsin
33 Justin Madubukie, DT - Texas A&M
34 Grant Delpit, S - LSU
35 Laviska Shenault, WR - Colorado
36 Jeremy Chinn, S - Southern Illinois
37 Noah Igbinoghene, CB - Auburn
38 Kyle Duggar, S - Lenoir-Rhyne
39 Jalen Reagor, WR - TCU
40 Cam Akers, RB - Florida State
41 JK Dobbins, RB - Ohio State
42 Cole Kmet, TE - Notre Dame
43 Ross Blacklock, DT – TCU
44 Josh Jones, OT - Houston
45 Chase Claypool, WR - Notre Dame
46 Denzel Mims, WR - Baylor
47 Jaylon Johnson, CB - Utah
48 Jake Fromm, QB - Georgia
49 Terrell Lewis, Edge - Alabama
50 Brandon Aiyuk, WR - Arizona State
High Guy: Jonathan Taylor, Running Back – Wisconsin
Jonathan Taylor comes into the NFL with a pedigree not seen since 2007 when Adrian Peterson came out of Oklahoma. A 2-time unanimous First Team All-American and Doak Walker Award winner, Taylor is a downhill runner who profiles as a workhorse running back in the NFL. What truly separates him is the combination of several elite traits, specifically his size, speed and vision which allow him to turn 5 yard runs into 8, and 20 yard runs into house calls. A lot of people will say 14 overall is too high for a running back, but the opportunity to get a back of Taylor’s caliber for 5 controllable years shouldn’t be taken for granted considering how quickly teams are cycling through running backs.
Low Guy: Josh Jones, Offensive Tackle – Houston
This is by no means a slight to Jones; I consider him a mid-second round prospect who has all the tools to develop into a starting tackle in the NFL. Jones oozes athletic traits with his flexibility, quickness and strength that O-line coaches will pound the table for. While he has all the size and skills to be a starting tackle in the league, Jones does a lot of his winning by simply being the better athlete and not with technique. His footwork leaves a lot to be desired and I think he will struggle with speed-to-power NFL pass rushers especially early on in his career. Due to positional need Jones is getting pushed up sometimes into the teens of Mock Drafts which I view as a bit of a reach for a round 2 player.
My Guy: Noah Igbinoghene, Cornerback – Auburn
Noah Igbinoghene comes into the league having only played a short time at the corner position. However, he has an incredibly high upside as a potential #1 corner with elite athleticism at the position where athleticism matters most. Igbinoghene shows excellent body control, burst and recovery speed on film. He’s scheme versatile and can play both man and zone coverages but will likely find early success in off coverage where he can use his explosiveness to attack the ball in front of him. He will need to work on his ball skills and getting his eyes back to the quarterback, but a good secondary coach will help him with his anticipation and footwork ideally leading to more ball production in the NFL.
