2020 full 1st-round mock draft: Raiders add to both sides of the ball
By Evan Groat
25. Minnesota Vikings: CB, Jeff Gladney, TCU
Previous Pick: A.J. Terrell
Mike Zimmer is a defensive-minded head coach and his secondary for the 2020 NFL season just lost Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and Xavier Rhodes. They are going to have to use one of their two first round picks on the defensive backfield, and they do so here with the No. 25 overall selection.
In steps Jeff Gladney, a feisty, 5-foot-11 inch corner who plays like a junkyard dog with a chip on his shoulder. He plays much bigger than what his height tells you. In 2019 he was a first team all-Big 12 selection and led the conference with 14 pass breakups.
26. Miami Dolphins: RB, D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Previous Pick: D’Andre Swift
The Miami Dolphins put in some work thus far in free agency and also spent a lot of cash to bring in the likes of Byron Jones, Kyle Von Noy, Shaq Lawson, Elandon Roberts and Emmanuel Ogbah. Those additions are all on defense, so it would make sense that they would use all three first round picks in April on the other side of the ball.
Through this mock draft the are addressing the offense, and they continue to do so here. Tua has his blind side tackle and now gets a featured back in Georgia’s D’Andre Swift. This kid is a three-down back who can be a threat both as a runner and receiver. In three years at Georgia his largest workload as a runner was 197 touches, so there is little wear and tear on his body.
27. Seattle Seahawks: DE, Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Previous Pick: K’Lavon Chaisson
Tough spot here in this mock draft because the Seattle Seahawks are one of the teams who are in the running to sign Jadeveon Clowney. Even if the Hawks are able to retain Clowney they could still use another pass rusher off the edge, and they get one from Penn State.
Yetur Gross-Matos is raw but has a high ceiling. He will need some time to fill out physically but has the tools to work with. You are drafting Gross-Matos for what he could be, not for what he is right now, and in the end, he could become one of the steals of this draft.
28. Baltimore Ravens: LB, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Previous Pick: Zack Baun
The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their defensive line by trading for Calais Campbell but a hole still remains in the middle of the defense. Ever since C.J. Mosley left for the New York Jets in free agency last offseason, they have been looking for their next franchise middle linebacker, and they get one here at the bottom of the first round.
The Ravens have always been known for their stellar play at the linebacker position. Kenneth Murray is a tackling machine, can run sideline to sideline, and has the leadership characteristics to anchor the Ravens defense for the next ten years.