NFL free agency is here. The re-signings, signings, trades and releases have come at rapid rate, and they have quickly changed what to expect in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Many teams' priority needs are different than they were only a few days ago. The Colts and Bills have joined the Texans, Rams, Steelers and Bears in dealing away first-round picks.
Based on what has happened during a frenzied week, including the 49ers and the Vikings both acquiring extra first-round picks, here is how we see the night of April 23 playing out, however and wherever it gets played out.
NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD:
Top 100 players in the 2020 draft class
NFL mock draft 2020
1. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)
- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Unless another team gets aggressive and makes Cincinnati an offer it can't refuse, Burrow will be the franchise quarterback under offensive-minded coach Zac Taylor. At 6-3, 221 pounds, Burrow combines his mental and physical toughness in the pocket with a strong arm and an accurate delivery. During his Heisman Trophy- and national championship-winning run with the Tigers, his leadership skills and athleticism flourished at an unprecedented college level.
2. Washington Redskins (3-13)
- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
With defensive-minded Ron Rivera as the new coach, assuming the Redskins do not get a can’t-refuse offer to trade back, they should jump at the chance to get this cornerstone talent for the team's defensive rebuild. Young (6-5, 264 pounds) is a game-changing disruptor who had 16.5 sacks in only 12 games as a junior. He can produce at an all-around level even higher than that of Nick Bosa, who went No. 2 from the Buckeyes to the 49ers and promptly dominated as SN's Rookie of the Year.
3. Detroit Lions (3-12-1)
- Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Lions moved Darius Slay in a trade with the Eagles and signed Desmond Trufant to replace him, but they need to address the other outside corner spot. Okudah, an elite ball hawk at 6-1, 205 pounds, has the build to handle receivers of all sizes. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills in coverage to develop into a shutdown type with his strengths showing up in press man.
4. New York Giants (4-12)
- Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
After landing three defensive starters in free agency, the Giants can turn to right tackle with someone who can eventually take over for Nate Solder on the left side. Becton (6-7, 364 pounds) has gotten more attention for his strong and powerful frame, and he has shown he can be smooth in his movements. He is willing to work hard to become as good in pass protection as he is overwhelming defenders when sealing the edge in the running game.
5. Miami Dolphins (5-11)
- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The Dolphins have resisted another veteran option with current bridge QB Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract for one more year. That provides the all-clear for Tagovailoa (6-0, 217 pounds), who has been cleared for football contact after the hip injury that cut short his final college season. 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 (5-11)
- Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Herbert has the size (6-6, 236 pounds) and underrated athleticism that's ideal for a team replacing Philip Rivers with Tyrod Taylor as the bridge QB. Although Herbert is efficient and mentally tough, there are times when he can go into a slump with his decision-making, forcing throws out of overconfidence. With good NFL coaching, however, he can live up to being a prototypical superstar, signs he showed at the Senior Bowl. Anthony Lynn would have a strong influence on him.
7. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
- Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
With the Panthers signing Teddy Bridgewater to solve quarterback for a while, they should be interested in the best player available. They have a huge playmaking void at linebacker after Luke Kuechly's retirement. Simmons was all over the field at all times in college with great speed and range at 6-3, 238 pounds, and he also can get to the quarterback. He posted 104 tackles, 7 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions in 15 games last season.
8. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)
- Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
With Becton going to the Giants, this is an easy pick for the Cardinals given they already addressed their need for a No. 1 wide receiver by trading for DeAndre Hopkins. They can opt for Wills at right tackle after re-signing D.J. Humphries on the left side. The 6-4, 312-pound Wills is a strong, powerful run-blocker who needs a little time to develop into an elite pass-protector.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
- Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Jaguars need a linchpin as they try to get better against the run and reconstruct their front without Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus. Brown has shined throughout the draft process as the most impactful interior defensive prospect. At 6-5, 326 pounds, he is a quick disruptor who makes a lot of plays in the backfield.
10. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
- Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Browns took care of right tackle in free agency with Jack Conklin signed to replace Chris Hubbard. Here they can get a massive upgrade from Greg Robinson on Baker Mayfield's blindside. Wirfs has the athleticism at 6-5, 320 pounds to hold down left tackle for a long time. He combines his pass-blocking skills with power and physicality in the running game.
11. New York Jets (7-9)
- C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Henderson is settling as the class' No. 2 corner behind Okudah. The Jets released Trumaine Johnson, leaving a massive void in outside coverage even with Arthur Maulet returnin and Brian Poole re-signed for the slot. 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.
12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
The Raiders have a glaring need for a top receiver no matter who their QB is, Derek Carr or someone else, in 2020. The Antonio Brown debacle is behind them, but they also need to worry about Tyrell Williams coming off a disappointing season and foot surgery. Lamb can be the Raiders' 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.
13. San Francisco 49ers (from Colts)
- Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The 49ers can consider a disruptive interior replacement for DeForest Bucker with the extra first-round pick they acquired from trading him to the Colts, especially given the edge is strong with Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford. The 6-5, 324-pound Kinlaw posted 6 sacks in 12 games for the Gamecocks last season. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl (on and off the field) to further boost his stock.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Buccaneers are OK with left tackle Donovan Smith, left guard Ali Marpet, center Ryan Jensen and right guard Alex Cappa in front of Tom Brady, but they need better protection on the right edge with Demar Doston being a free agent. Thomas matches great size (6-5, 320 pounds) with good hands and footwork. Brady, Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich also will love what Thomas can do to open holes for the running game.
