NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2020 NFL Draft: Roberts’ too-early mock draft for next year

By Ryan Roberts

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide attempts a pass against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide attempts a pass against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 16
Next
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Colby Parkinson #84 of the Stanford Cardinal hauls in a short pass play as Adarius Pickett #6 and Darnay Holmes #1 of the UCLA Bruins defends during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 24, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Colby Parkinson #84 of the Stanford Cardinal hauls in a short pass play as Adarius Pickett #6 and Darnay Holmes #1 of the UCLA Bruins defends during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 24, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

23. Dallas Cowboys: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford

Here’s another projection pick for this 2020 NFL Mock Draft. The Dallas Cowboys received a relatively big boost with the return of retired legendary tight end (and all-time terrible announcer) Jason Witten to the team. Despite the news of Witten’s return, the Cowboys would be wise to begin planning for the near future.

Stanford tight end Colby Parkinson is coming off of a breakout sophomore season where he recorded 29 receptions for 485 yards and seven touchdowns. With the loss of Kaden Smith to the NFL, it’s safe to expect even higher volume for Parkinson. Rarely lined up inline, the 6-7, 240-pound Parkinson stands currently as a mismatch option for a team in the slot and out wide as a red zone threat.

When the 2020 NFL Draft comes around, Parkinson could very well be an even more coveted prospect. Either way, the tantalizing receiving ability of Parkinson was far too much to pass up at this point in the draft.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State

The offseason acquisition of long-time Chiefs pass-rusher Justin Houston is making the edge position for the Colts look a lot better than what the reality might actually be. Aside from Houston, there is the steady Jabaal Sheard and a whole lot of unrealized potential up to this point.

Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes is coming off of a broken leg suffered in the Redbox Bowl loss to Oregon last season. Before that injury, Willekes had put together a phenomenal season (78 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks).

Willekes combines stellar hand usage with his length to establish a great edge as a run defender. More effort player than physically gifted, Willekes has a large array of pass rush moves at his disposal. I am still waiting for someone to stop one of his inside counters on tape.

Home/NFL