2020 full 1st-round mock draft: Raiders add to both sides of the ball
By Evan Groat
21. Philadelphia Eagles: WR, Justin Jefferson, LSU
Previous Pick: Henry Ruggs III
Justin Jefferson surprised many by running a blazing 4.43 forty at the combine, which really helped his cause. His 111 catches last season led all of college football, and his four touchdown performance in the college football playoff semifinal versus Oklahoma was epic, proving he comes up big in the biggest moments.
His strengths are his toughness, body control, and ball skills. Bottom line Jefferson does not drop passes. He will be Carson Wentz’s new best friend, and after the team traded away Nelson Agholor, they have an immediate need for someone to come in and start right away on a team looking to repeat as NFC East champions.
22. Minnesota Vikings: WR, Tee Higgins, Clemson
Previous Pick: Buffalo Bills
The Minnesota Vikings traded disgruntled wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, and in return, the Vikings received the Bills 22nd overall pick. The Vikings will take advantage of a strong receiver group in this years draft and select Tee Higgins from Clemson.
At 6 foot 4 inches, Higgins is a big target with a huge catch radius. In three years at Clemson Higgins scored 27 touchdowns. Because of the talent at the position in this years draft he gets lost in the shuffle, but don’t be fooled Higgins is a big time player.
23. New England Patriots: QB, Jordan Love, Utah State
Previous Pick: A.J. Epenesa
It’s been two decades since the New England Patriots have been in the need for a quarterback. With the Tom Brady era over, the Patriots must plan for life after Brady. Cam Newton was just released by the Panthers, and it’s possible the Patriots have interest in the one-time MVP. Jameis Winston is the other former starter that is available.
Instead, Bill Belichick goes with the upside of Jordan Love as his quarterback of the future. Love has the arm strength and athletic ability that many of the younger quarterbacks in the league possess. His decision making needs to improve if he wants to play for Bill Belichick.
24. New Orleans Saints: CB, Trevon Diggs, Alabama
Previous Pick: Xavier McKinney
Eli Apple moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. He started all 16 games for the Saints last season so a replacement is needed, especially in a division with Matt Ryan and now Tom Brady. Trevon Diggs is a converted wide receiver so his ball skills are extremely good. His uses his length at 6 foot 2 inches to match up with longer receivers.
He will match up well with big, physical receivers like Mike Evans, who he will face twice a year. Because he is a former pass catcher himself he has a very good understanding of route concepts. The NFC South is going to be a pass-happy division in 2020, and the Saints cannot afford to get worse in the secondary.