How has the free agency frenzy -- with its accompanying raft of trades -- impacted the 2020 NFL Draft? That's the task I was presented with in my second mock of this year.
Everyone knows wide receiver is one of this class' biggest areas of strength. And per usual, quarterbacks are driving plenty of draft discussion. But one position that really has my attention? Offensive tackle. This is a very talented group, as you can see below: I have four OTs coming off the board within the first 14 picks and six total in the first round. The big question is: In what order will these hulking edge blockers come off the board? Check out my forecast at this moment, less than a month away from draft weekend.
School: LSU | Year: Senior (RS)
The Bengals, going all the way back to the Paul Brown days, have always believed in the need for a franchise quarterback. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner becomes the centerpiece in Cincinnati.
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
The best player in the draft is the perfect pick for the Redskins, who are transitioning to a 4-3 defense under Ron Rivera. With longtime stalwart Ryan Kerrigan set to hit free agency after the 2020 season, Young joins Montez Sweat to give Washington a potent pair of pass-rushing bookends for years to come.
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior
In the wake of the Darius Slay trade, the Lions pounce on the best cornerback in this class, slotting him across from free-agent signee Desmond Trufant.
School: Louisville | Year: Junior
The G-Men need to protect second-year signal-caller Daniel Jones, though I won't be surprised if Alabama OT Jedrick Wills is the pick instead.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
With a clean bill of health, Tua would be a top-five pick in any draft. That said, he continues to clear medical hurdles on that hip, so it's no guarantee he even makes it to this slot. Do the Fins have to trade up to make sure they get him, or would they also be content with Justin Herbert?
School: Oregon | Year: Senior
The Philip Rivers era is over, with Tyrod Taylor topping the QB depth chart at the moment. Could Taylor be a bridge to Herbert? Would Tom Telesco, Anthony Lynn and Co. try to trade up for Tagovailoa? Might they instead snag an offensive tackle to place opposite free-agent acquisition Bryan Bulaga?
**School: Auburn | Year: Senior
**This defense has been ravaged by free agency and the retirement of five-time first-team All-Pro Luke Kuechly. Brown gives Carolina a stout building block up front.
School: South Carolina | Year: Senior
The need for a stud defensive lineman overrides the O-line issue, partially because Kyler Murray allows Arizona's offense to function without top-tier protection.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior (RS)
He starts at safety and can play multiple positions on passing downs, including nickel linebacker and possibly even nickel corner. Yep, Simmons is a rare athlete, to say the least.
School: Georgia | Year: Junior
With big-ticket free-agent signee Jack Conklin at right tackle and Thomas manning the blind side, the Browns would have a pair of bookends to protect 2018's No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield, in the quarterback's pivotal third year.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
The Jets signed George Fant to play left tackle. Wills solidifies the right side.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
The Raiders need a WR1 who can run. Jeudy is a top-10 value who could fall a bit due to various team needs above.
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
San Francisco acquired this pick from Indianapolis in the DeForest Buckner trade. In related news, defensive tackle has become a need for the Niners. Cornerback could use a fresh influx of talent, too. But John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan can't pass up an explosive offensive weapon like Lamb. In fact, would they consider leapfrogging the Raiders to score Jeudy?
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
Protecting Tom Brady has to be a high priority. Wirfs fills the bookend hole opposite LT Donovan Smith.
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
The Broncos need speed at receiver, and that's certainly something Ruggs supplies. He's just as good as -- if not better than -- D.K. Metcalf, a speed merchant who made waves as a rookie in 2019.
School: Florida | Year: Junior
Atlanta must bolster its CB position after the release of Desmond Trufant.
School: Iowa | Year: Junior
With Robert Quinn leaving for Chicago in free agency, the 'Boys need an edge-rushing partner for DeMarcus Lawrence. But will Epenesa's 5.04 40-yard dash scare Dallas away?
School: Alabama | Year: Junior
The Dolphins have filled most of their biggest defensive holes in recent days, but safety remains a glaring need. And McKinney is the best safety in this draft class.
School: LSU | Year: Junior
The Raiders have done a nice job of addressing needs in free agency, but I'd take Delpit over recent signee Jeff Heath at safety.
School: LSU | Year: Senior
The Jaguars need to get better in the back seven -- especially at the cornerback position, with Jalen RamseyandA.J. Bouye departing over the past six months.
School: LSU | Year: Junior
Philly needs juice at wide receiver. Jefferson provides that, having pleasantly surprised many with a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
School: Alabama | Year: Senior
Minnesota's top three cornerbacks from last season -- Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander -- are all gone.
School: LSU | Year: Sophomore (RS)
I doubt New England will spend a second straight first-round pick on a wide receiver. And I don't see a prospect worth taking here at tight end or center (which remains a potential need because David Andrews is still on the mend after missing all of last season with a blood clots in his lungs). The Pats could use a pass rusher.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior
They need to replace Eli Apple and get a quality CB opposite Marshon Lattimore.
School: Penn State | Year: Junior
Everson Griffen broke off contract talks with the Vikings last week, so Minnesota has to find a new pass rusher to complement Danielle Hunter.
School: USC | Year: Junior
The O-line rebuild continues in Miami.
School: Boise State | Year: Junior (RS)
Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent at publishing, but even if the Seahawks end up re-signing him, they could use another DE. Seattle's defensive scheme truly relies on having a good pass rush, first and foremost.
School: Oklahoma | Year: Junior
You know Baltimore will take the best player available or trade back. The Ravens need a true WR1 and help in the front seven. Murray fills a need at ILB that has not been addressed in free agency.
School: Houston | Year: Senior (RS)
The offensive line is the heart of this team. Losing Jack Conklin in free agency left a void at right tackle.
School: Clemson | Year: Junior
Given the immense talent at receiver in this draft class, Green Bay gets to pick from a bunch of enticing options.
School: Alabama | Year: Senior
As mentioned above, the 49ers could use another defensive tackle after dealing DeForest Buckner to Indy. Davis can play nose tackle and stop the run.
School: Ohio State | Year: Senior (RS)
The defending champs could go OL, DE or WR (especially if they part ways with Sammy Watkins), but CB is a definite need.
Follow Charley Casserly on Twitter @CharleyCasserly.
