Who Really Won the 2020 NFL Draft? Full Picks, Grades, and Future Impact
You remember the excitement, but do you know which teams truly won the 2020 NFL Draft? Most recaps fade after the first weekend, leaving fans debating picks without real long‑term context. Missing the deeper story means you overlook steals like Justin Jefferson falling to 22 or the hidden gems from Days 2 and 3 that reshaped rosters. This article delivers a complete, people‑first breakdown of every selection, grades, trades, and the lasting legacy—so you can finally decide who nailed it.
The Unprecedented Virtual 2020 NFL Draft: How It Changed Everything
When COVID‑19 shut down normal life, the 2020 NFL Draft became the first fully remote event in league history. Roger Goodell announced picks from his basement, no crowd roared, and team war rooms operated through Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The traditional scouting combine had been canceled, pro days vanished, and medical checks became heavily restricted phone consultations. That forced front offices to lean on tape and interviews more than ever before.
Despite the chaos, the talent pool delivered. General managers who trusted their film evaluations found stars. Those who panicked or took medical gambles paid a steep price. This virtual experiment permanently changed how teams handle predraft information, proving that a disciplined process matters more than live exposure. The 2020 NFL Draft will always stand as the ultimate stress test for every personnel department.
Complete 2020 NFL Draft First Round: Picks, Trades, and Instant Reactions
The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft unfolded with four quarterbacks, a generational edge rusher, and several shocking reaches. Below every pick appears alongside a quick snapshot of how the selection aged. Career Approximate Value (AV) comes from Pro Football Reference, a trusted source that measures a player’s total impact since 2020.
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | Career AV (through 2024) / Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU | 65 AV; led Bengals to Super Bowl LVI |
| 2 | Washington Commanders | Chase Young | DE | Ohio State | 27 AV; 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, injuries hampered later years |
| 3 | Detroit Lions | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State | 12 AV; traded after three seasons, major bust |
| 4 | New York Giants | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia | 44 AV; developed into an All‑Pro left tackle |
| 5 | Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama | 48 AV; one Pro Bowl, high efficiency when healthy |
| 6 | Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon | 70 AV; 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, perennial 4,500‑yard passer |
| 7 | Carolina Panthers | Derrick Brown | DT | Auburn | 35 AV; dominant run defender, one Pro Bowl |
| 8 | Arizona Cardinals | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson | 20 AV; hybrid role never materialized, moved on |
| 9 | Jacksonville Jaguars | C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida | 10 AV; traded early, failed to stick |
| 10 | Cleveland Browns | Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama | 32 AV; solid starter but inconsistent |
| 11 | New York Jets | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville | 14 AV; flashes of dominance followed by injuries |
| 12 | Las Vegas Raiders | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama | 9 AV; released after off‑field tragedy |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via trade) | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa | 55 AV; All‑Pro, won Super Bowl LV as a rookie |
| 14 | San Francisco 49ers (via trade) | Javon Kinlaw | DT | South Carolina | 11 AV; struggled with knee issues, later traded |
| 15 | Denver Broncos | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama | 34 AV; one Pro Bowl, steady top‑two target |
| 16 | Atlanta Falcons | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson | 29 AV; one second‑team All‑Pro, lockdown corner |
| 17 | Dallas Cowboys | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma | 52 AV; three Pro Bowls, elite No. 1 receiver |
| 18 | Miami Dolphins (via trade) | Austin Jackson | OT | USC | 22 AV; improved dramatically after position switch |
| 19 | Las Vegas Raiders (via trade) | Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State | 2 AV; legal issues ended tenure quickly |
| 20 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade) | K’Lavon Chaisson | DE | LSU | 8 AV; never developed as a pass rusher |
| 21 | Philadelphia Eagles | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU | 12 AV; famously drafted one slot ahead of Justin Jefferson |
| 22 | Minnesota Vikings (via trade) | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU | 62 AV; three All‑Pro nods, fastest to 5,000 receiving yards |
| 23 | Los Angeles Chargers (via trade) | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma | 18 AV; up‑and‑down starter, later traded |
| 24 | New Orleans Saints | Cesar Ruiz | C | Michigan | 23 AV; solid interior lineman |
| 25 | San Francisco 49ers (via trade) | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State | 36 AV; one second‑team All‑Pro, crafty route runner |
| 26 | Green Bay Packers (via trade) | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State | 32 AV; took over for Rodgers, flashed elite potential |
| 27 | Seattle Seahawks | Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech | 31 AV; tackle machine, one second‑team All‑Pro |
| 28 | Baltimore Ravens | Patrick Queen | LB | LSU | 35 AV; one Pro Bowl, tone‑setter on defense |
| 29 | Tennessee Titans | Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia | 0 AV; played four snaps, out of the league quickly |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins | Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn | 5 AV; never earned a starting role |
| 31 | Minnesota Vikings | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU | 5 AV; career cut short by off‑field tragedy |
| 32 | Kansas City Chiefs | Clyde Edwards‑Helaire | RB | LSU | 19 AV; flashes of brilliance but could not stay healthy |
Data sourced from Pro Football Reference’s 2024 season updates and official NFL draft records.
