2020 full 1st-round NFL mock draft after the Super Bowl
By Sanjit T.
5. Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The Dolphins will get younger at the quarterback position this year and they are in the perfect spot to take a quarterback. Only one of the four teams in front of them need a quarterback, which means they will be able to select between Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert, or anyone else they might like.
The pick should be Tua Tagovailoa. The hip injury is a concern for a lot of us. This injury is super rare, and according to reports, Tagovailoa could have complications pop up in the coming months, Avascular necrosis of his hip’s ball joint could develop at any time over the next 4-6 months following his injury, resulting in the death of that bone. This could end his career.
Assuming he is fully healthy, we saw what he can do, in nine games in 2019, Tua had 2800 yards, 33 touchdowns to three interceptions, and a 71.4 completion. His decision making is easily the best among all quarterbacks coming out this year. On 781 career dropbacks, Tagovailoa has had only 24 turnover-worthy plays per PFF.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
The Phillip Rivers era is over in Los Angeles and for good reason. If you watched him play last year, you knew it would soon be over. The Chargers could easily go out and get a quarterback like Drew Brees, but they’d be wise to take their future with this pick, Justin Herbert.
The 6’6” 237-pound Quarterback has a huge arm. The velocity on his throws is something else, however, since he plays in the Ducks quick short passing offense, he didn’t get the opportunity to throw it deep much.
Of Herbert’s 3,456 yards, 714 came on screenplays (2nd Most), and 874 on deep throws (29th Most). On the rare occasion he was able to throw it downfield, he did show great ball placement. The only concern scouts have about him is he tends to freeze a bit when it comes to making his second or third read. His short-throw accuracy isn’t great either.
7. Carolina Panthers: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
The Carolina Panthers will take the best offensive linemen coming out of college football, and that player is Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. Some might have other offensive tackles going ahead of Thomas, but from watching the tape, there is no question Thomas is the best.
He is super consistent with his technique and has been one of the most dominant players this past year. In 746 total snaps, he gave up one sack. His run blocking is also one of the best among college offensive tackles.