The first ever virtual NFL Draft will take place on April 23, 2020 and all fans of football will watch as NFL teams will draft prospects from remote locations. In this time of virtual, online drafting, I think we should get a feel of what these prospects will look like in the online gaming world. Let’s have some fun and instead of a traditional NFL Mock Draft, let’s get a glimpse of what our Madden rosters will look like in this mock draft scenario. Enjoy!
Round 1: Pick 1
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Overall Rating - 79
Round 1: Pick 3
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Overall Rating - 78
Let’s face it, the Lions haven’t used the Stafford era of the franchise’s years very well. The days of Stafford being their franchise QB are coming to an end and there is no one viable developing behind him. No team expects to be picking in the top five of the NFL Draft the next year so how could they let one of the best QB prospects in recent history past them. Yes, the medicals are a concern but it’s safe to say that Tagovailoa wouldn’t get past the Dolphins or Chargers if he slips past the Lions at three. There are other options available that could also fill the Lion’s needs but the value of the QB position is too important to pass on. With Stafford still in on the roster, Tagovailoa doesn’t need to start right away, allowing him to heal and learn the system, thus falling into a nice spot for him in the early stages of his NFL career.
Round 1: Pick 5
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Overall Rating - 74
This is where it gets interesting. The Dolphins have a choice to make and QB is one that they can’t miss on. Is Herbert a top five, heck, top ten QB; not on my board. Does he have the skillset to develop into a solid NFL starter, yes he does. The Dolphins understand this and know that without a viable, young franchise QB they aren’t going anywhere soon. Even with all the picks they have in the draft, the QB position is the most important pick for them. Herbert’s size, arm strength, and intangibles provide a solid foundation to develop on. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen are still under contract so much like Tagovailoa, Herbert won’t be pressured to start right away, even though history tells us it’s only a matter of time until he does. Herbert still has some developing to do and decision making is one of them. This keeps his Madden rating on the lower end to start his professional career.
Round 1: Pick 9
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Overall Rating: 77
Once again, it’s the Gardner Minshew show for the Jaguars and even though there are a lot of question marks surrounding his ability as a starter, it’s Minshew’s job to lose. Jags could reach here and nab Jordan Love but that most likely won’t happen. They could draft OL but for the fun of this draft, they go receiver and take Jerry Jeudy. This receiver class is deep but Jeudy enters the league polished and nuanced with incredible route running savvy mixed with very good field awareness. His frame is light, so traffic situations aren’t a strength, but his ability to separate allows him to minimize those situations, creating separation and getting yards after the catch. The Jag’s starters consist of DJ Chark, Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley. While they are all athletic receivers, none has the intelligence that Jeudy possesses already. Jeudy is a great addition to this offense and adds much needed help for Minshew in his second year.
Round 1: Pick 11
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma Overall Rating: 77
The Jets are expecting big things from Sam Darnold in 2020 but have provided him with Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, and Breshad Perriman as his go-to receivers. None of those receivers are legit number one options and the need for an alpha receiver is vital for this offense. So, the Jets don’t hesitate to draft CeeDee Lamb with the 11th pick. Lamb doesn’t have incredible size but put on his film and you would think he is 6’3” 215lbs. He plays with incredible tenacity at the catch point and is deceitful with how he separates from defenders. Lamb brings that alpha mentality that the Jets need on offense and provides Darnold a truly dependable weapon.
Round 1: Pick 14
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin Overall Rating: 80
This is going to be a debated pick for sure but let’s look at the big picture here. The Bucs basically have set themselves up for a Super Bowl run in 2020 once they signed Tom Brady. Could they go OL here, sure. Could they go defense here, of course. Could they feel good passing on arguably one of the best running backs in college football here, possibly not. When looking at the major holes on this team, the RB position stands out. Jonathan Taylor might not be viewed as a top 15 pick to most, but he is certainly worth taking here for a team ready to contend in 2020.
Round 1: Pick 19
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama Overall Rating: 75
This just feels like a Raiders pick. Henry Ruggs possesses elite 4.27 speed and incredible explosiveness with a 42 inch vertical. He provides the game changing speed that will help open up the field for players like Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. Not to mention provide a weapon that Derek Carr has never experienced before. Ruggs might not have been the main receiver at Alabama, but that can all change for him in Las Vegas.
Round 1: Pick 21
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Overall Rating: 75
Justin Jefferson in the first? Yes, that just happened. I’ve been skeptical of Jefferson in his college career and how he would translate to the next level, but I can humble myself here and say I was wrong. He’s been nothing but productive, even in the biggest spots and answered the question about his speed with a 4.43 40. He fits the Eagles offense nicely, adding an explosive receiver in space to complement the size of JAWS, Jeffery and Ertz. Jefferson could find some early production out of the slot in year one.
