Alex Simpson’s Two-Round 2020 NFL Mock Draft With Trades

In this scenario, there will be three trades that make sense for all teams involved and are even somewhat likely to happen. There will probably be a trade or two that take place before the start of the draft on Thursday so this isn’t easy. Here we go.

1. CIN: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Ohio kid returns home to become the face of the Bengals franchise. They are in a position to turn their fortunes around with their new Heisman-winning quarterback.

2. WAS: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

This pick is also a foregone conclusion at this point. Washington is entertaining offers but none of them will be enough. Best player in the draft goes to D.C.

3. DET: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

This is where the draft gets interesting. Detroit wants to trade back but no team is interested to move up or they just don’t have the draft capital. They replace Darius Slay with another premier cornerback.

4. NYG: Jedrick Wills Jr. OT, Alabama

This pick is one of the hardest to figure out. You can ignore the Justin Herbert rumors. It’s either Isaiah Simmons or it’s a tackle. Dave Gettleman has invested heavily in his quarterback and running back. Now he gives them the guy they need to excel.

5. MIA: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

This pick can change the entire draft. The rumors have the expert leaning Justin Herbert. I declare this the most successfully executed smokescreen in recent memory. Chris Grier and the rest of the organization look past the durability concerns and take one of the best quarterbacks to come out of college in the last half-decade.

6. LAC: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

The hardest pick to predict in the entire draft is upon us. The Chargers could go quarterback but I think they believe in Tyrod Taylor. They could draft a tackle to protect him. Instead, the Chargers take the best player on the board in Isaiah Simmons and put themselves in the conversation of the best defense in the NFL.

7. CAR: Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn

The Panthers have many needs as it appears they are going to be rebuilding. Carolina was terrible against the run last year and Derrick Brown helps that tremendously.

8. ARI: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

This pick is an easy one with Derrick Brown off the board. Kliff Kingsbury goes and takes a tackle to protect his young quarterback.

9. DEN (via JAX): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

**TRADE**
Denver receives Picks 9 and 137
Jacksonville receives Picks 15, 77, and 95

Jacksonville is in the middle of a complete roster overhaul and doesn’t hesitate to make this deal with the Broncos. Drew Lock, Melvin Gordon, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Noah Fant form a very entertaining offense.

10. CLE: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Browns have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Selecting Andrew Thomas and signing Jack Conklin will give Baker Mayfield some time in the pocket to find his talented supporting cast.

11. NYJ: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Much like the Browns, the New York Jets need some big guys upfront. Mekhi Becton has the most potential of any tackle in the draft and will hope to pave running lanes for Le’Veon Bell.

12. LV: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The Raiders have a very limited number of weapons for their quarterbacks. CeeDee Lamb is one of the top-tier receivers in this class and will immediately become a rookie-of-the-year candidate.

13. SF (via IND): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The 49ers were beaten by an explosive, high-octane offense back in February. They go out and find their own version of Tyreek Hill.

14. ATL (via TB): C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

**TRADE**
Atlanta receives Pick 14
Tampa Bay receives Picks 16, 143, 2021 4th

You don’t see many inter-division trades in the NFL. In this case, both teams have something to gain. Atlanta trades up and gets their guy and Tampa Bay gains assets without losing their guy. Win-win for the rival teams.

15. JAX (via DEN): Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina

After trading back, Jacksonville is still able to bring in a key building block for their revamped roster. Kinlaw is one of the most intriguing players in this draft class and will be one of their best players on day one.

16. TB (via ATL): Josh Jones, OT, Houston

The Buccaneers move back two spots and grab Tom Brady’s blindside protector. They miss out on the top tier of tackles but are still able to land Josh Jones. There will be a lot expected from Jones as Tampa Bay contends for a Super Bowl.

17. DAL: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Chaisson falls to 17 and Dallas is able to grab Robert Quinn’s replacement. The former LSU Tiger has a ton of potential and possesses all of the traits you look for in a young pass rusher.

18. MIA (via PIT): Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The Dolphins just narrowly miss out on Josh Jones. They have a lot of needs so they are able to go with the best player on their board.

