Tag: NFL draft preview

2020 NFL Draft: Houston Texans team preview

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Bill O’Brien

General Manager: Bill O’Brien

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (40)

3 (97)

4 (111)

5 (171)

7 (240)

7 (248)

7 (250)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

Despite the fact that the Texans added Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb, wide receiver is still a top need for Houston. The loss of DeAndre Hopkins will leave a huge void for this team. Cooks has had issues with staying on the field in recent years despite being traded multiple times for top picks. The team needs to find a dependable target for Deshaun Watson. Especially when you consider both Cobb and Cooks have had issues staying on the field over the years.

Offensive Line

Protecting Watson should be a priority. Much the reason why the Texans traded for Laremi Tunsil, but the right side of the line needs some attention. Watson has been sacked 106 times over the past two seasons, far too many for Houston’s franchise quarterback. Upgrading either guard is one spot in particular.

Secondary

It was clear that the current secondary wasn’t up to the task in 2019. A team that ranked near the bottom in interceptions should look to find upgrades at cornerback or safety. Houston picked up two former first-round selections at corner, but if they can upgrade the position, it can only help out the team.

TOP TARGETS

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Damien Lewis | OL | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts team preview

Everything Indianapolis Colts fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Indianapolis Colts fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Frank Reich

General Manager: Chris Ballard

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (34)

2 (44)

3 (75)

4 (122)

5 (160)

6 (185)

6 (193)

6 (211)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

The Colts need to find another weapon to go along with TY Hilton. The currently deploy a duo of Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal but could definitely upgrade the position in the upcoming draft with a deep class. Justin Jefferson would be a solid addition and would likely man an immediate impact for Phillip Rivers and the new look Colts offense.

Quarterback

Despite adding Phillip Rivers in free agency, the Colts are still looking for their quarterback of the future following the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck last year. Rivers provides an upgrade at the position now but they need their future. Jordan Love was a name that could intrigue the Colts. If he were to fall into round two, Indy would be a good spot for him to sit and learn.

Defensive Line

This team needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball, more importantly on the front four. They added DeForest Buckner via trade but they still need depth inside and an edge rusher. The draft isn’t full a top talent but they can find a young talent to develop. Boise State’s Curtis Weaver could be one to keep an eye on.

TOP TARGETS

Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State

Laviska Shenault | WR | Colorado

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

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2020 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars team preview

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Doug Marrone

General Manager: David Caldwell

2019 Record: 6-10

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (9)

1 (20)

2 (42)

3 (73)

4 (116)

4 (137)

4 (140)

5 (165)

5 (170)

6 (189)

6 (206)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

The interior of the defensive line in Jacksonville leaves a lot to be desired. They had issues on the inside against the run for the latter part of the 2019 season. The Jags’ defense needs to upgrade the defensive tackle position to help stiffen up against the run. Derrick Brown of Auburn should be a top target for the Jags.

Tight End

The team added Tyler Eifert in the offseason but he has his own issues with availability. Last season Eifert appeared in 16 games for the first time in his career and the most since 2015 when he played in 13 games. The team can’t bank on him staying healthy for all 16 games. Although there isn’t a first round worthy tight end, day two is a spot to begin looking for one.

Cornerback

The team is looking to upgrade the position since trading away former first-round pick Jalen Ramsey. Currently their projected starters are Rashaan Melvin and DJ Hayden. The team could definitely use more than one cornerback most likely and plenty of selections available to address it.

TOP TARGETS

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

Austin Jackson | OT | USC

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans team preview

Everything Tennessee Titans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Tennessee Titans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Vrabel

General Manager: Jon Robinson

2019 Record: 9-7

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (29)

2 (61)

3 (93)

5 (174)

7 (237)

7 (243)

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill took over at quarterback last season and took the Titans on an improbable run to the AFC Championship game. He also agreed to a contract extension but the team needs to do their due diligence and find a backup with potential to become the starter. Marcus Mariota is now gone and the team needs to start looking to the future at the position.

Pass Catchers

If the Titans want to make a return to the title game and hopefully the Super Bowl then they need to upgrade their receiver and tight end group. AJ Brown was phenomenal for them but former first-round pick Corey Davis has been underwhelming to say the least. An outside receiver or upgraded tight end should be a big priority.

