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Yardbarker's super-early 2020 NFL first-round mock draft
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Yardbarker's super-early 2020 NFL first-round mock draft

Although the NFL world is focused on training camp, it's never too soon to be thinking about the next draft. Led by No. 1 overall pick Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama, here's Yardbarker's initial 2020 mock. Doubling the fun, we project the draft order too!

 
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1. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Marvin Gentry / USA Today Sports Images

Miami acquired Josh Rosen during the offseason, but if he's not the answer at quarterback, the Dolphins will likely dip into the well in next year's draft that includes a deep quarterback class. Tagovailoa saved the Crimson Tide in the 2018 CFP Final and was outstanding in his first full season as a starter, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards. The southpaw is a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year.

 
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2. Arizona Cardinals: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Arizona Cardinals: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Arizona will likely be in the market for defense after going offense-heavy in this year's draft. Ohio State is turning into a pass-rusher factory, and Young is the Buckeyes' next great prospect after recording 9.5 sacks in 13 games last season.

 
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3. Las Vegas Raiders: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Las Vegas Raiders: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Stan Szeto / USA Today Sports Images

There's pressure on Derek Carr to make a giant step forward this season after the Raiders added Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams and Josh Jacobs. If he fails, the Raiders will likely look toward a quarterback as they move to Vegas in 2020. It surprised many when Herbert returned to school for 2019, as he was in the running as the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. His accuracy did regress last season, but Herbert also threw for more than 3,000 yards for the first time with 29/8 TD/INT. 

 
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4. New York Giants: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

New York Giants: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

The Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr. in the offseason and are already having problems at wideout in 2019 with Sterling Shepard and Corey Coleman suffering injuries and Golden Tate suspended for four games. Jeudy had a staggering 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games last season. He has breakaway speed and could be Alabama's best receiver prospect since Julio Jones.

 
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5. Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images

Andy Dalton has had trouble staying healthy in recent seasons, and he hasn't been productive enough to make the Bengals competitive recently. While getting younger on defense should be a high priority, Cincinnati could have the opportunity to find another long-term starter in 2020. A productive and accurate quarterback in a run-heavy Georgia offense, Fromm completed 67.4 percent of his passes last year with 30 touchdowns in only 307 attempts. He's not mobile and has had some arm injuries, but he can play at the next level. 

 
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6. Washington Redskins: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

Washington Redskins: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Bruce Thorson / USA Today Sports Images

Washington selected what it hopes is its long-term starter this year in Dwayne Haskins, but adding weapons around him will be a high priority next offseason. Shenault was a ball hog in only nine games last season with 86 receptions for 1,011 yards and six touchdowns. He has great hands and the ability to run after the catch.

 
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7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

Georgia has proved it can develop offensive linemen, and Thomas has made himself into an elite prospect. Tampa Bay went defense-heavy in this year's draft but could shift back to the offense next year.

 
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8. Detroit Lions: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Detroit Lions: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Derick E. Hingle / USA Today Sports Images

Lions head coach Matt Patricia continues to shape his defense and could need a safety next year after Glover Quin retired this offseason. A huge safety and playmaker for the Tigers last season, Delpit had 74 tackles, five interceptions and five sacks in his sophomore season. 

 
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9. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

Buffalo is getting older along the defensive line, with star Jerry Hughes entering his age 31 season. Epenesa developed into a star at Iowa with 10.5 sacks last season, and he could push himself near the top of draft boards with a strong 2019 season.

 
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10. Denver Broncos: Walker Little, OT, Stanford

Denver Broncos: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Jaime Valdez / USA Today Sports Images

An athletic, mammoth tackle out of Stanford, Little is listed at 6-foot-8. He opted to attend Stanford over several football powers and can't help but develop run-blocking skills in Stanford's offense. The Broncos drafted Garett Bolles in 2017 but could be in the market for another tackle next year.

 
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11. New York Jets: Derrick Brown, DE, Auburn

New York Jets: Derrick Brown, DE, Auburn
Jim Brown / USA Today Sports Images

The Jets selected Quinnen Williams in this year's draft, but Leonard Williams will be a free agent following the 2019 season. Brown is a massive defensive lineman with pass-rush skills, and he surprised some when he opted to return to college for his senior season.

 
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12. Carolina Panthers: Raekwon Davis, DE, Alabama

Carolina Panthers: Raekwon Davis, DE, Alabama
Jasen Vinlove / USA Today Sports Images

Davis regressed last season and was overshadowed by Quinnen Williams, so it made sense that he returned to Alabama for his senior season. He had 8.5 sacks in 2017 but only 1.5 sacks year. Despite drafting Brian Burns this year, the Panthers could use more youth on the line with Gerald McCoy potentially a one-year stopgap.

 
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13. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama

Jacksonville Jaguars: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

Telvin Smith is taking the year off, so his future in Jacksonville is very much up in the air. Moses is a speedy linebacker with 86 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his sophomore season and could see a nice uptick this year. 

 
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14. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

San Francisco could already use more cornerback depth, and that doesn't even take into consideration that Richard Sherman is getting closer to the end of his career. A playmaking corner last season at Florida, Henderson could solidify first-round status with a strong 2019 season.

