Teams will upgrade and fill holes in free agency in March and then focus on the NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Las Vegas. How many quarterbacks will go in the first round? Here's Yardbarker's latest mock (March 16):
With the negotiation window for free agency starting this week, team needs for the draft are about to become much clearer. Here's a look at our latest 2020 NFL mock draft as of March 16.
As time goes by, it continues to look ever clearer that Burrow will be the top overall draft choice. He won both the Heisman Trophy and national championship in 2019 and is the overwhelming favorite to be Cincinnati's choice. The Ohio native displayed drastic improvement in his senior season at LSU, completing nearly 76 percent of his passes and also showing above-average scrambling ability. The only major knock on Burrow is that he's old for a first-round prospect, set to turn 24 in December. Andy Dalton remains under contract, but the Bengals can cut or trade him without facing any cap penalty.
Young sat out combine tests, likely because the results could only hurt what is sky-high stock right now. He was also unlikely to run at Ohio States Pro Day, if it happens. Incredibly, Young recorded 16.5 sacks through his first 12 games this past season and has a chance to make a huge impact on a Washington defensive line that already has a lot of talent.
Cornerback is already one of Detroit's strengths, but Darius Slay's possible trade status could make the position an immediate need. Okudah is the consensus top cornerback in the 2020 class. He is a shutdown corner with three picks in 13 games this season.
Simmons had a legendary combine performance, including a 4.39 second 40-yard dash and 132-inch broad jump. He's an extremely versatile defender who has potential at either linebacker or safety. The 6-foot-4 senior had 104 tackles and eight sacks in 15 games.
Tagovailoa was the consensus No. 1 overall draft choice entering the year, but ankle and hip injuries have given him the "injury-prone" label. The good news is that all of his medical reports regarding his recovery have been positive to this point. Before his season-ending injury, Tagovailoa completed more than 71 percent of his passes with 33 touchdowns in nine games, albeit with elite receiving weapons in Alabama. He would be entering an optimal situation in Miami with the ability to play when he's ready and learn from Ryan Fitzpatrick, but Miami could potentially trade up from No. 5 to get him.
The Chargers have officially moved on from Philip Rivers. While Tyrod Taylor and several other veteran free agents could be placeholders, picking this high in the draft gives the Chargers a rare opportunity. Herbert is a great option, with optimal NFL size, and he completed nearly 67 percent of his passes this season. He also performed well at the combine, showing his athleticism with a solid 4.68 second 40-yard dash.
It sounds as if the Panthers are going to stick with Cam Newton at quarterback, so they can focus on other needs. Carolina needs defensive line help after potentially losing Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe. Brown has moved into top 10 draft consideration following an impressive year, recording 55 tackles and four sacks during the regular season.
Arizona desperately needs more protection for young quarterback Kyler Murray. Becton needs some refinement, but he's a mammoth, listing at 6-foot-7, 364 pounds, with left tackle capability, and he ran a remarkable 5.10 second 40-yard dash at the combine.
It looks like another rebuilding year is ahead for the Jags in 2020. They currently are set at both tackle spots but have some versatility to push one of their tackles or Wills to guard in the short term. Wills has plenty of size (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and tested well at the combine.
Cleveland has a big need at left tackle with Greg Robinson's departure. Wirfs can step in immediately at right tackle, coming out of Kirk Ferentz's offensive line factory at Iowa. He also led all offensive linemen with a 4.85 second 40 time at the combine.
The Jets have six offensive line free agents, so addressing that area should be at the top of their offseason list. Thomas is one of the best offensive linemen on the board, standing at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, and he can be an immediate solution at left tackle.
The Raiders lacked impact weapons on the outside last season following the Antonio Brown debacle, and this is a great draft to address that need. Jeudy had 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season and ranks right alongside Julio Jones and Amari Cooper as among the most talented wideouts to come out of Alabama in recent memory. His 4.45 40-yard dash at the combine was a strong time.
The Colts could be in the conversation for several free agent quarterbacks, and Love's ceiling could be enticing. Love had a strong combine and has all the physical tools that teams look for in today's quarterbacks; however his regression last season, including 17 picks, is a major concern. The team could develop Love in 2020 while Jacoby Brissett holds down the fort for one more year.
Tampa Bay is expected to try re-signing Shaq Barrett, but even in that case, the team could still lose Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh. Chaisson can fill part of the the void after recording 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2019.
Denver has a budding star in wideout Courtland Sutton but otherwise needs a lot of help at that position. Lamb has been nothing but productive in college and just finished his best season, with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games.
The Falcons need pass rush help anywhere they can get it, and Kinlaw is capable of dominating next to Grady Jarrett. Kinlaw has increased his stock, with 35 tackles and six sacks through 12 games this past season.
