You've read the latest mock drafts from draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. Now it's time for our NFL Nation reporters to share their expertise on the 2020 NFL draft as we close in on Round 1 (Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).
NFL Nation reporters played general manager for the teams they cover and executed a first-round mock. The results yielded a heavy dose of offensive tackles, cornerbacks and wide receivers. Trades were not allowed. Here are the results:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU | Highlights
This one is a no-brainer. The Bengals are looking for their franchise quarterback, as the Andy Dalton era is seemingly at its end. Burrow, who spent the bulk of his childhood in southeast Ohio, is a logical fit. Cincinnati values two of the things Burrow does best: make quality pre-snap reads and deliver balls in timely and accurate fashion. The Bengals have been impressed with Burrow's leadership qualities and football intelligence. He will be expected to start immediately and take over a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since 1991. -- Ben Baby
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State | Watch the pick
The Redskins consider Young a high-impact player who can help transform their defense -- they hope in the same way Nick Bosa did with San Francisco last season. The Redskins were dreadful on third down last season despite a strong pass rush. They ranked seventh in sacks per pass attempt but were last on third-down defense. There were a lot of reasons for that, but the lack of an elite pass-rusher also contributed. The Redskins have a strong, youthful core, and Young gives them what they haven't had: a young player who has the ability to be elite. -- John Keim
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State | Watch the pick
Detroit is going to try to trade the No. 3 pick. That will likely be the No. 1 option. But wherever the Lions pick, they need to go defense after being one of the worst in the league. Trading away Darius Slay left a big hole at cornerback, too. Okudah is, potentially, an ideal prospect for head coach Matt Patricia. Okudah is a strong cover corner with speed. He is fluid in transition and has no problem hitting. The Lions have no issue taking a corner at No. 3, either, as Bob Quinn said last week, "I'm not sure why teams have shied away [from taking corners]. ... I think it's obviously critical and has high value in the league." It should be enough value to pick Okudah at No. 3 and replace Slay. -- Michael Rothstein
4. New York Giants
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa | Highlights
The Giants would prefer moving down, but that is easier said than done. So it's about protecting their investments in quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. General manager Dave Gettleman talked about how the offensive line remains a pressure point. The Giants have to improve there. Wirfs is a player they have liked from the start and even saved for their final top-30 interview. The Iowa tackle plays with power, especially in the run game, which appeals to the Giants with Gettleman, Joe Judge and Jason Garrett involved. Wirfs is a premium athlete who will be a fixture protecting Jones for much of the next decade. -- Jordan Raanan
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama | Watch the pick
It would be a shock if the Dolphins didn't go quarterback, and they are happy the board gives them a choice between Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert. It comes down to whether Miami is willing to bet on Tagovailoa's health given the uncertainty around his durability. He has everything the Dolphins want in a QB -- accuracy, leadership, the "it" factor, anticipation, charisma and playmaking ability. But they still have to take a leap of faith on his health, and here, they do. The Dolphins haven't had a franchise QB since Dan Marino retired, or a Pro Bowl QB in an NFL-record 24 years. They can't become a top contender drafting out of fear. They choose to bet on Tagovailoa rather than settling for Herbert. -- Cameron Wolfe
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon | Highlights
Philip Rivers is gone after 16 seasons, and the Chargers need a new franchise quarterback. Herbert fits the profile with his agility, arm strength and leadership -- even if he's considered an introvert. Herbert proved himself a winner at Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory during his senior season. Herbert could be thrown into action immediately with the Chargers, who have a bolstered offensive line and several established targets, or he could learn behind Tyrod Taylor for a season. -- Lindsey Thiry
7. Carolina Panthers
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson | Watch the pick
Simmons might not fall this far. But if he's here, it's a no-brainer. New coach Matt Rhule loves players who can't be defined by one position. No player in this draft embodies that more than Simmons, who can play linebacker, safety or slot corner. Rhule also wants a team that plays fast. Simmons is blazing fast with a 4.39 40 at the combine. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney summed up Simmons best, saying any team that gets him will get three first-round picks. If he isn't here, Carolina will take Auburn DT Derrick Brown or trade down to take South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw. -- David Newton
