On The Clock: 2020 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[Randolphkeys]

@BimboColesHair has until I wake up in my distant West Coast Time Zone schedule to pick for the Vikings or else he gets my second favorite cornerback as his first round pick.

Wakey wakey, hands off snaky, my Great Lakes friend. Let's hit the gas today.

 

[BimboColesHair]

The Minnesota Vikings select Jaylon Johnson, CB from Utah, with the 22nd pick.

Why: The Vikings pretty much just lost all of their CBs to either free agency (Trae Waynes, Mackenzie Alexander) or as cap casualties (Xavier Rhodes). They need to restock and start with a corner who fits their preferred prototype; big, physical, long, and fast.

Height: 6'0
Weight: 193
Arms: 31 3/8
40: 4.5 seconds

Overview: Boundary bully with an improving skill set to clamp down on WR1s and limit their exposure to the football. Johnson is built for press, with the size, length and athleticism to force receivers to work harder getting into their routes. His eagerness to stay tight to the route leads to inconsistent balance and positioning from time to time, but his foot quickness and agility allow for rapid recoveries. He's equipped to play the deep ball but needs to fully prove himself in that area. He's a physical press corner with off-man ability whose anticipation and ball skills should continue to help him make plays as a CB1 and first-round pick.

NFL Comparison: Shaquill Griffin, Trumaine Johnson, Vontae Davis

 

[Soda]

With the 23rd pick in the 2020 RCF NFL COVID-19 Mock Draft..

The New England Patriots select...

AJ Epenesa, DE, Iowa​

HEIGHT 6' 5"
WEIGHT 275 lbs
ARMS 34 1/2”
HANDS 10 1/8”

The Patriots double-down after the Winovich selection. While the defense had success with their pass-rush in 2019, there is no bad time to take a player like Epenesa. At 6'5", this man is a beast and is a power down lineman that succeeds at the point of attack by overwhelming offensive linemen. He will help the Patriots' pass rush immensely, allowing Winovich the freedom to play up or down. The Patriots thought about other positions on the defense in this spot, but ultimately went with their favorite pass rusher on the board, and a guy who reminds them of Trey Flowers.

Strengths

• Excellent size with desired combo of length and power
• Impressive production in high-impact stat columns
• Has tools of the trade to set a strong edge
• Hips unlock for long, lateral slides down the line
• Spills B-gap runs wide
• Surprising first-step explosion for his length/mass
• Rush attack is already varied and toolsy
• Runs under his inside hand to lift and dump over-setting tackles
• Can flip around edge or hit second-step slide to win inside
• Uses two-hand swipe and stab/power chop to grease the edge
• Times-up arm swipes with pass attempt to create strip-sacks

Weaknesses

• Sluggish to gather and change direction
• Below-average lower-body bend as an end
• Needs more consistent technique against double teams
• Below-average reactive athleticism to finish moving targets
• Needs quicker read/response for contain duties
• Can be gradual getting rid of blockers
• Speed rush is below average
• Could struggle early against quick-setting NFL tackles

@Snowblind and the New Orleans Saints are on the clock!

 

[Snowblind]

**Trade Alert**

New Orleans Saints have made a trade with the Denver Broncos

Saints receives

#46
#95
Dre'Mont Jones

Denver receives
#24

@Randolphkeys and the donkeys are on the clock

edit: ill add more in the commentary thread once work calms down

 

[Randolphkeys]

Drama? It's a Covid-19 Shakespeare Festival!

The New Orleans Saints pit the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos against each other in trade scenarios like it's the late 1980s, and once again John Elway and the Broncos were not to be denied. Terms of the trade include:

Saints: Pick #46, #95, and Dre'mont Jones
Broncos: Pick #24

With the #24 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos select...



Cesar Ruiz, C, University of Michigan

HEIGHT - 6'3
WEIGHT - 320
ARMS 33 1/8
HANDS - 11

Why?!?!?

