Facebook Pixel

2020 NFL Redraft: Joe Burrow Stays in Cincinnati, Jalen Hurts Goes Before Justin Herbert

Five years removed from the 2020 NFL Draft, it has become clear who the standouts of the class are.

It’s always a fun practice to go through an NFL Redraft, looking back on past selections and projecting what teams would do differently with the power of hindsight. Between the 24 Pro Bowlers and five franchise quarterbacks, the 2020 NFL Draft has some of the most star power of any class in recent memory.

Without further ado, here is our 2020 NFL Redraft heading into the 2025 NFL season.

2020 NFL Redraft

1) Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Original Pick: Joe Burrow

Jalen Hurts winning a Super Bowl last year makes him a possible option, but ultimately, the Bengals make the same pick over in this 2020 NFL Redraft. Joe Burrow led Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022 and led the league in both passing yards and touchdowns in 2024.

2) Washington Commanders: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

Original Pick: Chase Young

While the Commanders selected Dwayne Haskins one year before, they released him by the end of the 2020 season, anyway. They wouldn’t pass on Jalen Hurts, who has a Super Bowl ring, two Pro Bowls and has solidified himself as a dual-threat superstar for a divisional rival in real life.

3) Detroit Lions: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Original Pick: Jeff Okudah

Simply put, Justin Jefferson might be the most valuable non-quarterback in the NFL today. He’s a four-time All-Pro in five seasons, and heading into 2025, he’s the NFL’s all-time leader with 96.5 career receiving yards per game. It’s an easy choice for the Lions here.

4) New York Giants: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Original Pick: Andrew Thomas

Though the Giants had just selected Daniel Jones the year before in real life, the magical power of hindsight lands them a quarterback in this 2020 NFL Redraft. With 21,093 career passing yards in five years, Justin Herbert has been the most productive regular-season quarterback to come out of a loaded draft class.

5) Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Original Pick: Tua Tagovailoa

Injuries have prevented him from reaching the heights of some of his peers in this class, but Tua Tagovailoa is still a franchise quarterback for the Dolphins when healthy. Most notably, he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023.

6) Los Angeles Chargers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Original Pick: Justin Herbert

The Chargers miss out on Justin Herbert in this 2020 NFL Redraft, but they end up with a strong consolation prize in one of the best offensive linemen in football. Tristan Wirfs is a Super Bowl champion and a three-time All-Pro since entering the league.

7) Carolina Panthers: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Original Pick: Derrick Brown

While the Panthers made a good pick in the real 2020 NFL Draft, CeeDee Lamb is a three-time All-Pro and one of the best wide receivers in the league, making him a strong redraft selection.

8) Arizona Cardinals: Nnamdi Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

Original Pick: Isaiah Simmons

Justin Madubuike has turned into one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, as he’s combined for 19.5 sacks and two Pro Bowls within the last two seasons.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Original Pick: C.J. Henderson

The Jaguars end up with a cornerback again in this 2020 NFL Redraft, but they go in a different direction with their choice. Jaylon Johnson has blossomed into one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the league.

10) Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Original Pick: Jedrick Wills Jr.

The last full season Andrew Thomas played, he was an All-Pro. Injuries drop him out of the first five picks, but he’s a good enough talent to warrant the No. 10 selection here.

11) New York Jets: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Original Pick: Mekhi Becton

Though perhaps overshadowed by Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, Tee Higgins has been a consistent force since entering the league, averaging 1,116 receiving yards over 17 games throughout his five seasons with the Bengals.

12) Las Vegas Raiders: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Original Pick: Henry Ruggs III

He’s coming off of an injury-shortened season in 2024, but Brandon Aiyuk is still one of the most explosive receivers in the game. He mostly notably finished with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023.

13) San Francisco 49ers: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Original Pick: Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers trade-up)

Trevon Diggs has played in just 13 games in the last two years, dropping him out of the top 10. He’s arguably the best playmaking cornerback in the league, though, and when he’s hot, he’s a certified difference maker.

14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Original Pick: Javon Kinlaw (49ers trade-down)

As if the Buccaneers’ offense couldn’t be any more dangerous with Tom Brady at the helm, they secure an elite running back in Jonathan Taylor in this 2020 NFL Redraft.

15) Denver Broncos: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Original Pick: Jerry Jeudy

The only reason Jordan Love falls to No. 15 is due to his limited playing time in his first three seasons. What he’s shown in his two seasons as a starter, though, is that he’s a capable starting quarterback who can lead the charge towards making his team perennial playoff contenders.

16) Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Original Pick: A.J. Terrell Jr.

A certified difference maker against the run, Derrick Brown most notably had 103 tackles as a defensive tackle in 2023. He missed most of 2025 but would still be a deserving early pick in this do-over.

17) Dallas Cowboys: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

Original Pick: CeeDee Lamb

Missing out on Lamb hurts here for the Cowboys, but landing one of the top safeties in the NFL today in Antoine Winfield Jr. is a more than acceptable consolation prize.

