These 2020 Draft Picks Look Very Different Five Years Later
It’s wild how different a draft class can look with a few years of real football behind it. Back in 2020, some picks felt like home runs, others felt risky. Now, with five seasons in the books, we can finally see who delivered and who didn’t.
Joe Burrow
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Joe Burrow has transformed the Bengals. In his second season, he led them to a Super Bowl. His elite play, poise, and accuracy, despite significant injuries, have consistently made Cincinnati a contender. His franchise-record contract solidified his status as a long-term leader.
Tristan Wirfs
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Tristan Wirfs started at right tackle as a rookie and played a key role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV win. He held up well in pass protection and rarely missed assignments. In 2023, he moved to left tackle and continued to perform at a high level. The Buccaneers later signed him to a five-year deal. Wirfs has been steady, reliable, and one of the top offensive linemen in the league.
Jeff Okudah
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Jeff Okudah never found stable ground in the NFL. Detroit took him third overall, but injuries set him back early. First, he had a core muscle issue, then a torn Achilles. He showed flashes on the field but couldn’t stay healthy long enough to build momentum. After a short stint in Atlanta, he signed with Houston in 2024 and got hurt again. Even today, he’s still trying to get his career on track.
Justin Herbert
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Justin Herbert showcased franchise quarterback talent from day one. He consistently throws for over 4,000 yards. Despite coaching changes and team struggles, his efficiency and arm talent are undeniable. It’s no wonder that the Chargers secured him with a massive extension.
Andrew Thomas
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After a challenging rookie year, Andrew Thomas has become an elite left tackle for the Giants. He’s still a reliable blindside protector despite ankle and Lisfranc injuries. His consistent development earned him a long-term extension. Thomas’s refined technique and power make him a vital, dependable anchor for the offensive line.
Derrick Brown
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For the Carolina Panthers, Derrick Brown has proven to be a foundational defensive piece over five seasons. He quickly established himself as a disruptive interior lineman by excelling against the run while improving his pass rush. Carolina rewarded him with a four-year extension.
Tua Tagovailoa
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Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passer rating in 2022 and threw for over 4,600 yards in 2023. When healthy, he’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL. But multiple documented concussions raised serious concerns, with at least two in 2022 alone. Miami picked up his fifth-year option, but questions remain, especially with Justin Herbert, who was taken right after him and was already locked into a long-term deal with the Chargers.
Jerry Jeudy
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Jerry Jeudy never cleared 1,000 yards in Denver. His best season, 2022, ended at 972 yards and six touchdowns while the Broncos shuffled quarterbacks and coordinators. Cleveland sent two late-round picks for him in March 2024 and added a three-year extension soon after. He crossed 800 yards by December, evidence that a steady scheme and reliable quarterback finally showcased the precise route skills that made him a top-15 pick.
Jedrick Wills Jr.
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Initially a solid choice, Jedrick Wills Jr. started consistently at left tackle for the Browns for three years. However, a 2023 knee injury led to sliding performance and a midseason benching. As his contract nears its end, his long-term status with Cleveland is uncertain. A change of scenery might benefit the former top-10 pick.
Isaiah Simmons
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Isaiah Simmons’ five-year career reflects a struggle to find a consistent role. Despite flashes, including a 100-tackle season, Arizona traded him to the Giants. He is currently utilized as a hybrid and is searching for a defined identity and consistent impact.
C.J. Henderson
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C.J. Henderson’s NFL career has been characterized by frequent transitions and unfulfilled promise. The Jaguars moved on after just 10 games due to injuries and off-field concerns. Subsequent stints in Carolina, Houston, and Pittsburgh failed to yield consistent production. His future in the NFL looks increasingly tenuous.
Javon Kinlaw
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Drafted to replace DeForest Buckner, Javon Kinlaw’s five-year tenure has largely seen unfulfilled potential. Persistent knee issues plagued his time in San Francisco and limited his production. Even when healthy, he struggled to make a consistent impact. Now with the Jets on a short-term deal, he’s primarily depth, a stark contrast to his draft hype.
Chase Young
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After a dominant 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year season, Chase Young’s trajectory took a sharp turn. Multiple injuries severely hampered his development. He traded from Washington to San Francisco as depth, but he only showed flashes and couldn’t secure a consistent starting role. With the Saints, he’s primarily a rotational pass rusher.
Henry Ruggs III
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Henry Ruggs III’s NFL career tragically ended after just 20 games. He is currently incarcerated and serving a 3-to-10-year prison sentence following a fatal DUI crash in November 2021. His promising professional journey was devastatingly cut short by his actions.
Mekhi Becton
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Mekhi Becton started 13 games as a rookie in 2020, then missed nearly all of the next two seasons with knee injuries. Conditioning was also a concern, with reports of his weight climbing well above 380 pounds. The Jets declined his fifth-year option in 2023. He signed with the Eagles in 2024 and moved inside to guard, where he showed improvement. Still, his early promise never fully materialized in New York.