2020 NFL mock draft: Los Angeles Chargers replace Philip Rivers

By Brad Weiss | Feb 12, 2020

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Oregon Ducks (10) Justin Herbert (QB) celebrates a touchdown run during the Rose Bowl game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Oregon Ducks on January 1, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 16, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

. Edge. New England Patriots. Yetur Gross-Matos. 23. player. 47

The New England Patriots have dominated the headlines the past few days, as word came out that they were going to let Tom Brady test the free agent waters. While most believe Brady will be back with the team in 2020, it is still something to keep an eye on next month, as there is certain to be at least a few teams clamoring for his services.

During the draft, the Patriots could go a number of different ways with the No. 23 overall pick. In our mock, they select an edge rusher. This is an area of need for this Patriots defense, and while the team needs help at wide receiver in terms of offense, getting after the quarterback was an issue last season.

In this draft class, there are a handful of guys who could hear their name called in the first round that play the edge, and Yetur Gross-Matos from Penn State is certainly one of them. This is a guy who can flat out bull rush offensive tackles, and while the Pats need help on offense, they also have to address this need in a big way.

New Orleans Saints. Bryce Hall. 24. player. 15. . Cornerback

The New Orleans Saints are another franchise who have a big-name quarterback about to hit free agency, as Drew Brees wrapped up his current contract in 2019. In addition to Brees, the Saints also have to decide what to do with his backups, as both Taysom Hill and Teddy Bridgewater are also slated to hit free agency.

Brees is likely to be back with the Saints next season, as they are too close to being a championship team to move on from him. On the other side of the ball, the Saints have to get better in terms of the cornerback position, and do by bringing in Bryce Hall from Virginia.

Marshon Lattimore is a fantastic young corner, and one could only imagine what a tremendous duo both Hall and Lattimore would be in 2020. The Saints have to be better against the pass if they hope to get back to the top of the mountain in the NFC, and Hall would be a perfect addition to their defensive backfield.

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