2020 NFL Draft Re-Do

1.Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Original Pick: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

I thought about and began to write up why Justin Herbert should be the number one overall pick if this 2020 NFL Draft re-do was legitimate. However, outside of the long-term concern for Burrow’s knee that he tore multiple ligaments in, Burrow did not disappoint during his 10 games with the Bengals. Thirteen touchdowns, only 5 interceptions, and an impressive 268 yards per game pails in comparison to Herbert’s stats, but the former national champ kept Cincinnati in nearly every game he played in and led the Bengals to a 3-6-1 record as a starter, while the team was 1-5 without their franchise quarterback. I’m sure that the Bengals are happy with their guy.

2. Washington Football Team – Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State

Original Pick: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State

Chase Young had a somewhat quiet rookie season for a defender hailed as a generational prospect. Despite not reaching a double digit sack season in his 15 games played, Chase Young made his entire defense better. The rookie was constantly double-teamed throughout the year and still finished with 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 10 tackles for a loss. The Defensive Rookie of the Year still got his hardware in a “quiet” season and helped a nasty defense lead a perennially mediocre franchise to the playoffs.

3. Detroit Lions – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Original Pick: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Detroit missed a prime opportunity by passing up Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft. Okudah struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, and was a mixed bag on the field (1 pick and 2 pass deflections versus a 77% completion percentage allowed and 118 passer rating given up through 9 games). Herbert made a strong case for being the best quarterback of this draft class so far, so it’s possible that the Lions deal Matthew Stafford a year early and jumpstart a new era of Lions football.

4. New York Giants – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Original Pick: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Andrew Thomas was my personal favorite of the top four offensive line prospects in this draft. Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, and Jedrick Wills all ended up outperforming the fourth overall pick throughout their rookie seasons. While Thomas showed plenty of potential towards the end of the season, Wirfs is obviously the correct answer in a re-do. The Super Bowl champ was nearly a Rookie of the Year candidate for his work protecting Tom Brady and blocking for the duo of Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette. His availability throughout the year, not missing a single snap, makes his 1 sack allowed in the regular season all the more impressive.

5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Original Pick: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

While Tua received criticism for his inability to outplay Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins last year. However, Tua still showed plenty of poise and promise as he continues to work his way back from a nearly career-ending hip injury. The Alabama product and former national champion put up a 6-3 record as a started and possessed a solid 11:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio to prove that he has the ability to lead a franchise down the line at this level.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Original Pick: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Unfortunately, Justin Herbert doesn’t fall to number six in this draft re-do. As a matter of fact, none of the top quarterbacks fall from the top five. In this case, the Chargers plan B should be to protect around Tyrod Taylor, who gets to keep his starting job in this universe. Mekhi Becton proved to be a great pick for the Jets, pairing with Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder as the only bright spots on a rudderless Jets offense. The Louisville product proved to be a mauler on a poor offensive line in New York, and the high-motor lineman would be motivated to improve a similarly poor offensive line in Los Angeles.

7. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Original Pick: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Derrick Brown was one of the more quiet top picks throughout his rookie season despite starting in 15 games. However, that doesn’t mean the Panthers got it wrong. Two sacks doesn’t pop out to anyone, especially for a top seven pick, but Brown found other ways to disrupt both the passing and rushing games, totaling 8 tackles for a loss, 7 hurries, 10 quarterback knockdowns, and four pass deflections from the line. After releasing Kawann Short this offseason, the Panthers are going to need Brown to continue his silent assault on opposing backfields in 2021.

8. Arizona Cardinals – L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Louisiana Tech

Original Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

The first non-first-rounder to be made a first-rounder in my re-do, L’Jarius Sneed struggles from a small sample size. Playing the same amount of games as Jeff Okudah in the regular season, Sneed made much more of his opportunities (54.2 passer rating allowed, 3 interceptions, 7 pass deflections, and 2 sacks) and earned three more starts for the Chiefs in their Super Bowl run, during which he accumulated another 2 sacks. With the news that Patrick Peterson likely played his last snap with the Cardinals in 2020, the team could look to draft a replacement while one of their franchise’s greats was still around to teach him tricks to the trade.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

Original Pick: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The Jaguars are likely losing Cam Robinson this offseason, and their offensive line is in such shambles, that losing a league-average offensive tackle might cripple them at the position. Instead of taking C.J. Henderson, who showed plenty of potential to become Jalen Ramsey’s replacement, but struggled to keep receivers out of the end zone, the Jaguars can develop their offensive line in time for the Trevor Lawrence era to begin.

