The 2020 NFL Draft went down as a great success. Despite it being done virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, it did not stop fans from seeing who their teams would pick. Over 55 million people tuned in, which made it the most watched draft in NFL history.
It was fantastic to see the reaction of the players next to their families, as well as witnessing the draft process with the general managers and coaches from their remote locations. Like every draft, there is always great excitement around the players that are selected, which is why we decided to create a list from this draft that could be potential NFL stars.
Before going any further, we would like to clarify that our list is based on the order that the players were selected. With that said, we present to you the 20 potential stars from the 2020 NFL Draft.
20. Josh Jones, OT - Arizona Cardinals
He might have been selected in the third round, but many experts consider him to be one of the steals of this draft. The Cardinals needed to strengthen their offensive line and they got a player who can make an immediate impact.
There are some areas of his game that he needs to develop in order to thrive in the NFL, but he is a good pass-blocker and can move defenders off the ball. Along with this, he has solid body control and balance, which allows him to rarely be displaced by opposing defensive lines. If he develops his technique, he could become one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
19. Grant Delpit, S - Cleveland Brown
Even though he was a second round pick, he could become one of the Browns' best defensive players next season. He was instrumental for LSU during his college carrer, especially last season as he helped the Tigers to an undefeated record and a national championship.
As a deep safety, he knows how to read the quarterback's throws and disrupt plays. He can also attack the pocket and cause problems for opposing offensive lines. Additionally, if he misses a block, he can bouce right back up to stop the play.
18. Jonathan Taylor, RB - Indianapolis Colts
Although he had to wait until the second round to be selected and was not the first running back off the board, many experts consider him to be the best running in this draft class. He had back-to-back seasons with over 2,000 rushing yards and ran for more than 200 yards in 12 different games.
In 2019, he was named an All-American and won the Doak Walker Award for the nation's most outstanding running back. His speed, great vision, and patience to wait for blocks to develop could allow him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
17. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB - Kansas City Chiefs
From an undefeated record and winning a national championship with the LSU Tigers last season, he will be joining a team that is just coming off winning the Super Bowl in 2019. He may be a short running back, but he uses his size to his advantage and greatly improves their chances of defending their title.
He has great speed and contact balance, which allows him to gain extra yards after contact. His route running skills are excellent and can also be used as a reliable receiver. Attributes that will great benefits the Chiefs who did not have a 500 yard rusher last season.
16. Patrick Queen, LB - Baltimore Ravens
The LSU linebacker was vital piece to the Tigers success on defense last season, which included having an undefeated record and winning the national championship. He will be joining a team that was already one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2019.
He is undersized for a linebacker, but he does have great cover skills and pass-rushing ability. His speed can allow him to cover the field and drop back into coverage to stop passes. In addition, he has a good instincts at locating the ball and can quickly shut down runs. With these abilities, he could quickly become one of the best defenders in the league.
15. Jordan Love, QB - Green Bay Packers
It was arguably the biggest surprise in the draft. Despite having Aaron Rodgers behind center, the Packers not just picked a quarterback, they traded up to select him. Already, there is talk if there could be a quarterback controversy in Green Bay. Although he will probably not be starting next season, it is a decision that can greatly benefit the team in the future.
Along with his strong arm and good mobility, he will be joining a franchise that has developed some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. There are some questions about his decision-making, but if he reaches his full potential, he could become one of the best players in the NFL.
14. K'Lavon Chaisson, OLB - Jacksonville Jaguar
His athleticism, speed, and quickness off the snap were a problem for offensive tackles. He can keep his balance while turning tight corners, which would lead to many sacks. If he is not pass-rushing the quarterback, his versatility allows him to also drop into coverage and affect the opponents passing game.
During his college career, he was an instrumental player for LSU, especially last season. In 2019, the Tigers went undefeated and would go on to beat Clemson in the the national championship game to cap off an historic season.
13. CeeDee Lamb, WR - Dallas Cowboys
The Oklahoma wide receiver was a constant threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses during his college career. He has great body control and soft hands, which have allowed him to make some unbelievable catches.
He was an All-American and finshed with 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in his last season with the Sooners. Many of those yards came after the catch as he would use his incredible speed to blow through defense. In addition, he has excellent vision in the open field and knows how to position himself to make imortant catches.
12. Jerry Jeudy, WR - Denver Broncos
Alabama had many great wide receivers last season, but he is the one who could make the greatest impact in the NFL. His great speed, footwork, and attention to detail allow him to create space even against some of the toughest defenses. In 2019, he caught a career-high 77 catches for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is one of the best wide receivers at gaining yards after the catch as his elusiveness allows him to make defenders miss. Although he is not as athletic as other receivers, his great route running and speed could make him have an immediate impact in the NFL.
11. Tristan Wirfs, OT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He will have the important responsibility of protecting Tom Brady next season. His incredible strength caught the attention of many teams and he was expected to be one of the earliest offensive linemen taken. The Bucs were so impressed, that they trade picks with the San Francisco 49ers to move up to select him.
With his strong foundation and quick feet, he was able to win the Rimington-Pace award for Big 10's Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior at Iowa. He is very disciplined on the line, which is why he is called for few penalties, and is rarely caught off-balance by EDGE bodies or pass rushers.
