2020 NFL Draft first-round mock draft: Quarterback reshuffle

With a Heisman-contending season underway at Oklahoma, Jalen Hurts has had a career revival that puts him back into the discussion as a first-round selection at quarterback. With the recent success of Lamar Jackson, Hurts’ stock only rises with his run-oriented style of play at Oklahoma.

Hurts is by no means a bad passer, but has a clear preference to carry the ball when running lanes are apparent rather than make the tough throw downfield. His running style is reminiscent of a smaller Cam Newton, a special blend of physicality and elusiveness that makes tackling the 6’2″ 218 lbs quarterback an issue.

Miami will likely look to redefine their team, starting on the offensive side of the ball. Other positions will need to be addressed early in the draft, but Hurts is a quality pick at the back of the draft that Brian Flores can use to implement a “modern power-run” scheme.

Jalen Hurts’ scouting report can be found here.

Javon Kinlaw has been a productive interior pass-rusher for the Gamecocks this season and will look to continue that success in a 4-3 defense that utilizes their linebackers in run-support. Dallas will not be opposed to additional firepower on the interior, and Kinlaw is their guy.

Kinlaw is by no means a small player, standing at 6’6″ and a solid 310 lbs. His size compares to Alabama product Raekwon Davis, but their playstyles differ greatly. Kinlaw has a fantastic first-step that gets him to the side of opposing interior linemen a great deal of the time, giving him chances to use his well-trained hands to get inside the still-developing pocket.

Against the run, Kinlaw lacks the same physicality and stature needed to be elite but has the size to do so in the future. Dallas has a stable of quality linebackers to backup Kinlaw and let him work, as well as complementing edge rushers Robert Quinn and Demarcus Lawrence.

Jake Fromm has been the Bulldog’s starter for an extended period of time, and has solidified himself as a safe pick at the quarterback position. A lack of pure arm strength caps his day one performance, but his accuracy and decision make him viable and provide a great base to build from.

Behind Jacoby Brissett, Fromm has the opportunity to learn and develop, perfecting his mechanics and becoming a downfield threat. Fromm has given the impression of a mid-tier NFL starter, and could grow from there with specific improvements in his mechanics and mentality.

Indianapolis is a super-bowl contending roster with just a few missing pieces to round out the team. Brissett is a quality NFL starter, but will not elevate this team to super bowl aspirations.

Fromm will be able to compete for a starting job by the halfway point of his rookie year and should assume the starting role for certain once Brissett becomes a free agent after the 2020 season.

Trevon Diggs is a 6’2″ converted wideout who has impressed at Alabama thus far. Normally put on the outside in man-to-man situations, Diggs has the speed and tracking ability to play trail technique with the best and capitalize with his hands and body control.

Diggs is not a physical corner, at only 195 lbs, but has the frame to fill-out and play bump-and-run coverage. Trail technique allows Diggs to run the routes just as well as his opponent, and then track and play the ball instead of the man. This high-risk coverage style has been a staple of Doug Pederson‘s defense, for better or for worse.

Diggs offers an opportunity for a key defensive piece and perfect scheme fit, encouraging Pederson to compliment his coverage philosophy with man-to-man defense instead of the zone defense that has been burned for the past 2 seasons.

Overshadows by both Jerry Jeudy and Ceedee Lamb, Laviska Shenault is a late-first round steal at wideout for a star-needy Bills receiving group. Shenault is a unique combination of both respectable size (6’2″ 220 lbs) and route-running ability that creates separation to both the inside and outside.

Many receivers with Shenault’s build rely on box-outs and leverage to produce, but Shenault has demonstrated a variety of skills to get himself open as a more conventional receiver. Colorado has also shown off his utility with consistent usage from wildcat as the snap-handler.

Something he will need to work on to become the star Buffalo needs is work on his leverage and hand-usage. It is great to use route-running to get open, but a star receiver needs to be like a start pass-rusher with their repertoire of moves to get open. Houston Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins is a great example of hand usage on the outside.

Shenault has brought about concerns with a history of injuries but has had a great 2019 season. As long as health concerns remain a distant memory and Shenault builds on an already quality skillset, Josh Allen can finally have his star on the outside.