Re-Drafting the 2020 NFL Draft

It is solely been three years because the 2020 NFL draft unfolded, however the draft class is already shaping as much as be probably the greatest in latest reminiscence. Six Professional Bowlers got here out of the primary spherical, and one other 4 emerged from Spherical 2. This previous season, 4 quarterbacks from the category helped their groups attain the NFL playoffs.

A kind of quarterbacks has already gotten his big-money second contract. The opposite three ought to quickly comply with swimsuit.

There have been some misses within the early draft, to make certain, however sufficient high quality expertise has come out of the 2020 class that the very best 32 gamers would stack up towards nearly any class within the fashionable period.

How may groups strategy the 2020 draft if that they had a redo? Let’s get somewhat timey wimey and study that very train.

For this 2020 redraft, we’ll faux that groups went again in time with the information of the previous three years. Which means that components like participant efficiency, evolving staff wants, staff outcomes and harm histories are all thought of. We’ll additionally use the post-free-agency, predraft order, laying the trail for a complete new set of draft-day trades.

Unique Choose: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Cincinnati Bengals made the common sense selection at No. 1 and took LSU quarterback Joe Burrow in 2020. There is no purpose to imagine that the Bengals would deviate from the choice now.

In two full seasons because the starter—Burrow’s rookie marketing campaign was reduce brief by a torn ACL and MCL—Burrow has led Cincinnati to 1 Tremendous Bowl look and two appearances within the AFC title recreation. The 26-year-old led the NFL in completion share (70.4) and yards per go try (8.9) two years in the past, a uncommon double feat that highlights his mixture of effectivity and big-play potential.

Final yr, Burrow made his first Professional Bowl look.

A case can simply be made that Burrow is among the prime two or three quarterbacks within the NFL, and a few imagine he is not No. 2 or No. 3.

“I believe Joe is the very best quarterback within the league,” former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer mentioned on The QB Room podcast (h/t Dadio Makdook of SB Nation).

Burrow stays a Bengal right here.

Unique Choose: Chase Younger, Edge, Ohio State

Chase Younger has been a tremendous pass-rusher for the Washington Commanders, although maybe not a real franchise cornerstone—the staff recently declined the fifth-year choice on his contract.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts, in the meantime, has develop into the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Initially drafted in Spherical 2 (53rd total), Hurts led the Eagles to the playoffs in his second yr and first full season because the starter. Final season, he helped take Philly to the Tremendous Bowl whereas rising as arguably essentially the most harmful dual-threat quarterback in soccer.

Hurts accomplished 66.5 % of his passes for 3,701 yards with 22 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 101.5 passer score in 2022. He additionally rushed for 760 yards and 13 scores.

The Commanders are heading into 2023 hoping that second-year QB Sam Howell pans out as a viable starter. There can be no such questions with Hurts within the fold, as he’d be an ideal complement to Washington’s proficient protection (seventh in factors allowed final season), Twelfth-ranked dashing assault and proficient receiving duo (Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson).

Making certain that Hurts would not land with a division rival can be a giant bonus for Washington.

Unique Choose (by Detroit): Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Detroit Lions initially used this decide on Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, who was traded to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Whereas the Lions can be tempted to take a quarterback right here, they’ve gotten fairly good outcomes from 2021 commerce acquisition Jared Goff.

Goff, who was acquired as a part of the Matthew Stafford commerce, threw 29 landing passes and simply seven interceptions this previous season whereas making his third Professional Bowl look.

As an alternative, the Lions commerce down, purchase future draft capital and permit the Miami Dolphins to maneuver up for Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert, initially chosen sixth total by the Los Angeles Chargers, has established himself as a top-10 quarterback. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Yr in 2020, a Professional Bowler in 2021 and a playoff starter in 2022.

The Dolphins initially took Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa fifth total, and he had a breakout marketing campaign this previous season. Nevertheless, Tagovailoa has lower than a full yr of high-level play on his resume and handled a number of concussions in 2022.

Herbert is the “safer” of the 2 quarterbacks, and Miami strikes as much as get him earlier than one other staff does on this redraft.

Unique Choose: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had his personal breakthrough marketing campaign in 2022, rising as a succesful dual-threat and serving to the Giants return to the postseason after a five-year absence.

