As the 2020 NFL draft unfolds, Mike Clay provides fantasy reaction and projections for every skill-position player taken in the first three rounds. What kind of impact will quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa have early on? Will talented backs like D'Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor and Clyde Edwards-Helaire receive opportunities to shine immediately in their new surroundings? Will the top receivers from this loaded class -- Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III among them -- be fantasy-relevant as rookies?
Click to skip ahead to Clay's takeaways from Round 2 and Round 3
Round 1
No. 1: QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Initial 2020 projection: 330 of 533, 3,724 yards, 20 TDs, 13 INTs; 263 rushing yards, 2 TDs
As expected, the Bengals drafted their franchise quarterback with the first pick of the draft. The prize of the 2020 class, Burrow joins a Cincinnati club that remains a work in progress along the offensive line but that actually has several quality weapons for Burrow in A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross III and Joe Mixon. That should certainly make Burrow's transition a bit easier than most first overall picks.
Burrow has the size (6-foot-3, 221 pounds), playmaking ability, mobility and elite accuracy you want in your quarterback. The LSU product doesn't have the strongest arm, but that didn't stop him from completing 76% of his passes, registering as off target on just 7.7% of his throws and posting a 94.9 total QBR during the 2019 season, all of which led this year's rookie class. Burrow also adds value with his legs (368 rushing yards, five TDs in '19), which only adds to his eventual QB1 fantasy upside.
That being said, fantasy expectations should always be held in check for rookie quarterbacks, especially those who aren't high-end contributors with their legs. Consider that there have been five top-10 and seven top-14 fantasy seasons by rookie quarterbacks during the past decade. They belong to Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. All of them added significant points with their legs, including four or more rushing touchdowns. It's possible Burrow could join the club, but it's a rare enough occurrence that he's best viewed as a back-end QB2, worth no more than a late flier in 12-team season-long leagues in 2020.
No. 5: QB Tua Tagovailoa to Miami Dolphins
Initial 2020 projection: 13 starts, 286 of 464, 3,271 yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs; 139 rushing yards, 1 TD
A dominant player during his time at Alabama, Tagovailoa very well could've been selected first overall if not for durability concerns, especially after last season's serious hip injury. Tagovailoa's best assets are his terrific decision-making, pocket presence and accuracy, and he also has been exceptional at avoiding sacks (23 in 24 starts) and turnovers (11 INTs).
Tagovailoa is undersized (6-foot, 217 pounds) and his arm is more solid than spectacular. His 2019 numbers were terrific, with his 206.9 quarterback rating best in this class and his 94.8 total QBR just behind Burrow's mark. Tagovailoa figures to add some slight value with his legs.
It's possible Tagovailoa will open his career on the bench behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, but recent history shows that nearly all early first-round picks at quarterback are named the starter early during their rookie season. Miami is currently in the early stages of a rebuild, especially along the offensive line, so we shouldn't expect much fantasy production from Tagovailoa in the short term. He is a risky prospect but has elite upside.
No. 6: QB Justin Herbert to Los Angeles Chargers
Initial 2020 projection: 14 starts, 287 of 455, 3,320 yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs; 169 rushing yards, 2 TDs
The Chargers have their replacement for Philip Rivers. Herbert is one of the biggest quarterbacks in this year's rookie class at 6-foot-6, 236 pounds. The Oregon product's best asset is his arm strength, although his accuracy remains a bit suspect. Herbert's production fell off the past two seasons after a very promising 2017 campaign, but a shaky supporting cast perhaps was to blame. Herbert, who has drawn comparisons to Ryan Tannehill and Carson Wentz, figures to add some slight value with his legs.
Herbert will enter his first training camp behind veteran Tyrod Taylor, but it will be a surprise if he's not under center by Week 4. He'll enjoy a decent supporting cast (Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, Austin Ekeler), but like Burrow and Tagovailoa, Herbert is a long shot for rookie-season fantasy value and doesn't need to be drafted in most formats.
Of course, the former Duck will be a strong 2021 breakout candidate.
