As the 2020 NFL Combine enters the weekend portion of events, here’s a look at the top rookie at each position, according to our own Mike Tagliere.
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Top 2020 NFL Rookie Quarterback
Joe Burrow (LSU)
He’s going to be a good one. Has elite touch on the deep ball and throws with a trajectory that cannot be taught. There isn’t a throw on the field he can’t make. He’s also got some mobility to his game. While he won’t be known for that, he needs to do a much better job of avoiding hits. He operates very calmly in the pocket and doesn’t overreact to pressure. He’s deserving of the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Running Back
D’Andre Swift (Georgia)
Swift passes the eye test for a workhorse running back. He has rock-solid vision, displays patience when approaching the line of scrimmage, is big enough to absorb hits, but not big enough where you have to take him off the field on third downs, and he’s not going to get caught from behind very often. Whoever drafts him should thrust him into a 15-plus-touch role right away.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Wide Receiver
Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
My favorite wide receiver in this draft class. Jeudy is a natural route-runner who can get open at any level on the field and has played against the highest level of competition. If there’s any criticism to his game, it’s that he will take plays off from time to time when he knows the ball isn’t coming his way. He creates an easy target for his quarterback with his elite start/stop ability, but also knows how to twist a defensive back at the right time. He’s going to be a stud.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Tight End
Brycen Hopkins (Purdue)
He’s the tight end fantasy players will want to watch closely, as he’s essentially a receiver-only that’ll line up on the perimeter more than he does in-line. He moves extremely well for a guy who’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, and runs a full route-tree. If he lands in a spot that runs multiple tight end sets, he’s going to be the one who’s out running routes.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Offensive Lineman
Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
He’s built exactly like you’d want a LT. He’s a bit on the heavier side than athletic, but he’s a bully. Quick for a big man. Understands when he falls behind and needs to bail on the footwork. Tries to multi-task, won’t pretend he doesn’t see someone, even if it’s while blocking another guy. Better against the pass-rush than he is with the run, though both are strengths. Love the effort he gives on seemingly every play. Constantly watch edge rushers run into a brick wall. He’s better against power than speed. Does a good job recognizing stunts and knows who to pick up.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Defensive Tackle
Derrick Brown (Auburn)
He doesn’t look like he weighs 318 pounds. He’s very quick off the ball. LSU decided to double him a lot. He’s very fast off the ball, that’s where he wins, as he’s not a bully that’ll just continue shoving an interior lineman back. Knows where the play is, gets his hands up most of the time, though there are times where he’ll put his head down and lose track of the play. Three-tech. Hands are quick on the first step. Teams show a lot of respect for him. Has a good motor, doesn’t give up on plays. Rock-solid prospect who should contribute Day 1.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Defensive End
Chase Young (Ohio St)
Young can play in any scheme, though a 4-3 DE would suit him best. He’s someone who has all the tools to be a dominant pass-rusher in the NFL, though he does need to get a bit more consistent. When he keeps his pad level low, he glides past tackles with ease, though he’s a bit too lax at times. I don’t think he’s on Nick Bosa‘s level, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact on Day 1.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Linebacker
Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
Might be the most talented player in this draft. Can play linebacker or safety. Doesn’t overcommit to plays that are made to trick you. Will keep his eyes on the quarterback extremely well, but that will sometimes lead to him losing his man in zone coverage. Not afraid to put a big hit on the QB. Holds his gap well against the run, doesn’t just go to where the ball currently is. Plays sideline to sideline. Good closing speed. Pretty sure he has the athleticism to play any position. Smart blitzer, extremely agile for a guy his size. Very long, not easy to get past him. Selfishly, part of me wishes he was a wide receiver.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Cornerback
Jeff Okudah (Ohio St)
One of the first plays I watched from him, he was in man coverage and the ball was thrown 15 yards over his head, yet he ran and played the ball like he was in coverage on the play. Very aware of where the ball is. He doesn’t appear to be extremely fast, but it’s rare to see a receiver get separation over the top. Doesn’t overreact to arm movements or stutter steps. Seems like a solid cornerback, but I don’t believe he’s a SHUTDOWN cornerback right now. Will let momentum carry him upfield at times, allow curl routes to be completely relatively easy. He is a better tackler than most cornerbacks. Very long arms, should help to cover bigger receivers.
Top 2020 NFL Rookie Safety
Grant Delpit (LSU)
Elite closing speed. Finds his way through the traffic seamlessly, though he can get juked in the open field (happened multiple times with Najae Harris). Playing alongside two other potential 1st rounders helped him focus on the backfield. He’s a smart blitzer but isn’t going to shove many blockers off him. I’d like to see him in a strong safety role where he’s up in the box. I don’t know if he’s a “can’t miss” prospect, as there were two plays that went over the top of him against Alabama (good competition).
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