2020 TPB Member’s And Pundits Mock Drafts

[gzubeck]

LOL...just when I thought I couldn't be disappointed at #6...

Simmons, Tua, Thomas, Becton, Brown, Okuda...even Herbert if they really like him...lotta ways for the Chargers to not jack this up, in my mind...

Lamb would be pretty hard to to grin and bear...he isn't even the best WR in the draft.

Says who? Not in my book! He'll be gone by pick #10 in this draft.

[like54ninjas]

:mybrainhurts:

Yeah, the alleged conversation had to do with the pick at #6.

Telesco will do the Telesco thing; he's going to pick someone sensible at #6.
I'm putting down Andrew Thomas as my prediction in 1rst when i complete the list.

btw: i almost put down simmons - my thinking is they can just pickup Niang (who i really like) at #37.

I concur. Simmons is going #2/#3 barring a QB/trade up. If he is there at #6 we will pick Isaiah. Wonder if we may actually see a trade down.

[like54ninjas]

LOL...just when I thought I couldn't be disappointed at #6...

Simmons, Tua, Thomas, Becton, Brown, Okuda...even Herbert if they really like him...lotta ways for the Chargers to not jack this up, in my mind...

Lamb would be pretty hard to to grin and bear...he isn't even the best WR in the draft.

There is no WR worth the #6 pick.
If we trade down into the mid teens/lower then perhaps.
Ruggs is the only WR I would consider in the 1st at any point with the depth of the position.

[SYB]

Bored. Cleaning my kitchen, while listening to Rotoworld's mock draft on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQBjh_uNQGU

They projected Justin Herbert to the Chargers.
At 22:53 mark they start talking about the choice.

A discussion ensued on whether they'll actually go in that direction & one of them (Paul Burmeister) opined: "i have one source inside that organization i trust 100 % and he does not think they will take a quarterback..... i've had a discussion about quarterback in that building and this person believes its not going to happen."

Burmeister is a former college qb at Iowa and has been the national play by play announcer for Notre Dame football.

I just watched that too. With a big smile across my face.

[SYB]

And Pippy at LT or another 3rd rounder?Huh.

Could always pick up Peters and give Pip a little time to develop while filling the swing tackle role.

[Formula 21]

2020 draft theme – Improve at OT, add leg talent everywhere, bring in a Domer of course, and find some special teamers.

I’m also not taking Tua because its highly probable he’ll be injured too much or Herbert because his production as a pro is too questionable for pick 6.

1. Isaiah Simmons, LB. No introduction needed. He’s been discussed to death. TT continues to build his D with a game changer.

2. Ezra Cleveland, OLT, Boise State,

Height 6' 6"

Weight 311 lbs

Arm 33 3/8”

40 Yard Dash 4.93u Seconds


PFF says:
Cleveland quietly put together an all-time performance at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday night. He had not only the fastest three-cone (7.26) of any offensive lineman in attendance but also the quickest shuttle (4.46). That shuttle is the exact same time that electric TCU wideout Jalen Reagor ran, despite being over 100 pounds lighter. Cleveland has been a plus pass protector at Boise State for three straight seasons and obviously possesses some athletic mirroring ability that can't be coached. There's no way he slips out of the second round at this point.

Overview
Athletic left tackle able to make all outside zone blocks in the run game, but in dire need of additional mass and functional strength. Tape work can be tricky as Cleveland suffered a turf toe injury in his second game of the 2019 season and was unable to practice for much of the year. Issues anchoring and redirecting edge pressure are independent from his injury, but determining the impact of that injury on his play is challenging. He plays with patience and technique but lacks base width and contact balance. Cleveland has the athleticism to play swing tackle for a zone-based offense but needs to get much stronger to hold up as a starter.
Cleveland was one of the biggest draft risers with his performance at the Combine, and for good reason. The track record for guys with his sort of movement skills is very good. He posted the best three-cone (7.26) and best short-shuttle (4.46) of any offensive lineman in attendance to go along with a 4.93-second 40. Only two tackles drafted in the first round over the past 15 years have bested both Cleveland’s cone and shuttle: Joe Staley and Anthony Castonzo.
The athleticism would be one thing if it didn’t translate to a football field, but Cleveland has earned pass-protection grades in the 80s for three straight seasons. The fact that he was losing at all against some of the competition he faced is concerning, though, and he doesn’t play nearly as strong as his 30 bench reps would suggest.

