Chase Hammes: 2020 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

by Chase Hammes (chasingthedraft) on April 20, 2020

There’s no better feeling than releasing another mock. I present to you my third mock draft of the year. Also, I have some big things coming so if you want to stay tuned or want to give feedback follow me on Twitter @chasingthedraft.

Links to my first two mock drafts:

Embed from Getty Images

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow – (QB, LSU)

2019 Stats: 5,671 yards passing, 60 TDs, 6 INTs

There has been talk about the Miami Dolphins possibly moving up and also some talk about Burrow not wanting to play in Cincinnati but I think it’s all smoke. Burrow is an Athens, Ohio native and was originally committed to Ohio State before getting beat-out by Dwayne Haskins. Burrow doesn’t possess an elite-level arm but he does the important things as a QB that will translate over very well to the NFL. His pocket movement, timing and improvisational ability is what makes him the top pick in this year’s draft. This isn’t a direct comparison, but Joe Burrow reminds me of new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young – (EDGE, Ohio State)

2019 Stats: 32 solo tackles, 16.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles

Tua Tagovailoa has been linked to Washington but I don’t see them bringing in another young quarterback at the moment. The Redskins need a superstar and that’s exactly what Chase Young will be in the NFL. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique is very hard to find in college pass-rushers. Washington already has Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Matt Ioannidis and Montez Sweat in their front seven; adding Young to that defense would make them one of the best young defenses in the league. If he stays healthy I expect Young to be a Pro Bowl level player in a couple of years.

3. Miami Dolphins via Detroit – Tua Tagovailoa – (QB Alabama)

2019 Stats: 2,840 yards passing, 33 Tds, 3 INTs

Tua reportedly left his interview with Miami feeling uncomfortable about how the interview went down, and it wouldn’t shock me if the Dolphins went with Justin Herbert instead. Tua’s medical exams seem like they came back positive and I think ultimately Miami goes with Tua. His style and personality would fit right in with Miami’s culture that Brian Flores is trying to build. I’m still worried about Tagovailoa and how durable he’s going to be at the next level; Miami will have to address offensive line to keep him as healthy as possible. Tagovailoa is another quarterback who doesn’t have a top-tier arm but he’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football the last few years. If he stays healthy, he will be one of the best quarterbacks in the league over the next couple of decades.

Embed from Getty Images

4. New York Giants – Isaiah Simmons – (DB, Clemson)

2019 Stats: 67 solo tackles, 7 sacks, 3 INTs, 1 forced fumble

Yes, I have Isaiah Simmons listed as a defensive back. Why? Because Simmons doesn’t have a set position at the next level; you can pretty much play him anywhere in the defensive backfield and he will dominate. Simmons lined up in five different positions for Clemson’s defense last year, but he lined up at nickel more than any other position. Nickel won’t be his primary position in the league, but it shows how versatile and dynamic Simmons was for Clemson in the last few years. I don’t think Simmons has one primary position on defense but I think that’s the appeal with him. Simmons is the perfect chess piece on defense with the NFL trending into more of a passing league every year. Simmons will be top three on my board; he reminds me a ton of Derwin James.

5. Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah – (CB, Ohio State)

2019 Stats: 29 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 INTs, 9 PBUs

Detroit traded away star cornerback Darius Slay, so I think this would make the most sense for them here. They added Desmond Trufant but he’s regressed the last few years and Detriot needs help in their defensive secondary. Okudah is one of the best man-coverage corners to come along in a few years and he’s as smooth as a corner prospect can be. Okudah locked up every receiver in front of him last year and I expect that to continue early on in his NFL career. Okudah still has some work to do in press-coverage and his tackling is still somewhat inconsistent. Okudah is a blue-chip prospect at cornerback and whoever gets him is getting a superstar in a couple of years.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert – (QB, Oregon)

2019 Stats: 3,471 yards passing, 32 TDs, 6 INTs

The Chargers look like they’re rolling with Tyrod Taylor for next season so I fully expect them to take whatever quarterback is on the board after the Miami pick. This situation would be perfect for Justin Herbert – to sit behind Taylor for a few weeks or maybe even his first season and let him take over the job after he learns the system. Herbert is one of my favorite players in this year’s draft class and I think he’s a future franchise quarterback wherever he lands. Herbert already has a top-tier arm entering the NFL but, unfortunately, Oregon didn’t push the ball down the field as much as they should’ve with him behind center. With the right coach and personnel, Herbert could thrive and be the best quarterback in this class when it’s all said and done.

