2020 full 1st-round NFL mock draft after the Super Bowl
By Sanjit T.
3. Detroit Lions: CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
Matthew Stafford is a capable quarterback, and although some might speculate the Lions will take a quarterback with the 3rd pick, they’d be smart to avoid this position. Unless they trade this pick, they should focus on addressing two big needs, defensive line or cornerback.
Since Jeffrey Okudah has the potential to be the next Jalen Ramsey, he would be the pick here. After watching his film and thoroughly studying his technique, I would be surprised if Okudah is not taken in the top-5.
He has very good technique, and it starts with his length. He played a ton of press man to man coverage at Ohio State, and he’s very quick with his hips and feet which allows him to close on any wide receiver. He allowed a passer rating of 37.6 in 2019. He also hasn’t allowed 50 or more yards in any single game this season.
4. New York Giants: OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
If any player raised his stock in the College Football Playoff, it’s Clemson’s hybrid S/LB Isaiah Simmons. He might be the best player in this draft when we look back at this class in five years, as he has that kind of versatility.
The Giants hired assistant coach of the New England Patriots, Joe Judge. He brought in another Patriots assistant to run the defense, Patrick Graham. If we know anything about Patriots coaches, they love hybrid players who can do it all, and Isaiah Simmons fits that role.
He lined up all over the place in his three seasons at Clemson. In 2019, he lined up 106 times on the defensive line, 239 times at linebacker, 256 times at slot corner, and 130 times as a free safety.
That versatility is what the new wave of linebackers looks like. At 6’4”, 235-pounds, Simmons will be best as an OLB in a 4-3 defensive scheme. In base defense, he can shift to cover the slot, and on passing downs, he will be the sole linebacker in the game. Covering receivers is something Simmons excels at.