3. Chase Claypool, WR/TE, Notre Dame

Height 6' 4"
Weight 238 lbs
40 Yard Dash 4.42u Seconds
Bench Press 19 Reps
Vertical Jump 40.5 inches
Broad Jump 126.0 inches

PFF Says:
Chase Claypool's big body combined with his 4.42 speed could light up red zones across the NFL in 2020. The wide receiver/tight end prospect is 6-foot-4, and he displayed his explosiveness by posting a 40.5-inch vertical jump at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. In three seasons at Notre Dame, he hauled in 57.7% of his contested catches, and he earned a career-high 82.3 receiving grade in 2019, a top-30 figure among draft-eligible wideouts.
The Notre Dame pass-catcher adjusts well to off-target throws and has the ability to shield off defenders to gain possession of the ball in tight spaces. He hauled in 71% of his 46 targets in short areas of zero to nine yards, and he tied for first with six touchdowns in those close quarters. He also caught 11 of his 16 red-zone targets for eight touchdowns and one additional first down, catching all four of his contested red-zone targets in the process, all en route to generating a passer rating of 119.5 on throws inside the opponent's 20-yard line, the fifth-best mark among his peers in 2019.

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison Miles Boykin

Overview
The comparison to former teammate Miles Boykin is an easy one since both have elite size and explosiveness, but Claypool has a higher ceiling and is a little more pro-ready. Claypool doesn't have shake to get much separation underneath, but he's physical inside the route and is adept at making contested catches when needed. He has size/strength/speed to bedevil singled up cornerbacks on 50/50 deep balls. He's a vertical challenger outside, a possession receiver as a big slot, an outstanding run blocker and immediate coverage ace on special teams. His elite traits and diverse skill set could allow him to create a unique footprint as a pro.

A lot of teams wanted Chase Claypool to work out at the Combine as a tight end, as he came in a 6-foot-4, 238-pounds. Considering he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash and posted a 40.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-6 broad jump, Claypool would make a scary tight end at the next level. He’s not going to create separation by any means, but he routinely will win in tight coverage. Claypool owned an impressive 57.7% contested catch rate in 2019 and would plow through defenders with frequency, as he broke 14 tackles on his 66 catches in 2019.

Strengths

• Physical specimen with size and length to overwhelm
• Strong competitive nature
• Big and forceful against handsy coverage
• Build-up speed can overtake unsuspecting coverage
• Presents a sizable target with an expansive catch radius
• Works back to the ball on all three levels
• Contested catch specialist outside the numbers
• Uses size to create late catch space
• Elevates beyond cornerback's reach at high point
• Pancake maker with nasty demeanor as run blocker
• Premium special teams cover talent

Weaknesses

• Very little wiggle or juice after the catch
• Pedestrian release to challenge press
• Average getting in and out at the break point
• Inconsistent balance out of intermediate breaks
• Will face heavy dose of contested catches
• Needs to get better at stacking cornerbacks on deep balls
• Can be tardy with catch-ready hands
• Not a natural technician as a ball-catcher

4. Darrynton Evans, RB/KR, Appalachian State

Prospect Info

Height 5' 10"
Weight 203 lbs
40 Yard Dash 4.41u Seconds

Bench Press 20 Reps

Vertical Jump 37.0 inches

Broad Jump 125.0 inches

Like many Appalachian State players before him, Evans has outplayed his two-star recruiting ranking. He was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after ranking in the top 10 nationally with 1,480 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 255 carries (5.8 per). He also caught 21 passes for 198 yards and five scores in 14 starts. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the SBC Championship Game and New Orleans Bowl. Evans was a first-team all-conference pick as a sophomore, as well, starting eight of 13 games played and racking up 1,187 rushing yards (179 carries, 6.6 per, seven TDs; also 12-87-7.2, one TD receiving). The Oak Hill, Florida, native contributed on offense as a freshman (48-217-4.5) and then had to redshirt the 2017 season due to a knee injury. Evans was a strong kickoff returner during his career (56-1,439-25.7 in three years), housing one return for a touchdown each season.

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Round 4
NFL Comparison Ronald Jones

Overview
Slashing outside-zone runner with glide in his stride and ability to run with elusiveness and creativity. Evans is a little undersized and might be viewed as a change-of-pace option, but he appears to have the three-down skill set to handle committee carries. He can run with patience, but has the loose hips and agile feet to plant-and-go in a hurry. He sees the field and does a nice job of setting up and eluding tacklers with lateral cuts or stacked moves. While he's confident in space, Evans lacks the commitment and finishing force to make a living inside the tackles. His third-down and kick-return versatility increases the likelihood that Evans will hear his name called in the middle rounds with a chance to become a solid RB2.

