Complete Results, Analysis, and Team Grades for the 2020 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft left you guessing. No roaring crowds, no green-room hugs—just a silent, virtual stage that made it tough to feel the drama. You probably missed a handful of trades, late-round gems, and the real story behind every pick. This page puts every detail in one place, so you walk away with a clear picture of how the 2020 NFL Draft reshaped the league.

The Unprecedented Virtual Format of the 2020 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft became the first fully remote selection event in league history. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced picks from his basement, while prospects celebrated at home with family on shaky webcams. Coaches and general managers worked from separate locations, relying on video calls and digital draft boards. Technical glitches popped up, but the league pulled off a seamless broadcast. This experiment proved that even a pandemic couldn’t stop the NFL’s marquee offseason event.

Fans got an intimate peek into players’ living rooms, something traditional drafts never offered. You saw Joe Burrow’s quiet confidence, CeeDee Lamb’s emotional phone call, and Tua Tagovailoa’s relieved smile. The virtual format didn’t diminish the stakes—it amplified the human side of the draft.

2020 NFL Draft First Round: Complete Pick-by-Pick Results

Below is the full first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This table gives you a quick snapshot of how the top 32 selections unfolded.

The 2020 NFL Draft opened with zero suspense at the top. Joe Burrow went first overall, and Chase Young followed without hesitation. After that, the run on quarterbacks and offensive tackles dominated the night.

Quarterback Carousel: Burrow, Tagovailoa, Herbert and Love

Four signal-callers heard their names in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Joe Burrow returned to Ohio as the Bengals’ franchise savior after his record-breaking Heisman season at LSU. The Miami Dolphins took a calculated risk on Tua Tagovailoa despite his hip injury, betting on his pinpoint accuracy and leadership. Six picks in, the Los Angeles Chargers grabbed Justin Herbert, a strong-armed prospect who many felt had the highest physical ceiling. The biggest shock came when the Green Bay Packers traded up for Jordan Love, signaling a future beyond Aaron Rodgers.

This quarterback class immediately reshaped multiple organizations. Burrow’s poise, Herbert’s rapid rise, and Tagovailoa’s steady development turned the 2020 NFL Draft into a landmark year for the position.

Biggest Steals of the 2020 NFL Draft

Some teams found elite talent far later than expected. These picks delivered superstar value on rookie contracts.

• Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings – Pick 22): He fell behind three other receivers and became an All-Pro by his second season. Jefferson broke the single-season receiving yards record in 2022.
• Trevon Diggs (CB, Cowboys – Pick 51): A second-round corner who led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 and earned first-team All-Pro honors.
• Jeremy Chinn (S, Panthers – Pick 64): A versatile defender who finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
• Antoine Winfield Jr. (S, Buccaneers – Pick 45): A Super Bowl champion as a rookie who turned into a top-tier safety.
• Michael Onwenu (OL, Patriots – Pick 182): A sixth-round steal who became a dependable starter at guard and tackle.

The 2020 NFL Draft proved that value lives on Day 2 and Day 3 for teams that trust their scouting.

The Most Surprising Reaches and Bust Potential

Not every selection worked out. A few picks left analysts and fans scratching their heads immediately.

• Damon Arnette (CB, Raiders – Pick 19): A reach by most boards, Arnette struggled off the field and lasted just two seasons in Las Vegas.
• Isaiah Wilson (OT, Titans – Pick 29): Wilson played only a handful of snaps and was traded after one tumultuous year. He quickly washed out of the league.
• Jalen Reagor (WR, Eagles – Pick 21): Philadelphia passed on Justin Jefferson for Reagor, a decision that haunted the franchise. Reagor never topped 400 receiving yards in a season for the Eagles.
• Henry Ruggs III (WR, Raiders – Pick 12): Ruggs flashed speed but a tragic off-field incident ended his Raiders career early.

The 2020 NFL Draft taught teams that character evaluations matter as much as 40-yard dash times.

Blockbuster Trades That Shook Up the Draft Board

Several draft-day deals altered the 2020 NFL Draft landscape. The Miami Dolphins orchestrated multiple moves, sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Pittsburgh in 2019 for a pick that became Austin Jackson. They also flipped picks with the 49ers, who moved up to take Javon Kinlaw.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up one spot for tackle Tristan Wirfs, securing a cornerstone for their Super Bowl run. The San Francisco 49ers then made waves by dealing DeForest Buckner to the Colts for the pick used on Kinlaw. The Green Bay Packers’ move up for Jordan Love blindsided everyone and instantly created quarterback drama.

