Top Steals of the 2020 NFL Draft

Have you already taken a victory lap for your GM after last year's draft? Yes we’ve seen a small sample size for the guys entering the league last year but who doesn’t love a good ol’ premature list of guys who have made a massive impact already. Today we’re gonna break down our top steals thus far from last year's draft class and give you a couple potential breakout players down the road as well. As always tune into our twitter page @TheUpsidePlay for daily sports content.

Side Note: We used a ton of film and PFF grading to help curate this list / The list is based on the best STEALS of this draft not the best players. (Yes our Fantasy Football Bias is going to show)

Honorable Mention: The Entire Second Round

Please do us a favor and check out the entire list of the 2020 NFL Draft Here. The entire round is mind blowing to look at as it's filled with fantasy football household names and early playmakers on the other side of the ball. This list would be a shame without mentioning the potential greatness of these day 2 studs. (Some will be featured below)

Honorable Mentions:

Tyler Biadasz (146th overall / 5th Center),

Jack Driscoll (145th overall / 10th G)

Matt Hennessy (78th overall / 2nd C)

#12 Darnell Mooney (173rd overall / 22nd WR)

Darnell Mooney has taken the extra step Bears fans were hoping for in 2021 after an underwhelming rookie season. The 24 year old 5th rounder has emerged as a premiere weapon for Justin Fields, leading the team in receiving yards, targets, and TD’s. Mooney barely cracks the list here at 12 as the inconsistency has been on full display, but his potential is through the roof as him and Fields continue to develop.

#11 L’Jarius Sneed (138th Overall / 11th Safety)

Sneed has been a massive help in stopping the run for this Chiefs defense as he has a very solid 75.7 run defense grade according to PFF. He hasn’t been the most impressive cover safety but has proven he can make the big play recording three turnovers through 12 games this season. Heading into week 13 the 4th round safety led the Chiefs in defensive snaps, proving he’s engraved in this team's near future.

#10 Jonathan Greenard (90th / 6th OLB)

It almost feels wrong having a Texans defensive player on this list as they rank in the bottom 5 of most defensive stat categories. There's always a bright spot and in this case it's edge rusher Jonatahan Greenard. The current sack leader (8.0) for the Texans has one of the highest pass rush grades in the NFL at a stunning 90.2. The 24 year old late 3rd round pick has been impressive amongst the mediocrity and is something this defense can build around for the future.

#9 Michael Onwenu (182nd Overall / 14th OG)

The Patriots seem to always be in these Draft Steal articles but they are definitely worthy of it with this pick. Onwenu was a 6th round pick and has been playing boht Tackle and Guard for New England on his way to an 87.9 PFF grade, 3rd best in the entire NFL. Patriots have had some great luck with drafting offensive lineman and Onwenu has the versatility that Bill Belichick loves.

#8 James Robinson (undrafted 19 RBs drafted)

James Robinson started the 2020 season as the 4th RB on the depth chart but with Jacksonville cutting Fournette, and Armstead and Ozigbo dealing with COVID-19 , Robinson was thrown into the fire and never looked back. He was top 8 in rushing attempts (240), top 5 in rushing yards (1070) and top 10 in total touchdowns (10). This season the Jacksonville Jaguars have been a dumpster fire but Robinson has still shown flashes of brilliance. He has the build and the track record to be a starter for the next few years.

#7 Tristan Wirfs (13th Overall / 4th OT)

Our first example of a player being one of the league’s best but is he considered a top “Steal” of 2020? Wirfs fits both of these narratives as the 4th tackle taken in 2020 and playing like a top 5 tackle in the league. His 86.2 pass blocking grade is immaculate, good for 3rd best in the NFL. Keeping the goats jersey clean has been a priority for the 22 year old and he’s done so against some of the league's most feared pass rushers. Allowing just 1 sack thus far it seems like the Bucs have found their OT of the future.

#6 AJ Terrell (16th Overall / 4th CB)

It feels criminal having him this low, but 16th overall isn’t a lowly regarded player. The official highest coverage grade in 2021 thus far belongs to AJ Terrell. This man has been one of the lone bright spots for Atlanta’s defense as he’s put WR1’s on an island all year. Terrell is allowing just 4.3 yards per target this year, 10th best in the league. PFF’s top graded cornerback has taken a step up to the next level this year, and has kept the Falcons in the hunt thus far.

#5 Logan Wilson (65th / 6th LB)

Logan Wilson is having a true breakout season for the Bengals who have been one of the more surprising teams in the league. Wilson leads the Bengals in tackles with 92 and interceptions with 4. A big reason for the Bengals surprising run is the play of Wilson who will be a centerpiece of this evolving defense for a while.

#4 Antione Winfield Jr. (45th overall / 4th safety)

Time for the cover boy. Antoine Winfield has been an absolute gem for the Buccaneers, helping solidify this secondary (which is currently injury riddled) and starting in the super bowl as a rookie, picking off Patrick Mahomes in the process. Winfield Jr. is a flat out cornerstone for this team and one of the highest graded defensive players in the league. Currently the 23 year old ranks 2nd in PFF among safeties with a massive 85.1 defensive grade. He didn’t crack many top 10 safety lists heading into this season, I think that will change come 2021.

#3 Trevon Diggs (51st overall / 7th CB)

Trevon Diggs has taken the league by storm this season with his league leading 9 interceptions. Diggs has quickly become one of the NFL’s most impressive Ball Hawks and while he struggles with consistency at times he is a big play corner who can take any opportunity the other way as Diggs’ 2 Pick Sixes are tied for the most in the NFL. The Cowboys have been looking for a lockdown corner for quite some time and Diggs has a great shot at being just that.

#2 Justin Jefferson (22nd overall / 5th WR)

Justin Jefferson was famously taken as the 5th WR off the board in a draft that was sure to have stars at that position. JJ has exploded onto the scene with two straight All-Pro level seasons. His rookie year was the best we’ve ever seen from a receiver and his second season was more of the same. At the time of this article being written Jefferson has 173 catches for 2,688 yards and 15 touchdowns. Justin Jefferson will be one of the league's brightest talents at that position if he isn’t already. The Vikings were giddy from the get go about JJ, just check out this draft day video.

#1 Jonathan Taylor (41st overall / 3rd RB)

A real MVP candidate headlines this list, Jonathan Taylor truly sensational in his sophomore season. JT was a monster coming out of Wisconsin and he has been nothing short of that. Taylor is leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,684 yards and has 18 touchdowns on the season. The former Badger has quickly become one of the NFL’s premier players and as the 3rd back taken in 2020 I think the Colts are very happy with their investment.

* Photo Credit: Tribune News Service

* Twitter Credit: @Ihartitz, @BetMGM, @Bengals, @RiversMccown, @PFF

* Special Thanks to PFF.com / TeamRankings.com for the in depth stats.

- Ryan Mobley / Vincenzo Sciacqua, Upside Play