 
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15. Tennessee Titans: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

Tennessee Titans: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images

"Albert O" thought about declaring for the draft this year, but shoulder issues were one big reason he reconsidered. He's scored 17 touchdowns in 18 games over the last two seasons and could be a first-round prospect if he proves healthy. Delanie Walker is approaching the end of his career for the Titans, turning 35 in August.

 
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16. Houston Texans: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Houston Texans: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images

Lamar Miller's production has been inconsistent in Houston, and D'Onta Foreman is still working his way back from an Achilles injury. Taylor has been an outright star in two seasons for the Badgers, totaling 4,171 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns. The question after next season could be if he has too much tread on his tires after getting so many carries.

 
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17. Seattle Seahawks: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Seattle Seahawks: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Seattle drafted D.K. Metcalf in the second round this year but will need to continue developing wideout depth behind Tyler Lockett. Higgins isn't the best wide receiver on his own team — a title that goes to soon-to-be true sophomore Justyn Ross — but he's still a terrific prospect. Higgins had 59 receptions for 936 yards and 12 scores for the Tigers last season and has great size at 6-foot-4. 

 
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18. Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

Baltimore lost Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith this offseason but is counting on its in-house pass rushers to step forward. If they fail, Baltimore could prioritize a pass rusher in 2020. Lewis missed 2018 with a torn ACL but has huge NFL  upside if he proves healthy.

 
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19. Atlanta Falcons: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Atlanta Falcons: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

The younger brother of Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs, Trevon played only six games last season due to injury. However, he's shown flashes of elite ability when he has been on the field over three seasons and is still gaining more polish as a converted wideout. The Falcons added two corners in this year's draft, but a deep corner class could entice them next year.

 
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20. Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Alonzo Adams / USA Today Sports Images

Dallas is always in the market for speedy home run threats, and Lamb fits that profile. Lamb already has two productive seasons under his belt and could be a Heisman candidate this year with Marquise Brown now in the NFL. He finished with 65 receptions for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

 
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21. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Coe, DE, Auburn

Minnesota Vikings: Nick Coe, DE, Auburn
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

Coe had seven sacks in only nine games last season. He has elite edge rusher upside but needs to stay healthy this year to help his stock.

 
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22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trey Smith, OT, Tennessee

Pittsburgh Steelers: Trey Smith, OT, Tennessee
Randy Sartin / USA Today Sports Images

Smith is working his way back from blood clots in his lungs, but he's an elite NFL prospect if he can return to the field after being the No. 1 recruit in the country in 2017. Pittsburgh could have a need at right tackle next offseason.

 
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23. Green Bay Packers: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

Green Bay Packers: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

A big safety at 6-foot-3, Simmons was everywhere for the Tigers last season with 88 tackles. His versatility would be welcomed by almost any team.

 
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24. Cleveland Browns: Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

Cleveland Browns: Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports Images

Arguably college football's top center entering the 2019 season, Biadasz opted to return to Wisconsin for his junior season. Cleveland center JC Tretter's contract expires after 2019.

 
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25. Las Vegas Raiders (via Bears): Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

Las Vegas Raiders (via Bears): Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Matthew O'Haren / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell with their top pick this year, but he can't fix the team's pass rush all by himself. Gross-Matos had a dominant year at Penn State last season with eight sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

 
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26. Los Angeles Chargers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Los Angeles Chargers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

The current Melvin Gordon saga could lead to the Chargers drafting a running back next year if they decide to move on from Gordon. Etienne could be a generational talent and was dominating last season, rushing for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns and averaging 8.1 yards per carry. He needs to develop his receiving skills this year.

 
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27. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Jeffrey Swinger / USA Today Sports Images

Philadelphia brought back Ronald Darby on a one-year deal but could be in the market for a cornerback next offseason. Johnson was a playmaker at Utah in his sophomore season, with 41 tackles and four interceptions.

 
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28. Indianapolis Colts: Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama

Indianapolis Colts: Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

Darius Leonard has already become a star for the Colts, but they could be in the market for more linebacker depth next year. Jennings had 50 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his junior season at Alabama and could see an uptick in snaps as he caps off his college career.

 
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29. New Orleans Saints: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

New Orleans Saints: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

New Orleans has yet to find a long-term replacement for Drew Brees, but Eason could be an option. Eason transferred from Georgia as a result of Jake Fromm's emergence and is set to take over as Washington's starting quarterback this year. With a strong season, he could become a first-round prospect.

 
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30. New England Patriots: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

New England Patriots: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Adam Hagy / USA Today Sports Images

Hall has proved to be an all-around strong performer over the last three seasons at Virginia, including 62 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions last season. New England used a second-round pick on Joejuan Williams this year but could be in the market again next year with Jason McCourty possibly approaching the end of his career.

 
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31. Los Angeles Rams: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Los Angeles Rams: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

The Rams will almost certainly be looking at cornerback next year, as both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib could be free agents. He was a shutdown corner at LSU last season while playing 10 games, and he has ample size.

 
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas

Kansas City Chiefs: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images

There have already been mentions of a possible Tyreek Hill trade after this season, and the Chiefs can also get out of Sammy Watkins' contract. Even after drafting Mecole Hardman this year, either of those scenarios would likely pressure the team to draft another wideout. Johnson has improved every year at Texas, finishing last season with 985 yards receiving and seven scores. At 6-foot-6, he's a dream physically.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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