NFL Mock Draft picks 1-20: Who could be left for Cleveland Browns at 26?
By Greg Newland
14. Minnesota Vikings – Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami FL
One of the Viking’s biggest needs this offseason is an edge rusher. And with salary cap tightness, the team will likely have to address this in the draft rather than free agency. Unfortunately for the Vikings, this is one of the weaker classes in a while at defensive end.
Gregory Rousseau is number one or two on most boards, and in this mock, the Vikings at least get the first edge off the board. Rousseau has a ton of talent, but after not playing in 2020 there is certainly a risk to taking him.
In a strong system like Minnesota, Rousseau will fit in nicely and should be a day one starter with a nice impact as a rookie.
15. New England Patriots – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
For the first time in years, the Patriots enter a complete rebuild after trying to keep the streak going with Cam Newton at quarterback last season. That plan went just well enough to land them with a mediocre pick, but they somehow come away with a steal in Justin Fields after sliding.
The Ohio State quarterback doesn’t slide because he can’t play, there just isn’t a great fit for any other teams drafting before the Patriots. It might seem Field’s style doesn’t fit the Patriots, but no team has shown the ability to adapt to their talent more than Bill Belichick.
While there is a chance all four of the top quarterbacks could go in the top eight picks, if a team like the Jets decide to stick with their guy, Fields could be a guy that has the infamous fall and is shown all too often on draft night.