2020 full 1st-round mock draft after the start of free agency
By Nick Ellis
5. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Although the Miami Dolphins may have wanted Tua Tagovailoa, they settle for Justin Herbert, a strong-arm quarterback out of Oregon. The Dolphins addressed a ton of needs in free agency on the defensive side of the ball, and have a couple more picks in this first round to continue to build their team after playing tough football in 2019.
6: Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The Detroit Lions traded back with the Los Angeles Chargers knowing that Jeffrey Okudah would still be here in this mock draft. With the poor passing defense last year, as well as the possible departure of Darius Slay, the Lions needed to address their secondary, and Okudah is by far the best cornerback in this draft class.
7. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
With the retirement of future Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers add a new special linebacker talent, as Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is the most versatile player in the draft. New head coach Matt Rhule will be looking to build this roster up after a disappointing 2019 campaign, and Simmons could end up being the Defensive Rookie of the Year before all is said and done next season.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville
The Arizona Cardinals fixed their wide receiver problem in a major way as the legal tampering period kicked off, trading with the Houston Texans for DeAndre Hopkins. With Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald atop the depth chart at wide receiver, the Cardinals can shift their focus to the offensive line, where they add Mekhi Becton from Louisville to team with D.J. Humphries at tackle next season.