Space Camp 2020 NFL Mock Draft

The Astronauts Crew ran this mock draft exactly like the real NFL Draft will be run this year: trade discussions over text message and laughing at the other teams' stupid decision-making in the groupchat. The war room up in space was tense. With each writer acting as GM over their pick, here's how the draft went down.

1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Bengals fans have to be excited about the fresh opportunity after years of mediocrity. Zac Taylor gets married to the hottest college player on the planet and the young star comes home to save the state. Beyond the unreal numbers, Burrow's poise and mobility give him access to the entire field. He'll be able to get the most out of the high quality aerial weapons, boosting the fantasy value of every Bengal. - JetPack Galileo

2. *Projected Trade* Jacksonville Jaguars - Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Jacksonville sends Yannick Ngakoue, #9 overall to Washington for #2 overall and a 2020 3rd round pick.

The Jaguars are stuck having to trade Ngakoue before the season starts. This trade up for Chase Young replaces their expensive edge rusher with a rookie contract and allows them minimal draft capital damage along the way. - Michael Risher

3. *Projected Trade* Carolina Panthers - Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Carolina sends #7 overall, 2020 3rd round pick, 2021 4th round pick to Detroit for #3 overall.

The Carolina Panthers were ranked 20th in pass defense and gave up 29 points per game to their opponents and 231 passing yards per game. They were tied for 8th in the league in interceptions, and there's some holes to fill after Luke Kuechly's devastatingly early retirement and the decision to let James Bradberry walk in free agency. Secondary was just one area of their defense they needed to improve, so the Panthers trade up for the best cornerback in the draft, Jeff Okudah. For the cost to move up, Okudah better be ready to face the NFC South WR Gauntlet headlined by Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin. - Shane Barrett

4. New York Giants - Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Last season the Giants gave up 43 sacks and gave up the 3rd most QB Hits with 119. They have slowly rebuilt their offensive line the past couple years, drafting Will Hernandez and signing Nate Solder and Kevin Zeitler but their right tackle position is still a weak point. Jedrick Wills would be a plug and play starter there with 28 starts the past 2 season at right tackle for Alabama. The Giants got their starting QB in Daniel Jones in the draft in 2018, now it is time they go out and get a top notch prospect who can help protect him. - Alex Edwards

5. Miami Dolphins - Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Dolphins have the pick of their potential QB targets in Herbert, Tua & Love. Whilst all of these options are great fits for Chan Gailey's spread offense, the Dolphins opt for the safest option in Justin Herbert. He has great size, athleticism & arm talent to be a big success in the NFL. Herbert is a boom-bust prospect but will have a strong chance to succeed as he is surrounded by young & improving talent. If Tua had no injury concerns he would have been the selection for the Dolphins. - Kev White

6. Los Angeles Chargers - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

If not for a hip injury we may not be having the discussion as to why Tua fell this far in the draft. The Chargers are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and if Tua does need to sit out a season Tyrod Taylor will be a serviceable bridge quarterback. Whenever Tua does take over the offense, so long that he is healthy, the Chargers will be a tough team to beat with the young core that they have. - Nick Penticoff

7. *Projected Trade* Detroit Lions - Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Detroit received #7 overall, 2020 3rd round pick, 2021 4th round pick from Carolina in exchange for #3 overall.

The Lions could have easily stayed at 1.03 and selected Okudah to replace the outgoing Darius Slay, but interest in that pick will be high, and the offer was too good for the Lions to turn it down. Made even better by the fact that Simmons falls right into their lap at 1.07! Simmons dominated the combine and is a super versatile player, who can play all over the field, which is just what the Lions need and will be an instant impact for their defence. - Matt Thornton

8. Arizona Cardinals - Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Last year the Cardinals tripled down on wide receivers and it did not help them at all. They made splashes in the offseason acquiring DeAndre Hopkins, signing Kenyan Drake with the transitional tag and offloading David Johnson's huge contract burden. Kyler Murray's stock is on the rise for 2020 if he can stay on his feet and scramble in the pocket. The Cardinals select the offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs to protect their offensive investments and unleash their offensive fire power. - FF Spotlight

9. *Projected Trade* Washington Redskins - Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Washington received Yannick Ngakoue, #9 overall from Jacksonville in exchange for #2 overall and a 2020 3rd round pick.