7. Carolina Panthers – Javon Kinlaw – (iDL, South Carolina)

2019 Stats: 15 solo tackles, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries

I have no idea what the pick is here, and I don’t know what the front office is doing in Carolina. Are they trying to contend or are they tanking in 2020? Anyway, with Russell Okung being brought in and having Greg Little behind him, Taylor Moton at right tackle – that completely rules out going with tackle here for the Panthers. I’m not comfortable going with a corner this high but, I think, Javon Kinlaw is very much in play here. He’s an explosive athlete at defensive tackle and can win with his unique combo of speed and power on the inside. He’s a physical specimen who is going to get after the quarterback at a high level in the NFL. His technique is still going to need some work, and he didn’t have a ton of production, but Kinlaw has one of the highest ceilings in this class. He reminds me a lot of Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones.

Embed from Getty Images

8. Arizona Cardinals – K’Lavon Chaisson – (EDGE, LSU)

2019 Stats: 34 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Arizona added DeAndre Hopkins this offseason and now they need to address their offensive line and defense. With a glaring hole at right tackle, Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) just makes a lot of sense but Arizona needs help on defense. Chaisson is the prototype edge-rusher the NFL looks for; he can cover, is a great athlete and can stop the run. The only main concern for Chaisson is his lack of polish as a pass-rusher. He needs to use his hands much better and have more of a plan overall against next-level offensive linemen. He’s kind of raw still but his upside is very very high.

9. Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs III – (WR, Alabama) (via Jacksonville)

2019 Stats: 40 REC, 746 YDS, 7 TDs

I think Denver is fully in on Henry Ruggs and they will be willing to trade up for him if they think someone else will grab him before they do. Ruggs is a perfect fit with Drew Lock, Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant. Ruggs is one of the fastest collegiate receivers in recent years but he provides much more then just his speed. He isn’t super small like most guys his speed and he uses his athleticism to go up and get balls in the air and in the red zone. I expect him to be a high level WR1 wherever he ends up, but with a quarterback like Drew Lock, Ruggs could thrive even more into a Tyreek Hill type of threat.

10. Cleveland Browns – Andrew Thomas – (OT, Georgia)

I’m not a huge fan of Thomas this high in the draft but he fits the Cleveland offense very well. They are running a heavy outside zone and west coast system that will get the ball out fairly quickly. Thomas isn’t great against the speed rush but his power in the running game would be a great fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offense. The Browns could take any of the other “big 3” tackle prospects (Wirfs, Wills, Becton) but they need a left tackle and I’m not sure of the fit with Becton and the west coast style offense Cleveland will run.

11. New York Jets – Tristan Wirfs – (OT, Iowa)

The Jets need an offensive tackle and someone to protect Sam Darnold. They could go with Wills here but I think Wirfs will be preferred because of his rare athleticism. Wirfs has power and speed, and once you fix some technique issues, you could be looking at one of the best tackles in the league. The problem with Wirfs is he has all these nice traits and doesn’t always use them. He gets too sloppy in his pass sets and lets defenders get leverage too easily, which isn’t gonna work against NFL pass rushers. He’s still a work in progress, and whatever team drafts him will need to be patient. He has Pro Bowl upside if he puts it all together, though.

Embed from Getty Images

12. Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb – (WR, Oklahoma)

2019 Stats: 62 REC, 1327 YDS, 14 TDs

The new Las Vegas Raiders are lacking a true alpha receiver after trading away Amari Cooper two seasons ago and Lamb is one of the best wide receiver prospects in quite some time, in my opinion. Lamb didn’t run the fastest forty time but his game speed was faster then guys like Denzel Mims and Justin Jefferson, to me. Lamb is phenomenal after the catch, constantly making people miss in the open field. Lamb also has some of the best hands in the class and is great in the air. He has great body control and will be able to be out-duel corners in the redzone; he did in the Big 12. I expect Lamb to be a Top Ten receiver pretty soon in the NFL; he’s very similar to DeAndre Hopkins.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Jeudy – (WR, Alabama)

