2020 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay's post-free agency prediction for Rounds 1 and 2

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Why isn't Isaiah Simmons considered elite? (1:02)

Todd McShay explains why OLB Isaiah Simmons isn't considered an elite NFL prospect yet. (1:02)

As of now, the show will go on. The 2020 NFL draft is just a few weeks away.

It certainly has been a different kind of pre-draft process this year, with many pro days and private team visits canceled. But we still have plenty of college tape, combine workouts, early interviews and some pro days to evaluate, as well as a nearly complete NFL free agency to help clarify remaining team needs. Each team's personal rankings and preferences aren't quite finalized yet, and we will see more movement on the board leading into April 23-25, but we are getting closer and closer.

But now it's time for another mock draft. And with everyone practicing social distancing at the moment, let's go ahead and take this one two rounds deep for all of you. Here are my predictions for all 64 first- and second-round picks of the 2020 draft.

Jump to round: 1 | 2
See more: Rankings | Tiers

ROUND 1

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

No surprise here. Burrow has incredible accuracy, maneuvers in the pocket with skill and battles all game long. The Bengals need a franchise quarterback to truly fire up their rebuild, and Burrow has all the makings of a future star in the NFL.

See more Bengals picks: 33


2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

I expect Washington to at least listen to some trade offers. But at the end of the day, it'd be really tough for the Redskins to pass on the most talented player in the draft class and one of the best pass-rushing prospects I've ever seen. Young posted a nation-leading 16.5 sacks, and he missed two games.


3. Detroit Lions

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

A glaring need became blinding when the Lions traded Darius Slay to the Eagles (though Detroit did sign Desmond Trufant). Okudah would bring ball skills, size and versatility to a defense that was exploited last season to the tune of 284.4 passing yards allowed per game. His athleticism is elite, and I'd expect him to excel in man coverage at the next level.

See more Lions picks: 35


4. New York Giants

Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson

New York has three options in my mind here at No. 4: The Giants can trade out of it, they can look at one of the excellent offensive tackles on the board or they can draft Simmons as a do-it-all linebacker. General manager Dave Gettleman will hear some interesting offers, but because I'm not doing the same with this mock, I'm going with Simmons. Remember, the Giants allowed 28.2 points per game last season, third worst in the NFL.

See more Giants picks: 36


5. Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

I'm sticking with Tagovailoa here, but where he goes really comes down to the medical evaluation and how comfortable Miami -- or any other team -- is with it. When he is healthy, he's special. In a best-case scenario, the Dolphins get their franchise quarterback without having to move up and then build out the rest of their roster with a boatload of picks. But that added layer of risk with Tagovailoa and all that draft capital also could lead to some creativity and maybe a trade up to get Burrow, if Cincinnati happens to be open to it.

See more Dolphins picks: 18 | 26 | 39 | 56


6. Los Angeles Chargers

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Yes, this is a bit of a reach, but the Chargers struck out in the Tom Brady sweepstakes, and they are looking for long-term answers under center. (They can live in the short term with Tyrod Taylor.) Could free agents Cam Newton or Jameis Winston be in play? Maybe. I'm told Los Angeles likes all four of the top quarterbacks in the draft class -- and this pick could end up being Oregon's Justin Herbert, too -- but Love has the arm to make NFL-caliber throws and should be available here at No. 6.

See more Chargers picks: 37


7. Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Not only is Brown the best player on the board, he also fills a real hole in this Panthers front seven. Carolina lost Gerald McCoy, Mario Addison and Vernon Butler to free agency, and it was fourth worst in the NFL in rushing defense in 2019. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow would love Brown's versatility and ability to disrupt from the inside in that Tampa 2-based scheme.

See more Panthers picks: 38


8. Arizona Cardinals

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Wide receiver had long been discussed here, but the addition of DeAndre Hopkins makes protecting quarterback Kyler Murray the key priority for this pick. The Cardinals just can't allow Murray to be sacked as much as he was last season (50), and Wirfs is an extremely athletic big man with great potential.


9. Jacksonville Jaguars

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Jags could go a couple of directions in this spot, and I originally was thinking wide receiver. And while I really wouldn't be surprised to see them take a different route, I just don't see how the Jaguars could go into the 2020 season with Gardner Minshew II -- who I do like! -- as their only option at quarterback. Especially with all their picks. Draft Herbert and let the big-armed mobile QB compete with Minshew in camp, address other needs later in the draft and go from there.