No. 12: WR Henry Ruggs III to Las Vegas Raiders
Initial 2020 projection: 93 targets, 56 receptions, 756 yards, 4 TDs
Al Davis must be proud! The name of Ruggs' game is elite 4.27 speed. The 5-foot-11, 188-pound playmaker has great hands, ball skills and is exceptional after the catch. The Alabama product was limited to 55 targets in 2019, but his 13.6 YPT and 10.5 RAC were both top four in this year's rookie class. Ruggs figures to operate as a perimeter lid-lifter and returner in the pros, which would be good news in the explosive-play department, but much like DeSean Jackson, he could experience inconsistent target volume. That said, the Raiders have such a severe need at wideout that Ruggs is very likely to step right into an every-down role, with Tyrell Williams on the other side and Hunter Renfrow in the slot.
Rookie-season fantasy production from the 15 wide receivers picked in the top half of Round 1 during the past decade has varied. Only Odell Beckham Jr. managed a finish better than 16th (he was WR7), but A.J. Green, Amari Cooper, Sammy Watkins, Julio Jones and Justin Blackmon finished top 30. On the other hand, Corey Davis, Tavon Austin, Michael Floyd, DeVante Parker, Corey Coleman and John Ross III finished outside the top 50. First-year expectations for Ruggs, as well as the other wide receivers who will be taken early, should obviously be held in check. Consider the Raiders' new No. 1 wide receiver a borderline flex in 2020 leagues.
No. 15: WR Jerry Jeudy to Denver Broncos
Initial 2020 projection: 86 targets, 53 receptions, 676 yards, 4 TDs
The Alabama product sports a 6-foot-1, 193-pound frame and is extremely versatile, having shown the ability to produce on all levels, as well as in the slot and on the perimeter. Jeudy is fast (4.45 40-yard dash), agile and a quality route runner.
It's possible he'll settle in as a slot receiver in "11" personnel in the pros, which is where he aligned 69% of the time in 2019. Perhaps that will cost Jeudy some chunk plays, but he certainly will not be short on volume. Jeudy slots in behind Courtland Sutton but has little competition for snaps otherwise and should be an every-down player out of the gate.
Jeudy has WR1 upside down the road, but he should be viewed as a shaky flex option for 2020 in a run-heavy Broncos offense and with Drew Lock still an unknown.
No. 17: WR CeeDee Lamb to Dallas Cowboys
Initial 2020 projection: 77 targets, 47 receptions, 617 yards, 4 TDs
The Oklahoma product is fresh off a dominant 2019 campaign in which he averaged 14.3 yards per target, 4.0 yards per route run and 11.1 yards after the catch -- all of which were best in this year's rookie class. Lamb is thin (198 pounds) but tall (6-foot-2) and is a complete receiver with solid speed (4.50 40-yard dash), as well as terrific separation ability and ball skills. A dominant player with the ball in his hands, Lamb can contribute on all levels of the field, including as a rusher and punt returner. Lamb enters his rookie season as essentially Dallas' replacement for Randall Cobb, as he'll fill in between Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. Lamb has the upside to eventually become a superstar, but he'll be hard pressed to provide consistent flex value in 2020 with Cooper, Gallup and Ezekiel Elliott dominating the touches. Even in Dallas' high-scoring offense, Lamb is worth only a late pick in season-long leagues.
No. 21: WR Jalen Reagor to Philadelphia Eagles
Initial 2020 projection: 67 targets, 41 receptions, 520 yards, 4 TDs
The TCU product is a bit tricky to decipher as he put together a strong 72-1,061-9 receiving line in 2018 prior to seeing his production and efficiency plummet in 2019. Reagor was held to 6.6 YPT and a 47% catch rate last season, but a prospect-low 60% of his targets were charted as catchable (55 of 92). Quarterback play was obviously an issue, although Reagor did have problems of his own, with nine drops and six fumbles. Reagor (5-foot-11, 206 pounds) has 4.47 speed and can contribute as a receiver, returner and ball carrier. The Eagles obviously believe they're getting the 2018 version of Reagor and he'll immediately slide in as, at least, the team's No. 3 receiver behind Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. There aren't many short-term targets to be had in the Eagles' offense as currently constructed, but if Jeffery is traded or cut, Reagor's short-term value will get a nice boost. If not, he'll be worth no more than a late flier.
