It’s officially draft season here at NFL Fan Blitz. While our contributors continue to pump out great team-specific drafts, as well as some league-focused content, we thought it only proper to get our staff together for a mock draft and see what we got.
Unfortunately, the NFL season has concluded, but that brings an exciting opportunity for tons of speculation and analyzing. We promise to bring you plenty of that this offseason.
In this two-round mock draft, we take a look at the future’s of all 32 NFL teams and how to get your team closer to a Super Bowl!
Without further ado, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock!
1. Arizona Cardinals
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Nick Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State
With the Cardinals sitting at the top of the board, the organization has the luxury of being in the proverbial driver’s seat in this year’s draft. Although there are many needs for this team, Arizona decides to go with who most consider being the top prospect in this class, Nick Bosa. An intimidating defensive end from Ohio State, Bosa wrecked opposing offensive lines in the Big Ten and all over the country in his three seasons with the Buckeyes. In the Cardinals’ new 3-4 defensive scheme, Bosa would project as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. With the luxury of lining up opposite former All-Pro Chandler Jones, Bosa could and should be the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019. If healthy, look for Bosa to push the 10+ sack total in his rookie season while establishing himself as an all-around player for years to come.
– Jonathan Joyce
2. San Francisco 49ers
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Quinnen Williams, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
It’s no secret that the 49ers desperately need an edge rusher and there have been whispers of Arizona selecting Quinnen Williams first overall. Williams is viewed as a perfect fit for Vance Joseph’s scheme but wasn’t taken first in our mock draft. If Bosa is selected first overall, then the 49ers may opt to trade back in the first round, but Williams is the best player available. The problem with this strategy is that the 49ers have invested high draft capital in Deforest Buckner and Solomon Thomas. Buckner broke out this season and Thomas showed signs of life near the end of the year when he was moved inside. Williams has similar traits to Aaron Donald and a potential combination of Buckner and Williams could be a lethal combination. It all boils down to what the Niners front office values at No. 2. Best overall player or best fit?
– Jason Aponte
3. New York Jets
The Pick: Josh Allen, Defensive End, Kentucky
After cleaning house this offseason, the Jets defense, now led by Gregg Williams, will transition from a base 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. As evidenced by the success of Williams’ former star pass rusher, Myles Garrett, it is imperative that the Jets find a premier edge rusher to make this scheme work. At pick No. 3, the Jets select Josh Allen out of Kentucky, an edge rusher with great size and elite athletic ability, who profiles as a weak-side defensive end at the next level.
– Grant Morse
4. Oakland Raiders
The Pick: Devin White, Linebacker, LSU
A potential defensive captain gets selected at No. 4 for Raiders. Regarded as probably the best linebacker in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders in the NFL Fan Blitz Mock draft picked Devin White from LSU. Being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, White had 123 tackles with three sacks and forced three fumbles as a junior for the Tigers. In the second year of the new 4-3 defense for the Raiders, White will come in to play the middle linebacker position and will have help watch the defense from the middle of the field. The Raiders will use him as a potential run-stopping threat, but will also rely on him to help in the passing game as he is 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds and was the leading tackler for LSU. For the Raiders to be successful, this young linebacker will need to learn the defense quickly and be a part of the rebuilt defense to lead it to the postseason in the future.
– Andy Morphew
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Greedy Williams, Cornerback, LSU
The Buccaneers’ secondary continues to be their Achilles heel, giving up more than 400 yards per game in multiple games last season. The Buccaneers ranked 31st in total takeaways, and a 6-foot-2 corner with closing speed and a ball-hawk mentality could single-handedly improve that number. Greedy would be an immediate replacement for Brent Grimes as he is unlikely to return and would be paired up with Carlton Davis and MJ Stewart, who will be entering their second year. The Bucs have some of the most talented wide receivers going against them in their division with Michael Thomas and Julio Jones, and Greedy’s length and frame could serve as an advantage in man-to-man. Offensive line is also a glaring need, but with positional depth, in this draft, they can still get their man in the second round.
