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The 2020 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, so let’s take a look at what the New England Patriots could have planned with this seven-round mock draft
As we inch closer to the 2020 NFL Draft, we continue to get a clearer picture of which prospects NFL teams could look to add to their roster heading into the 2020 season. Rumors are flying, but every team is chasing one thing, a Lombardi trophy, and success in the draft is critical to realizing that dream.
In a time-honored tradition unlike any other, I have decided to add another 100 percent accurate mock draft to the Internet archives. As always, remember that I harbor only seething hatred for your favorite team. That is why in order to save all of the FanSided commenters precious time, I’ve decided to include these helpful pre-written insults to hurl at me in the comments section. Feel free to copy and paste away!
- What are you thinking??!! The [insert team] would never pick [insert player] in [insert round]!
- Have you ever watched football in your entire life?!?!
- I know you’re doing your best to provide quality content and I’m proud of you!
To make things easier on myself, I have enlisted the help of The Draft Network’s trusty Mock Draft Machine, which I highly recommend for all draft fans out there. And now without further ado, here is your seven-round 2020 mock draft for the New England Patriots.
P.S.: I hope everyone out there is staying as safe and healthy as possible. We’re all in this together.
Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
1st round
Lloyd Cushenberry III
OL, Tigers
I won’t be surprised if this pick is a quarterback (Oregon’s Justin Herbert if he falls, perhaps?) but for now, we’ll stick with another position of need along the offensive line with Lloyd Cushenberry III.
Cushenberry anchored the middle of the national champion Tigers’ offensive unit for the past two seasons and was the first offensive lineman to earn the program’s coveted No. 18 jersey, exemplifying toughness and leadership. Cushenberry has great length and athleticism that makes him a true asset up front, especially in the run game.
A lot of praise was rightfully put upon LSU quarterback Joe Burrow for his transition to Joe Brady’s offensive scheme, but you can’t look past how a player like Cushenberry also handled that transition at a position like center. Tasked with identifying defensive fronts and implementing the appropriate protections were crucial in the Tigers’ dominant season.
With David Andrews and Joe Thuney both slated to hit free agency following next season, combined with the Pats’ love of maximizing the compensatory pick system, Cushenberry seems like a perfect long-term replacement on the interior and a great fit for Bill Belichick’s scheme.