No. 22: WR Justin Jefferson to Minnesota Vikings
Initial 2020 projection: 75 targets, 49 receptions, 605 yards, 4 TDs
Minnesota has their de facto replacement for Stefon Diggs. Jefferson is 6-foot-1, 202 pounds with outstanding ball skills and contested-catch ability. The former LSU Tiger also has decent wheels (4.43 40-yard dash), although he doesn't stand out in terms of perimeter separation or against press, which helps explain why he aligned in the slot 90% of the time in 2019. That figures to be his role in the pros, which would mean plenty of target volume as a team's primary possession receiver. It also means more perimeter run for Adam Thielen.
Jefferson is plenty familiar with heavy volume after pacing the FBS with 111 receptions this past season. His 83% catch rate and 18 touchdowns were best in this class. Minnesota's severe lack of depth behind Thielen means Jefferson will be ticketed for a sizable rookie-season role, but fantasy expectations should be held in check in one of the league's run-heaviest offenses. Jefferson's play style makes him a potential PPR gem, but he's worth no more than a late pick in 2020 leagues.
No. 25: WR Brandon Aiyuk to San Francisco 49ers
Initial 2020 projection: 58 targets, 36 receptions, 474 yards, 3 TDs
Aiyuk comes in at 6 feet, 205 pounds with 4.50 speed, as well as terrific explosiveness and route-running ability. The Arizona State product's best asset is his post-catch production (10.5 RAC in 2019), which helped him to plenty of big plays. Aiyuk can play inside and out and was busy as a kick and punt returner at ASU. He isn't particularly physical, but has the look of a reliable, versatile receiver who could settle in as a high-floor WR2 down the road. In the short term, however, he's a long shot for weekly fantasy value in a very run-heavy 49ers offense that will lean heavily on George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Even if Aiyuk overtakes Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd, Travis Benjamin and others for No. 2 duties, a generous and consistent target share is unlikely early on this season. He's worth only a late-round pick.
No. 26: QB Jordan Love to Green Bay Packers
Initial 2020 projection: 16 of 28, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
The Packers traded up for the player they expect to eventually replace Aaron Rodgers. Love is one of the youngest quarterbacks in this year's rookie class, so, coupled with a very impressive 2018 season, we may be able to look past some of last season's struggles at Utah State. Love tossed 20 touchdowns to 17 interceptions, was off-target on a class-high 15.5% of his throws, and his 51.7 total QBR was worst in the class.
Love has a good arm, which shows up in his big plays, but his struggles with accuracy, turnovers, decision-making and against pressure pop as red flags. There's obvious upside here, but Love will require some polish. He'll have time to work at it with Rodgers positioned as Green Bay's starter for the next season or three. Love obviously does not need to be drafted in 2020 leagues, but he should be stashed in dynasty.
No. 32: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Kansas City Chiefs
Initial 2020 projection: 121 carries, 505 yards, 4 TDs; 26 receptions, 209 yards, 2 TDs
Edwards-Helaire is the first back selected and lands in running back paradise with the Andy Reid-led Chiefs. The LSU product isn't particularly fast (4.60 40-yard dash) and is on the small side at 5 foot 7, 207 pounds, but his production simply can't be ignored. Edwards-Helaire's elite elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability showed up in Pro Football Focus' metrics, as his rate of one forced missed tackle for every 2.7 touches was best in this class.
Pass catching is where Edwards-Helaire could really shine, as he paced this year's rookie class in targets (65), receptions (55) and receiving yards (453) last season. He has three-down upside (and is also a kick returner), although it's possible his frame could cost him goal-line touches.
Edwards-Helaire figures to open his career behind Damien Williams (which explains my projection that might seem low), but it might not take long for him to prove the superior back. At the very least, Edwards-Helaire will be an elite handcuff, and landing with Reid and Patrick Mahomes obviously boosts his dynasty value in a big way.
