How did your team do in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft? Sporting News has you covered in tracking all the picks and issuing grades in real time Thursday night.
While the Bengals and Redskins seemingly have been locked into their picks for a while, there was bound to be plenty of unpredictability. They say it takes five years to truly evaluate an NFL Draft class, but in the immediate term, we can still get a good idea of whether each pick is based on sound logic or should be second-guessed.
The key questions to ask right away: Did the team get the right player at a position of need? Did it pass on someone else who could have been a better fit? Was the player it took worthy of that high of selection vs. the promise of similar prospects? Based on our evaluations, we're providing answers for what the picks mean now and later.
From No. 1 through No. 32, this is your hub for in-depth live reaction in Round 1, grading every team and player fit. Keep checking back for updates throughout the entire first round.
MORE 2020 NFL DRAFT:
Live pick tracker | Full draft order | Top 100 players
NFL Draft grades 2020: Live picks & analysis
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
- Grade : A
Burrow (6-3, 221 pounds) cemented his status as an elite QB prospect by posting the best passing season in college football history, showing strong NFL qualities with his arm, accuracy, decision-making and leadership. Offensive-minded coach Zac Taylor gets his high-floor option to replace Andy Dalton, and Burrow should tap into some of his high ceiling starting immediately as a rookie.
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
- Grade: A+
The Redskins get the best player in the 2020 NFL Draft in this transcendent pass-rusher who had 16.5 sacks in 12 games in his final season at Ohio State. Young (6-5, 264 pounds) is an explosive, game-changing disruptor with more pro upside than two other former Buckeyes, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa. He is a great cornerstone for coach Ron Rivera’s defensive rebuild.
3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
- Grade: A
The Lions traded Darius Slay and acquired Desmond Trufant, but they needed a young stud corner to fortify the back end of Matt Patricia’s defense. Okudah is a technically sound ball hawk at 6-1, 205 pounds, allowing him to cover all receiving body types. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills and is strong enough in press man coverage to develop into a shutdown cornerback.
4. New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
- Grade: A
Thomas may not have been the most obvious choice for the Giants to upgrade pass protection for Daniel Jones, but he makes a lot of sense. New York badly needed a right tackle opposite aging Nate Solder for now and a replacement for Solder later. Thomas matches great size (6-5, 315 pounds) with good hands and footwork. Saquon Barkley also will love what Thomas can do to open holes for the running game.
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
- Grade: B
The Dolphins come full circle on Tagovailoa (6-0, 217 pounds) as their future franchise QB after creating several smokescreens. With Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract as a veteran bridge for one more year, they have time to get Tagovailoa up to speed physically and mentally should he need more time to heal. When healthy, Tagovailoa is an accurate, mobile, deep-ball throwing QB with the upside of Russell Wilson, only throwing with his left arm.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
- Grade: B
The Chargers have their bridge QB option in Tyrod Taylor, but he should get some good competition from this smart passer who just needs a little more polish. Herbert (6-6, 236 pounds) is efficient and mentally tough with underrated athleticism, which manifested down the stretch of his final season with the Ducks. He needs a little help with his decision-making, but at the Senior Bowl, he proved how receptive he is to coaching. He’ll get good tutelage from Anthony Lynn and Shane Steichen.
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
- Grade: A
The Panthers were bound to address their front seven early in the draft, opting to beef up their front rather than their linebacker corps. Brown is a beast against the run with a little interior pass-rush pop to boot. He has shined throughout the draft process as the most impactful player at his position. At 6-5, 326 pounds, he is a quick disruptor who makes a lot of plays in the backfield.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
- Grade: A+
The Cardinals have been open to hybrid defenders in the past (see Tyrann Mathieu, Deone Bucannon), and here they get a steal in the best player available, given they are weak at both strongside linebacker and strong safety. Simmons (6-3, 238 pounds) seemed to be all over the field at all times in college with great speed and range. He gets everywhere in a hurry, from rushing the passer to moving laterally to get in ideal coverage positions.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
- Grade: B
The Jaguars get much-needed cornerback help after trading away both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye and with Brown and Simmons gone for other parts of their defense. Henderson (6-1, 204 pounds) plays bigger than his size with great athleticism and technique in his favor. He just needs to get a little more physical to be trusted against receivers who rely on body positioning to get open.
10. Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
- Grade: B
The Browns needed another tackle after signing Jack Conklin to a big contract in free agency to replace Greg Robinson on the left side. They are banking on Wills, who also played on the right side at Alabama, to be athletic enough to make the transition and hold down Baker Mayfield’s blind side sooner rather than later. At first, he will be a big asset for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. At 6-4, 312 pounds, Wills is a strong, powerful run-blocker who needs a little time to develop into an elite pass-protector.