Offensive deal with Andrew Thomas, who was initially taken on this spot, performed a giant position in Jones’ progress this season. The previous Georgia standout was chargeable for solely two penalties and three sacks allowed, in response to Pro Football Focus.

Nevertheless, New York now has an opportunity to snag arguably the very best receiver within the NFL, and it would not go on it.

Former LSU wideout Justin Jefferson has merely been implausible because the Minnesota Vikings took him twenty second total in 2020. He has three Professional Bowls, one first-team All-Professional and the 2022 Offensive Participant of the Yr on his resume. In three seasons, the 23-year-old has amassed 4,825 yards and 25 touchdowns on 324 receptions.

This previous season, Jefferson supplied a passer score of 104.2 when focused. He is the type of dominant No. 1 receiver Jones has lacked all through his profession and would assist his development tremendously.

Merely put, the Giants would have a neater time discovering a serviceable offensive deal with by way of commerce or free company than a receiver of Jefferson’s caliber.

Unique Choose (by Miami): Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

After buying and selling down, the Lions scoop up Chase Younger, who initially went second total. Whereas Younger performed solely 12 video games over the previous two years due to a torn ACL, he is been a disruptive pass-rusher when wholesome.

In 27 video games, Younger has logged 9 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 38 quarterback pressures.

Detroit was an offensive power in 2022 and can look to make the postseason with an improved protection this season. The Lions added gamers like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch to a protection that ranked thirty second in yards allowed and twenty eighth in factors allowed final season.

Whereas Younger hasn’t reached his full potential simply but, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Yr has flashed loads of upside. Pairing him with 2022 first-round decide Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions a succesful edge-rushing duo to guide their new-look protection.

Cornerback Jeff Okudah did not develop right into a defensive cornerstone for the Lions. Younger has the bodily instruments and the confirmed manufacturing to counsel that he may do precisely that.

Unique Choose: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Chargers initially took Justin Herbert on this spot, however with him off the board, they go together with a unique quarterback.

Tagovailoa’s inconsistent manufacturing and up to date concussion historical past are regarding. Nevertheless, he was terrific when wholesome in 2022. He took benefit of weapons like Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, ending with 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a league-best 105.5 passer score.

Los Angeles has its personal proficient crop of pass-catchers—one that features Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett and 2023 rookie Quentin Johnston.

Tagovailoa has shined as an correct, environment friendly distributor of the soccer in Miami. With L.A.’s loaded ability group at his disposal, he may presumably do the identical in Los Angeles.

The Chargers ought to be fairly comfortable that they ended up with Herbert in the true world, however Tagovailoa is the very best remaining quarterback choice in our redraft, and he is a tremendous comfort prize for a franchise that dumped longtime starter Philip Rivers throughout the 2020 offseason.

Unique Choose: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

There’s a lot for the Carolina Panthers to think about right here. The previous three seasons have led Carolina on a winding path that finally ended up with head coach Frank Reich and quarterback Bryce Young this offseason.

Younger is an undersized (5’10”, 204 lbs) however NFL-ready quarterback with elite playmaking potential. He is arguably the second-best QB prospect we have seen come out—subsequent to Trevor Lawrence—since 2020, and the Panthers may not change a complete lot if it means ending up with Younger as their quarterback.

As an alternative of getting into a wildly totally different course, Carolina snags former Southern Illinois defensive again Jeremy Chinn with this decide. The Panthers initially took Auburn defensive deal with Derrick Brown right here, and whereas Brown has been a really succesful participant, Chinn has been phenomenal.

In three seasons, Chinn has logged 16 passes defended, three compelled fumbles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three sacks, two defensive touchdowns and 294 tackles. He is additionally proved to be a flexible defender able to enjoying on the again finish or within the slot.

Chinn was initially taken on the backside of Spherical 2 (sixty fourth), however the Panthers snag him right here earlier than one other staff takes him off the board.

Unique Choose: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Two huge points plagued the Arizona Cardinals in 2022—Kyler Murray’s torn ACL and a putrid protection that ranked twenty first total and thirty first in factors allowed.

This redraft would not present an answer for the primary drawback, however it may assist the second. As an alternative of taking former Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons, the Cardinals snag cornerback Trevon Diggs, who initially went 51st total to the Dallas Cowboys.

Simmons has flashed a little bit of potential (4 sacks and two interceptions in 2022) in his three seasons with Arizona, however Diggs has develop into a bona fide star in Dallas.

