16) Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE Iowa
Currently my second-ranked EDGE, Epenesa brings a diverse skill set to the Atlanta Falcons. He’s got the versatility to play all over the defensive line for Atlanta. His power, excellent hand usage, and top-notch fundamentals would be a superb addition opposite of the more juiced-up Takkarist McKinley. Another bonus? Epenesa is arguably the best run-defending pass rusher in this class, which will help the Falcons lower their explosive run plays allowed (42 allowed in 2019).
17) Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina
After giving Dallas a safety here in my last mock, I wanted to change it up here in this 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft and give them a disruptive force up front. Kinlaw was the most impressive player in Mobile during the Senior Bowl, and it built off of his outstanding tape. While Kinlaw has some fundamental corrections he needs to make, he has the upside to be a 10+ sack per season defensive tackle.
18) Miami Dolphins (via PIT): Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville
I meant it when I said that Miami has to build around Tua with their offensive line. Mekhi Becton is a behemoth of a figure and moves too well. He’s a monster in pass protection and makes opposing pass rushers quit, while also bulldozing through defensive linemen in the run game. It makes too much sense for Miami.
19) Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI): Xavier McKinney, S Alabama
The Raiders are in an interesting position in this draft, with enough capital to move up and secure a potential franchise QB, but they also have enough needs to warrant a trade back scenario. Instead of mortgaging picks for a trade up, I double-dipped into the Alabama Crimson pool and grabbed a player who I think has steadily become the top-rated safety in this draft. McKinney is a versatile player who can play in multiple alignments on a defense. With Karl Joseph likely on his way out, McKinney steps right up into the void left behind by his departure.
20) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR): Kristian Fulton, CB LSU
The Jaguars need to replace the void left from Jalen Ramsey’s departure. Fulton has the instincts, size, and playmaking ability to start right away and could be the Jaguars’ number one corner of the future. Fulton’s taken a bit of a slide with the emergence of other CBs, but he’s still a phenomenal talent in his own right.
21) Philadelphia Eagles: Laviska Shenault, WR Colorado
The Eagles wide receivers were completely decimated by injuries and inconsistent play all season long, which makes it a bit of a risk giving them a player who has had a few injuries in college. However, Shenault is the most talented wide receiver available and would be a star playmaker for the Eagles, if used properly.
22) Buffalo Bills: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE Penn State
I keep coming back to this pick because I think it’s one of my favorite player-team matchups in this 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft. The Bills need an explosive boost to their pass rush, especially with so much talent already leaving the position, while Gross-Matos needs a team that can coach him to his maximum potential. It’s a pick I’ve made before, and it’s one I likely will keep making in future mocks because of this marriage between team and player.
23) New England Patriots: Terrell Lewis, EDGE Alabama
I’m not sure Lewis will last this long, but his draft stock is the most intriguing due to his talent but obvious injury history. With the Patriots’ two leaders in sacks set for the market and my skepticism that both return, the Patriots will need a new explosive threat to their front seven. Lewis is explosive, powerful, athletic, and has plenty of length as a pass-rusher, which gives him a great set of tools to build on and develop at the next level.
24) New Orleans Saints: CJ Henderson, CB Florida
With Eli Apple, Janoris Jenkins, and P.J. Williams set to hit free agency and none worth a new contract, New Orleans needs to find new talent at the corner spot to play opposite of Marshon Lattimore. Henderson has his issues in run support but is second-to-none in his man coverage ability with great speed and length.
25) Minnesota Vikings: Josh Jones, OT Houston
There are numerous questions about Riley Reiff’s future as the left tackle of the Minnesota Vikings, which makes this pick an obvious choice. Josh Jones is an excellent athlete and upside to develop into a stellar franchise left tackle. He was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl and has all the talent to be a success.
26) Miami Dolphins (via HOU): D’andre Swift, RB UGA
I really debated if I wanted to put a running back in the first round, but the next pick was Seattle and I didn’t want to tempt fate with that selection. Despite the positional question marks that remain, Swift is a dynamic playmaker that would add another element to the Miami offense.
27) Seattle Seahawks: Neville Gallimore, DT Oklahoma
Seattle is always difficult to project with how they’ll draft, as they seemingly blindside analysts every year. The need for another defensive tackle to pair with Jarran Reed is evident with Seattle. Gallimore’s Combine testing will solidify him as a first-round pick, but I believe this is his best range in the draft.
28) Baltimore Ravens: Cesar Ruiz, IOL Michigan
Matt Skura is on his way out, and I’m not sold on Patrick Mekari being a long-term option at center. With Marshal Yanda retiring as well, both center and right guard fall into question. Fortunately, the Ravens can draft a player that can play either spot at a high level in Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz. Ruiz is a great athlete with plenty of power and a hot motor. He can slide in at either center or right guard and be a quality starter for a decade.
29) Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia
With Tennessee electing to decline Jack Conklin’s fifth-year option, it seems likely that he is on his way out of Nashville. Ryan Tannehill is a guy that needs an effective offensive line in front of him to reach his maximum success, so grabbing a replacement is critical for the Titans. I personally am not this high on Wilson, but scouts have been high on him for a long time due to his natural combination of size, length, and quickness.
30) Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma
“K9” has been mocked higher than this in other mocks, but for my 2-round 2020 NFL mock draft, I’m dropping him a little further. As the process goes along, I wouldn’t be shocked if his name started to drop further down this list due to the questions of his ability as a three-down player. Murray is often asked to rush the passer on third downs, casting doubts on his coverage skills. With the way Mike Pettine likes to creatively use linebackers, and the fact that the Packers have multiple linebackers departing, this match seems perfect.
31) San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Terrell, CB Clemson
Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley, and Dontae Johnson all hit the free-agent market this season, with Richard Sherman’s deal expiring soon as well. San Francisco needs to find a promising young corner to add to their defense. Terrell got a bad rep in the LSU game, but he showed up well in coverage and never really made bad plays. With his fluidity and length, he would fit in well with the Niners’ zone-heavy defense.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Jeff Gladney, CB TCU
As improved as Kansas City’s defense has been, they still need a playmaker at the cornerback position. Gladney may come from the Big 12, but that doesn’t diminish his ability at all. He’s feisty, incredibly fast, and has plenty of ball skills to create turnovers at the next level. He can play in a man-heavy or zone-heavy scheme, which will only serve him well as a prospect.