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2020 DRAFT
With a week to go before the first game, ESPN.com offers this look at how the 32 first round picks are doing:
Which first-round picks from the 2020 NFL draft have stood out during training camp, and which have struggled to adapt?
No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow has already been named the starter in Cincinnati, but he might be the only rookie quarterback to start in Week 1. Elsewhere, the Eagles will be without wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who injured his shoulder, for a few weeks, while running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has already taken over as the Chiefs’ top running back.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
The top overall pick has been as advertised for the Bengals. The 2019 Heisman winner had his share of good and bad moments during training camp, but his command of the offense and the confidence instilled in his teammates is already remarkable. Cincinnati has not wavered from its desire for Burrow to start in Week 1. He has embraced the challenge and is ready for his debut.
“He’s what we expected when we took him No. 1 overall,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “He hasn’t disappointed one day he’s been out there.” — Ben Baby
2. Chase Young, DE, Washington Football Team
It has been easy to see why Washington drafted Young at No. 2 overall. He started off working mostly with the second-team defense and, after returning from a hip flexor injury, received much more time with the starters. The burst off the ball has been evident; Young just looks and moves differently than any other pass rusher they have. He can help on inside stunts, too, because of his length. The key to how much early playing time he gets will be his consistency vs. the run. In practice he has shown no reason to believe he won’t be disruptive.
“We’ve seen the pass-rush ability obviously,” coach Ron Rivera said. “That’s probably the biggest thing you always look for when you pick a defensive end that high. Now, it’s putting the rest of his game in place in terms of understanding how to play the run, understanding how they shut down the edges, keep everything in front of him and inside of him.” — John Keim
3. Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions
Cornerback is one of the most difficult positions to transition from college to the NFL, and that has been true for Okudah. It has been made more difficult with no spring team workouts and no preseason games. Yet defensive coordinator Cory Undlin believes Okudah has made “steady progress.” The former Ohio State corner began camp working with the second team and slowly worked his way into splitting first-team reps with Desmond Trufant and Amani Oruwariye.
Okudah has made some plays, too, with a handful of pass breakups and an interception of Matthew Stafford (Stafford contends that it was a free play due to offsides). It’s not clear how much work Okudah will get in Week 1, but the Lions are going to end up counting on him at some point this season. — Michael Rothstein
4. Andrew Thomas, OT, New York Giants
Thomas, who became the Giants’ starting left tackle the moment Nate Solder opted out of the season, has had his ups and downs at camp. “Andrew’s done a lot of nice things so far, but we have a long way to go,” offensive line coach Marc Colombo said. Sounds like life as a rookie tackle.
It’s a difficult position to come in and play at a high level immediately. Thomas needs to work on keeping his hands inside in pass protection, the timing of his punch and his sets. But he has at least shown he belongs. Thomas moves well and should be an asset immediately in the run game. It’s handling the bull rush that has sometimes proven problematic this summer. — Jordan Raanan
5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa looks healthy and mobile 10 months after a devastating hip injury, and he has flashed highlight plays during practices. Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to be the Week 1 starter due to his comfort in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s scheme, but Tagovailoa has been getting more reps than Josh Rosen in the battle to be the Dolphins’ No. 2 quarterback. (Rosen could be traded soon.) Still, the team could be conservative early with having him active on game days. Tagovailoa hasn’t looked like the second-coming of Dan Marino yet, but teammates can’t stop raving about him.
“First of all with Tua, he’s got a great arm. That’s evident to everyone immediately. He’s also a great teammate,” tight end Durham Smythe said. “He’s one of the guys already. He fits in great, smart guy and can make all of the throws. What jumps out at you immediately is he can put the ball anywhere he wants.” — Cameron Wolfe
6. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert made up for the lack of a traditional offseason program with a lot of walk-throughs, an excessive amount of playbook study and some occasional meet-ups with his new wide receivers, many of whom also remained in the L.A. area. He went into training camp with what he considered a “good feel” for his first NFL offense, which included more five- and seven-step drops and far more intricate protections, then went through the gradual installation process. Herbert also reached out to Kellen Clemens, the former Chargers quarterback who also went to Oregon. Clemens’ advice centered mostly on the importance of moving on from the inevitable mistakes. — Alden Gonzalez
7. Derrick Brown, DT, Carolina Panthers
Brown is doing exactly what the Panthers hoped when they drafted him. One play in camp stands out: Christian McCaffrey was putting a move up the middle, and Brown reached out while shedding a block, grabbing McCaffrey by the jersey and stopping him in his tracks. The big defensive tackle is a force in the middle, getting solid push on the quarterback and eating up blocks that will allow others around him to create havoc. He is one of four rookies — along with nickel safety/outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. — who will start on the youngest defense in the NFL in the last 10 years. — David Newton
8. Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
Simmons has shown flashes of his already-established athleticism through individual drills in camp. His height and length have been noticeable, and his teammates, especially his veteran defensive peers, have raved about what he can do on the field. Simmons has spent time working with the defensive backs, safety Budda Baker said, adding to the intrigue surrounding the rookie that he will be playing more than just inside linebacker.
