2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the 13 blue-chip prospects available
By Samuel Teets
13. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
While his punches sometimes throw him off balance and can miss their mark, Mekhi Becton possesses the size and length to dominate in the NFL from Day 1. Minor concerns about his weight, tendency to lose leverage, and slow responses in small spaces drop him to the third offensive lineman position in the top 13.
However, scouts love Becton’s incredible power and build. He dominated in college, standing out as a man amongst boys. His foot speed and lateral quickness combine with his roughly seven-foot wingspan to give him extra room for error. He would be ranked higher if not for some concerns about his technique and immediate stability at the pro level.
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Becton relied too much on his sheer size and strength at Louisville sometimes. He sacrificed proper technique for comfortably picking on smaller players. That won’t fly in the NFL.
With the NFL sorely needing an infusion of left tackles, Becton should hear his name called in the top 12 selections.
12. D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
With the way the NFL is trending, it would hardly be surprising if no running backs went in the first round of the upcoming draft. However, that’s hardly representative of this year’s talented runners, among whom D’Andre Swift reigns supreme.
In three seasons at Georgia, Swift averaged 6.6 yards per carry while amassing 2,885 yards and 20 touchdowns. He didn’t play a large role in the passing game, but analysts believe he’s a dual-threat running back capable of running multiple routes and making difficult catches.
While Swift is a Day 1 starter, he lacks high-end trucking ability and doesn’t possess the speed to finish long runs. He could experience a lack of big plays at the NFL level because of these limitations, but his average runs should be high quality. His cutting ability and vision will still ensure success.
Swift doesn’t excel in pass protection, but he’s not a liability either. That solidifies him as a first-round talent, even if it seems more and more likely that he won’t hear his name until Day 2.
I don’t believe Swift will match Josh Jacobs’ rookie numbers from last season, but he could reach a Pro Bowl level by his second or third year in the league. Either way, Swift can start for a team for the better part of the next decade.