2020 full 1st-round NFL mock draft after the Super Bowl
By Sanjit T.
8. Arizona Cardinals: OT Jedrick Wills Jr, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals’ biggest needs this offseason is an offensive tackle and defensive line. The second-best offensive tackle is still on the board and he will be an instant starter for the Cardinals. Jedrick Wills protected Tua Tagovailoa’s blind spot and really excelled this season.
Over the course of the season, Wills improved drastically. He was faster out of his stance and showed his quick feet in pass protection, something he was knocked for in 2018. In 2019, he allowed only 11 pressures.
His best trait, however, is his run blocking. He was ranked as the second-best Offensive Tackle in run blocking, behind only Penei Sewell, a sure top-3 pick in the 2021 draft.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has primarily relied on Leonard Fournette and DJ Chark. To get more from their offense, they will need to give their young quarterback, Gardner Minshew, another playmaker.
Now, of course, this playmaker is a special player. In the 2000s, we were given Larry Fitzgerald. In the 2010s, we were given Julio Jones. This next decade, we are given CeeDee Lamb. He is a once in a decade receiver.
The Oklahoma wide receivers blend of size and speed makes him an ideal outside receiver who can also line up on the inside. The 6’3 200-pound wide receiver is the top receiver in the 2020 draft class. Early feedback from scouts rave about his football IQ.
He understands how to create leverage in his routes, and he excels at beating defenses. Each year in college, he got better:
2019: 62 rec, 1,327 yards, 21.4 avg, 14 TD
2018: 65 rec, 1,158 yards, 17.8 avg, 11 TD
2017: 46 rec, 807 yards, 17.5 avg, 7 TD
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Mekhi Becton is Trent Brown of college football. He physically overpowers players and imposes his will on almost any defensive linemen in college. The 6’7 370-pound offensive tackle has shot up the draft board for me. After watching his film, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes as high as the No. 4 overall pick.
The Cleveland Browns pick is not easy to predict because they don’t have a general manager, however, based on need alone, they don’t have a starting Left Tackle. Greg Robinson is set to be a free agent, and after his benching last year, I don’t think he is re-signed.
Becton becomes an instant starter, and Nick Chubb’s best friend as per PFF, Becton had the second-most big-time blocks of any offensive tackle in the FBS. Of course, this stat can be confirmed from watching his film.
11. New York Jets: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Any young quarterback needs to be protected. Sam Darnold on average was sacked 2.5 times a game, which makes him the tenth most sacked player. What’s more alarming is his numbers when under pressure against when not pressured.
When protected, Sam Darnold has completed 73% of his throws, as opposed to 44% while under pressure. Fill in Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, who fits perfectly with this offense.
His strength is something that has impressed a lot of scouts. He can block just as well to his right, as to his left. And his quickness while reach blocking is impressive. Some say he is the best offensive tackle coming out and could go in the top-7 picks. He should be a day one starter for the Jets.