Monday open thread: What was the best pick in the 2020 NFL Draft?

The 2020 NFL Draft has concluded, and what a week it was.

There was not as much wheeling and dealing as many expected, but there were certainly plenty of surprises. The NFL Draft is all about finding the best fits for your team. Sometimes that requires trading up to acquire your desired prospect, while other times a talented player can fall into your lap.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What was the best pick in the 2020 NFL Draft?

My answer: There are a lot of names to choose from, so I will pick one for each day.

On Day 1, the best selection was the Dolphins picking Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall. While a quarterback going that high does not necessarily mean it was a good pick, especially one with his injury concerns, the reason I think this was the best first-round pick was how much it cost Miami: nothing.

Rumors have swirled since the year started that Miami might have to trade up in order to get a much-needed quarterback. Moving up from fifth overall to third overall would have likely cost them an early second rounder or more. Instead, Miami gambled that the trade market would not develop and Tua would slide to them. He did. This team needs a lot of talent, and they got a starting quarterback without having to sacrifice their assets.

Day 2 featured some first-round prospects sliding, and there were a few teams that I bet were running to the virtual podium to pick them. Yetur Gross-Matos, Xavier McKinney, and Josh Jones were three prospects that I think provided great value. Meanwhile, I think the Lions will be pleased with Julian Okwara. However, I will give the nod towards A.J. Epenesa. The Buffalo Bills took the Iowa pass rusher 54th overall, and you could have justified him going 24th overall. Paired with Ed Oliver, the Bills could have a dominant defensive line in a Tom Brady-less AFC East.

Immediately, my pick for best-value on Day 3 is Bradlee Anae. He could have gone in the middle of the second round and nobody would have batted an eye. Instead, fell to the literal last pick in the fifth round, 179 overall. Perhaps there are some medical issues that we are not privy to, but Anae should thrive with the Dallas Cowboys. He is not the biggest of defensive ends, but he has versatility and the pass rushing skills to make him an excellent value pick.

Your turn.