NFL Power Rankings - Week 16: 1 draft prospect each team should target
The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.
With the regular season nearly complete and the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're identifying one college prospect each team should be targeting.
1. Baltimore Ravens (12-2)
Previous rank: 1
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma: Imagine the Ravens' defense if a stud every-down linebacker gets added to the mix. Murray is a versatile, athletic defender who can fill the void left by C.J. Mosley and profiles as an ideal fit in Baltimore near the end of the first round.
2. New Orleans Saints (11-3)
Previous rank: 3
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: New Orleans already features two talented edge rushers in Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. Pairing them with a first-round tackle would take this defense to the next level. Kinlaw erupted as a senior and could end up a draft-day gem.
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
Previous rank: 4
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama: Cornerback isn't Seattle's biggest need, but Diggs possesses everything Pete Carroll loves at the position. Long arms, physicality, elite athleticism ... the Crimson Tide defender practically screams Seahawks. We're salivating at the fit.
4. San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
Previous rank: 2
Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma: One of the few weak spots on San Francisco's roster is the interior offensive line. Humphrey has the look of a Day 1 starter and would bolster a 49ers run game that Kyle Shanahan's scheme depends on.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)
Previous rank: 5
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia: Close your eyes and picture Kansas City's current offense, but with a potential All-Pro running back added to the mix. It's a pretty scary thought, isn't it?
6. Green Bay Packers (11-3)
Previous rank: 6
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama: While a handful of receivers attempted to emerge opposite Davante Adams in 2019, none truly succeeded. Coach Matt LaFleur needs a speedy wideout, and Ruggs fits the bill (and then some). This is a Round 1 match made in heaven.
7. Minnesota Vikings (10-4)
Previous rank: 8
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Reagor profiles as more of a Day 2 luxury pick than a first-round target, but the wideout could still take Minnesota's offense to the next level with his explosiveness after the catch. General manager Rick Spielman has yet to find a reliable third receiver to play behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
8. New England Patriots (11-3)
Previous rank: 7
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington: The 2020 tight end class isn't deep, but Bryant's the cream of the crop. New England struggled to replace Rob Gronkowski this season, and its offense sputtered as a result. Bryant would give Tom Brady an athletic option at the position.
9. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Previous rank: 9
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Buffalo should continue to give Josh Allen more weapons, and Shenault is the perfect talent to pair with deep threat John Brown and slot wizard Cole Beasley. The Colorado product boasts a well-rounded skill set and playmaking ability.
10. Houston Texans (9-5)
Previous rank: 10
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State: Houston doesn't own a first-round pick in 2020, but Hubbard appears to be an intriguing Day 2 match. The NCAA's leading rusher would be a perfect complement to Duke Johnson and make the Texans' offense more dynamic. Meanwhile, fellow rushers Lamar Miller and Carlos Hyde are set to hit free agency.
11. Tennessee Titans (8-6)
Previous rank: 11
A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa: Mike Vrabel should be targeting a long-term pass-rusher to play alongside Harold Landry. Epenesa possesses the size, length, and college production that Vrabel desires in defensive prospects.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-7)
Previous rank: 16
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU: Byron Jones is heading for free agency and Dallas may not be able to afford him. Translation: The Cowboys need a cornerback. Luckily for Jerry Jones and whoever is coaching the Cowboys in 2020, Fulton is an excellent target in the middle of the first round after a stellar career at LSU. He would have been in the Day 1 conversation last year, too.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
Previous rank: 13
Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State: Bud Dupree has likely played his way into a big-money contract in free agency, and Pittsburgh should add his replacement via the draft if he signs elsewhere. Gross-Matos is a talented run defender and pass-rusher who would provide incredible value for a Steelers team without a first-round selection.
14. Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
Previous rank: 12
Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin: Sean McVay's offense took a step back in 2019 thanks in large part to poor offensive-line play. Biadasz is one of the top center prospects in his class and would immediately upgrade the Rams' blocking unit as a rookie starter. He's an ideal target in Round 2.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Previous rank: 17
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington: Why not replace Jameis with a younger, more athletic Jameis? Jokes aside, Eason is exactly what Bruce Arians looks for at quarterback - he possesses a strong arm, ideal size, and poise under pressure. The former five-star recruit may not step in and start immediately, but he'd make for an intriguing Day 2 target as the Bucs attempt to secure a franchise passer.
16. Chicago Bears (7-7)
Previous rank: 14
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue: While many will scream for a quarterback in April, Chicago is tied to Mitchell Trubisky for at least one more year. For a team without a first-round pick in April, Hopkins would present a new weapon for Matt Nagy to utilize. The athletic tight end will get plenty of looks on Day 2.
17. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)
Previous rank: 20
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma: At this point, "desperate" doesn't properly describe how much Philly needs to add a top-tier receiver in 2020. Luckily for Doug Pederson and Co., Lamb may end up being the best of a star-studded class. The Biletnikoff Award finalist is a unique prospect who offers an incredible combination of body control, hands, and game-breaking ability.
18. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
Previous rank: 24
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson: After ranking as one of the league's top rushing teams not long ago, Atlanta sits 30th in that category this season. Etienne's elite speed and explosiveness would add a much-needed dimension to the Falcons' offense. Devonta Freeman is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry in 2019.
19. Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
Previous rank: 19
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama: Jacoby Brissett simply isn't going to cut it as Andrew Luck's long-term replacement. Indianapolis could realistically find itself picking somewhere between No. 11 and No. 14 - a range where Tua could slide to based on his hip injury. GM Chris Ballard should also explore a trade up if Tagovailoa remains a projected top-ten pick. It's now or never.
20. Cleveland Browns (6-8)
Previous rank: 15
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama: The Greg Robinson experiment lasted far too long in Cleveland. Instead of taking another crack at acquiring Trent Williams, John Dorsey should eye a long-term answer at the position. Willis is a stud pass-blocker and a road-grader in the run game. Baker Mayfield would surely be thankful for him.
21. Oakland Raiders (6-8)
Previous rank: 18
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson: Despite repeated attempts to uncover a starting-caliber linebacker this year, Jon Gruden failed to do so. Look no further, Jon. Simmons is a versatile defensive weapon, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and played for powerhouse Clemson. This pick practically writes itself.
22. Denver Broncos (5-9)
Previous rank: 21
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas: Whether or not John Elway selects a quarterback in Round 1, Duvernay will be an ideal target at some point during Day 2. While Courtland Sutton feasts on the perimeter, the Texas product thrives in the slot - a position Denver got little production from this year.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
Previous rank: 22
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin: Let's swap one Wisconsin running back for another, shall we? With Melvin Gordon surely set to move on in free agency, Taylor profiles as a high-upside replacement. The two-time Doak Walker Award winner is a workhorse back who would pair well with the speedy Austin Ekeler.
24. Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1)
Previous rank: 27
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn: Ranking 25th in run defense and struggling to create pressure on the interior, Arizona is determined to add talent along its defensive line. Enter Brown, whom the Cardinals will surely consider drafting early in Round 1. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year would be the perfect inside complement to Chandler Jones.
25. Carolina Panthers (5-9)
Previous rank: 23
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama: A fascinating top-50 prospect, McKinney would fill arguably the weakest spot on Carolina's roster. The talented safety is an ideal second-round target for any future coaching staff while the front office sorts out the quarterback conundrum.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)
Previous rank: 26
Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Okudah is the latest cornerback prospect to receive top-10 projections and Jacksonville will certainly be picking in that range. The Buckeyes standout is as close to a Jalen Ramsey replacement as the Jaguars are going to find. Yes, Okudah is that good.
27. New York Jets (5-9)
Previous rank: 25
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: We aren't certain whether Adam Gase will be retained in 2020, but we know the Jets must add receiving weapons for Sam Darnold this offseason. Jeudy reminds many evaluators of former Alabama receivers Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley. That would be a good place to start.
28. New York Giants (3-11)
Previous rank: 31
Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State: The Giants already have their quarterback, and they should be in a position to select a generational defensive prospect this time around. Young is the premier player in this year's class and New York would be foolish not to select him if it secures the No. 2 overall pick.
29. Detroit Lions (3-10-1)
Previous rank: 30
Grant Delpit, S, LSU: A Bill Belichick disciple, Matt Patricia loves defensive chess pieces who impact the game in various ways. Delpit is exactly that, as his extremely well-rounded skill set combines awareness, athleticism, and ball skills. He's the game-changer Detroit's 31st-ranked defense desperately needs.
30. Miami Dolphins (3-11)
Previous rank: 28
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: Miami has shockingly won its way out of the No. 1 overall pick and the right to select Joe Burrow. Fear not, Fins, as the team can still secure its first franchise quarterback since ... Dan Marino? With Tagovailoa's status up in the air, the Dolphins may opt for the safer option in Herbert. The senior passer is talented in his own right and will be highly coveted on draft day.
31. Washington Redskins (3-11)
Previous rank: 29
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia: Trent Williams will likely never play another snap for Washington, but the team is in a great spot to draft his replacement. Thomas is an elite pass-protector and a likely top-five selection. It doesn't get any easier.
32. Cincinnati Bengals (1-13)
Previous rank: 32
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU: You're in luck, Bengals fans! The 2019 campaign is nearly over and your team is in position to earn next year's first overall pick. Much like the franchise was with Carson Palmer in 2003, Cincinnati is set up to draft its franchise quarterback in Burrow. The sorrow may not last much longer.