NFL Draft 2020

NFL DRAFT – THURSDAY, APRIL 23 @8PM

ANALYSIS BY JOE CAPO

APRIL 19, 2020

During these trying times, I’ve decided to take a shot at sports writing and analysis. My brother Dom, who considers himself a horse racing guru, has been doing thoroughbred write-ups for a long time and seems to really love it. My passion for ALL sports has been evident my entire life and my current desire for sports has led me here. So here we go!

I can’t remember the last time I looked this forward to a NFL Draft, quite like this year. The Coronavirus has wiped out any kind of sporting event for a month now, so people like me are chomping at the bit for some kind of sports entertainment. The fact that my team (Miami Dolphins) has three 1^st round picks and more overall picks (14) than any other team in the league, just adds to my excitement.

Let’s be clear, the NFL Draft is next to impossible to predict! I’m well aware. I relate it to picking a perfect bracket for the NCAA Tournament. It’s just not happening, so bear with me. Between all the up and down team movement via trades, not knowing where a team feels they need improvement, and not knowing if a team is going to draft for need or the best available player, can all factor into how accurate your prediction will be. Guys like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, who are considered “draft experts,” have a job security that rivals a weatherman. They’re constantly wrong, but it’s all good. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

Let’s get started…

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow – QB, LSU

Let’s not complicate this one Cincy! The Bengals need a QB, Burrow is coming off arguably the greatest season in college football history to the tune of 5,671 passing yards, 60 TD’s and 6 Int, and the kid is actually from Ohio. Sign here please!

Trade possibility: Well there is nowhere to go but back, and the only team I can see them trading with is the Miami Dolphins at 5, due to their excessive draft capital. They can absolutely fleece the Dolphins in a trade!! I’m talking multiple 1^st rounders, a 2^nd rounder, as well as a high pick next year. I would be so tempted to take an offer like that, but I don’t see the Bengals going for it and the fans would riot in Cincy!!

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young – EDGE, Ohio State

Ok Redskins fans, enjoy who I consider the best player in the draft!! I don’t believe in that whole “this guy is a can’t miss prospect,” but you’re not gonna come closer to it, in this draft, than this former Buckeye beast!!

Trade possibility: I would be tempted to take trade offers for this pick, as I’m sure teams would line up to get in on this generational talent. If someone came in with an over the top offer I would take it and here’s why. I know, I just said that I think he’s the best player in the draft, so how could I possibly trade out of this position? The thing is, the Redskins really don’t “need” an edge rusher. What I mean is that, for being such a bad team, their strong suit is actually their defensive front four, with Kerrigan and Sweat on the edge. If you trade back, you get a ton of picks, and take an offensive lineman, which I think is a bigger need, and now we’re golden! I don’t see the Skins doing that, which is fine, so take him, enjoy, and make it work!

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

Chase Young’s former teammate seems like the logical pick here after the Lions secondary took a massive hit with the loss of Darius Slay. I think this is too early to take a cornerback, but he is an excellent ball hawk.

Trade possibility: Yes, yes, yes!!! There is not a team in the draft that needs to make a trade more than the Detroit Lions at number 3! You know that neighbor that chews your ear off every time you leave your house? Or that friend who won’t let you get off the phone? That should be the Lions talking to the Dolphins at 5 and the Chargers at 6. Here’s the thing, both of those teams are looking for a QB and both have to be worried that the other one is going to take “their guy.” I would even call Jacksonville to see if they want to move up from number 9. And the beauty of it, is that the Lions will still get their man, Okudah, by trading back. Must trade!!

4. New York Giants – Tristan Wirfs – OL, Iowa

Now it starts to get difficult. There are 5 different players I can see the G-men taking here. 4 of them are what I consider “The Elite 4” offensive lineman (Wirfs, Wills Jr, Becton and Thomas) and the other is LB Isaiah Simmons. The Giants need help on both sides of the ball, so anyone of these 5 would be a solid pick. I think the Giants will aim to protect they’re second year QB, so I’m going with my favorite of the O-line crew in Wirfs.

Trade possibility: Similar to the Lions, I would be calling the quarterback-needy teams in Miami, LAC, and Jacksonville. Miami and LAC is only moving back 1 or 2 slots respectively, but a trade back to 9 with Jacksonville would still allow the Giants to snag 1 of those 4 lineman I mentioned above. I would trade, but I don’t think the Giants will.

