The 2020 NFL Draft was a somewhat different affair this year as it took place virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It still gave teams the chance to improve their rosters, though, and threw up plenty of talking points. The other great thing about the draft is how it allows you to see where teams have improved and, maybe, look set to do well next year. If you bet on football, this is useful, so you know who to back – just remember to find a Borgata casino bonus as well to have more money to use for betting.
Full 2020 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams!
It is worth noting which AFC teams did well in the 2020 Draft with the hope of stopping the Kansas City Chiefs from successfully defending their crown. Perhaps the major news was top Quarterback talent Joe Burrow going to the Bengals – although this might not be enough to see them mount a serious challenge next season. Which teams from the AFC stood out in this year’s draft?
Baltimore Ravens
Everyone knows that the Baltimore Ravens had a strong 2019/20 season and finished it on top of AFC North with 14 wins and only two losses. However, they ultimately came up short in the play-offs and therefore decided to add J.K. Dobbins, James Proche, and Devin Duvernay to help in skill positions around star QB Lamar Jackson. Patrick Queen was also a great pick at linebacker and will help make their defense more robust – as will Justin Madubuike in the middle. Overall, the 2020 NFL Draft was a very good one for the Ravens.
Denver Broncos
One of the teams that will be keen to stop the Chiefs in the coming season are their AFC West competitors from Denver. The Broncos haven’t been able to seriously mount a challenge in the division since the retirement of Peyton Manning .However, after their 2020 class was ranked as one of the best by experts among the NFL draft ratings for every team, that could change this coming season. The really exciting pick for them was wide receiver Jerry Jeudy who will add explosive speed to their offense. K.J. Hamler also comes in as a new wide receiver to give Denver even more options for young QB Drew Lock to throw to. Lloyd Cushenberry III was a smart choice at center to provide the team with added steel. Overall, they will be happy with where they are now, compared to where they were pre-draft.
Miami Dolphins
All eyes were on the Miami Dolphins for the 2020 NFL Draft. Not only did they have lots of picks to make or trade, but they also had been waiting for the chance to improve their roster since last year. Finishing bottom of the AFC East in 2019/20 certainly made this a must! The headline addition came early on with the selection of top young Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins desperately needed a real talent in this position, and they got him. Austin Jackson at offensive tackle has plenty of potential, and Noah Igbinoghene could also blossom into an excellent NFL starter. They certainly look more equipped now in both defense and attack – this could make 2020/21 an exciting year for them.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans came so close to the Super Bowl last season, losing out in the AFC Championship game to the Chiefs. Their first two picks look especially useful in the form of Kristian Fulton and Isaiah Wilson. At 6 feet 6 inches, Wilson is a 350 pound monster at offensive tackle - someone other teams will not want to face. Fulton has masses of talent as his performances last year showed, and he could be ready to show what he’s all about from the off.
The Titans also added super-quick running back Darrynton Evans to their roster, and he will give an extra dimension to their ground game. Cole McDonald was also a wise pick at backup Quarterback – he already has decent strength in his arm and could develop nicely over the season. The Titans certainly look in good shape now to try for a Super Bowl run.
Stopping the Chiefs won’t be easy
There is no doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs will be all fired up to defend their Super Bowl crown in 2020/21. With Patrick Mahomes there to drive them along, who can say for sure this won’t happen? Of course, the other AFC teams will be eager to stop them, and those above used the latest draft well to hopefully achieve this for their fans. With the NFL season looking to provide the usual mix of drama and surprises, who knows what will happen?