Joe Burrow to Cincinnati: The Expected Franchise Savior
With the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Joe Burrow. Fresh off the greatest single season in college football history at LSU, Burrow brought instant credibility. His calm pocket presence and deadly accuracy translated immediately. As a rookie, he showed toughness behind a porous offensive line. By year two, he steered the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years. The Bengals’ decision required zero debate—and Burrow rewarded the faith with a confident, never‑flinch leadership style that transformed the entire franchise.
The Tua Tagovailoa Gamble and Miami’s Master Plan
Miami entered the 2020 NFL Draft holding three first‑round picks and immense pressure. At No. 5, they gambled on Tua Tagovailoa, whose hip injury scared off other teams. The Dolphins bet that elite accuracy and quick‑release traits would prevail. They then doubled down on protection, taking Austin Jackson at 18 and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene at 30. The Jackson pick eventually panned out after a move inside, while Igbinoghene never broke through. Tua’s journey has been a rollercoaster—multiple concussions raised alarm, yet his 2023 season proved he can lead an explosive passing attack. Miami’s bold swing remains incomplete but far from a failure.
Justin Herbert’s Quiet Rise: Chargers Strike Gold at No. 6
Few pundits projected immediate stardom when the Los Angeles Chargers grabbed Justin Herbert at sixth overall. He carried a “raw tools” label out of Oregon. Then a last‑minute starting opportunity in Week 2 changed everything. Herbert fired deep strikes with casual ease, shattered rookie records, and captured Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 2020 NFL Draft selection now looks like the steal of the entire quarterback class. Armed with a howitzer arm and surprising mobility, Herbert consistently keeps the Chargers in playoff contention and enters every season as a top‑five quarterback.
Major Draft Day Trades That Shook the 2020 NFL Draft Board
The 2020 NFL Draft featured blockbuster trades that reshaped multiple franchises. The San Francisco 49ers first dealt All‑Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis for the No. 13 pick, then flipped that selection to Tampa Bay for No. 14 and additional capital. The Buccaneers pounced on Tristan Wirfs, who immediately protected Tom Brady on the way to a Super Bowl LV victory. Meanwhile, the 49ers selected Javon Kinlaw—a move that never matched the value surrendered.
Another franchise‑altering swap happened before the draft: Minnesota sent disgruntled receiver Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for a package that included the 22nd pick. The Vikings used that selection on Justin Jefferson, effectively replacing an elite receiver with an even greater one. Buffalo got Diggs’ prime years and a deep playoff run. The Packers also made waves, trading up from 30 to 26 to draft Jordan Love, a decision that still sparks heated debate. For complete trade logs, the NFL’s official draft day tracker remains a primary source.
The Best Value Picks (Steals) of the 2020 NFL Draft Class
Every 2020 NFL Draft evaluation focuses on value. The following players massively outperformed their draft slot and now define their teams.
- Justin Jefferson, WR (Pick 22, Vikings): Already one of the most dominant receivers in league history. His 2022 season (1,809 yards) earned Offensive Player of the Year honors.
- Tee Higgins, WR (Pick 33, Bengals): A legitimate No. 1‑caliber weapon who makes contested catches look routine.
- Jonathan Taylor, RB (Pick 41, Colts): Led the NFL in rushing in 2021 and remains a game‑changer when healthy.
- Antoine Winfield Jr., S (Pick 45, Buccaneers): First‑team All‑Pro in 2023, a do‑everything defensive back with a Super Bowl ring.
- Trevon Diggs, CB (Pick 51, Cowboys): Led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021 and is a ball‑hawking machine.
- Michael Pittman Jr., WR (Pick 34, Colts): A consistent 1,000‑yard target despite quarterback instability.
Pro Football Focus highlighted Winfield and Diggs as top‑30 players league‑wide by 2023, a testament to how deep the 2020 talent pool ran.
First‑Round Disappointments: Reaches and Early Busts
The 2020 NFL Draft had its share of painful misfires. Jeff Okudah, drafted third overall by Detroit, struggled with injuries and technique; the Lions traded him after three seasons for a late‑round pick. Isaiah Simmons, taken eighth by Arizona, never found a true position, drifting between linebacker and safety without making a consistent impact. C.J. Henderson, the ninth pick, was shipped out of Jacksonville before his second contract. The Las Vegas Raiders whiffed twice: Henry Ruggs III’s tragic off‑field actions ended his career abruptly, and Damon Arnette never stuck. Philadelphia’s Jalen Reagor, taken one slot ahead of Justin Jefferson, stands as the draft’s most glaring receiver mistake. Even Clyde Edwards‑Helaire at the end of the first round failed to become Kansas City’s long‑term answer in the backfield.