Over the previous three years, Diggs has recorded 49 passes defended, 17 interceptions, a fumble restoration and 169 tackles. He isn’t a real lockdown cowl nook—he is surrendered not less than 667 receiving yards in each season—however his big-play potential tends to offset his occasional lapses.

A two-time Professional Bowler and one-time first-team All-Professional choice, Diggs is the type of centerpiece defender round whom new Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon may forge his secondary.

Unique Choose: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The Jacksonville Jaguars initially used this decide on cornerback C.J. Henderson. He lasted simply over a yr with the Jags and was traded to Carolina early within the 2021 season.

With Trevor Lawrence set to land in Jacksonville in 2021, the Panthers put together by taking offensive deal with Andrew Thomas on this redraft. Thomas had some early struggles with the Giants however advanced into a really reliable left deal with this previous season.

That is related to Jacksonville as a result of the staff has struggled to discover a dependable full-time left deal with and misplaced proper deal with Jawaan Taylor throughout the 2023 offseason. Taylor was a succesful blocker, however he left to signal an enormous four-year, $80 million take care of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in free company.

Left deal with Cam Robinson was chargeable for eight penalties and 4 sacks final season, in response to Pro Football Focus. He is additionally dealing with a multigame suspension for violation of the league’s PED coverage, in response to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco.

Drafting Thomas a yr after taking Taylor would give Jacksonville professional bookend tackles for 3 seasons, together with Lawrence’s first two, whereas offering a plan on the line’s most essential place.

Unique Choose: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

If Andrew Thomas was nonetheless on the board, the Cleveland Browns would most likely take him right here. Thomas was a extra dependable starter in 2022 than Wills, who was chargeable for 10 penalties and 6 sacks allowed, in response to Pro Football Focus.

Nevertheless, the Browns have (not less than publicly) been pleased with Wills’ improvement as a left deal with—he performed on the appropriate aspect in school.

“We’re happy with Jed,” Browns basic supervisor Andrew Berry mentioned, per Ben Axelrod of WKYC.

We’ll take Berry’s phrases at face worth since Cleveland did decide up the fifth-year choice on Wills’ contract. Proper deal with Tristan Wirfs warrants some consideration right here, however Cleveland had simply signed Jack Conklin in 2020 free company.

Whereas Wills definitely hasn’t made Browns followers neglect concerning the prime years of Joe Thomas, he is a robust run-blocker, has been pretty sturdy (5 missed video games in three seasons) and has the help of the entrance workplace. Cleveland sticks with its unique selection.

Unique Choose: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The New York Jets are extra open to taking a proper deal with, since each deal with spots have been in flux over the previous couple of seasons. The Jets initially used this decide on left deal with Mekhi Becton. It hasn’t panned out.

Accidents have largely stored Becton off the sphere. He appeared in 14 video games as a rookie, however knee accidents have restricted him to only one recreation over the previous two seasons. Becton is now combating for a task—together with gamers like Duane Brown, Billy Turner, 2022 fourth-round decide Max Mitchell and rookie Carter Warren—at one of many deal with spots.

“At middle and each tackles, it is gonna be a extremely cool competitors,” head coach Robert Saleh mentioned, per NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack.

Wirfs, a two-time Professional Bowler, was initially taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the thirteenth decide. The Bucs are going to try Wirfs at left deal with this offseason, however he is proved himself on the opposite aspect. Grabbing him right here would give the Jets not less than one high-end deal with to dam for 2023 commerce acquisition Aaron Rodgers transferring ahead.

Unique Choose (by Las Vegas): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

With Justin Jefferson off the board, CeeDee Lamb is the lone blue-chip receiver prospect remaining. Wideouts like Brandon Aiyuk, Michael Pittman Jr. and Darnell Mooney have proven promise, however Lamb—initially taken seventeenth total by Dallas—is a two-time Professional Bowler who has averaged greater than 1,100 yards per season as a professional.

The San Francisco 49ers ultimately took Aiyuk within the first spherical, and right here, the Denver Broncos soar as much as safe Lamb earlier than the 49ers are on the clock. They do a uncommon intradivisional commerce with the Las Vegas Raiders to do it.

