Mike Fanelli | February 18th, 2020
Yesterday I posted part one of my 2.0 mock draft. Today we have part two. After projecting six hypothetical trades in round one, there are five more hypothetical trades in round two. As I mentioned yesterday, everyone loves a mock draft, so while we wait for the combine and then free agency to happen, enjoy the rest of my 2.0 mock draft. Without further ado, the Cincinnati Bengals are back on the clock.
Before reading part two, be sure to check out part one here.
33) Bengals – Austin Jackson, OT, USC
It’s night two of the draft and the Bengals’ front office got a call, it’s from Joe Burrow. He demands, “you better protect me or else I won’t show up!” Now that won’t happen but the Bengals should pretend that it did. Pairing Jackson with last year’s first-round pick Jonah Williams would give Burrow two bookend tackles to protect him for the next decade.
34) Colts (via Redskins) – Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
The Colts got their franchise quarterback in the first round and now it’s time to get him a new weapon. T.Y. Hilton has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons and will turn 31 years old during next season. The team has high hopes for Parris Campbell but Devin Funchess won’t be re-signed. Giving Jordan Love as many playmakers as possible is critical. If not for the depth at wide receiver in this draft class, Shenault would be a lock to go in the first round.
35) Lions – A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
With the Lions passing on a cornerback with their first two picks, it all but guarantees they take a corner with his pick. There are reports that the Lions could trade Darius Slay this offseason while Justin Coleman had an up and down first season in Detroit. Even if Slay remains in Detroit, adding a starting caliber cornerback is a critical need for the Lions this offseason.
*** Giants trade pick #36 to the Browns for picks #41 and #112 ***
36) Browns (via Giants) – Xavier McKinney, SAF, Alabama
Many feel that McKinney is a top 25 pick so to grab him in the second round is steal for the Browns. With the 49ers and Dolphins picking ahead of them, the Browns happily give up a fourth-round pick to secure McKinney. Three of the Browns’ top four safeties, including stater Damarious Randall, are free agents and the team could decide against re-signing Randall.
37) 49ers (via Chargers) – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Finally making their first and only pick of this mock draft, the 49ers find a replacement for Emmanuel Sanders. After trading for him midseason, Deebo Samuel stepped up as the team’s top wide receiver and with limited cap space and more important free agents, Sanders could be allowed to walk. If Sanders is gone, finding a receiver to pair with Samuel is critical.
38) Giants (via Panthers) – Tyler Biadasz, iOL, Wisconsin
Starting center Jon Halapio is a restricted free agent and has been solid but not special. Replacing him with Biadasz will give another young offensive lineman to protect Daniel Jones. It’s not a sexy pick but a very smart one.
39) Dolphins – Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
The Dolphins continue to reshape their offense. After adding Tua Tagovailoa and D’Andre Swift, the Dolphins start working on the offensive line. Julie’n Davenport and Jesse Davis aren’t starting caliber tackles, and need to be replaced. Opening up holes for Swift and protecting Tua are the Dolphins’ top priorities.
40) Cardinals – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Chandler Jones had 19 sacks last year, the rest of the team had 21 combined. Terrell Suggs was second on the team with 5.5 sacks and he was released with three weeks left to go in the season. The Cardinals need to get Jones some help if they ever want their defense to be better than average.
41) Giants (via Browns) – Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
The linebacker position isn’t one the Giants put a lot of emphasis on when the draft rolls around. However, starting linebacker Alec Ogletree will likely be a cap casualty as the Giants can save $8.25 million dollars by cutting him. With Ogletree out of the way, Harrison could start from day one.
*** Jaguars trade pick #42 to the Vikings for picks #57, #89, and #138 ***
42) Vikings (via Jaguars) – Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
After passing on a cornerback in the first round, the Vikings jump several cornerback needy teams to secure the last top 40 cornerback in the draft. Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are upcoming free agents, while Xavier Rhodes will likely be a cap casualty. The Vikings’ secondary could look very different next year and Hall could be the team’s top cornerback.