10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Original Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

While the Browns receive a downgrade here, going from arguably the second-best tackle in the draft class to the fourth-best with the tenth pick. Thomas still has plenty of potential to work out, as evidenced by his strong finish to the 2020 season (minus the Haason Reddick game), and might have gotten off to a better start in the first place if he had a better offensive line to play with. The Browns might not be too excited about this, given the downgrade, but Thomas is likely still their best option with a huge need at left tackle.

11. New York Jets – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Original Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

I’m sure the Jets would love to have Becton fall to them again if possible, but in this re-do, Becton is long gone. With the other top tackle prospects also gone in the top-10, the Jets go back to another need on their roster: wide receiver. CeeDee Lamb proved to be a pro-ready talent in the slot, and the versatile receiver could play outside in New York until Jamison Crowder’s tenure ends. While New York can’t begin rebuilding their putrid offensive line, Sam Darnold and Joe Flacco would have an exciting weapon to throw to while they weren’t getting sacked.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Original Pick: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The Raiders made Henry Ruggs the first wide receiver off the board in 2020, but would likely prefer Lamb or Justin Jefferson in this spot as both receivers made a bigger impact on their franchise’s offenses in their rookie seasons. With Lamb off the board, Jefferson is the sure pick here. The runner up for Rookie of the Year more than tripled Ruggs’ receiving totals this season, totaling 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns. Jon Gruden’s offense could’ve used another weapon beyond Darren Waller in the passing game and the LSU product would provide great value at the 12th pick in this re-draft.

13. San Francisco 49ers – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Original Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa (TB)

The original 13th pick belong to the 49ers before the Buccaneers traded up a spot to secure Tristan Wirfs. With Wirfs off the board, there’s no reason to keep the trade between the two teams. While Javon Kinlaw impressed for San Francisco in his rookie year, A.J. Terrell was another standout rookie cornerback that could provide a defensive scheme fit with Robert Saleh’s defense. And with Richard Sherman moving on from the team he helped to a Super Bowl in 2019, Terrell provides insurance at the position in case Jason Verrett also bolts in free agency. Like C.J. Henderson, Terrell struggled with giving up touchdowns in his rookie year (6, according to Pro-Football-Reference), but still accumulated 74 tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and a pick.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Original Pick: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (SF)

With Tristan Wirfs long gone at this point, the Buccaneers secure a key piece of their defense during their Super Bowl run. Antoine Winfield Jr. was among the top rookie safeties in a loaded draft class at his position, picking up 94 tackles, 6 deflections, 2 interceptions (1 in the postseason), and 2 forced fumbles. Todd Bowles’ defense remains just as potent despite the increase in Winfield’s value this time around.

15. Denver Broncos – Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Original Pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Jerry Jeudy had a promising rookie campaign for his new team, but struggled with drops and seemed occasionally outplayed by fellow rookie K.J. Hamler. However, in a re-draft scenario in which Lamb and Jefferson are off the board, a size/speed freak like Chase Claypool would be the best asset available. The big target and his 11 total touchdowns would help out Drew Lock, who struggled with ball placement throughout his second year in the league.

16. Atlanta Falcons – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Original Pick: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Falcons might not be able to get the guy who impressed down the stretch for them in real life in this scenario, as Terrell is off the board to the 49ers. Another scheme-versatile corner that could weather a mid-season coaching change would be Trevon Diggs, the impressive second round pick. Diggs had a lot of hype to go in the first round in 2019 before his draft stock dipped in the pre-draft process. However, year one for the former Alabama player was a huge success. In 12 games, Diggs accumulated 58 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, and only allowed 55% of balls thrown his way to be caught.

17. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Onenwu, G/OT, Michigan

Original Pick: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

With CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs both gone at this spot, the Cowboys turn to a different position of need. The Dallas offensive line has been great for a majority of the decade, but has struggled to stay consistent and healthy through the past couple years. Michael Onenwu was capable of playing three positions at a high level for New England and could do the same in Dallas, starting at guard and eventually moving outside if Tyron Smith calls it a career soon.