Why transfer up for Lamb? As a result of in 2022, the Broncos went all-in on quarterback Russell Wilson with disastrous outcomes. Denver additionally hasn’t gotten the specified return from 2020 first-round decide Jerry Jeudy (2,295 yards and 9 touchdowns in three seasons), initially taken fifteenth total.

Would including Lamb alleviate all of Wilson’s 2022 woes in Denver? No, however he would not less than give the longer term Corridor of Famer a real elite No. 1 receiver with which to work. That is price a brief commerce up, even when it means sending commerce capital to a divisional foe.

Unique Choose (by Tampa Bay): Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

The 49ers initially traded this choice in order that the Buccaneers may snag Tristan Wirfs. San Francisco then took defensive deal with Javon Kinlaw 14th total. Kinlaw has landed on injured reserve in every of the previous two seasons due to ongoing knee points and has 45 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 24 profession video games.

As an alternative, the 49ers keep put and seize former Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell.

Initially chosen sixteenth total by the Atlanta Falcons, Terrell has develop into one of many extra constant secondary gamers from this draft class. Although he is by no means made a Professional Bowl, Terrell was a second-team All-Professional in 2021 and has recorded 32 passes defended and 4 interceptions in three seasons.

Grabbing Terrell would give San Francisco one other high-end starter for a protection that ranked first in each factors and yards allowed in 2022. Given the expertise on San Francisco’s protection, this could be thought of a luxurious decide, however the 49ers ranked twentieth in passing yards allowed final season and will use a robust starter like Terrell on the again finish.

Unique Choose (by San Francisco): Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

As we now know, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed quarterback Tom Brady throughout the 2020 offseason and went on to win that yr’s Tremendous Bowl. Offensive deal with Tristan Wirfs performed a giant position in that run, however he is off the board right here.

Tampa additionally bought sturdy contributions from security Antoine Winfield Jr., who was initially taken with the forty fifth decide. The Minnesota product had 94 tackles, three sacks, two compelled fumbles, an interception and 6 passes defended en path to a victory in Tremendous Bowl LV.

A 2021 Professional Bowler, Winfield has 262 profession tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 compelled fumbles and 15 passes defended.

Winfield has proved to be an amazing worth decide within the second spherical, and there is a good likelihood somebody would take him within the first in a redraft. To forestall that from taking place, the Bucs merely take Winfield with the 14th choice.

The Bucs then take their possibilities with a line prospect like Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland or Houston’s Josh Jones on Day 2.

Unique Choose (by Denver): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

After buying and selling down, the Raiders decide up Auburn defensive deal with Derrick Brown. Whereas Brown hasn’t developed right into a perennial Professional Bowler, he is been a productive starter for the Panthers. This previous season, he tallied 67 tackles, a sack and an interception.

The Raiders may go together with one of many remaining huge receivers right here, however after buying and selling for Davante Adams within the 2022 offseason and signing Jakobi Meyers in 2023, they need to as an alternative concentrate on their protection.

Final season, Las Vegas ranked twenty third in yards per carry allowed (4.5), twenty eighth in yards per go try allowed (6.7), twenty eighth in yards allowed and twenty sixth in factors allowed.

Including Brown to a defensive entrance that features 2019 draft standout Maxx Crosby would assist the Raiders protection tremendously. Partnering him with Crosby, Chandler Jones and 2023 first-round decide Tyree Wilson would really give Las Vegas one of many prime defensive traces within the convention.

Drafting Brown would not cease the Raiders from having a regime change in 2022 or from rebuilding the roster in 2023, however it might give head coach Josh McDaniels a reliable defensive constructing block.

Unique Choose: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

With A.J. Terrell off the board, the Falcons go together with Clemson receiver Tee Higgins—initially chosen by the Bengals thirty third total.

Doing so signifies that the Falcons use 4 straight first-round picks on offensive ability gamers—Higgins, Kyle Pitts, Drake London and working again Bijan Robinson. That will appear extreme, however it might be a part of a help plan for 2022 third-round decide and Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Atlanta has already put a robust supporting forged round Ridder to make sure that he succeeds. Nevertheless, Higgins can be an improve over Mack Hollins because the second perimeter receiver reverse London.

Hollins had a 690-yard marketing campaign with the Raiders in 2022, however that was his finest season as a professional, and he’ll flip 30 in September.

In three seasons with the Bengals, Higgins has caught 215 passes for 3,028 yards and 19 touchdowns—all whereas sharing targets with Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd.