The Cowboys will be in the market for a cornerback if they're unable to re-sign Byron Jones. Henderson wasn't challenged much in the Florida secondary last year, but he had 33 tackles and 11 passes defensed in nine games.
Miami's offensive line lacked talent last year after trading Laremy Tunsil. Jackson is an interesting project who could step in immediately at left tackle.
The Raiders had problems at linebacker last season, particularly after Vontaze Burfict's suspension. Murray is a tackling machine and possible replacement, with 155 tackles in 2018 and 102 tackles in 14 games in 2019.
The Jags have a young star in D.J. Chark, but have plenty of room for more weapons. Ruggs hasn't been as productive as teammate Jerry Jeudy, but he still has superstar potential. He's the fastest wideout available as he showed at the combine, running a 4.27 second 40-yard dash. He had 746 yards and seven scores in 12 games last season.
Philadelphia's wide receiver corps broke down last year, and Alshon Jeffery's future with the team is still in question. Jefferson is a polished route runner and ran a blazing 4.43 second 40 time at the combine. He's a strong prospect in a great wide receiver class, finishing last season with 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Buffalo has a strong pass rush but needs to think about the future given the ages of Trent Murphy (29) and Jerry Hughes (32 in August). Gross-Matos has excellent size and speed and has been productive for the Nittany Lions over the last two seasons, recording eight sacks in 2018 and nine sacks through 11 games this past year.
New England has one of the oldest secondaries in the NFL and could use a development player. McKinney had 95 tackles and three picks this season as a true playmaker for the Crimson Tide.
The Saints have reason to go all in once more with Drew Brees returning for 2020. Higgins has potential to be a major red-zone threat immediately, adding to Michael Thomas and Jared Cook. The 6-foot-4 Higgins averaged nearly 20 yards per reception for the second time in three years, and he had 26 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
Minnesota has a need at defensive end, with the potential to lose free agent Everson Griffen. Epenesa was highly productive again last year, his junior season, with 49 tackles and 11.5 sacks through 13 games, although his combine performance was less than stellar.
Miami traded Kenyan Drake last year and didn't show much talent behind him. Swift is an immediate solution as a versatile back with more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage in each of the last two seasons. He had a strong combine with a 4.48 second 40-yard dash.
Seattle has an immediate need at right tackle, with both Germain Ifedi and George Fant as pending free agents. Jones has emerged as a strong early-round prospect who could fill in immediately.
Mark Ingram's age (30) could spur the Ravens to take a running back early, especially given their run-heavy offense. Taylor is a perfect candidate, running for 2,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and tearing up the combine with a 4.39 second 40-yards dash.
With the possible departure of free agent Logan Ryan, Tennessee could have a need at cornerback. The brother of Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs, Trevon remains a solid first-round prospect.
Green Bay will be in the market for an inside linebacker if they don't re-sign Blake Martinez. Queen's stock skyrocketed after a great 2019 season, with 85 tackles in 15 games for the Tigers.
Safety was one of San Francisco's few defensive weakness last season, and Jimmie Ward is a free agent. Delpit is clearly one of the elite safeties on the board, with 65 tackles and two picks in 14 games this past season.
The Chiefs placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Chris Jones, so he could stay with K.C. But if not, Blacklock has similar quickness despite a lack of big pass rush production in college and would be able to fill Jones' role immediately.
Cincinnati's secondary has been leaky over the last two seasons and could use an immediate influx of talent. Terrell has been a regular starter at Clemson with a total of five interceptions over the last two seasons.
The Colts desperately need more receiving talent, with T.Y. Hilton their only consistent option recently. Shenault didn't have a great combine while performing injured, but he's terrific with the ball in his hands with the potential for an impact similar to 2019 49ers rookie Deebo Samuel.
Baun saw regular work for an excellent Wisconsin defense over the last two seasons and finished this past season with 12.5 sacks. He would help a Lions defense that struggled to get to the passer last season.
After trading Eli Apple and Janoris Jenkins recently, the Giants secondary has thinned out. Fulton has been a lockdown cornerback at LSU and certainly has the upside to return great value opposite 2019 first-round pick Deandre Baker.
Eason has a strong arm but didn't quite match expectations in one season as a starter for Washington, throwing for 3,132 yards and completing 64 percent of his passes. Withr the Chargers moving on from Philip Rivers, the team is in the market for a young signal-caller.
On top of the key players the Panthers have lost already this offseason, they could be set to lose free agent corner James Bradberry. A converted wideout, Igbinoghene is slightly undersized at 5-foot-11 but has plenty of upside.