– Ashlie Abrahams
6. New York Giants
The Pick: Drew Lock, Quarterback, Missouri
The 6-foot-3, 220 pounds senior from Lee Summit, Missouri, will be the first quarterback off the board this April. He’s got everything you could ask for physically, he can make every throw on the field and then some, and he’s got an absolute fire hose for a right arm. Along with his cannon, he shows the ability to put a nice touch on his passes. The arm talent gives him an exceptional ability to throw receivers open and he’s got very good arm talent. He’s had a passer rating over 120 in three of his four years as a starter as Missouri and amassed 7,000 yards in the last two seasons. He had a very impressive Senior Bowl showing and his postgame press conference he even got a few laughs. He’ll ace his interview process, and be a first-round pick. Like a lot of rookie quarterbacks, Lock does have a small gunslinger mentality and he needs to improve his decision making and his footwork. But his raw talent lends itself to possibly sitting behind Eli for a bit; regardless, he has an unmeasurable ceiling and will be a Lock as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
– Tyler Brandt
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Dwayne Haskins, Quarterback, Ohio State
Quarterback is clearly the Jaguars; biggest need entering the offseason. However, that does not necessarily mean they will fall in love with any of the top available quarterbacks in this draft and mortgage the future in order to secure them. But if the right guy were to fall to pick No. 7, as is the case in this mock draft with Haskins, the opportunity is too good to pass up. Haskins is widely regarded as the best quarterback in the draft class and he checks a lot of boxes for the Jaguars. Haskins has prototypical size, a big arm, and is effective off play action. If he falls to pick No. 7 in April, it will likely be too good of an opportunity for Jacksonville to pass up.
– Jacob Defee
8. Detroit Lions
The Pick: Ed Oliver, Defensive End, Houston
With Ezekiel Ansah set to hit the open market, the Lions must go into this draft with a pass rusher at the forefront of their team needs. Fortunately for them, this is arguably the most talented class of pass rushers in recent memory. With Nick Bosa and Josh Allen off the board by pick No. 8, the Lions go with Ed Oliver from Houston, a versatile edge rusher who has the athletic ability to play any position alongside Matt Patricia’s defensive line.
– Grant Morse
9. Buffalo Bills
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Jonah Williams, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
After last season’s struggles in both the running and passing game, the Bills need an immediate upgrade at the offensive line positions. Williams was a three-year starter at the University of Alabama and laid the foundation for the success of Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovalioa. Buffalo recently hired Bobby Johnson as its offensive line coach, and he comes off a season in Indianapolis where the Colts went five consecutive games without allowing a sack. While that type of success will be tough to come by in Buffalo, Williams represents that first step towards getting there.
– Andrew Crane
10. Denver Broncos
The Pick: Byron Murphy, Cornerback, Washington
The Broncos needed a cornerback in last year’s draft and were connected to Denzel Ward throughout the entire draft process but were forced to go a different direction when the Cleveland Browns selected him one pick before Denver’s at No. 4 overall. The Broncos still need a quarterback and again this year they are closely connected to a player in Missouri’s Drew Lock who John Elway is reportedly “smitten” with. In this mock draft, though, Lock went to the Giants at No. 6 and Dwayne Haskins went to the Jaguars with the next pick. Similar to last year, the Broncos were in a position where they could reach on a quarterback (Daniel Jones or Kyler Murray), or they could look at fulfilling other needs.
Stalwart Chris Harris will be thirty years old by the time the season starts and is primarily a slot corner. The next two men up are Tramaine Brock and Bradley Roby. Both are free agents and Brock will be thirty-one at the start of the season. Rookie Isaac Yiadom showed some promise in his inaugural season but the Broncos desperately need another stud corner to pair with Chris Harris. Byron Murphy can play in zone schemes or man-to-man and will be a perfect chess piece for new head coach Vic Fangio. Murphy follows in a long line of highly touted defensive backs to come out of the University of Washington including Marcus Peters, Kevin King, Buddy Baker, and Sydney Jones.
– Luis Hernandez
11. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Clelin Ferrell, Defensive End, Clemson
The Bengals’ defense was simply awful in 2018. Cincinnati finished dead last in the NFL in total defense giving up a woeful 28.4 points per game. A big part of the problem for the Bengals’ defense unite was the inability to get to the opposing quarterback. Cincinnati finished 28th in the NFL in total sacks. By drafting Clelin Ferrell out of Clemson, this number will surely go up. Ferrell helped lead Clemson to a pair of national championships after finishing his college career with 27 sacks, 50.5 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles. Ferrell is a game-wrecker, and the Bengals need one badly.
– Aaron Gershon
12. Green Bay Packers
The Pick: Jachai Polite, Defensive End, Florida
The Packers need a No. 1 edge rusher badly. Jachai Polite is one of the most athletic and fast rushers in the draft, while also having hustle and motor to make plays downfield. He isn’t lazy on the field, which is something Packers pass rushers have been in the past couple seasons, and will never give up on a play. He’s been compared to Melvin Ingram by most scouts thanks to his play style and his upside. Polite would be drafted, and would likely be a day one starter with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry possibly gone.