Strengths

• Grabbed larger chunks of production pie in both 2018 and 2019
• Has talent as one-cut back in outside zone
• Runs low and smooth with plus change of direction quickness
• Rare ball security with no fumbles in 482 carries
• Hips are fluid and loose for short-area swivel
• Takes away tackle angles once he's past second level
• Patient runner who sets up open-field tacklers, leaving their feet in mud
• Sneaky leak out on screens with quick run after the catch
• Proven effective as kick returner
• Aggressive lead shoulder on blitz pickup and chip blocks

Weaknesses

• Lacking determination as inside runner
• Decelerates and tucks into interior contact
• Needs better recognition to find cutbacks
• A little inconsistent navigating run lane at times
• Elusive but not a strong tackle breaker
• Needs to speed up his process as route runner
• Smallish for blitz take-on duties and could give way

Sources Tell Us

"This is a deep draft for running backs. He's one of those guys you can fall in love with and just hold tight to take running back until it's time to take him." -- Personnel executive for NFC team

5. Devin Duvernay, WR/Gunner/ Core Special Teamer, Texas

Height 5' 10"
Weight 200 lbs
40 Yard Dash 4.39 Seconds

Vertical Jump 35.5 inches

Broad Jump 123.0 inches

3 Cone Drill 7.13Seconds

20 Yd Shuttle 4.2 Seconds

PFF Says:
Duvernay is on the opposite end of the YAC spectrum from Jennings. He’s a former track athlete who blazed a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Jet-sweeps and screens are his bread and butter as Duvernay had the second most receptions on screens of any player in the country (42). He converted those into 17 first downs or scores and broke 14 tackles on them — both figures that led the country. With his combination of speed, power and elusiveness, he’ll quickly find a role in an NFL offense.

Duvernay was considered one of the top five receiver recruits in the nation in 2016, signing with Art Briles to play in the Baylor Bears' explosive offense. Briles was let go before Duvernay arrived, however, and Baylor never submitted his National Letter of Intent to the NCAA. So the first-team all-state pick in football and 2015 100-meter state champion moved on to Austin. Duvernay made an instant impact, starting two of 12 games played, tying for the team lead with three receiving touchdowns (20 receptions, 412 yards, 20.6 average), and contributing as a kick returner (12 returns, 257 yards, 21.4 average). He did not provide as much production in his sophomore campaign (nine receptions, 124 yards, 13.8 average; four returns, 88 yards, 22.0 average on kick returns in 13 games, one start) but bounced back as a junior with 41 receptions for 546 yards (13.3 per) and four scores in 14 starts. Duvernay saved his best for last, turning in a first-team All-Big 12 effort as a senior by finishing in the nation's top five with 106 receptions, which went for 1,386 yards (13.1 per) and nine touchdowns in 13 starts. Devin is a cousin of Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. His twin brother, Donovan, plays defensive back for the Longhorns.

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview

Straight-line speedster with a fireplug build who needs to close the ability gap between when the ball is in his hands and when it's not. Duvernay is a challenging study because he carries long speed but he's not a ball winner. He's a slot receiver with tight hips and below-average routes but has outstanding hands and uses power to add yards after catch. The pieces don't quite fit together, but great hands, YAC and speed are traits teams might look to mold. He's not a classic developmental prospect but could become one if a team has a plan for him and can improve his routes.

Strengths

• Rugged, durable frame
• Led the nation in catches and finished fourth in yardage
• Texas 100-meter state champ (10.27) in high school
• Has potential to separate on deep balls
• Thrives with catch-and-runs
• Runs like he hates humanity as he blasts through tacklers
• Roughs up clingy coverage
• Good sideline awareness to drop the feet inbounds
• Slows and settles into zone windows
• Can pluck throws with hands or nestle them in traffic
• Very reliable, soft hands

Weaknesses

• Plays like a running back who happens to have great hands
• Tight hips limit lateral agility and suddenness
• Needs greater attention to details as route-runner
• Vertical push will vary depending on route
• Tends to drift on overs and deep digs
• Inconsistent use of burst to open
• Needs to square numbers to throws to protect catch point
• Below-average ball skills down the field
• Lacks length and timing for 50/50 win

6. John Reid, CB, Penn State

Height 5' 10"
Weight 187 lbs
40 Yard Dash, 4.49u Seconds

Bench Press 20 Reps

Vertical Jump 36.5 inches

Broad Jump 129.0 inches

3 Cone Drill 6.95 Seconds

20 Yd Shuttle 3.97 Seconds

PFF notes:
Reid has some of the best feet at the line of scrimmage in the entire draft class. The only problem is, Penn State rarely let him show it off. He spends the majority of his snaps moving out into a cover-3 or quarters look for the Nittany Lions. On 97 snaps in man coverage last year, though, Reid allowed receptions on only 6-of-18 targets for 58 yards while picking off a pass and forcing incompletions on five others. He may be a tad undersized (5-foot-10, 187 pounds), but he’s a terrific all-around athlete who had the fastest short-shuttle (3.97) of any player at the Combine.

