2020 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts find their franchise quarterback
13. Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The Colts take the third quarterback off the board and Jordan Love fits into a spot where he does not have to start right away. Jacoby Brissett didn’t reach the 3,000-yard passing mark last season after Andrew Luck decided to retire because of past injuries he suffered.
Love gets a lot of praise as a comparison to Patrick Mahomes and even if he does not live up to Mahomes level, he can be a better quarterback than Brissett in the long term. This Colts team is set up to win now and with the right quarterback they can make the playoff again maybe not right of the bat but give Love a season or two in this system and I believe he flourishes.
Love threw for over 3,000 yards in college the last two seasons and has the ability to be not only a pocket passer but a mobile quarterback as well.
14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
The first offensive guard is off the board at fourteen going to the Buccaneers. It gives them the ability to protect their quarterback next season whether its Jamies Winston for another shot at it or if they bring in another free-agent quarterback. I think Winston playing in head coach Bruce Arians’ system another year is best for both sides.
Now back to Wirfs whose top guard in this draft who I think can replace Ali Marpet at left tackle for the Buccaneers. Marpet has been a solid tackle but landing Wirfs is a plug and play guard on day one and you can always move Marpet to the other side of the line.
The Buccaneers’ needs stem beyond the offensive line and they could look at other options such as an interior lineman on defense or if Arians is bold, he may pick his quarterback of the future if he really wants to move on from Winston.
15. Denver Broncos: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
I could really see the Broncos trading out of this spot especially if the Colts or the Buccaneers pass on quarterbacks. A team like the Patriots or Saints could jump up or even the Raiders or Jaguars (their second picks each) if the cards fall right for either team.
The Broncos have needs all across the board and that’s why I think moving down is in their best interest. Though if they stay in place, I see them taking Xavier McKinney, the playmaking safety out of Alabama.
I like to compare McKinney to Minkah Fitzpatrick, another former member of the Crimson Tide. He has size and speed and can get to the ball, a game-changer on defense.
16. Atlanta Falcons: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
The Falcons need improvement on the defense which looked better to finish the year after a poor start. Edge, defensive tackle and cornerback are areas that they can look to improve on with this pick.
Blacklock is not like most interior tackles and is a strong, physical playmaker who can rush the quarterback. This is an area Atlanta needs to improve and if they let Vic Beasley walk in free agency, they may look to edge over the interior with this selection.
I still believe Tak McKinley can develop into a solid player on their defense and also last year draftee John Cominsky will take the leap and start in place of Beasley if they move on from him. So pair Blacklock alongside top performer Grady Jarrett on the inside and this defensive line can cause trouble in 2020.