Miami struggled to get to the quarterback last season, but Lewis is one of the most interesting prospects on the edge. He had six sacks in 10 games last season. Lewis is a project but has has the physical tools.
Davidson got consistent playing time in four seasons at Auburn, capping off his career with 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2019. He would give Arizona an excellent prospect behind Chandler Jones.
Potentially losing middle linebacker Joe Schobert to free agency this offseason, Cleveland could be in a pickle at middle linebacker. Brooks has been a tackling machine for most of his career at Texas Tech, with 360 career tackles, including 108 last year.
The Jaguars defensive line was their strength not too long ago, but that's changed quickly after trading Calais Campbell and likely losing Yannick Ngakoue to free agency. Anae was a highly productive player at Utah, with 29.5 career sacks.
Chicago desperately needs to rebuild its offensive line after it fell apart last year due to injuries. The team could use depth at left tackle and an eventual replacement for Charles Leno, and Cleveland could step in.
Lynch is on the Day 2 radar after recording 13.5 sacks for Baylor last season. He has the size to play multiple roles on the defensive line and can help the Colts immediately.
Ronald Jones' development has gone slowly, to the point that the Bucs might have reason to move on. Dobbins was highly productive in three seasons at Ohio State and rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season. His versatility is a strong fit for Bruce Arians' offense.
Wilson is a mammoth at 6-foot-6, 350 pounds and should give the Broncos strong depth after Ja'Wuan James struggled last season due to a knee injury. He profiles well at right tackle.
With Atlanta releasing Devonta Freeman, running back should be a priority in this year's draft. Another former Florida State Seminole, Akers had two 1,000 yard seasons in college and is a capable pass catcher.
Reagor's production fell off last season due to poor quarterback play, but he really helped himself at the combine with a 4.47 second 40-yard dash and 42-inch vertical jump, second best in the wideout field. He had 72 catches for 1,061 yard and nine scores in 2018 before regressing last season and would add another much-needed weapon for Sam Darnold.
The Steelers lost Jesse James last offseason and didn't get the production out of Vance McDonald that they were hoping for. Kmet shows huge upside as a pass catcher after finishing with 43 catches for 515 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games last season.
The Bears have a major need at guard after Kyle Long's retirement. Ruiz is arguably the top interior lineman available in the draft and should be able to step in from Day 1.
With the strong possibility that Dallas will move on from Jason Witten, the team will be in the market for tight end help. There are questions about Trautman's level of competition, but the FCS All-American has plenty of upside with 14 TDs and 70 receptions this past season.
Looking to replace potentially both Dante Fowler and Michael Brockers, the Rams could focus on a pass rusher early. Okwara had a total of 13 sacks over the last two season for the Fighting Irish and is an excellent defensive end prospect.
The Eagles desperately need cornerback help, with Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills potentially leaving in free agency. An experienced player at TCU, Gladney saw regular playing time in all four seasons and is a strong press corner prospect.
The Bills need another weapon on the outside opposite John Brown, and Aiyuk is capable in that role. He had 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight scores last season in his second season for the Sun Devils since transferring from junior college.
Keanu Neal has played a total of four games over the last two seasons due to injury, and Atlanta is set to lose much of its safety depth in free agency. The son of the former NFL cornerback, Winfield Jr. took a huge step forward last season with 83 tackles and seven picks.
Miami is in the market to select the best player available, and Dantzler shows exciting potential. He lacks top-end speed but shows nice potential as a man coverage corner.
Houston is set to potentially lose Carlos Hyde in free agency, but Edwards-Helaire can help the Texans immediately. He's one of the most versatile running backs in the draft, showing 1,867 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns last season.
The Vikings have placed the franchise tag on breakout safety Anthony Harris but could potentially move him, so Minnesota could be looking for a safety replacement. Burgess had a whopping 81 tackles in 14 games last season and brings some versatility as a former corner.
Even if the Seahawks bring back Jadeveon Clowney, they will need more defensive line talent. Uche had a total of 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons and should add additional depth.
Lewis is a perfect fit for a run-first team like the Ravens, who are now in the market for a guard after the legendary Marshal Yanda's retirement. The former LSU Tiger should be able to start from Day 1.
The Titans are in need of more edge rushing talent, and Greenard can fill that void. Transferring from Louisville to Florida last season, he had 10 sacks in 11 games.
Mims is an excellent Red Zone threat with 28 touchdowns over the last three seasons and is a great physical specimen standing at 6-foot-3 and running a sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash. He could be the weapon Aaron Rodgers has been looking for alongside Davante Adams.
The Chiefs struggled to get push on the interior last season and could save money by moving on from Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Lemieux is a solid and experienced prospect who could start immediately on a strong line.
Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications
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