2020 NFL mock draft: Cowboys land Henry Ruggs
By Brad Weiss
60. . Offensive Tackle. Minnesota Vikings. Austin Jackson. 25. player
The Minnesota Vikings were able to make it all the way to the Divisional Round this past season, as Kirk Cousins proved he could win a tough road game in the playoffs. As they enter the 2020 season, they should once again be a favorite to make it back to the postseason, but they are going to have to improve up front along the offensive line if they want to take the next step forward.
Luckily for the Vikings, this is a draft class loaded along the offensive line, and they could get a guy ready to step in and start at left tackle this late in round one. USC’s Austin Jackson is someone who has played on that side at the college level, and based on his size, strength, and footwork, he could be an immediate upgrade for the Vikings.
Dalvin Cook is one of the better young running backs in football, and the team does have some elite weapons on the outside. If the defense can play up to their ability in 2020, they have a shot to overcome the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North crown, but improvements must be made for them to get there.
. Offensive Tackle. Miami Dolphins. Josh Jones. 26. player. 59
With their third and final selection in the first round, the Miami Dolphins look to this crowded offensive tackle class for help along the offensive line. The Dolphins traded away left tackle Laremy Tunsil for this No. 26 overall pick during the 2019 NFL season, and with the pick, they select a talented project in Josh Jones from Houston.
By selecting their franchise quarterback at No. 5 overall, and improving their pass rush with their second of three first round picks, Miami addresses a lot of their needs in this mock. However, they have a long way to go, but they have the right head coach in place, and also hold two first round picks in 2021.
The AFC East could look a lot different next season, as rumors are swirling that Tom Brady is leaving the division, which he has dominated over the last 20 seasons. For the Dolphins, they just need to stay the course and start building this thing the right way, and if they do that, they could be divisional contenders in a year or two.