2020 NFL Mock Draft: Final 1st-round projections

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With the 2020 NFL Draft only a day away, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of selections plus a pick for every team without a Day 1 slot.

1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSUChris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The first pick comes with very little drama as Cincinnati gives the reins of the franchise to the LSU star. The Heisman Trophy winner turned in a senior season for the ages, piling up ridiculous stats on his way to the national title. Burrow has very few weaknesses in his game and should benefit greatly from an emerging young talent group on offense. - Belbeck

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

Two picks, two locks. The Redskins will get calls for this pick, but probably none serious enough for them to consider passing up an elite prospect on the most important position on the defensive side of the ball. Adding Young to an already talented defensive front gives Ron Rivera a strong foundation with which to build. - Wilkins

3. Detroit Lions - Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Lions appear interested in moving out of the third spot, but uncertainty at the quarterback position beyond Burrow may cause teams to hesitate in trading up for one. If Detroit stays put, Okudah is the perfect fit. The star cornerback fills Matt Patricia's biggest need and is arguably the top defensive prospect available after Young. - Alessandrini

4. New York Giants - Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

After adding Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones in the last two drafts, the Giants add protection for the dynamic duo with the hulking tackle from Alabama. This draft is a very strong one for offensive line talent, and Wills established himself as the best of the bunch. - Belbeck

5. Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, AlabamaTodd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Concern over Tua's medicals - and Justin Herbert potentially being drafted ahead of him as a result - proves to be nothing more than a smokescreen, and the Dolphins go with the guy they tanked to get in the first place. There may be risk with the Alabama star coming off a hip injury, but he arguably has more upside than any quarterback in the class, including Burrow. This is the kind of player who single-handedly turns a franchise around. - Wilkins

6. Los Angeles Chargers - Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Bolts could opt for Herbert here, but we're buying reports that Tyrod Taylor's QB1 moving forward. With a solid roster from top to bottom, Los Angeles addresses the left tackle position with a high-upside prospect after trading Russell Okung. - Alessandrini

7. Carolina Panthers - Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The Panthers could go in many different directions with the No. 7 pick, but opting for Brown should prove to be wise. The Auburn standout's talent leaps off the screen when watching his collegiate tape, and he should step in immediately as a focal point for Matt Rhule's defense in the coach's first season with Carolina. - Belbeck

8. Arizona Cardinals - Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Trading down to recoup picks would make sense after moving a second-rounder for DeAndre Hopkins, but less so with Simmons still on the board. Whether he's a safety, linebacker, or a combination of the two, the Clemson star is a player you want on your team. The Cardinals get a much-needed game-changer on defense with a top-five talent in this draft. - Wilkins

9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Justin Herbert, QB, OregonIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

While many are projecting Herbert inside the top five, we don't think any scenario can be locked in even one day before the draft. With the Dolphins fooling everyone and nabbing Tua and the Chargers opting for an offensive tackle, the Oregon passer's most likely destination will come from a team trading up, or Jacksonville. The Jaguars praised Gardner Minshew all offseason, but are unlikely to pass up a potential franchise quarterback here. - Alessandrini

10. Cleveland Browns - Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The easiest way for Baker Mayfield to return to his brilliant rookie form is to give him more time to operate in the pocket. New coach Kevin Stefanski does just that with the massive 6-foot-7, 364-pounder from Louisville at No. 10. Becton is a bit of a project, but his high ceiling at the position is worth the risk for Cleveland. - Belbeck

11. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons (from NYJ) - CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Atlanta's been the team most rumored to be exploring trade-up options, and they find one here, with the Jets looking to stock up on picks. Henderson is a potential lockdown corner who provides a much-needed upgrade to an Atlanta defense now facing the difficult task of matching up with both Drew Brees and Tom Brady in the NFC South. - Wilkins

12. Las Vegas Raiders - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The top end of the draft couldn't play out any better for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. In this scenario, the Raiders get to choose between the class' top three receivers. While the speed of Henry Ruggs and the college dominance of CeeDee Lamb may intrigue Vegas, Jeudy's the most complete wideout in this draft. We love his fit with Derek Carr. - Alessandrini

