2020 NFL Draft: Justin Herbert goes No. 1 in first-round NFL mock draft
By John Newman
Defensive End. Boise State. Curtis Weaver. Scouting Report. 29. player. 26. Pick Analysis
With the 29th pick in this 2020 NFL draft scenario, the Baltimore Ravens select the Mountain West’s very own Curtis Weaver. The Ravens have had a great year so far in 2019, but with the exodus of several key defensive players in the offseason, the Ravens could use some help on the defensive line.
If Weaver played for Clemson or Alabama, he would be a household name. With 13.5 sacks this year, Weaver is a presence to be felt on the Boise State defensive life. Last year, he was almost as productive, with 10.5 sacks all year, along with 43 tackles, according to ESPN. Playing in the less than elite Mountain West might give some teams pause about what he can do against an NFL offensive line, but many believe his skill set will be transferable.
For starters, he’s very disruptive at the snap and has the strength to push offensive tackles backward, driving their shoulders down to reach the quarterback. His first step at the snap is powerful as he collides into offensive tackles.
The 6-foot-3, 264-pound junior has shown for two years now that he can be an effective defensive end and should be taken in the first round. If Chase Young was not in this draft, this would be the player people would be talking about as the best Defensive End in the draft.
Weaver will get a chance to show off his skill set while at the combine this year, and I expect that time of year is when we will hear more about him from NFL circles. He has all the tools and skills a General Manager is looking for in a defensive end.
Playing against non-Mountain West competition would have helped his case a lot more than the sacks. But you can only play who your team is scheduled to play. If Weaver is still available at this round, he should be a hot commodity for teams drafting towards the end of the first round. Since teams early in the draft typically draft for need and the winning teams draft for depth, expect a playoff team to retain Weavers services in the 2020 NFL draft. The rich just keep getting richer.