NFL Draft: Final 2020 Round 1 mock draft with trades and explanations

2020 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 mock draft with trades and explanations

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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Damon Arnette, Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

812. . Cornerback. Buckeyes . Damon Arnette. 24. player

Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette reminds me of Baltimore Ravens Marcus Peters in that he’s a first-round caliber corner who just needs one team to believe they can handle his off-the-field issues.

The Saints already have a Super Bowl-caliber team, but the one position they can afford to upgrade early is corner. Arnette is the kind of pick who might shock people but makes a lot of sense.

Arnette is a physical cornerback who excels in man coverage but can play zone coverage if needed. He has speed, and his instincts are off the charts.

Arnette can make plays and is a real ballhawk. Unlike some corners, he doesn’t shy away from tackling, and his acceleration makes him deceptively closer to the play than he appears.

For Arnette to be picked on Thursday, he has to convince a team he’s worth the gamble. If he keeps his nose clean, he could be a really savvy NFL Draft pickup.