Two-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Where will the top players land?
Scouting Report. Offensive Line. Georgia. Pick Analysis. Andrew Thomas. 15. player. 45
The Broncos could go receiver here, but instead opt to address their need on the offensive line. Andrew Thomas is big and strong at the attack, but needs some technical work. To me he would be great sliding inside at guard, but he’ll have every opportunity to make it as a tackle in the NFL.
The Broncos seemed to have found their starting quarterback in the second round last year. Drew Lock had some impressive games for Denver in the 2019 season and he now has some bigger expectation heading into his first full season as the starter. Having a stable offensive line is very important for a young signal-caller and Thomas figures to be a big part in making that possible.
Scouting Report. Iowa. A.J. Epenesa. player. Pick Analysis. Defensive End. 16. 44
The Atlanta Falcons need a big strong defensive end that can get after the quarterback. Vic Beasley has been a disappointment after a promising rookie season, but that was five seasons ago. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa possesses great size and strength at the defensive end position.
Epenesa could easily get by with his pure strength but developed a variety of pass rush moves. His length allows him to get his strong hands out early to push away at the opposing lineman. I could see Epenesa sliding inside at times to work in speed rushers. He has solid size at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds to move around a bit.
Epenesa finished 2019 with 11.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 14 tackles for loss showing his dominance when he gets into the backfield. He has 26.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss in his collegiate career. Epenesa will could bring his dominance to a defensive line that desperately needs some more production. Besides Grady Jarrett, who had 7.5 sacks in 2019, Atlanta hasn’t shown the ability to get after the quarterback.
player. 123. Pick Analysis. Safety. LSU. Grant Delpit. 17. Scouting Report
The Dallas Cowboys figure to hit the offseason looking for upgrades in their secondary. They’ll need at least one new cornerback to replace Byron Jones who is likely to walk in free agency. They’ll also look to upgrade at safety where they currently have Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods.
Dallas tried their hardest to acquire Jets safety Jamal Adams but never came close to the asking price. They’ll need to take multiple defensive backs in the 2020 NFL Draft. I have gone back and forth with this pick between the two top safeties and decided on giving the Cowboys LSU safety Grant Delpit.
Delpit had high expectations entering his final season, but didn’t quite meet them. He still showed the ability to come up and break up passes with his physicality. His range has been pretty good range. He’s like a bullet coming downfield to make a tackle or break up a play. Dallas has been lacking any real game-changers on the defensive side and Delpit could be just that for Mike Nolan’s defense.