2020 mock draft: Jonathan Taylor, Austin Jackson linked to Chiefs
By Matt Conner
The latest round of mock drafts link the Kansas City Chiefs with new prospects including running back Jonathan Taylor.
Mock drafts are becoming more and more prevalent these days as the offseason nears ever closer, which means we’re beginning to see new prospects linked to the Kansas City Chiefs. The latest round of mocks includes new possible picks at running back and offensive line among others.
The 2020 NFL Draft is not until April, so we’ve got plenty of time between now and when any of this information actually matters. Fortunately we’re also rooting for a franchise with plenty of football hopefully ahead in the postseason. Still let’s take a look at the latest round of mock drafts to at least stay ahead.
It begins with an exciting thought at running back
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
The skinny:
5’11, 219 lb. running back who was three-year starter. Had 55 career touchdowns, including 26 this year. Averaged over 2,000 yards rushing per season as a starter.
They say:
"“Jonathan Taylor put up some of the best numbers in college football history, will run a 4.4 at the combine, and will ace team interviews in an offensive with Patrick Mahomes. Do y’all need a PowerPoint presentation to understand this or can we just go home under the agreement that the Kansas City Chiefs are winning a title with this duo at some point?”"
We say:
There’s no denying the incredible star power of Taylor, who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting (with 6 first place votes). Taylor would be a game-changer for most teams, but for the Chiefs, Taylor would be a frightening add for an offense that’s already capable of operating at historic levels. The Chiefs already have Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman locked up for the next three seasons and adding a third young player to the mix with Taylor’s skill set would return an element missing since Kareem Hunt was released.
The primary questions for the Chiefs here revolve around two primary pillars: the first-round cost and Taylor’s pass-catching ability. The former is simply about draft value. Do the Chiefs really want to invest a first round pick in a running back of all positions, especially with needs along the offensive line, linebacker and corner?
As for the latter, to date, Taylor has caught only 40 passes in his collegiate career, including only 8 in each of his first two years as a starter. Taylor caught several more this year, but he’s not nearly as proven in terms of his ability to be a threat out of the backfield in the passing game. Watch for this to be a major element in his post-draft workouts.