The 2020 NFL Draft was a very special time for football fans. Because of the global pandemic, it was the first time we ever saw a “virtual” draft. Instead of a big stage in Las Vegas, coaches and managers made picks from their own homes! It felt very personal and fun. This draft gave us some of the biggest stars in the game today. From amazing quarterbacks to speedy wide receivers, the talent was through the roof.
Looking back now in 2026, we can see just how much the 2020 NFL Draft changed the league. We saw future MVPs and Super Bowl champions get their start right here. In this article, we will break down the first-round picks, the best “steals,” and even some of the biggest “busts.” Whether you are a die-hard fan or just learning about football, this guide has everything you need to know about that historic weekend.
The Top 10 Picks of the 2020 NFL Draft
The first ten picks always have the most pressure. In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals had the very first pick. They chose Joe Burrow, a superstar quarterback from LSU. He had just won a national title and was ready to save a struggling team. Other teams followed suit by picking big names like Chase Young and Tua Tagovailoa. It was a day full of hope for many fanbases.
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU |
| 2 | Redskins* | Chase Young | DE | Ohio State |
| 3 | Lions | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State |
| 4 | Giants | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia |
| 5 | Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama |
| 6 | Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon |
| 7 | Panthers | Derrick Brown | DT | Auburn |
| 8 | Cardinals | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson |
| 9 | Jaguars | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida |
| 10 | Browns | Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama |
Joe Burrow: The Savior of Cincinnati
When the Bengals took Joe Burrow in the 2020 NFL Draft, they changed their history forever. Burrow brought a “cool” energy to the team. Even though he got hurt in his first year, he bounced back fast. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl just two years later! He proved that being the number one pick is a huge job, but he was the right man for it. Fans in Ohio still wear his jersey with pride every single Sunday.
Justin Herbert and the Rise of the Chargers
Many people weren’t sure about Justin Herbert before the 2020 NFL Draft. Some experts thought he might not be a star. Boy, were they wrong! Herbert stepped in for the Los Angeles Chargers and started breaking records immediately. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His strong arm and smart plays made him a fan favorite. He showed that you don’t have to be the first pick to be the best player in the class.
The Legendary Wide Receiver Class
If you love big plays, the 2020 NFL Draft was for you. This year was famous for having amazing wide receivers. Players like CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Justin Jefferson were all taken in the first round. Justin Jefferson, specifically, became one of the best in the world. He was picked 22nd, but he plays like a top-five talent. Teams that passed on him still regret it to this day because he is so hard to stop on the field.
Finding Diamonds in the Rough: Draft Steals
Not every great player is picked on the first day. The 2020 NFL Draft had some incredible “steals” in the later rounds. One of the biggest was Jalen Hurts, who went in the second round to the Eagles. Many people didn’t think he would be a starter, but he led his team to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LIX! Finding a franchise leader in the second round is like finding a gold nugget in a pile of rocks.
Defensive Stars from the First Round
While offense gets the glory, the 2020 NFL Draft also had great defensive players. Chase Young was a beast for Washington early on. Derrick Brown became a solid wall for the Carolina Panthers’ defense. Even players like Patrick Queen and A.J. Terrell proved they belonged. These players show that a team needs more than just a good quarterback to win. You need tough guys who can tackle and stop the other team from scoring.
The Tricky Side of Draft “Busts”
Sadly, not every pick works out. In the 2020 NFL Draft, some players struggled to stay in the league. Isaiah Wilson was picked in the first round by the Titans but only played a few snaps. Jeff Okudah was the third pick but had many injuries that slowed him down. Being a professional athlete is very hard. Sometimes talent isn’t enough, and luck with injuries or team fit plays a huge role in a player’s success.
How the 2020 NFL Draft Shaped 2026
Looking at the NFL today in 2026, the fingerprints of the 2020 NFL Draft are everywhere. The league is now dominated by the quarterbacks from this class. Burrow, Herbert, Hurts, and Jordan Love are the new faces of football. They have replaced older legends like Tom Brady. This draft was a “changing of the guard.” It moved the league into a new era of fast-paced, high-scoring football that we all love to watch.
The Virtual Draft Experience
We have to talk about how the 2020 NFL Draft actually happened. Because of COVID-19, the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, hosted the draft from his basement! We got to see coaches’ kids running around and even some funny pets. It made the NFL feel like a big family. Even though fans couldn’t be there in person, it was one of the most-watched drafts ever. It showed that football can bring people together even in tough times.
Comparing the 2020 Class to Other Years
Is the 2020 NFL Draft the best ever? It is certainly in the conversation! When you look at the 1983 or 2004 classes, they had great quarterbacks too. But the 2020 group has so many stars at different positions. Between the elite receivers and the franchise-changing QBs, it is hard to find a better year. Most experts agree that this class will have several players in the Hall of Fame one day.
Jordan Love: The Patient Success Story
One of the most interesting stories from the 2020 NFL Draft is Jordan Love. The Green Bay Packers picked him while they still had Aaron Rodgers. Love had to sit on the bench and wait for years! Many people thought the pick was a mistake. However, once he finally got his chance, he proved he was a star. His journey teaches us that sometimes being patient and learning is better than rushing onto the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft?
The Cincinnati Bengals chose quarterback Joe Burrow from LSU with the first overall pick. He has since become a superstar.
2. Was the 2020 NFL Draft held in person?
No, it was the first-ever virtual draft. Coaches and players participated from their homes due to the pandemic.
3. Who was the biggest steal of the 2020 NFL Draft?
Many consider Jalen Hurts (2nd round) or Justin Jefferson (22nd overall) to be the biggest steals because they became elite players.
4. How many quarterbacks were taken in the first round?
Four quarterbacks were taken in the first round: Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Jordan Love.
5. Which team had the most picks in the 2020 NFL Draft?
The Minnesota Vikings had 15 picks, which was the most by any team in a single draft since the seven-round format began.
6. Who won Rookie of the Year from this class?
Justin Herbert won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Chase Young won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Conclusion
The 2020 NFL Draft was more than just a meeting to pick players. It was a turning point for the entire sport. It gave us the icons we watch every weekend in 2026. From Joe Burrow’s leadership to Justin Jefferson’s amazing catches, this class is full of legends. It reminds us that even during a global crisis, the dream of playing in the NFL never stops.
What was your favorite moment from that virtual draft? Do you think your team made the right choice? Share your thoughts with us and let’s keep the football conversation going!
