2020 NFL Redraft: Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa Change Teams

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) shake hands after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Four years have passed since the 2020 NFL Draft, giving us time to reassess how teams deployed their draft choices that year.

Seven players from the 2020 crop have earned first-team All-Pro nods, while 19 have made at least one Pro Bowl. Plenty of talent exists, beginning with elite producers near the top of the draft and continuing with depth throughout the first round.

Let’s dive into our 2020 redraft and see which players rose, which fell, and how the first round would be altered with the benefit of hindsight.

Redrafting the 2020 NFL Draft

As we redraft 2020, trades that were agreed to before the start of the draft will stay in place. However, deals that took place during the draft itself will not be included.

1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Original selection: QB Joe Burrow

The Bengals made the right call the first time around. Joe Burrow remains Cincinnati’s selection in our 2020 redraft after seemingly changing the club’s culture overnight. While injuries marred Burrow’s rookie campaign and the 2023 season, the Bengals were a few plays away from winning the Super Bowl in 2021 and advanced to the AFC title game in 2022.

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Burrow was utterly dominant in those two seasons. From 2021 to 2022, he led the NFL in touchdown rate (6.1%), ranked second in EPA + CPOE composite (0.143), and finished third in adjusted net yards per pass attempt (7.12). Cincinnati wouldn’t even consider going in another direction at No. 1.

2) Washington Commanders: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Original selection: EDGE Chase Young

While Justin Herbert hasn’t experienced the same level of team success as Burrow, he’s been a high-end quarterback in his own right. Herbert posted a 60+ QBR in all four of his pro campaigns, setting a career-high 70.9 mark in 2021.

One of the most physically talented QBs in the NFL, Herbert is a no-brainer for the Commanders, who would’ve moved on from the late Dwayne Haskins after one season.

3) Detroit Lions: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Original selection: CB Jeff Okudah

The Lions didn’t know Matthew Stafford was entering his final season in Detroit in 2020, so they won’t select one of the available quarterbacks at No. 3.

Justin Jefferson makes for a nice consolation prize. He’s posted more receiving yards (5,899) through his first four seasons than any player in NFL history while earning an Offensive Player of the Year award and three All-Pro nods. Does Stafford stick around in Detroit now that he has Jefferson as his new version of Calvin Johnson?

4) New York Giants: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Original selection: OT Andrew Thomas

Daniel Jones threw for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns while ranking 18th in QBR in his 2019 campaign. The Giants wouldn’t have considered moving away from Jones, so we’ll look at other positions instead.

While Andrew Thomas or another offensive tackle would make plenty of sense at No. 4, New York can’t allow CeeDee Lamb to slip past their pick. Lamb led the league with 135 receptions last season while setting new career highs in yards (1,749) and touchdowns (12). He’s the alpha WR1 Big Blue has been searching for since trading Odell Beckham Jr.

5) Miami Dolphins: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

Original selection: QB Tua Tagovailoa

Jalen Hurts was a second-round pick in the real-life draft, but he’ll be the fifth player chosen in our 2020 redraft. While the Dolphins have their choice of three quarterbacks at No. 5, Hurts’ blend of high-end play and consistency makes him the easy selection.

Hurts became the Philadephia Eagles’ starter in 2021 and gradually blossomed from a run-first QB into a do-it-all threat. He finished second in MVP voting and came within a few plays of guiding the Birds to a Super Bowl title after the 2022 campaign. Hurts and the Tush Push now reside in South Beach.

6) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Original selection: QB Justin Herbert

Jordan Love entered the 2023 season having made just one pro start in relief of former Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and wouldn’t have been drafted nearly this high had we done this exercise last September.

But Love blew up down the stretch, ultimately leading the Packers to a Wild Card rout of the Dallas Cowboys while finishing second in the NFL in touchdown passes (32), fifth in passing efficiency, and ninth in QBR. He’ll help the Chargers forget about missing out on Justin Herbert.

7) Carolina Panthers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Original selection: DT Derrick Brown

While Tua Tagovailoa will be the fifth quarterback selected in our redraft, that doesn’t mean he’s been a disappointment. He led the NFL in touchdown rate, yards per attempt, and passer rating in 2022 and threw for more yards (4,624) than any other QB in 2023.

The tape doesn’t always match the stats, and Tagovailoa is undoubtedly aided by Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Mike McDaniel’s scheme. But the Panthers — who had just hired Matt Rhule and signed Teddy Bridgewater — will be more than happy to land Tua, even if they don’t plan to start him immediately.

