More so than any other draft in the recent past, the 2020 event is filled with top-end talent at skill positions. This will enable some teams to pick up both extraordinary talent and value at need positions.
With the 2020 NFL Draft set to get going here soon, we focus on five teams that are in position to ace the annual event.
The Miami Dolphins have five picks in the first two rounds and a ton of needs. The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers added a valuable first-round pick in a blockbuster trade with a Colts team that is also set up well.
These are among the five NFL teams that are in the best position to ace the 2020 NFL draft starting April 23.
Miami Dolphins
The Fins have long planned on acing the coming 2020 NFL Draft. That has included trades of former first-round picks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Laremy Tunsil. General manager Chris Grier, who is seen as a prodigy in NFL circles, now has an opportunity to make this dream come true.
Miami has five picks in the first two rounds. That includes the No. 5 overall selection and two other first-round picks. It has been linked to each top-end quarterback outside of likely No. 1 pick Joe Burrow. Though, it does not stop there. Miami is in need of help at tackle, running back and wide receiver on offense. This should enable Grier and company to go best player available with each selection. That’s always the ideal scenario come draft time.
San Francisco 49ers
The defending NFC champs lost one of the rocks of their defense when the 49ers dealt away defensive tackle DeForest Buckner last month. With that said, San Francisco acquired the 13th overall pick and now has an opportunity to land an elite talent.
Most of the focus has been at wide receiver following the departure of Emmanuel Sanders in free agency. Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma come to mind first. It’s an incredibly deep draft at wide receiver, too. This could mean San Francisco going in a different direction at 13 while targeting a receiver with its original first-round pick (31st overall). Either way, general manager John Lynch and Co. are in position to ace the coming draft.
Las Vegas Raiders
We’ve read reports that Las Vegas could look to move up for Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. While unlikely following the signing if Marcus Mariota and with Derek Carr still on the roster, it’s a possibility. Though, it’s more likely that the Raiders hold on to both of their first-round picks (12th and 19th overall) or trades down for additional draft capital.
Jon Gruden and his team did a good job addressing needs in free agency. With that said, these Raiders have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. I am especially intrigued about the possibility of adding a top-end receiver at 12. CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs all make sense on that front.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes might have lost star receiver Stefon Diggs in a trade last month, but they did pick up a huge bounty from the Buffalo Bills in return. This will enable general manager Rick Spielman to fill two holes in the first round of the draft.
Minnesota will be picking 22nd and 25th overall. It should look wide receiver with one of those selections given the need and the fact that the draft is stacked at that position. I also fully expect the Vikings to look to trade down from one of the spots and pick up extra selections. It is in prime position to do that with teams at the top of the second round potentially looking to move up to Day 1 for a quarterback. Look for Minnesota to absolutely dominate come draft day.
Indianapolis Colts
To an extent, Indy has already aced the draft by acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. He’s right up there with Aaron Donald as the best interior player in the NFL. That’s not hyperbole. The better news for general manager Chris Ballard and Co. is the fact that Indy has two second-round selections to work with.
Fresh off signing Philip Rivers to a one-year contract, quarterback might very well be a target with the first of the Colts’ two second-round selections (34th overall). They could also look to trade up for either Jalen Hurts or Jacob Eason, guaranteeing a fifth-year option on said contract. Already a potential Super Bowl contender, Indianapolis is in great position heading into the draft.