8. Arizona Cardinals
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn | Watch the pick
It'll be tempting for Arizona to draft either receiver CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, but the pull to add to their pass rush will be too strong. The Cardinals bolstered their front seven this offseason, but adding another dominant defensive lineman will have a wide-ranging effect. Brown will be able to get push up front, which will help one of the best pass-rushers of this generation in Chandler Jones get to the quarterback off the edge. Pairing Brown with veterans such as Jordan Phillips and Corey Peters will allow him to learn, and a rotation of players will ease his transition into the NFL. -- Josh Weinfuss
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina | Highlights
Don't discount the Jaguars trading up in an effort to land a quarterback, but if they're unable to do so and stay at No. 9, it makes sense to grab Kinlaw to try to address one of their biggest weaknesses last season. They ranked 28th against the run (139.3 yards per game) and, per ESPN Stats & Information research, were last in yards per rush before first contact (3.3, the worst since the 2013 Bears). Kinlaw should fit in nicely alongside 33-year-old run-stuffer Al Woods, plus he'll help boost an interior pass rush that took a hit when the team traded Calais Campbell, who moved from the outside on third downs. Cornerback is an option here, too, but it's a deep class for corners and it isn't at defensive tackle. -- Michael DiRocco
10. Cleveland Browns
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia | Highlights
Although he doesn't boast Tristan Wirfs' athleticism, Jedrick Wills' strength or Mekhi Becton's upside, Thomas is the best fit at left tackle for the Browns. Given his track record manning the position in the SEC, Thomas not only projects to have the highest floor at left tackle, he's also the most game-ready left tackle in this draft. That threads the needle for the Browns, who need both a surefire future cornerstone at the position and an immediate blindside protector for quarterback Baker Mayfield. -- Jake Trotter
11. New York Jets
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama | Watch the pick
The Jets want to improve their offensive line (still), so the decision comes down to Wills or Mekhi Becton out of Louisville. Becton has a higher upside than Wills, but Wills is the safer pick because he's more pro-ready than Becton. Wills would start immediately at right tackle, with the chance of moving to left tackle in the future. The Jets would consider a wide receiver but feel confident they can draft a good one in the second or third round. -- Rich Cimini
12. Las Vegas Raiders
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma | Watch the pick
Wait, what? You mean to tell me that all three of the consensus top three wideouts are available for the Raiders at No. 12 in this draft historically deep in receivers? Sign Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden up. Otherwise, a trade back would seem to be in the offing. But in Lamb, the Raiders get a playmaker who averaged 21.4 yards per catch, scored 14 touchdowns and has the strength to be a monster in the YAC game. Lamb thrives on contested catches and would have to earn the trust of QB Derek Carr to get those 50-50 balls. Only five of 30 receivers taken in the first round since 2010 have had 1,000-yard receiving seasons as a rookie. -- Paul Gutierrez
13. San Francisco 49ers
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama | Highlights
This would be a painstaking decision, with Jerry Jeudy and CJ Henderson still on the board, but this is about giving coach Kyle Shanahan's offense a new dimension. Ruggs has the electric speed (4.27 in the 40) to stretch the field vertically for a team that was tied for 28th in completions (three) traveling 30 or more yards in the air. Ruggs is also a better-than-advertised route runner and fearless enough to go over the middle. With Ruggs going deep, George Kittle working the seams and Deebo Samuel doing a little bit of everything, Shanahan's offense can take the next step. -- Nick Wagoner
Kevin Negandhi takes a look at the top wide receivers in this year's NFL draft and explains why some analysts are predicting a record number of wideouts will be selected in the first two rounds.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville | Watch the pick
After trading for another weapon in tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs can focus on upgrading an offensive line that gave up 47 sacks last season in order to protect soon-to-be 43-year-old Tom Brady. They would be more than thrilled if Becton -- or any of the top four tackles -- falls to them at No. 14. Sources have told ESPN that they've even explored trading up to grab one. At 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, Becton's size and quick feet are a rare combination. He can step in right away and take over for Demar Dotson, and possibly be groomed into a left tackle should Donovan Smith not work out. The only concerns: He's still a little raw with technique, and he's got to keep his weight down. But there is huge upside. -- Jenna Laine
15. Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama | Highlights
