Every team’s worst-case scenario in the 2020 NFL Draft

NFL Draft Worst Case Scenarios: AFC South

O’Brien has already made the Texans’ entire offseason a punch line. Trading DeAndre Hopkins for pennies on the dollars will haunt this franchise for years to come. Look for Houston to compound their mistake by letting O’Brien overpay to move up in the draft to replace a new wide receiver.

At best, Rivers is a one or two-year solution for the Colts’ issues at quarterback. Given the team’s lack of trust in Jacoby Brissett, that makes finding a successor for Rivers in this draft a necessity for Indianapolis. Not having a first round pick makes that slightly more challenging for the Colts front office.

The Jaguars are in a great position to secure serious value with the No. 9 pick. Their needs and the players that should be on the board at that spot line up perfectly. Jacksonville just needs to avoid the urge to get jumpy to move up for the player they covet most.

The Titans are still in the race to sign Clowney, but drafting an edge rusher late on Day One might cause their front office to believe they’re all set at the position. The reality is the Tennessee defense needs a difference-maker. Clowney is far better than anyone they can draft. It’s a move the Titans need to make quickly.

NFL Draft Worst Case Scenarios: AFC North

The Ravens need to give Lamar Jackson a little more talent at wide receiver eventually. There will be quality options available to them at No. 28. Baltimore needs to avoid selecting a big name like Tee Higgins. Grabbing a linebacker to fill C.J. Moseley’s shoes is still the prudent play. Baltimore needs to stick to the plan to bolster their front seven.

There will be a natural desire from the Bengals to draft a young wide receiver to grow alongside Joe Burrow. Cincinnati can wait until Round 2 arrives to make that happen. Making a deal to move into the 20s to grab a talented wideout that slips would be a stretch for a team with this many needs.

Jack Conklin gives the Browns a huge upgrade at right tackle, but Baker Mayfield’s blind side is still relatively unprotected. Cleveland has to address this during this year’s draft. Trading for Trent Williams or spending a first round pick on the position are both acceptable options.

The Steelers know how ugly life can be without a healthy Ben Roethlisberger. Finding a long-term successor for him in this draft would be good business. Reaching to take someone like Jalen Hurts or Jake Fromm at the end of Round 1 would be a significant overpay.

NFL Draft Worst Case Scenarios: AFC North

The Broncos need to come out of this draft with an upgrade at wide receiver. Rumors suggest John Elway and his front office are enamored with Ruggs. He’s a questionable value at No. 15. Moving up to take him would cost Denver entirely too much draft capital.

The Chiefs arguably have the most talented and complete in the NFL. They can afford to draft anything other than a quarterback at No. 32. Running back, offensive line or corner would make the most sense. Kansas City will be fine unless they discover a way to avoid making the pick altogether.

It looks like the Chargers may have a chance to stay put at No. 7 and still come away with Tagovailoa. If they have that chance, they need to grab it with both hands. Passing on Tua could haunt the Chargers for a very long time.

The Raiders are in a good position to secure good value at both No. 12 and No. 19. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock just need to sit tight and let the board come to them. Packaging those picks to move into the top seven or eight choices might be tempting, but it’s something Las Vegas should take a hard pass on.