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2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

ByRaju Byfield|
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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2020 NFL Mock Draft
LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals blocks against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

11th Overall: New York Jets – Mekhi Becton (OT – Louisville)

Team Needs
Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Cornerback, Edge Rusher, Defensive Tackle,  Running Back, Tight End

Picks: 11 (1st), 48 (2nd), 68 (3rd), 79 (3rd), 120 (4th), 159 (5th), 191 (6th)

The Jets could go a number of directions here. Most mocks have them going wide receiver, but defensive end and the offensive line are bigger needs. The Jets simply have too many free agent offensive lineman to retain them all, and as such are likely to zero in on the offensive side of the line with their first round pick. Becton has some of the best run blocking skills in this entire draft class, and will provide a massive boost to the Jets floundering run game. The movement skills he showed at the combine will help ease any concerns about his lack of pass blocking experience. Becton could prove to be a steal here, as some teams may have him as their top rated offensive lineman. The Jets will look to address defensive end and wide receiver in free agency and on day two.

Team Impact

The New York Jets need offensive linemen in the worst way. They have up to four starters hitting free agency, and have only Chuma Edoga as an option to start in one of those spots. They will likely test the free agent waters, but no offensive tackle available offers as much upside as Becton does at this point in their careers. Becton played both right and left tackle (sometimes in the same game) prior to his final college season, and is fully capable of starting on the right in the NFL until he convinces coaches he is ready for the superior edge rushers that he will face as a left tackle. This is a homerun pick for the Jets as Becton would likely be a top six pick in almost any other draft class.

Fantasy Impact

The addition of Mekhi Becton would be huge for Le’Veon Bell and the New York Jets ground game. Bell was pitiful on the ground last season, but much of that can be blamed on an offensive line that ranked as the second worst in the league according to Football Outsiders. Addressing their line issues will be key in sparking the run game. Sam Darnold is going to need a strong running game to succeed, especially if Robby Anderson leaves in free agency as expected. Becton has the upside to be a Pro Bowl level blindside protector for Darnold for the next five to ten years, and will provide a subtle increase to Sam Darnold’s fantasy floor.

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