Mock 2020 NFL Draft: First-Round Predictions

April 23, 2020

The 2020 NFL Draft is approaching with the combine already behind us. Jakob Ashlin projects the first round to forecast landing spots for top rookies and how it will potentially impact the fantasy football landscape.

The 2020 NFL Draft will take place in late April. With the combine already behind us, it is a good time to look ahead at how it will potentially impact the fantasy football landscape.

This year's draft class is headlined by a deep wide receiver class. Several wide receivers should be selected in the first round, and in this mock draft, I have seven wide receivers being selected. Teams that wait on the position should still be able to find strong prospects on Days 2 and 3. There are many potential mid-round receivers who could have a big fantasy season in the right situation.

Without further ado, let's get started.

Mock NFL Draft - Round 1

Joe Burrow (QB), Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow to the Bengals is a foregone conclusion. It would be shocking if he was not the first player off the board on draft night.

2020 Value: Despite coming off a 2-14 season, Burrow could have some early success in Cincinnati. There have been reports that the front office intends to hold onto seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green. Auden Tate and Tyler Boyd are also solid playmakers. Burrow would be a solid QB2.

Dynasty Value: Burrow put up video game numbers at LSU as he set the FBS single-season passing touchdown record. He should develop into a QB1.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB), Miami Dolphins

I expect Tua Tagovailoa to be gone before the fifth overall pick, but I am not including trades in this mock draft. Josh Rosen struggled in his limited opportunities last season, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is 37 years old. Therefore, quarterback is a big need. Health is the biggest concern for Tagovailoa, but all signs have been positive so far.

2020 Value: Tagovailoa may take time to be comfortable again after his injury. In addition, it is unclear if he would immediately start over veteran Fitzpatrick. He would be a QB3.

Dynasty Value: Tagovailoa's hip injury was uncommon, so it is still to be determined how it will affect him in the future. He has QB1 potential, but there are legitimate concerns about his longevity.

Justin Herbert (QB), Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers need a quarterback after moving on from Phillip Rivers. Justin Herbert is the highest-ranked one remaining on the board.

2020 Value: Herbert is rawer than Burrow or Tagovailoa, and the Chargers seem to have no reservations about starting the season with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Herbert would be a borderline QB3.

Dynasty Value: Herbert is a risky prospect, and there is a chance he is not the answer for the Chargers long-term. If he lives up to his potential, he is an eventual QB2.

CeeDee Lamb (WR), Arizona Cardinals

Offensive tackle is another possibility here, but the Cardinals can reunite the best receiver in the draft with his former college teammate Kyler Murray. Murray has given indications that he wants the Cardinals to select Lamb on Twitter.

2020 Value: No receiver topped 900 yards on the Cardinals last season, and Lamb would immediately become the offense's biggest weapon. He would be a WR2.

Dynasty Value: Lamb would be penciled in as Arizona's go-to receiver for the foreseeable. He would be a future WR1 with high long-term value.

Jerry Jeudy (WR), Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders could consider Jordan Love here, but Jerry Jeudy is a great value at this point in the draft. Wide receiver is a big need for the team, and Jeudy is a top 10 talent.

2020 Value: Jeudy would presumably top the depth chart immediately. Tight end Darren Waller might initially remain the go-to option after a big season, and the quarterback situation is worth monitoring. Still, Jeudy should receive a large share of targets and be a borderline WR2.

Dynasty Value: Jeudy would be the Raiders' top wide receiver for the foreseeable future. He should be a starting wideout in fantasy lineups for years to come.

Jordan Love (QB), Indianapolis Colts

After Andrew Luck's retirement, the Colts are searching for a franchise quarterback. Jordan Love might not make it to pick 13, but again, I am not projecting trades.

2020 Value: The Colts could be patient with Love. They could give him time to develop behind Jacoby Brissett or another veteran. In this scenario, he would not be an option this year in mixed leagues, unless the Colts decide to name him the starter.

Dynasty Value: Love has the athleticism and tools to be an elite quarterback, but he is still developing. He has QB1 upside with a low floor.

Henry Ruggs III (WR), Denver Broncos

Ruggs has game-breaking speed. The Broncos could pair him with breakout receiver Courtland Sutton.

2020 Value: Ruggs is a deep threat at the next level. As a result, he could have some big games, but he will not rack up the receptions like Lamb or Jeudy. He would be a flex option with upside.

Dynasty Value: Ruggs will need to be in the right situation with a strong quarterback to maximize his value. In this scenario, he would be a boom or bust WR3.

Justin Jefferson (WR), Philadelphia Eagles

Justin Jefferson increased his draft stock with a great combine performance. He would be an excellent fit for the Eagles, who desperately need an upgrade at wide receiver. No wide receiver topped even 500 receiving yards for the Eagles last season.

2020 Value: Jefferson fills an immediate need for the team and should step in immediately. He would be a solid WR3.

Dynasty Value: Jefferson has a clear path to being the top wideout in a strong offense. He would be a potential future WR2.

Tee Higgins (WR), Buffalo Bills

Tee Higgins would add a needed dynamic to the Bills offense. He excels at grabbing contested passes and would give Josh Allen a larger target at 6'4". Cole Beasley and John Brown stand at 5'8" and 5'10".

2020 Value: Higgins would start out across from Brown. He would be a WR4.

Dynasty Value: Moving forward, Higgins would be a WR3 with WR2 upside.

D'Andre Swift (RB), Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins really need a running back. Ryan Fitzpatrick actually led the team in rushing yards last season with only 243. Lead back Kalen Ballage averaged a miserable 1.8 yards per carry. D'Andre Swift would be a huge upgrade.

2020 Value: Swift should receive a large number of carries and faces very little competition on the roster. He is a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2.

Dynasty Value: Swift would be an RB1/RB2 for the next few seasons.

Brandon Aiyuk (WR), Baltimore Ravens

The board did go well in this mock for the Ravens. Trading down would be the best option, but they go with Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk is unstoppable after the catch and is a dynamic kick returner, as well. Baltimore's offense would somehow become even more dynamic.

2020 Value: Aiyuk is extremely talented, but the Ravens are a run-first football team. Also, Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown should command more targets. He would be a WR5.

2020 Value: Aiyuk's value should increase over time. He would be an eventual flex option.

Denzel Mims (WR), Green Bay Packers

The Packers are another team looking for a receiver after their recent draft picks have disappointed. Denzel Mims has all the physical tools to be a star.

2020 Value: Mims should compete for a starting job if the Packers do not add a receiver in free agency. He would be a WR4.

Dynasty Value: Green Bay's offense can produce great fantasy seasons for wide receivers (Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb). Mims is raw, but if he can put it all together, he would have WR2 upside. Still, Mims has a low floor and carries risk. He is a boom or bust option.

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