2020 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First Round Mock Draft

2020 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Mock Draft

Round 1: Pick 21 – Philadelphia Eagles (Kole Berrey)

Full disclosure: My roommate is a diehard Eagles fan. Basically what I have learned from living with him is that if the Eagles don’t take a receiver this year, he will riot. I decided to throw him a bone with LSU standout Justin Jefferson, who has all the tools to succeed at the next level and will get to learn from veterans Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson in year one.

Staff Reaction: The Eagles will most certainly take a wide receiver in the first round and with how stacked this year’s class is, they could take just about anyone at pick 21 and be satisfied. Justin Jefferson is capable of blowing the top off of defenses and will become Carson Wentz‘s new favorite weapon in Philly. – Leigh Oleszczak

Round 1: Pick 22 – Minnesota Vikings (Via Buffalo) (John McCarty)

The Vikings appear unlikely to bring back Everson Griffen, and need another pass rusher. Yetur Gross-Matos is the safest defensive end prospect and for a team trying to win the old school way, with running the football and defense. The defensive line is the priority for Minnesota with this pick they acquired from the Bills.

Staff Reaction: The Vikings have other needs that they could’ve addressed here, like wide receiver and cornerback. Still, Gross-Matos fits a need as an EDGE rusher, but he may not be as good as fellow Big 10 EDGE prospects A.J. Epenesa and Zack Baun, both of whom remain on the board. – Cullen Jekel

Round 1: Pick 23 – New England Patriots (Cullen Jekel)

Hey, Love is still on the board! Here’s why the Patriots are passing (sorry) on him: it’s unlikely that Belichick would let Brady walk if he didn’t have a solid replacement already in place. Seems like that’s Jarrett Stidham, or maybe even a remaining free agent, like Cam Newton.

Instead, New England can focus on plugging other holes. Here, considerations would seem to be linebacker, the defensive front seven, and wide receiver. Patrick Queen’s the choice: a stout ballhawk who can be on the field all downs fits Belichick’s mold rather perfectly.

Staff Reaction: While it makes sense, does a linebacker need to come off the board here? If the Patriots are looking for a coverage presence, why not Delpit? However, Queen has the ability to fill the void left by Kyle Van Noy. With so few weapons on offense, would have expected a wide receiver here, perhaps Jalen Reagor of TCU  – John McCarty

Round 1: Pick 24 – New Orleans Saints (Leigh Oleszczak)

The Saints are in a position where they really don’t have any strong needs and can go best player available. They had their eye on Patrick Queen with this selection, but the Patriots grabbed him before they had a chance.

Instead, they go with another LSU kid in the form of Grant Delpit. Safety is a need for New Orleans after Vonn Bell signed with the Bengals in free agency, so Delpit can start day one and hopefully will wow the hometown crowd in the Big Easy.

Staff Reaction: Grant Delpit scares me. His 2018 tape is bonkers, and would’ve probably gotten him drafted higher than 24. His 2019 film left a ton to be desired however, so scouts have the unenviable task of discerning who the real Grant Delpit is. If he plays closer to his 2018 form, the Saints got a steal. If he continues to regress, they could come to regret the selection. – Kole Berrey