– Max Mason
13. Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
Miami needs a playmaker and they need to get to the opposing quarterback. They could use an upgrade anywhere on the defensive line and Wilkins would be a great upgrade. Wilkins knows how to make plays and was all over the field against Alabama in the National Championship game. Wilkins is also a senior and plays the game with so much passion. Wilkins had five-and-a-half sacks in 2018 and has great versatility. He also had fourteen tackles for a loss in 2018 and created a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Miami Dolphins desperately need playmakers and they need to get pressure on the quarterback. With Wilkins being the pick, the Dolphins can sit comfortably knowing they took a stud and someone that is going to make a huge impact from day one.
– Caleb Barnhouse
14. Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Cody Ford, Offensive Lineman, Oklahoma
Cody Ford is a 6-foot-, 330 pounds right tackle out of Oklahoma. He’s also played guard in years past. Right tackle was an absolute disaster last year for the Falcons, so Ford would certainly fill a need, and at the 14th overall pick, it seems like a pretty good bargain. Ford seems to have good awareness when it comes to picking up assignments and switching blocks. He has a lot of strength and decent footwork. Rarely does he get his feet crossed over, but his footwork is still an area that he can improve on. He doesn’t get pushed back often, has great balance, and has shown good technique. The film on Cody Ford shows that on most of his pre-snaps he is in a two-point stance. Usually, a two-point stance is an indicator that it will be a pass. The NFL level might be more difficult to always be in that stance. Ford might have somewhat of an adjustment period, getting used to more three-point stances, but that could easily be worked on and coached up. The ceiling is very high for Ford. The Falcons were terrible at running the ball and not much better at protecting quarterback Matt Ryan. Ford would almost certainly improve both of those areas.
– Joseph Ricotta
15. Washington Redskins
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Daniel Jones, Quarterback, Duke
The Redskins are facing one of the most unique quarterback situations. There is an ongoing debate whether or not the Redskins should tank for a better quarterback prospect in 2020, or draft one now and try to salvage what is left. While Haskins is arguably the best quarterback in the draft and Kyler Murray is special, the logical quarterback draftee is Daniel Jones. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 220 pounds, Jones is the definition of a solid quarterback. His numbers are not outstanding, but not terrible either. During his time at Duke, he racked up 8,201 yards and completed 59.9 percent of his passes, finishing with a rating of 122.9.
– Daniel Thomas
16. Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Montez Sweat, Defensive Lineman, Mississippi State
The choice to select Montez Sweat, especially at No. 16, was very easy. He is a rare combination of the position of need and best player available in the middle of round No. 1. Considering how well he performed at the Senior Bowl, he very well may not be available by the time the Carolina Panthers pick in the actual draft, so seeing a top 10 talent on the board at Carolina’s pick led to an easy decision to run to the podium to turn in the selection.
Sweat would be a great pick for the Panthers. They absolutely have to improve at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Normally, drafting a defensive end this high could be considered a risk. However, given what the Panthers need and what they currently have on the roster, this would not be a risk it all. In fact, Sweat has enough star-power potential to be considered as close to a sure thing as possible. When you watch the film, Sweat explodes as soon as the ball is snapped. Very difficult to block, his prototypical 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame does not make it easy for opposing offensive linemen. Admittedly, he is not the fastest defensive end on the field, but he knows how to read plays and react on the fly. That alone makes him worthy of a high-round pick.
Sweat is exactly what the Carolina Panthers need as they look to get younger defensively. He is a fundamental technical player, just like Luke Kuechly. He knows how to fill his gaps and shed his blocks in order to pressure the quarterback or stuff the runner. Shedding the blocks and filling gaps were something that successful Panthers defenses of the past did well, and his play is reminiscent of the now-retired Julius Peppers whose shoes he would likely be asked to fill. The team already has solid secondary pieces in place and adding Sweat to the defensive line will allow the Panthers defense to wreak havoc on opposing offenses like it did in days past.
– Joshua Outland
17. Cleveland Browns
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Jeffrey Simmons, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State
Simmons is a player who is very versatile in how he can play as an interior defensive lineman. He can play anywhere from nose tackle to a three-technique and is explosive off of the snap. Simmons Plays his gaps well and is also able to create pressure up the middle. He is not a high sack player, but one that will create pressure on the quarterback and can hold his gap in the run game. Off-field questions could be a concern after a video of him striking a woman while he was in high school surfaced, but he supposedly changed his act at Mississippi State and has no other history of off-the-field issues. Simmons is a top-10 talent, and while the incident is concerning, he seems to have turned his life around and would be a massive get for the Browns to pair with Larry Ogunjobi in the middle.