Florida cornerback CJ Henderson would get a long look in this scenario. The highest the Broncos have ever taken a receiver in the first round is No. 19 -- Ashley Lelie in 2002 -- but under this scenario, Jeudy is simply too good to pass up. He's WR1 in this draft for many personnel executives. He's got 4.45 speed, a technically-sound route tree and high-end performances in big games against some of the best cornerbacks in this year's and last year's drafts. -- Jeff Legwold
16. Atlanta Falcons
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida | Highlights
The Falcons need a starting-caliber cornerback after releasing Desmond Trufant. Henderson is a great cover corner and has all the traits to make an immediate impact. If the Falcons trade up, it probably would be for a defensive tackle such as Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw. The Falcons have faith in young corners Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield, but Sheffield might move inside in the nickel, which would leave Oliver and perhaps Henderson outside. The Falcons already have one former Florida Gator in the secondary with safety Keanu Neal. -- Vaughn McClure
17. Dallas Cowboys
K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU | Highlights
The Cowboys lost Robert Quinn and his team-high 11.5 sacks to Chicago in free agency, and while Aldon Smith and/or Randy Gregory could be reinstated, the Cowboys can't bank on those two being big-time producers in 2020. Dallas needs to find another rusher opposite DeMarcus Lawrence, and Chaisson is considered by many to be the second-best edge rusher in the draft behind Chase Young. Chaisson had 9.5 sacks last season, one year removed from a torn ACL. He doesn't turn 21 until July, so there is a lot of growth and potential with Chaisson, who played his best in LSU's biggest games. -- Todd Archer
18. Miami Dolphins
Austin Jackson, OT, USC | Watch the pick
The Dolphins missed out on one of the big-four tackles, but they still have to protect Tagovailoa (or Ryan Fitzpatrick). Options at this pick included Cesar Ruiz, Josh Jones, Ezra Cleveland, Isaiah Wilson and Jackson, but the latter provides the long-term upside for Miami to build a contender. Jackson has quick feet and natural tackle ability that aren't teachable, which makes up for some of the technique fails and strength issues that can be taught. Offensive linemen are going to fly off the board, so Miami couldn't risk waiting until No. 26. -- Cameron Wolfe
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma | Watch the pick
Yeah, I know, cornerback is more of a need than linebacker, but with the top two corners already off the board and the drop-off after them steep, let's follow the board and advice of general manager Mike Mayock by "not reaching for need." In Murray, the Raiders get a prototypical Mike and team leader as a foundational player, a true thumper who would push free-agent signee Nick Kwiatkoski, who still has a lot to prove himself. Trading down from here to get into the second round and pick up another selection makes a ton of sense, too. -- Paul Gutierrez
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama | Highlights
The Jaguars also could pick a defensive end here because of the uncertainty with Yannick Ngakoue. A.J. Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos are names to watch. However, the need at corner is greater, and Diggs is a big, physical player with what analysts are calling a rare combo of size, speed and agility. He's got good ball skills, too, as he's a former receiver and also can return punts and kicks. Could it be considered a bit of a reach at 20? Potentially, because Diggs is a bit raw, but his upside is huge. -- Michael DiRocco
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU | Highlights
Life for Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz just got a whole lot easier. Jefferson's production stands out even in a historic receiver draft class, as he had an NCAA-best 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for LSU last season. Compare that to an Eagles receiving corps that didn't have one player reach 500 yards in 2019. Jefferson is a smooth mover with top-notch body control and a knack for making contested catches. He has enough polish to produce and will be an instant asset, particularly in the red zone. Some personnel people view him as a slot receiver. If the Eagles agree, they'll have to figure out how to best utilize Jefferson given that they like to operate often out of two tight-end sets. -- Tim McManus
22. Minnesota Vikings
Josh Jones, OT, Houston | Watch the pick
The Vikings have several needs to address at No. 22, but given the depth of this receiver class, it would be difficult for Minnesota to pass on one of the draft's top offensive linemen. Jones' profile puts him in the raw/developmental prospect category. But if the Vikings stick with Riley Reiff at left tackle, Jones could spend the year getting acquainted before vying to take over that spot in 2021. He needs some work in pass protection but is a strong fit for the Vikings' run-oriented zone blocking scheme because of his length and athletic ability in the open field. -- Courtney Cronin
Kevin Negandhi dives into the careers of the top four defensive prospects of the 2020 draft, including Ohio State's Chase Young and Clemson's Isaiah Simmons.