18. Miami Dolphins – James Robinson, RB, Illinois State

Original Pick: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

James Robinson gets the nod here over Jonathan Taylor to be the first running back off the board. While the running back class was pretty loaded in 2020, Robinson might have been the most impressive all-around back, proving to be a capable downhill runner and check-down receiver for a mediocre Jaguars offense. With over 100 all-purpose yards per game, 50 catches, and 10 total touchdowns, Miami would have an upgrade over the already-solid Myles Gaskin out of their backfield to aid Tua’s transition to the pros.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – Kamren Curl, DB, Arkansas

Original Pick: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

The Damon Arnette pick seemed like a reach at the time, and still does after a year. While Arnette has plenty of time to put it together after an injury-plagued rookie campaign, the Raiders would likely use hindsight to select the best available defensive back at this point. Kamren Curl surprised everyone as a seventh-rounder playing for Washington, picking up 88 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 4 passes defensed. The former Razorback was able to contribute in multiple positions for the Football Team’s secondary, and could certainly find a home in Vegas as a Tyrann Mathieu type defender with some more refinement.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

Original Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

The K’Lavon Chaisson pick hasn’t provided enough positive results yet to guarantee he’ll pan out in the pros. Instead, the Jaguars go back to their original plan. While C.J. Henderson was originally slotted to the Jaguars at 20, the Florida cornerback’s draft stock rose after an impressive combine showing. This time, the former Gator falls into the Jaguars hands with their second pick. Henderson’s rookie campaign had a ton of promise despite the problem with giving up touchdowns, as mentioned earlier. In just eight games, Henderson picked up a forced fumble, an interception, and 6 pass deflections to go with 36 tackles.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Original Pick: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

The Eagles had one of the biggest whiffs in the 2020 NFL Draft by passing up Justin Jefferson for Jalen Reagor. While Reagor could very well pan out as a potent deep threat in Philadelphia, like a DeSean Jackson-lite, the likes of Jefferson, Lamb, Claypool, and Tee Higgins remain more tantalizing prospects than the TCU product. With the other three off the board, Tee Higgins might be the best receiver available, putting up 908 yards and 6 touchdowns off of 67 receptions. The big receiver would provide a catch radius that could’ve helped Carson Wentz and/or Jalen Hurts avoid some turnovers down the stretch.

22. San Francisco 49ers – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Original Pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU (MIN)

I wanted to try something different here. With Justin Jefferson off the board and Javon Kinlaw still available, the 49ers trade up for the Vikings’ 22nd overall pick instead of Minnesota’s 25th pick, which was used to draft Brandon Aiyuk. Kinlaw, like Derrick Brown, was silently a success in the trenches for his new team. In his rookie year, Kinlaw collected 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss, 4 pass deflections, and a pick-six throughout his fourteen games in 2020. While Aiyuk and his promising rookie season will be missed by San Francisco, Kinlaw is that piece that makes the DeForest Buckner trade more survivable for the Niners’ defense.

23. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Murray Jr., LB, Oklahoma

Original Pick: Kenneth Murray Jr., LB, Oklahoma

The Patriots could theoretically stick at this spot in this re-do knowing that there are some solid receivers still on the board, but the package they got from Los Angeles for the chance to pick Kenneth Murray was solid, so I could see them going with the trade all over again. Rookie linebackers usually go through some growing pains, and Murray was no exception. However, the former Sooner was able to develop into a standout on the defense over the course of his rookie year after initially being a liability. While the 83% completion percentage allowed in coverage is not ideal, he was solid as a downhill linebacker, picking up 107 tackles, 5 of those for a loss, as well as a sack.

24. New Orleans Saints – Julian Blackmon, S, Utah

Original Pick: Cesar Ruiz, G, Michigan

Cesar Ruiz wasn’t the upgrade that the Saints thought him to be at guard, at least right away. Instead, here’s a player who can instantly contribute for another position of need in New Orleans. Malcolm Jenkins is nearing the twilight of his career and Marcus Williams very possibly won’t be re-signed this offseason by the Saints. So enter Blackmon, a third-round find for the Colts who started the season among the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation due to his ability to do a little bit of everything for the Colts, specifically making plays on the ball. The former Utah Ute picked up 2 interceptions, 6 passes defensed, and a forced fumble and played a key role for a talented Colts defense.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Original Pick: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State (SF)

The 49ers lose Brandon Aiyuk to the team they originally traded up with to get him. The Vikings missed out on the top tier of wide receiver prospects, including their real-life ROTY in Jefferson, but Brandon Aiyuk was an extremely intriguing prospect once he was able to get on the field. With 60 catches, 748 receiving yards, and 7 total touchdowns over 12 games, Aiyuk was on pace for over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 80 catches over the course of a 16 game season. The shifty wide receiver provides a similar spark to the offense that Jefferson did in 2020.

