Draft NFL 2020: Projections for Underrated First Round Prospects | Laundress Report

This year’s NFL draft class is brimming with future stars. Prospects such as LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, defensive lineman Ohio Chase Young and all-purpose linebacker Isaiah Simmons will certainly be among the first selected.

But it is also a deep class in several positions. Even players who aren’t selected until late in the first round are talented prospects who have the potential to make a big impact in the NFL.

Here is an overview of three underestimated first-round prospects, as well as predictions for each.

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Not only is Mekhi Becton tall and strong, but he has great speed and agility for a player his size. At 6’7 “, 364 pounds, Becton was the heaviest player to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in under 5.2 seconds since 2006, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, while pointing at 5.1 seconds.

There are several other top offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, such as Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, Jedrick Wills Jr. of Alabama and Andrew Thomas of Georgia should all be selected early, along with Becton. It is possible that the four were drafted in the top 15.

Becton may not be the first not to play, but he has the potential to be a dominant tackle in the NFL for years to come. He started for three years in Louisville, which included winning the first All-ACC team honors and winning the Jacobs Blocking Award last season.

The Buccaneers, who should have high expectations for the 2020 season after signing with veteran quarterback Tom Brady during free agency, would be perfect for Becton. Tampa Bay could use a player like Becton to help protect Brady and become a key cog in his offensive line. Expect Becton to start his NFL career with the Bucs.

Prediction: N ° 14 to buccaneers

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

This year’s class is filled with great talented receivers, and Justin Jefferson could be the fourth draft. Alabama alumni Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III and CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma are all likely to be selected before him.

However, Jefferson has the potential to quickly make an impact in the NFL. He had 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in 15 games, helping LSU end a perfect season with a national championship.

There were some concerns about Jefferson’s speed, but he stifled them by running the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. This performance solidified him as a likely choice in the first round as one of the best receivers in the class.

While Jeudy, Ruggs and Lamb go to early draft teams in need of receivers, Jefferson should be the perfect selection for the Eagles, who have No. 21 pick. Alshon Jeffery led the Philadelphia catches with 490 yards this season last, and he only played 10 games. The Eagles need to get younger and deeper in position, so Jefferson should be their pick.

Prediction: # 21 at the Eagles

Jordan Love, QB, State of Utah

In some draft classes, Jordan Love could be one of the first players off the board. This will not be the case this year, as Joe Burrow of LSU, Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Justin Herbert of Oregon will also be available.

However, Love is expected to be the fourth and final quarterback selected in the first round of the draft, and he has a lot of potential to head into his NFL career. In 2018, he scored 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns for Utah State. He followed that by passing for 3,402 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Love also had a solid performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, displaying its mobility with a 40-yard time of 4.74 seconds. He also looked impressive in the throwing exercises he had participated in.

Although the Patriots could accompany second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham as successor to Tom Brady, they will not be able to drop Love while he is still on the board of choice # 23. He will travel to New England to start his career and could become his franchise quarterback.

Prediction: N ° 23 to the Patriots