The Broncos secured Javon Kinlaw as starting defensive end. Dre'mont Jones has effectively become the fourth defensive end on the roster, despite being very effective as a rookie - grade 66.9 on Pro Football Focus. Let Dre'mont go back to being a 3 tech defensive tackle in a 4-3.

Ruiz completes the Broncos offensive line with the best interior lineman in the draft. Just 20 years old, Ruiz is a powerful and agile interior lineman who started his career as a starting right guard as a freshman, who then became the best center in college football. The Broncos have recent 1st rounder Bolles at left tackle, first rounder Risner at left guard, recent high priced free agent Glasgow at right guard, and recent free agent James at right tackle. Ruiz completes the zone blocking picture. A strong offensive line will help second year quarterback Drew Lock develop a rhythm in the pocket.

From Lance Zierlein of NFL.com :

Overview
Athletic and tenacious with the combination of skills and technique to fit into a variety of blocking schemes on the next level. Ruiz wins early with initial quickness and fast hands into first contact. He works to convert early advantages into wins. He's consistent in securing down-blocks and has the athletic traits to become a second-level factor. He'll give some ground to power rushers and needs help against wide-bodies, but the tape checks out. Ruiz has early starting potential and should develop into a good pro with guard/center flexibility.

@BimboColesHair and the Vikings are back on the clock!

 

[BimboColesHair]

The Minnesota Vikings select Brandon Aiyuk, WR from Arizona State, with the 25th pick.

Why: the Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs and need a bit more firepower at the WR position. Aiyok needs some polish with his route running, Adam Thielen can show him the way.

Height: 6'
Weight: 205
Hands: 9 3/4
40: 4.5
Vert: 40 in.

Overview: Ascending receiving prospect who has shown continued improvement since coming from the JUCO ranks. Aiyuk has size, speed and is a natural pass-catcher who plays with good energy but he must improve physicality to handle contested catches. He can be slick and instinctive to separate out of stems and turns, but getting in and out of standard route breaks tends to limit his effectiveness. He needs more polish, but his ability to create yards after catch could get him some early reps while he's still developing. He has the potential to develop into a WR3.

NFL Comparison: Robert Woods,

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

With the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS select:

Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama

Xavier McKinney plays a lot like his fellow Alabama alumni, Minkah Fitzpatrick. While he might never be a true ball hawking safety, Xavier can impact the game anywhere on the field.

Strengths: Played all over the field as the Queen on the Chessboard player. Lined up at Deep Safety, In the Box Safety, Nickel corner, and coverage linebacker. Smart player who is rarely fooled by misdirection. Good tackler who puts good power on his tackles. Plays underneath zone very well, is good at picking up on screens, passes to the flat and running backs out of the back field. Goes after the ball on tackles and can force fumbles. Good blitzer with good timing and where to pick his spots.

Weakness: Not someone who teams should trust in deep coverage. Lacks the range as a deep safety that can come over the top as a deep safety. Inconsistent tackler in space. Gets beaten by good athletes. Not someone that is going to be considered a ball hawk in coverage. A little slow to break on the passes in his area. Not someone to trust in man coverage. Disappointed as an athlete at the combine.

Fit for the Raiders: With the signing of a guy like Damarious Randall, the Raiders might think that Xavier McKinney is a bit redundant. However, Randall has some corner experience and would allow McKinney and Randall to play together while bringing a physical and quality component to the back end of the defense.

The Seattle Seahawks and their gm @CosmoKramer are now up!

 

[Jordan]

With the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS select:

Xavier McKinney, Safety, Alabama

Xavier McKinney plays a lot like his fellow Alabama alumni, Minkah Fitzpatrick. While he might never be a true ball hawking safety, Xavier can impact the game anywhere on the field.

