Jan 3, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) checks the defense before the snap against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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The NFL Draft is the biggest event of the offseason for many reasons. The drama builds over the course of months, and there’s endless amounts of optimism and good feels throughout the three-day event. But some NFL teams would love a do-over.
Investing millions of dollars in 20-somethings can either bring out the best in an individual or the worst. When it goes south, sometimes it’s a matter of the wrong player teaming up the wrong coaching staff. Other times, the evaluation on how a star college player projected in the pros was simply off.
We’re going to redraft the 2020 NFL Draft class as if the franchises knew what was coming in their rookie campaign. Performances, injuries, and team fits are all considered. We’ll exclude draft-day trades that were made, so pre-draft order is back.
2.Bengals — Joe Burrow, QB
Original Pick: Joe Burrow, QB
The 2020 quarterback class enjoyed a great start to their careers. Burrow looked every part of a franchise passer in 10 games before tearing his ACL. He consistently created big plays despite having a woeful offensive line, showing the same moxy we saw in college.
Burrow totaled 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 2020. Cincinnati would have to choose between Burrow and Justin Herbert. The two are quite different in skill sets.
Burrow gets the nod for now. Putting Burrow in Los Angeles last year likely leads to a better year from the former Heisman Trophy winner, and Herbert likely struggles more in Cincinnati.
3.Washington Football Team — Justin Herbert, QB
Original Pick: Chase Young, Edge
Washington did not blow their choice to grab Chase Young, but retrospect makes it clear: Herbert should’ve been the pick. Herbert was a completely different player in the NFL as a rookie than he was at Oregon. Washington can’t be fully blamed for passing on him after seeing Herbert struggle to be more than a game manager in college.
There was also already a young quarterback in Washington’s locker room in Dwayne Haskins. Haskins was given a fresh start under new coach Ron Rivera, but the relationship quickly soured. Haskins’ work ethic simply didn’t match up with what’s required from a star quarterback.
Young ended up being a great pick, but a better one was available.
4.Lions — Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Original Pick: Jeff Okudah, CB
The Lions have the tough choice of grabbing a franchise edge player or a quarterback. As everything stands today, the Lions have a mediocre quarterback in Jared Goff and a plethora of picks. The rest of their roster lacks playmakers.
Tagovailoa had ups and downs as a rookie, but also had the worst supporting cast of any first-year quarterback. His accuracy was on point and he’s clearly mentally advanced for his age. There was nothing on-field he showed to be concerned about his ability to continue growing into a star.
Taking Tua over Young would’ve allowed them to slow-cook the Alabama passer for one-year, then deal Matthew Stafford after 2020 for a similar haul, minus Goff. Tagovailoa would’ve thrived with new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, who has shown the ability to craft his offense around a variety of skill sets. Detroit would’ve entered 2021 needing help at receiver but little else around him.
5.Giants — Mekhi Becton, OT
Original Pick: Andrew Thomas, OT
Although the Giants may not have blown this pick with Andrew Thomas, they definitely didn’t make the most out of it in 2020. Thomas was fine as a rookie, but allowed 10 sacks and often looked overwhelmed early on. His New York counterpart Mekhi Becton simply looked better as a potential franchise left tackle.
Becton’s massive frame allowed him to be a mauler in the run game, which would help Saquon Barkley more than Thomas’s svelte style. His pass protection was better as well. His huge wingspan and play strength is rare, and allows him to compensate for technical issues better than Thomas can.
Taking Becton over Young is a tough call, but the Giants correctly identified the need for a left tackle.
6.Dolphins — Chase Young, Edge
Original Pick: Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Miami missed out on a quarterback in this re-draft, but the consolation prize is they almost made the playoffs with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Then, they still land the third overall pick in 2021 thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade. Tagovailoa can be really good, but the alternate reality where Miami has Young and Justin Fields is likely better than whatever Miami comes away with now.
Young is the easy choice here. He’s a tremendous player already, racking up 7.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures in Washington last year. He’ll be a pinnacle at his position for the next decade.
The Dolphins still need a pass rusher one-year later, and Young would’ve taken an already good defense to another level.
7.Chargers — Jedrick Wills Jr., OT
Original Pick: Justin Herbert, QB
The Chargers hit the lottery with Herbert based on early returns. He’ll have to show Year 1 wasn’t just a flash in the pan moving forward, but the Chargers have done well to add around him this offseason.
With him gone in our re-draft, adding to the cast around Tyrod Taylor and maybe Jalen Hurts as a second-round pick makes sense. Jedrick Wills Jr. was quietly a fantastic rookie blocker for the Browns. He can play either tackle position thanks to excellent technique and athleticism.
