2020 NFL full first round mock draft: Raiders add a cornerback at 12
By Nick Ellis
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles badly need wide receiver talent, and although there were multiple receivers taken before them, they still get a player with a ton of potential in Clemson’s Tee Higgins. Most mocks have the Eagles taking Justin Jefferson here, but with the Raiders stealing him, they look to the next best receiver.
Higgins recorded over 1,000 yards last year along with 13 touchdowns, and over the course of his career, he has been a constant for the Tigers. He is a big reason why Clemson has been so successful since he arrived on campus, and in Philadelphia, he becomes their top option at wideout.
22. Minnesota Vikings (From Buffalo Bills): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
The Minnesota Vikings look to replace Xavier Rhodes in the first round, bringing in a raw talent in TCU’s Jeff Gladney. Gladney is a player whose draft stock has been rising rapidly, and he lands here at pick No. 22.
Gladney is a tough cornerback who is not afraid to tackle, as well as not being afraid to attack the ball and make plays. In Minnesota, he helps a defense that is getting a facelift this offseason, moving into the role left vacant by Rhodes.
23. New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
The New England Patriots find their replacement for Tom Brady, surprisingly taking a quarterback that plays a very different style of football than what the Patriots are used to. The Patriots are ready for a re-brand, and the gun-slinging, exciting Jordan Love is the guy to do it.
If any coach can get the best out of Love, it will be head coach Bill Belichick, and it is not likely they roll into next season with just Jarrett Stidham under center. They could be in the market for some of the free agent quarterbacks available, but Love makes sense here at No. 23.
24. New Orleans Saints: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The New Orleans Saints do not have many holes on their team, but a few of their linebackers will be free agents next season. Kenneth Murray is a solid tackled with sideline to sideline speed, allowing him to not only fly across the field to make tackles but is also solid in coverage.
Murray won’t be rushed into being the leader of the defense immediately in New Orleans but will have the chance to develop into that. At Oklahoma, he was the heart and soul of their defense, and the Saints need that kind of leadership on that side of the ball.