2020 1st-round NFL Mock Draft: Alabama gets all of the love

Jeff Okudah is a 6’1″, 200-pound cornerback out of Ohio State with a physical style of play. His strong breaks on crossing routes and passes to the flat make him already competitive with names such as Jalen Ramsey for the “Most Physical” award. Okudah excels in trail-man coverage and can keep up with almost any receiver down the boundary.

Detroit has been lacking help for star corner Darius Slay recently, especially since the trade of Quandre Diggs to Seattle. A young, physical, competitive corner like Okudah would slide in perfectly alongside Slay.

With a possible addition at safety through free agency or another early draft pick, the Lions secondary could be much more intimidating in 2020.

A.J. Epenesa is a long, strong, 5-technique end who excels against the run and can produce via power moves in pass-rush scenarios. Epenesa is able to compete with any tackle in a mismatch of either strength, length, quickness, or all three. He will likely never be a Von Miller-like pass rusher with excessive speed to the edge and hip bend, but a powerful presence at the 5-technique.

The Cardinals currently sport a strong edge presence with both Chandler Jones and an aging Terrell Suggs but need an injection of youth to keep their pass-rushing prowess. Epenesa will need to develop as a 3-4 OLB but can contribute as a 3-4 DE in his rookie season. Arizona needs to continue to help Chandler Jones, and a complementing run defender like Epenesa could be perfect.

Isaiah Simmons is a versatile ‘money-backer’ out of Clemson, positioning himself as anything between a weakside linebacker, strong safety, or nickel corner. Simmons is similar to a leaner, faster version of Carolina’s Shaq Thompson. Simmons is a defensive chess piece and could be as impactful as Jalen Ramsey was in a slightly different way.

The Jaguars have lost both Myles Jack and Telvin Smith for the 2019 seasons for differing reasons, leaving a weak linebacking group in to do the job of two former pro bowlers. The status of Telvin Smith is still uncertain, and Isaiah would be able to contribute in a similar fashion to either linebacker with versatile range, quality coverage, and disruptive run-stuffing.

As Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target in college, Crimson Tide top receiver Jerry Jeudy has received national recognition for his playmaking ability. A versatile 6’1″ receiver with speed to match, Jeudy is built for a versatile passing scheme that contains plenty of intermediate to deep route running. He still offers plenty of quickness and agility to produce in the catch-and-run game as well.

The New York Jets quite frankly lack legitimate weapons for Sam Darnold to look to. Le’Veon Bell has been one of the most reliable receivers on the roster this season. Robbie Anderson and Jamison Crowder are by no means bad but have not broken out in the way New York has hoped (partially due to quarterbacks), and a young budding star would put them onto the right track.

The best arm in the draft, Justin Herbert has risen and even been considered a number one overall pick among some for his ability to deliver the football. Oregon has ridden on Herbert and his ability to deliver the ball all over the field. No other quarterback in recent draft history has had the same pure arm talent as Herbert coming out of school, and he can still provide on the ground.

Los Angeles is not going to be playoff-bound on the arm of veteran Philip Rivers anymore. This explosive offense with potential ready to be untapped is being held by an aging player who currently holds the starting job due to his Hall of Fame legacy. Herbert could still take time under Rivers, and assume the starting job when the time is right.