2020 full 1st-round NFL mock draft heading into Divisional Round
By Sanjit T.
8. Arizona Cardinals: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
The Arizona Cardinals have a few needs, including wide receiver, offensive tackle, and defensive line. However, Derrick Brown from Auburn is way too good a player to pass up here at No. 8, and I believe they pull the trigger on a guy who could have went in the first round last year.
Last year, Chandler Jones had 19 sacks, which is more than every other defensive lineman combined on this roster. Fill in Derrick Brown, the best interior defensive linemen coming out. Brown plays with great technique and has a powerful initial punch. He has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the NFL early on.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a big decision to make this offseason after firing the executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin. Whoever is calling the shots, he will have to fix a few gaping holes, including that horrendous Jaguars defense.
They were the second-worst run-stopping defense, giving up 5.1 yards per carry. Points per game weren’t great either for this team, as they gave up the 11th most points last year. To fix that defense, in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jags should take Clemson’s game-changing linebacker, Isaiah Simmons.
Although Simmons lined up all over the place in his three seasons at Clemson, he has outgrown his original position of Safety. The 6’4”, 235-pound hybrid defensive player will make an instant impact for that defense. He is quick and smart and paired up with Myles Jack and Calais Campbell should make that front-7 deadly.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Jedrick Wills Jr, Alabama
John Dorsey is out, so the Browns have a few decisions to make. This year’s draft will be an interesting one for this team. This team isn’t that far away from being a playoff contender, but they do need to fix up their offensive line issues. Baker Mayfield was consistently under pressure in 2019, and not protecting your quarterback is the recipe for disaster.
Luckily for the Browns, the second-best offensive tackle is still on the board in this mock and he will be an instant upgrade. Jedrick Wills has shot up draft boards this season, and for good reason. He was tasked with protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blind spot.
Over the course of the season, Wills improved his game and showed what he can do. He allowed a total of 11 pressures all season long. His best trait, however, is his run blocking, and Nick Chubb, one of the best backs in the NFL will see the advantages of having him in there.
11. New York Jets: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
The New York Jets need to protect their young quarterback. When protected, Sam Darnold has looked very impressive. Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs fits perfectly with this offense. His strength is something that has impressed a lot of scouts. Some say he is the best offensive tackle coming out. He should be a day one starter.