“I’d say the unique thing about Isaiah is the athleticism can cover up a lot of things,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “I mean, even if he’s not sure about a coverage or a drop or where he’s supposed to be on a play, he’s so fast, so long and can cover ground so much that he can make up for it.” — Josh Weinfuss
9. CJ Henderson, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Henderson has had his moments during camp, and the Jaguars are pleased with his progress. He has had plays in which receivers couldn’t shake him, and he notched his only interception on a deep downfield pass matched up against 6-foot-6 rookie Collin Johnson. Henderson used good technique to keep in contact with Johnson, found the ball and went up and caught it. But he has also had plays in which he has gotten beat. He got frustrated in one matchup with wide receiver Keelan Cole and knocked Cole to the ground after Cole caught a pass in the end zone. It’s pretty much what you’d expect out of a rookie corner trying to figure things out. Expect Henderson to start in Week 1. — Michael DiRocco
10. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been pleased with the progress of Wills, who has been manning the important role of protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield’s blind side. Despite a virtual offseason and the extending training camp ramp-up phase, the team never gave a thought to keeping Wills at right tackle, where he played at Alabama. The transition to the left side has come with growing pains, but that’ll happen facing off in practice against All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett, who has said his mission is to “introduce him to the NFL.” That daily matchup should only help Wills grow into the position and — Cleveland hopes — a franchise left tackle. — Jake Trotter
11. Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
Up-down-up. Becton played left tackle with the starting offense since Day 1 of camp and got off to a terrific start. He hit a “dip,” as coach Adam Gase said, when he started facing exotic fronts — a staple of a Gregg Williams-coached defense. Gase said it turned “cloudy” for Becton, who had to make quick decisions on his pass sets based on the front. Eventually, the massive 6-foot-7, 370-pound rookie settled down and is trending upward as he prepares for his Week 1 start against the Bills. Asked about facing Becton, linebacker Jordan Jenkins said, “If you don’t bring it every play, you’re going to get thrown out of the club.” — Rich Cimini
12. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Speed, thy name is Henry Ruggs III. More James Jett than Cliff Branch, Ruggs, who ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in March, has shown how he can take the top off a defense. “It’s like a roach when you cut the lights on,” said tight end Darren Waller, “He just got to skating.”
Quarterback Derek Carr and Ruggs have been working on getting their timing down, particularly on deep routes. “Everyone can run stride for stride for a little bit,” Carr said, “but when that ball is in the air you just see another kind of gear for him to go get it.” Ruggs is in line to start as the Raiders’ “Z” receiver. — Paul Gutierrez
13. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coach Bruce Arians’ approach for handling Wirfs without an offseason? “Take the kid’s gloves off and let him play.” Wirfs has gotten only first-team reps, which has meant regularly going against defensive ends Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. Those reps are preparing him for Cameron Jordan when he starts at right tackle against the Saints in Week 1. Wirfs hasn’t looked out of place, despite seeing more vertical pass sets than he did at Iowa. It also helps that he’s been doing combo blocks with Rob Gronkowski.
“Tristan is doing a phenomenal job of fitting in and doing what he has to do,” left guard Ali Marpet said. — Jenna Laine
14. Javon Kinlaw, DT, San Francisco 49ers
By his own admission, Kinlaw has gotten off to a slow start in his first NFL season. “I’d be lying if I thought it was good, but I’m making improvements,” Kinlaw said. “Just get better day by day, that’s it.”
Kinlaw’s raw size and power are hard to deny, but his technique, hand usage and pad level are all in need of refinement. The lack of an offseason program didn’t help — and he should still contribute this season — but it’s going to take some time for him to become the every-down player the Niners believe he can be. — Nick Wagoner
15. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
Jeudy’s work in camp has made believers out of his veteran teammates. When a player like safety Kareem Jackson, who is now in his 11th season, says that Jeudy runs some routes “like nobody I’ve seen before,” you know it’s going well. Now, whether that translates into a productive rookie season remains to be seen because Pat Shurmur’s offense has been a little balky overall as the players adjust to the fifth different offensive coordinator in the past five seasons.