23. New England Patriots
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU | Highlights
It's a new day in New England. Selecting a 6-foot, 229-pound linebacker doesn't fit the usual prototype at the position (bigger and more rugged is the norm), but Queen's speed and coverage skills are exactly what the Patriots need. When you have to beat QBs such as Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson in the AFC, playmaking linebackers who can run are especially valuable. -- Mike Reiss
24. New Orleans Saints
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State | Watch the pick
The Saints would have to consider QB Jordan Love in this scenario, since Drew Brees is 41 years old. But they aren't going to force a QB pick unless they're ... well, in love. Instead, they'll address another vital position for the second time in three years. Gross-Matos (6-5, 266) has the size and length the Saints prefer in their 4-3 defensive ends, and he can be an asset as both a pass-rusher and run-defender while rotating with former first-round picks Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. Linebacker would have been a strong consideration here, too, if Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen had fallen. -- Mike Triplett
25. Minnesota Vikings
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson | Watch the pick
Don't be shocked if the Vikings trade back from No. 25. The way the cornerback and receiver groups came off the board in our mock draft would present general manager Rick Spielman with a great opportunity to trade back for more picks to address both positions during Day 2. But Terrell is worthy of a late-first-round selection. He has the size (6-1, 195 pounds) of a Mike Zimmer corner and will compete as a contributor from day one at one of the two vacant outside spots. Scouts love Terrell for his length and fluidity. It's hard to find true coverage corners, and Terrell's flexibility to play in various schemes means Minnesota could get an early return on its investment. -- Courtney Cronin
26. Miami Dolphins
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa | Watch the pick
Trust the tape. That's what believers in Epenesa will have to do after poor combine testing dropped his stock. Lucky for him, the tape is what the Dolphins believe in. Epenesa has 22 sacks over the past two seasons with strong power, hands and moves. Passing on Cesar Ruiz was difficult because he seems to be exactly what coach Brian Flores is looking for in a center, but Epenesa gets a nod here because he's a versatile fit in the Dolphins' multiple defense with the ability to play 3-4 end, 4-3 end and even inside. Epenesa could be the Trey Flowers of a Flores defense that finished 2019 last in the league in sacks. -- Cameron Wolfe
27. Seattle Seahawks
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama | Watch the pick
Defensive line and linebacker are arguably bigger needs, but the Seahawks wouldn't reach for the lesser front-seven prospects available here and pass up on a back-end star such as McKinney. They'd be all over McKinney, Todd McShay's top-ranked safety and his 14th-highest-graded prospect overall. McKinney is versatile enough to play deep, in the box and in the slot, so coach Pete Carroll wouldn't have trouble getting him on the field. And while general manager John Schneider will be looking to trade back like he usually does in the first round, McKinney falling is among the scenarios that would tempt him to stay put. -- Brady Henderson
28. Baltimore Ravens
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson | Highlights
The Ravens would love for a top-rated pass-rusher or middle linebacker to fall to them. With the way the board fell, the decision came down to two wide receivers (Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk) and Michigan center Cesar Ruiz. The Ravens will ultimately go with giving Lamar Jackson a big target in Higgins, whose size and leaping ability perfectly complement Marquise Brown, Baltimore's first-round pick from a year ago. Plus, Higgins is known for high character, a championship pedigree and a love for blocking -- which are intangibles Baltimore covets. This selection helps the Ravens move toward general manager Eric DeCosta's goal of making this offense "undefendable." -- Jamison Hensley
29. Tennessee Titans
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU | Highlights
Aside from Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler, the Titans' roster lacks proven cornerbacks. Adding Gladney gives Tennessee a prospect who will push for a starting spot and at a minimum play extensive reps in sub packages. The Titans are desperately in need of a cornerback who can shut down underneath routes. Gladney's sticky coverage ability will help reduce the Titans' third-down conversion rate allowed. Gladney plays with a degree of passion and energy that fits right in with coach Mike Vrabel's attacking defense. If the Titans decided to trade back, they could still grab a potential starting cornerback in the second round. -- Turron Davenport
30. Green Bay Packers
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU | Watch the pick
Yes, I know fans want and expect a receiver -- Brandon Aiyuk, Denzel Mims and Jalen Reagor all were available -- but this isn't about what fans want or what a reporter would do. It's what the Packers will do or won't do. They haven't taken a first-round receiver in 18 years, so why do it now with one of the deepest classes at that position? They could get an instant-impact receiver on the second day. Maybe GM Brian Gutekunst would trade back to ensure one of the earlier picks in the second round to do it, but after watching the 49ers run all over his defense in the NFC title game, a run-stopping defensive tackle such as Blacklock would be their kind of player. -- Rob Demovsky
31. San Francisco 49ers
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah | Highlights
It would be one of the biggest surprises of the draft if the Niners didn't trade down here. They aren't scheduled to pick again until the fifth round (No. 156 overall) after this spot. So, look for them to move out of here and add some midround selections. If they don't move back, Johnson's speed, size and ball skills would make him a good fit capable of starting right away opposite Richard Sherman. With Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon and K'Waun Williams scheduled for unrestricted free agency after next season, the Niners have to begin planning for the future at corner. -- Nick Wagoner
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota | Watch the pick
The Chiefs have only five picks, so trading down here to acquire an additional choice or two would make a lot of sense. They'll need as many good, young players with relatively inexpensive contracts as they can get with a big deal looming for Patrick Mahomes. Safety isn't much of a need, but Winfield is too good of a value for the Chiefs to pass up. Immediately, he can help with slot coverage and be insurance in case Juan Thornhill isn't ready at the start of the season after tearing his ACL in the final regular-season game of 2019. Down the line, he's a possible successor to Tyrann Mathieu. -- Adam Teicher