Re-Drafting The Top 10: A Look Back At The 2020 NFL Draft

David

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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Re-Drafting the Top 10: A Look Back at the 2020 NFL Draft – Hindsight is 2020 (and Beyond)

The 2020 NFL Draft, held virtually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, felt unprecedented even by the league's often-chaotic standards. Now, years later, with the benefit of hindsight, how would we re-draft the top 10 picks? Let's dive into a fascinating exercise in what-ifs and second-guessing, exploring the successes, failures, and surprising trajectories of some of the league's brightest young stars (and some who haven't quite lived up to the hype).

The Original Top 10: A Quick Reminder

Before we dive into our re-draft, let's refresh our memories on the actual 2020 NFL Draft's top 10 selections:

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
10. Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

Our 2020 NFL Draft Re-Draft: The Top 10

Considering performance, injuries, and overall impact, here's how we'd re-draft the top 10 picks in 2020, with explanations for each choice:

1. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon (Originally Pick #6): Herbert's immediate impact and consistent excellence make him the clear #1 pick in hindsight. His arm talent, accuracy, and leadership have propelled the Chargers to new heights. [Link to Herbert's career stats]

2. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State (Originally Pick #2): While injuries have hampered his consistency, Young's potential and flashes of dominance solidify his place as a top-2 pick. [Link to Young's highlights]

3. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU (Originally Pick #1): Burrow's unfortunate injury setback significantly impacted his early career. However, his talent remains undeniable, and his potential for a strong comeback makes him a top-3 selection. [Link to article about Burrow's injury recovery]

4. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia (Originally Pick #4): Thomas has consistently performed well, proving his worth as a cornerstone offensive lineman. His steady progress earns him a spot in our top 5. [Link to article on Thomas's consistent performance]

5. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama (Originally Pick #9): While not part of the original top 10, Surtain II’s immediate and sustained success as a shutdown cornerback warrants inclusion. His impact far exceeds several of the original top-10 picks. [Link to Surtain II's stats]

6. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama (Originally Pick #5): Tagovailoa's career trajectory has been inconsistent. While possessing undeniable talent, his injury history and performance fluctuations place him lower in our re-draft. [Link to article analyzing Tagovailoa's career]

7. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State (Originally Pick #3): Okudah's struggles unfortunately place him much lower in this re-draft. While he’s shown flashes of ability, his overall performance hasn't met expectations. [Link to article discussing Okudah's struggles]

8. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson (Originally Pick #8): Simmons' versatility is undeniable, but his impact hasn't been as significant as some hoped. He remains a high-potential player, but his inconsistent performance drops him down the order. [Link to Simmons' highlights]

9. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama (Originally Pick #10): Wills has proven to be a valuable offensive lineman. He holds his position reasonably well, showcasing his continued development. [Link to an article analyzing Wills Jr.'s performance]

10. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (Originally Pick #7): Brown's production has been steady, though not necessarily groundbreaking. He remains a valuable player, but others have simply surpassed him in terms of overall impact. [Link to Brown's career statistics]

Conclusion: The Value of Hindsight

Re-drafting the 2020 NFL Draft highlights the inherent uncertainties in evaluating young talent. While some picks have paid off handsomely, others have fallen short of expectations. This exercise serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of professional football. What are your thoughts? Share your re-draft in the comments below!