18) Miami Dolphins: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Original Pick: Austin Jackson

Xavier McKinney was a solid starter to begin with during his tenure with the Giants. It was in his 2024 campaign with the Packers, though, that he took the leap to becoming an elite safety and a household name.

19) Las Vegas Raiders: A.J. Terrell Jr., CB, Clemson

Original Pick: Damon Arnette

He hasn’t been able to reach his All-Pro heights he accomplished in 2021, but for being an otherwise solid starting cornerback throughout his time in the league, A.J. Terrell Jr. stays in the top 20 in this NFL Redraft.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Original Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson

A two-time Pro Bowler with 583 total tackles over the course of five seasons, Patrick Queen has cemented himself as one of the top off-ball linebackers in the game.

21) Philadelphia Eagles: Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte

Original Pick: Jalen Reagor

Since becoming a full-time starter off the edge for the Steelers in 2021, Alex Highsmith has totaled 33.5 sacks in four seasons and has been a reliable pass-rushing threat opposite T.J. Watt.

22) Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida

Original Pick: Justin Jefferson

With 24.5 sacks in his last two seasons, Jonathan Greenard has blossomed into one of the top edge rushers in the game. He lands on the team he signed a massive contract with in free agency in 2024.

23) New England Patriots: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

Original Pick: Kenneth Murray (Chargers trade-up)

Michael Pittman Jr. has served well as Indianapolis’ top wide receiver the last few years, and he would take over the role pretty quickly for the Patriots in this hypothetical.

24) New Orleans Saints: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

Original Pick: Cesar Ruiz

Ironically enough, Zack Baun lands with the team who drafted him in real life, though it wasn’t until he left to sign with the Eagles that he blossomed into a first-team All-Pro talent in 2024.

25) Minnesota Vikings: Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana

Original Pick: Brandon Aiyuk (49ers trade-up)

Coming off of his first career Pro Bowl appearance for the 2024 season, Robert Hunt has developed into becoming one of the better interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

26) Miami Dolphins: L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Louisiana Tech

Original Pick: Jordan Love (Packers trade-up)

Though coming off of an injury-shortened campaign in 2024 for the Titans, L’Jarius Sneed was a difference-maker during his first four NFL seasons he spent with the Chiefs.

27) Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech

Original Pick: Jordyn Brooks

Many thought the Jordyn Brooks selection was a massive reach when it happened in 2020, but in the grand scheme of things, the Seahawks would take the tackling machine over again, even though he departed for the Dolphins in 2024.

28) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

Original Pick: Patrick Queen

Tyler Biadasz was a Pro Bowl offensive lineman in 2022 and has been one of the more reliable centers in the game since entering the league, making him a strong do-over selection for the Ravens here.

29) Tennessee Titans: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Original Pick: Isaiah Wilson

Although Chase Young has so far seen his peak come in his rookie campaign, he has carved out a niche for himself as a strong rotational edge rusher in the league. He still ends up selected in the first round of this 2020 NFL Redraft.

30) Green Bay Packers: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Original Pick: Noah Igbinoghene (Dolphins trade-down)

It took until his departure from Denver to get there, but Jerry Jeudy seems to be living up to his potential with the Browns. He and Davante Adams would have been unguardable in Green Bay.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Dotson, OG, Louisiana

Original Pick: Jeff Gladney (Vikings trade-up)

After a modest first three seasons in the NFL, Kevin Dotson has grown into becoming an elite starting guard since the Steelers traded him to the Rams in 2023.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Onwenu, OG, Michigan

Original Pick: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

For being a sturdy starting offensive lineman for five years with tackle-guard versatility, Michael Onwenu would be a strong addition to the Chiefs’ offensive line in this 2020 NFL Redraft.

2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

The PFSN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the mock draft machine and get ready for the 2026 NFL Draft.

2026 NFL Draft Big Board Builder

PFSN’s free NFL Draft Big Board Builder allows you to rank every prospect in the NFL Draft and share it with the world.

2025 NFL Playoff Predictor

PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

NFL Offseason Manager

Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

‘You Know Who Your Father Is’ — Shannon Sharpe Gives Blunt Advice to Shedeur Sanders After QB’s Speeding Incidents

Shannon Sharpe delivers blunt advice to Shedeur Sanders following the quarterback’s recent speeding incidents, reminding him to live up to his family legacy.

‘You’re Witnessing the Greatest Ever’ – Tom Brady Showers LeBron James With Praise at Fanatics Fest

At a Fanatics event, Tom Brady weighed in on the GOAT debate in the NBA and surprised fans by calling LeBron James the greatest player ever.

Steelers Insider Reveals Real Reason Pittsburgh Passed on Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft

A Pittsburgh Steelers insider has revealed why the team decided against pursuing Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Analyst Boldly Compares Oklahoma City Thunder to Lamar Jackson’s Ravens Ahead of NBA Finals Game 7

One analyst compares the Oklahoma City Thunder to Lamar Jackson’s Ravens, pointing out how both teams have played well but struggled to win championships.
Join the Conversation!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here