15. Denver Broncos (7-9)
- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The Broncos have Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton and Noah Fant to help Drew Lock in the downfield passing game, but here's the weapon to round things out in the receiving corps. Jeudy fits the profile as a No. 1 receiver; he is a classic intermediate to deep field-stretcher and smooth drive-finisher in the red zone at 6-1, 193 pounds.
16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
- A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
The Falcons did add Dante Fowler Jr. to boost their pass rush, but they need more versatile edge help in Dan Quinn's 4-3 scheme. Epenesa (6-5, 275 pounds) is a powerful, explosive, big-bodied player. He can push blockers out of the way to get to the QB and also stands up strong against the run. He confirmed his first-round status with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble against USC in the Holiday Bowl.
17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
- Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The Cowboys signed Ha-Ha Clinton Dix safety to start short term in the spot vacated by Jeff Heath (Raiders) to get better at covering backs and tight ends. But they lost the versatility of top cornerback Byron Jones and can use a young McKinney like they did a young Jones. At 6-0, 201 pounds, McKinney can do it all for Dallas to eventually replace 2021 free agent Xaveri Woods while handling tight ends in coverage and cleaning up against running backs.
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)
- Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
The Dolphins have DeVante Parker and Preston Williams to help their next franchise quarterback, but they could use this boost to make their 11 personnel looks very dangerous. 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 can operate nicely in the slot between them.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)
- Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
The Raiders added Eli Apple, but they need someone who can actually be a top-level outside starter opposite second-year corner Trayvon Mullen. After addressing linebacker in free agency, they can turn to corner here. Fulton (6-0, 197 pounds) has the size, speed, smarts and sound coverage skills to have a long, prosperous career, which is why he felt confident enough to pull out of the Senior Bowl.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)
- Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
With the extra first-round pick they got by trading away Jalen Ramsey, the Jaguars need to think about replacing him and A.J. Bouye, who also was traded. Diggs offers good size (6-1, 205 pounds), strength and downfield speed. He shot up the board quickly during his big senior season (3 interceptions in 12 games).
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
- Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The Eagles took care of cornerback in free agency by trading for Darius Slay, so they can focus on wide receiver here even with Ruggs off the board. Jefferson (6-1, 202 pounds), with massive production catching passes from Joe Burrow, emerged in LSU's passing game as a quick, efficient route-runner with good hands. He also has underrated speed.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from Bills)
- Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Vikings should think about using the pick they got from the Stefon Diggs trade to get his replacement opposite versatile No. 1 Adam Thielen. Higgins working the perimeter would a perfect complement. The Clemson product is a dangerous, all-around playmaker who can be a force in the red zone. At 6-4, 216 pounds, he posted 59 receptions for 1,167 yards and 13 TDs in 15 games last season. He also rushed for a 36-yard score against LSU in the title game.
23. New England Patriots (12-4)
- K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE/OLB, LSU
Linebacker, especially one who can get to the quarterback, is a massive need for the Patriots after they lost Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency. 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. He is an effective hybrid player who is ideal for Bill Belichick's scheme.
24. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
- Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Saints lost A.J. Klein in free agency, making strongside linebacker a position of need. They can stay in-state for Queen (6-0, 229 pounds), who 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.
25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
- A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Vikings need to address cornerback early in the draft after releasing Xavier Rhodes and not re-signing Trae Waynes. 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.
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)
- De’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
The Dolphins can finish their first-round haul by adding a running back, as Jordan Howard is more of a power complement than a feature option. Swift (5-8, 212 pounds) is capable of both getting the tough yards inside and breaking free for big plays in the open field. He also flashed as a receiver for the Bulldogs and can excel in the screen game.
27. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
- Zach Baun, EDGE/OLB, Wisconsin
The Seahawks might not re-sign Jadeveon Clowney, and Ezekiel Ansah also is a free agent, leaving a void for strong all-around edge defender. Baun (6-2, 238 pounds) is a smart, motivated player who comes through with great technique against the run. He also has started to get more attention for his pass-rush repertoire and the athleticism that fuels it.
28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
- Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma
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. Murray (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.
29. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
- Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The Titans need to replace Conklin at right tackle to keep their run-blocking sturdy. Jones has terrific athleticism for his size (6-5, 319 pounds) and can support with his toughness and relentless blocking. He is a bit raw, however, as his handwork and footwork both could use refinement to maximize his natural skills.
30. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
- Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
The Packers need a complementary No. 2 receiver who Aaron Rodgers can trust all over the field. 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).
31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
- Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Airzona State
The 49ers could use some more dynamic, versatile playmaking at the position to complement Deebo Samuel with Emmanuel Sanders set to leave in free agency. Aiyuk (6-0, 205 pounds) fits the profile as an impactful slot receiver with his quickness made to make big plays after the catch, with enough speed to get vertical down the middle, too. He needs to get tougher and stronger in his routes to expand to the outside, which can come sooner rather than later.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
- Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
The Chiefs need to give cornerback first-round consideration with Kendall Fuller leaving in free agency and Bashaud Breeland still unsigned. Gladney (5-10, 191 pounds) is a good Fuller replacement because of his inside-outside versatility. He is scrappy and aggressive in making plays on the ball, with a knack of being honed in on receivers' routes.
