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2020 NFL Mock Draft, Week 3: First-round projections – Justin Herbert rising?

By John Mitchell

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks for an open receiver against the Auburn Tigers in the first quarter during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks for an open receiver against the Auburn Tigers in the first quarter during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

player. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. 11

Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have let their affinity for Clemson players be known, and they’ll be among many teams in the 2020 class enamored with the Tigers’ Swiss army knife linebacker/safety/slot corner Isaiah Simmons.

Simmons lines up all over the field in Brent Venables’ defense, and constantly makes an impact from a variety of different positions. His ability to play all over the field is extremely valuable, particularly in today’s pass-happy NFL. Simmons is excellent in coverage, while also being physical in the box and making plenty of plays against the run.

His future in the NFL is likely going to be at linebacker with a 225-pound frame capable of holding a lot more weight, but a smart defensive coordinator is going to utilize him similarly to how Venables has done with the Tigers. Move him all over the field and let him fly to the ball and make big plays.

Mayock has proven to be a great talent evaluator, and while the Raiders still might be a couple of years away from seriously contending, you can see things moving in the right direction as the team heads to Las Vegas in 2020.

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