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Round 6
NFL Comparison Grant Haley

Overview
Competitive press nickel who uses mirror quickness and controlled hand work to make press release uncomfortable for receivers. Reid's body control and balance allow him to play a stickier brand of coverage underneath, but that coverage will fade as routes progress. He can be mismatched with big speed or big size and doesn't feature the physical profile of a capable run-support defender. Reid's passion, competitiveness and football IQ are fun to watch, but physical limitations could cap his ceiling.

Strengths

• Competitive, physical coverage demeanor
• Rapid-fire mirror steps sync with receiver's release
• Foot agility allows for cleaner transitions
• Stays connected underneath with body control and easy lateral transitions
• Plays with inquisitive eyes from well-balanced side shuffle
• Excellent body positioning to sideswipe and hinder vertical attempts
• Crowds into chest before turning to locate football
• Rough and rugged playing through catch point
• Drops pad level and attacks through thighs as tackler

Weaknesses

• Bundled hips prevent fluid rotation when needed
• Mega-stepper with limited stride length
• Rounded transitions shadowing breaks from his pedal
• Trails off when attempting to carry long speed deep
• Left interceptions on the field due to drops
• Will get dunked on by bigger, leaping ball-winners
• Struggles to get around box-out pass catchers in space
• Has had two major knee injuries (high school and Penn State in 2017)
• Could get lost in the wash as NFL run supporter

Sources Tell Us

"I'm worried about whether he can hold up to the run if he started at nickel. He's not a core (special) teams guy so he can't afford to be weak in other areas since he's already a little small." -- Director of college scouting for AFC team

7. Leki Fotu, DT, Utah

Height 6' 5"
Weight 330 lbs
Arms 34 1/4”
40 Yard Dash 5.15u Seconds

Bench Press 21 Reps

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison Mike Pennel

Overview

Fotu was put into position to try to make plays in the Utah scheme, but with his massive frame and natural strength, he's much more likely to be groomed as a two-gapping, odd-front nose. His athletic ability is fairly impressive for his size, but his impact in the biggest games felt a little overstated after studying tape. He needs to play with better bend and more consistent anchor to squeeze the interior and fulfill his potential as a run-plugger. His draft value could be capped because he's an early down player who offers no real rush value.

Strengths

• Mammoth frame but carries weight very well
• Girthy lower half with thick arms
• Good practice effort and game motor
• Single blocks won't get much movement against him
• Initial lick carries jarring pop to blocker upright
• Hands strike inside framework and gain early arm extension
• Plus athleticism and range down the line as a big man
• Recognition and hustle to challenge zone blockers' play-side edge
• Has played in slanting front but built to two-gap
• Mass and power to drive through an edge and into backfield

Weaknesses

• Lethargic out of his stance and into neutral zone
• Not enough upfield quickness to create disruptions in the gaps
• Plays with relatively narrow base for his size
• Inconsistent at planting his roots against double teams
• Pad level pops up tall when he's working slants
• Not much threat as a rusher
• Doesn't have sudden feet to gain enough winning advantages in pass rush
• Must become more of a pocket-denter than block-rider as a bull-rusher

[like54ninjas]

Doubt Leki is there in the 7th but YES to all else

[WindsorUK]

There is no WR worth the #6 pick.
If we trade down into the mid teens/lower then perhaps.
Ruggs is the only WR I would consider in the 1st at any point with the depth of the position.

Hallelujah!
Simmons or bust.

[Boltjolt]

Doubt Leki is there in the 7th but YES to all else

Doubt Duvernay is either in the 5th but never know.

Formula, enter your Mock in the contest thread.

[powderblueboy]

I remember it well. Rivers was in an awkward position trying to save his knees and the ball popped out.

I remember topcat blaming Rivers for the fumble.

I guess topcat was just watching the ball.

Topcat's disdain for Rivers is legendary....
but he was off his game if he didn't accuse Rivers of whiffing on the Viking returning the fumble to the house.

[powderblueboy]

A lot of people are selecting Chase Claypool in the 3rd. He reminds me of Vincent Jackson - don't think he'll make it to the 3rd round.

[like54ninjas]

A lot of people are selecting Chase Claypool in the 3rd. He reminds me of Vincent Jackson - don't think he'll make it to the 3rd round.

He shouldn’t but this WR class is extraordinarily deep and he is still raw in route stems/tree, high pointing contested balls, and his hand/eye timing to not give early identifiers to ball flight.