With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching, four Belly Up Fantasy Sports contributing writers sat down to mock their picks for the first round. An order was randomly determined, with Nate Herman picking first, Kye Potter second, Christopher Pinto third, and Craig Talley fourth, and continuing in that order. The goal was to realistically pick for team need and look at the fantasy impact incoming rookies may have this upcoming season. This edition concludes the Belly Up Fantasy Sports 2020 First Round Mock Draft.

2020 First Round Mock – Picks 1-10

1. Cincinnati Bengals – QB Joe Burrow, LSU

Nate: As everyone in the football world expected, the Bengals selected Joe Burrow with the number one pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Burrow gives the Bengals a HUGE upgrade at quarterback, and with A.J. Green staying with the Bengals for at least one more year, Burrow will have a solid offense to work with. The Bengals look to bounce back from a 2-14 season, and drafting Joe Burrow is a gigantic step in the right direction.

Check Out Craig Talley’s article on what the Bengals should do with the first pick

What will the @Bengals do with the first pick in the #NFLDraft2020
Will it be Joe Burrow or will they move the pick? It’s an interesting dilemma that I explored a bit in my most recent article. Take a look. #NFL #FantasyFootball https://t.co/OUTSxqwEqb

— Slymsuknhogs (@slymsuknhogs) April 7, 2020

2. Washington Redskins – EDGE Chase Young, Ohio State

Kye: No surprise here, as the Redskins take the consensus top talent in the draft. Joining Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat, Da’ron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis, this defense has the potential to wreak havoc on NFC East quarterbacks this year. Hopefully for Redskins fans Ron Rivera brings some much needed juice to the locker room and gets them schemed to dominate.

3. Detroit Lions – CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

Chris: As the Lions have parted ways with veteran Darius Slay, there is a huge void in the secondary. Okudah exudes not only confidence, but also leadership. He is the best coverage corner in the class and will solidify his side of the field. Okudah will be the first DB off of the board, which will set high expectations. If drafted by the Lions he looks to face the likes of Adam Thielen, Allen Robinson II, and Davante Adams (and maybe even Odell Beckham, Jr.), slightly decreasing each of the receivers’ fantasy value.

4. New York Giants – LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Craig: This fills a big need for the G-Men on the defensive side of the field.  They could have gone with an offensive lineman with the pick, but you just can’t pass on the talent and leadership that Simmons will bring.  He led the Clemson defense in tackles and has hybrid talent combining speed, length, and versatility. He can handle zone or man coverage, which will allow defensive coordinators to disguise pre-snap looks.

5. Miami Dolphins – QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Nate: As much fun as it was to watch Ryan Fitzpatrick, or should I say Fitzmagic, the Dolphins need their next franchise quarterback. At 6’6″, Herbert has the mobility to escape the pocket and create time, while possessing a cannon for an arm. The Dolphins are adding their quarterback for the future, which hopefully for Dolphins fans means more success in the near future.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Kye: I didn’t necessarily want to make this pick. The Chargers could use one of the top LT prospects in the draft, but since I’m not basking in LA sunshine and hoping my seven fans don’t get upset that I’m not waiting for Trevor Lawrence, I can’t pass on Tua at six. How his addition changes the outlook for the weapons in Los Angeles depends on how healthy he is, and whether he will see the field this year.

7. Carolina Panthers – DL Derrick Brown, Auburn

Chris: The Panthers’ offense has been the talk of the town lately. The defense needs a good overhaul, and there is no better place to start than the defensive line. Brown is a beast that can play all over the line. He commands double teams with chip blockers to help. And no quarterback is safe in the pocket. Brown will be one of the first interior defensive lineman taken, if the Panthers select the Auburn Tiger he will be a huge boost as a run stopper. This, in turn, decreases the value of Todd Gurley, Ronald Jones, II, and Alvin Kamara.

8. Arizona Cardinals – OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Craig: And Kyler Murray smiles.  Tristan started as a freshman at Iowa and won the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year for 2019.  He can be the cornerstone of an offensive line that will help protect Murray and open holes for the Cardinals’ running game for years to come.

Recap the impact offseason trades will have on fantasy football with Nate Herman

Time to analyze the biggest two trades so far this offseason from a fantasy perspective from our own Nate Herman @NateHerman27#FantasyFootball #NFL #NFLTwitter @BellyUpSportshttps://t.co/M68nBjtUxD

— Belly Up Fantasy 🏆 (@BellyUpFantasy) April 15, 2020

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Jedrick Wills, Jr., Alabama

Nate: By drafting Wills Jr, the Jags are solidifying their offensive tackles. In 2019, the Jaguars drafted right tackle Jawaan Taylor. With the addition of Wills, the Jaguars can protect their quarterback from both sides. With D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook, and Tyler Eifert, protecting the quarterback will lead to more success for Jacksonville.

10. Cleveland Browns – OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Kye: I have a different opinion about what the Browns should do with this pick, but since we are sticking to the picks as they are, I took the guy I think is the best LT in the draft. Two went before him, but Thomas is the guy who has been comfortably on the left side all along. Help protecting Baker Mayfield and pushing piles for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt can’t be a bad thing for the Browns. Seeing a guy with Thomas on his nameplate at LT won’t be an awful sight, either.

That wraps up the 2020 First Round Mock draft! Find more draft news at Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports.