2020 NFL Draft: Daniel Jeremiah identifies team fits for prospects

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• By Chase Goodbread
• College Football 24/7 writer
• Published: Feb. 21, 2020 at 05:53 p.m.
• Updated: Feb. 21, 2020 at 06:24 p.m.

NFL Network Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah answered questions for nearly two hours on Friday, previewing the NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 27-March 1 on NFL Network) during a media conference call. As you might expect, he offered insight on which prospects could be a strong fit with various NFL clubs. Here's a look at the prospect-team connections Jeremiah made during the call.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals had to commit too much personnel to pass protection last season, sacrificing route options for rookie QB Kyler Murray in the name of protection. That's not how Kliff Kingsbury wants to play, however, and Alabama's Jedrick Wills would be a plug-in starter at tackle or even guard to help in that regard. Arizona has plenty of needs, and the O-line remains one of them even after the re-signing of D.J. Humphries.

Baltimore Ravens

LSU LB Patrick Queen would be a home-run pick for the Ravens at No. 28 if he were available, but the likelihood is that he will be gone. Other possibilities for Baltimore, per Jeremiah, include Marlon Davidson of Auburn, an edge rusher in the more physical mold that the Ravens tend to go for. If the club were to trade back, Utah's Bradlee Anae could fit the bill in the second round.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns hold the No. 10 selection and figure to be in play for an offensive tackle like Alabama's Jedrick Wills, who could play on either side of the line and be an excellent fit in Cleveland, as would USC's Austin Jackson, Jeremiah said. Georgia's Andrew Thomas wouldn't be as strong a scheme fit as Wills, but would nevertheless provide a definitive upgrade for a franchise that must protect a young quarterback in Baker Mayfield.

Dallas Cowboys

Alabama S Xavier McKinney is the top safety in the draft and would be a strong addition to the Cowboys with the No. 17 selection. "He's a great communicator," Jeremiah said. "... He's one of the draft's safest players and would be an unbelievably good fit in Dallas." In subsequent rounds, watch for Dallas to address the receiver position, particularly if the Cowboys can't hang onto free agent WR Amari Cooper. Dallas values run-after-catch ability in wide receivers, something either Florida's Van Jefferson or Ohio State's K.J. Hill could provide. "(Jefferson's) a really polished route runner with strong hands," Jeremiah said.

Detroit Lions

If the Lions are of a mind to trade down out of the No. 3 selection, they would be wise to drop no further than No. 6 or 7 in order to ensure landing an impact defensive player. It's a strategy that could land them a prime talent like Ohio State's Jeff Okudah, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons, Auburn's Derrick Brown, or South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw while still adding extra picks.

Indianapolis Colts

Jeremiah likes free agent Philip Rivers as a fit under center in Indy. If they're able to land the veteran QB in free agency, the Colts could use the No. 13 pick on a true game-changer such as CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs. A developmental QB or a defensive tackle such as Oklahoma's Neville Gallimore would make for a nice addition in Round 2.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeremiah believes Clemson hybrid LB Isaiah Simmons would bring fabulous value to the Jaguars with his versatility. Simmons brings an ability to stay on the field against various personnel groupings and adapt athletically to a variety of roles, not unlike the Chargers' Derwin James.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders could upgrade nicely at linebacker and wide receiver with their two first-round selections at Nos. 12 and 19. Second-year GM Mike Mayock would do well to land LSU LB Patrick Queen and a prime talent in a deep receiver class in Round 1. "With (WR) Jerry Jeudy you'll get more separation, more route polish, which fits Jon Gruden really well," Jeremiah said. "... With CeeDee Lamb, you'd get more of an outside guy with more physicality to run after the catch with him. He's a more contested-catch player."

