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2020 NFL Draft, winners and losers from first round: Raiders reach, Vikings hit home run

By Bob Blackwood

UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
(Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings were able to draft Justin Jefferson at No. 22 which was great value and, after trading back from No. 26 to 31 and adding an extra fourth-round pick, they were able to draft Jeff Gladney out of TCU. Jefferson fills a big need at wide receiver and he was one of the more talented receivers in the second tier of talent in this draft.

Gladney has great physical talent and man coverage skills and he will now get to work with Mike Zimmer who is considered to be a bit of a cornerback whisperer. These were two areas of need for the Vikings and they did a good job of plugging the holes with guys who can be starters for them as soon as next season.

Loser: New England Patriots fans

The New England Patriots went into the draft slotted with the 23rd pick. Patriots fans are used to the team trading down or out of the first round but this year felt different. It’s probably due to the Brady-less era they are about to embark on but Patriots fans wanted to see more. It also didn’t help that the Patriots made their fans stay up to around 11 before trading out again.

Next. 2020 NFL Draft: Grading all 32 first-round picks. dark

Since the team has a big need at linebacker, it also didn’t help fans to see Kenneth Murray drafted with their No. 23 pick by the Chargers and then Patrick Queen get drafted by AFC rival Baltimore.  Hopefully the team can do something with the five picks they have set for Friday to move up and down the board for some impact players.

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