26. Miami Dolphins – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Original Pick: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State (GB)

The Dolphins originally traded down with the Packers so Green Bay could grab their backup quarterback of the future. I thought about keeping the pick, given the motivation that Aaron Rodgers gained in his MVP season. However, the Packers could also avoid poking the bear in hindsight, given some brief rumors of Rodgers’ frustrations developing in Green Bay after his illustrious 2020 season ended against Tampa Bay in the NFC Championship Game. So instead, I’m giving Miami the pick, and a better cornerback than Noah Igbinoghene was for them with the 30th pick. Jaylon Johnson could very well be a top 10 pick in this re-draft, as he offers similar scheme versatility to Terrell and Diggs and arguably put up better results. Johnson didn’t make as many exciting plays on the ball, but still ended up with an impressive 15 passes defensed, 56% completion percentage against, and only giving up one touchdown in 13 games.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

Original Pick: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

Jordyn Brooks certainly disappointed after the Seahawks unsurprisingly shocked everyone with their first-round pick again. Here’s a “linebacker” that might made more of a splash to begin his NFL career. Jeremy Chinn garnered some attention as a dark-horse DROY candidate for the Panthers and was definitely a top-25 rookie in 2020, giving the Seahawks tremendous value on a player who picked up 117 tackles, 1 pick, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, and 2 fumble recovery touchdowns (on back to back drives) in his first year of pro football. While officially a safety, Chinn’s talents lie in the box, where he can play as a pseudo-linebacker in a similar way that Jamal Adams does, possibly getting the Seahawks out of one of the more one-sided trades in recent memory.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Original Pick: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Like Kenneth Murray, Patrick Queen needed some time to acclimate into the NFL before turning into a standout rookie by the end of the season. Patrick Queen was a liability in pass coverage and often looked lost on run plays on his way to piecing the game together. When his rookie year was all said and done, the former national champion put up some impressive numbers as C.J. Mosely’s official replacement: 106 tackles, 3 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries all going toward Queen’s name.

29. Tennessee Titans – Robert Hunt, OT, Lousiana

Original Pick: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Robert Hunt turned out to be exactly for the Dolphins what the Titans wanted in their replacement for Jack Conklin. Wilson’s off-the-field issues has already put him at odds with the franchise, so if they had the chance to re-do it, Tennessee would surely sign up for the former second-round pick that helped lead Miami’s running game to a much-improved finish over the second half of the season.

30. Green Bay Packers – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Original Pick: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn (MIA)

Unless the Packers were intentionally trying to piss off Aaron Rodgers into having an MVP season, the pick is likely different in a re-draft scenario. Marquez Valdes-Scantling occasionally looked like the guy behind Davante Adams while also occasionally struggling with Rodgers-maddening drops. Henry Ruggs isn’t the best fit for Oakland because their offense doesn’t fully utilize vertical routes and deep throws, something that both the receiver, and the Packers, excel at in their own right. Pairing Ruggs with Rodgers on deep balls would provide even more fireworks than the largely-impressive Valdes-Scantling.

31. Minnesota Vikings – Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

Original Pick: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Jeff Gladney was the first cornerback taken by the Vikings in the 2020 draft, but Cam Dantzler might have been the best one by the end of the season. Dantzler was PFF’s highest graded rookie cornerback, largely due to some impressive performances in the waning weeks of the season. With 46 tackles, 2 picks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in just 11 games, Minnesota surely can’t pass up on one of their rare hits at the cornerback position in recent years.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Original Pick: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

Jonathan Taylor was arguably the best rookie running back in a stacked class, and while Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a part of the same running back class, he didn’t provide the value as a receiving back that proved the Chiefs right for passing on the better runner. With 1,168 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 15 games, the former Wisconsin star would have made more of an impact for the Chiefs right away, which would’ve been welcomed during their Super Bowl run.