New England Patriots

Jeremiah said three tight ends in the draft, Notre Dame's Cole Kmet, Dayton's Adam Trautman and Florida Atlantic's Harrison Bryant, would be nice options for the Patriots to address a need at a position that had long been a strength in New England prior to the 2019 season: tight end. Kmet is "not nearly as athletic as (Rob Gronkowski)," Jeremiah said, "but he's somebody with that big catch radius. He's tough to tackle." If the club chooses to wait until Day 2 to pick up a tight end, three other options include Cincinnati's Josiah Deguara, Charlie Taumoepeau of Portland State and Hunter Bryant of Washington.

New York Giants

The Giants' priority should be a franchise left tackle to protect last year's first-round QB selection in Daniel Jones, per the NFL Network draft guru. Jeremiah said an ideal option could be Louisville OT Mekhi Becton.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Alabama speedster Henry Ruggs would be a home-run first-round selection for the Eagles if available, providing the Philly offense with blazing speed on the order of Chiefs star WR Tyreek Hill, according to Jeremiah. LSU's Justin Jefferson could also work nicely in Philadelphia, providing a productive threat in the mold of Keenan Allen. Upgrading at defensive back would make sense for the Eagles on Day 2, perhaps with Clemson's A.J. Terrell, Damon Arnette of Ohio State, or Jeff Gladney of TCU. "(Gladney) shows some similarities to Denzel Ward," Jeremiah said. "Undersized, but really feisty, fluid and very aware."

Pittsburgh Steelers

Without a first-round selection -- Pittsburgh traded its top pick to the Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick in September -- it's tough to assess what might be available for the Steelers when the club, barring a trade, turns in its first draft card at No. 49 overall. Florida pass rusher Jonathan Greenard would address one of several needs in Pittsburgh. "He has a nice get off. He's really good with his hands. He'll push and pull," Jeremiah said. "... He has some real twitch and he's real fluid. He can bend at the top of his rush." Other needs -- namely tight end and offensive line -- could be filled by Dayton TE Adam Trautman, FAU TE Harrison Bryant, Louisiana OL Robert Hunt or LSU OL Damien Lewis.

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Jeremiah, Brooks match WR prospects with teams in Reddit AMA

Ahead of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks took questions from fans online on Friday. D.J. and Bucky were asked about the upcoming combine, their top prospects and their experiences in scouting. Here are our 11 favorite moments from the Reddit AMA, hosted by the official NFL Reddit account.

1. What is the best draft you both feel like you nailed best in your mock drafts? And a follow up, what is the best route to becoming a scout in the NFL?

Brooks: Mock drafts run counter to how scouts think. You're trying to think how other people think when you do a mock draft -- it makes it hard to track after the fact. So I don't have any favorite years of mock drafting, they're all unique and look different at the end of it.

Jeremiah: I do my mock drafts with my ears. I do my Top 50 rankings with my eyes. When you're trying to figure out the puzzle, I've gotten to the point where I want to get at least 27 or 28 players who are in the top 32 drafted -- doesn't matter as much if the order is right. I want to make sure I'm talking about the right guys. There's a website out there that grades mock drafts, but I'd be petrified to see where I stack up on that list.

2. As a scout, what's it like being in the draft room when a guy you vouched for/scouted heavily is picked? Do you feel a lot of validation, or do your nerves take over a bit?

Jeremiah: You literally get high-fives in the room. You have about 10-15 seconds of pride and elation before the worry sets in that you hope this guy doesn't suck.

3. Are there telltale signs when scouting a QB that are clear red flags? Certain things that you have to see before you even begin to consider that player the guy?

Jeremiah: A red flag for me is the lack of poise. So, I want to try to find the opponents that are going to be able to put the pressure on them. If you have someone whose eyes drop and who are focused on the rush, that's damn near impossible to overcome. QBs come in all shapes and sizes, but I don't know any great QB that lacked poise.

4. Henry Ruggs or Jalen Reagor, especially in regards to how they'd fit with the Eagles?

Jeremiah: I don't think it's close. Reagor is a good player. Ruggs is on another level. Ruggs is faster and has more reliable hands. Ruggs only dropped one ball this year. Reagor's drop percentage was 12.5%. Either one would fit with the Eagles because they're trying to get more explosive. Coming off of Nelson Agholor's struggles, though, it seems like Eagles fans would be more comfortable with Ruggs.

