2020 full 1st-round mock draft: Raiders add to both sides of the ball
By Evan Groat
5. Miami Dolphins: QB, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Previous Pick: Justin Herbert
The Miami Dolphins were big time spenders in free agency but still need to address the quarterback position in the long term. The news on Tua Tagovailoa’s hip has all been positive, and he even went as far as posting a video of himself throwing on social media. He looks to be moving really well.
That being said he might still need some extra time before he is game ready. Ryan Fitzpatrick will hold the fort down until the torch is ready to be passed, and in Tua, they could be getting the player who turns out to be the best of the bunch in terms of the quarterback group when all is said and done.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon
Previous Pick: Mekhi Becton
This is a much more ideal scenario for the Los Angeles Chargers compared to my mock draft 1.0. Phillip Rivers is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts and there is a major need at quarterback, and they have yet to address it in free agency.
The Chargers may have a decision to make if the board falls this way. Do they play it safe with Justin Herbert or go with the upside pick in Utah State’s Jordan Love? Herbert has all the tools to be successful in the league including a combination of size, mobility, and a big time arm, and would be the long-term successor to Rivers as the team opens their new stadium.
7. Carolina Panthers: DT, Derrick Brown, Auburn
Previous Pick: Derrick Brown
There are several directions the Panthers could go in with this pick, as help is needed at all three levels of the defense. Luke Kuechly retired, James Bradberry left in free agency, and Eric Reid was released. First-year head coach, Matt Rhule has his work cut out for him in terms rebuilding this defense.
A good place to start is along the front lines with a dominant force like Auburn’s Derrick Brown. Brown is considered a top-five talent by many in this class, though I could also see a scenario where Isaiah Simmons is the pick, especially with Kuechly gone.
8. Arizona Cardinals: OT, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Previous Pick: Tristan Wirfs
Prior to free agency, you could have made the case this pick would have been CeeDee Lamb, former teammate of Kyler Murray. That all changed when the Cardinals made a trade with the Houston Texans to acquire three-time first team all-pro, DeAndre Hopkins, solidifying the wide receiver group.
With that trade, you can almost guarantee the pick will be an offensive tackle. Tristan Wirfs is an athletic freak and will fit in nicely with Kliff Kingsbury high octane, spread offense. Wirfs dominated the NFL Scouting Combine, and is a guy who can come in and start right away opposite of D.J. Humphries.