By Matthew Golden
SouthernPigskin.com

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Matthew Golden ranks the the top five team fits for SEC players selected during the 2020 NFL Draft.

It didn’t take long for football fans to notice that the SEC was dominating the 2020 NFL Draft.

Exiting Thursday night’s first round, 15 players had been selected across 32 picks breaking the 2013 and 2017 draft class’ record of 12. Not stopping there, the SEC would have 40 players selected among the first 106 picks in the first three rounds.

While Joe Burrow, Andrew Thomas, and Tua Tagovailoa will forever have the honor of being top 5 picks, it’s no surprise that the organizations they’re joining need help..a lot of help.

With that being said, I take a look at which 5 SEC standouts selected in the 2020 NFL Draft are set to join the best immediate fit for the next step of their football career.

(1) Clyde Edwards-Helaire 3 LSU 3 Kansas City Chiefs

Not a single running back was selected in the first round of the draft leading up to the final pick of the night. Then, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs made a move that makes a lethal offense more dangerous. The former LSU tail back finds himself in a match made in heaven as his skill set fits the need and style of Kansas City’s high-octane offense. Many expected Georgia running back Deandre Swift to be the choice, but Edwards-Helaires versatility and elusiveness out of the back field was too much for Andy Reid and company to pass up. The 2019 National Champion will now be able to showcase his route running, finishing ability, and flat out production on the Super Bowl 54 champs.

(2) Patrick Queen 3 LSU 3 Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens fill their one gleaming need at inside linebacker with arguably the best prospect at the position leading into the draftxa6.Dont do it. Dont you dare do it. Patrick Queen is not going to be Ray Lewis Jr., nor does he need to be. I will say, Queen has the chance to be very special in black and purple. At LSU, Patrick Queen was a three down backer who led the Tigers defensively to a National Championship by using his athleticism to make plays in multiple facets of the game. From the interior linebacker position, Queen possess top notch speed which enhances his coverage ability and range. While he may lack size, he makes up for it through effort and energy. Throw in the ability to rush the passer from the middle of the defensive and the Ravens have themselves and absolute Day 1 starter in Patrick Queen.

(3) Jedrick Wills 3 Alabama 3 Cleveland Browns

Its not every day that joining the Cleveland Browns is a favorable fit. Seriously. But, for former Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, the opportunity to travel north and join the Browns is one that not only makes sense but could elevate the success of the entire organization. Wills, a mauling finisher at the tackle position, is known to possess extremely high character off the field, while also having a high football IQ and energy. After Andrew Thomas was selected fourth overall, Wills would follow suit six picks later becoming the second offensive lineman off the board. Wills joins a revamped Browns offensive line as Cleveland addressed it largely in free agency by signing former Tennessee Titan Jack Conklin. With incredible footwork and a powerful punch, Wills should naturally fit in to eventually protect Mayfields backside for the better part of the next decade.

(4) Isaiah Wilson 3 Georgia 3 Tennessee Titans

Isaiah Wilson will transition from blocking opposite of Andrew Thomas at RBU to blocking opposite of three-time pro bowler Taylor Lewan for last years league leading rusher, Derrick Henry. Not bad if you ask me. The 68 offensive tackle will benefit from his role in Georgias pro style offense as he joins an offensive line that led the third ranked rushing attack in the NFL. Wilson may need some time to develop better footwork for pass protection, but the tough right tackle possesses all the traits to become one of the leagues top run blockers. The benefit of going 25 picks after his Georgia running mate is that he finds himself in more than an ideal situation in Tennessee.

(5) Javon Kinlaw 3 South Carolina 3 San Francisco 49ers

Former South Carolina standout Javon Kinlaw has found himself a new home, all the way across the country. While Im sure the move from Columbia to California may be a pest, the opportunity for Kinlaw to transition into the 49ers next defensive stalwart is unbelievable. Listed at 65, 325 pounds, the former Gamecock presents the perfect size to play on the interior defensive line at the NFL level. With Kinlaw standing taller and having longer arms then most interior lineman, hes regarded to have higher potential in terms of becoming a dangerous pass rusher from the middle of the front seven. With Nick Bosa and company leading the way, the versatile Javon Kinlaw finds himself in a scenario where he can develop and make an impact from day one.

*Honorable Mentions: Jerry Jeudy – Alabama – Denver Broncos, Marlon Davidson – Auburn – Atlanta Falcons, Justin Jefferson – LSU – Minnesota Vikings