2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post-combine projections

With the scouting combine complete and the 2020 NFL Draft quickly approaching, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of selections.

1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow came to the combine with the No. 1 label on his head, and nothing changed in Indianapolis. The LSU product didn't participate in any drills or workouts, a smart move considering there was only one way for him to move in the draft standings. It would be one of the most stunning moves in recent history if the Bengals passed on Burrow at No. 1. - Belbeck

2. Washington Redskins - Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State

Talk of the Redskins considering Tua Tagovailoa at No. 2 made headlines last week. We wouldn't rule that out, nor would we rule out that rumor being floated as a way to drum up trade interest, but there's also nothing wrong with staying put and taking the second-best player in the draft. Young would be the cornerstone for a new-look defense under Ron Rivera. - Wilkins

3. Detroit Lions - Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Jeff Okudah has been the assumed pick here for months, but it's hard not to pencil in Simmons after his incredible combine. The Clemson product is a true defensive chess piece and profiles as a perfect fit in the center of Matt Patricia's defense. Detroit may have a greater need at cornerback, especially if Darius Slay departs this offseason, but Simmons is simply too good to pass up here. - Alessandrini

4. New York Giants - Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Becton did things at the combine that 6-foot-7, 364-pound men have no business doing. The Louisville star ran the 40-yard dash in an astonishing 5.1 seconds, sending an instant buzz throughout the building. Nate Solder will likely move to right tackle, clearing the way for Becton to guard Daniel Jones' blindside for years to come. - Belbeck

5. Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The Dolphins may well have to move up to land their quarterback of the future, but in this scenario, they're able to sit tight and get him anyway. Tua instantly changes this organization's long-term outlook, with his upside being that of the best signal-caller Miami has had since Dan Marino. - Wilkins

6. Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

It's no secret the Chargers will look to select their future franchise quarterback early in the 2020 draft. With Burrow and Tua off the board, Herbert is the man for Anthony Lynn. The former Ducks standout looks the part of an NFL passer and would likely start immediately in L.A. with long-time quarterback Philip Rivers out the door. - Alessandrini

7. Carolina Panthers - Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Panthers will run to the podium to draft Okudah after the Ohio State star somehow slips to No. 7. Okudah possesses the size, speed, and toughness to be a lockdown corner for years to come. With Carolina expected to move on from James Bradberry, Okudah is a natural replacement. - Belbeck

8. Arizona Cardinals - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

A significant step toward improving Kyler Murray's supporting cast, Arizona reunites its star quarterback with his former Oklahoma teammate. Lamb has always had a strong case as the No. 1 receiver in this class, and the combine did nothing to change that. - Wilkins

9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

The Jaguars could choose a receiver or a defensive tackle here, but they instead opt for the top prospect available in Wills. The powerful lineman offers elite upside as a pass-protector and run blocker and would represent an instant upgrade over both current Jacksonville starters. Protecting whoever the team starts at quarterback is imperative for the 2020 campaign. - Alessandrini

10. Cleveland Browns - Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Wirfs probably made the biggest physical impression at the combine. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder soared to a monster 36.5-inch vertical leap, higher than highly ranked receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. Wirfs also posted an absurd 121-inch broad jump, establishing records for offensive linemen in both categories. That type of athlete could be a massive help in keeping Baker Mayfield clean in Cleveland. - Belbeck

11. New York Jets - Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Ruggs going ahead of Alabama teammate Jerry Jeudy would have come as a surprise to some before the combine, but it no longer seems out of the question. Ruggs' big-play upside and rare speed, demonstrated with a 4.27 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, will be tough for the Jets to pass up as they look to build around Sam Darnold. - Wilkins

12. Las Vegas Raiders - Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

You can bet Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden would have difficulty containing themselves if Brown fell to Vegas. He's the type of foundational piece the Raiders attempted to acquire over the last two offseasons and he instantly alters the look of any defensive line. Once thought of as a top-10 lock, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year will see his stock slide after a disappointing combine. - Alessandrini

13. Indianapolis Colts - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Who the Colts' starting quarterback will be in 2020 remains to be seen, but they will be getting an explosive weapon with Jeudy at wideout. The Alabama star is one of the best route-runners to enter the draft in years and should have no difficulty bringing that skill to the next level. - Belbeck

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Tampa Bay will be linked to a number of different free-agent quarterbacks, but there just aren't many who fit Bruce Arians' downfield style of attack. Love does, though, and his rare arm talent could make him an intriguing option, even if Arians would prefer to have a veteran under center. - Wilkins

15. Denver Broncos - CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Few players had a more productive combine than Henderson. The cornerback saw his stock rise after displaying explosive athleticism and smooth movement during drills. With Chris Harris Jr. hitting free agency, the Broncos are in need of a difference-maker in their secondary. Henderson fits the bill. - Alessandrini

16. Atlanta Falcons - K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU

Chaisson didn't work out at the combine, but the versatile defender showed his elite athleticism throughout LSU's championship run. Chaisson is as equally adept in coverage as he is at stopping the run and rushing the passer. That well-rounded game is exactly what Dan Quinn is looking for in Atlanta. - Belbeck