See more Jaguars picks: 20 | 42


10. Cleveland Browns

Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

The Browns brought in Jack Conklin in free agency, but they still need a left tackle opposite the former Titan. Wills played the right side at Alabama, but he is versatile enough to make the transition and continue Cleveland's process in getting Baker Mayfield more protection. Louisville's Mekhi Becton is another tackle to watch here.

See more Browns picks: 41


11. New York Jets

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Becton also would make sense here, as that offensive line still needs work, but Jeudy is the class' best route runner and top wideout available. How can the Jets, who would be entering the season with Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman as their top two wide receivers, pass on this type of playmaker? The Jets were one of four NFL teams to average fewer than 200 passing yards and score fewer than 20 passing touchdowns last season, and that was with Robby Anderson still in green.

See more Jets picks: 48

12. Las Vegas Raiders

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The Raiders were pretty active on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, so we're looking at offense here. Lamb is incredible after the catch and could be Vegas' No. 1 receiver. Tyrell Williams isn't the answer, and with both Lamb and Alabama burner Henry Ruggs III still on the board, the Raiders have to get quarterback Derek Carr a weapon.

See more Raiders picks: 19


13. San Francisco 49ers (from IND)

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The 49ers dealt DeForest Buckner to land this pick, and they could immediately replace him with South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw. But San Francisco is searching for a wide receiver, a concern that grew more pressing when Emmanuel Sanders signed in New Orleans. Coach Kyle Shanahan likes speedy guys who can tack on yards after the catch, and that's what Ruggs does. Suddenly, that arsenal doesn't look too bad with the likes of Deebo Samuel and George Kittle also running routes for Jimmy Garoppolo.

See more 49ers picks: 31


14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

I had Georgia running back D'Andre Swift going to Tampa Bay in my last mock, and it's still a possibility. But after going all-in on Tom Brady, the Bucs really need to focus on protecting him. And right tackle is a priority with Demar Dotson not likely to return. The 6-foot-7, 364-pound Becton carries his frame incredibly well and would help reduce Tampa Bay's 2019 tally of 47 sacks allowed.

See more Buccaneers picks: 45


15. Denver Broncos

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Wide receiver depth remains a problem behind Courtland Sutton, but the offensive line also deserves a little attention. Thomas has room to improve some of his technique, but he has the tools to be a starting offensive tackle. Selecting him would go a long way toward building around Drew Lock, the Broncos' QB of the future.

See more Broncos picks: 46


16. Atlanta Falcons

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

The Falcons will be looking all over on defense; they need replenishments at cornerback, linebacker and edge rushing. But this is pure value. Kinlaw is a physical freak who can rush inside or outside and create havoc beside Grady Jarrett. Taking a player this talented at this spot in the draft is just good business.

See more Falcons picks: 47


17. Dallas Cowboys

CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Byron Jones is officially headed elsewhere, and that Dallas secondary managed just seven interceptions in 2019 (tied with Arizona and Detroit for fewest in the NFL). Enter Henderson, who is an athletic playmaker in coverage with smooth, 4.39 speed.

See more Cowboys picks: 51


18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

The Dolphins opened their checkbook in free agency on defense, but safety wasn't part of the spending spree. McKinney's versatility, instincts and burst would be great over the top behind Byron Jones and Xavien Howard.


19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)

Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

Earlier in Round 1, we slotted Vegas with a top-tier wide receiver to help the offensive passing game. Now, we're diving in on a defensive passing game that is in need of a punch. Corner is definitely a bigger issue than safety, but Winfield has tremendous versatility. He is undersized, but he is a hard-hitting tackler with ball skills. Coach Jon Gruden would love bringing in this kid.


20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

DJ Chark Jr. had a huge season in 2019, and Dede Westbrook is more than capable, but the Jags could use a wideout like Aiyuk. He tracks the ball vertically very well, has the wheels to get open, displays the hands to pluck on the run and shows lots of ability to create once the ball is in his hands. Herbert's arm strength and Aiyuk's vertical talent would be fun to watch.


21. Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick Queen, ILB, LSU

The void at wide receiver hasn't gone away, and the Eagles will have to think long and hard about whether they are ready to enter the 2020 season with the oft-injured Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson, along with J.J. Arcega-Whiteside off a disappointing rookie campaign, as their wideouts again. Justin Jefferson out of LSU is for sure in play at No. 21. But Philadelphia also could really use a spark in the middle of the defense. Queen is a rangy, off-ball linebacker with burst and great tackling ability.