Day 2 and Day 3 Gems Who Became Stars
Beyond round one, the 2020 NFL Draft continued to deliver foundation players who don’t grab headlines but win games. Logan Wilson (pick 65, Bengals) developed into a tackling machine and defensive signal‑caller for a Super Bowl defense. Gabe Davis (pick 128, Bills) caught four touchdowns in a single playoff game. Donovan Peoples‑Jones (pick 187, Browns) emerged as a reliable big‑play threat before signing a significant second contract. The Patriots unearthed starting guard Michael Onwenu in the sixth round (pick 182), who earned an All‑Rookie nod. These late‑round successes separate good front offices from great ones, and the 2020 group supplied plenty of them.
Re‑Drafting the 2020 Class: Who Goes No. 1 Overall Now?
If we held the 2020 NFL Draft today with the benefit of hindsight, the order would look radically different. Here is a realistic top‑10 re‑draft based on performance, durability, and positional value.
| Re‑Draft Pick | Player | Original Pick | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Herbert | 6 | Franchise quarterback with elite arm talent, consistent 4,500‑yard production |
| 2 | Joe Burrow | 1 | Super Bowl run and top‑five QB play, durability the only mild concern |
| 3 | Justin Jefferson | 22 | Best non‑QB in the class, record‑setting start to career |
| 4 | Tristan Wirfs | 13 | All‑Pro tackle, anchor of a Super Bowl‑winning line |
| 5 | CeeDee Lamb | 17 | Three‑time Pro Bowler, true WR1 |
| 6 | Tua Tagovailoa | 5 | When protected, he’s a league‑leading passer |
| 7 | Andrew Thomas | 4 | Turned into a premier left tackle after early struggles |
| 8 | Brandon Aiyuk | 25 | Versatile playmaker with a second‑team All‑Pro nod |
| 9 | Jonathan Taylor | 41 | Rushing champion, elite home‑run ability |
| 10 | Antoine Winfield Jr. | 45 | All‑Pro safety with instincts and championship experience |
This exercise, informed by Pro Football Reference AV and PFF WAR data, shows that the real first round got the quarterback order badly wrong.
Long‑Term Impact: How the 2020 NFL Draft Shaped Super Bowl Contenders
The ripple effects of the 2020 NFL Draft continue to define the league’s landscape. Cincinnati’s rapid turnaround rested on Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Logan Wilson—all 2020 additions. Tampa Bay’s all‑in Super Bowl LV push succeeded because Wirfs stabilized the right tackle spot instantly. Dallas built an explosive offense around Lamb and a turnover‑happy secondary around Trevon Diggs. Minnesota found a true superstar in Jefferson who kept the Vikings competitive through a quarterback transition. Even the Green Bay Packers, with Jordan Love learning behind Aaron Rodgers and then flourishing, set a template for succession planning. This draft class did not just produce stars; it built the foundation of perennial contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 NFL Draft
How did the virtual format change the 2020 NFL Draft?
Teams drafted remotely, no live crowd attended, and medical evaluations were severely limited. Yet the class still produced elite talent, proving that strong scouting tape trumps in‑person workouts.
Why did the Green Bay Packers draft Jordan Love in the first round?
Green Bay identified Love as the eventual successor to Aaron Rodgers. The move shocked fans but gave the Packers a smooth quarterback transition once Love took over in 2023.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, who was the biggest steal?
Justin Jefferson, picked 22nd, immediately became an All‑Pro and shattered receiving records. His early career domination is unmatched by any other non-quarterback in this class.
Which team had the best draft class in 2020?
Both the Dallas Cowboys (Lamb, Diggs) and the Cincinnati Bengals (Burrow, Higgins, Wilson) claimed game-changing hauls that fueled postseason runs. Tampa Bay’s single pick of Wirfs also deserves mention for its title impact.
How many Pro Bowlers emerged from the 2020 NFL Draft?
At least 12 players from this draft have earned Pro Bowl selections, including Burrow, Herbert, Jefferson, Lamb, Taylor, Wirfs, Winfield Jr., Diggs, and Derrick Brown.
Did the 2020 NFL Draft produce any future Hall of Fame candidates?
Several players sit on an early Hall of Fame trajectory. Joe Burrow’s Super Bowl appearance, Justin Jefferson’s record pace, and Justin Herbert’s historic passing numbers all point toward Canton if current production holds.
Now you have the full picture—every pick, every trade, and every lesson the 2020 NFL Draft provided. Which selection do you believe changed a franchise forever? Drop your take in the comments and spark the conversation.