5. Miami Dolphins – Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon

The Dolphins go the safe route, over the more talented, yet injury prone Tua Tagovailoa. As a fan of the Fins, I’ve been thinking who I’d rather have and honestly, the answer changes by the day. I see the argument for both guys. Herbert is the safe pick, strong arm, smart player, surprisingly athletic for his size, BUT lacks leadership and intangibles. Tua is extremely accurate, moves well in the pocket, athletic, leadership off the charts, the more talented of the 2 without question, BUT is made of glass! Do you take the risk? I don’t think Miami does.

Trade possibility: It’s very likely the Dolphins will trade up to make sure they get their guy. I mean they have the trade assets to do so with so many picks. However, I pray that they don’t do it!!! Unless it’s all the way up to 1, for Burrow. And I wouldn’t even feel great about that move, because of the ridiculous amount of picks they will have to give up. The Dolphins have many holes to fill, even after all the moves they made in free agency. Keep the picks and take your guy at 5. If the Chargers jump ahead of you and take 1 of these 2, then the decision is made for you, simply take the other.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Alabama

If this scenario plays out, my gut tells me that the Dolphins will get killed in the media and the Chargers will be praised, and that my friends will be difficult to deal with, every day, for the next month. I think Tua is a very solid QB. What he did his freshman year, when stepping in for Jalen Hurts in the Championship Game was the stuff of legends. You knew then, this kid is special. All things being equal, he would go 1^st overall over Joe Burrow, but then there’s the injuries. 5 surgeries from ankles, to finger, to hip, have labeled him as brittle. Great talent, but when that blitz is coming and you see him get hit, Charger fans will be on the edge of their seat praying he gets up.

Trade possibility: I can see the Chargers moving up with a trade with Detroit or New York to secure the quarterback they really want over Miami.

7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson

Speed, athleticism, and most of all versatility are the words that come to mind when talking about Simmons. This guy can do it all and is a terrific leader. The Panthers need defensive help everywhere and first year coach Matt Rhule will be smiling ear-to-ear if this defensive cornerstone falls into his lap.

Trade possibility: I don’t think the Panthers will move from this spot. And if Simmons is off the board when they pick, Auburn star Derrick Brown is the pick here.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Jedrick Wills Jr – OL, Alabama

Like the Giants, the Cards need to protect their second year QB, Kyler Murray. Wills is my next favorite lineman from “The Elite 4” I mentioned earlier.

Trade possibility: I think the Cards stay put. They need O-line help and they get it in a big way with one of the premier guys.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Brown – DL, Auburn

Let the rebuild begin! This past season, the popular phrase was “Tank for Tua” with fans wanting their teams to lose in hopes of landing the Alabama QB (pre-injury of course.) The line Jags fans will be saying this year is “Tank for Trevor.” Quarterback Trevor Lawrence of Clemson will be highly coveted in next year’s draft and as of today I would consider the Jaguars to be the favorite to land him. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. This team was in the AFC Championship Game, 3 years ago and 10 minutes away from going to the Super Bowl before Tom Brady did what Tom Brady does, scoring 14 unanswered points to win the game 24-20. They had the best cornerback combo in the league that year in Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye and now both guys are gone, so they clearly need help at the corner spot, but because they have 2 picks in Round 1 (#20 being the other,) we’ll address that later and take the gift that has fallen to number 9 in Derrick Brown. This is a pick of simply the best available player. Period. I love what this kid brings to the table on the D-line. Just say thank you to the 8 teams picking before you.

Trade possibility: Rebuild equals trade back! If someone wants to move up to 9, I would definitely make the trade being in full rebuild mode. Brown would be hard to pass up, but why not? Collect some more assets and fill some more holes on your team. Tampa Bay at 14 would be a logical trade partner as I believe they want to land one of the top offensive linemen.

10. Cleveland Browns – Mekhi Becton – OL, Louisville

The Browns entered this offseason needing some serious O-line help. They made a nice pickup in signing Jack Conklin from the Titans to play right tackle, but they still need a playmaker on the opposite side of the line. Enter the mammoth sized Mr Becton.

Trade possibility: I think the Browns will stay at 10. It’s a good spot to land exactly what they need.