Edwards-Helaire needs to be drafted in the middle rounds of season-long leagues and is arguably your top option in dynasty rookie drafts.
Round 2
No. 33: Tee Higgins to Cincinnati Bengals
Initial 2020 projection: 38 targets, 23 receptions, 303 yards, 2 TDs
Higgins checks in at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds and has drawn comparisons to new teammate A.J. Green due to his frame, catch radius and terrific ball skills. The Clemson product profiles as a perimeter receiver (19% slot last season) who will do a lot of his damage downfield (14.6 aDOT). Higgins averaged 3.8 yards per route run in 2019, which was second best in this year's rookie class. He has enormous upside, and his size and massive wingspan suggest he'll be a force near the goal line. Of course, it might take some time for him to play since Green, Tyler Boyd and John Ross III are also on the depth chart. Higgins has the talent to eventually emerge as a fantasy force (and perhaps even Joe Burrow's top target), but he's barely worth a late-round pick in 2020 leagues.
No. 34: Michael Pittman Jr. to Indianapolis Colts
Initial 2020 projection: 63 targets, 39 receptions, 530 yards, 4 TDs
The USC product has a huge frame (6-foot-4, 223 pounds), as well as outstanding hands and ball skills to go along with very good route-running and contested-catch ability. He doesn't stand out in terms of speed (4.52 40-yard dash) or post-catch ability, but he has drawn comparisons to Courtland Sutton and Alshon Jeffery as a player who will dominate as a perimeter possession receiver and goal-line weapon. Headed to a wide receiver-needy Colts team and also a good run-blocker, gunner and occasional returner, Pittman figures to get on the field in a hurry in the pros. Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal will be his primary competition for snaps behind T.Y. Hilton, so Pittman could emerge as one of Philip Rivers' top three targets in a hurry. Consider him a fine late-round flier.
No. 35: RB D'Andre Swift to Detroit Lions
Initial 2020 projection: 171 carries, 717 yards, 5 TDs; 33 receptions, 272 yards, 1 TD
The Lions were expected to add competition for Kerryon Johnson and did so early in Round 2 with Swift, who was terrific in Georgia's pro-style offense, producing as both a rusher (440 carries) and receiver (73 receptions) during his three seasons. His efficiency was more solid than spectacular, and he lacks some explosiveness, but he makes up for it with reliability, decent speed (4.48 40-yard dash), quickness and pass-catching prowess.
Swift has three-down upside but will begin his career competing for reps with Johnson, who figures to focus primarily on ball carrying, with Swift busier in passing situations. That's likely to limit Swift's fantasy output, but he certainly could flirt with RB2 numbers and is worth a mid-round pick.
No. 41: RB Jonathan Taylor to Indianapolis Colts
Initial 2020 projection: 161 carries, 678 yards, 5 TDs; 16 receptions, 132 yards, 1 TD
Perhaps the best prospect in this year's rookie class, purely from a rushing standpoint, the Wisconsin product paced this year's class in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns last season. Taylor's 3.7 YAC was fourth best, and he also crushed it at February's combine, running a position-best 4.39 40-yard dash and solid 7.01 three-cone drill despite a hefty 5-foot-10, 226-pound frame.
The main concerns here are fumbles (18) and pass-catching ability (nine drops in 68 targets). Taylor has elite upside as a rusher but could max out as a fringe PPR RB1 if he's a nonfactor as a receiver in the pros. His short-term fantasy value is very much in question with incumbent early-down back Marlon Mack and passing-down specialist Nyheim Hines also in the fold. Taylor is worth grabbing in the middle rounds, but it might take some time before he's a reliable fantasy starter.
No. 42: WR Laviska Shenault Jr. to
Initial 2020 projection: 33 receptions, 387 yards, 2 TDs; 39 rushing yards
Shenault is a bit of a boom/bust prospect, as he sports good size (6-foot-1, 227 pounds) and playmaking ability, but has durability and route-running concerns. The Colorado product is an explosive, physical receiver with good hands and post-catch ability, which suggests he has huge upside. Perhaps more of an "offensive weapon" than a wide receiver, he's versatile enough to play outside, in the slot (36% in 2019) or in the backfield (23 carries last season). Expect him to be busy in a variety of roles as a rookie, though the Jaguars' wide receiver trio (DJ Chark Jr., Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley) is likely to limit his 2020 fantasy contributions.