51-100
51 Tyler Biadasz, IOL - Wisconsin
52 Lloyd Cushenberry, IOL - LSU
53 Lucas Niang, OT - TCU
54 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB - LSU
55 Marlon Davidson, IDL - Auburn
56 Trevon Diggs, CB - Alabama
57 Ezra Cleveland, OT - Boise State
58 Bradley Anae, Edge - Utah
59 Jacob Eason, QB - Washington
60 Michael Pittman, WR - USC
61 Josh Uche, Edge - Michigan
62 Willie Gay, ILB - Mississippi State
63 Ashtyn Davis, S - Cal
64 Julian Okwara, Edge - Notre Dame
65 KJ Hamler, WR - Penn State
66 Jonah Jackson, IOL - Ohio State
67 Neville Gallimore, DT - Oklahoma
68 Damon Arnette, CB - Ohio State
69 Tyler Johnson, WR - Minnesota
70 Malik Harrison, ILB - Ohio State
71 Netane Muti, IOL - Fresno State
72 Brycen Hopkins, TE - Purdue
73 Austin Jackson, OT - USC
74 Cameron Dantzler, CB - Mississippi State
75 Zach Moss, RB - Utah
76 Matt Hennessy, IOL - Temple
77 Khalid Kareem, Edge - Notre Dame
78 Amik Robertson , CB - Louisiana Tech
79 Lynn Bowden, WR - Kentucky
80 Jalen Hurts, QB - Oklahoma
81 James Lynch, IDL - Baylor
82 AJ Terrell, CB - Clemson
83 Albert Okwuegbunam, TE - Missouri
84 Hunter Bryant, TE - Washington
85 Darrell Taylor, Edge - Tennessee
86 AJ Dillion, RB - Boston College
87 Devin Duvernay, WR - Texas
88 Jordyn Brooks, ILB - Texas Tech
89 Matt Peart, OT - UConn
90 Raekwon Davis, IDL - Alabama
91 Adam Trautman, TE - Dayton
92 John Simpson, IOL - Clemson
93 Damien Lewis, IOL - LSU
94 Bryce Hall, CB - Virginia
95 Troy Pride Jr, CB - Notre Dame
96 Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR - Michigan
97 Leki Fotu, IDL - Utah
98 Troy Dye, ILB - Oregon
99 Isaiah Wilson, OT - Georgia
100. K’Von Wallace, S – Clemson
High Guy: Willie Gay, Inside Linebacker – Mississippi State
Willie Gay struggled to stay on the field in college, but when he was there the guy absolutely lit it up. Yes, there are a couple character red flags that have risen, but nothing significant enough to prevent NFL teams from taking him high in the draft. Gay is an ultra-athletic linebacker with explosive testing in the 90th percentile of the 40-yard dash, broad and vertical jumps. That explosiveness consistently shows up on tape with Gay displaying exceptional sideline-to-sideline mobility. He has all the athletic tools and ability to be a topflight linebacker in the NFL and needs to see the field more to develop his football IQ.
Low Guy: Neville Gallimore, Defensive Tackle – Oklahoma
Neville Gallimore has been the best player along the Oklahoma defensive line for the last 2 seasons. He has excellent burst and first step quickness that allow him to disrupt plays from the start. As a rotational piece on a defensive line he should be able to provide nice interior pass rush. However, Gallimore slides outside the top 60 players for me and into a third round grade for a couple reasons. Mainly, he is most likely a 1-tech in the NFL and doesn’t have the versatility to really move off that spot. Since he is likely a 1-tech I don’t know if he can be a high snap player due to his inconstancy against the run. Adding more strength and playing with a consistent pad level will be key to Gallimore’s success in the NFL
My Guy: Amik Robertson, Cornerback – Louisiana Tech
Amik Robertson is absolutely one of my favorite players in this class. Robertson has some of the best instincts and ball skills of any corner coming out. He is quick to drive on the ball and loves to come up and attack in run supports. Robertson is undersized but exceptionally physical both in press coverage and when making a tackle, his top-notch foot quickness and his read and react skills at corner will make him a desired quantity in for zone heavy teams but he has all the skills to play in man coverage as well. Robertson is most likely a slot corner at the next level and should be the first one off the board. His competitive toughness, ball skills and football IQ are as elite as they come, and I expect him to be an instant impact player in the secondary for the team that drafts him.