Round 1: Pick 22
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Overall Rating: 75
The Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs and now find themselves looking to fill large shoes on offense. TCU WR Jalen Reagor is a day one starter in the vacancy left behind by Diggs. He possesses incredible speed mixed with fluid lateral quickness, in addition to the added benefit on special teams. While some may hold the 2019 season against him, the Vikings look at his overall skillset and find themselves drafting an explosive playmaker and fun Madden receiver with the 22nd pick.
Round 1: Pick 23
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Overall Rating: 74
Honestly, this pick is just for the fun of the mock but does make some sense if you look at the situation. The Patriots are going from Tom Brady to Jarrett Stidham. If Stidham fails early, there is no QB developing behind him. Jordan Love provides New England with a skillset they have been handcuffed to use with immobile Brady under center. Love has very good arm talent and can perform off structure when necessary. He made some questionable decisions that led to 17 INTs in 2019, but he literally had nothing to throw to and tried to do too much on his own. Love doesn’t have a first round ranking from me, but the Pats need a QB, and Love makes this offense much more fun to watch in real life and play with with in Madden.
Round 1: Pick 28
D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Overall Rating: 78
Mark Ingram is coming down to his final days, and as much as I like Justice Hill, he is not the answer for the Raven’s backfield. Even though the value of the RB in the Raven’s offense has changed with Lamar Jackson making plays with his legs, the run game is a big part of how Baltimore executes it’s scheme. D’Andre Swift provides versatility that this offense can use. He’s an outstanding runner but also provides exceptional pass catching ability. The worry that Jackson won’t check down and can take carries himself, could diminish the potential upside of Swift. However, as we have seen, the running QB might take a step back to ensure longevity. Swift can be a very productive back in this offense and has the feel of a video-game-stat back if used that way.
Round 2: Pick 34
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado Overall Rating: 74
Laviska Shenault was injured during the NFL Combine, recovering from a groin injury. Even if he was well enough to run, a groin injury will mentally make you hold back. Shenault’s film shows good enough speed and physicality at the receiver position. In the Colt’s offense, he could be used multiple ways, as a receiver or out of the backfield. Manufacturing plays will be important for him to get production as he is still raw as a route runner. But will have opportunity in this vacated offense.
Round 2: Pick 36
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson Overall Rating: 74
While the Giants found a gem in Darius Slayton, Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard can’t stay healthy; and Golden Tate can’t stay reliable. The Giants select Clemson WR Tee Higgins to help add a catch radius that is much needed for Daniel Jones and his erratic accuracy. Higgins led a polarizing Pro Day where is 40 time ranged from 4.4 to 4.7. Regardless, he has enough juice and length in his strides to get down field and make plays in the redzone. He will be a solid addition to a receiver group that is highly inconsistent.
Round 2: Pick 37
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Overall Rating: 76
The Chargers let Melvin Gordon walk and signed Austin Ekeler
to a 4-year contract worth $24.5M. The need for running back doesn’t seem great,
but the value of taking a talent such as J.K. Dobbins in the early second is
too much to pass up. Dobbins ran for 4,459 yards and 38 TDs in his career at
Ohio State. He added 645 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs as well. He was
one of the highest SPARQ recruits coming out of high school, so his athleticism
isn’t a question. Ekeler might have signed a new contract but Dobbins has the
talent to be the future featured back for the Chargers as the seasons play out.
Round 2: Pick 39
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Overall Rating: 74
The Dolphins get a legitimate receiver to help this offense in need. DeVante Parker came on strong last season but the limited production from Preston Williams is not enough to feel confident for sustainability. Mike Gesicki was a pleasant surprise as well, but the Dolphins need a speedy receiver with size and physicality. Enter Baylor WR Denzel Mims, who was incredibly productive through his collegiate career and completely destroyed the combine. He probably rose up the ranks more than any other receiver during the draft process and now finds himself drafted at the top of the second round.
Round 2: Pick 46
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Overall Rating: 73
The Broncos continue to try and find an answer at QB. Since Peyton Manning, the Broncos haven’t had a consistent answer for the quarterback position. John Elway has proven he will draft QBs, any QBs it seems, and much higher than expected. So, why stop now? Jalen Hurts is a talented QB, but his accuracy issues and lack of pocket awareness are flagged issues. He holds the ball longer than necessary too. The positives: Hurts is an elite competitor with outstanding leadership ability, and is deceptive as a runner, capable of making big plays with his legs. He provides the perfect canvas to build on if he can be used closer to his strengths, rather than being asked to perform in a way that exposes his weaknesses. Time will tell but he finds himself competing with Drew Lock for the starter job after being picked by the Broncos in this mock.