No. 43: TE Cole Kmet to Chicago Bears
Initial 2020 projection: 11 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
Chicago loves its tight ends, with Kmet the latest addition to a group that also includes Jimmy Graham, Demetrius Harris, Adam Shaheen and six others. The Notre Dame product is a solid receiver and capable blocker who also happens to be one of the youngest tight ends in this year's rookie class (he turned 21 in March). He has outstanding size (6-foot-6, 262 pounds), as well as good hands and ball skills. He has drawn comparisons to Austin Hooper and Tyler Higbee as a player who figures to develop into a pass-catching inline tight end. Like most -- OK, all -- young tight ends, it will take Kmet some time to reach TE1 territory, but he'll be a strong dynasty stash. Kmet has almost zero 2020 value behind Graham.
No. 46: WR KJ Hamler to Denver Broncos
Initial 2020 projection: 55 targets, 32 receptions, 371 yards, 2 TDs
The Penn State product is an explosive but extremely undersized (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) receiver who has drawn Tavon Austin comps due to his small frame, terrific speed and versatility. Hamler's hands are an issue (nine drops last season), and his size will surely limit his scoring opportunities and, perhaps, his fantasy upside.
Hamler figures to be busy as a slot receiver (89% slot last season), returner (81 combined kick and punt returns in college) and rusher (13 carries in 2019) in Denver. He'll be the favorite over DaeSean Hamilton for Week 1 slot duties, but the presence of Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay leaves Hamler unlikely to find his way to consistent rookie-season fantasy value. He's worth a late pick in only deep PPR leagues.
No. 49: WR Chase Claypool to Pittsburgh Steelers
Initial 2020 projection: 23 targets, 14 receptions, 183 yards, 1 TD
Claypool is a huge (6-foot-4, 238 pounds), physical receiver with terrific speed (4.42 40-yard dash) and playmaking ability. The former Notre Dame star is probably best as a vertical perimeter receiver but still needs work separating and against press coverage, which could perhaps lead to more of a possession/big-slot role. That said, he did have some struggles with drops (seven) in 2019. Claypool is also a strong blocker with special-teams value. It's possible he will be asked to play tight end in the pros, so his speed/athleticism/receiving ability could lead to serious fantasy production at the position. He's unlikely to find his way to short-term value, however, with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington ahead of him on the depth chart and doesn't need to be drafted in 2020 leagues.
No. 52: RB Cam Akers to Los Angeles Rams
Initial 2020 projection: 172 carries, 718 yards, 7 TDs, 23 targets, 17 receptions, 138 yards, 1 TD
The tough and elusive Akers measures in at 5-foot-10, 217 pounds with solid speed (4.47 40-yard dash) and good strength (20 bench reps). Despite lacking some big-play ability and having to do most of his damage after contact last season (5.0 YPC, 1.7 YBC), Akers still posted one of the best YAC/forced-missed-tackle profiles in this year's rookie class.
The Florida State product will need to overcome fumble and drop woes (eight of each during the past two seasons), but Akers has three-down potential. He'll begin his career in a wide-open competition with second-year back Darrell Henderson Jr. and has a terrific opportunity to claim a majority of the carries and goal-line work. Deferring passing-down work to Henderson could limit Akers' output, but he certainly has RB2 upside and is worth a pick in the middle rounds.
No. 53: QB Jalen Hurts to Philadelphia Eagles
Initial 2020 projection: 16 of 27, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 14 rushing yards
Hurts is a very good athlete with 4.59 wheels and will be a playmaker as a ball carrier in the pros. The Oklahoma product ran for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns in 233 carries last season. Hurts is also fresh off an outstanding 2019 season as a passer, as he was off target on only 8.3% of his throws (second best in this class) and averaged 11.3 YPA (best) despite a 10.2 aDOT (second highest). Hurts' accuracy needs work, but he's tough and avoids turnovers.