8.Panthers — Jeremy Chinn, S
Original Pick: Derrick Brown, DT
Carolina made the right call as far as taking Derrick Brown as the first defensive tackle, but their second-round pick was even better as a rookie. The versatile safety was all over the place and helped transform the unit. He proved to be a rare playmaker on the back-end of the secondary.
With 117 tackles, an interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 defensive touchdowns and 5 pass breakups, Chinn separated himself from his defensive peers. His fit into the defense changed the outlook of the Panthers’ defense. Few expected them to compete for a playoff spot but the Panthers held in the race for much of the season.
9.Cardinals — Justin Jefferson, WR
Original Pick: Isaiah Simmons, LB
The first-year of the Isaiah Simmons experiment was a big bust for the Cardinals. Billed as a hybrid playmaker, Simmons showed unfamiliarity with any one position as a rookie. His athleticism was clear though, and could still pay off massively.
But Arizona would surely go another direction if they could. Landing Pro Bowl receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 8 would be a steal when putting his performance into perspective. He could produce even better with Kyler Murray as his quarterback.
The long-term health of the Cardinals unit would benefit from Jefferson as well. Many thought the Cardinals could take CeeDee Lamb here, but the trifecta of DeAndre Hopkins, Jefferson, and Christian Kirk would’ve been even more special.
10.Jaguars — CJ Henderson, CB
Original Pick: CJ Henderson, CB
The Jaguars nailed their first pick. CJ Henderson appeared in only eight games but looked every bit the part of a stud corner. His physicality and demeanor will help lead the defensive overhaul that’s taken place.
Whether or not another corner overtakes Henderson in future redrafts remains to be seen. The competition has grown tougher after Year 1, and we haven’t seen the best from Jeff Okudah yet, either. Henderson projects as an excellent fit with new defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.
11.Browns — Tristan Wirfs, OT
Original Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT
Cleveland would be a little bummed to miss out on Willis because he was perfect for them but Wirfs is a great consolation prize. Wirfs was a dominant right tackle for Tampa Bay, showing rare strength and explosiveness in the trenches. It could be argued he was the best rookie blocker of any.
Putting Nick Chubb behind Wirfs in the run game would be a dream to see unfold. Wirfs was a masterful pancake artist and figures to only get better. He could challenge for All Pro status in 2021.
12.Jets — Jeff Okudah, CB
Original Pick: Mekhi Becton, OT
Jets general manager Joe Douglas was able to get a big steal with Becton at No. 11 overall but there’s no chance it’d happen again in a re-draft. Taking Andrew Thomas would be tempting to at least get real talent along the unit, but there’s a better upside play here. And that’s taking Okudah.
Okudah didn’t take the world by storm as expected, but being in Matt Patricia’s hands was a bad place to meet expectations. The long and physical corner remains the athletic prototype for the position. Putting him on Robert Saleh’s defense with actual pass rushers would get the most out of his career.
13.Raiders — CeeDee Lamb, WR
Original Pick: Henry Ruggs, WR
The Raiders may be the first team to really blow their first-round pick for 2020. Henry Ruggs had good but not great film, and unsurprisingly was little more than a fast guy as a rookie. He’ll have to prove to be more than a role player in 2021.
Taking a more skilled receiver would be a huge priority for the Raiders. The offense badly lacked playmakers even with Ruggs. Derek Carr broke out with a career season despite Nelson Agholor being his top target.
Lamb was excellent for the Cowboys despite playing with Andy Dalton for much of the year. His route-running and crisp hands would jump to the top of the Raiders’ depth chart.
14.49ers — Derrick Brown, DT
Original Pick: Javon Kinlaw, DT
After trading DeForest Buckner to the Colts, the 49ers knew they had to address their defensive tackle need. Landing Javon Kinlaw originally was a nice value. Kinlaw proved to be better against the run than expected and his pass-rush showed promise.
However, the 49ers would gladly trade Kinlaw for Brown if they could right now. Brown was twice as effective as Kinlaw was at getting after the quarterback, and even better against the run. Brown plays with a real force that shows at the point of attack.
15.Buccaneers — Andrew Thomas, OT
Original Pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT
Tampa Bay’s home run with Wirfs helped them win a Super Bowl. The downgrade from Wirfs to Thomas might not be enough to stop the inevitable, but the Bucs’ offense would have suffered. Thomas simply doesn’t play with the same nastiness or have the same athleticism.
But Thomas’s ups were still good enough to earn first-round distinction. He was unfortunate to be taken first among a group of great rookie blockers. Thomas can still develop into a quality starting tackle in Year 2 and beyond.
16.Broncos — Tee Higgins, WR
Original Pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Few expected the Broncos’ offense to struggle as much as it did in 2020 after Drew Lock burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2019. His small sample size proved little in terms of what was to come next. His struggles stagnated the entire offense.