Due to the current Trent Williams situation, the Redskins have an immediate need for a tackle. The tackle class is deep but has a clear four at the top, so Andrew Thomas only makes sense here. Great run blocker and a solid pass blocker with the room for improvement with his footwork. He has all the qualities and talent for a successful NFL career. - Parker McDonald

10. Cleveland Browns - Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The most important spot on the Browns offensive line remains vacant at left tackle. They have had a sticking plaster at the position over the last few years with Greg Robinson. Unless one of the many incompetent teams ahead of them let a 'can't miss' defensive piece fall here the Browns have to take Becton especially as he should be gone already to the Giants. He has the size and length to give him the advantage over rushers off the edge and he's by far the best run blocker in the class. Value and need come together. - Rich Causier

11. New York Jets - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Jets take the best wide receiver in the draft here. The thought is similar to the Cowboys going out to get Amari Cooper, this pick has as much to do with CeeDee's potential as it does with seeing what they really have in their QB. As the Cowboys did with Prescott, it is time to give Sam Darnold some true weapons and see what he can do with them. GM Joe Douglas will be looking to build the offensive line around Darnold, but with the top four tackles already off the board in the first 10 picks, grabbing the draft's top playmaker is the right call. - Blue Werth

12. Las Vegas Raiders - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Even though Derrick Brown was still on the board, the Raiders are the kind of team that doesn't waver from their guys, no matter who is on the board (Clelin Ferrell last season for example). They've also stated that they plan on acquiring speed in this draft, which is exactly what someone like Jerry Jeudy will bring. Ever since they traded away Amari Cooper, the Raiders have been looking for his replacement and Tyrell Williams isn't able to fill those shoes. So the Raiders go out and get someone with a similar play style to Cooper, the best route runner in the class, Jerry Jeudy.

- Jared Hall

13. San Francisco 49ers - Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

I don't believe the 49ers should force a pick here trying to replace Buckner. In fact, it's huge pressure for Brown to try and step into his shoes with they pick San Francisco got in return for him - he'll always face getting compared to one of the games best interior game breakers. However, this pick was more about the talent on the board falling to them - I could've started digging deeper into the second level prospects at positions of greater need like CB CJ Henderson or WR Henry Ruggs, but Brown is one of only a handful of bluechip players in this draft, and the only one left on the board. John Lynch loves to invest premium picks in the trenches - to me this was a dream scenario for SF. - Jeff Abercrombie

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Jones, OT, Houston

For the first time since Gruden left, Tampa Bay feels like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. With a nasty run defense, stellar offensive weapons, and the greatest field general in the history of football, the Bucs are a couple pieces away from a Patriots caliber roster. Defensive back is certainly a position of concern, but the Bucs must protect their 43 year old hero. As a 4 year starter and PFF's highest graded tackle, Jones looks to solidify a shaky offensive line. - JetPack Galileo

15. Denver Broncos - CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

The Broncos lost Chris Harris Jr. to the division-rival Chargers, and made a surprise move trading for Jags corner AJ Bouye. Now they find themselves right back to where the started. Cornerback is one of the biggest needs for the Broncos, whether it's just adding more depth or finding that key piece to get the defense back to playing at a high level. Anderson has a chance to be that key piece and an instant starter. He has the agility, footwork, and athleticism to stay locked in on routes. He would be a great piece opposite Bouye and give the Broncos a much needed boost on defense.