10. Mekhi Becton, OT - New York Jets
The Louisville offensive tackle was a difficult player to break through and steamrolled opposing players in the ACC. Despite the size, his strength and athleticism allows him to get off the line quick and drive defenders back.
He will significantly improve the Jets' offensive line, which was a big problem last season, but he must improve certain areas of his game, such as pass protection. However, if he develops as a player and is surrounded by a good coaching staff, he could quickly become an elite offensive tackles in the NFL.
9. Henry Ruggs III, WR - Los Vegas Raiders
He was not the receiver with the most receptions or yards at Alabama, but his speed was a constant threat to opposing defenses. Even though he was already projected to be a top prospect in this year's draft, his workout at the NFL combine where he ran the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.27 seconds solidified that status.
His ability to change speeds on routes is a constant problem for cornerbacks as they cannot keep up with him. Additionally, he has great athleticism and his soft hands are able to allow him to make difficult catches.
8. Jedrick Wills, OT - Cleveland Browns
He may not be the player fans will cheer for, but he will be a great help for Baker Mayfield and Brown's offensive line. Before going to Tuscaloosa, he was a top-50 prospect coming out of high school and the number one player in the state of Kentucky.
At Alabama, he was a pivotal player in the team's offensive and was named first-team All-SEC last season. He is able to to blow defenders back in run defense with his stregnth, which opens big rushing lanes for the offense. Additionally, his speed and footwork allow him to gain depth quickly and avoid getting beat by pass-rushers.
7. Isaiah Simmons, LB - Arizona Cardinals
His stregnth and athleticism allows him to be a versatile player on defense. As a starting hybrid specialist during his college career at Clemsons, he played snaps at nickel corner, outside corner, safety, and linebacker. He was an instrumental players in the team's success, which included winning the National Championship in 2019.
Last season, he was named an All-American and won the Butkus Award winner for the nation's best linebacker. His speed and versatility will be a significant upgrade to the Arizona Cardinal's defense and could quickly become one of the best defenders in the NFL.
6. Derrick Brown, DT - Carolina Panthers
He was a top rated recruit coming out of high school and would be a vital piece to Auburn's defense. In his last season, he would be an All-American, All-SEC selection, and named the SEC Defensive Player of the year.
His burst and strength at the snap is a hassle for opposing offensive lines, who are forced to use double teams in the order to stop him. There are questions about his technique as a pass-rusher, but his quickness allows him to collapse the pocket and cause problems for the opposing offence, even if he does not get to the quarterback.
5. Justin Herbert, QB - Los Angeles Chargers
Despite being tipped to be a high draft pick in the 2019 NFL draft, he returned to Oregon for his senior season where helpled the Ducks to a conference title and a top five national ranking. He also finished his collegiate career with a total of 95 touchdown passes.
He became the first Chargers' quarterback taken in the first round since Eli Manning in 2004, who was then traded to the New York Giants for the draft rights to Phillip Rivers. Although there are some areas where he needs to improve, he has a strong arm, can scrample for first downs if the pocket collapses, and does a great job with designed runs.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB - Miami Dophins
Tua Tagovailoa's injuries in 2019 costed him being the number one overall pick, but his positive medical reports and incredible performances over his college years at Alabama still made him a high draft pick. He is known for being an aggressive in-pocket passer who is mobile and can throw the ball on the run.
He enjoyed great success while playing under Nick Saben, but many still remember his incredible performance in the national championship game in 2018 when he was put into the game halftime with Alabama losing and helped them come back to win the championship. If he stays healthy and recovers his form, there is no doubt he can help bring great success to the Miami Dolphins.
3. Jeffrey Okudah, CB - Detroit Lions
The latest and maybe the most talented cornerback from a long line of them at Ohio State. He was instrumental to the Buckeyes defense and was one of the nation's best players in 2019. His numbers may not be as spectacular as other cornerbacks in this draft, but that is because his great coverage on wide receivers made it almost impossible to throw to while he was on them.
He has great footwork, is outstanding in press coverage and desciplined enough to keep the widereceiver in front of him. Tools that will be extremely useful head coach, Matt Patricia, as he looks to improve the Lions' defense.
2. Chase Young, DL - Washington Redskins
He was regarded by many as the best overall prospect in the draft. The Ohio State pass rusher was a first-team All-American, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2019, and helped the Buckeyes reach the college football playoff.
His combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing make him a nightmare for oppositing quarterbacks and will be a great addition to the Washington Redskins' defense. Regardless of what happens next season, he will be able to make an immediate impact on the team with his incredible pass-rushing abilities.
1. Joe Burrow, QB - Cinncinnati Bengals
The number one overall pick has all the potential to be a star quarterback in the NFL. He began his college career with Ohio State before transferring in 2018 to LSU where he would make history. In 2019, he threw for 5,671 yards and 60 passing touchdowns as he helped LSU reach the national championship game where they would beat Clemsons to cap off a perfect 15-0 season. In addition, he would also go on to win Heisman Trophy.
In Cinncinnati, he should be in a good situation to thrive under head coach Zac Taylor. Along with Taylor's offense, Joe Burrow will have great wide receiver to throw to, such as A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. With all this, he could have an explosive rookie season.