*** Bears trade pick #43 to the Buccaneers for picks #45 and #139 ***
43) Buccaneers (via Bears, Raiders) – Josh Jones, OT, Houston
With the Colts picking ahead of them, the Buccaneers give up a late fourth-round pick to move up and grab Jones. Some consider Jones a likely top 25 pick so the Buccaneers are very happy to get him with this pick. Demar Dotson will turn 35 next season and is a free agent while Donovan Smith has been inconsistent. Jones would likely start from day one at either tackle spot.
44) Colts – Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska
Hopefully, the Colts can re-sign left tackle Anthony Castonzo but reports are that he is considering retirement. If the Colts don’t bring him back they will need to find a new franchise left tackle. However, if he is re-signed, the Colts should use this pick to solidify their secondary. With all the talented wide receivers in the AFC South, you can never have too many good cornerbacks. Furthermore, Quincy Wilson is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2020 season and adding Jackson would protect them if Wilson leaves.
45) Bears (via Buccaneers) – Ashtyn Davis, SAF, California
Because of the Khalil Mack trade, the Bears don’t have a first-round pick but this is the first of their two second-round picks. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is a pending free agent and after spending big money to re-sign Eddie Jackson, the Bears will likely let Clinton-Dix walk. Top backup safety Deon Bush is also a free agent. Davis would step in day one and start opposite of Jackson.
46) Broncos – Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
The Broncos have several defensive linemen who are pending free agents. Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris, and Adam Gotsis all played critical roles for the Broncos this season and are upcoming free agents. While the Broncos are expected to re-sign at least one of the trio, Blacklock would be a nice replacement and allow the Broncos to keep up their strong depth along the defensive line.
47) Falcons – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
After trading away Mohamed Sanu at the trade deadline, the Falcons were left with just Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and a bunch of nobodies. The duo of Julio and Ridley is one of the best in the league but adding Aiyuk would just make this offense all the more explosive.
48) Jets – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Robby Anderson is an upcoming free agent and the Jets may let him walk depending on how expensive he gets. Either way, the Jets have to add weapons to help out Sam Darnold. Some view Higgins as a polarizing prospect but at 6’4” 215 lbs, Higgins would be an excellent replacement for Anderson.
49) Steelers – Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Unless they can come to a long term deal with Bud Dupree, the Steelers will place the franchise tag on him. However, the team is projected to be tight against the cap and that might mean reserve pass rusher Anthony Chickillo could end up being a cap casualty. Weaver would be an excellent replacement and give the Steelers three guys who can get pressure on the quarterback, making an already great defense even better.
*** Bears trade pick #50 to the Jaguars for pick #58 and Nick Foles ***
50) Jaguars (via Bears) – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
If the Jaguars decide Gardner Minshew II is their starting quarterback for next season, they should look to trade Foles. Cutting Foles will cost the Jaguars $12.1 million dollars more against the cap than just making him the backup. However, trading him will open up $3.1 million dollars in space. Matt Nagy and Foles have a history together and Foles would be the perfect replacement for Chase Daniels (who is a free agent) to backup or push Mitchell Trubisky. By moving up eight spots, the Jaguars can jump the Cowboys for the former LSU star to pair with DJ Chark, giving Minshew two former LSU wide receivers to throw to.
51) Cowboys – Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Jason Witten is obviously no spring chicken and the Cowboys have no idea who will be their starting tight end next season. With likely big cap numbers for Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, the Cowboys won’t be able to sign an expensive tight end in free agency. Hopefully, the Cowboys can re-sign Witten to a cheap one year deal and give Hopkins a year to develop before taking over as the starter in 2021.
52) Rams – Lloyd Cushenberry III, iOL, LSU
With no first-round pick thanks to the Jalen Ramsey trade, the Rams must hit on most of their middle-round picks. Brian Allen was a big disappointment at center this season and Cushenberry would be an excellent replacement. The Rams need to keep the pocket clean for Jared Goff if they want to return to the playoffs next season.
53) Buccaneers (via Eagles) – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Peyton Barber is an upcoming free agent and neither he nor Ronald Jones II had a good enough 2019 season to keep the Buccaneers from spending an early-round pick on a running back. With a strong combine and team workouts, Dobbins could guarantee himself at being the second running back off the board.
