2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post Week Zero Edition
By Chris Ross
26. Cleveland Browns – Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
Trading for Odell Beckham Jr this offseason was an excellent move for the Cleveland Browns, but in trading away Kevin Zeitler, the team created a big hole on the offensive line. Smith, a collegiate offensive tackle, seems better suited to play guard at the next level due to his lack of top-end mobility. That said, Smith would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Cleveland’s current options and profiles as a long-term starter.
27. Philadelphia Eagles – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
When it comes to roster composition, the Philadelphia Eagles are as talented as any team in the NFL. From top to bottom, this is a team with the skill to be a force this season. The one area the team could stand to improve, however, is in the secondary. Just adding a corner with the length and ball-skills of Diggs would immediately take this secondary to the next level and make Philadelphia an even scarier NFC contender.
28. New Orleans Saints – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Another well-rounded team, the News Orleans Saints, like Philadelphia, have almost no needs throughout the roster. That said, also like Philadelphia, it wouldn’t hurt if New Orleans added a bit more depth to the secondary in the form of cornerback Bryce Hall. A player with good ball skills and smooth athleticism, Hall would be a steal with this pick.
29. Los Angeles Rams – Alaric Johnson, OL, Iowa
For the Los Angeles Rams offense to function properly, a solid offensive line is a necessity. Throughout the Sean McVay era, that hasn’t been a problem as guys like Andrew Whitworth and Rodger Saffold have helped the line remain among the NFL’s best units. With Saffold now gone and Whitworth on the last legs of his exceptional career, it’s time for the Rams to pick up some reinforcements. Johnson has the versatility to play either guard or tackle, and while he’s not an exciting pick, he would be a wise one.
30. Oakland Raiders (From Chicago Bears) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Unless Derek Carr can recapture his early-career form, the Oakland Raiders seem like a team likely to be in the quarterback market next year. Jordan Love has been receiving a lot of hype recently as the talented Utah State product has the look of a potential high-end NFL starter. Assuming he can continue to improve the finer points of his game, Love would be a bargain at this point in the draft.
31. New England Patriots – Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Perhaps no team in the NFL utilizes the tight end position as heavily as the New England Patriots. Rob Gronkowski’s retirement put the team in a tough spot at the position, however, with no real contributors to speak of on the team. On a team that uses the position so much, adding a receiving weapon like Okwuegbunam would be a home run.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – De’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Following the departure of Kareem Hunt, there seems to be a consensus that Damien Williams will pick up the slack in Kansas City, but that is far from a guarantee. Even if Williams ends up being as good as expected, the Chiefs could still stand to add another playmaker in the backfield, and that’s where Swift comes in. As a dynamic player for Georgia, Swift would be outstanding in Andy Reid’s offense and perhaps allow the Chiefs to somehow be even better on that side of the ball.