Similar in style to Tyrod Taylor, Hurts has a shot to flirt with QB1 numbers once called upon to start. That won't be anytime soon, barring an injury to Carson Wentz, who appeared in all 16 regular-season games in 2019 after injury-plagued 2017 and 2018 seasons.
No. 55: RB J.K. Dobbins to Baltimore Ravens
Initial 2020 projection: 90 carries, 383 yards, 2 TD; 23 targets, 17 receptions, 140 yards, TD
Dobbins is an outstanding athlete with terrific speed, balance and playmaking ability. He sports a 5-foot-9, 209-pound frame and is a three-down option with the ability to contribute as an impact rusher and receiver. In his final season at Ohio State, Dobbins' 2,003 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns tied for tops in this year's rookie class. His 3.5 YAC mark was sixth best. Landing in Baltimore's high-scoring offense sets up Dobbins with a massive long-term ceiling, but he's likely to be utilized as a change-of-pace back in the short term with Mark Ingram II, Gus Edwards and second-year rusher Justice Hill also on the roster. Dobbins won't have much early-season fantasy value but will be a strong end-of-the-bench stash during the 2020 season.
No. 57: WR Van Jefferson to Los Angeles Rams
Initial 2020 projection: 35 targets, 21 receptions, 259 yards, 1 TD
Jefferson is 6-foot-1, 200 pounds with good speed, hands (10 career drops in 268 targets) and route-running ability. He isn't particularly strong or explosive and struggled to do much with the ball in his hands while operating as a perimeter receiver at Florida. Jones is one of the oldest players in the 2020 draft (he'll turn 24 this summer), so he'll be expected to immediately provide competition to Josh Reynolds for No. 3 duties. He's unlikely to find his way to 2020 fantasy value, barring an injury to Robert Woods or Cooper Kupp, especially with Sean McVay turning to more multiple-tight end sets down the stretch last season.
No. 59: WR Denzel Mims to New York Jets
Initial 2020 projection: 63 targets, 39 receptions, 495 yards, 3 TDs
The Jets entered the draft with a huge need at wide receiver and fill some of that void with Mims in Round 2.
Mims is a long (6-foot-3, 207 pounds) perimeter receiver who helped himself with strong showings at the Senior Bowl and combine. The Baylor product is a physical and explosive vertical presence with an exceptional catch radius. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and a class-best 6.66 three-cone drill at the combine in Indianapolis. Drops are a bit of a concern (20 over the past three seasons), as is his ability to separate and make plays with the ball in his hands (3.0 RAC in 2019).
Jamison Crowder is locked in as the Jets' slot receiver, but the team's perimeter situation is wide open, with Mims' only legitimate competition being newcomer Breshad Perriman. It figures to take time and will certainly require a third-year leap from Sam Darnold, but Mims could work his way onto the flex radar at some point during the 2020 season. He'll be borderline late-round flier material.
No. 62: RB AJ Dillon to Green Bay Packers
Initial 2020 projection: 45 carries, 183 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 32 yards
Dillon is one of the biggest backs in this class at 6-feet, 247 pounds. The Boston College product is a powerful, downhill rusher who isn't particularly dynamic and doesn't figure to offer much as a receiver (21 receptions in 35 games at BC). Wear and tear is also a red flag, as he has racked up 845 carries over the past three seasons. Dillon did show very well athletically at the combine, posting impressive marks in the 40-yard dash (4.53), vertical (41 inches) and broad jump (131 inches). Dillon figures to carve out a role similar to Jordan Howard or Sony Michel in the pros. He might eventually be a difference-maker but will open 2020 buried behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Both veteran backs are entering a contract year, so Dillon could emerge as the Packers' lead back as soon as 2021. He doesn't need to be drafted in 2020 season-long leagues, though.
Round 3
No. 66: RB/WR Antonio Gibson to Washington Redskins
Initial 2020 projection: 56 targets, 38 receptions, 416 yards, 1 TD; 84 rushing yards
Gibson enters the league as more of an "offensive weapon" than a wide receiver or running back, but he figures to focus on playing receiver on a Redskins roster overloaded with backs.