11. New York Jets – Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama

Let the run on wide receivers start…NOW! The Jets could go O-line, with Andrew Thomas being the last of the “Elite 4” guys on my board, but I think the chance to land your top guy, in what is an extremely deep wide receiver class, is too good to pass up. The Jets tried to address the O-line in free agency, and lost Robby Anderson, which lends you to believe WR will be the pick here. I see this as a choice of 2. Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb? The Jets can’t go wrong either way, as I see both guys being legit, future number 1 wideouts, for their teams. Jerry Jeudy was my #1 wideout LAST year, but was only a sophomore, so I’m sticking with my guy. I think he’s a hair more polished than Lamb and the best route runner in the draft.

Trade possibility: The Jets could move back to collect more picks, as there are many holes to fill on this team, but I think they stay put and get Sam Darnold some much needed help, with a number 1 wideout.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma

Like I said with the Jets, Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb are 1 and 1A to me in this draft. This pick couldn’t be easier for the Raiders. Whichever guy the Jets take, you snag the other. The Raiders have two first rounders (#19 being the other) and they have 2 glaring needs. Wide receiver and cornerback. Guess what position we’re going with at 19? Even the Raiders can’t screw this up! Or can they?!?

Trade possibility: You never know what might present itself on Draft Day, but to me, the Raiders are in a good spot to really address their needs. Stay put.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Henry Ruggs III – WR, Alabama

Last year’s Super Bowl runner-up has Deebo Samuel and little else at wideout. The loss of Emmanuel Sanders will hurt. This will make it feel better. Ruggs has Tyreek Hill-like speed. Get this guy the ball in the open field and look out! The other option here is to replace the big hole you created with the loss of DeForest Buckner with Javon Kinlaw out of South Carolina. The reason for that would be that the Niners have another 1^st round pick at 31. As I said earlier, this is the deepest wide receiver class we’ve seen in a number of years, so to pass on WR here and address it later would not be the worst idea.

Trade possibility: Nope, I think the Niners will take this pick.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas – OL, Georgia

Wow! Look what I found! The last of “Capo’s Elite 4” offensive lineman landing right in the lap of the Bucs. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Bucs got Tom Brady. Since picking up The GOAT in the biggest offseason move of the year, you now need to protect his old ass. Oh, and Tampa, how about a running back in Round 2? Just an idea.

Trade possibility: Absolutely possible. I think the Bucs will want to secure an elite offensive lineman to protect Brady and they may not feel that one will drop to 14. The Bucs are clearly in “win now mode” so a trade with a team like Jacksonville at 9 does not seem out of the question to secure the legit O-line contributor they crave.

15. Denver Broncos – CJ Henderson – CB, Florida

Now this isn’t ideal for the Broncos, as I feel they would love to have a wide receiver here, but due to the depth at that position and Henderson still being available, this would be too good to pass up. Newly acquired AJ Bouye and Henderson would form one hell of a corner duo for Denver.

Trade possibility: Now here’s the first team that I feel can trade in either direction. If they want to grab that elite wide receiver, I can see them moving up. However, if Henderson and the wide receiver they like is gone, I can also see them moving back because of the depth at the wideout position and another draft asset to grab a corner later on.

16. Atlanta Falcons – Javon Kinlaw – DL, South Carolina

Here we go again. Another pick that wouldn’t be ideal, as Atlanta would love to have Henderson fall to them after losing Desmond Trufant in free agency. However, with the Falcons needing help all over their defense, Kinlaw would be a welcomed addition and a really good value at this spot.

Trade possibility: Since I believe cornerback is the Falcons draft pick of choice, yes, I can see them moving up to secure CJ Henderson. There’s a big dropoff in talent once Jeff Okudah and Henderson come off the board.

17. Dallas Cowboys – K’Lavon Chaisson – EDGE, LSU

This pick definitely fills a need, as the Cowboys just lost Robert Quinn. I can also see them going with a cornerback after losing Byron Jones, but I see them addressing that spot later in the draft. Safety is a possibility here as well. Let’s just say, the Cowboys should go with a defensive player.

Trade possibility: I think Dallas will stay put being that they can land a solid addition to their defense at this spot. No need to move.