13. TRADE: Dolphins (from IND via SF) - Tristan Wirfs, OT, IowaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Miami fans should be thrilled with Tagovailoa at No. 5 and Wirfs at No. 13 to ignite the team's woeful offense. Many analysts have the Iowa standout as their top tackle in the draft, so a trade up makes sense. - Belbeck

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Tampa Bay should have its sights set on an offensive tackle to bolster the line in front of Brady, but after being jumped by the Dolphins for the last of the consensus top four, there's no need to force it. Kinlaw is the best player available on the other side of the ball at this spot, and his interior pass-rush presence could help take Todd Bowles' defense to the next level. - Wilkins

15. Denver Broncos - Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Talk about an ideal first round for John Elway. The Broncos are reportedly interested in trading up for a receiver, but don't have to here with the top speedster still on the board. Ruggs is the perfect complement to Courtland Sutton's size on the perimeter, and would give sophomore quarterback Drew Lock an exciting target. - Alessandrini

16. TRADE: New York Jets (from ATL) - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

A number of mocks have Lamb going to the Jets at No. 11, so the fact he's still available after New York trades down to No. 16 is a huge bonus for Adam Gase's outfit. The Oklahoma star is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and should mesh with Sam Darnold to form a potentially potent one-two punch. - Belbeck

17. Dallas Cowboys - K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSUKevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Cornerback might be a similarly pressing need, but Dallas can't pass up the opportunity to take the second-best edge rusher in this draft. Chaisson joining a defensive line that features DeMarcus Lawrence, Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe, and now Aldon Smith would give the Cowboys all the firepower they need to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. - Wilkins

18. TRADE: San Francisco 49ers (from PIT via MIA) - A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

After acquiring additional picks from Miami in a trade down, the Niners can begin addressing their biggest roster holes. One of these is outside corner, where John Lynch will prioritize adding speed to match up with the league's top receivers. Terrell has those jets, plus the length and ball skills to thrive in Robert Saleh's defense. - Alessandrini

19. TRADE: New England Patriots (from LV) - Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Goodbye, Tom Brady. Hello, Jordan Love. The Patriots grab their quarterback of the future with the tantalizing prospect from Utah State. Love has all the tools needed to be a star at the pro level, but lacks the polish to see him go in the top 15. Bill Belichick takes a chance on Love's potential and trades up to nab him. - Belbeck

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

The Jaguars coming away with one of the draft's top cornerbacks after recently trading both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye feels like a good way to start rebuilding a suddenly depleted defense. Fulton, a highly productive member of LSU's championship defense, gives Jacksonville a potential new No. 1 cover corner. - Wilkins

21. Philadephia Eagles - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSUGregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Philadelphia will certainly use one of its first two selections to upgrade at receiver. While the top three pass-catchers are off the board, Jefferson still represents solid value here. The LSU product is a high-level prospect and would provide a reliable presence in the middle for Carson Wentz. - Alessandrini

22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF) - Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State

With Everson Griffen likely done in Minnesota, the Vikings grab a natural replacement with Gross-Matos. The Penn State star has prototypical size for the position in Mike Zimmer's defense and should be an immediate impact player in the NFC North. - Belbeck

23. TRADE: Raiders (from NE) - Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

After moving back to collect a few more picks, the Raiders address another one of their most pressing needs. Johnson's size and ability in press make him a strong fit for the Las Vegas defense, and pairing him with promising 2019 second-rounder Trayvon Mullen finally gives the organization some young foundational pieces at cornerback. - Wilkins

24. New Orleans Saints - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Sean Payton likely believes the Saints are only a few minor pieces away from capturing a Lombardi Trophy, and he could view Murray as the future leader of his defense. The NFL appears high on the former Sooner due to his athleticism and intangibles. Murray provides an instant upgrade next to Demario Davis in the middle of New Orleans' stop unit. - Alessandrini