Higgins is arguably the very best No. 2 receiver within the NFL, and on this redraft, the Falcons make sure that he does his work in Atlanta.

Unique Choose: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

With CeeDee Lamb off the board, the Cowboys go together with a unique huge receiver on this spot.

Initially taken forty ninth total by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Claypool hasn’t developed into the type of constant playmaker that Lamb is. Nevertheless, he possesses traits that will make him a dynamic weapon within the Dallas offense.

With nice dimension (6’4″, 238 lbs) and pace (4.42-second 40-yard sprint), Claypool is a mismatch ready to occur. He flashed this potential early, recording 873 receiving yards and 11 offensive touchdowns as a rookie.

Claypool had an 860-yard season in 2021 however was utilized much less final season and was ultimately traded to the Chicago Bears. He’d present Dak Prescott with a downfield menace to enrich Michael Gallup and, for 2 years, Amari Cooper. As a gadget-play ball-carrier, he may additionally add one other dynamic to the offense.

In Dallas, Claypool most likely would not fade the best way he did in a conservative Matt Canada offense and with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett in 2022. On this timeline, the Notre Dame product remains to be with the staff that drafted him.

Unique Choose: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Miami bought this choice within the Minkah Fitzpatrick commerce and initially used it on offensive lineman Austin Jackson. Whereas Jackson has began 30 video games for the Dolphins, he is additionally landed on injured reserve twice, together with for many of 2022, and has struggled to discover a everlasting place.

The Dolphins have tried Jackson at each deal with spots and at guard with blended outcomes. In his solely full season (2021), the USC product was chargeable for 12 penalties and two sacks allowed, in response to Pro Football Focus.

On this redraft, the Dolphins pair Justin Herbert with 2021 dashing champion Jonathan Taylor. Initially taken forty first total by the Indianapolis Colts, Taylor battled an ankle harm in 2022 however has been one of many league’s finest ball-carriers when wholesome.

In his 2021 All-Professional marketing campaign, Taylor rushed for 1,811 yards, logged 360 receiving yards and located the top zone 20 occasions. Placing him in the identical lineup as Herbert, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill would give Miami one of the vital unstoppable offenses within the league.

The Dolphins have utilized a committee backfield and lacked offensive steadiness due to it (fourth in passing yards, twenty fifth in dashing final season). Taylor may carry steadiness.

Unique Choose: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

With their second first-round decide—this one obtained from Chicago within the Khalil Mack commerce—the Raiders go protection once more.

Linebacker Patrick Queen, initially chosen by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 28, has began each recreation since being drafted. In 2022, he recorded 117 tackles, 5 sacks, two interceptions, six passes defended and a compelled fumble.

Whereas the Ravens declined the fifth-year choice on Queen’s contract, they have been pleased with what he is supplied to the protection.

“He is a difference-maker for us,” basic supervisor Eric DeCosta advised The Lounge podcast (h/t Ryan Mink of the Ravens’ official web site). “Once we had Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith final yr during the last half of the season, we had an opportunity to see how dominant our protection may very well be.”

Cornerback Damon Arnette didn’t develop into a difference-maker for the Raiders. The previous Buckeye appeared in solely 13 video games for Las Vegas. He was released after video surfaced of Arnette holding a firearm and threatening to kill somebody.

Arnette allowed an opposing passer score of over 100.0 in each of his restricted campaigns with the Raiders. By pivoting to Queen, Las Vegas will get its defensive centerpiece.

Unique Choose: Okay’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

The Jaguars bought this choice from the Los Angeles Rams within the Jalen Ramsey commerce. They initially used it on LSU pass-rusher Okay’Lavon Chaisson, who merely hasn’t flourished in Jacksonville.

By three seasons, Chaisson has recorded solely three sacks and 24 quarterback pressures. As an alternative of taking Chaisson, Jacksonville will get one other supporting participant for Trevor Lawrence.

Initially drafted thirty fourth total by the Colts, Michael Pittman Jr. has develop into a gentle if unspectacular huge receiver. The USC product would not soar off the tape with elite pace (4.52-second 40-yard sprint), however he has good dimension (6’4″, 223 lbs) and play power to go together with dependable route working.