18. Miami Dolphins – Austin Jackson – OL, USC

The Dolphins can go a few different routes here, but when you draft a new quarterback, the first thing teams like to do is draft some protection. Agreeing with that philosophy, I think they take Jackson or Josh Jones, out of Houston, in this spot.

Trade possibility: Trading back almost seems pointless for this team being that they have so many draft picks to begin with. Trading up however may not be out of the question if one those “Elite 4” Lineman, say Andrew Thomas, slides back to a spot where the Dolphins can move up.

19. Las Vegas Raiders – AJ Terrell – CB, Clemson

Assuming the Raiders grab their #1 wideout at pick 12, a cornerback here will complete their successful first round. Don’t overthink this pick. The Raiders came into this draft with 2 glaring needs and on Day 1 they solidify them both.

Trade possibility: Now this gets interesting. I would highly consider trading back this pick if I was the Raiders. They find themselves smack in the front, of what I would consider to be the “Jordan Love Zone.” Jacksonville picks next. New England, New Orleans, and Green Bay are all coming up and may have interest in Love. If you trade with one of those teams, slide back and still grab your cornerback and pick up another draft asset in the process…win, win!

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kristian Fulton – CB, LSU

As I stated earlier, no more Ramsey and no more Bouye, who were both elite level cornerbacks. They have to address this position and Fulton fits the bill with his versatility and plus ball skills.

Trade possibility: I suppose they could entertain taking calls for Jordan Love as well, especially being in full rebuild mode right now. No one would blame them for trading back and collecting more picks. That’s of course if they don’t take Love themselves, but I think they ride out Gardner Minshew for 1 more year, to see what the kid’s got. If he fails, you go ALL IN on Trevor Lawrence next year!!

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU

Hey, back-to-back LSU Tigers. Both Alshon Jeffery and Desean Jackson risk getting hurt when they step out of the shower in the morning and Carson Wentz needs someone more than just tight ends to throw to. Jefferson is tall, athletic, and has a great pair of hands.

Trade possibility: Unless they choose to move up to make sure they get the receiver they want, I think they’ll stay put. It’s not worth giving up other picks with the depth at receiver in this draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Jaylon Johnson – CB, Utah

The Vikings have 2 of the next 4 picks right here and I believe their biggest needs are at corner and wide receiver. The Vikes already have a solid defense, and the addition of this big, physical corner just made it better.

Trade possibility: I don’t really see the need for the Vikings to move from either one of these picks, as corner and wide receiver should be plentiful in this spot.

23. New England Patriots – AJ Epenesa – EDGE, Iowa

They could go quarterback here, having to replace some guy named Brady, and this is where you would take Jordan Love. However, call this a hunch, but Jordan Love doesn’t seem like a Belichick QB to me. Too turnover prone for Big Bill. And way too early for the Pats to spend on a QB. I’m thinking Jalen Hurts in round 2 or 3 is more up their alley. Let’s not forget, he snagged Brady in the 6^th round! No rush. Epenesa has a good combination of size, length, and power.

Trade possibility: Rumors have been circling that the Pats would be interested in trading up for Tua. My response to that is “No chance!” I don’t even know how that news would’ve leaked, even it were true. If there ever was a team that keeps their intentions close to the vest, it’s the Patriots. Also, Belichick and company are the poster children for trading BACK, not up! What kind of picks would they have to give up, to trade with the Lions at 3, for Tua? I can’t even imagine. The ONLY way this rumor would come true is if the Pats included Stephon Gilmore or Jason McCourty in any deal.

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

The Saints might be the one team in the draft that don’t really have a huge need at any one position. With that said, let’s upgrade at the linebacker position, because Murray is too good to pass up at this point in the draft. This guy is a tackling machine and has great speed sideline-to-sideline. Looks like the rich just got richer.

Trade possibility: Sure, if someone came calling, I would move back. Definitely not trading up though.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Arizona State

With the Vikings addressing their corner need at 22, it seems like a wideout would be the smart choice here. Adam Thielen is going to need a new running mate now that Stefon Diggs has taken his talents to Buffalo. This high energy Sun Devil has good size and speed.

Trade possibility: I don’t see it. With 2 glaring needs in the draft, they address them both in a matter of 4 selections.

