In this article I will include some of my thought just before and just after the 2020 NFL draft. To differentiate the two all of my post-draft thoughts will be in italics.
Players I love:
Jerry Jeudy Jr.-WR- Saying I love a player projected to go top ten is not an especially hot take but my love for Jeudy is in comparison to the other highly touted WRs (Ceedee Lamb, Henry Ruggs, or Justin Jefferson). Jeudy is an elite route runner with rare quickness. It will be very exciting to see him with the young Drew Lock at QB and the talented Courtland Sutton across from him at WR in the Broncos offense.
Van Jefferson-WR- Route running savant who creates separation often and easily. Did not run at the combine but if he's as fast as he looks on tape it could be in the 4.4 range. The Rams are pretty bad now so the biggest impact Jefferson will have is probably on Fantasy Football.
Jeff Gladney-CB- Lightning quick with great instincts who excels in man or zone coverage. Only real concern is his physicality but he was very good against the run and excelled in the combine weight room. Great pick for the Vikings, he'll be a perfect fit in their defensive scheme although they will need him to be an immediate impact player with the departures of both of their starting corners.
Jaylen Johnson-CB- Great frame and good athleticism, has good coverage instincts and has succeeded in multiple defensive techniques (especially the press). I was surprised when Johnson fell to the 2nd round especially when certain CB needy teams, such as the Chiefs, drafted other players over him.
Amik Robertson-CB- He may be undersized (5'8") but he put up elite production at Louisiana Tech and was virtually impossible to throw at. Plays with a huge chip on his shoulder (i.e. Steve Smith) and the slot corner has never been more valuable than it is right now. Jon Gruden will love him so much, his attitude and aggressiveness will be a huge asset in winning over his new coach.
Antoine Winfield Jr.-S- Great understanding of route concepts, with great ability to read the quarterback. Undersized but could excel in a role similar to that of Tyrann Mathieu. Weird fact: When Tom Brady was a young QB in New England he threw passes to a WR named Antoine Winfield Sr, the DB's father.
Players I don't love:
Tyler Johnson-WR- Great at catching 50-50 balls but was forced to catch 50-50 balls because he struggled to create separation. Also had some problems with drops. I think he will struggle to get on the field over the other talented pass catchers in Tampa Bay.
Noah Igbinoghene-CB- Although has great quickness, he struggles with his technique at times and post a low interception total in his time at Auburn. The Dolphins clearly look at him as a project player, one who can refine his technique while backing up the extremely talented Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. Although I do not love Igbinoghene as a prospect I think the best fit for him was with the Dolphins.
Other thoughts:
Tua is worth the injury risk. I don't think I could say it anymore simply. Getting a chance at a player as talented as Tugovailoa is worth the risk that he gets hurt and can't reach his potential. Especially since taking a player with a lower percentage isn't a guarantee to pan out either.
Justin Madubuike is a player I love, just not for the Falcons. His skill set coming from an undersized DT reminds a lot of Grady Jarrett and as much as I love Jarrett having two of him probably would not benefit the falcons already porous run defense. Like Grady Jarrett, Madubuike fell to the 3rd round. And like Jarrett he will end up looking like a steal for the team, the Ravens, who drafted him.
Deandre Swift and the advantage of the college committee running back. One of the big knocks on Swift while he was in college is that he wasn't a three-down back at UGA. However, he has the skills to be a three-down back and UGA didn't use him as one simply because of their depth at RB. His low carry count in college I think is and asset because most running backs have finite number of carries before they are beset by injuries and Detroit, who drafted him, will get the lions share (pun!) of those carries.