The Memphis product is big (6-foot, 228 pounds) and a terrific athlete with excellent power, speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and elusiveness. He's a terror with the ball in his hands, having averaged 8.4 yards per carry and 13.1 yards per target (11.9 RAC) in 2019. The big concern here is experience, as Gibson handled a total of 33 carries and 66 targets during his two FBS seasons.
Gibson, who is also a kick returner, has an opportunity to play a big role out of the gate with the likes of Kelvin Harmon, Steven Sims Jr. and Trey Quinn his primary competition for snaps and targets behind Terry McLaurin. The landing spot makes Gibson worth consideration as a late-round flier, though his progress will need to be monitored throughout the offseason.
No. 76: RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Initial 2020 projection: 113 carries, 475 yards, 3 TDs; 36 targets, 28 receptions, 211 yards, 1 TD
There aren't many open spots on running back depth charts across the league right now. But Vaughn may have found one. The Vanderbilt product is a bit older than many of the backs in this class (he turns 23 in May), but his efficiency is impossible to overlook. Vaughn sports the third-best FMT/YAC profile and was effective as both a rusher and receiver each of the past two seasons. Vaughn is more fast (4.51 40-yard dash) than quick and is a tough 5-foot-10, 214 pounds.
Vaughn has the size and ability to quickly contribute on all three downs and at the goal line. He'll compete with Ronald Jones II for carries and Dare Ogunbowale for targets right out of the gate in the new-look Buccaneers offense. Vaughn's most likely role is as a committee back in 2020, but he has a path to clear lead-back duties if he overtakes Jones. Vaughn will be well worth a late-round draft pick.
No. 80: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr. to Las Vegas Raiders
Initial 2020 projection: 40 touches, 252 yards, 2 TDs
Bowden is about as versatile a weapon as you'll find in this year's draft, with 74 pass attempts, 206 rushes and 114 receptions on his resume during three seasons at Kentucky. Bowden profiles as a gadget player, as he can be utilized all over the field and on returns. He's on the small side (5-foot-11, 204 pounds), lacks speed and has struggled with drops (10 over the past two seasons) and fumbles (nine in 2019).
His versatility and big-play ability is intriguing but might not translate to consistent fantasy production. He does not have a path to an every-down role in Las Vegas in the short term with Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard locking down running back and Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow and Tyrell Williams set to soak up most wide receiver snaps. Bowden won't be worth a fantasy pick in 2020 but will be a fun stash in dynasty.
No. 81: WR Bryan Edwards to Las Vegas Raiders
Initial 2020 projection: 10 receptions, 124 yards, 1 TD
The Raiders went back-to-back at wideout. The South Carolina product is a strong 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver with four years of starting experience at South Carolina. Edwards can align all over the field and is an intriguing height/weight/speed prospect, though shaky hands (22 career drops), route running and separation skills are concerning.
Edwards aligned in the slot 45% of the time and was primarily a short-area target in 2019 (8.2 aDOT), averaging a solid 2.6 YPRR. Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow and Tyrell Williams lead the Raiders' depth chart, so Edwards will need to compete with that trio, as well as Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones and Lynn Bowden Jr. for rookie-season reps. He's a better target in dynasty than he is in 2020 drafts.
No. 86: RB Zack Moss to Buffalo Bills
Initial 2020 projection: 131 carries, 549 yards, 4 TDs; 25 targets, 19 receptions, 148 yards, 1 TD
Moss is an elite prospect in two key areas: YAC (second best in this year's rookie class in 2019) and forced missed tackles (second). The Utah product has terrific size (5-foot-9, 223 pounds) and the balance, toughness and quickness to emerge as one of the game's top rushers, though speed is a major concern following a 4.65 40-yard dash at the combine. Moss figures to be a factor as a receiver in the pros and was very strong in that area in 2019 (90% catch rate, 13.9 YPR). Moss will be the Bills' de facto replacement for Frank Gore as a complement to Devin Singletary. Moss has 20 pounds on his new teammate and a much better rushing efficiency résumé, which could vault him into a significant role on early downs and at the goal line right out of the gate. Moss and Singletary are sure to limit each other's fantasy production for a few seasons, so this is a better situation for Buffalo than it is in fantasy. Consider Singletary a flex and Moss a bench option in 2020.