25. Vikings - Denzel Mims, WR, BaylorIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

After addressing the defense with Gross-Matos at No. 22, the Vikings grab some much-needed receiver help with Mims. The Baylor star impressed at both the Senior Bowl and the combine, flying up draft boards and into the first round. With Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo, Mims will be counted on to contribute immediately in Minnesota. - Belbeck

26. Dolphins (from HOU) - A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa

The Dolphins landed a pair of cornerstone talents at premium offensive positions with their first two picks, so they turn to defense, and another important position, with their third selection. Epenesa is a polished pass-rusher with the versatility to slide inside on third down, and he's the rare defensive end prospect who could also be an impact player against the run immediately. - Wilkins

27. Seattle Seahawks - Austin Jackson, OT, USC

If Seattle opts not to trade out of the first round - as the team so often does - it could target an offensive tackle to begin his career on the right side and eventually replace Duane Brown. Jackson has the length and athleticism the Seahawks covet, so he could be too intriguing for them to pass up. - Alessandrini

28. Baltimore Ravens - Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The pipeline from Alabama to Baltimore continues. Versatility is key in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's scheme, making the rangy McKinney an excellent fit for the AFC North club. - Belbeck

29. Tennessee Titans - Isaiah Wilson, OT, GeorgiaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Tennessee has a major hole at right tackle after losing Jack Conklin in free agency. Wilson, a similar player, can step right in to help maintain the power running game that helped lead the Titans on a deep playoff run. - Wilkins

30. Green Bay Packers - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

With a number of receivers already off the board, the Packers may not be able to wait to select a potential top-tier target for Aaron Rodgers. Reagor gives Green Bay's offense something it lacked a season ago - speed on the outside, yards-after-catch ability, and the ability to attack deep areas of the field. - Alessandrini

31. 49ers - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

With Emmanuel Sanders now in New Orleans, the 49ers fill their need at receiver with the lanky Higgins. At 6-foot-4 with excellent ball skills in traffic, Higgins immediately gives Kyle Shanahan's offense a threat in the red zone that isn't named George Kittle. - Belbeck

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

A true three-down playmaker in the middle of the field, Queen probably shouldn't fall this far. The Super Bowl champs are happy that he does, though, as they jump at the chance to make a major upgrade to one of the few weak spots on an otherwise stacked roster. - Wilkins

Teams without a 1st-round pickThearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty34. Indianapolis Colts - Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

Indianapolis has T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell at Philip Rivers' disposal, but could add size on the perimeter early in Round 2. Pittman's been rising up draft boards in recent weeks and could be the next tall wideout to build a strong rapport with a veteran quarterback. - Alessandrini

40. Houston Texans - Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin

Houston desperately needs an edge rusher. While Baun's size may prevent him from playing an every-down role in that spot, his ability to get after the quarterback on passing downs still provides plenty of value. And he wouldn't be limited to sub packages - Baun also has the athleticism and coverage ability to play off the ball as a linebacker in base. - Belbeck

43. Chicago Bears - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Upgrading at cornerback will be a priority for the Bears if they're going to maintain the defensive success they've enjoyed of late, and Diggs provides them with good size, length, man-to-man ability, and ball skills. - Wilkins

49. Pittsburgh Steelers - Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

The Steelers don't have many needs to address on their roster, but could stand to upgrade at right tackle. Niang is the perfect fit in the middle of the second round, as durability concerns will push him lower down draft boards. - Alessandrini

52. Los Angeles Rams - Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

Inside linebacker stands as a major priority for the Rams after losing Cory Littleton in free agency. Brooks is an excellent athlete who should be an instant-impact player against the run with athletic upside for coverage duties, as well. - Belbeck

54. Buffalo Bills - J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

A strong early down back to complement Devin Singletary is one of few needs on a quietly stellar Bills roster. Dobbins is an explosive runner, and although he also has upside for a feature role, he'd thrive with a team like Buffalo, where he's not forced into third-down duties. - Wilkins

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