Considering the skill position players in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft

The 2020 NFL Draft is just under one month away, and while it is no longer taking place in Las Vegas, it will still be happening. Even though pro days and visits have been cancelled, there is still plenty to analyze and keep us occupied in advance of one of the biggest weekend’s on the NFL’s offseason calendar.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper is back with his latest 2020 NFL mock draft, his first since before the NFL Combine. It’s also notable that this mock draft comes after the first week of the new league year. Free agency has resulted in some changes to team needs, and trades have shaken up the first round of the draft. Most notably, the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers each acquired a first round pick with their trades of Stefon Diggs and DeForest Buckner, respectively.

Below is a look at the offensive skill position players that went in the first round of Kiper’s mock draft.

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks generally are not going to make an immediate impact, but are notable for dynasty leagues and two-quarterback leagues. The other reason they can be interesting is potential moves up the draft board. There is bound to be a move up the board in some fashion, but where exactly is tough to tell.

Cincinnati Bengals (1): Joe Burrow
Miami Dolphins (5): Tua Tagovailoa
Los Angeles Chargers (6): Justin Herbert
New England Patriots (23): Jordan Love

Running Backs

Running back value has steadily declined in recent years, so it is no surprise to only see one back in the first round. The Dolphins abandoned their backfield last season, and with three first round picks, they make as much sense as anybody. Swift would quickly emerge as at least an RB2 in the Dolphins backfield.

Miami Dolphins (18): D’Andre Swift

Wide Receivers

There is so much talent at receiver this year, some are calling it the best class ever. The receiver position is always a tough one to sort out for fantasy purposes. This group of seven receivers all bring something to the table that could earn them big snap totals their first year, but it’s guess-work as to who emerges as a clear fantasy performer.

San Francisco 49ers (13): Jerry Jeudy
Denver Broncos (15): Henry Ruggs
Dallas Cowboys (17): CeeDee Lamb
Las Vegas Raiders (19): Tee Higgins
Philadelphia Eagles (21): Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings (22): Denzel Mims
Green Bay Packers (30): Chase Claypool