#16. Las Vegas Raiders: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
This is one of my favorite prospect-to-team matches in this mock. The Raiders need a boost in their linebacker group in a big way. Simmons’ size, length, and athletic ability stand out in a relatively weak linebacker group. Simmons is a versatile piece for the Raiders to deploy across their front, putting him in positions to make plays.
#17. Miami Dolphins (via PIT): Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Miami got their quarterback of the future. Now it’s time to build around him. I know there are believers of Preston Williams or a potential DeVante Parker resurgence, but neither of them are as good as Ceedee. Lamb’s body control and separation ability will pair well with Burrow’s elite accuracy.
#18. Philadelphia Eagles: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Desean Jackson’s time in Philadelphia is likely coming to a close. If Philly doesn’t pursue Robby Anderson in the offseason, adding a deep threat needs to happen in the draft. There isn’t one better than Henry Ruggs III in this draft class. His speed is dangerous at all levels of the field.
#19. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Carolina could go a number of ways. With the potential departure of Cam Newton, this could be a quarterback, but they have won too much at this stage to be in the running for one of the top ones. To me, Brown is the best player available here. With Gerald McCoy and Vernon Butler likely hitting the free agency market, Brown would fill a void on the Panthers’ interior defensive line, which needs to get younger. His massive frame, power, and freakish athletic gifts would be scary lined up next to Kawann Short and Dontari Poe.
#20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR): Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Jacksonville traded away Jalen Ramsey, and with the first-round pick they got from the Rams, they take a potential Ramsey replacement. Wade has been one of my largest risers with his 2019 season. His athleticism jumps off the tape and he’s a player that can line up both in the slot and outside. This is a high-upside selection, and the Jaguars need to nab someone to fill Ramsey’s former spot opposite Bouye.
#21. Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
I know that Trysten Hill was the Cowboys’ first pick in last year’s draft, but Kinlaw is simply too talented to pass on in this spot. Maliek Collins, Antwuan Woods, and Christian Covington are all on expiring contracts as well. Kinlaw is a versatile defensive lineman who could play numerous roles for Marinelli’s scheme.
#22. Indianapolis Colts: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
What a steal for Indianapolis, as Moses is my highest graded linebacker for the 2020 NFL Draft class. If Moses wasn’t coming off of an injury, I would be slating him higher in this draft. If he manages to slip this far, I can’t see Indianapolis passing on him. Moses and Darius Leonard with Okereke rotating in would give Indianapolis an imposing and athletic linebacker group.
#23. Minnesota Vikings: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
The popular selection for Minnesota has been on their offensive line, but to me, they have a pressing need at corner. Xavier Rhodes has regressed and Trae Waynes hasn’t played well enough to earn a contract extension. Adebo is a physical corner who would fit right in with Minnesota’s scheme. Let Mike Hughes and Adebo become Minnesota’s corner duo of the future.
#24. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
At this point, pick a spot on the Chiefs’ defense and I could have filled it with a draft choice. Luckily, there’s a perfect match between value and need. Jaylon Johnson’s physicality can be a little over the top, but his athleticism and fluidity would be a boon for the Chiefs’ secondary.
#25. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Look, another fun weapon for Joe Burrow and Chad O’Shea. Swift is the best all-around running back in this draft class. If the Dolphins want to emulate the Patriots strategy, finding versatility in a running back is a critical part of getting there. Swift is an elite player, and he’ll be a fan favorite very quickly.
#26. Buffalo Bills: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
As vaunted as the Bills’ defense has been this season, their pass rushers have been a little lackluster. Shaq Lawson is likely gone after this season and Trent Murphy is aging. They need a young, dynamic boost to their pass rush. Gross-Matos is a juiced-up pass-rusher who is just scratching the surface of his potential.
#27. Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The Green Bay Packers’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, but they’ve had trouble stopping the run. Kenneth Murray is an excellent run-stopper with the athletic versatility to line up at multiple positions in Pettine’s scheme.
#28. Seattle Seahawks: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
With Justin Britt’s time with Seattle likely at its close, the Seahawks need a replacement at center. Humphrey is the best interior offensive lineman in this class, and his skills in pass protection will lead him to a high draft pick.
#29. Baltimore Ravens: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
The Ravens have a thin group of pass rushers. Pernell McPhee played relatively well before his injury, but outside of Matt Judon, the position is uninspiring. The Ravens have to address this issue.
#30. New Orleans Saints: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
There aren’t a lot of needs the Saints have, making this pick tricky. Teddy Bridgewater is likely staying with the team, ruling out a quarterback here. The Saints have Eli Apple and PJ Williams set to hit the market. Finding another young, talented corner to replace one of them would be a smart investment.
#31. New England Patriots: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Patriots have a way of always having good offensive line play, but this season has shown that the wheels are shaking a little bit here. Isaiah Wynn needs to stay healthy to fill the left tackle spot, but nabbing a right tackle to upgrade over Marcus Cannon/Marshall Newhouse would give the Patriots a young and talented tackle duo.
#32. San Francisco 49ers: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
This was the most difficult selection to make. The 49ers have been on a roll this season and are the only undefeated team left in the league. They’ve built a devastating pass rush with Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner and their offense keeps humming along under Jimmy G. They’ve only allowed 1,105 yards through the air (138.125 per game) and have more interceptions than touchdowns given up. So why a corner? Jason Verrett is set to hit the market and Richard Sherman is getting older. Hall is a scheme-specific corner, but the 49ers are a fit for him. Can’t go wrong with getting younger talent in the secondary.