With team facilities beginning to open and it looking more and more likely that we will have football this fall (whether with or without fans still yet to be determined), it’s time to take a look at how the 2020 NFL draft class will fair in the big leagues their 1st year. Here are my predictions for offensive and defensive rookie of the year, and my all rookie teams.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati
Of all the 2020 rookie quarterbacks, Burrow is the only one penciled in as the day 1 starter for his organization. While there is a reason Cincinnati picked 1st in this year’s draft, the former Heisman winner is walking into a favorable situation for a rookie signal caller. He has solid weapons at receiver in AJ Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross (if he can stay healthy), and fellow rookie Tee Higgins, and has a stud running back duo in Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard behind him. They offensive line gets 2019 1st round left tackle Jonah Williams back from injury, boosting Burrow’s protection. Burrow will throw for plenty of yards, and with his mobility should pick up rushing yards similar to Kyler Murray last season.
Honorable Mentions
WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City
RB Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Sleeper Pick (Player taken 3rd round or later)
RB Zack Moss, Buffalo
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Edge Chase Young, Washington
Yes, I am taking the obvious pick once again, but how can you not this year? Young has double digit sacks written all over him and should have a similar impact on the Redskins defense as fellow former Ohio State Buckeye Nick Bosa did last season on his way to winning the award. Young also has the luxury of player on a very talented defensive line in Washington, where Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Montez Sweat and others will open up rushing lanes for the 2nd overall pick. Expect a 10 – 13 sack rookie campaign for Young with a handful of forced fumbles.
Honorable Mentions
LB Isaiah Simmons, Arizona
CB Jeff Okudah, Detroit
S Antoine Winfield Jr, Tampa Bay
Sleeper Pick (Player taken 3rd round or later)
LB Logan Wilson, Cincinnati
2020 All Rookie Team
Offense
QB: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati
RB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City
RB: Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
WR: CeeDee Lamb, Dallas
WR: Michael Pittman Jr, Indianapolis
TE: Devin Asiasi, New England
OT: Jedrick Wills, Cleveland
OL: Robert Hunt, Miami
OL: John Simpson, Las Vegas
OL: Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay
OT: Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
K: Justin Rohrwasser, New England
KR: Joe Reed, Los Angeles Chargers
Defense
DE: Chase Young, Washington
DL: Jordan Elliot, Cleveland
DL: Derrick Brown, Carolina
DE: Bradlee Anae, Dallas
LB: Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers
LB: Isaiah Simmons, Arizona
LB: Patrick Queen, Baltimore
CB: Jeff Okudah, Detroit
S: Antoine Winfield Jr, Tampa Bay
S: Xavier McKinney, New York Giants
CB: Jaylon Johnson, Chicago
P: Braden Mann, New York Jets
PR: Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco
Image: Getty Images