Jeudy’s route running, athleticism and intellect have stood out. He has worked with starters from the opening moment of camp and figures to join a short list: Just three Broncos rookie wide receivers have finished their first season with at least 42 catches. — Jeff Legwold
16. A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta Falcons
Terrell has impressed coaches and teammates from day one by making plays on the ball and looking fluid on the field. He has held his own while competing against arguably the best receiver in the league in Julio Jones. All indications are that Terrell has locked down a starting spot at left cornerback with the ability to play both sides. “The boy’s a dog!” safety Damontae Kazee said. — Vaughn McClure
17. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
From the first practice, Lamb has looked the part. He has made countless plays from the slot. He appears to have a natural chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. He is asking questions of Prescott and receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup about nuances in route running and the system. Expectations are high headed into the season.
“He has a great feel for the game,” Prescott said. “I think that’s probably the most impressive thing, to be a young rookie playing in the slot and just have a feel for the game and know where to be. I think that’s going to go a long way and serve him really well in this league.” — Todd Archer
18. Austin Jackson, OT, Miami Dolphins
It was early in camp when Jackson took control of the Dolphins’ starting left tackle role, and he hasn’t done anything to give it back. Jackson isn’t perfect out there — he could still gain some strength and experience — but he is certainly the team’s best option. Jackson is one of two or three rookie offensive linemen who could start for Miami this season.
“This is a talented kid — tough, he’s smart and he’s improving every day. He’s getting better,” coach Brian Flores said. “He works at it. He’s doing extra in the meetings, doing extra on the field in practice. It’s important to him.” — Cameron Wolfe
19. Damon Arnette, CB, Las Vegas Raiders
Still surprised the Raiders used the No. 19 pick on Arnette? How shocked are you, then, that he is in line to start in Week 1? Arnette is a big, physical corner in the mold of Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson, Lester Hayes, Mike Haynes and Willie Brown. Just pump the brakes on any on-field comps.
“He’s a talented corner, that’s why we drafted him,” Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “He’s not scared; he’s real patient at the line of scrimmage. He trusts his speed and his technique. And that’s really what we expect of him each and every day when he goes out there.” — Paul Gutierrez
20. K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Chaisson battled a hamstring injury that slowed him for about a week early in camp, but he has been healthy ever since. Probably the most impressive thing is that he stays after practice every day and works with defenders Josh Allen, Cassius Marsh and others on pass-rush moves and fundamentals. It’s clear Chaisson wants to be great and is willing to put in the extra work that demands.
He’s a raw player so his technique needs a lot of refining, but his power and strength are evident. He has been able to set the edge in the run game and made several tackles for loss. That’s important because it was something Calais Campbell did well. Chaisson will be the Jaguars’ strongside linebacker on first and second down and move down to rush the passer on third downs. — Michael DiRocco
21. Jalen Reagor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Reagor was a camp standout before suffering a small shoulder tear during a scrimmage on Sunday — an injury that is expected to sideline him about three weeks. When he returns, he should have a significant role in the offense while serving as the Eagles’ punt returner. He has an explosiveness to his game that coach Doug Pederson will want to incorporate via quick screens, jet sweeps and go routes.
“I see an extremely bright future with him,” quarterback Carson Wentz said, “and I’m excited to help him become the player he dreams of being.” — Tim McManus
22. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
The former LSU star is panning out to be “exactly what we drafted,” according to Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Jefferson’s proficient route running and experience in a pro-style offense gave him an early leg up in training camp. Jefferson is the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver right now with Adam Thielen and Bisi Johnson ahead of him when the team deploys two-receiver sets, but you can expect him to get ample work in the slot early on when the team goes three-wide. Expect his role to increase over time as he builds chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins. — Courtney Cronin
23. Kenneth Murray, ILB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers always loved Murray’s ability to get after the quarterback. There were questions about how he would fare in coverage, however, simply because he wasn’t asked to do it often at Oklahoma. To ease the transition to the NFL, they have decided to keep him entrenched at middle linebacker and not give him reps at any of the outside linebacker spots.
“It’s smart on their part to allow me to just focus on one position right now and truly hone in on that and truly perfect that before they decide to move me around,” Murray said. “For me, just focusing on [middle linebacker], I’ve been able to get better at it every day. I feel myself playing extremely fast. I think there’s definitely a level that I can get up to even more, so I’m definitely focused on getting to that point every day.” — Alden Gonzalez
24. Cesar Ruiz, C, New Orleans Saints
Ruiz has been as advertised so far, impressing coaches and teammates as a polished product who looks ready to step in on day one after he started 31 games at Michigan. It remains to be seen whether he will play center or right guard after he and second-year pro Erik McCoy have rotated at those two spots throughout training camp. Either way, both will start.
