2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft including Chase Young to Jets
9. New York Giants – Henry Ruggs III- WR – Alabama
Despite initial preseason predictions on performance, the Giants wide receivers have played better than expected. Sterling Shepard has stepped up and the group looks to become stronger now that Golden Tate has returned. However, the G-Men still lack a true no. 1.
The 2020 NFL Draft has plenty of speedsters, Ruggs is the fastest by a long shot. With his unreal speed, Ruggs could come in Day 1 and become Daniel Jones‘s best friend. But he doesn’t just possess elite speed, Ruggs like Jeudy has sure hands that catch pretty much anything thrown his way.
10. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Fromm – QB – Georgia
To most Vikings fans and myself for that matter, the poor play from $84 million dollar man Kirk Cousins certainly breaks the heart. Most people would have hoped when the Vikings signed him in 2018, they would have their quarterback for the future. But unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case so far.
If the Vikings take Jake Fromm next April, I could seem them sitting him behind Cousins until his contract is done. That way, Fromm could develop his mechanics which I believe still need to be improved upon.
11. Carolina Panthers – Grant Delpit – Saftey – LSU
To some, this would be a major fall for a player as talented as Delpit, but for me, I think this is his range, right for Carolina’s taking. The Panthers really haven’t addressed the safety position like they should have in recent years. Sure they brought Pro-Bowler Eric Reid in 2018 but he’s not of the same caliber as Delpit.
While I’m not quite as high on Delpit as others may be, I still think he can come in and potentially be a Jamal Adams-like player for Carolina. The safety class of the 2020 NFL Draft not particularly deep, the Panthers need to act on chances such as this.
12. Oakland Raiders – CeeDee Lamb – WR – Oklahoma
After an offseason filled with the hope of watching Antonio Brown catch footballs while donning silver and black quickly turned to misery after a wild preseason. With the only notable receivers being Tyrell Williams and rookie Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders could use an elite third man in that group.
Enter CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma, who unfortunately been somewhat forgotten so far this season due to the circus performance by the guys in Tuscaloosa. But don’t be mistaken, Lamb offers elite traits that would make him Derek Carr‘s favorite new target, and would round out the Raiders developing offense.
13. Philadelphia Eagles – Bryce Hall – CB – Virginia
The Eagles could use some boundary help, plain and simple. With Ronald Darby set to be a free agent this coming offseason, Philadelphia needs to find a number one corner. Luckily for them, the 2020 NFL Draft has a number of different corners to choose from, but for my money, only one would really fit the Eagles mold.
Bryce Hall from the University of Virginia is one the feistiest corners I’ve seen and would relish guarding the likes of Amari Cooper twice a season. With speed to boot, Hall is a sticky corner who could start Day 1 on Jim Schwartz’s defense.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars – Isaiah Simmons – LB – Clemson
With Telvin Smith taking a sabbatical from football, the Jaguars are in dire need of an off-ball linebacker. Sure Quincey Williams, brother of Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, has flashed at times but Jacksonville needs more from the position.
Isaiah Simmons, a former safety, shows the great range on film that you would want from a starting safety but hits like a linebacker. And when Smith does decide to return, you pair him with Simmons and Jack, then Jacksonville easily has one of the best linebacker cores in football.
15. Baltimore Ravens – Paulson Adebo – CB – Stanford
With both Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr set to become free agents at the conclusion of the 2019 season, Baltimore faces a need at corner. Marlon Humphrey can’t do it all by himself, and while yes they will be getting Tavon Young back from injury next year, Baltimore would do well to add more talent at the position.
I could see Baltimore addressing outside linebacker with this selection, but if Paulson Adebo remains on the board at this spot, I would make the pick. Adebo has size, like Humphrey and could be a potential ball-hawk in Wink Martindale’s defense.
16. Tennessee Titans – Joe Burrow – QB – LSU
Despite some bright spots throughout his career, the Titans will most likely move on from Marcus Mariota at the conclusion of this season. As disappointing as it is, Mariota hasn’t quite panned out the way everyone would have hoped.
While I still have a few reservations about Joe Burrow, there’s no doubt he’s trending towards a first-round bid for the 2020 NFL Draft. Burrow is firmly in the Heisman race and has the tools to become a franchise quarterback for Mike Vrabel.