2020 NFL mock draft: Chargers lock onto Justin Herbert

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings. Austin Jackson. 25. player. 60. . Offensive Lineman

The Minnesota Vikings punched their ticket to the Divisional Round with a victory over the New Orleans Saints on the road in the Wild Card round, and then proceeded to get punched in the face by the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings were outclassed on both sides of the ball in their loss to the 49ers, and will have to shore up their deficiencies if they wish to get back to the playoffs next season.

One big area of weakness all season long for the Vikings has been along the offensive line, as Kirk Cousins had to run for his life on too many occasions. This franchise paid Cousins way too much money for him to not have time to throw the ball, and in 2020, the last year of his contract, they have to do something to protect him.

USC’s Austin Jackson is one of the more dominant offensive linemen in the country, and there is a good chance he finds himself landing in the first round this April. He has the size, strength, and footwork to be a starting left tackle at the NFL level, and on this Vikings offensive line, he is sure to find his way into the starting lineup on either the left or right side early on.

26. player. 31. . Edge. New York Giants. K'Lavon Chaisson

After trading with the Miami Dolphins so the Fins could land Tua Tagovailoa at No. 4 overall, the New York Giants net a late first round pick as well. With this pick, the Giants shift their focus to the other side of the line, adding an incredibly talented edge rusher in K’Lavon Chaisson from LSU.

Chaisson played a huge role in the Tigers undefeated season in 2019, and on the Giants he would fill an immediate need for an edge rusher. Remember, this is a Giants defense that was young last season, but really showed strides late in the season, and new head coach Joe Judge can use as many new faces as he can get heading into 2020.

Of course, the Giants and Dolphins trade is not a reality, but the Giants are a team who the Dolphins could be in the business of trading for if the Detroit Lions pass on Tua this April. New York will be looking to give Judge the best chance of success early in his head coaching career, so why not try to swing a big trade on draft night to get the fan base fired up.

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