2020 NFL Draft first-round NFL mock draft: Senior Bowl shuffle
By Ian Higgins
Alabama. 44. Pick Analysis. S. Xavier McKinney. 16. player. Scouting Report
2019 Starters: Keanu Neal, Ricardo Allen
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
Projected 40 time: 4.51
Ever since their unforgettable Super Bowl collapse, the impending perennial contender with a collection of offensive stars and young, cheap defensive pieces have failed to rekindle their prior success. One of the biggest issues plaguing Atlanta is their defense, specifically their lack of health and/or talent in the secondary.
Even with safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen as their incumbent safeties, Xavier McKinney could find a place in Atlanta’s defense from day one. McKinney is a unique coverage prospect in the 2020 NFL draft because of his ability to shift from the free to the strong to the slot.
Variety safeties who can contribute from multiple spots on the field allow for a variety of coverage schemes and different looks to confuse an opposing offense. McKinney is a great match for Atlanta, able to change their entire defense look with a mix of coverage matches.
Scouting Report. S. LSU. 17. 123. Pick Analysis. Grant Delpit. player
2019 Starters: Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 203 pounds
Projected 40 time: 4.57
Lacking true talent outside of corners Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie, Dallas needs improvement at the safety position. Even with their trade rumors around Jets star Jamal Adams, the likelihood of New York trading their defensive centerpiece in a weakening AFC East is unlikely.
Delpit is another LSU product who is a physical safety with the range to roam the deep middle as well as the aggression to break down on interior runs. Delpit has shown his best work as a strong safety, given the freedom to creep into the box and play down low, but could fit into numerous roles within Dallas’ defense as a safety net behind the linebacking of Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.
CB. Alabama. 18. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Trevon Diggs. player. 59
2019 Starters: Xavien Howard, Jomal Witz
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Projected 40 time: 4.53
Xavien Howard is one of the few bonified stars on the Miami roster, and his current pairing across the field is Rams’ salary dump and aging veteran Aqib Talib. Former Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores still looks to put his stamp on this Miami defense, and Trevon Diggs could be his first big move.
Diggs is one of the most polished zone corners in the 2020 NFL Draft, playing his best football in cap-coverage over the top and breaking down on routes by reading the quarterback. Xavien Howard has produced in a similar manner, and Diggs could be the corner to complete this zone-based secondary and suddenly create another dominant cover-three based secondary.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Oklahoma. Ceedee Lamb. 28. WR. 19. player
2019 Starters: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Projected 40 time: 4.54
With current wideouts, Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller, the bright lights of Las Vegas beckon for a true playmaker at wide receiver for the currently target-deprived Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr. Bringing in Antonio Brown looked to be the acquisition of the needed dynamic presence, but after a well-documented downfall, he created a void in Carr’s arsenal of weapons.
Ceedee Lamb produced at a high level in his time at Oklahoma with running quarterback Jalen Hurts under center. At 6-foot-2, Lamb uses his frame well with leverage to win jump balls and has the speed and agility to create big-time plays after the catch. The Raiders are moving to a new city with a new identity, and a target such as Lamb would be the perfect representation of their transition from the gritty play of Oakland to the big names and flash of Las Vegas.
Scouting Report. OT. 20. Pick Analysis. USC. Austin Jackson. player. 52
2019 Starters: Cam Robinson, Jawaan Taylor
Measurables: 6’6″, 310 lbs
Projected 40 time: 5.38
After missing time in a bone marrow transplant to his sister, Austin Jackson is promising offensive tackle from this 2020 NFL Draft class. At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Jackson is physically ready to compete at the next level. His physical dominance gave him promise as a prospect but has some issues entering the draft that makes him a project.
His hand usage tends to be underwhelming and results in being outworked by the polished technique of opposing edge rushers. As well as his hands, Jackson’s leverage and balance can be manipulated by opposing rushers and create gaps in the backfield. Jackson has the physical tools to become a franchise tackle, but his draft position indicates the lack of day one value in the NFL.