2020 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts find their franchise quarterback
25. Minnesota Vikings: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Minnesota went with a center in the 2019 draft and they faired well as a team last year. They still need to get younger and better at protecting the quarterback and Andrew Thomas is the right guy.
Currently at left tackle, the Vikings have veteran Riley Reiff who is 31-years-old and Thomas can come in a sit behind Reiff for one year before taking over as the starter. The rest of their offensive line is young besides right guard, which they need to improve on as well.
They could look to go defense as well with this pick as they need interior defensive linemen and a cornerback as well, though those needs are not as pressing as the offensive line.
26. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans): K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU
The Dolphins currently hold the most picks in the first round and this will be their third pick on the night. Turning to the offensive side of the ball with their last two picks, they look to the defensive side of the ball here. With their third pick of this 2020 NFL mock draft, the Dolphins add LSU edge defender K’Lavon Chaisson to go along with Christian Wilkins who the Dolphins selected in last year’s draft.
Chaisson and Wilkins together on defense in head coach Brain Flores’ scheme would be a treat to see next season. It will also upgrade a need on the left edge side of the defense where veteran John Jenkins held the post a year ago.
The Dolphins can hit on all three of their picks and will not have to trade up for their quarterback and lose draft capital. This would be the best scenario for a team that wants to add many playmakers in the draft this season.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
The Seahawks could look at defensive end with this pick if they decide to part ways with Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah, who both expect to be free agents. I believe the Seahawks take the best player who is currently on the board with cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The Seahawks cornerback room is solid with Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers, but it could even be better with the addition of Johnson. The Seahawks could use another wide receiver but with most of the top receivers already off the board, this is the smart pick for them.
Johnson has great size and speed and I believe is a day one starter on head coach Pete Carroll’s defense. A move that can make Seattle even better than they were in 2019.
28. Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
The Ravens were the best team during the regular season and found themselves out of the playoffs early. Looking towards the draft the Ravens could beef up their defensive line, especially on the edge or even take a linebacker.
Epenesa has a lot of potential to be a consistent sack performer each year. He had double-digit sack numbers in back-to-back seasons playing for the Hawkeyes.
I think he can be one of the best edge players in the entire draft. I would not be surprised if someone takes him earlier in the draft just because of that potential. Though he ends up falling to the Ravens in this mock draft and competes for the starter gig with veteran Brandon Williams on the right side this offseason.