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2020 NFL Draft: 25-pick mock, Cleveland Browns get their guy

By Greg Newland

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers on a pass play during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers on a pass play during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 26: A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on the field in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019, in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 26: A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on the field in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019, in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

23. player. 47. . Linebacker. New England Patriots. Kenneth Murray

With the Tom Brady era officially over in New England, some believe the Patriots maybe after a quarterback. If Jordan Love were to fall to the teens the Patriots would be prime candidates to trade up and try to snag him.

If Love goes early as I believe, look for the Patriots to take the best available player on the board.  At this point the linebacker from Oklahoma, Kenneth Murray fits that bill. Murray is a speedy linebacker who can make plays sideline to sideline. Murray would be a great addition with Kyle Van Noy departing the team this offseason.

15. . Linebacker. New Orleans Saints. Patrick Queen. 24. player

Some predict the New Orleans Saints may finally be looking for what’s next after the Drew Brees era comes to an end.  Brees is back on a two-year deal, but the Saints know the end is near. With that, still, look for the Saints to stay in “win now” mode and take the best available linebacker at pick 24.  With such a talented roster the Saints will likely lure a free agent to take over at QB when needed.

Patrick Queen from LSU may be the highest graded linebacker in the draft but does lack some of the explosive plays produces by Kenneth Murray. Queen has a high football IQ paired with supreme athleticism and block shedding abilities that will allow him to be a three-down linebacker from week one for the Saints.

. Defensive End. Minnesota Vikings. A.J. Epenesa. 25. player. 60

The Minnesota Vikings have a few holes to fill in this year’s draft with three veterans in Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, and Stefon Diggs all off the team. After solving the receiver issue at pick 22, look for the Vikings to take the best available defensive end or cornerback at 25.

A.J. Epenesa from Iowa could be the perfect fit at defensive end opposite Danielle Hunter.  Epenesa has been a force in the Big 10 the last two seasons and at six-foot five-inches 275-pounds, he fits the 4-3 scheme perfectly.

Next. 10 prospects to watch for the Cleveland Browns. dark

It remains to be seen if this will be a heavily traded draft, or if teams will stay put.  Given the depth of talent, I think you will see more teams be complacent in the first two rounds knowing there is no need to reach. Stay tuned next week for the full first-round mock.

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