2020 NFL Mock Draft: First-round mock with many trades

The Vikings recently extended Kirk Cousins, so grabbing the best tackle on the board seems like a smart way to protect that investment. While they need another weapon to help replace Stefon Diggs, who was traded away for the pick that became Gross-Matos, the payment to Cousins is a clear indicator Minnesota expects him to make more plays with a little less around him.

Jackson is a big sturdy tackle with upside. His natural length and excellent mobility for a player his size bode well for the Trojan finding success at the next level.

Thought you might see a mock without a first-round running back? Think again. Taylor rounds out Miami’s active first night of the draft providing a little for the team’s new QB.

Taylor is a blazingly fast, powerful runner who has the speed to take it the distance every time he touches the ball and the vision and balance to help make it happen. He is the prototypical running back that will turn 2-3 yard gains into first downs and big plays. Taylor is going to bowl over defenders on his way to multiple Pro Bowls and he will be an excellent building block for Miami, who is ready to have a quick rebuild and start competing as early as 2022.

Seattle is a team that, thanks to Russell Wilson and a few pieces on defense, continues to hang around the that “contender” category. A year after making an “all in” type trade for Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle finds itself in need of an edge rusher due to Clowney’s high asking price in free agency.

Epenesa is a strong edge rusher that uses his first-step quickness and power to collapse the pocket and disrupt quarterbacks. He will give Seattle a boost on what is already a pretty good defense in a division that could very well have a representative in the NFC Championship.

Baltimore took the NFL by storm last season behind MVP and Madden 21 cover star Lamar Jackson. Baltimore’s defense ranked top-five in both yards per game and points allowed. In a division with Nick Chubb, James Conner, and Joe Mixon, having a brick wall in the middle of your defense can be a decided advantage.

Murray comes in at 6-2, 230 pounds. He has excellent tacking abilities, outstanding football IQ, and great ability to get off blocks. Murray isn’t Ray Lewis. Nor is he C.J. Mosely. But he doesn’t need to be. The Oklahoma Sooner product is a new-age linebacker that can do it all, not to mention he has tremendous character and will be the heart of the defensive unit in Baltimore.  I really love this fit for both Murray and Baltimore.

Not much to see here. Jake Conklin is gone and they have a massive need on the line if Tennessee has hopes of repeating the success they had with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry.

Cleveland isn’t necessarily ready to come in and compete at a Pro Bowl level, but his ability to run block and his somewhat raw pass-blocking abilities should get the job done while he continues to develop. It also doesn’t hurt when Derrick Henry is running behind you.

Green Bay parted ways with Jimmy Graham, making tight end a top need for the Packers, who are a few pieces away from contending for their second title in 10 years. Kmet is arguably the top tight end in this class and could get his phone call late night one as Green Bay could look to grab Aaron Rodgers a security blanket over the middle of the field.

Hear that? Those who took the over on 4.5 QBs taken in the first round just became Patriot fans. Jokes aside this is weird. Like really weird. For the first time in 20 years, the Patriots don’t have a solidified starter under center, and with Tom Brady’s departure it was time for Bill Belichick to find his next franchise passer.

Insert Jacob Eason. Eason isn’t the flashiest of QB prospects. In fact, he’s pretty raw. But the starter kit is there. With a big arm, big frame, great poise in the pocket, Eason has the raw tools to do it all. People may laugh at the Patriots for this pick, but do we remember what happened last time Belichick took a chance on an undervalued quarterback?

Finally, the reigning Super Bowl champions are on the clock. The Chiefs are set up for long-term success for a couple of reasons. One, they have Patrick Mahomes. And two, they are returning 20 starters from last season meaning they will have their core intact for a long time to come.

Now, we’ve all heard the rumblings of the historic contract Mahomes is about to get from Kansas City and as the Vikings did, you have to protect your investment. Selecting Ruiz does just that. Center isn’t the same as left or right tackle, but it’s important as well. Center is basically the quarterback of the offensive line and the Chiefs hung back and were able to grab the top one.

I don’t think back to back is very feasible with the other teams getting better and climbing to that “elite” level,. But with Mahomes in the game with solid protection, I’ll never count him out.