See more Eagles picks: 53


22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF)

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Vikings are in the hunt for receivers and cornerbacks. And with two first-round picks -- spoiler ahead -- we're going to get them one of each. Jefferson is my best available player at this point in the mock, and he knows how to generate separation and find holes in the defense.

See more Vikings picks: 25 | 58


23. New England Patriots

A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

These aren't the Patriots we are accustomed to seeing. They could use upgrades in a bunch of areas, including quarterback, wide receiver and a handful of spots on defense. I don't expect coach Bill Belichick to reach for a QB here, and while wide receiver is in play, it seems unlikely two years in a row on Day 1. So how about an edge rusher? LSU's K'Lavon Chaisson is the better player, but Belichick has a strong relationship with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, and Epenesa fits nicely with the Patriots' 3-4 system as a 5-technique.


24. New Orleans Saints

Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma

Murray plays fast and could be the future quarterback of the New Orleans defense. He is one of the best available prospects on the board, and the Saints would jump at a chance to plop the rangy Murray in the middle of the field.


25. Minnesota Vikings

Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

The Vikings replaced Stefon Diggs at wide receiver with one of their first-round picks, and now they're drafting his brother with the other. Minnesota loves taking corners on Day 1, especially longer guys with speed and ball skills. A.J. Terrell out of Clemson fits the bill, too, but Diggs is the better talent. A former wideout like his brother, Diggs will go up and make plays on the ball.


26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU)

Josh Jones, OT, Houston

If you are drafting a quarterback with the injury history of Tagovailoa, and your offensive line tied for the league's high mark in sacks allowed last season (58), you better direct some attention toward protection. Tackle, in particular, is a big hole. Jones has versatility, shows an ability to drive defenders off the ball and flashes as a nasty finisher.


27. Seattle Seahawks

K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU

Value, value, value. In my eyes, Chaisson is the second-best edge rusher in the draft class behind Young, and he really popped at the end of the 2019 season, so getting him here is a terrific return. With Jadeveon Clowney's future still up in the air, Seattle's edge is a dearth of playmakers. In fact, the Seahawks only got home on the quarterback 28 times last season, tied for No. 29 in the NFL, with Clowney. Chaisson has good bend and burst off the edge.

See more Seahawks picks: 59 | 64


28. Baltimore Ravens

Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

We've all been handing either Queen or Murray to Baltimore in this spot, and if either were available, one would still be the pick. But with no inside linebackers on the board within range, I'm instead turning my attention to the defensive front. Trading for Calais Campbell and bringing Matthew Judon back on the franchise tag do wonders for the edge rush, and new signee Derek Wolfe helps the interior a bit, but Blacklock's quick hands and burst fit what the Ravens want up the middle.

See more Ravens picks: 55 | 60


29. Tennessee Titans

Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

Vic Beasley Jr. still has upside -- he does have a 15.5-sack season -- but regardless, the Titans will be seeking edge rushing in the draft. Gross-Matos is the top pass-rusher still on the board, and while he might need time to develop, he possesses above-average pass-rush talent, the ability to set the edge against the run and the speed to chase players down in pursuit.

See more Titans picks: 61


30. Green Bay Packers

Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Logic points toward the Packers finally getting Aaron Rodgers a playmaker on the outside opposite Davante Adams this year. The class is deep in wide receiver talent, and the Packers' depth chart is screaming out for some help. Higgins makes tough, contested catches and then can make defenders miss with his strength.

See more Packers picks: 62

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J.K. Dobbins' NFL draft profile

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins loves the challenge of being hit and not being the one to fall.

31. San Francisco 49ers

A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Ruggs at No. 13 took care of the wide receiver void, and while someone like Texas A&M's Justin Madubuike could be fun in the middle of the defensive front as a replacement for DeForest Buckner, cornerback is the larger issue at hand. LSU's Kristian Fulton and Ohio State's Damon Arnette shouldn't be ruled out, but Terrell is long and plays fast -- as he ran a 4.42 at the combine. He has the talent to be a difference-maker opposite Richard Sherman.


32. Kansas City Chiefs

D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Swift is the No. 13 prospect on my board, but there just weren't many spots in Round 1 to slot him, so the Chiefs are able to add him all the way back at No. 32. While the defensive back woes for the Super Bowl champions are overwhelming -- I pondered LSU's Grant Delpit or one of the corners still out there -- this pick becomes too easy. Damien Williams was effective in 2019, but he is due to be a free agent next spring, and the explosive Swift paired with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman and Travis Kelce is terrifying for opponents.

