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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
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

25th overall: Minnesota Vikings –  Austin Jackson (LT – USC)

Team Needs
Offensive Line, Cornerback, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher,

Picks: 25 (1st), 58 (2nd), 89 (3rd), 106 (3rd), 132 (4th), 205 (6th), 220 (7th), 240 (7th), 251 (7th), 254 (7th)

The Minnesota Vikings hit a homerun in selecting Garret Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and are likely to go back to the offensive lineman well in 2020. Austin Jackson is the last first round talent tackle left on the board, and would be a terrific fit for the Vikings. They could use his talent on either side of the line, but he will be drafted to play left tackle. While he may have some technique issues to clean up, he has enough tape against the top edge rusher talents in this draft to comfortably project him as a rookie starter. Minnesota is desperate for cornerback help, but would be better served taking the best player available that fits a need, rather than reaching for a player like Jaylon Johnson or A.J. Terrell when they can land starter upside talents at corner in the second and third rounds.

Team Impact

Adding Austin Jackson would represent an upgrade for the Vikings passing game, as well as their run game. Protecting Kirk Cousins has to be considered priority number one for a Vikings team that is stuck with their signal caller for at least one more season. Stefon Diggs continues to express his displeasure with the Vikings offense, but the Vikings would likely insist on a first round pick to move their disgruntled star receiver, which makes offensive tackle the route the Vikings likely go with this particular pick. Adding Jackson will allow RIley Reiff to return to his more natural right tackle position.

Fantasy Impact

While offensive linemen aren’t direct fantasy assets, their impact on the upsides of both the passing and rushing attacks cannot be understated. More protection means the Vikings can wait for routes to develop, and that they will not need to feel the urge to check to a run play whenever Kirk Cousins reads blitz. Jackson is a plus asset in the run game, and will help increase the upsides of both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison.

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