San Francisco 49ers
First-Round Pick: Javon Kinlaw-Defensive Tackle-South Carolina
Best Pick: Javon Kinlaw
Grade: C
The San Francisco 49ers came into the 2020 National Football League without that much draft capital. Initially the Niners were seeking to trade out of the first round in order to obtain more draft picks, and even though that there was some wheeling and dealing done by San Francisco general manager John Lynch, he was unable to get additional picks for the later rounds which is where teams are able to add depth.
The Niners had a void on their defensive line after they traded defensive end DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts, and they didn’t waste anytime in finding his replacement as they selected defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
Kinlaw is a disruptor on the defensive line as he knows how to penetrate in order to get into the opponent’s backfield. And as the Niners already had the best defensive line in the NFL, Kinlaw will be available to add to that, while he will also be in the running to be the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.
But with only five picks in this draft, it was difficult for the 49ers to add the depth thats needed for them to keep their recent success going.
Seattle Seahawks
First-Round Pick: Jordyn Brooks-Outside Linebacker-Texas Tech
Best Pick: Jordyn Brooks
Grade: C
In recent years the Seattle Seahawks have been of the best organizations in the National Football League in regards to finding gems in the draft, but that thought process might be put to the test here in 2020. The Seahawks entered the 2020 NFL Draft in need of a pass rusher as all signs point to them not having the services of defensive end Jadeaveon Clowney. Seattle would select outside linebacker Jordyn Brooks in the first round does have some upside in regards to playing the pass in coverage, but Seattle would pass on defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos who was available.
The remainder of the draft would see the Seahawks look to add depth, but this is a draft class where they won’t have an impact player like they’ve specialized getting in year’s past.
Los Angeles Rams
First-Round Pick: N/A
Best Pick: Round Two-Cam Akers-Running Back-Florida State
Grade: B-
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t have the luxury of possessing a first-round pick in the 2020 National Football League Draft, but they made the most of it as they were seeking to replace some veteran players that they parted with this off-season, while also adding some much needed depth.
The Rams released veteran running back Todd Gurley this off-season and they are hopeful that they found his replacement in the second round when they selected running back Cam Akers. Akers is a stout and physical runner in the same mode as Gurley, but he lacks the explosiveness that his predecessor in Los Angeles had.
The third round would see the Rams focus on adding depth on defense. Los Angeles would select outside linebacker Terrell Lewis who is a versatile defender, while they’d use a compensatory pick on safety Terrell Burgess who plays line an additional linebacker on the field.
The Rams are a team that is in transition and this draft class could help them going forward.
Arizona Cardinals
First-Round Pick: Isaiah Simmons-Linebacker-Clemson
Best Pick: Round Three-Josh Jones-Offensive Tackle-Houston
Grade: A
The Arizona Cardinals were only limited to six selections in this edition of the draft, but they were able to make the most of them. The Cardinals got a surprise in the first round when linebacker Isaiah Simmons fell to them with the eighth overall selection.
Simmons is a very versatile defender who can play multiple positions on defense as he could be the modern day A.J. Duhe. And that versatility will make him one of the best defensive rookies in 2020.
Arizona would get a steal in the third round when they selected offensive tackle Josh Jones. Jones had the talent to be taken in the first round, but he fell to the third round. At 6’7″, 310 lbs., Jones is a mountain of a man who possesses solid feet which are needed to play offensive tackle in the NFL. Jones could begin his career with the Cards at right tackle, but it won’t be long before he’ll be asked to protect the blindside of quarterback Kyler Murray at left tackle.
In round six, the Cardinals would select linebacker Evan Weaver who is a football player’s football player. Weaver joins the Cards as the Pac-12 Conference’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and he will tackle anything in his area code. Weaver has a great work ethic and it wont take him very long to become a leader on defense for Arizona.
The Cards lacked quantity in this draft, but they hit a home run in finding quality.
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