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2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

By Raju 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
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

12th Overall: Las Vegas Raiders – Isaiah Simmons (LB/S – Clemson)

Team Needs
Linebacker, Cornerback, Safety, Wide Receiver, Running Back, Offensive Line, Quarterback

Picks: 12 (1st), 19 (1st), 80 (3rd), 81 (3rd), 91 (3rd), 121 (4th), 160 (5th), 227 (7th)

There is no way Mike Mayock lets Isaiah Simmons slide any further. Simmons is a true chess piece that can literally play anywhere on the defensive side of the ball. He has speed to burn, and could even handle some carries if called upon. Simmons has insane length for his size, and should measure very well at the NFL Combine. Simmons could start and make the Pro Bowl at safety, linebacker, or defensive end. He will serve as one of the centerpieces for what will be a formidable defense in 2020 and beyond. Simmons was one of the stars on the NFL Combine, and let NFL front offices confirm everything they saw on tape.

Team Impact

Oakland is desperate for middle linebacker help, and will likely add a body in free agency as they cannot depend on Simmons slipping all the way to 12th overall. Regardless of who they decide to add, even if it is a Pro Bowl talent like Blake Martinez, Simmons will be the pick here if available. He can play either linebacker position in the nickel, and can also play the safety position beside Jonathan Abram. Simmons is the type of player Mike Mayock will refuse to pass up, and may even trade up a couple spots for. Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden have spoken about adding more alpha types to the defense, and Simmons undoubtedly qualifies as one.

Fantasy Impact

Isaiah Simmons projects as an immediate LB2. It will be interesting to see how the different providers classify him as his value to shoot through the roof if he receives safety or defensive back eligibility. Simmons has no brainer LB1 upside even in dynasty leagues, but the same is true for redraft leagues. Simmons will immediately be one of the top defensive playmakers in the league, and should vie to lead the Raiders defense in tackles on an annual basis (along with Jonathan Abram). Simmons is someone to target in the closing rounds of redraft leagues, and anywhere from the late second round in IDP heavy leagues.

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