Typically, a player’s NFL career trajectory becomes clear after five seasons. By this point, most athletes have either negotiated a second contract with the team that drafted them, signed new contracts as free agents, been traded, or exited the league entirely.
The 2020 NFL Draft took place five years ago, and many players from that group have already made significant impacts in the NFL. This class stands out for producing perhaps one of the strongest groups of quarterbacks in recent history. It also brought us two wide receivers who are on a rapid path toward the Hall of Fame, alongside several defensive players who have become stars.
Looking ahead five years, here are the top 10 players from the 2020 NFL Draft class.
Among these stars, Madubuike was a late bloomer for the Ravens. Despite a slow start with just 8.5 sacks over his first three seasons, he exploded in 2023 with 56 tackles, 13 sacks, and 65 pressures, ranking fourth among defensive linemen per Pro Football Focus. His performance earned him second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, as well as a lucrative four-year, $98 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles. He maintained strong stats in 2024, with 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 56 pressures.
Taylor, coming off a strong college career at Wisconsin, has been a powerful force in the NFL. Despite injuries limiting him for two seasons, he has rushed for over 1,100 yards in three of his five seasons. After a standout rookie year (1,169 rushing yards, 5 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns), Taylor was a top offensive player in 2021. He bounced back in 2024 to earn a second Pro Bowl nod, averaging 4.7 yards per carry despite previous injuries.
Winfield Jr., like his father, has emerged as one of the NFL’s top defensive players. Selected second in 2020, he quickly contributed to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory that season, including an interception in Super Bowl LV. He played a key role in Tampa Bay winning four consecutive NFC South titles and led the league in tackles and forced fumbles in 2023, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
Love, after two years as a starter, has shown potential as the Packers’ franchise quarterback. He led Green Bay to the playoffs, throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2023. Though his 2024 statistics dipped due to injuries, he remained effective and accomplished this without a 1,000-yard receiver on his team, making his early career promising.
Lamb has established himself among the NFL’s elite receivers over the past few years. When his QB Prescott was healthy, Lamb led the league with 135 receptions, finishing second in yards (1,749) and third in touchdowns (12) in 2023. Even without Prescott for half of 2024, he recorded 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns, consistently tallying at least 900 yards and five touchdowns each season.
Jefferson burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2020, setting records with 1,400 receiving yards. Despite some of his records being surpassed by teammates, Jefferson holds the NFL career record for receiving yards per game (96.5). His 2022 campaign led the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,804), earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. He remained a top receiver in 2024 with 103 receptions, 1,533 yards, and 10 touchdowns, securing his second first-team All-Pro selection.
Wirts was instrumental for the Buccaneers’ 2020 Super Bowl win and continued to excel in the following seasons. Named first-team All-Pro in 2021 and second-team in 2022, Wirts shifted from right to left tackle in 2023, protecting Baker Mayfield as effectively as Tom Brady. In 2024, he didn’t allow a single sack, earned first-team All-Pro and his fourth Pro Bowl, and became the only player honored as first-team All-Pro at both tackle positions. He is also the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history with a contract exceeding $140 million.
Herbert made a strong rookie debut with 4,336 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Despite playing on an inconsistent Chargers team, he ranked second in the NFL in 2021 with 5,014 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. Though his 2024 stats dipped, he ranked among the top 10 in passer rating and completion percentage, running an efficient offense under coach Greg Roman.
Hurts became the Eagles’ full-time starter in his second season, leading Philadelphia to the playoffs each year. In 2022, he impressed as a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 760 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, finishing second in MVP voting. After a Super Bowl loss that year, he led the Eagles back to the playoffs and redeemed himself in 2024.
Burrow has accomplished a lot to be considered ahead of a Super Bowl MVP on this list. A two-time Pro Bowler, he has been among the top passers in the league for three consecutive years, including leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdown passes in 2024. His ability to combine elite statistics with championship contention makes Burrow the clear number one player from the 2020 draft class.
Fan Take: This review highlights the incredible talent that emerged from the 2020 NFL Draft, marking a new era of quarterbacks and playmakers who have shaped the league’s competitive landscape. For fans, it underscores how pivotal drafting is in building championship teams and sustaining the sport’s excitement and growth.