– Nolan Hopkins & Graeme Mohan
18. Minnesota Vikings
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Brian Burns, Defensive End, Florida State
The Vikings’ biggest need is the offensive line, but when the second-best pass rusher and a should-be top 10 pick falls to the 18th slot in the draft, you can’t pass up on him. There is good depth in this draft with interior offensive lineman and the Vikings can get a starter in the second round. This may seem to be a luxury pick but with questions on if Anthony Barr will return to the Vikings, Burns may be able to fill in with his production. Burns’s blend of length, technical refinement, and burst serve as a strong foundation for him to become a dynamic playmaking defender in the NFL. Burns recorded 20.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
– Kieth Domon
19. Tennessee Titans
The Pick: D.K. Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
The Titans struggled offensively in 2018, finishing in the bottom quarter of the league in total yards, passing yards, and scoring. The return of former Pro Bowl MVP tight end Delanie Walker will no doubt help Mariota and the passing game, but adding a third good option to go along with Walker and Corey Davis could transform the Titans from perennial playoff contenders to perennial Super Bowl contenders.
According to almost any expert, Metcalf is the most talented receiver in this draft class, and assuming his combine numbers come back on par with that after a season-ending neck injury, he’ll likely be the first receiver off the board. Adding Metcalf to the mix will also give the Titans size to create mismatches against almost any defense; the top defenses in the AFC (Texans, Ravens, Patriots, Jaguars) are all built to play teams with one big receiver and one or two smaller ones. Metcalf lined up opposite of Davis would give the Titans two 6-foot-4, physical receivers who can beat anyone in a fifty-fifty ball situation.
– Michael David Chapman
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End, Iowa
The Steelers cannot enter the 2019 season having lost two of their three tight ends and doing nothing about the holes at the position, leaving them with the oft-injured Vance McDonald as their only viable option at the position. They are finally fed up with the lack of consistency they’ve had at the tight end spot since the retirement of Heath Miller, ,and will run the card to the podium and select stud prospect T.J. Hockensonn from the University of Iowa.
Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, the 21-year old Hockenson brings a very versatile skill set to the Steelers offense. Along with the ability to stretch the field vertically, he also great hands and run after the catch ability. Hockenson is a big threat in the passing game. He accompanies his great receiving attributes with solid run and pass blocking. This pick solidifies the Steelers’ tight end position for the next decade and perhaps beyond, ending their search for consistency at the position.
– Jonathan Coxe
21. Seattle Seahawks
The Pick: DeAndre Baker, Cornerback, Georgia
Baker, last season’s Thorpe Award winner, is a logical option at No. 21 for Seattle, a team searching for secondary help. The cornerback could fit nicely alongside Shaquill Griffin and would be a spectacular addition to a playoff team while also satisfying Seattle’s nostalgia for the Legion of Boom. The only potential wrinkle comes when you consider reality: Baker fell to No. 21 in our team mock draft, but how likely is it that Baker will fall all the way to No. 21? Pro Football Focus has placed Baker at No. 5 and No. 17 in two of their early mocks, and for good reason; he was a stud who admirably replaced Roquan Smith as the anchor of Georgia’s defense this past season. He is similar to a five-tool baseball player in the secondary and represents an instant upgrade in anyone’s defensive backfield.
– Patrick Andres
22. Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Kelvin Harmon, Wide Receiver, N.C. State
The selection of Harmon was made easier due to the prior selection of D.K. Metcalf with the 19th pick. The Ravens would utilize a wide receiver to fill in the potential loss of Michael Crabtree and John Brown. Harmon, who is 6-foot-2, 214 pounds, would serve as the natural replacement for Crabtree. The North Carolina State product recorded 177 catches, 2,665 yards, and 16 touchdowns while a member of the Wolfpack. The robust 15.1 yards per catch jumps off the page, highlighting the potential for big plays in Baltimore. While much of Harmon’s draft stock will depend on the NFL Combine, his measurables, very similar to Crabtree’s 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame, reflect a wide receiver who could be deadly at the next level both in the red zone and in the open field. At N.C. State, Harmon displayed the ability to be an elite receiver in all aspects, registering a pair of 1,000 yard receiving seasons during his time in Raleigh.
– Ryan Potts
23. Houston Texans
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Greg Little, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
After acquiring a veteran starter or two in free agency, the Texans select the franchise left tackle of the future, and the one with the highest upside in Ole Miss’ Greg Little. His pre-combine measurements place him at an impressive 6-foot-5, 325 pounds with the strength and quickness of a true athlete. His technique can be raw at times and still lacks polish, but the technique can be taught and improved. While Little improves his skills, Julie’n Davenport can hold down the fort before moving over to the right side. This late in the first round, Little’s talent is too much to pass up for a unit that allowed a league-high 62 sacks of quarterback-of-the-future Deshaun Watson in 2018.