101-150
101 Robert Hunt, IOL - Louisiana
102 Curtis Weaver, Edge - Boise State
103 Troy Pride Jr, CB - Notre Dame
104 Khalil Davis, IDL - Nebraska
105 Anthony McFarland, RB - Maryland
106 Jordan Elliot, IDL - Missouri
107 Prince Tega-Wanogho, OT - Auburn
108 Davon Hamilton, IDL - Ohio State
109 Antonio Gibson , RB - Memphis
110 Jonathan Greenard, Edge - Florida
111 Ben Bartch, OT - St. John’s (MN)
112 Harrison Bryant, TE - Florida Atlantic
113 Evan Weaver, ILB - Cal
114 Saahidiq Charles, OT - LSU
115 Ben Bredeson, IOL - Michigan
116 Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR - Liberty
117 Tyre Phillips, OT/OG - Mississippi State
118 Akeem Davis-Gaither, ILB - Appalachian State
119 Darnay Holmes , CB - UCLA
120 Eno Benjamin, RB - Arizona State
121 Anfernee Jennings, Edge - Alabama
122 Quartney Davis , WR - Texas A&M
123 Thad Moss, TE - LSU
124 Nick Harris, IOL - Washington
125 Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB - Vanderbilt
126 Tanner Muse, S - Clemson
127 Kenny Willekes, Edge - Michigan State
128 Bryan Edwards, WR - South Carolina
129 Terrell Burgess, CB/S - Utah
130 Joe Bachie, ILB - Michigan State
131 Rashard Lawrence, IDL - LSU
132 Gabriel Davis, WR - UCF
133 Alton Robinson, Edge - Syracuse
134 Jabari Zuniga, Edge - Florida
135 Brandon Jones, S - Texas
136 Colby Parkinson, TE - Stanford
137 KJ Hill, WR - Ohio State
138 Logan Stenberg , IOL - Kentucky
139 Lamical Perine, RB - Florida
140 Collin Johnson, WR - Texas
141 Antoine Brooks , S - Maryland
142 Darrynton Evans, RB - Appalachian State
143 Bravvion Roy, DT - Baylor
144 Jack Driscoll, OT - Auburn
145 Harrison Hand, CB - Temple
146 Jason Strowbridge, Edge/DL - North Carolina
147 Quintez Cephus, WR - Wisconsin
148 David Woodward, ILB - Utah State
149 Michael Ojemudia, CB - Iowa
150 Julian Blackmon, S – Utah
High Guy: Tanner Muse, Safety – Clemson
I wrote about Tanner Muse once already as a day 3 prospect who is most likely to out play that projection if put in the right scheme. Muse is a likely a safety/linebacker hybrid in the NFL and has all the athletic tools to play that position at a high level. A size/speed specimen, Muse will match up with tight ends and running backs in the pass game, while simultaneously blitz and hold up in the run game as well. He has experience as a deep safety reading quarterbacks’ eyes and dropping into zone which will help him in the transition to a near full-time box defender. Muse’s basement is a special teams ace, but I expect him to handle a full-time strong safety and dime linebacker role in the NFL.
Low Guy: Nick Harris, Center – Washington
Zone teams love a mobile center and Nick Harris has all the functional athleticism needed to play in that type of scheme. He’s got nice agile footwork and really can get out of his stance and move. As a multiyear starter for Washington, Harris also displays solid football IQ and control as the general of the line. My biggest issue is the lack of length and strength he displays which really limits the schemes he can play in. Harris can sometimes get taken for a ride by stronger defenders and outreach by longer players which both hinder his ability to set and anchor. Harris’ scheme specific mold will limit the teams that value his trait and keep him from being drafted earlier than some of the other interior linemen.
My Guy: Anthony McFarland, Running Back – Maryland
Anthony McFarland has some jets and can really fly which is a good thing for a player who is a bit undersized for a lead back role. However, McFarland’s size and low center of gravity do him some favors. He has surprisingly solid contact balance and couples that with elite burst to break through arm tackles and into the open field. Once he sees daylight, McFarland hits the accelerator, which is his best trait and shoots through the hole with his speed on full display. He needs some refinement in pass blocking but has the tools to be a 3-down back at the next level. McFarland will likely find early success in a zone scheme where he can split carries with more of a power back who can do the heavy lifting near the goal line while he does the damage between the 20-yard lines.