19. LV (via CHI): Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The massive slide of Justin Herbert ends and Jon Gruden hand-picks his quarterback. This selection creates a three-man battle for the job with Herbert, Derek Carr, and free-agent signee Marcus Mariota.

20. JAX (via LAR): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Jaguars give Gardner Minshew another target to throw to while they figure out if he’s their answer long-term. If he can’t get the job done in 2020, Jacksonville will be in a position to grab Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields in the 2021 draft.

21. PHI: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

With the Jaguars taking Jefferson, the Eagles miss out on their guy. With a receiver class as deep as this year’s, the Eagles go with Kenneth Murray. He fills a major void and they don’t reach for a receiver.

22. MIN (via BUF): A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Justin Herbert falling to the Raiders allowed A.J. Terrell to fall to them. They select one of the best corners in the 2020 class who fits their scheme well.

23. NE: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Epenesa is the prototype defensive end in Bill Belichick’s eyes. Size over speed. The former Hawkeye was ultra-productive in college and gives New England the guy they want at 23.

24. NO: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Patrick Queen stays in the state of Louisiana. He helps bolster Sean Payton’s defense as he looks to win a collegiate and NFL title in consecutive years.

25. MIN: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

The addition of Denzel Mims gives Kirk Cousins a big body to throw to downfield. Mims has been one of the biggest risers since the end of the season and finds a new home in Minneapolis.

26. MIA (via HOU): Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

The Dolphins stick with their strategy of best player available and pick up Cesar Ruiz. Miami’s offensive line needs to get stronger to keep Tua healthy.

27. IND (via SEA): Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

**TRADE**
Indianapolis receives Picks 27 and 101
Seattle receives Picks 34 and 75

The third and final trade in my mock draft is here and the Colts move up to select Jordan Love. The Seahawks traded out of the first round once again and Indy finds Philip Rivers’ successor.

28. BAL: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

The Ravens land a player that can rush off the edge or lineup off the ball. Baun is perfect for John Harbaugh’s defense as they look to make another playoff run.

29. TEN: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

With the loss of Jack Conklin, Tennessee will look to find his replacement. Isaiah Wilson is a powerful run-blocker who is still very raw. He fits their offense perfectly as they rely on Derrick Henry and their play-action passing attack.

30. GB: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

The Packers are still very much in contention for a Super Bowl but they will need to get Aaron Rodgers some help. Brandon Aiyuk is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. He can become the go-to receiver opposite Davante Adams and he can help in the return game.

31. SF: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

The 49ers will likely try and trade back here since they don’t own another pick until the fifth round. I couldn’t find a good trade partner here that made sense so they take Jaylon Johnson. Richard Sherman is getting older and they have little no help on the other side of the field. Johnson has everything they look for in a cornerback and is an immediate upgrade.

32. KC: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

The first running back is off the board. D’Andre Swift and Kansas City are a match made in heaven. He gives Patrick Mahomes a weapon out of the backfield as become even more dangerous than last year. If that’s even possible.

Second Round

33. CIN: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
34. SEA (via IND): Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
35. DET: Ross Blacklock, IDL, TCU
36. NYG: Antoine Winfield Jr. S, Minnesota
37. LAC: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
38. CAR: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
39. MIA: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
40. HOU (via ARI): Justin Madubuike, IDL, Texas A&M
41. CLE: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
42. JAX: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
43. CHI (via LV): Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
44. IND: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
45. TB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
46. DEN: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
47. ATL: Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
48. NYJ: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
49. PIT: Neville Gallimore, IDL, Oklahoma
50. CHI: Chase Claypool, WR/TE, Notre Dame
51. DAL: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
52. LAR: Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU
53. PHI: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
54. BUF: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
55. BAL (via NE): Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
56. MIA (via NO): Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
57. LAR (via HOU): Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
58. MIN: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
59. SEA: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
60. BAL: Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
61. TEN: Marlon Davidson, EDGE/IDL, Auburn
62. GB: Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette
63. KC (via SF): Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
64. SEA (via KC): Matt Hennessy, IOL, Temple

If you would like to check out my Top 100 Player Rankings for the draft, click here.

You can follow me on Twitter @Alex2TheSimpson for more NFL Draft content.

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