Re-drafting the 2020 NFL Rookie Class: Part 1
Hindsight is 20/20. However, if teams could do it all over again would they stay put or add a new player to their squad? Let's take a look at how the class would play out today and what players might look like if we pulled their jersey in one of our jersey mystery boxes.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
I think that the Bengals have found their franchise quarterback. Before the injury took place, Burrow was progressing very well and was succeeding with both his arm and his legs. They are going to stay put in our re-draft.
- Washington Football Team: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Washington took the dynamic pass rusher, Chase Young, last season and was thrilled with the results. However, it’s difficult to pass up on Herbert here at 2 overall. This is a franchise that has been searching for their signal-caller for a while now and the offensive rookie of the year would be a dream for Washington.
- Detroit Lions: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Young didn’t experience much of a slide after only moving down one spot in our redraft. The Lions seem to really like Okuda, but I believe that they would be thrilled to get the other OSU prospect here at number 3.
- New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Giants surprised the football world by taking Andrew Thomas over Wirfs, Wills and Becton. They correct that mistake by selecting the big man from Iowa here instead.
- Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
We know that Tua didn’t have an amazing rookie season, but there were a lot of odd circumstances. He was recovering from a major injury, we had a COVID shortened offseason, he was moved in and out of the starter role several times and by the end of the season, most of his weapons on offense were missing. I think Miami would be willing to run it back with Tua.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Machi Becton, OT Louisville
The Chargers would obviously love to keep their original pick here but with Herbert being taken at 2 overall, LA is a bit stuck. That said, its never a bad idea to invest in your offensive line and Becton looked every bit the part of a good cornerstone left tackle.
- Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Panthers stick with their original selection here and nab the big man in the middle of their defensive line. He showed flashes, especially towards the end of the season, that he could be a solid force for this unit.
- Arizona Cardinals: Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Kyler Murray gets paired up with his former college receiver with this pick. They are really searching for another receiving option next to Hopkins and this duo would be almost un-guardable.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
After losing Jalen Ramsey a couple of seasons ago, the Jags are still looking for their shutdown corner. Okudah has all the makings to be that guy.
- Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Here we have another situation where the team goes back to their original pick. Wills was very solid for this unit in 2020 and he should be the LT in Cleveland for the foreseeable future.
- New York Jets: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
After his monster rookie season, it’s actually a bit of a surprise to not see Jefferson go top 10. That said, a pairing of Jefferson and Mims could be lethal for this offense.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Raiders took two rookie wide receivers in 2020 including the speedster Henry Ruggs. That said, I think they were disappointed with how their pass catchers performed in their rookie campaigns. Tee Higgins would be a massive upgrade for this unit.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from San Francisco): Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
This is an example of just trying to make sure they can still get a tackle in this class. It’s a downgrade from Wirfs but it’s not a terrible selection.
- San Francisco (from Tampa Bay): Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
After the debacle at QB last season for San Fran, Hurts presents the upside to make this 49ers offense so much more dynamic. Jalen Hurts is far from safe, but that Shanahan offense could really make him a star.
- Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Broncos could use some help along their defensive line. Kinlaw drops one spot in our redraft and it’s to the Broncos’ benefit.
- Atlanta Falcons: Treveon Diggs, CB, Alabama
The Falcons sneak in and grab Diggs before the Cowboys have a chance to re-acquire their 2nd round selection from the 2020 season. Atlanta’s defense needs some help in a big way and Diggs can be that help.
Head over to Part 2 of our 2020 redraft!
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