See more Chiefs picks: 63

ROUND 2

33. Cincinnati Bengals

Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Last year's first-rounder Jonah Williams will be back after missing his rookie year, but that won't entirely fix the Bengals' O-line. Jackson can handle speed off the edge, which will help Burrow settle in with his new offense.


34. Indianapolis Colts (from WSH)

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

After trading out of Round 1, this pick is pretty important for the Colts. And with quarterback Philip Rivers on a one-year, go-for-it deal, GM Chris Ballard has to find the veteran a reliable pass-catcher. Pittman can flash in the vertical game, find pockets in coverage and adjust his body in motion to make the catch.

See more Colts picks: 44


35. Detroit Lions

Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

The Lions lost Graham Glasgow in free agency, and they could find a replacement early on Day 2. Ruiz is my top-ranked center, and the Lions were middle of the pack in 2019 in both rushing offense and pass protection.


36. New York Giants

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

I really want to give the Giants an offensive lineman, but there just isn't any form of value here. And with other needs, I won't force it. Instead, let's hand them Mims to join Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton. He has great size and speed, allowing him to challenge defenses both over the top and in the red zone.


37. Los Angeles Chargers

Zack Baun, OLB, Wisconsin

Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III are both set for free agency in 2021 (though Bosa isn't likely to reach it), so edge could be a problem in the not-so-distant future. The Chargers' 30 sacks ranked in the bottom five in 2019, and Baun had 12.5 at Wisconsin.


38. Carolina Panthers

Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

James Bradberry was signed by the Giants, and there isn't too much else that excites in Carolina's cornerback room. Fulton brings speed and an ability to make "splash" plays.


39. Miami Dolphins

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

Jordan Howard and Kalen Ballage aren't the answers for Miami's run game. And Dobbins is a big-time playmaker who bursts through the hole, makes defenders miss and can make catches out of the backfield. He broke 2,000 rushing yards with Ohio State last season.

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Check out the elite speed and skills Henry Ruggs brings to the Raiders

See why former Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III was the first ever draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

40. Houston Texans (from ARI)

Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

Maybe coach Bill O'Brien just really wanted Madubuike and his athleticism when he confusingly agreed to trade DeAndre Hopkins for this pick. The defensive tackle did run a 4.83 at the combine at 293 pounds, and D.J. Reader is gone to free agency ...

See more Texans picks: 57


41. Cleveland Browns

Grant Delpit, S, LSU

It doesn't seem like free agent Damarious Randall will be back, and that Cleveland safety group is lacking. Delpit slid a bit throughout the year, and though he misses his share of tackles, he is a rangy defender over the top with good instincts.


42. Jacksonville Jaguars

Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

Two first-round picks went to the offense. But the Jacksonville defense isn't what it was when it carried the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game back in the 2017 season. Calais Campbell was dealt away, and Yannick Ngakoue could still be traded on the franchise tag, too. Gallimore has athleticism on the interior and fills a need on the front. I mean, did you see him run a 4.79 at 300-plus pounds in Indianapolis?


43. Chicago Bears (from LV)

Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

The Bears didn't yield much in the passing game last season, but they also didn't do much in forcing turnovers. Plus, free agency cleaned out the secondary a bit. Arnette has smooth hips and some twitch to his game.

See more Bears picks: 50


44. Indianapolis Colts

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

Finally, a tight end comes off the board. The Colts already have Jack Doyle in the locker room, but they also lost Eric Ebron, and Philip Rivers loves finding his tight ends. Kmet can make the tough, contested catches.


45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois

Only two teams gave up more passing yards than the Bucs' 270.1 per game in 2019, and Chinn comes with versatility to move around in the secondary.


46. Denver Broncos

Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

Denver still needs a wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton, and Shenault would be making a short drive from Boulder, where he played college ball, to do a little bit of everything in this Broncos offense.


47. Atlanta Falcons

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Yes, I know they signed Todd Gurley II. But what does Gurley really have left in those knees? If he returns to dominant form, the Falcons suddenly have a dynamic duo in the backfield. If not, Taylor can carry the load as he did at Wisconsin -- as long as he gets his fumbling issues under control. Either way, it's a win-win for Atlanta.


