NFL draft tracker 2020: Live updates, analysis on every pick in first round

The 2020 NFL draft, i.e. the league’s 85th annual “Player Selection Meeting,” arrives at a time when Americans generally and sports fans specifically are thirsting for welcome distractions with the nation plunged into the 24-7 reality of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The NFL views this most unique of drafts as an opportunity to not only provide entertainment relief but as a vehicle to provide actual relief to those battling COVID-19 and its aftermath by generating donations through a “Draft-A-Thon” that will take place in parallel with the main event. (You can donate here.)

Otherwise, should be an interesting three days as all 32 teams tackle the challenges of operating virtually while the prospects – 58 of them actively (but remotely) participating with the league after the opportunity for a Las Vegas vacation went by the boards – await their big moment.

On to the picks, which will be announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell from his suburban New York City home:

2020 NFL draft tracker: First-round picks

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU: What’s been inevitable in the four months since Cincy locked into the No. 1 pick is officially a reality. Burrow – he hails from Athens, Ohio and proudly champions his underdog hometown – is now tasked with taking the lowly Bengals to the promised land after more than five decades of championship futility.

The record-setting (60 TD passes for national champion LSU in 2019!!) Heisman Trophy winner – this is the third consecutive draft kicked off by the reigning Heisman recipient – told me this week that he’d be perfectly happy to play near home and would even be fine carrying a clipboard behind incumbent starter Andy Dalton … provided Dalton beats him out for the starting job.

And don’t be surprised if this club, which played very hard in 2019 and was generally more competitive than its 2-14 record suggests, becomes instantly relevant. The offensive supporting cast includes 1,000-yard WRs A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd, 1,000-yard rusher Joe Mixon and OT Jonah Williams, a first-rounder in 2019 who didn’t play because of injury. Then blend in a defense bolstered by a rare infusion of free agent money? Don’t be shocked if they’re in the wild-card mix in 2020’s expanded playoff field. Elite from the neck up with his ability to dissect defenses and blessed with the accuracy and intelligence to instantly exploit schematic weaknesses, Burrow might not need long to become a Tiger King (again).

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, DE, Ohio State: Fat chance trying to pry this pick from new coach Ron Rivera in his first ‘Skins draft. Widely regarded as the best overall player in this draft class, Young could have a similar impact on this defense as Buckeyes predecessor Nick Bosa did on San Francisco’s last year. Young, who posted a school record 16½ sacks in 2019 despite a two-game suspension from the NCAA, will give Washington five first-rounders in a front reverting to a 4-3 base, joining Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne. Every reason to believe he could come out of the chute with double-digit sacks in his rookie campaign. At 6-5 and 264 pounds, we could be looking at the next Julius Peppers.

3. Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Athleticism. Size. Ball skills. Pretty much everything you’d want in a No. 1 corner, not to mention his pedigree from THE Ohio State – a DB factory nonpareil. Sub 4.5 speed, sweet feet and a 6-1, 205-pound frame are going to instantly make Okudah quite a match for most NFL wideouts. Okudah also helps fill a void in Motown following the trade of Pro Bowler Darius Slay to Philadelphia. The best defenses Detroit coach Matt Patricia was involved with in New England had elite corners – Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Stephon Gilmore – and it appears he’s trying to now build something similar here.

4. New York Giants – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia: Good to see the “computer folks” have enabled old-school GM Dave Gettleman to make his first virtual pick without a hitch. Thomas, an All-American in 2019, becomes the first tackle off the board in what projects as a strong crop at the position. Gettleman has clearly opted to go with a beloved “Hog Molly” to stabilize a sub-par O-line which needs to better protect new franchise QB Daniel Jones while providing sufficient daylight for dynamic RB Saquon Barkley.

5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama: And perhaps this draft’s most compelling question is answered. Whether or not the Fins “tanked for Tua,” he’s now the guy charged with unenviable task of filling Dan Marino’s long-vacant cleats. At No. 5, the Dolphins’ brain trust obviously decided it was comfortable rolling the dice on Tagovailoa, who might have been the No.1 overall pick had he not suffered a dislocated hip with a fracture to the posterior wall in November. He joins a quickly reloading team which has the option of redshirting him behind Ryan Fitzpatrick (and maybe Josh Rosen) as long as medically and developmentally necessary. When Tagovailoa is between the lines, what a player. If he’s the next Drew Brees or Russell Wilson or some combination thereof, Miami will be more than thrilled. Over the past two seasons, Tagovailoa completed 70% of his passes, posting 76 TD passes against just nine INTs – nearly Burrow-esque numbers.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: Projected as a top-five pick in 2019, he instead returned to Eugene for his senior season – which culminated with a Rose Bowl win. Over the past two seasons, Herbert has compiled 61 TD passes against 14 INTs, connecting on 63.2% of his passes. He’s highly cerebral if perhaps a touch conservative and, at times, inaccurate even on what should be lay-up completions. There have also been questions about whether he’s a vocal enough leader. But Herbert seemed to answer many of his detractors with a strong showing at both the Senior Bowl and scouting combine. A good athlete who can sling it deep, he’ll be donning the Bolts’ sweet new uniforms, sure to soon be a marquee attraction for a team moving into a new stadium. However Herbert could sit early if he can’t displace veteran QB Tyrod Taylor, who’s been endlessly praised by team brass ever since Philip Rivers’ departure.

7. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn: The first pick of the Matt Rhule era is the SEC’s reigning defensive player of the year. Brown won’t wow you with statistical production (33 tackles for loss and 12½ sacks in four seasons), but the 6-5, 326-pounder is massive, strong, quick, relentless and scheme diverse. He’s an immediate upgrade to a defense that allowed the second-most points (the 470 were the most allowed in franchise history) in the league a year ago.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson: The main question about Simmons, who played 100+ snaps at five positions last year, is whether he’s a man with multiple positions or one who may not have mastered any. At 6-4 and 238 pounds, can he really hold up as a slot corner or deep safety in the NFL? Regardless, Simmons has amazing speed (4.39 in the 40) for a man his size and may wind up being a Kam Chancellor-type enforcer or Derrick Brooks-level off-ball linebacker … if the Cards are right. Tantalizing prospect, no doubt, and one who has the opportunity to flash with a group featuring Pro Bowlers like Patrick Peterson, Chandler Jones and Budda Baker.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida: A team that’s parted with CBs Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye since October opts for an excellent cover man in Henderson. The 6-foot, 204-pounder will need to polish his tackling skills as a pro, but the Jags will be paying him to discourage opposing passers from even throwing his way.

10. Cleveland Browns – Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama: His ridiculously strong 6-4, 312-pound base sits atop nifty feet. Wills manned the right side in Tuscaloosa (Tagovailoa’s blind side) but will likely play on the left in Cleveland, a problem area ever since Joe Thomas played his final game in 2017. With free agent Jack Conklin locking down the right side, the protection for QB Baker Mayfield (40 sacks in 2019) looks infinitely better heading into 2020.

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville: The first selection of GM Joe Douglas’ tenure helps fulfill his promise to Sam Darnold’s parents that he’d look after the third-year passer. The 6-7, 364-pound Becton, who’s also freakishly nimble, is arguably this draft’s most impressive physical specimen and should be a fine long-term bodyguard. Expect him to block out the sun for Darnold while grading plenty of lanes for RB Le’Veon Bell.

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: The fastest player in this draft also becomes the first player in league history to begin his career as a Las Vegas Raider. And Al Davis would be proud of GM Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden for selecting a player with sub-4.3 40 speed. Ruggs reached the end zone for the Crimson Tide one of every four times he touched the ball, meaning 25 TDs on 100 touches. But make no mistake, he’s also got excellent hands. Perhaps the next DeSean Jackson, Ruggs should also loosen defenses for RB Josh Jacobs, his former teammate at Alabama. Ruggs, TE Darren Waller and WRs Hunter Renfrow and Tyrell Williams should give QB Derek Carr quite a diverse group of pass catchers.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Indianapolis Colts via San Francisco 49ers) –Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa: In the first draft-day trade, this pick changes hands yet again, originally dealt by the Colts to the Niners for DT DeForest Buckner. But Wirfs compelled the Bucs to rise one spot, obviously stirring their interest as a guy who can safeguard QB Tom Brady, who will be 43 this season. One of the combine’s stars, Wirfs’ broad (10-1) and vertical jumps (36½ inches) are all-time event standards for offensive linemen … so, exceptional athlete for a big man (6-5, 320). Expect him to plug in at right tackle, though he could eventually supplant pedestrian LT Donovan Smith.

14. San Francisco 49ers (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: GM John Lynch picks up a much-needed fourth-round selection – the Niners previously had no selections in Rounds 2, 3 or 4 – to move back one slot for a player he likely would’ve taken anyway at No. 13 (flashes of 2017?). Kinlaw immediately assuages the departure of Buckner and should thrive inside amid the Niners’ deep and fleet defensive line. At 6-5, 324 pounds, he had six sacks for the Gamecocks in 2019. Kinlaw has also shown great personal determination in his lifetime, overcoming homelessness as a young boy.

15. Denver Broncos – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: The latest addition to an offense that showed significant signs of life late in 2019, following the promotion of rookie QB Drew Lock. Jeudy runs every route, boasts 4.4 speed and piles up points (24 TD grabs since 2018). Over the past two seasons, he’s compiled 145 grabs for 2,478 yards. He should become a high-volume target in an attack that features big-bodied Pro Bowl WR Courtland Sutton, swift TE Noah Fant and newly signed RB Melvin Gordon.

16. Atlanta Falcons – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson: GM Thomas Dimitroff failed in his apparent bid to move up, including a reported offer for Washington’s No. 2 overall pick. But by staying put, the Falcons come away with Terrell, who will likely slide into the job vacated by Desmond Trufant. Terrell notably struggled in Clemson’s national championship roasting at the hands of Burrow and LSU, but his performance in that game was probably overblown. His overall résumé is impressive … but will quickly get tested by Drew Brees, Brady and others.

17. Dallas Cowboys – :

18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh Steelers) – :

19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears) – :

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams) – :

21. Philadelphia Eagles – :

22. Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills) – :

23. New England Patriots – :

24. New Orleans Saints – :

25. Minnesota Vikings – :

26. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) – :

27. Seattle Seahawks – :

28. Baltimore Ravens – :

29. Tennessee Titans – :

30. Green Bay Packers – :

31. San Francisco 49ers – :

32. Kansas City Chiefs – : 

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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

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