That included rookie Jerry Jeudy, who had the most incomplete targets that were the quarterback’s fault, per PFF. Jeudy will be great when he gets the ball, but Tee Higgins still outplayed him. Higgins caught 67 passes for 908 yards and 6 touchdowns despite dealing with Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley for six games.
17.Falcons — L'Jarius Sneed, CB
Original Pick: AJ Terrell, CB
One of the biggest risers is L’Jarius Sneed. The Louisiana Tech defensive back was viewed as a safety by some teams, but he stepped in as a rookie and balled out at corner. The Chiefs quickly put him into a rotation to get him snaps, and Sneed answered with a monstrous season.
With 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and 2 sacks in nine games, Sneed is ready to take over as a full time starter in 2021. The Falcons didn’t completely miss on Terrell, but Sneed plays more physically and confidently. He’s a clearly better player after one season and therefore the pick here.
18.Cowboys — Jaylon Johnson, CB
Original Pick: CeeDee Lamb, WR
Another big winner as a rookie corner is Jaylon Johnson. It’s hard to play well at the position, especially early on, but Johnson enjoyed a good stretch until the very end of the year. His 6’0”, 193-pound frame proved an excellent fit for Chicago and Dallas would have benefitted from his talent.
Losing out on Lamb is a big bummer because of how he impacted the offense, but the defense needed help anyways. Cowboys second-rounder Trevon Diggs was one of the worst rookie corners who played significantly, so replacing him with Johnson would’ve avoided a potentially disastrous Day 2 investment as well.
19.Dolphins — Jerry Jeudy, WR
Original Pick: Austin Jackson, OT
Miami originally took Austin Jackson as a project blocker here, but they’re going to be able to land him a little later in the re-draft. Even better, they get a No. 1 receiver in Jeudy. He would be a great compliment to DeVante Parker and Will Fuller in their 2021 offense.
His route-running, speed, and ability to create separation is already that of a seasoned pro. He’ll see his stock jump back up if he gets competent quarterback play in 2021.
20.Raiders — Cameron Dantzler, CB
Original Pick: Damon Arnette, CB
The second Raiders’ pick would also go for the same position, but a different player. Cornerback Damon Arnette showed good potential as a rookie, but lacked refinement expected out of a first-rounder. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ second cornerback drafted, Cameron Dantzler, looked more pro-ready.
Dantzler is lengthy and instinctive, making him a good fit in Vegas’ mixed coverage defense. The lack of safety help currently in place is a big difference from the protection he had in Minnesota, but the Raiders would’ve enjoyed the quality play Dantzler produced in 11 games over Arnette’s struggles.
21.Jaguars — Antoine Winfield, Jr., S
Original Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge
While Jacksonville hit on their first selection, their second first-rounder appears to be a missed opportunity. Chaisson wasn’t an overly explosive talent at LSU and it showed in Year 1. The Jaguars could still use a true compliment to Josh Allen.
Instead, filling out their young secondary with another playmaker would’ve been wise. Heady youngster Antoine Winfield Jr. brought versatility and instincts to the Buccaneers. Urban Meyer would’ve loved to inherit him this offseason.
22.Eagles — Brandon Aiyuk, WR
Original Pick: Jalen Reagor, WR
Injuries limited Eagles’ first-round pick Jalen Reagor to just 396 yards and one score in 2020, making him an easy candidate to redraft. Philadelphia desperately needed him to be an impactful rookie, but instead took him over Justin Jefferson. Reagor has an uphill battle to prove worthy of his draft slot.
With hindsight, Aiyuk would’ve been a cleaner fit for Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts. Aiyuk is a thick-bodied target with surprising speed and power through his routes. He averaged 12.5 yards per catch for 748 total yards and 5 touchdowns.
23.Vikings — Chase Claypool, WR
Original Pick: Justin Jefferson, WR
Replacing Stefon Diggs seemed impossible, but the Vikings did it with their first pick in the 2020 first-round. Jefferson is long gone in the re-draft, and the Vikings take former second-rounder Chase Claypool to help fill the void. Claypool produced in spurts for the Steelers, but has the tools to be much more consistent over time.
His breakout against Philadelphia (7 catches, 110 yards, 3 touchdowns) was an eye-opener for what’s possible. His vertical dominance is unique in this class. Kirk Cousins may not be the best passer for Claypool, but the offense is more varied for Claypool to develop in.
24.Patriots — Denzel Mims, WR
Original Pick: Kenneth Murray, LB (by Chargers)
The 2020 Patriots offense was a slog. Why the Pats passed on taking a playmaker in a rich class and instead traded down is a head-scratcher. They’d have to make this right in the re-draft.
Current Jets receiver Denzel Mims only had 357 yards in nine games but that’s more to do with a bad quarterback and offensive system than Mims’ talent. His movement skills for a 6’3”, 207-pound frame is special. He projects as an above-average starter who can flourish in a more open offense.
