The NFL Draft never goes as planned. Those NFL mock drafts that are filled by thousands of fans and experts are nearly impossible to land each correct pick by pick. Case in point, surprises happen during the draft and that is what makes the event so interesting to watch. Especially right now with the sports world on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL Draft will be one of the most-watched events in NFL history. Bettors will be going wild during the draft as this is the first time they will be placing live bets in quite some time. On April 23, madness could happen as we take a look at three bold predictions that could happen in the 2020 NFL draft. Buckle up football nation.
Jordan Love is the third QB taken in the draft
Without a doubt quarterback, Joe Burrow should be selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is the best QB heading into the draft and could be the perfect fit for the Cincinnati Bengals. After that draft pick happens, it leaves a group of QB’s that all have different concerns that could affect their placement. Expert’s No. 2 rated QB in the draft, Tua Tagovailoa has ankle issues and could be a problem staying healthy. On the flip side, the No. 3 rated QB in the draft Justin Herbert struggles with being consistent. Lastly, QB Jordan Love out of Utah State is outside the top three rankings according to experts mostly due to his underwhelming performance in 2019. Even though the experts might have their rankings, each general manager does as well. Remember when the big surprise came when the Chicago Bears drafted QB Mitch Trubisky? There might be one team out of the 32 that might favor Love over Herbert and Tagovailoa and I’m taking that bold prediction to the bank.
Atlanta Falcons trade up for Isaiah Simmons
It’s time for Atlanta to have a defense again. Remember back in 2011 when the Falcons saw a star in wide receiver Julio Jones and moved all the way from No. 27 to No. 6? Well, that worked out quite well. Atlanta needs another star but this time on the defensive side. If Atlanta were to draft a defensive star it could include Chase Young, Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons. Even though all three of those players would be a solid home for Atlanta, Simmons can simply do it all. Simmons could be the missing piece for the Falcons defense and I would not be shocked if it happens.
Philadelphia Eagles trade up for top wide receiver
Eagles fans can rejoice as Nelson Agholor is no longer part of the franchise. There were high hopes of the USC star, but several dropped passes in key moments gave him a bad taste with the team. At the moment the top Eagles wide receiver is Alshon Jeffrey but he has had his moments of the injury bug. He finished the 2019 season with 490 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Sure Philadelphia has DeSean Jackson as well but in the past years, he has transitioned more into the boom or bust one play receiver. Philadephia needs a star wide receiver now to compete in the league. I was surprised there were no reports of the Eagles really wanting to go after DeAndrew Hopkins as he landed with the Arizona Cardinals via trade. Possibly because the Eagles have had their eye on CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy? It’s time for Philadelphia to make a splash and could do so in the 2020 NFL draft.
