2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post Week Zero Edition
By Chris Ross
18. Houston Texans – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Even before tearing his ACL, Lamar Miller’s time as the Texans undisputed No. 1 running back seemed limited. Miller has been steady for Houston, but with the chance to select Etienne, the team would be foolish to pass up this opportunity. A Deshaun Watson and Etienne combination in the backfield would be must-watch football.
19. Atlanta Falcons – Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
Outside of a 15.5 sack season way back in 2016, Vic Beasley has been a major disappointment for the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted to be the team’s best pass-rusher, Beasley just hasn’t lived up to the hype. With a chance to once again address their toothless pass-rush, the Falcons should look to pick up Willekes, the reliable, productive Michigan State product. It’s not the most exciting pick, but the results would ultimately speak for themselves.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
In a world where Derrick Brown falls to the No. 20 overall pick, the Jaguars should sprint to the podium to select the Auburn defensive tackle. Brown is among the most naturally-gifted listed in this mock draft and would have been a much higher selection if the board had fallen differently. Adding Brown to an already dangerous Jacksonville defense would be fascinating to see.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Outside of Joe Haden, the Pittsburgh Steelers lack talent in a big way at the cornerback position. The team has attempted to fix the issue several times but to no avail. Henderson is a bit more talented than most corner prospects, however, and while Pittsburgh may be scared of wasting another pick at the position, Henderson is worth the risk.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Just one season into a three-year $84 million deal, Kirk Cousins took plenty of heat last year for his play. Upon further inspection, however, it’s clear that the offensive line deserves plenty of blame for Minnesota’s disappointing season. Adams has been injury-prone in college, but when he’s healthy, Adams has played at an elite level. The Vikings do not pass up a chance to add a potentially elite player this late in the first round.
23. Green Bay Packers – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Davante Adams is one of the NFL’s best receivers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling flashed some serious potential last season. That said, if given a chance to draft a player like Higgins here, the Packers would not hesitate. Adding the explosive Higgins to with Adams and the legendary Aaron Rodgers would be borderline unfair to opposing defenses.
24. Los Angeles Chargers – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
As things currently stand, it seems unlikely that Melvin Gordon will play for Los Angeles moving forward, creating a bit of a need for a new feature back. Jonathan Taylor has dominated while at Wisconsin and between his explosiveness and vision, he might ultimately end up as a better player than Gordon.
25. Dallas Cowboys – Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern
Northwestern’s defensive leader, Paddy Fisher has made a name for himself in college as an instinctive linebacker. As good as Sean Lee has been for the Cowboys, his health has become a legitimate issue over the years, making it likely that the team will move on. Fisher, alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander-Esch, would create a special group of linebackers in Dallas.