11. New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
- Grade: B
The Jets signed George Fant to upgrade at one tackle, and it made sense for them to prioritize the other edge in front of Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell instead of a receiver, especially with Becton still on the board. Becton (6-7, 369 pounds) has gotten more attention for his strong and powerful frame, as he has shown he can also be smooth in his movements. He is willing to work hard to become as good in pass protection as he is overwhelming blockers when setting the edge against the run.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
- Grade: A
The Raiders go for the speedy, go-to wideout they desperately needed after the Antonio Brown debacle and amid the Tyrell Williams durability concerns. Ruggs (5-11, 188 pounds) fits the bill as a field-stretcher who also can use his route-running skills to win on shorter routes. He is capable of being a complete No. 1, not just a burner, because of his red-zone scoring prowess.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Colts via 49ers): Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
- Grade: B
The Bucs shore up their big weakness at right tackle opposite Donovan Smith in a much-needed upgrade for Tom Brady’s protection, taking advantage of a mild drop for Wirfs. They get docked for giving up a little to get in position to catch him, but it made sense to get in on the run on tackles vs. going for a wide receiver, given they are loaded there and at tight end, too. Wirfs has great athleticism at 6-5, 320 pounds. He combines his pass-blocking skills with power and physicality in the running game.
14. San Francisco 49ers (from Buccaneers): Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
- Grade: A
The 49ers opt for the ideal replacement for DeForest Buckner, whom they traded to get an extra first-rounder. They could have gone wide receiver, but keeping their interior pass rush intact to play off Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead was more pressing. Kinlaw (6-5, 324 pounds) knows how to use his size and arms to complement his strength and power at the point of attack. He delivered 6 sacks in his final season with the Gamecocks.
15. Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
- Grade: B
The Broncos were targeting the best available wide receiver or defensive tackle on their board, so this pick was easier with Kinlaw off the board. Second-year QB Drew Lock gets a fine complement to big-bodied deep threat Courtland Sutton outside, DaeSean Hamilton in the slot and Noah Fant at tight end. Jeudy (6-1, 193 pounds) fits the profile as a No. 1 receiver who runs smooth routes inside or outside. He is a classic intermediate to deep field-stretcher and savvy drive-finisher in the red zone.
16. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
- Grade: B-
The Falcons address a position of need after trading Desmond Trufant to the Lions, though they did have a chance to add the explosive, versatile K’Lavon Chaisson to fill a big playmaking void at linebacker. Terrell (6-1, 195 pounds) is a versatile cover man for his size who can work both outside and inside, in both man and zone schemes. He needs to learn to win battles with better technique and handwork.
2020 DRAFT CENTRAL: Live coverage, video from Fantasy Alarm
17. Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
- Grade: A+
The Cowboys had other needs at cornerback and edge rusher, but Jerry Jones couldn’t resist loading up at wideout with a great value pick in Lamb. Dallas lost Randall Cobb, so they can plug in Lamb with Amari Cooper and rising star Michael Gallup. Lamb can be the Cowboys’ version of DeAndre Hopkins, an explosive field-stretcher and steady possession guy outside. At 6-1, 198 pounds, Lamb needed only 58 receptions to post 1,208 yards and 14 TDs in 13 games last season.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers): Austin Jackson, OT, USC
- Grade: C
The Dolphins got Tagovailoa to be their quarterback, so they were bound to turn their attention to protecting him soon afterward. However, this is a pick they might have been able to make in a later round, making it a bit of a reach given they passed on more bona fide elite players they need at other positions (like safety Xavier McKinney). Jackson is an impressive athlete for his size (6-5, 322 pounds), but he needs some refinement in his technique to match his quick feet.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears): Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
- Grade: C
The Raiders reach a little here for their dire cornerback need, passing up on players such as Trevon Diggs, Jeff Gladney and Kristian Fulton to take a corner with some limitations in downfield coverage. What Arnette (6-0, 195 pounds) doesn't have in straight-line speed to stay with receivers on vertical routes, he makes up for with short-area quickness and toughness.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams): K'Lavon Chaisson, OLB, LSU
- Grade: A+
The Jaguars get a steal for their defense with this pick after landing Henderson at cornerback in the top 10. They have a dicey pass-rush situation with Calais Campbell traded and Yannick Ngakoue disgruntled, and they are a little weak at linebacker next to Myles Jack and Joe Schobert. This pick addresses both issues. Chaisson (6-3, 254 pounds) has a great name for an elite, active defender who chases after QBs and RBs alike. He had 6.5 sacks and 60 tackles during LSU’s championship run, and like several teammates, his draft stock shot up throughout the season.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
- Grade: B-
The Eagles desperately needed wide receiver help with Alshon Jeffery wearing down, DeSean Jackson hurting and Nelson Agholor gone. They could have done a little better with a potential true No. 1 such as Justin Jefferson or Tee HIggins, but still, it’s nice to get a home-run threat for Carson Wentz. Reagor is a productive, diminutive dasher who also provides some nice run-after-catch skills with quickness and toughness for his size (5-11, 206 pounds).
