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

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: Raekwon Davis #99 of the Alabama Crimson Tide leads a defensive stop against Jawon Pass #4 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: Raekwon Davis #99 of the Alabama Crimson Tide leads a defensive stop against Jawon Pass #4 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Trevon Diggs 2020 NFL Draft
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

CB. Trevon Diggs. 16. player. Alabama. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

A speedy 6’2″ corner out of Alabama, Trevon Diggs has been one of the best trail-man corners in college football by displaying his former receiver skillset. Diggs is able to match up physically with any receiver either, weighing in at 205 pounds. Diggs also sports a pair of receiver’s hands, having much better ball skills than the average corner.

Oakland currently has that old Gruden ‘charm’ at seemingly every position besides the defensive-backs group. A man-to-man receiver like Diggs would add that gritty coverage style to the Raiders defense. Diggs has the exact skill set to develop into a shutdown, man-to-man corner with ball skills, changing the face of the defense alongside the return of Johnathan Abrams.

Yetur Gross-Matos. player. Scouting Report. EDGE. Penn St. 17. 46. Pick Analysis

Yetur Gross-Matos is one of the biggest risers of the 2020 NFL draft, tallying 8.5 sacks so far this season.  Matos has proven to be one of the most efficient and prolific edge players on college football, providing explosive, speedy pass-rushing as well as penetrating run defense.

The Indianapolis Colts currently have a young, unproven, but ready defense lead by Darius Leonard and Malik Hooker. Injuries have hampered the two and consequentially the defense as a whole. If Indianapolis can acquire a consistent source of pressure for opposing quarterbacks, the defense will be a force to be reckoned with.

Oklahoma. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Kenneth Murray. 18. player. 28

With the second first-round selection in Gruden’s arsenal, Oakland will be adding a flyer at the middle linebacker position to bring the defense together. Kenneth Murray has made himself out to be a high-energy boundary-to-boundary linebacker with coverage skills. His range has been a weapon to his Oklahoma defense and changes how they cover the middle of the field.

Oakland attempted to bring in a playmaker at middle linebacker years ago with the signing of Super Bowl 48 MVP Malcolm Smith, but the plan never truly panned out. Gruden will have his chance to acquire a piece for the middle of his defense that can cover from side to side and rush the pass situationally with his speed.

Alabama. Terrell Lewis. 19. player. 35. Pick Analysis. LB. Scouting Report

Yet another Alabama product, the sixth so far and the first at the linebacker position. Terrell Lewis has made his impact as a physical outside linebacker who can set the edge and get to the passer with power and size. Lewis will likely pan out in the NFL as an edge-setting 3-4 OLB who can contribute against the pass with high-motor pressure.

Tennessee has quietly built a strong defense on the building blocks of Kevin Byard, Logan Ryan, and Jurrell Casey, as well as current rookie Jeffrey Simmons. Lewis will add a rough edge to this defense that it has lacked, strengthening their run defense on the edges. With Tannehill taking apparent control of the team, Tennessee may look to make their run in 2020.

OT. player. 52. 20. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. USC. Austin Jackson

At 6’6″, 310 pounds, Austin Jackson has been one of the feel-good stories of college football. Jackson has taken time away from the program recently to donate bone marrow to his sister, taking time from football but coming back strong to the Trojans. Jackson is a lengthy tackle who uses his hands well and matches them with quick feet to defend the edge

Jacksonville currently lacks a franchise tackle to protect whichever quarterback goes under center between Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew. Cam Robinson never worked out as a top pick, but Austin Jackson could provide a better physical specimen as well as a better mental capacity and mindset for the professional level.