7 realistic predictions for the 2020 NFL Draft

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theScore's NFL editors each took a stab at what could happen during the 2020 draft, which begins with Round 1 on Thursday and wraps up with Round 7 on Saturday.

Herbert becomes 2nd QB drafted

Joe Burrow is a lock to go to the Bengals at No. 1, but it's far less clear which quarterback will be the first to follow. Questions about former Alabama star Tua Tagovaolia's health persist, but Oregon product Justin Herbert carries no such concerns. Rumors of a draft slide for Tagovailoa should be taken with a pinch of salt as teams may be attempting to deceive one another, but there's no smoke without fire. For all his undoubted talents, Tagovailoa is a major risk. Either the Dolphins or Chargers will decide Herbert is the safer bet. - Jack Browne

RBs get shut out in Round 1

The top running back prospects aren't expected to be drafted until the back half of the first round at the earliest, but this year, teams will avoid wasting a prime selection on a devalued position. Despite their collegiate accolades, D'Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have to wait until Day 2 to hear their names called. - Michael McClymont

Patriots find a new Love

After two decades with Tom Brady under center, the Patriots face uncertainty at quarterback. Jordan Love is a divisive prospect, but he's got plenty of arm talent and New England was reportedly among the teams doing homework on him before the draft. The Patriots own 12 picks, which means they have the resources to trade up from No. 23 if that's what it takes to secure a potential quarterback of the future in Love. - Caio Miari

Jaguars blow up what's left

The Yannick Ngakoue saga has turned ugly and the Leonard Fournette situation isn't far behind, so it's time for the Jaguars to salvage what remains of the pair's value. Jacksonville may not get the offers it desires, but proposals will only worsen once the draft passes. With their respective departures inevitable, Jacksonville might as well recoup whatever it can for the disgruntled veterans and apply the returns to the 2020 draft and opening-day roster. - Alex Chippin

Panthers trade down from top 10

In their first year under head coach Matt Rhule, the Panthers will pass on selecting a successor to Luke Kuechly at No. 7 - as many mock drafts tab them to. Instead, they'll trade down to stockpile 2021 picks with an eye toward eventually landing Clemson star Trevor Lawrence. - David P. Woods

Hurts sneaks into Round 1

Most mocks have four quarterbacks going in the first round - Burrow, Tagovailoa, Herbert, and Love. Don't be surprised if Jalen Hurts pushes that total to five. The Oklahoma star is a potential centerpiece for offenses willing to embrace the modern game, and he's made monumental strides as a passer to complement his unique ability on designed runs and scrambles. That intriguing skill set, along with his toughness and reputation as an outstanding leader, will get him drafted earlier than many expect. The Colts and Chargers are probably the most sensible fits for him early in the second round, assuming Los Angeles doesn't take a QB with its first pick, but why not move up a few spots to secure the fifth-year option included in rookie contracts for first-rounders? It could pay off in a big way down the road. - Dan Wilkins

7 OTs fly off board on 1st night

The wide receiver and cornerback classes are incredibly deep this year, but the same can't be said for the group of offensive tackles. This will result in a race for the best perimeter-blocking prospects. Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills Jr., Mekhi Becton, and Tristan Wirfs appear locked into the top 20, meaning other clubs could scramble to nab the next tier of prospects in the latter half of Round 1. Ezra Cleveland and Austin Jackson will be the primary beneficiaries, while Josh Jones and Isaiah Wilson have both been rumored as potential first-round picks as well. With a major drop-off below the top two tiers, expect an early run of tackles. - Mike Alessandrini

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