What Happened to 2020 NFL Draft?
The 2020 NFL Draft, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a historic event that produced a highly impactful class of players. Many of its top selections, including quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, have become foundational stars for their respective franchises, with their careers continuing to evolve through the 2026 season. While some players like Tua Tagovailoa have faced career crossroads and team changes, the draft class as a whole has significantly shaped the league's landscape.
Quick Answer
The 2020 NFL Draft was unprecedented, conducted entirely virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet it yielded a remarkably talented class. Quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have established themselves as franchise cornerstones, while wide receivers Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb are among the league's elite. As of September 2026, these players continue to be central figures in the NFL, with some, like Tua Tagovailoa, navigating new teams and career-defining seasons, underscoring the draft's lasting and dynamic impact on the league.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
NFL Cancels Live Draft Events in Las Vegas
Due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL announced the cancellation of all public events for the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
NFL Confirms Fully Virtual Draft Format
The NFL officially informed all 32 teams that the 2020 Draft would proceed in a fully virtual format, with personnel working remotely from their homes.
Joe Burrow Selected First Overall
The Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU quarterback Joe Burrow as the first overall pick in the virtual 2020 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
Record Viewership for Virtual Draft
Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft garnered an average audience of over 15.6 million viewers, a 37% increase from 2019, as sports fans tuned into the unprecedented virtual event.
Justin Herbert's Unexpected Rookie Debut
Chargers QB Justin Herbert was thrust into action in Week 2 of his rookie season after Tyrod Taylor suffered a punctured lung, beginning his impressive NFL career earlier than expected.
Justin Jefferson Breaks Rookie Receiving Record
Justin Jefferson finished his rookie season with 1,400 receiving yards, breaking the NFL's rookie receiving yardage record previously held by Anquan Boldin.
Joe Burrow Leads Bengals to Super Bowl LVI
Joe Burrow, in his second NFL season, led the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.
CeeDee Lamb Signs Major Extension
CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million deal with $100 million guaranteed to remain with the Dallas Cowboys through the 2028 season, solidifying his status as a top receiver.
CeeDee Lamb Achieves Fifth Consecutive 1,000-Yard Season
CeeDee Lamb recorded his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, joining Michael Irvin as the only Cowboys players to achieve this feat.
Tua Tagovailoa's Career Crossroads
Following a difficult 2025 season where he was benched by the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa is entering a 'second act' of his career, with analysts discussing how he can redefine his play in 2026.
Chase Young's Standout Offseason with Saints
After a career-best 10-sack season in 2025, Chase Young had an 'outstanding offseason' with the New Orleans Saints, with coaches praising his growth and work ethic.
Tua Tagovailoa Named Falcons Starter, Faces Scrutiny
Tua Tagovailoa was named the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their final 2026 preseason game, but his recent performances led an NFL insider to question the future of his career.
Justin Herbert Ranked High on ESPN's Top 100
Justin Herbert was ranked No. 32 on ESPN's list of the top 100 players for the 2026 season, with a new offensive coordinator expected to help him have a career year.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 2020 NFL Draft stands as a unique chapter in sports history, being the first major sporting event to be conducted entirely virtually due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented format, with Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his basement and team personnel operating remotely, captivated a sports-starved audience, drawing record-breaking viewership across television and digital platforms. Despite the logistical challenges, the draft proved to be a goldmine of talent, producing numerous players who have since become integral to their NFL teams.
At the top, Joe Burrow, selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, quickly transformed the franchise, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance. His career has been marked by elite performance, though also by injuries, but he remains a top-tier quarterback for the Bengals as of the 2026 season. Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, has consistently put up 'monster numbers' in the regular season, setting multiple passing yard records through his first five seasons. However, his Chargers teams have yet to achieve significant playoff success, a narrative he aims to change under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in 2026.
Conversely, Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, has experienced a more tumultuous career trajectory. After leading the league in efficiency metrics in 2023 and 2024, a difficult 2025 season saw him benched and subsequently released by the Dolphins. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026, where he is currently competing for the starting job, with analysts questioning if he can 'redefine his career' or if it's 'on life support' due to inconsistent play and a history of injuries.
The wide receiver class from 2020 has been exceptionally strong. Justin Jefferson, drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings, rapidly ascended to become one of the NFL's premier wideouts, consistently delivering Pro Bowl-caliber seasons, despite a 'down year' in 2025. CeeDee Lamb, the 17th pick by the Dallas Cowboys, has also been a dominant force, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and signing a significant contract extension in 2024. He recorded his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2025. Running back Jonathan Taylor, a second-round pick, has been a standout for the Indianapolis Colts, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods and having a strong 2025 season.
Defensive end Chase Young, the second overall pick, initially showed promise with Washington but was later traded. He found new life with the New Orleans Saints, having a career-best season in 2025 with 10 sacks and is poised for another dominant year in 2026. The 2020 NFL Draft class, despite its unusual beginnings, has proven to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, with its stars continuing to shape the league's competitive landscape and individual player narratives as of September 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if 2020 NFL Draft made different choices?