No. 91: TE Devin Asiasi to New England Patriots
Initial 2020 projection: 12 targets, 7 receptions, 79 yards
Asiasi is one of the heaviest tight ends in this year's class at 6-foot-3, 257 pounds, but he has decent pass-catching chops and actually aligned in the slot on 59% of his snaps at UCLA last season. Asiasi is a good athlete with decent speed (4.73 40-yard dash) who has served as a reliable target (one drop on 69 targets last season) and downfield playmaker (10.8 aDOT). Also a capable blocker, he very well could emerge as New England's eventual top tight end. In 2020, he'll compete with Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo and is well off the fantasy radar.
No. 92: WR Devin Duvernay to Baltimore Ravens
Initial 2020 projection: 33 targets, 22 receptions, 248 yards, 1 TD
Duvernay (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) is a physical and fast (4.39 40, 4.20 short shuttle) slot receiver with good hands. Granted, he was a short-area target (98% slot, 7.5 aDOT), but Duvernay caught 106 of 112 (95%) catchable targets at Texas last season, which was easily best in this class. He ranked third in the FBS with 106 receptions.
Duvernay has the look of a high-volume short-area target in the pros who can also help as a ball carrier and kick returner. He'll spend his rookie campaign competing with Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin and Willie Snead IV for a prominent offensive role in a low-volume Ravens pass offense. He's unlikely to provide much fantasy production in a limited role this season.
No. 93: RB Darrynton Evans to Tennessee Titans
Initial 2020 projection: 86 carries, 356 yards, 2 TDs; 27 targets, 21 receptions, 171 yards, 1 TD
Dion Lewis is out and Evans is in as Derrick Henry's backup. Evans is on the small side at 5-foot-10, 203 pounds, but he showed well at the combine with a 4.41 40-yard dash and an above-average performance in every drill in which he took part. In terms of production, Evans followed a very efficient 2018 campaign with a boost in volume but a dip in efficiency in 2019. His FMT/YAC profile was poor this past season, but his combination of speed, ball protection (two career fumbles) and receiving ability makes him a fine complementary back. Evans will be an intriguing handcuff stash in 2020, but he won't have standalone value.
No. 94: TE Josiah Deguara to Green Bay Packers
Initial 2020 projection: 11 targets, 7 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
Deguara is an undersized (6-foot-2, 242 pounds) and versatile tight end out of Cincinnati who could be deployed as an H-back, fullback or move tight end in the pros. Deguara isn't particularly fast or athletic, but he's strong (TE-best 25 bench reps), has reliable hands and can block well. He might score the occasional touchdown but is unlikely to emerge as a fantasy asset. He'll kick off his career behind Jace Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis.
No. 101: TE Dalton Keene to New England Patriots
Initial 2020 projection: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 40 yards, 0 TD
Keene is a versatile 6-foot-4, 253-pound tight end out of Virginia Tech. Keene showed his athleticism with the longest broad jump (125 inches) and quickest short shuttle (4.19) at the position at the combine. Keene has blocking and pass-catching chops, and he can contribute in line, in the slot or at fullback. Fantasy value is a long shot for Keene, but he'll be a valuable asset in the New England offense.
No. 105: TE Adam Trautman to New Orleans Saints
Initial 2020 projection: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 38 yards
The Saints traded up to select a potential heir apparent to Jared Cook. Trautman has terrific size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) and is a capable blocker with good hands (two drops last season) and post-catch ability. He showed well at both the Senior Bowl and combine (his 6.78 three-cone drill was best among tight ends). Granted it was against lesser competition, but Trautman put up huge numbers at Dayton with 110 catches for 1,511 yards and 23 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He'll warm the bench behind Cook and Josh Hill in the short term but has the chops to push for fantasy relevance in a year or two.