2019 Stats: 77 REC, 1,163 YDS, 10 TDs

San Francisco could very well trade down here but I think Kyle Shanahan is all in on Jerry Jeudy. Shanahan loves wide receivers and Jeudy is the perfect type for him. Some may want Jeudy to move inside to slot full time but I don’t think that’s necessary. He may struggle immediately with bigger and stronger corners but I think he’s an X or Z for whatever team he lands on. Jeudy will step into the league and be one of the top twenty route runners in the league. His agility, I.Q., and attention to detail are all things that are going to keep Jeudy around the league for a long time. I think Jeudy is a Stefon Diggs type of talent.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jedrick Wills – (OT, Alabama)

Tampa Bay and Tom Brady need one more offensive tackle to solidify the offensive line. The good thing about Wills is that he’s going to be able to step in and contribute right away. Wills is silky smooth at right tackle; his footwork and pass set are both elite and the best I’ve seen from an offensive tackle prospect. Wills doesn’t have the highest upside of the tackle prospects in this draft but I do think he’s the most likely to succeed at a high level. He’s not going to be a great projection to the left side but I think he’s a future Pro Bowl right tackle.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars – C.J. Henderson – (CB, Florida) (via Denver)

2019 Stats: 26 solo tackles, 11 PBUs

Jacksonville is, in my opinion, the most likely team to trade down. They have a lot of areas to address, especially at corner. Henderson has all the traits you want in a corner. He’s long, very fast and agile; he is going to be very good at man-coverage immediately in the NFL. The one main problem with Henderson is simple: his tackling is terrible. He’s got great potential as a cover and man corner but his tackling could make or break his success at the next level. Similiar players have fallen due to these concerns so I wouldn’t be surprised if he fell, but I think Henderson would be a great replacement for the loss of Jalen Ramsey.

Embed from Getty Images

16. Atlanta Falcons – A.J. Terrell – (CB, Clemson)

2019 Stats: 24 solo tackles, 2 INTs, 3 PBUs

Atlanta got rid of Desmond Trufant and they need to bring a corner in after addressing pass rusher by signing Dante Fowler, Jr. Terrell is getting some top-half of the first round buzz and I think Atlanta is the best spot for him. He’s a long, fluid corner who pretty much locked down everyone he played except for Ja’Marr Chase. He didn’t get beat that badly and that game shouldn’t take away from the fact that he’s a first-round talent. The one major concern I have for Terrell is his play strength; he gets out-powered by defenders in jump ball situations way too much.

17. Dallas Cowboys – Kristian Fulton – (CB, LSU)

2019 Stats: 28 solo tackles, 1 INT, 14 PBUs

Dallas got rid of Byron Jones so they could pay Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper; they now need to find someone to replace him. Fulton is a highly-debated prospect in this year’s class. He doesn’t have great ball skills and his tackling is subpar. Fulton held his own in man against Henry Ruggs without possessing the same athletic traits. Fulton will need some time to learn and get better as a tackler but he’s worth the gamble considering Chaisson will likely be off the board and the Cowboys secondary is looking pretty mediocre.

18. Miami Dolphins – Mekhi Becton – (OT, Louisville)

Miami needs help at tackle after trading away Laremy Tunsil and Becton is the best tackle available at this spot. With Becton’s size and athleticism, he could play either left or right tackle but would probably settle in at left tackle for Miami. Becton reminds me a lot of Trent Brown; both are massive maulers in the run game and have surprisingly quick feet in pass pro. Becton will always struggle againt some pass rushers with elite speed just because of his massive frame but I think he will hold up perfectly fine in pass protection at the next level. Whoever drafts Becton will need to be patient with him from day one.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – Derrick Brown – (iDL, Auburn)

2019 Stats: 33 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 2 FF

Las Vegas has two first-rounders this draft and I think they should add some help on the interior defensive line. Maurice Hurst has played well but they need another tackle beside him in the Raiders’ 4-3 D. Derrick Brown was being talked about as a Top-Five prospect all year and, although I don’t see it, I do see a guy who can make an immediate impact as a run-stuffer and nose tackle from day one in the league. Brown won’t ever rush the passer at a high level but his ability to disrupt running schemes will be similar to how Damon Harrison has been in the league the last few years. I wouldn’t spend a top twenty pick on him but Brown will make whatever team drafts him happy as a disrupter up front.