17. Dallas Cowboys - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Byron Jones seems likely to be the odd man out in Dallas, as the Cowboys won't have the cap flexibility to keep him with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper needing lucrative deals of their own. Fulton, a key piece on a stellar national championship defense, is a logical first-round target to address a position group Dallas can't allow to drop off. - Wilkins

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) - Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

After nabbing Tua earlier in the first round, Miami opts to protect its prized possession. Thomas didn't shine as much as his peers in Indianapolis, but he still represents an incredible value in the middle of Round 1. The Dolphins currently field one of the league's worst blocking units, so an upgrade early in the draft must be prioritized. - Alessandrini

19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) - Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Last year's draft for the Raiders showed just how much Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock value winning collegiate players, and that holds true again in 2020 with the selection of Queen. The linebacker was arguably the best defensive player on the field in LSU's national championship win, and he'll instantly bolster the Raiders' defense with his sideline-to-sideline speed. - Belbeck

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Kinlaw would be an incredibly appealing interior option to pair with 2019 first-rounder Josh Allen, solidifying the foundation of the Jaguars' pass rush for years to come. A receiver is also a realistic option here, but the depth of this class affords Jacksonville the ability to wait until Day 2. - Wilkins

21. Philadelphia Eagles - Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Howie Roseman and Co. appear set to spend big in free agency at cornerback, meaning their first-round pick could come down to a receiver or safety. In such a deep wideout class, Philadelphia could opt to select the top player at his position in McKinney. The Alabama product offers the versatility, tackling skills, and coverage instincts the Eagles' defense desperately needs. - Alessandrini

22. Buffalo Bills - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Jefferson made a statement with a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, solidifying his spot as a first-round selection. The fastest way for the Bills to see improvement from Josh Allen is to get more weapons for their quarterback. Jefferson's big-play ability gives Buffalo a game-breaking talent they sorely lacked last season. - Belbeck

23. New England Patriots - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Whether Tom Brady returns or not, the Patriots need to make major upgrades to their receiving corps. Mims has the upside of a true No. 1 target, and he should be a slam-dunk first-rounder after complementing his outstanding tape with an elite athletic profile at the combine. - Wilkins

24. New Orleans Saints - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

New Orleans appears set on the offensive side of the ball, so adding a Round 1 option in the middle of its defense could be the team's best bet this April. Blacklock offers upside as a pass-rusher and run defender and profiles as an instant upgrade on the Saints' defensive line. - Alessandrini

25. Minnesota Vikings - Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

For a team that made the playoffs last season, the Vikings surprisingly have a long list of needs to address in the draft. The first one Minnesota takes care of is defensive tackle with Gallimore. The 6-foot-2, 304-pounder may not put up massive numbers, but he disrupts the offensive line enough to make things easier for the rest of the defense. That type of player will be a major asset in Minnesota. - Belbeck

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Taylor's stellar combine performance effectively secured his spot as the top running back in this class. While there's always an argument to be made against first-round rushers, the Dolphins would have to be thrilled coming out of the first round with a pair of star playmakers and a Day 1 starter at tackle to establish the foundation of their offense. - Wilkins

27. Seattle Seahawks - Jabari Zuniga, Edge, Florida

Zuniga hasn't featured in many first-round mock drafts thus far, but he's exactly the type of pass-rusher Seattle desires. Long, explosive, and athletic, the former Gator saw his stock rise after a successful combine. He previously flew under the radar after battling injuries in 2019. The Seahawks usually take chances on high-upside prospects and could do the same with Zuniga, especially if Jadeveon Clowney departs in free agency. - Alessandrini

28. Baltimore Ravens - Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

Shenault is one of the most versatile offensive players in the draft and will immediately lessen the load for Lamar Jackson. The Colorado product can be used in a variety of roles, and his explosive burst makes him one of the draft's most dangerous big-play threats. - Belbeck

29. Tennessee Titans - Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Tennessee went far deeper in the playoffs than expected due in large part to some phenomenal defensive performances, but cornerback should still be an area of focus this offseason. Gladney is a productive cover man who could step in alongside Malcolm Butler and Adoree' Jackson should Logan Ryan leave as a free agent. - Wilkins

30. Green Bay Packers - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

With Blake Martinez set to hit free agency, the Packers are in desperate need of a linebacker. While Green Bay has been connected with a handful of free agents at the position, the team could opt for a younger building-block piece in the draft. Murray cemented his first-round status with an impressive combine and is a high-value pick here. - Alessandrini

31. San Francisco 49ers - Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Delpit has largely been viewed as a mid-first rounder but he finds himself slipping to the 49ers at No. 31. While safety may not be the most important need for San Francisco, the team will simply opt to take the best available talent with Delpit. The LSU standout is an incredible playmaker on the defensive end, and he'll immediately become a key part of Robert Saleh's unit. - Belbeck

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Kansas City further bolsters its potent scoring attack with Reagor, who brings plenty more speed but also the quickness and route-running savvy to win at the short and intermediate areas of the field. With so few needs on an outstanding roster, why not make an already unstoppable offense that much more daunting for opponents? - Wilkins