151-200
151 Alex Highsmith, Edge - Charlotte
152 Logan Wilson, ILB - Wyoming
153 Josiah Deguara, TE - Cincinnati
154 Nick Coe, IDL - Auburn
155 Jonathan Garvin, Edge - Miami
156 James Proche, WR - SMU
157 Anthony Gordon, QB - Washington State
158 JR Reed, S - Georgia
159 Cheyenne O’Grady, TE - Arkansas
160 Markus Bailey, ILB - Purdue
161 John Hightower, WR - Boise State
162 Geno Stone, S - Iowa
163 Reggie Robinson, CB - Tulsa
164 Joshua Kelley, RB - UCLA
165 Jacob Breeland, TE - Oregon
166 Myles Bryant, CB/S - Washington
167 Isaiah Hodges, WR - Oregon State
168 Larrell Murchison, IDL - NC State
169 Shane Lemieux, IOL - Oregon
170 Trevon Hill, Edge - Miami
171 Kalija Lipscomb, WR - Vanderbilt
172 Michael Onwenu, IOL - Michigan
173 Kindle Vildor, CB - Georgia Southern
174 DeeJay Dallas, RB - Miami
175 Javelin Guidry, CB - Utah
176 Mctelvin Agim, IDL - Arkansas
177 Essang Bassey, CB - Wake Forest
178 Hakeem Adeniji, OT/OG - Kansas
179 Micahel Warren, RB - Cincinnati
180 Francis Bernard, ILB - Utah
181 Josiah Scott, CB - Michigan State
182 Jauan Jennings, WR - Tennessee
183 Derrek Tuszka, Edge - North Dakota State
184 Alohi Gilman, S - Notre Dame
185 Jaylinn Hawkins, S - Cal
186 DJ Wonnum, Edge - South Carolina
187 Shaq Quarterman, ILB - Miami
188 Jalen Elliott, S - Notre Dame
189 AJ Green, CB - Oklahoma State
190 Jared Pinkey, TE - Vanderbilt
191 Calvin Throckmorton, OT/OG - Oregon
192 Cole McDonald, QB - Hawaii
193 Dalton Keene, TE - Virginia Tech
194 Darryl Williams, IOL - Mississippi State
195 Dane Jackson, CB - Pitt
196 JaMycal Hasty, RB - Baylor
197 Jacob Phillips, ILB - LSU
198 Carter Coughlin, Edge/LB - Minnesota
199 Cam Brown, ILB - Penn State
200 Trajan Brady, CB – Miami
High Guy: Dalton Keene, Tight End – Virginia Tech
Dalton Keene has something more and more tight ends must possess and that is versatility. He lined up everywhere on the field and while he has a limited route tree, he’s an asset in the pass game. Keene has great hands and does well creating YAC once the ball is in his hands. He’s going to need to add some strength and weight to his frame so he can compete better at the point of attack as a run blocker. His effort and motor are top notch and Keene could see an uptick in use as a move tight end with a team that can try to tap into his catch radius.
Low Guy: Nick Coe, Defensive Tackle – Auburn
Nick Coe is the third member of the Auburn defensive line next to Brown and Davidson who caused problems upfront for opposing offenses. Coe has the prototypical size and length to play as a base 3-4 end and is at his best when he uses that length to shed defenders and clear his way to his target. For all is traits, Coe is a project because he relies on simply being a bigger better athlete than his opponent. He needs to refine his play recognition, hand usage and footwork to become a more consistent player at the next level. His physical traits have gotten him this far, but NFL offensive linemen won’t simply be bullied into submission.
My Guy: Jaylinn Hawkins, Safety – Cal
Every team needs an enforcer on their defense. someone that fills the shoes of the footstep’s receivers hear as they come over the middle and Jaylinn Hawkins was that enforcer for Cal. Hawkins best trait is his intelligence and play recognition which combined with his versatility makes him a nice chess piece for defensive coordinators. He’s not overly explosive and often lack discipline when tackling, but man will he come up and thump when given the chance. Hawkins versatility and intelligence should help get him on the field early.