Embed from Getty Images

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Josh Jones – (OT, Houston)

To put it simply, Jacksonville needs a tackle pretty badly. Josh Jones is one of my favorite guys in this year’s class. He’s got a strong frame with heavy hands and agile feet. His footwork in pass protection will need work but Jones is a day one starter at left tackle. Jones, like many tackles coming into the draft, needs some time to learn and grow because he still has mechanical issues but, in a couple years, I think we could be talking about a big-time starter at left tackle. He reminds me a lot of Terron Armstead.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson – (WR, LSU)

2019 Stats: 111 REC, 1,540 YDS, 18 TDs

Philadelphia traded for Darius Slay so corner is out of the equation. That points at wide receiver being the pick here. I think Denzel Mims could also very likely be the pick but I like Jefferson more as a prospect and I like how he fits the Eagles more. Jefferson creates easy separation from the slot and has strong hands but he also is a yards-after-the-catch monster. Jefferson is special with the ball in his hands and had one of the more impressive wide receiver performances in college that I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if Jefferson will ever play consistently on the outside but I think he could be one of the best slots in the league, similar to Keenan Allen.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Denzel Mims – (WR, Baylor)

2019 Stats: 66 REC, 1,020 YDS, 12 TDs

After trading away Stefon Diggs, I really think Minnesota should look to find a replacement for him. With Adam Thielen playing mostly snaps in the slot, I think an outside receiver makes the most sense for the Vikings. Mims had a very impressive combine that I didn’t see coming but, ever since the Senior Bowl, his stock has just continued to rise. Mims’ testing doesn’t match his play-speed, in my opinion, but I’ll be interested to see how he fares with a more diverse route tree. He didn’t run many different routes at Baylor but he lit up the Senior Bowl running a variety of routes and looking comfortable.

23. New England Patriots – Zack Baun – (EDGE, Wisconsin)

2019 Stats: 53 solos, 12.5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT

New England lost Tom Brady, of course, but I think they roll with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. They also lost Kyle Van Noy this offseason and they need another versatile linebacker to play his role. Baun is perfect for that role. Baun played mostly as an edge-rusher at Wisconsin but I think he should move to linebacker at the next level. His size won’t ever make him a great edge-rusher but he can definitely rush the passer and drop into coverage well just like Van Noy. Baun is a perfect fit in New England’s defense.

Embed from Getty Images

24. Indianapolis Colts – Jordan Love – (QB, Utah State) (via New Orleans)

2019 Stats: 3,402 YDS passing, 20 TDs, 17 INTs

I have Indianapolis trading up and it’s for Chris Ballard’s guy, Jordan Love. Philip Rivers signed a deal with Indianapolis this offseason but they need a long term solution at quarterback, and Love desperately needs a year to sit and learn. Love does some very special things but, the downside to that is, he also makes some very boneheaded decisions, which just can’t happen at the NFL level. He has rare arm talent and great ability to throw on the run, which is why you see Patrick Mahomes comparisons, but that’s a tough task. Love will need to sit or else his career will be a disaster – similar to DeShone Kizer. If he gets a year to work his way into the system, it could pay off big time down the road.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Trevon Diggs – (CB, Alabama)

2019 Stats: 20 solo tackles, 3 INTs, 8 PBUs

Minnesota got rid of long-time corner Xavier Rhodes and they need someone to come in to replace him. Diggs is a player Mike Zimmer would covet. He’s a long, twitchy athlete who is new to corner after playing wide receiver. I think Diggs has the chance to be a legit corner down the road but, at times, he just looked lost against better opponents. His technique is still very much lacking polish, which is why he may not contribute from day one. Diggs has all the traits you look for in a boundary corner; the question is can he put all that together?