These moves underline how one trade can impact roster construction for years. The 2020 NFL Draft saw teams aggressively target the players they believed would push them over the top.

Day 2 and Day 3 Hidden Gems

Beyond the first round, the 2020 NFL Draft produced a deep pool of contributors. Several mid- and late-round picks became core starters.

• Jonathan Taylor (RB, Colts – Round 2, Pick 41): A rushing champion who powered Indianapolis’ offense.
• Chase Claypool (WR, Steelers – Round 2, Pick 49): A big-bodied target who scored 11 total touchdowns as a rookie.
• D’Andre Swift (RB, Lions – Round 2, Pick 35): An explosive dual-threat back when healthy.
• Josh Uche (Edge, Patriots – Round 2, Pick 60): An underrated pass rusher who racked up 11.5 sacks in his third season.
• Kamren Curl (S, Commanders – Round 7, Pick 216): A seventh-round steal who earned a starting role by Year 2.

These finds made the 2020 NFL Draft a roster-building goldmine for patient franchises.

2020 NFL Draft Team Grades: Who Won the Weekend?

Analysts graded every haul immediately after the event. Some evaluations aged well; others look silly in hindsight.

The Vikings earned top marks for landing Jefferson and multiple Day 3 contributors. Dallas got two All-Pros in Lamb and Diggs. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s puzzling decision to ignore immediate help for Rodgers lowered their grade, even if Love later showed flashes.

Three Years Later: How the 2020 Draft Class Stacks Up

By 2023, the 2020 NFL Draft class had produced multiple Pro Bowl players, All-Pros, and a Super Bowl champion. Joe Burrow took Cincinnati to a Super Bowl in his second full season. Justin Jefferson shattered records. Tristan Wirfs became a top-three tackle. Chase Young battled injuries but remained a disruptive force when on the field.

Some classes take time to marinate. The 2020 NFL Draft already cemented itself as one of the strongest quarterback and receiver groups in recent memory. Day 3 hits like Kamren Curl and Michael Onwenu proved that scouting depth pays off.

The Draft’s Impact on NFL Franchises

The 2020 NFL Draft changed the trajectory of multiple organizations overnight. The Bengals went from league laughingstock to AFC power behind Burrow and Tee Higgins (Round 2). The Chargers found their long-term answer in Justin Herbert, instantly becoming a playoff contender. Miami positioned itself with a war chest of picks and a potential franchise quarterback.

On the flip side, the Titans’ whiff on Isaiah Wilson hurt an already shaky offensive line. The Eagles’ Reagor miss slowed their receiving corps rebuild. The draft’s ripple effects demonstrate just how critical hitting early picks can be.

What the 2020 NFL Draft Teaches Us About Scouting in a Pandemic

The 2020 NFL Draft forced teams to rely on virtual interviews and limited medical checks. Clubs had no private workouts, no in-person visits, and no combine rechecks. The process tested every scouting department’s preparation.

Those that trusted their film study and culture evaluations fared best. Teams that relied heavily on pro days and raw athletic testing saw more misses. The 2020 NFL Draft is a case study in sticking to your board and valuing character. The virtual format didn’t ruin the class—it simply rewarded disciplined front offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the 2020 NFL Draft, who was selected first overall?

Joe Burrow, quarterback from LSU, went first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.He guided LSU to a national title and took home the Heisman Trophy.

How many quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft?

Four. Joe Burrow (Bengals), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Justin Herbert (Chargers), and Jordan Love (Packers) all went in Round 1.

Which team had the most draft picks in 2020?

The Miami Dolphins held 11 total selections, the most of any team. They used three first-round picks on Tagovailoa, Austin Jackson, and Noah Igbinoghene.

Did the 2020 NFL Draft feature any major trades?

Yes. The 49ers traded DeForest Buckner for a pick used on Javon Kinlaw, the Packers moved up for Jordan Love, and the Buccaneers jumped one spot to take Tristan Wirfs.

What was unique about the 2020 NFL Draft format?

It was the first fully virtual draft in NFL history. COVID-19 forced all team personnel to work remotely, and picks were announced from Commissioner Goodell’s basement.

Which rookie from the 2020 draft class had the biggest immediate impact?

Justin Jefferson made the loudest early splash, setting a rookie receiving record with 1,400 yards. Chase Young also won Defensive Rookie of the Year for Washington.