2020 NFL mock draft: Detroit Lions select Tua Tagovailoa

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

45. . Offensive Tackle. Denver Broncos. Tristan Wirfs. 15. player

The Denver Broncos went into the 2019 NFL season with Joe Flacco as their quarterback, as John Elway thought the former Super Bowl MVP had more gas left in the tank. However, by the end of the season, Flacco was injured, and rookie Drew Lock took over, proving he can certainly play at the NFL level.

With Lock in place as the team’s starting quarterback, the Broncos will now have to plan to build around him, and they start here with the No. 15 overall selection. Tristan Wirfs from Iowa is widely considered a first round talent at offensive tackle, and based on what we have seen from Garett Bolles throughout his short NFL career, they need help there.

The Broncos actually have some solid weapons around Lock as well, as Courtland Sutton made the Pro Bowl this season, and running back Phillip Lindsay is one of the best in the division. Denver had a chance to really make some noise in the AFC next season, but if Lock runs for his life all year long, he will struggle to improve in Year No. 2.

44. . Edge. Atlanta Falcons. A.J. Epenesa. 16. player

Many expected the Atlanta Falcons to make it to the playoffs this past season, as they had a star quarterback in Matt Ryan, electric playmakers in Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones, and a hungry young defense. However, the wheels came off the car early last season, and many thought Dan Quinn would be fired before the year ended.

However, Atlanta righted the ship, winning their last four games, and finishing with a 7-9 record. in 2020, they have to get better on both sides of the ball, and that includes up front along the defensive line, where a guy like Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa from Iowa would be an outstanding addition in the middle of the first round.

There is enough talent on this Atlanta roster to win in 2020, and Epenesa fills a void that must be addressed this offseason here in the middle of the first round. Quinn’s job was saved thanks to their second half run in 2019, but another season outside of the playoffs could spell the end for his tenure in Atlanta.

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