8) Arizona Cardinals: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Original selection: LB Isaiah Simmons

Although the Cardinals arguably could’ve used upgrades at four of five offensive line spots heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, they went with Isaiah Simmons, a tweener linebacker who was eventually traded before the end of his rookie contract for pennies on the dollar.

Instead, let’s give Arizona the best offensive tackle prospect in this draft: Tristan Wirfs. The two-time All-Pro began his NFL career as a right tackle and could start there for the Cardinals, allowing D.J. Humphries to continue manning Kyler Murray’s blindside.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Original selection: CB C.J. Henderson

Jacksonville had a relatively solid offensive line in 2020 with no apparent holes, so the Jaguars can target a pass catcher instead. The club’s WR depth chart was headlined by DJ Chark, Marqise Lee, and Dede Westbrook, so finding a true No. 1 wideout should be on Jacksonville’s redraft agenda.

Brandon Aiyuk has steadily ascended over the past four years, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 after hauling in 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Nearly every advanced metric liked Aiyuk’s production, as he ranked first in ESPN’s receiving tracking scores and sixth in yards per route run (2.65). last season.

10) Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Original selection: OT Jedrick Wills Jr.

Andrew Thomas is a testament to development. Drafted fourth overall in 2020, Thomas struggled mightily in his first NFL season and allowed 10 sacks. But at some point in his sophomore campaign, Thomas figured things out. He’s taken great strides forward as a pass blocker thanks to improved footwork, locking down the left side of the Giants’ line.

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The Browns used this pick on fellow OT Jedrick Wills Jr., who’s been a league-average blocker but hasn’t come close to reaching Thomas’ ceiling. Watching Thomas work under a potential Hall of Fame offensive line coach in Bill Callahan would’ve been illuminating, while Cleveland would have the NFL’s best OL by a relatively wide margin.

11) New York Jets: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Original selection: OT Mekhi Becton

Joe Douglas’ first draft as the Jets’ general manager could’ve gone better. New York had needs all over its roster but used its first-rounder on Mekhi Becton, who’s struggled to stay healthy and remains a free agent as of this writing.

Gang Green didn’t have Sauce Gardner or D.J. Reed in 2020, so let’s give them Jaylon Johnson, who turned into one of the NFL’s best CBs last season before inking a four-year extension with the Chicago Bears. He set career bests in completion rate (55.2%), yards per target (4.8), and yards per completion (8.7) in 2023 while allowing a 33.3 passer rating as the nearest defender in coverage, the best mark in the league.

12) Las Vegas Raiders: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

Original selection: WR Henry Ruggs

While the Raiders could consider a pass catcher at No. 12, they also need to find a defensive line partner for Maxx Crosby. Justin Madubuike was an interior terror for the Baltimore Ravens this past season, setting career highs with 13 sacks and 33 QB hits.

Generating pressure up the middle is a priority for NFL defense, and Madubuike is one of the best gap shooters in the game. The Ravens franchised the former third-round pick in March before making him the NFL’s third-highest-paid defensive tackle on a four-year extension.

13) San Francisco 49ers: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Original selection: OT Tristan Wirfs (by Buccaneers)

Injuries limited Tee Higgins to 12 games and 656 receiving yards in 2023, but he’d gone over 1,000 yards in each of the previous two seasons. While he could probably be a WR1 on myriad rosters, he’ll always be stuck behind Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati.

Let’s send him to San Francisco, where he’ll complement Deebo Samuel on the club’s WR depth chart. We’d like to see how Higgins — who thrives on in-breaking routes and can constantly defeat single coverage — would play in a Kyle Shanahan offense.

14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Florida State

Original selection: DT Javon Kinlaw (by 49ers)

Antoine Winfield Jr. joins Burrow as the only player to end up with the same team in our redraft as they did in 2020. In real life, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grabbed Winfield in the middle of the second round at pick No. 45. Here, they’ll need to use a first-round choice to land the Florida State product.

A true Swiss Army knife who can do just about everything, Winfield spends most of his time at free safety but also plays in the box and the slot. He filled up the stat sheet in 2023, leading the league with six forced fumbles while adding six sacks and three interceptions and earning first-team All-Pro honors.

15) Denver Broncos: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Original selection: WR Jerry Jeudy

Derrick Brown went seventh in the actual 2020 draft, but positional value will push him down in our redraft. Still, he’s an outstanding player who will dominate from the middle of Denver’s defensive line.

Brown played the third-most snaps (938) among defensive tackles last year and was arguably as valuable as any interior defender in the league. He set an NFL record for tackles by a defensive lineman (103), ranked first in run-stop win rate (47%) among DTs, and posted more “stops” — tackles that result in negative EPA for the offense — than any interior defender last season, per PFF.