54) Bills – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Former first-round pick Shaq Lawson has been a bust so far in his career. He had his fifth-year option declined last year and will be a free agent. Starters Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes are getting up there in age and will be free agents next offseason. Okwara could spend the year rotating in as the third pass rusher and take over as a starter in 2021.
55) Falcons (via Patriots) – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Rumors are swirling that the Falcons will release Devonta Freeman to open up some salary cap space. Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison aren’t starting caliber backs so expect the Falcons to spend a top 60 pick on a running back if they cut Freeman.
56) Dolphins (via Saints) – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Last season the Dolphins had zero players register more than five sacks. The Dolphins had just 23 total sacks on the season, easily last in the league. Needless to say, the Dolphins need to improve their pass rush situation. After spending their first three picks on the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins add Greenard and his 19.5 career sacks.
57) Texans – Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Recently, the Texans declined Vernon Hargreaves‘ fifth year, while Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph are upcoming free agents. The Texans’ cornerback group was exposed time and time again this season so don’t be surprised to see the Texans let all three walk in free agency. Johnson could pair up with last year’s second-round pick Lonnie Johnson Jr. and give the Texans a fresh start at cornerback.
58) Bears (via Jaguars, Vikings) – Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith both struggled with injuries this season while Nick Kwiatkoski stepped in and had a career year. However, both Trevathan and Kwiatkoski are both upcoming free agents. The team would like to bring back Kwiatkoski if the price doesn’t get out of hand. However, if it does, expect the Bears to use one of their two second-round picks on a linebacker.
59) Seahawks – Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
Despite having some big name players along the defensive line, the Seahawks ranked second to last in the league in sacks last season with just 28. Both Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah are upcoming free agents, and the Seahawks may decide against re-signing either. With both potentially gone, the addition of Jennings is needed. His eight sacks last season at Alabama were 2.5 more than Clowney and Ansah had combined for the Seahawks.
60) Dolphins (via Ravens) – Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
The Dolphins’ cornerback group is hard to determine right now. Aqib Talib was traded to Miami midseason in a salary dump move by the Rams and never played a game for the Dolphins. He is a free agent and likely won’t be offered a new deal. Xavien Howard is easily the team’s best cornerback, but he landed himself in hot water over an offseason domestic violence arrest and could be suspended by the league. Meanwhile, Cordrea Tankersley is entering the last year of his deal. Arnette was overshadowed at Ohio State by some of their other NFL talented cornerbacks but he could easily start day one for the Dolphins.
61) Titans – Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Ryan Tannehill had a great season after taking over as the starter for the Titans. However, he struggled to some degree in the playoffs and it’s unclear if the Titans are ready to commit long term to him. If the Titans place the franchise tag on him or replace him with an older free agent veteran like Tom Brady or Philip Rivers on a short term deal, they will need to find a franchise quarterback.
62) Packers – Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
Offensive tackle hasn’t been a problem for the Packers in recent years but Bryan Bulaga is an upcoming free agent as is both backup offensive tackles Jason Spriggs and Jared Veldheer. Even if the team can re-sign Bulaga, he and David Bakhtiari have struggled with injuries over the last few seasons. Adding Driscoll will protect the Packers from losing Bulaga in free agency or when injuries hit.
63) Chiefs (via 49ers) – Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
While the Chiefs’ offense is arguably the best in the league, they will likely have to cut Sammy Watkins and let Demarcus Robinson leave in free agency. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce is still the best tight end in the league but will turn 31 years old during the 2020 season and could end up being a cap causality next offseason as the last year of his deal has no dead money on it. Adding Bryant would give the Chiefs an additional weapon for Mahomes and an eventual replacement for Kelce.
*** Seahawks trade pick #64 to the Jets for picks #68 and #158 ***
64) Jets (via Seahawks, Chiefs) – Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
To close out the mock draft, the Jets jump up four spots to grab Pittman. The former USC receiver has talked about playing with Darnold again and the Jets should make it happen. Assuming the Jets lose Anderson in free agency, pairing up Higgins with Pittman Jr. and Jamison Crowder would give Darnold a nice young trio of wide receivers.
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