2020 NFL Draft: First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft pre-free agency
By Ian Higgins
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Oklahoma. player. 54. Kenneth Murray. 21
2019 Starters: Nathan Gerry, T.J. Edwards, Kamu Grugier-Hill
The flyer of a middle linebacker out of Oklahoma, Kenneth Murray is a 4.52 sprinter who can reach from sideline to sideline in both his aggressive pursuit and calculated pass coverage. Murray is the most typical of the inside linebackers in this draft, spending his time at Oklahoma playing on the inside of the defense and helping in pass coverage.
His speed was sometimes used on the pass rush, but a lack of pass-rush moves make him very ineffective. Philadelphia needs new young talent at linebacker, and Murray can offer that explosiveness out of the gate.
Iowa. 16. Pick Analysis. EDGE. A.J. Epenesa. 22. player. Scouting Report
2019 Starters: Trent Murphy, Jerry Hughes
The toughest player of the 2020 NFL Draft class is going to one of the toughest teams in the NFL. Physical defensive end A.J. Epenesa finds himself in a physical, punishing defense in Buffalo that could give him an opportunity to make up for his lackluster performance at the NFL combine. Buffalo is in need of weapons to help quarterback Josh Allen, but with one of the deepest receiving groups in draft history, that can be addressed on day two or even three.
Pick Analysis. EDGE. Scouting Report. Penn St. Yetur Gross-Matos. 23. player. 47
2019 Starters: Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy
One of my favorite EDGE prospects of the 2020 NFL Draft, Yetur Gross-Matos is a twitchy defensive end who can align anywhere from the 3 technique to 3-4 outside linebacker based on his time at Penn State.
This use at multiple positions along the defensive line hampered overall statistical production but showcased a skill set of varying uses. Gross-Matos combines a 6-foot-5 frame with length and strength to counter and get inside of opposing offensive linemen, bursting through the seams into the backfield rather than overpowering his way to the quarterback.
24. Scouting Report. WR. LSU. Justin Jefferson. player. 15. Pick Analysis
2019 Starters: Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn, Tre’Quan Smith
The leading receiver on the national championship team, Justin Jefferson thrived in his final season with quarterback Joe Burrow. Jefferson stands at 6-foot-1, running a 4.43 forty. This is a standard athletic build for a number one receiver who focuses on quickness, speed, and route running (ex: Antonio Brown).
Jefferson has acrobatic ball skills and decently developed route running to gain leverage and create an angle for his quarterback. Michael Thomas is the best receiver in the NFL but could use a definite number two to help him and Drew Brees in the postseason.
DT. South Carolina. player. 25. 60. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Javon Kinlaw
2019 Starters: Linval Joseph, Shamar Stephen
A senior bowl standout after an under-scouted senior season at South Carolina, Javon Kinlaw is a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle with a combination of power and length to outreach and bullrush opposing guards. At 6-foot-5, 324 pounds, Kinlaw has stayed slim for his position and become a one-man wrecking crew in the middle of the pass-rush.
This bull rush will bring success, but he needs to develop a complete arsenal of moves to take the next step. Minnesota needs a new interior complement to underrated stars Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen and Kinlaw stands out as an ideal fit.