16) Atlanta Falcons: Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte

Original selection: CB AJ Terrell

The Falcons have been searching for a consistent edge rusher since John Abraham a dozen years ago. Alex Highsmith, a third-round pick in 2020, becomes that presence as a first-rounder in our redraft.

While his sack total dropped from 14.5 in 2022 to seven in 2023, Highsmith’s QB hit rate remained constant. He tied for 10th in pass-rush win rate (21%) and played the eighth-most snaps (977) among edge defenders last season.

17) Dallas Cowboys: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

Original selection: WR CeeDee Lamb

With five receivers — including their 2020 pick in Lamb — already off the board, the Cowboys will dip into the next tier of pass catchers to add Michael Pittman Jr. A second-round pick in the actual draft, Pittman is coming off a career-best 109-1,152-4 receiving line in 2023.

The Indianapolis Colts franchised Pittman this offseason before extending him on a three-year deal worth more than $23 million annually. He’s no Lamb, but Pittman is a valuable WR in his own right and will instantly become Dak Prescott’s top weapon in Dallas.

18) Miami Dolphins: Mike Onwenu, OL, Michigan

Original selection: OT Austin Jackson

The Dolphins landed a new franchise quarterback by drafting Jalen Hurts at No. 5. Now, they need to find someone to protect their under-center investment.

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Miami’s offensive line had few starting-caliber players entering the 2020 draft, as subpar options like Julien Davenport, Michael Deiter, and Jesse Davis were eying starting roles. Mike Onwenu, a sixth-round pick in the real draft, can line up at tackle or guard for the Dolphins and raise the club’s OL floor.

19) Las Vegas Raiders: L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Louisiana Tech

Original selection: CB Damon Arnette

After landing Justin Madubuike earlier in Round 1, the Raiders will bolster their defense again by selecting L’Jarius Sneed. Franchise-tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, Sneed is now a Tennessee Titan following a March trade.

One of the more versatile corners in the NFL, Sneed spent most of his time in the slot early in his career before playing almost every snap on the perimeter in 2023. The transition took, as Sneed didn’t allow a receiving touchdown in his coverage area until the Buffalo Bills’ Khalil Shakir scored on him in the Divisional Round

20) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida

Original selection: EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

The Jaguars picked up Brandon Aiyuk at No. 9, allowing the club’s front office to look toward the defensive side of the ball with its second first-round pick. Jacksonville received this selection as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade.

Jonathan Greenard missed 12 games with injuries from 2021 to 2022 but broke out for a career-high 12.5 sacks and 22 QB hits for the Houston Texans in 2023. That was enough for the Minnesota Vikings to hand him a four-year, $76 million contract this offseason.

21) Philadelphia Eagles: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Original selection: WR Jalen Reagor

Despite his success with the Eagles, general manager Howie Roseman may never live down drafting Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson in 2020. Let’s help him erase his mistake here.

Philadelphia had acquired CB Darius Slay from the Lions a month before the draft, but the club still needed more cornerbacks. Avonte Maddox and Jalen Mills were stretched as perimeter options, so A.J. Terrell will become a clear upgrade. While he hasn’t repeated his outstanding 2021 campaign (when he was named second-team All-Pro), Terrell would become the Eagles’ long-term CB1

22) Minnesota Vikings: Bryce Huff, EDGE, Memphis

Original selection: WR Justin Jefferson

The Vikings hit a home run with this pick in 2020, landing the steal of all steals by finding Jefferson late in the first round. While they won’t get quite as lucky in our redraft, Minnesota will still walk away with a solid prospect.

Bryce Huff ranked second to only Micah Parsons in pressure rate in 2023 and finished first in 2022. He’s never played 500 defensive snaps in a single season, but the Eagles were still willing to pay him $17 million annually this offseason. A Huff-Danielle Hunter pass-rushing tandem should wreak havoc for the Vikings.

23) New England Patriots: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Original selection: LB Kenneth Murray (by Chargers)

New England’s first pick in the 2020 draft was second-round safety Kyle Dugger, who will show up in just a bit in this redraft. The post-Tom Brady Patriots’ roster was littered with needs, but we’ll give Bill Belichick another defensive back.

Versatility was the name for Belichick’s favorite defenders, and Xavier McKinney offers flexibility in spades. The Alabama product played the best football of his career in 2023, spending time deep, in the box, and manning the slot while playing over 1,000 defensive snaps. In March, McKinney inked a four-year, $67 million deal with the Green Bay Packers.