201-250
201 Solomon Kindley, IOL - Georgia
202 Robert Windsor, IDL - Penn State
203 Alex Taylor, OT - South Carolina State
204 Kendrick Rogers, WR - Texas A&M
205 Devin Asiasi, TE - UCLA
206 Carlos Davis, IDL - Nebraska
207 JJ Taylor, RB - Arizona
208 Malcom Roach, IDL - Texas
209 Micael Divinety, Edge - LSU
210 Brian Cole, S - Mississippi State
211 Dante Olsen, ILB - Montana
212 Colton McKivits, OT - West Virginia
213 Jon Runyan, OT - Michigan
214 Tyler Bass, K - Georgia Southern
215 Braden Mann, P - Texas A&M
216 Rodrigo Blankenship, K - Georgia
217 Michael Turk, P - Arizona State
218 Quez Watkins, WR - Southern Miss
219 Justin Herron, OT - Wake Forest
220 Freddie Swain, WR - Florida
221 Jake Hanson, IOL - Oregon
222 KJ Osborn, WR - Miami
223 Mike Danna, Edge - Michigan
224 Joe Reed, WR - Virginia
225 Trevis Gibson, Edge - Tulsa
226 Charlie Heck, OT - North Carolina
227 Binjimen Victor, WR - Ohio State
228 Chris Williamson, CB - Minnesota
229 Josh Metellus, S - Michigan
230 Raequan Williams, IDL - Michigan State
231 Raymond Calais, RB - Louisiana
232 Isaiah Coulter, WR - Rhode Island
233 Kendall Coleman, Edge - Syracuse
234 Davion Taylor, ILB - Colorado
235 Darrion Daniels, IDL - Nebraska
236 James Morgan, QB - FIU
237 James Smith Williams, Edge - NC State
238 Garrett Marino, IDL - UAB
239 Chris Orr, ILB - Wisconsin
240 Daelin Hayes, DE - Notre Dame
241 Justin Strnad, ILB - Wake Forest
242 Nate Stanley, QB - Iowa
243 Khaleke Hudson, ILB - Michigan
244 Madre Harper, CB - Southern Illinois
245 Tipa Galeia, Edge - Utah State
246 Joe Gaziano, DL - Northwestern
247 Juwuan Johnson, WR - Oregon
248 Kyle Murphy, OT/OG - Rhode Island
249 James Robinson, RB - Illinois State
250 Stanford Samuels, CB - Florida State
High Guy: Garrett Marino, Defensive Lineman – UAB
There are high motor guys, and then there are nuclear reactors like Garrett Marino who just exude energy levels others cannot match. Marino lacks ideal height and length for a defensive tackle, but he plays aggressively and is a disruptor on the interior who has some developmental upside as a pass rush specialist. Marino uses his hands extremely well, but his best trait is his first step quickness which allows him to overcome his lack of length and explode into slower offensive linemen. Marino will be a day 3 pick, who will need to add some strength and playing weight but has a nice developmental upside.
Low Guy: Binjimen Victor, Wide Receiver – Ohio State
Ohio state is quite the wide receiver factory seemingly putting players into the NFL every year and Binjimen Victor is the next in that line. He is long with a giant wingspan and shows nice body control on contested catch ability. Unlike former teammate Terry McLaurin, he doesn’t have the special teams upside needed to stick on NFL rosters and his speed is questionable for an NFL receiver. Victor’s lack of strength and speed are going to limit him at the next level and his development of a strong release and precise footwork in route running will have to be how he wins.
My Guy: Freddie Swain, Wide Receiver – Florida
Freddie Swain comes out of a Florida offense that spreads the ball around, so he didn’t see the production a lot of receivers in this class have. Swain won a lot from the slot where he is likely destined to play in the NFL. He isn’t the best rout runner; however, he has excellent burst and the speed to hit home runs once he secures the catch. Swain is going to drop in a deep receiver group but has the athletic upside to develop into a starting receiver in 3 wide receiver sets.
Deceptive Speed’s 7-round mock draft and betting guide to the 2020 NFL Draft will be coming out in the next 2 weeks.
Photo by Maryland Athletics
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