Secondary

Tennessee’s defense needs to find a slot cornerback in the upcoming draft. The team could target a player such as Xavier McKinney who has experience at both cornerback and safety. Especially considering the team could part with Kenny Vaccaro following the 2020 season. He can be used many ways on a defense which makes sense to target McKinney.

TOP TARGETS

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

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2020 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles team preview

Everything Philadelphia Eagles fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Philadelphia Eagles fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Doug Peterson

General Manager: Howie Roseman

2019 Record: 9-7

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (21)

2 (53)

3 (103) compensatory

4 (127)

4 (145) compensatory

4 (146) compensatory

5 (168)

6 (190)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

The biggest glaring need for the Eagles without question should be the wide receiver position. Alshon Jeffrey is coming off foot surgery and the team isn’t sure that he will be ready come season’s start. Nelson Agholor is now gone and this team doesn’t have many options as far as the younger players. DeSean Jackson is reliable when he is on the field but his availability is the biggest question mark. The Eagles need to find a receiver early on and they need to be an immediate starter for this team.

Safety

The Eagles didn’t exercise their option on safety Malcolm Jenkins allowing him to reunite with Sean Payton in New Orleans. This leaves a whole in the secondary next to Rodney McLeod. Philadelphia needs to find someone to team up with McLeod. A safety who can create turnovers on the backend is what this team really needs. The team could look to address this need early on with a selection in the first two days of the NFL Draft.

Cornerback

Even though the Eagles were able to bring back Jalen Mills for another season, they did lose Ronald Darby to Washington. The team currently has Rasul Douglas and Sydney Jones at cornerback as well but the group underperformed at the starter level. For the team to repeat as division champions and compete for another Lombardi Trophy, they need to upgrade the cornerback position early on.

TOP TARGETS

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins team preview

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Ron Rivera

General Manager: Dan Snyder

2019 Record: 3-13

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (2)

3 (66)

4 (108)

4 (142) compensatory

5 (148)

7 (216)

7 (229)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

Washington currently deploys a pass rush duo of Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan. The latter is coming off his worst season of sack production in his entire nine-year career. As he approaches the latter part of his career, Washington could use a young talent to be the future pass rusher. A young talented edge rusher the likes of Chase Young could be a cornerstone for the franchise as they try to climb out of the doldrums of the NFC East, a spot they have held down for the most part of the last decade.

Offensive Tackle

Many thought that they found their franchise quarterback with the selection of Dwayne Haskins. If that is indeed the case then the team needs to find a way to protect him. Trent Williams has obviously played his final game for Washington so they must address the blindside spot. They added Cornelius Lucas in the offseason but the former undrafted free agent is on his fifth team since 2014. They will have their choice of tackles if they pass on Chase Young with their first pick at second overall.

Wide Receiver

The team hit the jackpot with a mid-round selection of Terry McLaurin out of Ohio State. Now the focus needs to be on finding another receiver who can be a playmaker across from him. In a passing league a team needs more than one or two options. CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy can really help improve this team. Passing on Young wouldn’t be exactly smart but both would be worthy selections. They will have plenty of receiver optios by the time they pick in round three.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

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2020 NFL Draft: New York Giants team preview

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Joe Judge

General Manager: Dave Gettleman

2019 Record: 4-12

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (4)

2 (36)

3 (99)

4 (110)

5 (150)

6 (183)

7 (218)

7 (238)

7 (247)

7 (255)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

The most likely to be the top need is edge rusher. The Giants need to find a way to get to the quarterback with Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott in the division. They have tried going the free agent in the past but for this season they need to find a way to upgrade their defensive front and it starts on the edge. While it remains unclear which route they will take on the defensive scheme, the team shouldn’t overthink it if somehow Chase Young makes it to them at four. Young is the best talent in the draft and if the Giants want to rebuild this team it starts with him.

Offensive Tackle

One of the top priorities for Gettleman and first-year head coach Joe Judge needs to be finding someone to protect their young quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones was sacked 38 times a year ago. The team brought in Cameron Fleming who was a swing tackle in Dallas to reunite with now offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. They could use an upgrade at right tackle to team with Nate Solder. If Chase Young and or Isaiah Simmons are gone by pick four then the Giants would have their pick of the best offensive tackle available.

