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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/db3a47758d7cef3857d4acc70fd0e85473cfe9f8774aac7025b2f58b5c0150f7.jpg)
27th Overall: Seattle Seahawks – Bryce Hall (CB – Virginia)
Team Needs
Offensive Line, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Safety, Edge Rusher, Defensive Tackle
Picks: 27 (1st), 59 (2nd), 64 (2nd), 103 (3rd), 133 (4th), 145 (4th), 155 (5th), 214 (6th), 248 (7th)
The Seattle Seahawks have arguably blown their first round pick two years in a row. 2018 first round pick Rashaad Penny has been unable to beat out Chris Carson for the starting running back job, and last year’s first round pick L.J. Collier played just 157 snaps all season in 2019.
Considered by some as the top draft eligible corner had he declared in 2019, Hall saw his stock dip mostly due to injury. Hall is a versatile corner with good closing speed and a nose for the ball. He has instant starter upside, and represents a homerun pick for the Seattle Seahawks at this point of the draft. The Seahawks are likely to look towards free agency and day two of the draft to readdress the edge. They are a leading candidate to trade up to the start of the second round to land one of the talented defensive ends that got squeezed out of the first round of our mock.
Team Impact
The Seahawks have quite a few needs, but getting a lead dog at the cornerback position should be considered a priority especially with Bryce Hall still on the board. Seattle has begun to make some strides on offense, and now the onus is on the front office to allow the defense to have the opportunity to make the same. Hall profiles as a future number one corner, and has the skill set to thrive in both zone coverage and man.
Fantasy Impact
While Bryce Hall should be a day one starter for the Seattle Seahawks, opposing defenses may treat him as the number two and someone to target in coverage. He led the nation in pass breakups in 2018 thanks to great closing speed that also allows him to rack up tackles. These two factors make him someone to target in leagues that have more than one starting CB position. With that being said, it is very likely that opposing defenses quickly recognize his skill level and start to scheme away from him by the end of his first season.
Looking at Daniel Jones' game against Virginia but continually seeing CB Bryce Hall make plays. Shame he went back to school. Looks like a superstar and has great production. pic.twitter.com/CUqYqJm9vD
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) January 23, 2019