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2020 NFL Draft: Roberts’ preseason mock draft

By Ryan Roberts

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball as defensive end Jack Banda #92 of the Arizona Wildcats applies pressure during the second half of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-28. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball as defensive end Jack Banda #92 of the Arizona Wildcats applies pressure during the second half of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-28. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Jacob Phillips #6 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a pass interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the second quarter during the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Jacob Phillips #6 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a pass interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the second quarter during the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

51. . LB. LSU. Jacob Phillips. 31. player

The Los Angeles Rams chose to roll the dice with second-year linebacker Micah Kiser as their starting inside linebacker opposite incumbent Cory Littleton. The Rams added a vote of confidence to Kiser by not adding to the linebacker room until the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the addition of Texas Tech star Dakota Allen.

Another situation that will need to be monitored throughout the 2019 season, but another instance where the value at this point in the first round is just too much to pass up.

LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips went largely overshadowed this past season, mostly due to being the sidekick to first-round pick Devin White. That shadow is fully lifted this season. Phillips is an incredible athlete at the linebacker positions, that combines his physicality and length to project as a potential star at the next level. This slot may be way too low the closer we get to the 2020 NFL Draft.

player. 47. . EDGE. Michigan State. Kenny Willekes. 32

Another year, another Patriots team sitting as the Super Bowl favorites. Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willikes just feels like a Patriots type of player.

A hard-nosed, physical edge-setter, Willikes has some untapped pass rush ability he will hope to put on a more consistent display in 2019. Even without a dominant trait, he presents a much-needed upgrade to an edge group that will be starved for production after Trey Flowers vaulted for the Detroit Lions during free agency this past offseason.

Best Players Still Available

  1. Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
  2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
  3. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
  4. Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
  5. K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
  6. Marvin Wilson Jr., DT, Florida State
  7. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
  8. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
  9. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
  10. Brandon Jones, S, Texas

dark. Next. NFL trade rumors: 5 players who should be moved

Of the best available players, who should have heard their name called on Day 1? Which picks were your favorite and least favorite among the first-round selections? Keep an eye out to halfway through the regular season, where we will again visit mock expectations for team’s draft philosophy during the 2020 NFL Draft.

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