Skip to main content

NFL Mock Draft includes big trade up by Chargers


The 2020 NFL offseason is set to begin next week as teams will start signing veteran free agents. Expect some of the league's biggest stars to switch teams and for multiple trades to occur over the next two weeks.

But today, we look at a pre-free agency mock draft that features a big trade inside the top 10 of the draft. So without further ado, let's get to the mock draft!

1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, LSU

While there has been some uncertainty regarding where the Bengals may go with the first-overall selection, Joe Burrow is simply the best player in this draft. He should thrive in Zac Taylor's offense with the number of weapons at his disposal.

2. Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State

The Redskins will surely get several offers for this pick from quarterback-needy teams, but they stay put and draft the best non-quarterback in the class in Chase Young. With an established defensive line, the Redskins add an elite pass rusher that could help them become one of the top defenses in the league rather quickly.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (via trade): QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

The first big trade of the draft occurs at No. 3 as the Chargers jump ahead of the Miami Dolphins to select Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The move likely costs the Chargers two second-round picks over the next two seasons, but Tagovailoa is an elite quarterback prospect that could turn around a franchise.

4. New York Giants: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

With Jason Garrett now in charge of the Giants' offense, look for him to try to rebuild the offensive line to protect Daniel Jones. Tristan Wirfs might be the best tackle in the class and can play multiple positions. He's a Day 1 starter at either tackle spot for the Giants.

5. Miami Dolphins: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is off the board, which leaves Justin Herbert and Jordan Love at quarterback. Instead of reaching on one of those passers, the Dolphins will draft the best offensive tackle available to help protect Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2020.

6. Detroit Lions (via trade): CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

The Lions have to be thrilled that Jeff Okudah fell to pick No. 6 after trading down with the Chargers. Okudah is the best cornerback prospect to enter the NFL in several years and would be an instant starter for the Lions.

7. Carolina Panthers: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

The Panthers are saying all the right things about Cam Newton, but it's clear that he isn't long for Carolina. Instead, Matt Rhule and Joe Brady get their new franchise passer in Justin Herbert, who has the arm talent and athleticism to thrive in the NFL.

8. Arizona Cardinals: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

The first big surprise in the draft is Henry Ruggs III being drafted ahead of CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy. Ruggs has elite speed and will force defenses to double him down the field, which opens throwing lanes underneath for quarterback Kyler Murray. With so much speed on the field, the Cardinals are quickly becoming one of the toughest offenses in the NFL to defend.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

The Jaguars could go in any direction with this selection as their roster is filled with holes. However, the best player available in Isaiah Simmons would fit well with Myles Jack. Simmons could be a building block on defense for Jacksonville and would be a steal at pick No. 9.

10. Cleveland Browns: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

It's no secret that the Browns need to upgrade their offensive line, and they have to be thrilled to see Jedrick Wills fall to this spot. While he played right tackle in college, he has the skill set to play on either side in the NFL.

11. New York Jets: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

The fourth offensive tackle off the board is Andrew Thomas, who protected Jake Fromm's blindside at Georgia. Thomas would fill the Jets' biggest need and would be a value at No. 11.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

The Raiders need a No. 1 receiver, and they have to be delighted to see both CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy still available at pick No. 12. Mike Mayock goes with the bigger target as he would be a perfect fit in Jon Gruden's West Coast offense.

13. Indianapolis Colts: IDL Derrick Brown, Auburn

The Colts continue to invest in the trenches as Derrick Brown, an arguably top-five player in this class, falls to them at No. 13. This is a dream pick for a defense that needs a star in the middle of their defense.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: IDL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

After drafting Vita Vea in the first round in 2018, the Buccaneers grab an interior rusher who can play off Vea's strength. Kinlaw might still be a year away from contributing, but he has Kansas City Chiefs DE Chris Jones' potential if everything works out.

15. Denver Broncos: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

The Broncos need to add a weapon opposite of Courtland Sutton, and Jerry Jeudy falling to No. 15 would be a dream selection. He can win from the slot or outside with quickness and route running. Jeudy is one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class and would be a star in Denver's offense.

16. Atlanta Falcons: CB CJ Henderson, Florida

The Falcons have to upgrade their defense this offseason, and it starts with their secondary. Florida cornerback CJ Henderson has outstanding athleticism and a knack for finding the football. At pick No. 16, he's an excellent value for the Falcons as they look to find someone opposite Desmond Trufant.

17. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Cowboys would love to see CJ Henderson on the board, but he goes one pick ahead of them at No. 16. Instead, the Cowboys take the best player on the board in K'Lavon Chaisson and pair him with Demarcus Lawrence. Chaisson is just 20 years old, and his best football is still ahead of him.

