2020 full 1st-round mock draft after the Scouting Combine
By Evan Groat
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: LB, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
A rebuild is underway on the defense in Jacksonville, as Jalen Ramsey was traded away mid-year and just this week, fellow cornerback, A.J. Bouye was dealt to the Denver Broncos for a fourth round pick. In addition, Yannick Ngakoue is likely on his way out, leaving a big void in the pass rush.
Why not get that rebuild started with a freak athlete and jack of all trades in Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. Simmons is a rare talent, unlike anything we have seen. He can line up all over the defense and never needs to come off the field, and for a Jags defense hitting the reset button, he is best-case scenario.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT, Jedrick Wills Jr, Alabama
Baker Mayfield regressed in year two even with a star studded cast on offense, as there was a ton of hype surrounding this team to start the season. It just goes to show you the importance of a competent offense line in the NFL, and that is something this team lacked.
The new regime in Cleveland addresses the offensive line issues by selecting Jedrick Wills, a mauler from Alabama. Wills protected Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside at Alabama, but in the NFL will shift over to left tackle, where he will try to help Mayfield get his career back on track.
11. New York Jets: OT, Andrew Thomas, Georgia
The Jets have a couple of different directions they could choose to go in with this pick. They have serious needs on both sides of the ball, including both lines, where they really struggled to control the line of scrimmage in 2019.
The decision to get your young quarterback a number one wide receiver or a franchise left tackle is the debate for this team in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the end, Jets general manager Joe Douglas decides to take advantage of the great depth at wide receiver and selects Andrew Thomas. Thomas is the franchise left tackle this organization is lacking.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: WR, Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
This would be a dream scenario for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. With the way the first 11 picks shake out, the Raiders will have their choice of the two elite wide receivers in this draft class, fixing the biggest need they have on the offensive side of the ball.
The Raiders desperately need a playmaker at wideout and they now have their pick of the litter. Jerry Jeudy is as polished a receiver to come out of the college ranks in years. He is professional route runner, has 4.4 speed, and can play on the outside as well as the slot. He slides right in as the WR1 for this team in 2020 and beyond.