Strengths: Played all over the field as the Queen on the Chessboard player. Lined up at Deep Safety, In the Box Safety, Nickel corner, and coverage linebacker. Smart player who is rarely fooled by misdirection. Good tackler who puts good power on his tackles. Plays underneath zone very well, is good at picking up on screens, passes to the flat and running backs out of the back field. Goes after the ball on tackles and can force fumbles. Good blitzer with good timing and where to pick his spots.

Weakness: Not someone who teams should trust in deep coverage. Lacks the range as a deep safety that can come over the top as a deep safety. Inconsistent tackler in space. Gets beaten by good athletes. Not someone that is going to be considered a ball hawk in coverage. A little slow to break on the passes in his area. Not someone to trust in man coverage. Disappointed as an athlete at the combine.

Fit for the Raiders: With the signing of a guy like Damarious Randall, the Raiders might think that Xavier McKinney is a bit redundant. However, Randall has some corner experience and would allow McKinney and Randall to play together while bringing a physical and quality component to the back end of the defense.

The Seattle Seahawks and their gm @CosmoKramer are now up!

Damnit...

 

[CosmoKramer]

With the 27th pick of the 2020 RCF Mock Draft the Seattle Seahawks select...



Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State





HtWt: 6'5'' - 266 lbs.
College: Penn State

My Take:
Even if Jadeveon Clowney return in Seattle the Seahawks are in desperate need of more defensive ends. Last year's first round pick LJ Collier was a healthy scratch toward the end of the year and the playoffs- hopefully he can contribute more this year in a hybrid role because he's currently penciled in as a starter. That's gotta change. Yetur Gross-Matos would be an immediate upgrade, especially as a pass rusher. Holes on the offensive line and in the secondary have to wait.

PLAYER BIO:
Yetur Gross-Matos (pronounced YEE-tore gross mah-toes) was a four-star recruit from Spotsylvania, Virginia, before making the trek to Happy Valley. He suited up for all 13 games as a reserve in his first year with the Nittany Lions (17 tackles, two for loss, 1.5 sacks). During that season he showed glimpses of the talent that would manifest itself in 2018. Gross-Matos earned third-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, as well as Penn State's Defensive Lineman of the Year award, after leading the team with 20 tackles for loss and eight sacks among his 54 stops (with two forced fumbles) in 13 games. He moved up to first-team all-conference as a junior after pacing his defense with 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks among 40 total tackles.

OVERVIEW:
Ascending 4-3 defensive end who should go from good size to imposing frame as he fills out his power-forward body type. He isn't overly twitchy but impressive length, fluidity and short-area athleticism allow him consistent work-arounds against opposing blockers. He's average at the point of attack by NFL standards, but that should change with additional strength work and more efficient hand usage. The rush toolbox is only halfway full, but it's just a matter of time before his spin move and a speed-to-power charge become part of a diversified attack. Gross-Matos should be an early starter, but when the power and skill catch up with the athleticism, look for him to become one of the more productive defenders in the league.

STRENGTHS:

• Prototypical combination of size, athleticism and agility
• Loose hips with short-area athleticism of a linebacker
• Breaks down and plays under control in the backfield
• Posted 35 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks as two-year starter
• Rangy chaser down the line of scrimmage
• Quick cross-face stunts to disrupt the gaps
• Easily crow-hops over cut block attempts
• Adequate upfield rush burst
• Has some hip flip to trim the edge
• Shows bull rush then and hits switch to inside counter
• Active to reignite secondary rush
• Twists are fluid and fast
• Good job of working back under tackles at top of the rush

WEAKNESSES:

• Hands need to be quicker and more violent as a pro
• Mistimes punch, allowing blockers into frame
• Average controlling point of attack against power
• Can do a better job with play-side contain duties
• Takes time to disengage when reached
• Pad level raises, slowing burst to the top of the rush
• Would like to see more urgent speed-to-power charges
• Rush isn't built upon explosive movements or power
• Could use a little more finesse to access the edges

DRAFT PROJECTION:
Round 1-2

NFL COMPARISON:
Aaron Schobel

@CBBI and the Baltimore Ravens are on the clock

 

[CBBI]

With the 28th pick in the 2020 RCF NFL COVID-19 Mock Draft..

