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Tabeek's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Falcons take an edge rusher first

Feb 05, 2020 at 11:30 AM

Matthew Tabeek

And here it is, my first NFL mock draft of the 2020 offseason. Before you scroll down, keep a few things in mind.

The NFL Draft is 78 days away and a lot can – and will – happen between now and then. For starters, the new league year kicks off on March 18, which is also the beginning of free agency. As teams make personnel decisions and overhaul their rosters, their position needs will change (as will the free agent market) between now and April 23.

But for now, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock with the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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The Atlanta Falcons currently hold the No. 16 pick and have a bevy of needs, including edge rusher, cornerback and offensive line. Depending on what happens in free agency, they could have more holes to fill at linebacker, tight end and running back.

What they ultimately do with that first pick – should they hold on to it – will depend on what happens in free agency and those first 15 selections.

So, without further ado, here is mock draft 1.0. Let me know how you feel about the pick here. A new version will drop every Wednesday between now and the NFL Draft. Enjoy.

CIN

QB Joe Burrow, LSU

The Bengals hope the LSU star can be Andy Dalton's successor for years to come.

WAS

DE Chase Young, Ohio State

The Redskins have a lot of holes to fill, but won’t pass on the best pass rusher in this class.

DET

DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

They could easily take a cornerback but Brown is a complete monster on the interior.

NYG

CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

Okudah, the top cornerback in this class, falls right into their laps and is too good to pass up.

MIA

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

After a sterling performance in the Senior Bowl the Dolphins are thrilled to land Herbert.

LAC

OL Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

The Bolts will land their next QB in free agency and take the best offensive lineman in the draft.

CAR

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Don’t be surprised if there’s a change under center and Matt Rhule lands his QB of the future.

OL Mekhi Becton, Louisville

The Cardinals must get better up front and take the 6-foot-7, 360-pound stud out of Louisville.

JAX

LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

An offensive lineman is tempting but Simmons is an athletic freak who’ll upgrade the defense.

CLE

OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

The Browns need to address their line and they take Wirfs, who can play both tackle and guard.

NYJ

OL Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Desperate to better protect Sam Darnold, the Jets are elated to see Thomas still on the board.

OAK

WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

The Raiders desperately need an elite playmaker on the outside and take the top receiver.

IND

WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

The Colts need another weapon to pair with T.Y. Hilton and the speedster Lamb fits the bill.

DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

After the run on offensive linemen, the Bucs pounce on Kinlaw, who’ll likely replace Ndamukong Suh.

DEN

WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

The Broncos add some much-needed speed in Ruggs to team up with Courtland Sutton.

**DE K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU**

The Falcons address their biggest need with a difference-maker coming off the edge.

ATL

DE K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Falcons address their biggest need with a difference-maker coming off the edge.

DAL

S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Big D upgrades its secondary, snags who many think is the best safety in this class.

MIA

OL Josh Jones, Houston

Rebuilding the O-line is a priority and Jones is string and athletic.

OAK

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

They go defense with the second pick and land the explosive, instinctive LB from LSU.

JAX

CB C.J. Henderson, Florida

The ex-Gator is long and lengthy with solid cover skills – a true ballhawk for the Jags.

PHI

CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama

Philly is more than happy to see Diggs still on the board and snags the star from ‘Bama.

BUF

WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

Aiyuk is tall and possesses elite speed – just the what the Bills need on offense.

DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

The Pats will find a WR in free agency and won’t pass on Epenesa, a gift at No. 23.

WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

The Saints opt for a weapon to take some attention away from Michael Thomas.

MIN

CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

They could have some holes to fill in the secondary and Fulton can step in and start.

MIA

DE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Miami goes defense and takes Lewis, a tall and physical game-wrecker on the edge.

SEA

DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

Gross-Matos is a physical specimen with tons of upside – a nice fit for the Seahawks.

BAL

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

C.J. Mosely’s departure left a void in the D and they tab Murray as the guy to fill it.

TEN

QB Jordan Love, Utah State

Many love Love’s physical traits and upside; don’t be surprised if the Titans do, too.

TE Hunter Bryant, Washington

The Pack give Aaron Rodgers a weapon at tight end; Bryant is a matchup problem.

OL Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

The 49ers could go corner or safety, but Super Bowl showed help inside is needed.

CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson

K.C. could take some hits in the secondary and Terrell has nice length and is physical.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here belong to Matthew Tabeek and and do not represent the opinions of the Atlanta Falcons' front office staff, coaches and executives unless noted otherwise.

Tabeek's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Falcons take an edge rusher first

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