- Parker McDonald

16. Atlanta Falcons - Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw will instantly form a formidable duo with Grady Jarrett in the middle of the defensive line. At 6'5" 324lbs, Kinlaw is a big explosive player who can add to the Falcons pass rush threat and cause serious problems for opposing offensive lines.

- Matt Thornton

17. Dallas Cowboys - K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Dallas was 19th in the league last season with 39 sacks and 15th in the league in pressure percentage at 23.4%. A large reason for this is because offensive lines could focus on protection against DeMarcus Lawrence with the lack of threats elsewhere for Dallas coming off the edge. K'Lavon Chaisson would be the perfect complement on the opposite side of Lawrence with his elite ability to bend around the edge. Chaisson is still a raw prospect but has all the potential to be a great pass rusher and has the range to drop back in coverage as well, adding versatility to their defense.

-Alex Edwards

18. Miami Dolphins - Austin Jackson, OT, USC

A potential reach at pick 18, the Dolphins were desperate to land a franchise blindside protector for Justin Herbert. The Offensive Tackle from USC, Jackson was the last of the great tackles in this draft class & fills an immediate need for the Dolphins. He’s still only 20 years old & raw in his play, however with the caveat of fantastic upside & outstanding physical traits, Jackson has the potential to be an elite LT for the men from Miami. - Kev White

19. Las Vegas Raiders - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Fulton County Jail. The Raiders needed a cornerback and they got one. Mike Mayock loves winning pedigree and discipline, as he showed last season taking Clelin Ferrell 4th overall. According to PFF, Fulton forced an incompletion on 29.1% of targets since 2017. The highest rate in college football. - Nick Penticoff

20. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

The Jaguars need someone other than DJ Chark to throw the ball to because their other options did not cut it last year. Drafting Reagor gives them a fast, explosive and all around versatile player to pair with Chark. With his speed and athleticism he could be used like a Deebo Samuel as a gadget player, but also take the top off the defense. He has the ability to go up and get the ball in any situation which adds another important dynamic to his deep routes. - Shane Barrett

21. Philadelphia Eagles - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Philadelphia was decimated by injuries last year and the wide receivers were particularly affected. Alshon Jeffery's lingering shoulder injury and Desean Jackson's core injury hampered their passing attack and had Carson Wentz relying on Zach Ertz over and over. Last season, they found a gem in Miles Sanders and this year, they select Denzel Mims in the first round to provide additional youth and playmaking ability to their air attack. - FF Spotlight

22. Minnesota Vikings - Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

We have seen in the NFC North already that having a stout defensive line can help your team overcome other roster flaws. Adding Gross-Matos does just that while still allowing them to pick a top flight CB or WR with their 2nd pick in the first round.

- Michael Risher

23. New England Patriots - Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

As far as I'm concerned, Jordan Love is not good enough to be a starting NFL QB right now. His miserable numbers in 2019 back that up (20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions) however in fairness his numbers in 2018 were much better with 3567 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. The Patriots have a plethora of picks and I expect them to use a premium pick on a developing QB and there are numerous rumblings that they are doing serious homework on Jordan Love and who am I to question the greatest coach of all time who won six rings for a system QB? Many will suggest the Patriots need help elsewhere on offense, mainly at wide receiver which is understandable. However, unless they move up for one of Lamb/Jeudy/Reagor/Mims, quarterback is the best option here, and they can afford to wait on a wide receiver in one of the deepest WR classes in a long time. I would hope Bill is way too smart to waste this pick on Henry Ruggs. - Rich Causier

24. New Orleans Saints - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Saints are going to be looking to maximize Drew Brees final contract. The man has already accepted employment in the broadcast booth after this season so they will be looking to sure up the team any way they can. One obvious area of need is at linebacker, and Murray is a run stopping bull, a self described "killer." Projected as a 3-down starter in the NFL, he could be an immediate contributor and could make the defense that much stronger from Day 1. - Blue Werth

25. *Projected Trade* San Francisco 49ers - Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

San Francisco trades #31 overall and 2021 3rd round pick to Minnesota for #25 overall pick.

