2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post-2019 college football season edition
By Dakota Cox
19. Las Vegas Raiders: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Las Vegas got an offensive speedster in the first round, so let’s give them a similar talent on defense in Kenneth Murray. The one elite trait that Murray has is his speed. He can close out on just about anyone, and it really shows in his coverage skills. Whether he is in zone or lined up against a running back, he can hold his own.
The Raiders could really use some speed in a defense. You’d love to play your own game, but you’re going to have to deal with Patrick Mahomes for the next decade. As long as the Chiefs want to spread the field and thrive with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, you have to play fast on defense.
This would be a great opportunity to trade back into later in the first round. If any team wants to go after a quarterback, there are plenty of them on the board. However, we still can’t trade picks in mock drafts.
Las Vegas could consider a corner or an edge rusher here and still take a quality player, but I have linebacker as their biggest need. This is a bit of a reach for Murray, but there is no inside linebacker depth. Unless you want to spend a lot of money on that position in free agency, you have to reach here and ensure that you are covered at that position for the future.