2020 NFL mock draft: Joe Burrow to save the Bengals
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders. Isaiah Simmons. 13. player. 28. . Linebacker/Safety
The Oakland Raiders have fallen on hard times in recent weeks, as they were once 6-4, and appearing destined for the playoffs, before losing four straight. In those losses, they have looked absolutely terrible, being blown out by the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans, before losing a heartbreaker against Jacksonville on Sunday.
Overall, this is still a franchise in need of big pieces, and on the defensive side of the ball, there are plenty of holes to fix. For years, linebacker has been an issue for the Raiders, and as they move to Sin City, the focus should be on fixing both the defensive side of the ball, as well as the wide receiver position on offense.
At No. 13 overall, Las Vegas could get an absolute stud in Isaiah Simmons, who is the most versatile defensive player in this draft class. Simmons can play linebacker, safety, as well as come off the edge, and on this Raiders defense, he would be another young impact player to team alongside the likes of Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, Johnathan Abram, and Maurice Hurst to name a few.
Indianapolis Colts. Derrick Brown. 14. player. 46. . Defensive Tackle
The Indianapolis Colts were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Monday night, as Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints did whatever they wanted against their defense. In the game, Brees set the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a career, completing nearly every pass he threw in a blowout victory in prime time.
For the Colts, they have a lot of work to do with this roster, but them hanging on until Week 15 was impressive, considering Andrew Luck retired right before the season started. On defense, they have to get better up front along the offensive line, and at No. 15 overall, they could land the best defensive tackle in the draft class.
Derrick Brown is an absolute monster of a defensive tackle, and many believed he would have been a first round pick last year if he came out. This Colts defense already has some young stars in Malik Hooker, Darius Leonard, and Rock Ya-Sin, and after adding through the draft in 2019, they should look to do the same next April.