The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone with a very different feel to it, as Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered the picks from his basement and soon-to-be players reacted from their homes. News 12’s Robin Deehan breaks down her thoughts on the picks – do you agree with her?
Grade each team’s entire draft – break down what you liked/didn’t like
Jets: A- ... I think they got lucky that Mekhi Becton fell to them at No. 11, he is a great addition and will certainly protect Sam Darnold. The same goes for WR Denzel Mims, he was potential first rounder, that again, fell to the Jets in the second. Mims will fill the hole left by Robby Anderson and will be a nice weapon for Darnold to go to. With Jamal Adams' future with the team always being talked about -- they added safety help in round three and an edge rusher in round four - both great picks, since they had minimal production from those positions in 2019. They also picked up backup QB James Morgan from FIU, which is smart in case your quarterback... oh I don't know... comes down with mono??? Jokes aside, depth at QB never hurts.
Giants: B+ ... Overall, I really liked their draft. I think they addressed their primary needs of protecting Daniel Jones and creating space for Saquon Barkley. They also bolstered a defense that had a lot of holes in 2019. At first, I was surprised they passed on Isaiah Simmons for Andrew Thomas with their first round pick - but Gettleman said post pick that he wanted to fix the offensive line once and for all, and Thomas is apparently the guy to do that. The Giants also added a lot of defensive value with safety Xavier McKinney. With McKinney and Jabrill Peppers working together next year -- that could provide the spark the Giants defense desperately needs.
Eagles: A ... Their first round pick was surprising given LSU's Justin Jefferson was still available -- but Jalen Reagor is quick and explosive and will take some of the load off the aging Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. As for their second round pick, I LOVED IT. I know some are disputing going QB here -- but Jalen Hurts is dynamic. Also, Carson Wentz gets hurt... every. single. year. If anyone knows the value of a back-up quarterback it's Philadelphia, just ask Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles. Hurts gives the offense some security and can be used a million different ways in the Birds' inventive offensive scheme. I also like that the Eagles added more WR's and OL's for depth, as well as a safety, since longtime Eagle Malcom Jenkins is no longer with the team. Overall I think the Eagles had the best draft of the bunch and will be a strong Super Bowl contender next year.
Patriots: B ... As I said before the draft, the Patriot way is impossible to predict -- Tom Brady is gone -- they didn't draft a QB, maybe that's unwise? But who are we to second guess Belichick? The guy can almost fill up both hands with his Super Bowl rings! First three selections were all defense, including a relatively unknown DII safety in the beginning of the second round. This will be an immediate help to a defense that started hot in 2019, outscoring most fantasy offensive players, but fizzled out trying to carry a stagnant offense all year. They went TE with the next two picks in typical New England fashion. They love to exploit mismatches with their hybrid tight ends. They also pull a third Patriot move by going kicker on the fifth round. But again, who are we to question Belichick.
Which draft choice(s) stand out as having the best chance to make a big impact? What about some draft mistakes/reaches?
I think overall the choice that has the best chance to standout immediately is Chase Young in Washington -- he will be similar to Nick Bosa -- making an immediate impact year one. I also think as a whole there were a lot of teams needing help at wide receiver, and a lot of teams got great ones. I think this year could be the year rookie wideouts really shine.
I think the biggest reach belongs to the Green Bay Packers trading up to take Jordan Love. Why not give Aaron Rodgers some weapons at the skill positions? Why draft his likely successor already? Why put a piece of cheese on your head? All valid questions.
Any other closing thoughts on the draft? (other analysis, the format, etc.)
Even though the draft was virtual this year, I thought it was still entertaining. It really didn't seem that much different than normal really. It was very interesting getting to see into NFL coaches and GM's homes, and it was nice seeing them with their families. I did miss seeing the first rounders' emotional walk across the stage, but overall I thought the draft was great.