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Bills): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
- Grade: A
The Vikings get their replacement for Stefon Diggs to complement Adam Thielen in a similar way. Jefferson (6-1, 202 pounds), with massive production catching passes from Burrow, emerged in LSU's passing game as a quick, efficient route-runner with good hands. He also has underrated speed.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
- Grade: A-
The Chargers traded back into the first round to catch Murray ahead of the Saints, Ravens and Packers, all of whom could have used his services. Los Angeles’ notable weakness in their loaded defense is at linebacker, where their starter in the middle, Denzel Perryman, is set to become a free agent in 2021. Murray will be fine making plays outside to start. He (6-2, 241 pounds) is an active, rangy playmaker who can be as effective dropping back as he is getting downhill against the run or blitzing.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan
- Grade: B
The Saints were attached to linebacker first, wide receiver second and quarterback a distant third. But going for Ruiz (6-3, 307 pounds), the best interior offensive line prospect, is a shrewd move for 2021, when All-Pro right guard Larry Warford will be a free agent. That is bound to be Ruiz’s position after the Saints locked up Andrus Peat to a new deal at left guard and drafted Erik McCoy for center in the second round last year.
25. San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings) Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
- Grade: B
The 49ers get docked for giving up a lot to get Aiyuk in a deep receiver class, but he certainly fills a need with Emmanuel Sanders leaving in free agency. His skill set works nicely as a complement to Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, working both outside and inside. Aiyuk (6-0, 205 pounds) fits the profile of an impactful slot receiver with quickness made to make big plays after the catch and enough speed to get vertical down the middle, too.
26. Green Bay Packers (from Texans via Dolphins): Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
- Grade: D
In an NFC where the 49ers, Buccaneers and Saints are in win-now mode, the Packers trading up for a potential successor to Aaron Rodgers makes little sense over a top wide receiver or offensive tackle to help him extend his Super Bowl window coming off a 13-3 season. Love (6-4, 224 pounds) matches his size with physical skills, including a big arm, and his athleticism bodes well if his accuracy, decision-making and footwork can become cleaner with good NFL coaching.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
- Grade: D
The Seahawks needed edge rushing help early. Offensive line and depth at both wide receiver and running back were lesser priorities, but definitely bigger needs than a linebacker with some coverage limitations to put next to veteran stalwarts Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. Brooks (6-0, 240 pounds) has a good blend of athleticism and physicality for the second level, but he must improve rapidly to be trusted vs. the short-to-intermediate passing game. This is another head-scratching first rounder to follow Seattle’s picks of Rashaad Penny and L.J. Collier.
28. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
- Grade: A
The Ravens didn't address linebacker in the first wave of free agency, and they need more speed on the second level to better handle the run and cover short-to-intermediate routes. Queen (6-0, 229 pounds) has great range when either working downhill against the run or moving all over the field in coverage. He is relatively small but is the type of linebacker who can have a major impact from any alignment.
29. Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
- Grade: B
The Titans get their right tackle replacement for Jack Conklin as a likely immediate starter opposite Taylor Lewan ahead of Dennis Kelly. Wilson (6-6, 350 pounds) isn't the most nimble pass-protector, but his pure power as a blocker fits with their mentality. Wilson just might have been a better value for them in the second round.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Packers): Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
- Grade: C
The Dolphins again pass on big needs at safety and running back in a reach pick for a nickel back to place between expensive starting cornerbacks. Igbinoghene (5-10, 198 pounds) stands out as a physical cover man for his size. He closes well on receivers at the end of their routes, which translates to good finishing burst against the run, too.
31. Minnesota Vikings (from 49ers): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
- Grade: A
The Vikings needed to rebuild at cornerback after releasing Xavier Rhodes and not re-signing either Trae Waynes or Mackensie Alexander. Gladney (5-10, 191 pounds) is a good fir for Mike Zimmer’s defense because of his zone sensibility and inside-outside versatility. He is scrappy and aggressive in making plays on the ball, with a knack of being honed in on receivers' routes.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
- Grade: A
Damien Williams will be a free agent in 2021, and the Chiefs needed a more reliable all-around back to support him before replacing him. Andy Reid gets his new version of Brian Westbrook. Edwards-Helaire (5-7, 207 pounds) is a dynamic, versatile receiver out of the backfield and in the slot, making him a major asset for an NFL passing game. He also is extremely quick when getting the ball in the open field.