Brooks: Ruggs is a more talented player. Both are explosive athletes but Ruggs is at another level. His pop and overall explosiveness is different.

5. Are NFL general managers higher on Jordan Love or Jacob Eason?

Brooks: I think Jordan Love would be the consensus. They may be smitten by Eason's combination of size and talent but you're talking about Love who has five-star potential. His arm talent, athleticism, improvisation -- if you can harness that, you could have a superstar at the position.

Jeremiah: I talked to one team that loves Eason, but they might be the exception. But most teams I've talked to are more fond of Love.

6. Do you think the success of Patrick Mahomes will cause Love to get drafted higher than he should be? If that happens, do you think Love has a skill-set that is similar enough to justify it?

Jeremiah: I think he's really talented. The Mahomes thing -- a lot of people see similarities there. And the 2018 version of Jordan Love would be a top-five, top-10 pick guaranteed. A lot changed around him this year but I'd say he's got the most upside of any QB in this draft class (but it comes with risk).

Brooks: I wrote about this for this week's Scout's Notebook. A lot of scouts missed on Mahomes, so we'll grade Love on a curve because of what Pat has been able to do. If you flip Love's 2018 and 2019 years, we'd be talking about him in the same conversation as Burrow and Tua.

7. Who are some under the radar off-ball linebackers who could be steals after Day 1?

Jeremiah: Logan Wilson from Wyoming is outstanding in coverage, very athletic, reminds me of Fred Warner. Another one is Malik Harrison from Ohio State, who is big, can play downhill and has tremendous range. He also won a dunk contest, which shows you want kind of an athlete he is.

8. Jeremiah and Brooks pair wide receivers to teams.

Jeremiah: Let's go Raiders and Jerry Jeudy -- and if they wanted to double up with a third round pick: Antonio Gandy-Golden. Let's go Colts and Henry Ruggs. Broncos would be one who could grab Justin Jefferson. Buffalo, I would give a bigger WR like Tee Higgins or Laviska Shenault.

Brooks: I think Eagles could go with Brandon Aiyuk or KJ Hamler. The Packers could use a Jalen Raegor type. Laviska Shenault would be a great fit in Baltimore. Michael Pittman Jr. and his physicality would also fit with the Ravens.

9. Bucky, why do you have Tua Tagovailoa above Joe Burrow on your QB prospect list especially given Tua's health concerns?

Brooks: I have Tua rated over Burrow because I feel like he has more talent and upside. When you grade a player, you grade for talent and don't factor in health with the potential.

10. What are your favorite position groups to scout?

Brooks: In this year's draft, it's easy to fall in love with the WRs. There's so many good ones. The WR position is a lot like a basketball team where you have to stack with players with a lot of different skills. This is one of the best WR draft classes we've seen.

Jeremiah: I'm always gonna be a quarterback guy. It doesn't matter if it's a year with a million QBs or two, that's going to be my most enjoyable.

11. Who are prospects that are overrated by the media vs. scouts? Underrated?

Brooks: The one guy who I have a hard time with Jared Pinkney out of Vanderbilt. He didn't necessarily stand out to me. Maybe other people are seeing something I'm not, but I'm not as high on him as other people are.

Jeremiah: Guy I'm higher on: Patrick Queen. I don't know where other people have him, but he's really talented and I like him a lot. Mekhi Becton, too. The tough one for me is Justin Herbert. I know some people think he's a top-five QB, but I just updated my Top 50 that will be out on Monday and I have him as my No. 22 player.

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Jeremiah: 2020 receiver class is deepest I've seen

Quarterback dominates the talk atop the 2020 NFL Draft, but another position might produce the most talent.

Just ask NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, who said Friday the 2020 wide receiver class is the deepest he's ever seen, adding he's given 27 prospects a top-three-round grade.

The great debate currently rages between two star receivers: Alabama's Jerry Jeudy, and Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb. One is a masterful route runner, while the other has a knack for making highlight-reel grabs. Both stand to be first-round picks and instant contributors in the NFL.

