2020 NFL Draft: Early mock draft for next year, Roberts version 1.0

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

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) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers scrambles away from Julian Okwara #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

9. Buffalo Bills: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

Here’s the biggest surprise of the first round mock. Julian Okwara is coming off of breakout sophomore seasons, where he was one of the top rated pressure men in the 2018 season. Okwara, the younger brother of Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara, is an explosive/long athlete that has a similar athletic profile to former Kentucky edge Josh Allen. Okwara would instantly add to an edge group that is begging for a makeover.

Players like Jerry Hughes just aren’t cutting the bill anymore (no pun intended). Combine Okwara with the newly acquired Ed Oliver to create one of the better pass rushing duos in the league for Buffalo.

10. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Hall, DB, Virginia

Donte Jackson was a good find for the Carolina Panthers at the cornerback position, but James Bradberry has been so up and down at the opposite spot over the last couple of seasons. At the point in the draft, the Panthers will select a tremendous value with a defensive back who very well may have been the first cornerback off the board in the 2019 NFL Draft had he declared.

That, of course, is Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall. Hall is fresh off of a junior season where he posted two interceptions and 21 pass breakups. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, Hall fits the prototypical press corner build that NFL teams and continuously clamoring for.

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