2020 NFL Draft: Mock Draft Monday
By Seth Steere
11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4): Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Jameis Winston is not the answer and it’s time to move on while you still have a viable head coach in Bruce Arians. Given Arians’ past and his willingness to air it out, the pairing of him and Herbert could be an exciting one and just what Tampa Bay needs.
12) Detroit Lions (2-3-1): Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Linebacker is easily the weakest position on the field for the Lions and now you have the best linebacker in the class. Simmons is as versatile as it gets at linebacker; he can keep up with tight ends on the edge and has the strength to take on blockers releasing to the second level.
13) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4): Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
For the second year in a row, the Jaguars get the best player (Josh Allen in 2019) available to fall into their lap. All three, Marcell Dareus, Yannick Ngackue, and Calais Campbell’s contracts expire within the next two years. Drafting Brown will give them some freedom to choose who to sign.
14) Tennessee Titans (3-4): Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
The Titans have the talent on defense to be a playoff contender and Hurts’ ability to escape pressure will help mitigate some of the offensive line issues for now. The Titans need someone who can step in immediately and make an impact, and Jalen Hurts is just the guy.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4): Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Whether it’s offense or defense, the Eagles need help on the outside (WR/CB). Kristian Fulton is an absolute stud and has proven to be good in both man and zone coverage. The Eagles like to mix things up, making Fulton a perfect choice for Philadelphia.
16) Oakland Raiders (via Chicago Bears[3-3]): Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
The Raiders have allowed the 2nd most yards through the air per game this season; Diggs will look to help fix that issue. After drafting Trayvon Mullen in the second round in 2019, the Raiders make a real effort to help stabilize their secondary.
17) Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1): Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Even though Kyler Murray can escape the pressure there is no need in continuing to make him do so. They need to protect the franchise. The Cardinals need help all along their line and Leatherwood has played both guard and tackle for Alabama. It’s uncertain which position he’ll make an impact at, but you can be certain he’ll make one.
18) Oakland Raiders (3-3): Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
If Derek Carr had more than one target (Darren Waller) on offense, the Raiders may actually have a shot in some of their games. Henry Ruggs brings a whole lot of speed to the Raiders and you can already see Jon Gruden drooling over the new plays he’s drawing up.
19) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams[4-3]): Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Quincy Williams has had issues tackling this year. An easy fix is drafting a player who would’ve gone top ten had he not been injured this season. The pairing of Moses and Myles Jack will instantly be one of the top linebacker duos in the NFL.
20) Carolina Panthers (4-2): Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin
No one knows who will be quarterbacking the Panthers next season, but what we do know is that he’ll need protection. Playing at Wisconsin, Biadasz is no stranger to run blocking and you can guarantee him and Christian McCaffrey will form a great bond.
21) Dallas Cowboys (4-3): Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
The Cowboys will be mocked a safety until they get one, but it doesn’t hurt to get one who can lock up a tight end in man coverage. As it stands, the Cowboys defense are one of the more talented groups. With McKinney manning the middle they’d look like a real contender.