26. Miami Dolphins – Xavier McKinney – S, Alabama

I don’t know if this pick is just wishful thinking on my part, but I would love for my boys to get McKinney here, as I believe he is the best safety in the draft. Could also see them taking D’Andre Swift out of Georgia here, but with plenty of running back talents out there, I see them addressing that in the 2^nd round.

Trade possibility: Definitely a big chance the Dolphins don’t make this pick here, cause if they trade up for a QB earlier in the draft, this pick (or #18) will most likely be included.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Yetur Gross-Matus – EDGE – Penn State

Question: Why has no one signed Jadeveon Clowney yet? Well, this pick will make it a little easier for the Seahawks to show him the door. YGM has good size and agility.

Trade possibility: I can see them moving back before moving up, but I think they’ll stay here.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen – LB, LSU

This would be a nice landing spot for the former LSU product. Queen has great speed, maybe a bit undersized, and is solid in pass coverage.

Trade possibility: If Queen or Kenneth Murray (who I have going at 24) slide down to here, I don’t see the Ravens trading back. Trading up to secure 1 of these 2 guys, perhaps, as they don’t have many holes on this team.

29. Tennessee Titans – Josh Jones – OL, Houston

The Titans have a few roads they can travel down here. I can see them going with an Edge rusher or cornerback, but I’ll take Jones to help out with the departure of Jack Conklin. As displayed in last year’s playoff run, Tennessee is all about Derrick Henry and the running game so why not bulk up that line.

Trade possibility: This is the spot where I can start to see teams breaking into the first round from their round 2 positions. The Titans would entertain trading back, being that they don’t have a 4^th or 6^th round pick this year. And if Jordan Love is still on the board at this point, it’s ”Hey Mary, can you get me the Indianapolis Colts on line 2?”

30. Green Bay Packers – Tee Higgins – WR, Clemson

It’s hard to believe that Aaron Rodgers is 36 years old. How about we get this guy someone to throw to, other than Davante Adams? In such a deep wide receiver draft, it’s hard to believe the Packers won’t land someone who could contribute from Day 1. I can just see Rodgers throwing fade routes into the corner of the end zone and watching Higgins go up and get it. Discount double check time! His long frame and above the rim skills should make him a nice compliment to Adams.

Trade possibility: If wide receiver is the goal at this spot, then moving back is definitely a strong option.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Trevon Diggs – CB, Alabama

Richard Sherman is 32, and long removed from his “Legion of Boom” days, not to mention 3 of the Niners top 4 cornerbacks are unrestricted free agents next offseason. Diggs has a rare combination of size, strength and ball skills. This former receiver seems to have the blueprint for his opponent’s plans.

Trade possibility: Absolutely!! This looks like a definitive trade back spot for San Fran. The Niners don’t have another pick in this draft until the 5^th round! Moving back and adding another pick seems like the inevitable. Do the right thing boys.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Cesar Ruiz – OL, Michigan

Cornerback is probably the preferable way to go here for the Chiefs, but hey, I’m the defending Super Bowl Champs, I have arguably the best quarterback in the league, and he’s only 24 years old. I’m going to take every opportunity to protect this guy when I can. With all the focus on offensive tackles, this would be the first interior lineman off the board. Ruiz is very athletic, with the skills and technique to fit in a variety of blocking schemes. Works for me!

Trade possibility: When you’re the defending champs, you feel like you can just take your same team and say “let’s run it back!” Letting another team jump into the first round, when you only have 5 picks in the draft, might not be bad idea.

-Looking Ahead-

Players outside of Round 1 that I love:

I’m showing all my love to running backs and safeties after Day 1. If you need one of those spots going into Day 2, you are in luck!!

Running backs:

D’Andre Swift – Georgia

Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin

JK Dobbins – Ohio State

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – LSU

Cam Akers – Florida State

All I have to say about these 5 guys is that 1 of them better be in a Dolphins jersey next year!!

Safeties:

Antoine Winfield Jr (remember how good his father was in the NFL) – Minnesota

Jeremy Chinn – Southern Illinois

Kyle Dugger – Lenoir-Rhyne

Player I’m most curious to see where he lands: Jake Fromm – QB, Georgia

I always liked this kid over the years. Not the most physically gifted quarterback, but he has all the intangibles in spades! Smart, not afraid of the big moment, manages the game well, and a terrific leader. Would love to see him succeed.

Well, in closing, this was fun! I hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time…DEUCES!!