A huge shock to see Ruggs available here, Kyle Shanahan was pounding the table & going nuts on his Zoom call with GM John Lynch to make the trade. Ruggs will be a top 15 selection in reality, and this pick provides fantastic value at a position of need. The 49ers covet speed from the skill positions, with Ruggs having an abundance - highlighted by his 4.27 40 yard time. If Ruggs was under that deep ball in the Super Bowl, the 49ers would be picking at 32... - Kev White

26. Miami Dolphins - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

This might seem like a reach with many having Diggs as a Round 2 pick, but I'm hearing a lot of buzz in NFL circles and didn't want to miss out on a player that I think has a chance to be the best CB of the draft when we look back 4 or 5 years from now. I love the way Diggs plays the position and he saw his fair share of NFL talent, making him ready to see the field for the talent depleted Dolphins even if off-season activities are cancelled. - Jeff Abercrombie

27. Seattle Seahawks - Willie Gay, LB, Mississippi State

Every year, Seattle seems to reach with their first round pick because of their unique philosophy, which heavily prioritizes athletic tools over other traditional methods of evaluation. They also don't care one bit about NCAA violations. Willie Gay is an explosive athlete, and if Julio Jones didn't dress up as a Clemson linebacker, Gay would be getting recognition as the most intriguing defensive specimen in the class. He comes in to form a nasty, electric linebacking unit with All-Pro Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright that can track with the creative zone rushing attacks in the NFC West.

- JetPack Galileo

28. Baltimore Ravens - Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

Tackling was a major issue for the Ravens in 2019, and their rush defense did them no favors either. They went out and beefed up the defensive line by adding Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers to pair with Brandon Williams in the middle, but the Ravens are running very thin at the linebacker positions. With Patrick Onwuasor moving to the Jets, it's arguably the roster's biggest hole. Terrell Lewis has some durability concerns, but if he can remain healthy and put on more muscle he should have problem becoming a NFL starter. - Parker McDonald

29. Tennessee Titans - AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

It was only a few months ago that AJ Epenesa was being touted as one of the best prospects in this class, but after a disappointing combine, he has fallen down many teams' draft boards. This could turn out to be a steal for the Titans. Epenesa is a powerful edge rusher who should fit perfectly into the Titans' defensive scheme opposite Harold Landry. - Matt Thornton

30. Green Bay Packers - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Packers have their WR1 in Davante Adams but lack threats elsewhere in their WR corp. Justin Jefferson fills that WR2 spot and adds a threat coming out of the slot. He produced at LSU in 2019 exclusively from the slot and just has a knack for getting open. Jefferson is also a hard runner to bring down once he has the ball in his hands, gaining 706 yards after catch in 2019. Aaron Rodgers is already an elite QB with one good WR, it would be scary to see him work with an additional one. - Alex Edwards

31. *Projected Trade* Minnesota Vikings - Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina

Minnesota received #31 overall and 2021 3rd round pick from San Francisco for #25 overall pick.

I know, I know, this looks like a huge reach and there's almost no way Edwards goes in the first, but the Vikings need a WR and their guy, Justin Jefferson, got sniped 1 pick before. Sure, they could've taken Ruggs at 25 instead, but the value was just too much to pass up. Edwards will bring as much, if not more, to the table than Ruggs. They lost quite a few key players in free agency so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Vikes go defense with this pick, but they now desperately need an outside receiver to replace Diggs and I think Bryan Edwards would fit that role perfectly. - Jared Hall

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

That's right, the first running back off the board. He gives the Chiefs everything they want and desire in a running back, and he may be the best pass-catching back in this draft. I am not convinced that Damien Williams can be their guy going forward and I don't think they want him to be. Edwards-Helaire adds a versatile component to an offense that already hums when it gets going. - Nick Penticoff

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