Best fits of the 2020 NFL Draft
When reviewing teams’ NFL Draft classes, you tend to look for picks that stand out for one reason or another. They can stand out for good or bad reasons, but ideally, you want them to stand out because the situation is a good fit for the player. The players in these situation will usually get every shot to earn a roster spot. Here are my best fits of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jordyn Brooks LB, Seahawks
A first round pick may be a little early for my liking, but Seattle has had some success of turning unconventional picks into stars. Brooks certainly would’ve been off the board by their next pick, so I credit them with identifying players for their scheme. The more I watch Brooks, the more I think he’s a perfect Seahawk linebacker. I’ve even seen a quote from a former coach calling him “the next Bobby Wagner.” And where did Bobby Wagner build his career? Seattle. Exactly. Perfect match.
Jeff Okudah CB, Lions
The Lions trade away star CB Darius Slay this offseason and now replace him with the best corner in the draft. Ohio State has produced some great corners recently, and many say Okudah might be the best one yet. If that’s true, Detroit is getting exactly what they want and need. A lengthy, athletic, playmaker in the secondary. He should help improve one of the leagues worst defenses.
Tristan Wirfs OT, Buccaneers
Tampa needed to add players to protect Tom Brady and added one of the best options through the draft. With no other real options on the roster, Wirfs should be a starter from day 1. The position was one of their biggest holes, and he fills it nicely. He’s been put in a great position to succeed in this league.
Michael Pittman Jr WR, Colts
Pittman was a second round pick for Indy. I love this pick because it give the offense a sorely needed threat opposite T.Y. Hilton. While Jack Doyle is a good tight end, and Zach Paschal and Chester Rogers have shown the ability to contribute, they just don’t provide what Pittman can. He’s a big, physical receiver instead of a smaller speed guy. The others can and will contribute, but Pittman might be exactly what the Indy offense was missing.
Brandon Aiyuk WR, 49ers
It’s no secret San Fran needed to upgrade their passing game, which relied way too much on George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Yes they are more of a running team, but you need to be multi-dimensional in today’s league. They traded Marquise Goodwin to Philly, and while Aiyuk doesn’t quite have that kind of speed, he is a more balanced and complete receiver. A perfect player to add to this offense.
Laviska Shenault WR, Jaguars
You really could put any receiver the Jags drafted here. The hole is that big. There is not a guy on their roster that I would consider a true number 1 receiver. Shenault is capable of developing into that. He was basically asked to carry the offense at Colorado and may have to do the same in Jacksonville. He should excel in his new home.
Chase Claypool WR, Steelers
This is one of the absolute best fits of the 2020 NFL Draft. Claypool’s game and ability screams Steeler. He’s a big, physical, tough receiver with speed, an insane jumping ability, and the blue-collar mentality Pittsburgh is known for. His knack for making plays will cause huge problems for defenses with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson.
J.K. Dobbins RB, Ravens
The rich get richer. The best running team in the league just added one of the best running backs available. Adding Dobbins to the backfield with Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Lamar Jackson just seems unfair. It’s the perfect situation and will make that offense even more potent.
A.J. Epenesa DE, Bills
I think Epenesa is the perfect replacement for Shaq Lawson in Buffalo. He’s going to be a more stout run defender with a good ability to rush the passer. I’ve always liked Epenesa’s ability to blow up plays before the can get going. He’s not the quickest, but he’s smart and has the qualities you’d expect of a Buffalo defensive lineman.
Willie Gay LB, Chiefs
The Chiefs have been missing a great linebacker on their defense for quite a while. Gay could certainly be the guy. I really like what he brings to the table on the field. Yes, he’s had some issues off the field, but Kansas City has done a decent job with players like that. Kansas City has there perfect linebacker if they can do it again.
Josh Jones OT, Cardinals
This is much like the situation with Wirfs in Tampa. The offensive line has long been an issue for Arizona. They were fortunate enough to get a potential first round player in the third. He should slide right in as protection for Kyler Murray.
Tyler Biadasz C, Cowboys
Perfect example of a roster hole being filled. Travis Frederick retired this offseason, and Dallas potentially replaces him wit a guy from his alma mater. Now, as a 4th round pick, he won’t exactly be given the position, but I have to think they drafted him with the idea in mind. He’s getting an opportunity in a near-perfect situation.
Those are the best fits of the 2020 NFL Draft as I see them. I think many of these players have been put in great situations to succeed as professionals. Looking forward to watching their careers.