Round 2: Pick 49
Cam Akers, RB, FSU
Overall Rating: 75
The Steelers tried to find an identity last season with the run game that has always been the strength of their offense. But they had no such luck. James Conner lost a step due to injury, and Jaylen Samuels with a splash of Benny Snell wasn’t the answer either. Cam Akers played behind the worst offensive line in college football and still was productive. Now, he will play in one of the most run-heavy offenses behind a legitimate offensive line. You don’t need to do much math to know how this plays out. Akers will not only be a great NFL RB but a massive producer in Madden as well.
Round 2: Pick 51
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Overall Rating: 73
The Cowboys went as far as signing 37 year old Jason Witten last season who was surprisingly productive in order to fill the gap at tight end. As much as there is potential upside in Blake Jarwin, he is not the long term answer. The Cowboys fill that void in 2020 with Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet. Kmet has solid athleticism with 4.7 speed but he possesses good field awareness to exploit soft coverage and settle in the open spots. He plays aggressive in contested situations and is a fluid mover in space. Kmet still needs to develop as a blocker, but does a reasonable job in that department. He adds to the group of weapons that Dak Prescott will need in the 2020 season.
Round 2: Pick 56
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Overall Rating: 74
The Dolphins have already selected their franchise QB and added to their receiver group with Denzel Mims. Why not continue the overall build and add to their backfield with Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The addition of an RB with the capability of playing the game as a receiver as well, adds much needed versatility for their young franchise QB to depend on. Edwards-Helaire is a pure football player. He’s not explosive nor does he possess elite speed, but he knows how to find the right holes at the right time and punish those in his way. The Dolphins use two rounds to continue building their young offense. It should be fun to watch develop.
Round 2: Pick 59
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Overall Rating: 73
The Seahawks struck gold when they drafted D.K. Metcalf 64th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The elite size and speed combo was enough for Metcalf to bully and dominate his competition. It worked once drafting a rare athletic specimen with size, why wouldn’t the Seahawks do it again? Seattle decides to go back to the freak well and draft Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool with the 59th overall pick. At 6’4” 238lbs, Claypool ran a 4.42 with a 40 inch vertical. He posted over 1,000 yards receiving with 13 TDs in 2019. When you add him to the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, something special is brewing in Seattle. Claypool can also be used at tight end so Seattle just drafted a two-for-one with incredible upside.
Round 2: Pick 62
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Overall Rating: 73
It’s no secret, the Packers need help on offense. Aside from Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers is basically throwing to a bunch of UDFAs. They skipped on a playmaker in the first, but won’t do that in the late second. The Packers select the massive potential upside in Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Usually the type of production that Peoples-Jones posted at Michigan wouldn’t garner second round attention, but the context of bad QB play in a bad offense might be enough to draft an athletic freak at this spot. The QB play at Michigan has the same feel as Jalen Reagor at TCU, but Reagor is arguably much more nuanced than DPJ. It’s hard to ignore a 4.48 40, 44 inch vertical and a 139 inch broad jump. The Packers find their guy and add to a group of receivers in need of this type of playmaker.
Round 2: Pick 63
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Overall: 72
If there was a landing spot to maximize Zack Moss’s potential, it is the Kansas City Chiefs. Moss has a few things going against him. He’s an older prospect, not overly athletic, and has an injury history. What he does have going for him is the instincts of an intuitive runner with a relentless motor, and a tenacious mentality. He’s also a very good receiver out of the backfield. This a a prime spot for him to land, and Kansas City knows exactly what they are getting in Moss and exactly how to use him.
Round 3: Pick 66
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Overall Rating: 71
Round 3: Pick 75
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Overall Rating: 72
Round 3: Pick 77
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina Overall Rating: 72
Round 3: Pick 79
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Overall Rating: 72
Round 3: Pick 84
Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Overall Rating: 73
Round 3: Pick 87
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Overall Rating: 72
Round 3: Pick 88
Lynn Bowden Jr, QB/RB/WR, Kentucky
Overall Rating: 71
Round 3: Pick 90
Michael Pittman Jr, WR, USC
Overall Rating: 72
Round 3: Pick 91
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Overall Rating: 71
Round 3: Pick 98
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Overall Rating: 70
