2020 NFL Draft first-round mock draft: Quarterback reshuffle

A bonified star. The best offensive Alabama product since Julio Jones. That is the hype surrounding wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target who seemingly produced highlight plays on command. His combination of route running and speed make him a special breed that has only been seen by the likes of Antonio Brown.

Star wideouts are split into two distinct categories: the physical and the quick players. Big men such as Calvin Johnson, Mike Evans, and even rookie D.K. Metcalf, utilize physical frame and tools to their advantage with leveraged and box-out routes. The little guys such as Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr, and Jerry Jeudy utilize a special blend of speed, hands, and route running to create separation and outrun their opposition.

Jeudy has demonstrated he is a 6’1″ small guy, meaning he is more capable of the 1-on-1 opportunities than some current stars.

His deep route running is a major strength that will be used liberally by Brian Flores to generate chunk plays. Even underneath, Jeudy proved to be an impressive ball carrier with his elusiveness and acceleration. HIs additional size also helps in ball carrying scenarios with additional physicality.

Miami still looks to redefine itself on both sides of the ball, and Jeudy could create a deep ball identity in Miami. If paired alongside Jalen Hurts, Jeudy would be the perfect compliment as the star receiver in a modern power-run offense (equivalent to Marquise Brown in Baltimore).

Isaiah Simmons is listed as a linebacker but does not truly play the linebacker position. In the Clemson defense, Simmons most commonly lined up as a slot corner, using an extremely wide alignment compared to his fellow linebackers. The best qualification for Simmons would likely be ‘money backer.’

The only current NFL player who can draw a comparison to Jabrill Peppers or Shaq Thompson, neither of which are as dynamic and purely athletic at Simmons. At 6’4″, 230 lbs, Simmons is a rocket coming from underneath hook zones, crushing outside runs and passes to the flat.

Pairing both Peppers and Simmons on the same defense would be the unveiling of the first true “hybrid-defense,” with two players who fit multiple positions on the field (linebacker, safety, corner).

With the right coaching and scheme, Simmons could be a swiss army knife in the box, and likely produce similarly to Jamal Adams. Simmons is a special athlete rarely seen in the draft, and he should be valued as such.

Regarded as the best pass rusher in college football, Chase Young has drawn expectations of Khalil Mack and Von Miller, expected to carry their team with sack production. Young is not a Mack or Miller, but more like an intermediary between Mack and J.J. Watt.

Young fits the role of 4-3 defensive end best but can rush as a 3-4 outside linebacker as well. Some of his best utility comes when aligned as a 3-technique on 3rd and long situations for pass rushing.

Young has a big frame at 6’5″, 265 lbs and pairs that with elite explosiveness and hand usage. This power rush combination relies on Young’s strength rather than his technique and/or quickness. This pass rush style translates well to the interior situationally to challenge offensive guards with a mismatch.

A significant issue in Young’s game though is his lack of hip bend to gain the corner. Young struggles on outside rushes to flatten his angle of attack to the quarterback, and can get washed out by tackles. When he gains inside leverage, it is almost always at least a pressure, but Young will need to improve his hip bend before he can be truly elite.

Washington has its franchise quarterback in Dwayne Haskins but needs to collect defensive talent to solidify that side of the ball. Ryan Kerrigan is aging and Washington lacks true pass rush production, nevermind run defense. Chase Young can be a defensive centerpiece long after Landon Collins and Josh Norman are gone.