25.Saints — Cesar Ruiz, C
Original Pick: Cesar Ruiz, C
Looking at the past 10 years of drafts, there are few teams doing as well in the first-round as the Saints. This regime continually finds the right fit for their roster and maximizes the talent they acquire. They did it again with Cesar Ruiz.
The lone interior lineman in the first round last year, Ruiz was an instant stud. He’s a fantastic pass blocker thanks to his stout lower body and strong punch.
26.Vikings — Michael Onwenu, OG
Original Pick: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (49ers)
The Vikings grabbed a receiver already and still need a corner, but Jeff Gladney wasn’t worth the first-round pick they spent on him in 2020. Instead, staying put at No. 25 and taking a versatile offensive lineman to further solidify the unit makes more sense. Patriots sixth-rounder Michael Onwenu jumps all the way up to this pick to be the left guard for the Vikings.
Onwenu played tackle as well and filled in admirably at both spots. He’s a powerful presence, which would complement recent draft picks Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland, and Brian O’Neill.
27.Dolphins — Austin Jackson, OT
Original Pick: Jordan Love, QB (Packers)
We mentioned Miami would come back around for their guy and here he is. Austin Jackson was more polished than expected as a rookie. That’s an ode to the coaching staff as well as Jackson’s hard work.
Jackson is a great value this late in the first-round as a good starter with tools to get even better. Though Miami didn’t get a quarterback in the re-draft, the roster is ready to welcome one in 2021.
28.Seahawks — AJ Terrell, CB
Original Pick: Jordyn Brooks, LB
The Seahawks’ cornerback room was supposed to be a strength of the unit with Shaquill Griffin, Tre Flowers, and Quinton Dunbar. Instead, the pass defense was among the worst in the league. Original draft pick Jordyn Brooks wasn’t able to help them.
Rookie AJ Terrell would’ve worked in rotation with Flowers and eventually earned a starting job. Dunbar never played up to his past level with Washington, and Griffin departed in free agency to greener pastures. Terrell was inconsistent as a rookie, but can rebound to be a nice starter.
29.Ravens — Gabriel Davis, WR
Original Pick: Patrick Queen, LB
Baltimore was able to get great production from linebacker Patrick Queen, and they’re not regretting their decision to add to their defense. But if given the choice to help Lamar Jackson more, they should. Seeing how veteran receivers scurried elsewhere in 2021 means this is the best way to find a playmaker.
Buffalo found a bargain with Gabriel Davis. The fourth-round pick caught 35 passes for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. He and Hollywood Brown would give Jackson two dynamic downfield threats who could maximize their low-volume passing attack.
30.Titans — Kenneth Murray, LB
Original Pick: Isaiah Wilson, OT
The quickest re-draft decision of the entire first round would be Tennessee’s. Isaiah Wilson is arguably the worst first-round pick of all time considering he played just four snaps in 2020, then was traded and released. He may not get another chance to play in the NFL.
Instead, the Titans would grab an ultra-productive rookie in Kenneth Murray. Addressing their 19th-ranked run defense, the Titans would have a chance to advance in the playoffs and fight for a Super Bowl bid. Murray is a stout run defender with some range on passing downs.
31.Packers — Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Original Pick: Noah Igbinoghene, CB (by Dolphins)
We finally saw the Packers add to their offense in 2020, but it wasn’t the position anyone expected. Trading up for quarterback backfired as highly productive playmakers were drafted shortly after. Love will likely ride the bench for the duration of Aaron Rodgers’s contract.
Instead, the Packers would draft Michael Pittman Jr. in the first-round. The big-bodied Colts receiver was limited to 13 games due to injuries, but his fluidity for his size is promising. He’d form a good young duo with Davante Adams for Rodgers.
32.49ers — Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR
Original Pick: Jeff Gladney, CB (by Vikings)
Missing out on Aiyuk in the re-draft hurts the 49ers, but all is not lost. Laviska Shenault should’ve been a first-rounder to begin with, and he rewarded the Jaguars with an exciting rookie season. He can do it all, and Kyle Shanahan was surely intrigued with the former Colorado playmaker as a prospect.
Shenault may have even been able to step in at running back after injuries set in on the roster last year. Fantasy owners would’ve thrived in this scenario.
33.Chiefs — Damien Lewis, G
Original Pick: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
Taking a running back in the first-round can be questioned almost immediately because there’s almost always more productive backs taken later. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a fine rookie, but ultimately fell off as injuries limited the offensive line’s ability to make holes. The Chiefs would’ve been better off stacking depth in the trenches.
One of the top two rookie guards was Damien Lewis. The Seahawks grabbed him 69th overall. A massive steal, Lewis would have thrived in the Chiefs’ zone-rushing attack.