In his three seasons, Pittman has caught 227 passes for two,510 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has remained constant regardless of having a unique beginning quarterback each single yr. Drafting him right here would ultimately give Lawrence an unimaginable receiving corps consisting of Pittman, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram and Calvin Ridley.

That is an incredible group for Lawrence and a scary one for the remainder of the AFC South.

Unique Choose: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

The Eagles miss out on Jalen Hurts and the remainder of the highest 2020 quarterbacks, in order that they pivot to Utah State’s Jordan Love right here. Initially taken twenty sixth by the Inexperienced Bay Packers, following a commerce up, Love has began only one recreation in three seasons as a professional.

Whereas we do not know what Love might be within the NFL but, the Eagles know that Carson Wentz is not the long-term reply. Wentz was traded to the Colts in 2021, traded to the Commanders in 2022 and is now unemployed.

The Eagles additionally know that Inexperienced Bay has been happy sufficient with Love’s improvement to commerce future Corridor of Famer Aaron Rodgers to the Jets.

“Simply watching him final yr. I believe Jordan’s made some enormous strides,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned, per NFL.com’s Brenna White.

It is a huge gamble by Philadelphia since Love largely stays unproved. Nevertheless, Philadelphia has proven that with a great quarterback, it’s a title contender, and Wentz isn’t that quarterback. With an amazing mix of dimension (6’4″, 219 lbs), arm expertise and mobility, Love could be.

Unique Choose: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Justin Jefferson is lengthy gone in our redraft, so the Vikings as an alternative look to preemptively handle a protection that was flat-out terrible in 2022. Final season, Minnesota ranked twenty second in yards per rush allowed (4.5), thirtieth in yards per go try allowed (6.9), thirty first in yards allowed and twenty eighth in factors allowed.

Security Xavier McKinney, initially taken thirty sixth total by the Giants, may very well be a central determine on the again finish of Minnesota’s protection. He solely appeared in 9 video games final season due to a damaged hand he suffered in an ATV accident, however McKinney was large in 2021.

The Alabama product appeared in all 17 video games in 2021 and recorded 93 tackles, 10 passes defended and 5 interceptions. He allowed an opposing passer score of solely 72.2 in protection.

Whereas the Vikings may think about a unique receiver right here, the fact is that there simply is not one who may replicate what Jefferson has carried out for the Minnesota offense. With out him, the Vikings must change their strategy to profitable video games—merely attempting to outpace the opposing offense would not work—in order that they seize a possible defensive cornerstone as an alternative.

Unique Choose (by L.A. Chargers): Kenneth Murray Jr., LB, Oklahoma

The New England Patriots traded out of this spot initially, however right here, they keep put and scoop up arguably the very best remaining receiver on the board.

The Patriots will go on to take former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones within the 2021 draft. A rookie Professional Bowler, Jones took a step again in 2022, although he was saddled with an inexperienced play-caller in Matt Patricia and an underwhelming receiving corps.

New England addressed the primary challenge by hiring Invoice O’Brien as offensive coordinator in 2022. It addresses the second by snagging Jones’ former teammate and wideout Jerry Jeudy right here—initially taken fifteenth total by Denver.

As beforehand talked about, Jeudy hasn’t develop into a star for the Broncos. Nevertheless, he is been a serviceable receiver who has performed nicely despite Denver’s disappointing rotation at quarterback.

Russell Wilson had a career-worst marketing campaign in 2022, and Jeudy nonetheless caught 67 passes for 972 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Jeudy could be way more productive because the No. 1 goal in New England, and he’d carry some familiarity with Jones into the locker room. Whereas Jones did not develop into Alabama’s full-time starter till 2020, he and Jeudy did spend two seasons collectively in Tuscaloosa.

Unique Choose: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

Whereas most groups are taking very totally different gamers at this level within the redraft, the New Orleans Saints keep on with their unique selection and seize former Michigan middle Cesar Ruiz.

Taking an inside lineman in Spherical 1 would not generate headlines or a lot draft-day pleasure. Nevertheless, Ruiz has supplied the Saints with good, dependable play on their offensive line.

Ruiz appeared in 15 video games with 9 begins as a rookie and carried out nicely proper out of the gate. In line with Pro Football Focus, Ruiz was accountable for only one penalty and 0 sacks in 744 snaps throughout his inaugural marketing campaign.

