2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft including Chase Young to Jets
17. Indianapolis Colts – Javon Kinlaw – DT – South Carolina
While quarterback could always be on the table, Jacoby Brissett‘s play plus the 2-year extension he was given proves to me he isn’t going anywhere. Even though he’s not Andrew Luck, the quarterback is not the biggest need for the Colts right now, that’s at defensive tackle.
Although Javon Kinlaw is still fairly raw as a player, his frame and tools he already has at his disposal are very intriguing. In a way, he reminds of former Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell, except Kinlaw is a little more developed than McDowell. And who knows what McDowell could have been if an unfortunate injury didn’t derail his career.
18. Los Angeles Chargers – Jonathan Taylor – RB – Wisconsin
At of all of the potential picks in this mock draft, this is the one I’m the least sure about due to uncertainty surrounding Melvin Gordon. Sure, he’s recently come back to the Chargers but I still don’t know if they are truly bent on bringing him back next season.
So for now, the contingency plan is in Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. Without a doubt, Taylor is the best running back in the nation and in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although he has had fumbling troubles in the past, Taylor is a dynamic player who adds a ton of power to Ken Whisenhunt’s offense.
19. Seattle Seahawks – Tyler Biadasz – IOL – Wisconsin
This pick feels like the right one for Seattle, as the Seahawks front office has done little to sure up their offensive line lately. Short of signing a few older veterans, the Seahawks need to younger upfront if they want to protect their $140 Million man, Russell Wilson.
Tyler Biadasz, who could have declared in 2019, returned to Madison for another season of Badger football. To most people including yours truly, Biadasz is the best interior offensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft. He can play either guard or center and would a Day 1 starter for Seattle.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mekhi Becton – OT – Louisville
Tampa needs offensive line help, desperately. With Demar Dotson set to become a free agent at the end of 2019, and Donovan Smith never being a sure thing, the Bucs need some new blood up front.
Mekhi Becton has been one of the few bright spots for Louisville last season and is still performing well in 2019. Although Tampa would ideally want him to play tackle, Becton can move inside to guard if the need is there.
21. Buffalo Bills – Alton Robinson – EDGE – Syracuse
I was almost tempted to give Buffalo a receiver at this spot, however, with the receiver depth in the 2020 NFL Draft as great as it is, they can afford to take one later. One area I think the Bills need to address is the pass rush, namely to get younger and better at the position.
Although Alton Robinson is another guy who is having a slow start to his season so far, he displays the burst and bend that I personally covet in a pass rusher. My vision for the Bills is for them to get back to a time when they had guys like Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay rushing off the edge, and Robinson gets them one step closer.
22. San Francisco 49ers – Kristian Fulton – CB LSU
The 49ers are enjoying a nice start to the 2019 season, much to my surprise and that of many others in the media. However, all has not been perfect as San Francisco has dealt with some injury, including players like Jason Verrett. With Verrett going on IR and Richard Sherman aging, the 49ers may need to address cornerback next April.
While there are many great corners prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Kristian Fulton is one that really stands to me. For one he’s the latest out a long history of LSU corners, and two, he’s just good a football.
23. Miami Dolphins (via Houston) – Lucas Niang – OT – TCU
And Miami is back on the clock again with the pick they received from Houston in the Laremy Tunsil trade. With Tunsil gone, Miami has a huge need at left tackle and should be addressed fairly early if they want to keep their young quarterback afloat.
Listen, Lucas Niang isn’t Tunsil and I know that’s something that Dolphins fans do not want to hear now that he’s gone. But make no mistake, Niang is still a very good tackle prospect who has the potential to be a franchise player.
24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago) – Jake Hanson – IOL – Oregon
With Richie Incognito on a short-term contract and the Oakland interior becoming older as a whole, the Raiders should probably address either guard or center this offseason. The good news for them is that Hanson can play both.
Like Biadasz, I had Hanson pegged to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, but he ultimately returned to school. Luckily for teams needing offensive line help, Hanson will declare this year as a redshirt senior. Hanson is a Day 1 starter in the NFL, and with his well-rounded play, there is no doubt he will be.