The Baltimore Ravens select...

Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Oklahoma



A four-star recruit out of Missouri City, Texas, Murray exploded on the scene for the Sooners in 2017 as a Freshman All-American, Co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and 14-game starter (78 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack). He stepped forward as a sophomore, ranking third in the FBS with 155 tackles (12.5 for loss, four sacks) and garnering second-team all-conference accolades. While his tackle numbers were down (102 total stops), Murray's playmaking ability shone through for the Big 12 champions as a junior, with Murray collecting 17 tackles for loss and four sacks as well as four pass breakups in 14 starts. He earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors for his efforts. Murray is the son of a preacher and takes pride in helping his parents raise three adopted siblings with special needs.

NFL Comparison
Kwon Alexander

Sleek, playmaking linebacker with chiseled frame and long arms. Murray's game is predicated on speed with an ability to fly around from sideline to sideline rolling up tackles. While his twitchy burst allows him to make more plays than the average linebacker, he will overflow to ball-carriers at times. Recognition of play development and ability to take on blocks are both underdeveloped currently, but a move to weak-side linebacker would put him in position to minimize those concerns and maximize his playmaking talent. Murray has hit-or-miss qualities and is more splashy than consistent, but he's immensely talented with the ability to imprint on games on all three downs.

Strengths

• Playmaking speed to mark up a stat sheet
• Very decisive and willing to take chances
• Runs and moves like a safety in space
• Fires into gaps and can put offenses behind the chains
• Averaged nearly 15 tackles for loss over last two years
• Can make all the tackles if kept clean
• Weaves and rolls downhill to close the distance on running backs
• Ridiculous range from sideline to sideline
• Instant burst to the ball from a standstill
• Scrape speed to stay square to the line of scrimmage
• Can spy, blitz or rush off the edge on passing downs

Weaknesses

• Needs to temper urgency with additional patience
• Misdirected out of position multiple times by same play against Kansas State
• Instincts and fit recognition are spotty as inside linebacker
• Desire to make plays clouds judgment on angles
• Must improve strength and hand usage for take-on duties
• Can be erased from gaps by a square block
• Needs to play with better balance and control as open-field tackler
• Hard flows turn to overflows

@Hurl Bruce is on the clock.

 

[Soda]

We still have a handful of picks left to go in the first round, but the pace has been nice. Thank you, everyone!

Round 2 has been added to the OP. @camakazee make sure you tag @Singer24 once your pick is over.

 

[Hurl Bruce]

With the 29th pick in the 2020 RCF NFL COVID-19 Mock Draft..

The Tennessee Titans select...

Justine Herbert, QB, Oregon

Herbert won Oregon's First-Year Player of the Year award in 2016, starting seven games and completing 64 percent of his passes (162 of 255) for 1,936 yards and 19 touchdowns (four interceptions). He started eight games in 2017, missing five with a broken collarbone. The Ducks' Offensive MVP threw for 1,983 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 67 percent of this throws (139 of 206). Herbert started all 13 games of the 2018 season, garnering honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors (as well as Academic All-American notice) by throwing for 3,151 yards and 29 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He only completed 59.4 percent of his passes, however (240 of 404). Herbert's athleticism allows him to make plays with his legs a few times per game (173 carries for 510 yards and nine scores in his first three years). Herbert was an Academic All-American at Oregon. In fact, he was named the Academic All-American of the Year in 2019. His play on the field in 14 starts (286-of-428 passing, 66.8 percent completion rate, 3,471 yards, 32 TDs, six INTs) earned him honorable mention All-Pac-12 accolades. Herbert scored five times on the ground in 2019, including three big scores against Wisconsin in the team's Rose Bowl victory.

BEST TRAIT - Physical Traits

WORST TRAIT - Progressions, Ball Placement

RED FLAGS - None

NFL COMP - Ryan Tannehill (LOL)

PROS: Has requisite arm strength, size, and mobility to attract NFL scouts. Can really sling the pill, putting extra mustard on throws that need zip to the boundary and airing it out 50+ yards downfield. Not at all fearful of testing coverage deep and loves to give his WRs a chance. Generally an accurate quarterback, especially to the intermediate areas of the field. Has a bit of a sidearm release but it doesn't seem to affect his ball placement or velocity, rather just changing his trajectory slightly--but that only helps him adjust arm angles when throwing with pressure in his face. Gets whiplash like effect with the sidearm release that puts smoke on the football.

Can place the football well relative to coverage and between zones, and knows he has the strength to lace it in to tight windows and the touch to drop it over second level defenders. Protects WRs from hits on underneath/intermediate patterns; puts the ball up high against tight man coverage to let his receivers elevate and attack. No notable accuracy drop off when on the hoof; has the ability to generate velocity off platform. Has some good scramble/improvise plays; is dangerous as a runner and can get in to the second level.

CONS: Has rockback issues in his lower body mechanics that affect accuracy, especially when looking to throw a frozen rope. Base widens and weight leans back onto back foot. Will also regularly sail balls downfield, in part due to the whip motion of the arm, but also due to the inefficient weight transfer of the rockback. Stays on his first read quite long into his progression, and when he moves to his second read, it's often from a place of panic; accuracy notably drops off on throws beyond the first read. Internal clock seems a little too quick, but return from injury may have exacerbated this phenomenon. Often a first read-scramble QB. The sidearm release becomes more prominent when he's hurried or when he wants to release the ball quickly, and thereby short throws can spike down.

@MGMT up next, @adam81king after that.

 

[MGMT]

With the 30th selection in the 2020 COVID-19 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Green Bay Packers select:

Cole Kmet, TE — Notre Dame

This could be considered a reach by some that would consider themselves in the “know” but it’s laughable to try to ignore Rodgers has been plagued by the inconsistency of his pass catchers. Kmet isn’t a good pass blocker but he can develop footwork and strength to do so.

It’s harder for coaches to teach the athleticism to gain separation at the next level — at the next level:


What the writers say:

2020 NFL Draft tight end rankings: Cole Kmet leads the way, but playmakers available in later rounds

The tight end class isn't nearly as deep as last year's group but plenty of playmakers could be available after Round 1

www.google.com

It’s no lie that you could find a pass catcher later, but there’s a reason high school prospects look at ND for their college career; they’re utilized in both important aspects.

The idea of a deep threat is sweet, but downfield completions in the NFL are a low success play irrespective of the talent to which you’re throwing. We needed a guy that can work the underneath and get 5-10 yards when he’s targeted.


@adam81king and the SanFran COVID-49ers are now on the clock

 

[adam81king]

Woke up to pee, so I'll do this before I fall back asleep.

With #31, the 49ers select Grant Delpit, S from LSU.

 

[camakazee]

With the 32nd pick in the 2020 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Super Bowl 54 Champion Kansas City Chiefs select...

A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Combine Stats: 4.42 40 time, 34.5” vertical jump, 129” broad jump, 15 bench reps

Strengths: Terrell is a versatile and smart defender. At 6'1" he's long, athletic, and has good ball skills to disrupt the wide receiver. Aggressive in both coverage and as a tackler. Can be used in a variety of defensive schemes.

Weaknesses: Needs improvement in press technique. Also has stiff hips and can find himself beat on routes. Does not have great recovery speed after getting beat.

Why: After losing defensive back Kendall Fuller in free agency, cornerback is not only an immediate position of need, but one of the future as well. Starting cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland and Charvarius Ward are both set to become free agents in 2021. Drafting Terrell gives the Chiefs the opportunity to work him into the defense his first year and become a top corner for them in his second year.

This concludes the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft. @Singer24 and the Cincinnati Bengals will kick off the 2nd round.