The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft went down tonight, and like always, we’re here with our thoughts and judgement of the action.
Draft grades everyone!
Let’s get right to it.
1. Bengals: QB Joe Burrow/LSU
This pick has been expected ever since Cincinnati locked up the #1 overall selection in December.
I’m really interested in watching Burrow play, and develop under Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. He’ll have some early exciting weapons in A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd, and a reliable back in Joe Mixon.
The Bengals have some offensive line questions to address, so it won’t be easy to find consistent protection early on.
Regardless of that though, Burrow should have a lot of eyes on him come time for his rookie year.
Grade: A
2. Redskins: EDGE Chase Young/Ohio State
The Ron Rivera era starts off with the drafting of perhaps, the most talented player in this entire draft. Young is polished enough, as showcased during his time dominating at Ohio State, but the thought of his game going to another level with NFL coaching is absolutely terrifying.
He can beat you with speed, he can step away from speed and overwhelm you with power, he has it all.
I’m sure Ron Rivera is anxious to get his hands on him, probably the most anxious one out of anyone in the Redskins organization.
He should be a fun one, I’m definitely keeping my eyes on his rookie year.
Grade: A+
3. Lions: CB Jeff Okudah/Ohio State
There was question for months if the Lions would even keep this pick.
In the end, they selected Jeff Okudah, the best corner prospect in this class.
I like this pick for Matt Patricia, but I can’t help thinking the Lions could’ve traded down, and acquired a hoard of draft picks. The defensive line still needs some attention, their linebacking core needs a little work as well.
With the corner class being as deep as it is, the Lions could’ve filled out the rest of their defensive needs with as much high quality talent as possible.
However, with Darius Slay being shipped off to Philadelphia, corner suddenly became a big need for Patricia’s squad.
Good pick, but passing over the idea of getting more draft assets is still sticking with me.
Grade: B+
4. Giants: OT Andrew Thomas/Georgia
This was the first surprise of the night.
Thomas wasn’t a consensus top 2 tackle in this class, with Jedrick Wills and Tristan Wirfs generally being ranked ahead of the talented product out of Georgia.
I wouldn’t call this a stunner, but it’s definitely a surprise that Thomas came off the board this early.
Give me Wills or Wirfs at 4, but this by no means was a back pick.
Grade: B-
5. Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa/Alabama
The intrigue this pick had, poofed away, and turned into ordinary normalcy.
There were questions regarding Tua’s medicals, but those questions eased with every new report that came in leading up to the draft.
The Dolphins get their quarterback, but boy do they need offensive line help.
Grade: A
6. Chargers: QB Justin Herbert/Oregon
With Philip Rivers now out the door, the Chargers were in the market for another quarterback.
Herbert isn’t as talented as Tua, but he brings some impressive skills to the table. He’ll need some polishing, and it won’t be a quick, easy process, but if Herbert can get it all together, he’s going to turn into an impressive football player.
Good pick for Anthony Lynn and company.
Grade: A-
7. Panthers: iDL Derrick Brown/Auburn
The best interior defensive lineman in the draft finds himself in Carolina.
The Panthers are known to have taken big beef inside, and transforming them into complete monsters. Kawaan Short is just one example, and Derrick Brown has a chance to be another.
Brown is so quick for a man his size, and his hands are equally impressive as his mobility.
An exciting prospect with loads of room to get better, this pick rocks.
You pass this first test, Matt Rhule.
Grade: A-
8. Arizona: LB Isaiah Simmons/Clemson
I surely didn’t expect Simmons to fall to Arizona, but here we are.
Simmons is about as versatile as you get, being able to play outside linebacker, safety, and even being able to put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer.
I think Arizona needed a tackle a bit more, but if you get a chance to draft Isaiah Simmons, you take it.
Grade: B
9. Jaguars: CB C.J. Henderson/Florida
Many thought the Jags would go defensive line, or even offensive tackle here, but they opted for the 2nd best corner in this class.
With Jalen Ramey and A.J. Bouye gone, corner was a big need for this team, and filling it with C.J. Henderson is simply smart.
The Jags have ways to go in making this roster competitive again, but the addition of Henderson to a defense with another young talent in Josh Allen, is a nice step forward
Grade: B-
10. Browns: OT Jedrick Wills/Alabama
With Greg Robinson gone, the Browns needed another offensive tackle, and they got one in Jedrick Wills
Personally, I’m in love with Jedrick Wills, his mobility and quick feet made me drool(not really) when I first watched him. He’ll be asked to handle Baker Mayfield’s blind side, a task that won’t be easy with the amount of impressive pass rushers in the AFC North.
Speaking of Baker Mayfield, how happy is he to have some decent protection?
Grade: A
Flip the pages for the rest.