In 2021, Ruiz began all 17 video games, and he began 14 final season earlier than struggling a season-ending foot harm. The previous Wolverine was chargeable for three penalties and three sacks allowed in 2022, in response to PFF.

Taking Ruiz within the redraft helps make sure that the offensive line will stay a robust level of the New Orleans roster. It is a logical resolution with Derek Carr coming in because the Saints’ new beginning quarterback three years later.

Unique Choose (by San Francisco): Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

After utilizing their first choice—one obtained within the Stefon Diggs commerce—to seize a defensive stalwart, the Vikings come again and get their receiver.

In the true world, the 49ers traded into the No. 25 spot to seize Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk. On this redraft, the Vikings keep put and take Aiyuk for themselves.

Let’s be clear. Aiyuk wouldn’t give the Vikings the identical type of dominant receiver they’ve in Justin Jefferson. Nevertheless, the previous Solar Satan has developed into a top quality pass-catcher in San Francisco and will do the identical in Minnesota.

By three seasons, Aiyuk has caught 194 passes for two,589 yards and 18 touchdowns. He reached the coveted 1,000-yard mark for the primary time in 2022 and supplied a passer score of 115.9 when focused that season.

Whereas Aiyuk would not take over video games the best way that Jefferson can, he would give Minnesota a top quality perimeter receiver to pair with Adam Thielen and, ultimately, 2023 first-round decide Jordan Addison.

Unique Choose (by Inexperienced Bay): Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

The Dolphins initially traded out of this spot in order that the Packers may take quarterback Jordan Love. With Love off the board, Miami stays put and takes Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson as an alternative.

Initially drafted by the Lions within the third spherical (seventy fifth total), Jackson has emerged as one of many extra dependable linemen to come back out of the 2020 draft class. A Professional Bowler in 2021, the previous Buckeye was as soon as once more reliable in 2022.

This previous season, Jackson was chargeable for 4 penalties and 0 sacks allowed, in response to Pro Football Focus. He missed 4 video games in 2022 with a concussion however has began 45 video games in his three seasons and performed 100 percent of the offensive snaps when wholesome over the previous two.

This is able to be a smart decide for the Dolphins, who tried 2020 first-rounder Austin Jackson at left guard in 2021. Right here, they take a unique Jackson, pair him with second-round decide Robert Hunt and add one other high-end supporting participant to help Justin Herbert.

Unique Choose: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

Just like the Saints just a few picks earlier, the Seattle Seahawks keep on with their unique choice right here.

Linebacker Jordyn Brooks performed sparingly as a rookie (37 percent of the defensive snaps) however blossomed right into a key participant over the following two seasons. He logged 184 tackles, a league-high 109 solo stops and a sack in 2021. In 2022, he completed with 161 tackles, 103 solo stops, a sack and a compelled fumble.

Whereas Seattle declined the fifth-year choice on Brooks’ contract, it does view him as a worthwhile a part of the protection.

“He is bought a protracted, lengthy future for us,” head coach Pete Carroll advised Sports activities Radio 93.3 KJR-FM. (h/t ESPN’s Brady Henderson). “We love the best way he performs and what he brings and all of that.”

We’ll take Carroll’s feedback at face worth and assume that the Seahawks do certainly love what Brooks brings to the protection. If that is the case, there’s little purpose to imagine that Seattle would not take the previous Pink Raider given a second alternative to take action.

Unique Choose: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

With linebacker Patrick Queen off the board, the Baltimore Ravens go in a unique defensive course with the twenty eighth decide.

Initially chosen forty eighth total by the Seahawks, Darrell Taylor has developed into an excellent edge-rusher over the previous two seasons. He did not play as a rookie following 2020 offseason leg surgical procedure, however he instantly grew to become a key contributor as soon as wholesome.

In his first official marketing campaign in 2021, Taylor appeared in 16 video games and completed with 37 tackles and 6.5 sacks. In 2022, he tallied 26 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 4 compelled fumbles. In his two seasons, Taylor has notched 41 quarterback pressures.

The Ravens may use a younger rotational edge-rusher after counting on older journeymen like Calais Campbell and Justin Houston (15 mixed sacks) in 2022. Campbell departed in 2023 free company, and Houston stays unsigned.

Taking Taylor right here may permit Baltimore to go in a unique course within the 2021 draft. The Ravens used their second 2021 first-round choice on Odafe Oweh, who has simply eight sacks in his two professional seasons.