26. Detroit Lions – Yetur Gross-Matos – (EDGE, Penn State) (via Miami)

2019 Stats: 24 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks

Detriot gets this pick for moving back with Miami. Detroit added Trey Flowers last offseason but they need some more help in the pass-rush and Gross-Matos is a pass-rushing specialist. He’s a quick, bendy rusher who put together a good year last year in the Big 10. Gross-Matos isn’t a great run-defender but his pure ability to get after the passer is what will push him up into the back half of Round One. Gross-Matos could be a major steal in the back half if he hits; his traits are unique and his pass-rushing ability is special.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Uche – (EDGE, Michigan)

2019 Stats: 23 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 FF

Seattle always plans to throw a curveball into things and that’s what this pick is. Josh Uche is one of my favorite players in this class. He’s extremely versatile and can rush the passer from the edge or move to inside and cover slot receivers or tight ends. I don’t think he has the size to play full-time edge, similar to Zack Baun, but Uche is a better athlete and I think has the chance to be the second-best linebacker from this year’s class. His future team will need to have a plan for what role they want to use him but I think he would thrive as a WILL linebacker with the opportunity to move around and cover in space or rush the passer.

Embed from Getty Images

28. Baltimore Ravens – Cesar Ruiz – (iOL, Michigan)

Baltimore lost Marshal Yanda this offseason and they need someone to come in and try to replace his production. Ruiz is my second-graded interior offensive lineman and I think his fit with Baltimore and their run-first scheme makes a ton of sense. Ruiz, in my opinion, can play center or guard, and with Bradley Bozeman there it would probably be center. His ability to get after it in the run game would be the perfect replacement for Yanda. Ruiz is powerful but his feet move very well also. He can play in a variety of different offenses but I love his fit with Baltimore at this spot.

29. Tennessee Titans – A.J. Epenesa – (EDGE, Iowa)

2019 Stats: 32 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks, 4 FF

The Titans went on a deep run in the playoffs this year thanks to Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill. Harold Landry is a solid pass-rusher for Tennessee but they need someone else on the defensive front. Epenesa will be a rock-solid starter the day he enters the NFL. I think Epenesa is getting too much hate even though he isn’t a speed-rusher or the prototypical pass-rusher; teams are scared off by him, though. He wins his battles with pure power and will be able to overpower tackles in the run game and as a pass-rusher. Epenesa shouldn’t fall this far but it could be even longer on draft night depending on how teams viewed his combine.

30. Green Bay Packers – Brandon Aiyuk – (WR, Arizona State)

2019 Stats: 65 REC, 1,192 YDs, 8 TDs

Green Bay needs another weapon in the passing game and Brandon Aiyuk is starting to pick up steam lately. I’ve been pretty high on Aiyuk for some time but it seems like others are really starting to like him. He’s so good after the catch that I think he’s immediately going to be a very good starter in the slot. Don’t let his forty time full you; Aiyuk played faster than everyone else on the field and even took some slants to the house this year. He’s a sloppy route-runner right now, which is expected for a potential year-one starter but he can start in the slot early in his career. His build, YAC-ability and sub-par route running remind me a ton of D.J. Moore as a prospect.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars – LaViska Shenault, Jr. – (WR, Colorado) (via San Francisco)

2019 Stats: 56 REC, 764 YDS, 4 TDs

I have Jacksonville trading up with San Francisco to grab one of my favorite pairings in this years class. Jacksonville has D.J. Chark, who is a very good outside X receiver but they need a real game-changer in the slot for whoever is the long term starter at quarterback. Laviska ran in the scouting combine with a broken pubic bone and still clocked 4.58, somehow. He’s like the Tu’a of receivers: rare on the field. great ability, but quite a few injury concerns. His injuries really added up this past year but when Shenault is on the field, he’s the best player on it. He will be a monster in the slot and will make teams pay across the middle of the field. Shenault is a rare talent and I think Jacksonville should move up to get him; he reminds me a lot of Juju Smith-Schuster but faster.

Embed from Getty Images

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Noah Igbinoghene – (CB, Auburn)

2019 Stats: 28 solo tackles, 7 PBUs

Kansas City is just coming off their first Super Bowl win with Patrick Mahomes but they have some holes they desperately need to fill, especially in their defensive backfield. Igbinoghene is a big, athletic corner who plays bigger then his size. He’s risen quite a bit over the last couple months on draft boards and I fully expect him to go somewhere in round one. Igbinoghene shows, at times, that he had limited reps as a starter at the collegiate level and teams will encounter growing pains if they expect early production from him. It may take some time but I do think Igbinoghene has one of the higher ceilings at corner in this years class.