2020 NFL Draft Big Board – Top 100: Derrick Brown rising, Justin Herbert falling

2020 NFL Draft Big Board ranking the Top 100 draft prospects, including Chase Young, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Derrick Brown who makes a big move up.

It’s crazy that it’s already December, and that college football is coming to an end. But for some, like this writer, that’s when the best season begins: NFL Draft season. The 2020 NFL Draft is getting talked about a lot more as the college season ends and when NFL teams are eliminated from the playoff race.

With that draft talk heating up, it’s a perfect time for a December update of FanSided’s 2020 NFL Draft big board.

Chase Young is still the top player on the board, but a fellow defensive lineman moves up to the No. 2 spot. Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown moves up after a dominant performance vs. Alabama in the Iron Bowl. The top five has a little bit of a shakeup, while the top two quarterbacks (Tua, Borrow) stay the same. The biggest shakeup surrounds Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert who was once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick but has seen his play in November hurt his stock.

1. Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Is it time to leave Young’s spot blank? What else do we need to say about him? He can do it all as a pass rusher and will probably go in the first two picks. He could put up another four sacks against Wisconsin this coming week.

2. Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

What a dominant performance for Brown against Alabama. He made key tackles for loss in the backfield on third downs and had a wicked spin move earlier in the game. He’s an insane mover for his size, has so much power off the snap, and has great instincts on top of it. The pass he batted down before the missed field goal last week was fantastic.

3. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Jerry Jeudy is still wide receiver one in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he’s had some bad drops this year due to body catching at times. He’s still explosive and has insane quickness and change of direction ability.

4. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Isaiah Simmons flies up to the top-five for the first time. I took a few weeks off from watching Clemson, then tuned in this past Saturday. Simmons can do it all. He can blitz, he has the range to both sidelines, and he can run with wide receivers/running backs/tight ends down the field in coverage. He’s an all-around stud.

5. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Jeffrey Okudah is tracking to be a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His fluidity and recovery speed in coverage is unmatched in this class. The great news is that he gets potentially three more games this season to solidify this spot.

6. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Andrew Thomas is the top tackle in the class, and he gets another tough test this week. His power in the run game is great, and he anchors well in pass protection. How will he handle K’Lavon Chaisson and LSU this week? That is going to be fun.

7. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Tristan Wirfs could rise to the top of tackle boards based on his talent and that teams have seen him play left and right tackle this year. The scoop is he is likely to return to school, so he’s one to watch during the declaration season.

8. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

It’s been a fun year to watch CeeDee Lamb, and he’s been super productive this year as the number one option at Oklahoma. Draft analysts should be praying that Oklahoma wins this week so we can see him in the playoff, potentially against Okudah or Kristian Fulton.

9. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Epenesa has had a monster November, with huge games against Minnesota and Nebraska proving that he’s still a top prospect to those who look at the box score the most. He’s always been very good, and he’s finally getting home after near misses all season. Epenesa might have a future playing multiple spots along the defensive line, as he’s had a ton of success on the interior of the defensive line this month.

10. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t made a decision yet regarding the 2020 NFL Draft, but it seems unlikely he goes back to school. If his medicals turn out alright, Tua stays in this spot because he’s the best passer in the draft.

11. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Joe Burrow has started to rack up awards this season before his eventual Heisman win on Dec. 14. His ability to maneuver in the pocket is so impressive, and he’s starting to make more plays outside the pocket. The Georgia Bulldogs are a tough defense, and it will be fun once again to see Burrow play a tough SEC defense this weekend.

12. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw is still the biggest stud in the draft that isn’t talked about enough. He’s such a powerful player on the defensive line and put together a pretty good performance against Clemson while getting doubled. Kinlaw can turn the corner from the interior as a pass rusher, which is a rare trait for guys his size.

13. Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

The power and torque that Tyler Biadasz has as an interior offensive lineman is so fun to watch. He’s not at the level that Quenton Nelson or Brandon Scherff were coming out of college, but he’s still very good and should be a first round pick.

14. D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

I think the gap is widening a little bit here in the running back class with D’Andre Swift separating himself into his own tier. Swift is such a smooth runner and he makes defenders miss in open space with ease. It’ll be interesting to see if a running back goes in the first round though based on how deep the class potentially becomes.

15. Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama

There’s still a big question mark regarding if Dylan Moses enters the 2020 NFL Draft. It would be surprising if he didn’t based on how weak the class is, but we don’t know what the NFL thinks of him at this point. From his 2018 tape, he’s easily the second-best linebacker in the class should he enter.

16. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The speed of Henry Ruggs is going to excite NFL teams, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he was the first receiver to come off the board because of it. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and in space is special.

17. Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Grant Delpit had a better week against Texas A&M, and he gets another game under the lights this week against Georgia. It’s possible he’s feeling better after that injury back in October, which is a great thing. However, his play this year isn’t top 15 quality.

18. Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Jedrick Wills is a riser this week on the board, and there’s a chance he gets into the tier of tackles with Thomas and Wirfs (and maybe passes them). His footwork and quickness is outstanding, especially in that he can recover to stay in front of rushers. Wills also shows flashes of great upper body strength.

19. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

A new cornerback two enters the chat. Kristian Fulton is having a very good season, and if it weren’t for Okudah, we’d be talking more about Fulton’s ability to stick with receivers in man coverage.

20. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Xavier McKinney is definitely closing the gap between himself and Delpit as prospects. McKinney has the speed to be an effective blitzer and to come downhill and finish plays. That speed is also useful on the back end to close in coverage.

21. Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma

Creed Humphrey provides a ton of potential as an interior lineman because of his strength and ability to move defenders. Is he a little raw? Absolutely, but he has that edge that some linemen don’t have.

22. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

While Trevon Diggs isn’t the most polished corner (especially after converting from WR), there is so much untapped potential with him. His ball skills, speed, physicality, and football IQ are very good. He needs work at the line of scrimmage and struggles a bit down the field when he isn’t locked on the ball, but the potential will attract teams.

23. Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

Terrell Lewis will need to be medically cleared, but he’s so good as a pass rusher and has a variety of moves to find a way to pressure the quarterback. Lewis has the juice off the snap and the length to win on the outside.

24. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

Curtis Weaver is the top prospect in the Group of 5, and he’s racking up serious production this season. His versatility and ability to attack gaps and rush the passer is very good, and he could end up in the first round come April.

25. Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

Neville Gallimore hasn’t gotten a ton of attention (maybe because people don’t pay attention to Big 12 defense), but his athleticism and pass-rushing potential will put him on the radar after the Senior Bowl in Mobile (or if Oklahoma can reach the playoff).

26. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Shaun Wade has soared the last several weeks as a prospect. He plays very well in coverage from the slot, but he also has had reps at safety. His anticipation and quickness, combined with that versatility, makes him a prime underclassmen to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.

27. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

DeVonta Smith is still a favorite of this writer’s at the receiver position. He has the best hands of the Alabama receivers and shows the ability to win vertically with speed and acceleration. He tracks the ball well and knows when to high point it. He would get more attention if Jeudy and Ruggs weren’t already on the radar coming into the season.

28. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

K’Lavon Chaisson is among the most improved players this season when looking at the start and finish. Off a major injury, he had to shake some of the rust off. Chaisson has done that and has so much burst off the edge and movement skills dropping into coverage.

29. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

A little bit of a fall for Jonathan Taylor, but he’s still in the twenties where he’s been all season long. His finishing speed in open space and vision are still his best traits as a runner. He’s looked a lot more comfortable as a receiver this season which is also encouraging.

30. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Justin Herbert takes a tumble on the board. The tools are fantastic when talking about Herbert, especially when everything is clicking. He can make plays in the pocket and on the run as an improviser. The question marks still exist with his decision-making. He had two bad interceptions against Arizona State and didn’t heat up until the fourth quarter. It would go a long way to see him step up in a big spot against Utah in the Pac-12 Championship.

31. Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State

Marvin Wilson has a tough decision to make. He had a very good year before his injury, but he finds himself in the middle of a very good defensive line class. If he declares, he’s in the round 1-2 conversation. If he returns, Wilson probably sits as the top defensive lineman for 2021.

32. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

What a year it’s been for J.K. Dobbins, who is definitely closing the gap on Jonathan Taylor in the RB2 conversation. He had a great game against Michigan, showing the power and burst between the tackles, while also showing off his receiving ability and moves in space.

33. Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Kenneth Murray makes splash plays all over the field with his speed and processing ability, especially sniffing out screen passes. He has plus ability in coverage as well. Seeing him be more consistent downhill against the run is what’s keeping him from the Simmons/Moses tier.

34. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

Hall has been hurt for the second half of the season, but he has the physicality and ball skills to be a top corner in the 2020 NFL Draft. His straight-line speed is probably his biggest question mark.

35. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

Teams are going to love the length that Yetur Gross-Matos has along with his power at the point of attack. If he can be more consistent as a pass rusher, he’s going to be a great pro.

36. Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

Raekwon Davis just officially accepted his Senior Bowl invite, and he will be fun to watch down in Mobile. Davis is an excellent run defender and can work across blocks to make plays. If he finds more consistency as a rusher, he will shoot up boards with that 6’7″ frame and athleticism. The Senior Bowl is important for him.

37. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Tee Higgins started the year in the top 25, then fell off for a bit this season. He’s back for now as the fifth wide receiver. Higgins shows great potential as a route runner, and he has the speed and tracking ability to win vertically. Combine that with better hands this season, and we’re looking at an all-around receiver.

38. C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

C.J. Henderson got knocked a lot for making business decisions early in the season defending the run as a tackler, but he’s still so smooth in coverage and has good size for the position. The tackling ability is there, but it would be great to see it more often.

39. K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State

K.J. Hamler hasn’t declared yet, and nothing is set in stone with that. If he does come out, teams will be all over him and he could potentially go in round one. He’s an explosive playmaker who can turn any catch into a house call. He’s worked in the slot and on the perimeter and can make plays in both spots.

40. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Jalen Reagor officially declared for the 2020 NFL Draft earlier this week, and he’s got similar traits to the guy above him. Reagor is a threat with the ball in this hands, no matter how he gets it. He’s been used on reverses and can challenge teams vertically down the field.

41. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

Paulson Adebo has had some ups and downs so far in 2019. He’s extremely physical at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point, but he’s given up big plays down the field at times.

42. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn

Prince Tega Wanogho starts that second tier of tackles for the 2020 NFL Draft. Wanogho is a well-rounded tackle who does a lot of things well. He will be fun to watch down in Mobile against twitchy pass rushers.

43. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Alex Leatherwood is among the more intriguing prospects in the draft if he declares. Leatherwood is a versatile player, having played guard before transitioning to left tackle in 2019. He’s struggled a bit against speed this year but has handled power with ease. Guard may be his best spot at the next level.

44. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

Laviska Shenault is another receiver who declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Shenault is a tough study at wide receiver. He has the straight-line speed and comes up with tough catches down the field. However, he struggles a bit as a route runner and doesn’t separate very well.

45. Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington

A new top tight end for the 2020 NFL Draft? That’s correct. Hunter Bryant has been so impressive as a pass-catching tight end down the stretch this season, showing he can be a matchup nightmare who can separate from linebackers and defensive backs. He isn’t a bad blocker either.

46. Trey Adams, OT, Washington

The medicals are the big question mark when it comes to Trey Adams because the film is dynamite. Adams has become a mauler in the run game and is very good in pass protection. It’s likely he moves up the board very soon and has the potential to be a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

47. Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

Hopkins is a very good tight end who has a fantastic catch radius and great hands. He isn’t in the elite category with some of the guys the last few seasons, but his pass-catching ability will find him a role in the NFL.

48. Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

Trey Smith is another potential riser sitting back here at 48 overall. His film is that of a first round pick, but the medical issues could scare teams. Smith is the only player I’ve seen who consistently kept Javon Kinlaw at bay.

49. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Travis Etienne is the most explosive running back in the 2020 NFL Draft, no question. However, he’s fallen on this board because of his ability (or lack thereof) as a pass-catcher. Still, teams will love his value on day two.

50. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

Jeff Gladney, like Trey Adams and Trey Smith, is another potential riser in the coming weeks. He’s got great footwork, athleticism, and speed to play cornerback. The Senior Bowl is going to be a place where he can shine and rise up boards.

51. Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
52. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
53. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
54. Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
55. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
56. A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
57. Ashtyn Davis, S, California
58. Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
59. Darryl Williams, OL, Mississippi State
60. Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
61. Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
62. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
63. Nick Harris, OL, Washington
64. Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
65. Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
66. K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
67. Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
68. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
69. Hamsah Nisirildeen, S, Florida State
70. Austin Jackson, OT, USC
71. Brandon Jones, S, Texas
72. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
73. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
74. Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
75. Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
76. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
77. Zack Moss, RB, Utah
78. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
79. Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
80. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
81. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
82. Myles Bryant, DB, Washington
83. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
84. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida 
85. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
86. Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah 
87. Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
88. Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
89. Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
90. Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU
91. Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
92. Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
93. Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
94. Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
95. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
96. Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
97. Zack Baun, EDGE/LB, Wisconsin
98. Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
99. Jordon Scott, DL, Oregon
100. Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon

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