But the talent doesn't stop there. Fellow Crimson Tide wideout Henry Ruggs is also in the conversation to be a first-round pick -- and Jeremiah went as far to say Friday that Ruggs should be mentioned as potentially the top WR off the board -- as are Colorado's Laviska Shenault, LSU's Justin Jefferson and Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk.

Of Jeremiah's top 50 prospects, nine are receivers, meaning there's plenty of quality pass-catching talent to be had in this class. With the annual NFL Scouting Combine coming next week, all eyes will be on those running routes in Indianapolis.

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Best Photos of Super Bowl 54

Down 10 points in the final quarter of their season, the Kansas City Chiefs saved their greatest comeback for the biggest stage. Patrick Mahomes, magnificent and magical in the final stanza, led an unbelievable rally that concluded with the Chiefs defeating the 49ers, 31-20, in Super Bowl LIV in Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night in Maimi Gardens, Fla. Mahomes was named the game MVP.

Check out the best moments and plays from Super Bowl 54 by the NFL Photo Department.

• Shawn Hubbard/NFL

  Patrick Mahomes

  Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates in the locker room.
• Shawn Hubbard/NFL

  Chris Jones

  Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones celebrates in the locker room with teammates.
• Perry Knotts/NFL

  Super Bowl 54

  A general view of the billboard with the Kansas City Chiefs as champions.

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Taysom Hill aims to be QB; would leave Saints to do so

For all the wrinkles Taysom Hill can add to an offense, the outlook on his NFL future is a simple one -- at least from his vantage point.

"I definitely view myself as a franchise quarterback," Hill said in a recent interview with the Associated Press' Rob Maaddi. "I think as you look at the other questions: Is it New Orleans? Is it somewhere else? As you go into free agency, this is the time that you start to find out how people view you. We haven't gotten into free agency long enough to really know how these guys view me and we'll just handle it as it comes."

Quarterback quandaries for the Saints are numerous this offseason.

New Orleans is still waiting on a decision from Drew Brees as to whether he'll be retiring or returning -- if the latter is true it's assumed he'll continue as the starter. Teddy Bridgewater, the team's backup who started in Brees' injured absence this past year, is also a free agent. And Hill, a do-it-all threat who was a quarterback at Brigham Young, is a restricted free agent who believes he can be a starting quarterback and wants a chance to show it.

His aforementioned comments were in response to whether he'd be Brees' heir apparent. He went on to state the he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in New Orleans, but if the Saints don't see him as a QB1, he'll be moving on to a franchise that does.

"I have loved every second of my time (in New Orleans). So do I want to leave? The fact of the matter is no, I don't," Hill said. "But as you look at free agency, you have to find the right opportunity for you. You have to find the situation to take care of your family. I want to play quarterback in this league, and if New Orleans don't view me that way, well then I have to leave. That's really where we're at."

Hill did not specify any type of timeline however. Thus, returning to back up Brees could be in place, but Hill's clarity comes in that he wants to be a starting quarterback in the future. Just when that future comes to fruition would be among the questions.

Having played all three of his NFL seasons with the Saints, Hill has lined up at tight end, wide receiver, quarterback and contributed on special teams.

Last year, he completed three passes for 55 yards, rushed for 50 in four carries and caught two balls for 25 yards. It was in the Saints' NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Vikings in which Hill's legend began to truly blossom as he had four carries for 50 yards, hauled in a touchdown catch and completed a crucial 50-yard pass.

"This last season has been so much fun for me," he said. "We have such a great locker room. You talk about being able to play with a guy and being able to be a part of Drew Brees and all the records he's breaking. And then coach Payton is notorious for always having things to switch it up, that just make it so much fun.

"I hope [Brees] comes back. I would love to play with him again. He's become one of my best friends."

Whether the Saints see Hill as the man who takes over for his best friend might well be the deciding factor in the dynamic offensive weapon returning to New Orleans or moving on.

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