48. New York Jets

Marlon Davidson, DE, Auburn

It's not easy to skip out on the offensive tackle position -- or cornerback -- but there just isn't a player worth reaching down the board for at No. 48. So instead, the Jets tack on an edge rusher in Davidson, who has power, explosiveness and versatility.


49. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

Ben Roethlisberger isn't getting any younger, and last season showed us that the other quarterbacks in Pittsburgh's system aren't the future. Eason has some developing to do, but there's no denying his raw arm strength and terrific measurables. Learning behind Roethlisberger for a season could help him find success at the next level.


50. Chicago Bears

Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

We gave the Bears a corner earlier on Day 2, and they still need a safety. But with no value there, it's a good place to bring in another receiver for Nick Foles and/or Mitchell Trubisky. Reagor has wheels.


51. Dallas Cowboys

Josh Uche, DE, Michigan

Robert Quinn's absence leaves a hole opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. Uche had 8.5 sacks last season at Michigan.

52. Los Angeles Rams

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

The Rams are late to the party and arrive empty-handed. This defense quietly has a lot of weaknesses all of a sudden. But value is again in play, and with Todd Gurley II's departure, the Rams could land a replacement in the hard-to-bring-down Edwards-Helaire (though they do already have Darrell Henderson Jr., too).


53. Philadelphia Eagles

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

It's another spot to maybe make a play for a wide receiver, but even with the addition of Darius Slay, the Eagles will be seeking cornerback depth in April. Johnson is strong in press coverage and flashes the ability to make plays on the ball. Philly has four picks in Rounds 3 and 4 to find a talented wideout, perhaps someone such as KJ Hamler, Donovan Peoples-Jones or Van Jefferson.


54. Buffalo Bills

Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Claypool brings size to a wide receiver group already flush with downfield threats in Stefon Diggs and John Brown. Now Josh Allen has a tall target to find in the red zone, too. Claypool has the hands and strength to make contested catches look easy.


55. Baltimore Ravens (from NE/ATL)

Netane Muti, G, Fresno State

The Ravens need to make sure 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson is well-protected. The Ravens still have to fill Marshal Yanda's spot at guard, and Muti is my top-ranked one in the class.


56. Miami Dolphins (from NO)

Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri

Miami's brass won't get a rest on Day 2 of the draft after a busy opening night. With their fifth pick in the first 56 -- they've already taken Tagovailoa, McKinney, Jones and Dobbins -- the Dolphins get Elliott to place next to 2019 first-rounder Christian Wilkins in the middle of the defensive line. Elliott has a quick first step and flashes the ability to get off blocks.


57. Houston Texans

Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Houston's defense surrendered the fourth-most passing yards in 2019 and collected just 12 interceptions. Gladney is tough in man coverage and does a good job timing his breaks on the ball.


58. Minnesota Vikings

Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama

Everson Griffen is headed out of Minneapolis, and Lewis brings explosiveness off the edge and aggressiveness against the run.


59. Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

Simply put, Seattle has to protect Russell Wilson a little better, especially if he is going to hang onto the ball for longer than usual. Biadasz has plenty of size and experience, and he is difficult to get around in pass protection.


60. Baltimore Ravens

Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

Marquise Brown broke big plays for Baltimore last season, and Mark Andrews is a reliable target, but the Ravens could use another possession receiver for Lamar Jackson. Duvernay caught 106 passes last season for Texas.


61. Tennessee Titans

Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

The top-end tackle resources have dried up by this point, but Wilson would lessen the loss of Jack Conklin a bit. He has a massive 6-foot-7, 350-pound frame.


62. Green Bay Packers

Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

OK, before you all shout at me that the Packers have Aaron Jones, let's remember he is due to be a free agent next spring. Akers is the most underrated running back in the class. Paired with Jones, he could do some damage in the backfield and potentially become the guy if Green Bay moves on from Jones after the season.


63. Kansas City Chiefs (from SF)

Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

The Chiefs are down Kendall Fuller, Morris Claiborne and Bashaud Breeland (though Claiborne and Breeland are still unsigned and might return). Igbinoghene is a solid press corner and an effective tackler, and he comes at a pretty good value here.


64. Seattle Seahawks (from KC)

Jason Strowbridge, DT, North Carolina

Closing out Round 2, the Seahawks can pop Strowbridge in next to Jarran Reed on the interior. They had the 11th-worst run defense last season, and Strowbridge can be disruptive.