Linebacker

The team really needs playmakers at all three levels of the defense and it is no different at linebacker. They currently deploy Blake Martinez and David Mayo in the middle but adding a player the caliber of Isaiah Simmons can only strengthen this team. Given the fact that Simmons is so dynamic, he doesn’t have to play one specific spot on the field. He can help at linebacker or play a variation of a backer-safety-nickel corner hybrid for this defense.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

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2020 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys team preview

Everything Dallas Cowboys fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Everything Dallas Cowboys fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy

General Manager: Jerry Jones

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (17)

2 (51)

3 (82)

4 (123)

5 (164)

5 (179, compensatory)

7 (231)

TEAM NEEDS

Secondary

Without question one of the top needs for the Dallas Cowboys is in the secondary. The Cowboys lost their top cornerback Byron Jones to the Dolphins in free agency and don’t have the depth to fill his role. The team has signed two cornerbacks but neither of which is viewed as a replacement for Jones. Dallas will need to address cornerback in the early part of the draft.

Not only do the Cowboys need help at cornerback but safety. A position they have not address early on in the draft since they selected Roy Williams out of Oklahoma in the 2002 draft. Dallas did sign HaHa Clinton-Dix but he is a short-term answer to a long-term question.

Defensive Line

Knowing there were holes in the middle of the defense, the Cowboys added both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe from the Carolina Panthers during free agency. The Cowboys lost their starting three technique tackle in Maliek Collins who left to Las Vegas. The Cowboys needed a presence in the middle which they are likely to get with McCoy and Poe but they need to look to the future. Javon Kinlaw would fit in nicely if he is able to slide to 17.

Wide Receiver

With the departure of Randall Cobb to Houston, the Cowboys find themselves short of a starting receiver next to Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. The depth beyond the duo leaves a lot to be desired with Noah Brown and Cedrick Wilson. Both have been injured for the better part of the last two seasons. Wilson shows promise but they need a guy that can be relied on. Dez Bryant could be an option if the team chooses to go that route but they still need another young talented player. Good thing for Dallas is that this draft is full of receivers.

TOP TARGETS

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

C.J. Henderson | CB | Florida

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

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2020 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers team preview

Everything Green Bay Packers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Green Bay Packers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt LaFleur

General Manager: Brian Gutekunst

2019 Record: 13-3

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (30)

2 (62)

3 (94)

4 (136)

5 (175)

6 (192, from Raiders)

6 (208, from Titans)

6 (209)

7 (236, from Browns)

7 (242, from Ravens)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

As of right now, the Packers have very little help alongside Davante Adams at wide receiver. Adams is a star, sure, but they desperately need another reliable starter for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. With the depth of this wideout class, Green Bay should be able to find a starter in the draft.

Linebacker

The Packers replaced Blake Martinez with Christian Kirksey at linebacker, doing little else to bolster the depth at the position. There’s still a glaring hole at the other starting inside linebacker position, so the team could look to plug in a rookie if the value is right.

Offensive Tackle

Ricky Wagner is a step down from Bryan Bulaga at right tackle, and even if the veteran bounces back from his poor 2019 season, he turns 31 in October. Green Bay could stand to look for an eventual replacement early in the draft if an intriguing prospect falls.

TOP TARGETS

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

Patrick Queen | LB | LSU

Josh Jones | OT | Houston

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2020 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings team preview

Everything Minnesota Vikings fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Minnesota Vikings fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Zimmer

General Manager: Rick Spielman

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (22, from Bills)

1 (25)

2 (58)

3 (89)

3 (105, compensatory pick)

4 (132)

5 (155, from Browns via Bills)

6 (201, from Bills)

6 (205)

7 (219)

7 (249, compensatory pick)

7 (253, compensatory pick)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

While Adam Thielen is a talented wide receiver, he’s coming off of a down year in which he missed six games due to injury, and with Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo, there’s a huge hole at receiver in the Vikings’ starting lineup. With three picks in the first 60 spots – including two first-round selections – expect them to draft a receiver early in this year’s draft.

Cornerback

Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackenzie Alexander are all gone, leaving the Vikings with a desolate cornerback group. While the team likes youngsters Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, they’re going to need to upgrade the position, especially if they want to keep up in a division that features Davante Adams, Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay.

Edge Rusher

Long-time stalwart Everson Griffen is no longer on Minnesota’s roster, and while Ifeadi Odenigbo broke out with 7 sacks this past year, the Vikings will likely at least add competition for the starting edge rusher spot alongside Danielle Hunter. The depth at the position is worrisome, too.

TOP TARGETS

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

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