Unique Choose: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

The Tennessee Titans initially used this choice on Georgia offensive deal with Isaiah Wilson. The previous Bulldog performed only one recreation for the Titans as a rookie, was traded to the Dolphins in 2021, was signed to and launched from the Giants follow squad that very same yr, and wasn’t on an NFL roster final season.

As an alternative of taking Wilson, the Titans seize LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, who was initially taken by Tennessee with the 61st decide. Whereas Fulton hasn’t develop into a star on the professional stage, he is been a serviceable starter for the Titans when wholesome.

Accidents have restricted Fulton to 30 video games in three seasons, however he has began 26 of these and largely carried out nicely. He allowed an opposing passer score of solely 71.3 in 2021 and 82.8 in 2022 in protection.

Going into final season, Fulton was the only member of the Titans’ 2020 draft class nonetheless on the roster. On this redraft, Tennessee ensures that Fulton stays there by taking him a spherical sooner than it initially did.

Unique Choose (by Miami): Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

The Packers initially traded up from this spot to safe quarterback Jordan Love. With Love off the board, Inexperienced Bay as an alternative grabs a top quality defensive lineman to assist bolster its ongoing struggles towards the run.

In 2020, Inexperienced Bay ranked twenty first in yards per carry surrendered (4.5). In 2021, the Packers ranked thirtieth in yards per carry allowed (4.7). In 2022, they ranked twenty eighth however really allowed extra yards per rush (5.0) on protection than the earlier season.

Raekwon Davis, initially taken 56th total by Miami, may assist shore up Inexperienced Bay’s defensive entrance. He has appeared in 46 video games for the Dolphins with 41 begins and recorded 101 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He completed the 2022 season with 33 tackles and a sack whereas being credited with simply one missed deal with.

Taking Davis right here can be a good choice for the Packers and would comply with the draft tendencies of basic supervisor Brian Gutekunst. Since being promoted to basic supervisor in 2018, Gutekunst has used seven of his eight first-round picks on defensive gamers—Love’s choice being the lone exception.

Unique Choose (by Minnesota): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

The 49ers initially traded up from this spot to seize wideout Brandon Aiyuk at No. 25. That deal would not go down on this redraft, so the 49ers as an alternative take a promising younger cornerback and add one other piece to their championship-caliber protection.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was initially chosen by Chicago with the fiftieth total decide—one spot forward of 2021 All-Professional Trevon Diggs. Whereas Johnson’s profession has paled compared to Diggs’, he is been a dependable starter on a foul Bears protection.

Johnson has began 39 video games for Chicago and has performed not less than 96 percent of the defensive snaps when wholesome. He missed six video games in 2022 and completed the yr on injured reserve with a damaged finger. Nevertheless, he recorded 35 tackles and 7 passes defended whereas surrendering fewer than 42 yards per recreation in protection.

Whereas Johnson allowed an opposing passer score of 94.6 in protection final season, it is price noting that he performed in a protection that ranked dead-last in yards per go try allowed (7.4) and generated a mere 20 sacks.

With the supporting expertise of San Francisco’s first-ranked protection, Johnson may have Professional Bowl potential.

Unique Choose (by Kansas Metropolis): Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

The Chiefs used this choice on working again Clyde Edwards-Helaire and haven’t obtained the specified return on funding. On this redraft, Kansas Metropolis trades out of the primary spherical as an alternative of taking a participant whose future with the staff is murky at finest.

The Colts commerce into Spherical 1 to snag tight finish Cole Kmet and acquire the fifth-year choice.

Kmet, initially taken forty third total by the Bears, has developed right into a reliable pass-catcher in Chicago. He was one among Justin Fields’ few dependable receivers in 2022, ending the yr with 50 catches, 544 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Over the previous two seasons, Kmet has caught 110 passes for 1,156 yards. That is the type of tight-end manufacturing the Colts have sorely lacked. In 2020 Mo Alie-Cox led Indianapolis tight ends with solely 394 receiving yards. He led the tight-end group with 316 yards in 2021, whereas Jelani Woods led with 312 yards in 2022.

Securing Kmet right here would make sure that Indy has a confirmed safety blanket in place for 2023 first-round decide and new quarterback of the longer term Anthony Richardson.

*Superior statistics from Pro Football Reference until in any other case famous.