2020 full 1st-round NFL mock draft after the Super Bowl
By Sanjit T.
23. New England Patriots: OT Austin Jackson, USC
Tom Brady isn’t done with the Patriots, especially the way he lost. The New England defense was one of the best I’ve seen in a while, and if that defense can stay healthy and play the same way they did this past season, then by fixing this offense, this team can do great in 2020.
This offense has two issues, the first is they don’t have great weapons, the second is the offensive line. Last year, the Patriots tackles gave up a combined 14 sacks, which is the most they’ve given up in a long time. Fill in USC’s Austin Jackson, one of the best offensive tackles in this draft class.
Jackson is a great athlete with very quick feet. He excels in pass protection and should only get better as a run blocker. Jackson can come in and play tackle but can easily kick to the inside if needed. Not only does this give them depth, at a position that they haven’t been consistent at over the past two seasons, but it allows them to move on from Marcus Cannon and get younger.
24. New Orleans Saints: DT Jordan Elliott, Missouri
The Saints have a great offense, but with an aging Drew Brees, they’d be wise to shift there team to a more defensive team. Unless you have a defense to match the Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and the improving Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, you will likely lose in the first round again next year.
Fill in Jordan Elliott of Missouri, an incredibly gifted defensive tackle. After Derrick Brown, and with Marvin Wilson going back to school for another year, Elliott is the next best true interior defensive lineman in this draft class. He should help the Saints get much better on the inside of that defense. He has a quick explosive step and should start immediately for this team.
25. Minnesota Vikings: CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
The Vikings could easily take an offensive tackle here, but with the shocking decline of Xavier Rhodes this past season, the Vikings should take the best corner available here, Trevon Diggs.
In 2019, Diggs allowed 22 catches from 52 targets for 309 yards and a passer rating of 44.5, which is as close of a dominant season you will see. Diggs should come in and be able to win a starting spot right away. His man to man skills are very impressive and he can easily play on the inside with his quick feet.
26. Miami Dolphins (f/HOU WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
The Miami Dolphins got their quarterback in this draft, and will now get some much-needed help at receiver. Fill in Clemson star Tee Higgins. Higgins is a 6’4” mammoth with a huge wingspan. The junior is averaging 20.8 yards per catch and has the highest receiving grade of any Power-5 receiver per PFF.
27. Seattle Seahawks: DE/DT A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
The Seahawks traded a 3rd round pick for Jadeveon Clowney, but he wasn’t as great as they’d hope since heading to the Northwest. Even if they retain Clowney, they will still need to fill the other edge spot. AJ Epenesa is a defensive coordinator’s best friend.
Epenesa is a physical defensive end who could easily play on the inside, based on his size, where he comes in at 6’6” 280 pounds. Epenesa uses his strength to win at the point of attack, but could easily use his quickness. His NFL comp for me is Calais Campbell.