The 2020 class has been talked about for what seems like forever. This class is deep at nearly every position, and we couldn’t wait any longer and just had to do a one round rookie mock draft.
While we’re (very) early in the draft process, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the players you’ll be spending your first-round picks on come the offseason. In fact, we are so excited we took down the paywall so that we can share this mock with as many readers as possible.
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Without further ado, here’s our first of what will be many rookie mock drafts.
#1 Pick: @DFF_Pierson: D’Andre Swift
This was about as easy of a pick that I’ve ever had to make. I was thrilled to have the first pick to grab my guy D’Andre Swift here. He is my clear 1.01 right now, and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Swift is an incredibly talented back. As a freshman, he was stealing touches from Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
He’s got everything you want in today’s NFL from a running back. He can run between the tackles, has the speed to bounce it outside, and can line up in the slot and catch the ball. He’s a true three-down back who is going to get a heavy workload right away in the NFL. His vision, quickness, contact balance, and pass-catching ability make him an easy first pick. Total package!
#2 Pick: @CarbonFox_DFF: Jonathan Taylor
Taylor was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded running back in 2018. He is a pure runner who is big and physical. He has excellent burst for his size and has the strength to break through arm tackles. He shows great patience behind the line as he waits for the play to develop.
He hasn’t been called upon as a receiver at Wisconsin but doesn’t appear incapable either.
#3 Pick: @DynastyFF_KyleM: Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy’s my top player in the 2020 class, so this pick was easy for me. As a prospect, he has it all. Elite route running ability, quick-twitch athleticism, unbelievable burst, fantastic high-pointing ability, blazing speed, reliable hands. The list goes on and on.
I’m not worried about a potentially poor landing spot for Jeudy; he has the talent to overcome subpar QB play. He’s as bulletproof of a prospect as they come.
#4 Pick: @JerrySinDFF: Travis Etienne
Over 3,000 all-purpose yards since becoming the workhorse back for Clemson in 2018, to go along with his 50+ touchdowns. Etienne ran a 4.32-sec. 40-yard dash at a high school camp, and if you have ever watched Clemson play, you have seen it in action, because Etienne seemingly explodes every game.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOWp4KCIu0c[/embedyt]
His role as a pass-catcher has evolved with experience. Thus far in 2019, he has more than doubled his receiving production from 2018, in five fewer games played.
Clemson has him listed at 210 lbs., which seems like a stretch, but anything over 200 lbs. at the NFL Combine, with his speed and production, makes you thrilled to get this type of talent at 1.04.
Etienne is the type of running back, that if he lands in a good spot like Kansas City or Atlanta, you take him 1.01.
#5 Pick: @DFF_DWIN: Eno Benjamin
A game-breaking back, who can do whatever your offense requires. Explosive and smart equals a high-quality player. There will be a lot of discussion leading up to the draft as to who is the top RB. Eno deserves to be in that discussion.
He set the single-season school record for rushing last season (1,642 yards). While he is just off that pace this season, he is on pace to shatter his career-best marks as a receiver. He’s a complete back who can change a game with one play. These type players don’t come around very often, so get all the shares of him you can.
#6 Pick: @DFF_Kane: Ceedee Lamb
Ceedee Lamb is one of the most elusive players that has come along in some time. He has a great combination of speed, hands, and route running. I don’t believe that he is the best route runner in this draft, but he is well on his way to becoming that. His mixture of speed and body control on deep routes has given him the chance to be one of the first wide receivers taken in the NFL draft.
Lamb has continued to produce despite quarterback changes, and he will continue to produce in the NFL. If he has the chance to become the number one receiver for a quarterback with good deep ball accuracy and athleticism to keep the play alive, Ceedee has the chance to move up from six.
#7 Pick: @DFF_Pierson: J.K. Dobbins
This was a perfect mock for me! Not only was I able to get Swift at #1, but I was also able to get my other guy here at seven. I’ve been high on Dobbins since his freshman year, and I didn’t let his sophomore slump scare me. He’s been my number three running back since before Week 1, and it’s been exciting to see him bounce back this year as a junior.
Dobbins, like Swift, also has all the tools to be a three-down back in the NFL. He isn’t as quick as Swift as he’s a much larger back, but he still has terrific burst for his size. He is also strong and can easily shake open-field tackles as well as catch the ball out of the backfield.
Dobbins should continue to rise as the entire Ohio State offense is excelling this year. Love his potential in the NFL as an every-down guy.
#8 Pick: @CarbonFox_DFF: Cam Akers
Well-rounded option. He is a great pass blocker and has natural-hands as a receiver. He is explosive, great in space, and has good vision as a former quarterback. Still making the adjustment to full-time running back but has the athleticism to succeed at the next level.
#9 Pick: @DynastyFF_KyleM: Henry Ruggs
Henry Ruggs is so much more than just a track star. Many people see his blazing speed and assume that he’s a one-dimensional receiver, but this couldn’t be more untrue.
He’s spectacular when forced to high point the football ball, shows consistent ability to extend his hands to make contested catches, and runs routes with patience and precision. Currently, my overall WR3 in this class, Ruggs, was the easy choice for me at 1.09.
#10: Pick: @JerrySinDFF: Chuba Hubbard
Through nine games in 2019, Hubbard has accrued over 1,600 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Listed at 6’1″, 207 lbs., Hubbard has the size to be able to withstand the physicality of the pro game.
Is he fast, though? Ha…Oh, you sweet summer child. Muhammed Ali once said he was so fast he could, “cut the light off in his bedroom, hit the switch, and was in bed before the room was dark.” Nothing against the champ, but Chuba Hubbard would have come from down the street and still beat Ali to bed. This man is a track star with a faster 100-yard dash time than Alabama speedster, Henry Ruggs.
Not getting as much work in the passing game this season, but as a redshirt freshman in 2018, had over 200 yards receiving while sharing a backfield with Baltimore Ravens running back, Justice Hill. Getting Hubbard with the tenth pick in a rookie draft is a 2-11 in progress: Robbery!
#11 Pick: @DFF_DWIN: Laviska Shenault
A home-run style of player who can change the game in an instant. Needs to polish up route running but has the size/speed combo that high powered offense love. There are some small similarities to Randy Moss in his game. He has that same type of game-changing ability, but isn’t as polished or have the mindset that Randy did. With that said, with the right coaching he can be just as explosive.
#12 Pick: @DFF_Kane: Tyler Johnson
If you have spent time watching Tyler Johnson, you have noticed that he doesn’t have the supreme athleticism like some of the other guys in this draft, but he makes up for it with supreme route running.
His ability to sink his hips on a dime as well as his agility moving in and out of his breaks makes him an exciting player to draft. He had issues with drops early in his career, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking one of the safest floors you can in a receiver.
Thank you for reading. Again, if you aren’t already a Factory Sports member please consider becoming one.
