2020 NFL full first round mock draft: Raiders add a cornerback at 12
By Nick Ellis
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Linebacker may not be the biggest need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they cannot pass up on taking Isaiah Simmons here, a player who can play multiple positions on the field at a high level. Simmons may be the best player in this NFL Draft, if not the most complete.
Simmons not only is a consistent tackler, but is fast enough to play coverage as well, and will be a massive piece in the Jaguars defensive rebuild. He is the kind of hybrid player this Jags team needs, becoming their version of Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James.
10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Like previously mentioned teams with young quarterbacks, the Cleveland Browns need to do a better job of protecting Baker Mayfield and allowing him to be comfortable in the pocket. Mayfield’s first season in the NFL was outstanding, and he fell back to earth in 2019.
To protect him, the Browns add Lousiville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton at pick No. 10. As previously stated, the Browns, like the Cardinals, should select whatever offensive tackle they have ranked at the top of their list, as there are a lot of good tackles in this draft.
11. New York Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
With the departure of Robby Anderson, the New York Jets add arguably the best receiver in the draft in Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy has it all as a receiver, as he is a tremendous route-runner, has great hands, and can create separation.
There are reports that the Jets have CeeDee Lamb as their top receiver, and they also need offensive line help, but that all could be smoke screens, and I believe they find Robby Anderson’s replacement in Jeudy. At the NFL level, Jeudy is going to be an impact player, and the Jets need playmakers.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
The Las Vegas Raiders decide to take a cornerback with their first pick instead of a receiver, adding a lock-down corner to pair with second-year man Trayvon Mullen. The Raiders deal with Eli Apple recently fell through, but he was not the answer either way.
The Raiders addressed their pass rush last year, and addressed their linebacker situation in free agency, fixing two big issues on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders need to add a corner that can line up against Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and Courtland Sutton twice a year, and CJ Henderson from Florida is widely considered the second-best corner in this draft class.