Ruiz has missed a few recent practices with an unspecified injury. But before that he flashed an impressive combination of strength and athleticism. “Everything we’ve seen in practice encourages us that he’ll be ready,” offensive line coach Dan Roushar said. — Mike Triplett
25. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
An argument could be made that Aiyuk was the Niners’ best receiver in training camp, which is quite a compliment considering he’s practicing in Kyle Shanahan’s offense for the first time. Aiyuk has earned rave reviews for his attention to detail, study habits and route running.
“Since we’ve gotten here just going through these walk-throughs and stuff, you can tell he knows how to practice like a pro,” Shanahan said. “He’s not a guy you’ve had to teach how to act or teach how important it is to learn this stuff. You can tell he understood that before he got here and since we’ve been around him, you can tell he’s been working and that’s why he’s further ahead, I think, than a lot of rookies would be at this time.”
Expect Aiyuk to start in Week 1, so long as he has recovered from a recent hamstring injury. — Nick Wagoner
26. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
What does it mean when a rookie quarterback hasn’t really let it rip often in his first training camp? “We’ve thrown everything at him, and there’s a lot to digest,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “As he gets more comfortable, it’ll show in his play.” Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Love’s last practice of training camp was his best. Still, Love will be the Packers’ No. 3 quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers and Tim Boyle to begin the season. — Rob Demovsky
27. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Brooks’ speed and hulking lower body have been hard to miss at Seahawks camp. “He really looks the part,” coach Pete Carroll said. But it remains to be seen how much Brooks will play in 2020. He’s competing for time at the weakside linebacker spot with veteran K.J. Wright, who still looks like he’ll be the primary option. If Wright and the rookie end up sharing those duties, the Seahawks could use Brooks in situations in which they need his speed more than Wright’s experience. — Brady Henderson
28. Patrick Queen, ILB, Baltimore Ravens
Queen showed his speed from the first team drill of training camp, crashing through the line to stop running back Mark Ingram. Although he hasn’t made many splash plays since, he has been flying all over the field as the starting middle linebacker. The Ravens love his instincts, drive and confidence.
“He’s going to be a special player,” defensive end Calais Campbell said. “Obviously, he’s a rookie and he’s going to have some growing pains, but he gets it. I think that most people who watch him, they can tell he’s going to have a great career.” — Jamison Hensley
29. Isaiah Wilson, OT, Tennessee Titans
The Titans knew Wilson was going to be a developmental player when they selected him. He has had a bit of a rough start with the Titans, and the biggest issue has been his conditioning. There are reps during practice in which the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Wilson looks like he’s gassed. At times he is too high in his stance, and he has had trouble keeping his pad level, causing him to lose one-on-ones.
Coach Mike Vrabel said that being on the COVID-19 reserve list early in camp took away Wilson’s developmental time but credited the rookie for working hard while trying to find a role on the team. Wilson is not expected to start to open the season. — Turron Davenport
30. Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Miami Dolphins
Igbinoghene has been arguably the most impressive Dolphins rookie so far, and the moment hasn’t been too big for him as he has been pressed into a larger role with Xavien Howard missing the first month of camp. When Howard returns, Igbinoghene will likely slide into the No. 3 cornerback role playing more nickelback, but he has shown that he can play both inside and outside. He’s not scared of matching up with Miami wideouts DeVante Parker and Preston Williams.
“It’s crazy that he’s only 20 years old,” cornerback Nik Needham said. “The dude’s physically gifted, for sure — 205 [pounds], runs a 4.3 [40-yard dash] — so I’m in awe of him as well. I’m like, ‘Damn, that’s crazy.'” — Cameron Wolfe
31. Jeff Gladney, CB, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s second first-round pick has taken a lot of reps in the slot, rotating with third-year cornerback Mike Hughes, and lined up outside with the second unit throughout camp. His versatility in playing both positions allows the Vikings flexibility in where they line him up based on specific matchups. Gladney’s “got a lot of confidence,” coach Mike Zimmer said, and has bounced back well from the March surgery he had to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Aside from being held back slightly at the beginning of camp, Gladney has been full go and is primed for a big role in the Vikings’ secondary. — Courtney Cronin
32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Edwards-Helaire has been the regular featured back from the start of training camp and has fit nicely into the Chiefs’ offense. “He’s always wanting to learn more, he’s always wanting to get in every single rep they get him in and he’s someone that’s gotten better every single day, so I’m excited to have him, adapt him and evolve him more and more in the offense,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said.
Edwards-Helaire showed reliable hands and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, so he might have his biggest impact as a receiver. — Adam Teicher
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