24) New Orleans Saints: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Original selection: OL Cesar Ruiz

Trevon Diggs’ 2023 ACL tear complicates his status in our redraft, but he gave the Cowboys enough over his first three NFL seasons to stick in the first round. Fortunately, Diggs underwent surgery in October, so he should be on track to start next season on time.

The No. 51 pick in the real draft, Diggs was a first-team All-Pro in 2021 after leading the league with 11 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. The Saints already had Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson at CB, but they can’t pass on Diggs’ value.

25) Minnesota Vikings: Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana

Original selection: WR Brandon Aiyuk (by 49ers)

One of the biggest winners of 2024 NFL free agency, Robert Hunt scored a five-year, $100 million contract from the Panthers after four solid seasons with the Dolphins. His strength and mobility can play in any scheme, while Hunt’s power in the run game is elite.

Dakota Dozier started all 16 games at right guard for the Vikings in 2020. He never played another offensive snap after that season. Hunt represents a significant upgrade for Minnesota.

26) Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Original selection: QB Jordan Love (by Packers)

With Hurts and Onwenu already on board in our 2020 redraft, will the Dolphins move to defense with their third pick of Round 1?

Nah, let’s stick on the offensive side of the ball and give Miami another weapon. Jonathan Taylor led the league with 2,171 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns in 2021, but injuries and a contract dispute limited him over the next two seasons. Taylor will obviously play immediately, but we can’t wait until he can shine in Mike McDaniel’s offense two years from now.

27) Seattle Seahawks: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

Original selection: LB Jordyn Brooks

Let’s save the Seahawks from themselves. Three months after the 2020 draft concluded, Seattle sent two first-round picks to the Jets in an ill-fated trade for safety Jamal Adams. We’re time-traveling as it is, so we’ll make a pick that should prevent that deal from ever going down.

KEEP READING: NFL Post-Free Agency Power Rankings

Kyle Dugger has filled up the stat sheet over four seasons with the Patriots, posting nine interceptions (two TDs), 17 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and 16 tackles for loss before signing a four-year extension this month. He’s a versatile safety that Pete Carroll would have valued.

28) Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana

Original selection: LB Patrick Queen

While we’d like to add another pass catcher for Lamar Jackson with this pick, the WR options at the end of Round 1 are slim. Instead of sending Jerry Jeudy, Gabe Davis, or Darnell Mooney to Baltimore, we’ll find an upgrade up front.

Kevin Dotson thrived after being traded to the Los Angeles Rams last season, finding a home in Sean McVay’s offense. Although Bradley Bozeman moved from guard to center for the Ravens in 2021, he’ll do it a year earlier in our redraft, creating a perfect opening for Dotson on the left side of Baltimore’s offensive line.

29) Tennessee Titans: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Original selection: OT Isaiah Wilson

The Titans had the right idea by drafting an offensive tackle in 2020. They just didn’t choose the right one.

Isaiah Wilson ultimately played just three (yes, three!) offensive snaps for Tennessee before being traded to Miami in 2021. He’s now out of the league. Ironically, we’ll give the Titans Austin Jackson, the OT the Dolphins drafted in 2020. Jackson struggled over his first three pro seasons but earned an extension with Miami in 2023.

30) Green Bay Packers: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Original selection: CB Noah Igbinoghene (by Dolphins)

The Packers didn’t have many obvious needs in 2020, which allowed them to trade up and acquire Jordan Love as Aaron Rodgers’ eventual successor.

With Love no longer on the board in our redraft, Green Bay will instead target the defensive side of the ball. The Packers ran through numerous off-ball linebacker options during the 2020 campaign, so they’ll grab Patrick Queen, who flashed over four years with the Ravens before signing with the Steelers in March.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU

Original selection: CB Jeff Gladney (by Vikings)

The 49ers had signed free agent center Weston Richburg in 2019, hoping the former Giant would handle the middle of their OL for years to come. But Richburg started the 2020 campaign on the physically unable to perform list with a hip injury and ultimately never played another NFL game.

A third-round selection in actuality, Lloyd Cushenberry worked under three Broncos coaching staffs in four seasons but still offered above-average play across 57 starts. His mobility at the pivot will work in San Francisco.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Original selection: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

While an offensive lineman like Jonah Jackson or Tyler Biadasz could make sense for the Chiefs at the end of the first round, Kansas City decides to grab another pass rusher to pair with Frank Clark.

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Chase Young won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 but hasn’t lived up to his No. 2 overall draft billing. His roller-coaster career continued in 2023 when he dominated for the Commanders before disappointing after a midseason trade to the 49ers. Still, there’s enough upside here for the Chiefs to take a chance on Young, who just turned 25 this week.

Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s all-new Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls — lone wolf or with your friends!