18. Miami Dolphins: EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

The Dolphins have so many needs that they just pick the best player available in Penn State edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. While he may need some time to develop, Gross-Matos is an elite athlete with incredible college production. He has a chance to significantly outproduce his draft spot with some patience.

19. Las Vegas Raiders: LB Patrick Queen, LSU

Outside of wide receiver, the biggest need for the Raiders is at linebacker. They released starter Tahir Whitehead and need to become more athletic at the position. Queen is just a one-year starter, but his upside is tremendous. If he makes it to pick No. 19, this would be a slam-dunk pick for Mike Mayock.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

After trading away corners Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye in less than a year, the Jaguars need to upgrade their cornerback position in a big way. Kristian Fulton is the best cornerback on the board and would instantly be the team's top defensive back.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

The Eagles could use some help at cornerback or wide receiver, but the best player available is Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma. Linebacker has been a longtime need of the Eagles, and his athleticism and tackling ability would be perfect for Jim Schwartz's defense. If Patrick Queen isn't available, expect this to be the Eagles' pick at No. 21.

22. Buffalo Bills: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

The Bills don't have many holes on their roster, but they do need to add a No. 1 receiver to their offense. Tee Higgins would be a perfect match for Josh Allen as he wins down the field with his size and catch radius. Higgins, along with John Brown and Cole Beasley would make a lot of sense for the Bills.

23. New England Patriots: S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Bill Belichick is always looking for versatile defenders who can play several different positions, and Xavier McKinney is a perfect fit in his defense. With the Patriots potentially losing Devin McCourty in free agency, McKinney would slide into his starting role, and the defense likely wouldn't miss a beat.

24. New Orleans Saints: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Saints star receiver Michael Thomas had a monster season for the Saints in 2019, but he could use some help in the passing game. Justin Jefferson is one of the fastest risers in the 2020 class as he can win all over the field with quickness and route running. Jefferson could instantly become the team's No. 2 wide receiver and would give Drew Brees another weapon to target in the red zone.

25. Minnesota Vikings: CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

With the Vikings likely moving on from corners Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes, the team needs to find more competent cornerbacks right away. Jeff Gladney is one of the most productive cornerbacks in the draft. He's not big, but he has no problem being physical and would fit well in Mike Zimmer's defense.

26. Miami Dolphins: FS Grant Delpit, LSU

The Dolphins find themselves on the clock again and take the best player available in the 2019 Jim Thorpe Award winner in Grant Delpit. He may not be the best tackler in the world, but Delpit can make plays on the football. You can make a strong case that he is the best safety in the class and should go much higher than this.

27. Seattle Seahawks: OT Austin Jackson, USC

The Seahawks need to continue to invest in their offensive line if they want to maximize Russell Wilson's value. Austin Jackson is a raw, developmental tackle, but the athleticism is there for him to become a star. Given Pete Carroll's USC ties, look for them to consider Jackson late in the first round.

28. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Zack Baun, Wisconsin

The Ravens could use a lot of help in their front seven, and one of the best fits in the draft would be Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun joining the Ravens. Baun is probably too small to be a full-time edge rusher, but his value comes in his versatility. He can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and play the run. If he is available at pick No. 28, this could be a home-run for the Ravens.

29. Tennessee Titans: OT Josh Jones, Houston

The Titans are likely to lose right tackle Jack Conklin in free agency, and Houston tackle Josh Jones should be able to replace him with ease. Jones was dominant at the Senior Bowl, never losing a rep. While he needs to continue to gain strength, Jones is an elite athlete who should be able to start right away.

30. Green Bay Packers: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor

The Packers need to find a complement to Davante Adams, and Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims seems like the perfect match. He is an elite athlete who can win by out-muscling defenders. He may need some time to develop his route tree, but this is a potential No. 1 receiver available at pick No. 30.

31. San Francisco 49ers: S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

The 49ers don't have many needs on their roster, but they could also use more talent in the secondary. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is one of the best playmakers in this draft and just has a nose for the football. With the 49ers' pass rush, Winfield could be Tyrann Mathieu-like in their defense.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

Do the Chiefs have bigger needs than wide receiver? Of course they do. But adding one of the fastest receivers in this class to potentially replace Sammy Watkins makes a lot of sense. He can play several different positions and can help in the return game to help take pressure off of Tyreek Hill on special teams.

MORE:

This new video of Patrick Mahomes calling his shot on pivotal Super Bowl play is so fascinating

The NFL 'Bad Lip Reading' video is back and it's better than ever

XFL rules: Explaining all the rule differences between the XFL and NFL

XFL Week 1 schedule: Start times, TV channels, how to stream

'The Masked Singer' is barely trying to hide Rob Gronkowski