– Kai Brewer
24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago)
The Pick: Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Oklahoma
The Raiders get a surprise at No. 24 after getting a defensive player with their earlier pick when they learn that reigning Heisman Trophy winner was still available during their second time on the clock in the 2019 NFL Draft. Although the Raiders have a pricey quarterback under contract in Derek Carr, Kyler Murray from Oklahoma will get a chance to learn under one of the best quarterback coaches in the league with Jon Gruden getting ready to start year two of his second tenure in Oakland. While Murray surprised a lot of people by declaring for the draft and choosing football over baseball, he could be a good quarterback in the NFL after a stunning season with the Sooners when he threw for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns; the Sooners’ signal-caller led the team to a Big 12 Title and National Playoff match and could fit into the system if Carr gets traded or hurt. This pick makes sense for the Oakland brass and Murray could do well on the field for Oakland, or rather, Las Vegas in 2020.
– Andy Morphew
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Marquise Brown, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Brown is 5-foot-10, 170 pound junior from Oklahoma who has had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Brown will answer the Eagles’ downfield threat void that they have had since they cut ties with DeSean Jackson. Brown has excellent playmaking skill after the catch and has terrific separation throughout his routes. He might lack in the speed department but he makes up for it with his incredible start-and-stop ability that is bound to create headaches for defenders. Brown is a dynamic deep threat with a great feel of taking great angles to the football while in the air. Brown will make an immediate impact for the Eagles, and it doesn’t hurt that he is the cousin of Antonio Brown.
– Michael J. McCafferty
26. Indianapolis Colts
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Rashan Gary, Defensive End, Michigan
Unlikely to fall to 26th overall in the actual NFL Draft, Rashan Gary was an absolute steal here. The top high school prospect entering Michigan, Gary’s production has been modest over his career in Ann Arbor. He is a superior athlete, with a good get off. He sets a great edge in the run game with his length, power, and violent hands. Adding power to the Colts’ front, Gary would play outside on early downs, and kick inside on passing downs. He brings a high ceiling potential to a weak Indy pass rush. Other potential options include Jaylon Ferguson and Dexter Lawrence.
– Nathan Richey
27. Oakland Raiders (via Dallas)
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Jawaan Taylor, Offensive Tackle, Florida
Shoring up the offensive line with the last pick in first round, and after two big picks to address the offense and defense, the Raiders, with their third pick in the draft, go with offensive line help in Florida’s Jawann Taylor. As the offense struggled in 2018 to protect the quarterback, Taylor has length and mobility and uses his hands to protect and move the rusher coming through. Draft boards have him as a strong right tackle possibility and would fit the Raiders scheme to help bolster the offense into a top tier team. With mass, length, mobility, and power, the Raiders could only benefit from having a tackle like Taylor join the team.
– Andy Morphew
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Nasir Adderley, Safety, Delaware
With the emergence of MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, not to mention new quarterbacks expected to land in AFC West cities Oakland and Denver, the Los Angeles Chargers need to upgrade the safety position. Though it was a relative area of strength last season defensively, the addition of Delaware free safety Nasir Adderly should be a home run selection by LA.
To say Adderley’s game is similar to that of Eric Berry would be an understatement. He may be short in stature but he’s a physical hitter with speed who can cover a lot of ground in the defensive secondary. If you want perspective with this small school pick, in 1979 the Rams signed an undrafted cornerback from Delaware by the name of Ivory “The Hitman” Sully who became a heat-seeking missile for the Rams defense from 1979 to 1984. With Adderley in the fold, the Chargers defense will have one more weapon to stop the Chiefs’ offensive juggernaut.
– Nick Athan
29. Kansas City Chiefs
The Pick: Trayvon Mullen, Cornerback, Clemson
The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2018 season at 31st in passing yards surrendered to opposing offenses. With new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo at the helm of the Chiefs defense, look for general manager Brett Veach to add defensive playmakers early and often in this draft. Kansas City could also look to add safety or linebacker help here, depending on how free agency rounds out. But, with the departure of starting cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Orlando Scandrick on the horizon, the team needs to map out a future at the position and Mullen fits the bill. A tall cornerback standing at 6-foot-2, Mullen has solid skills in man and zone coverage, which should fit Spag’s system perfectly.
– Keaton Henry
30. Green Bay Packers (via New Orleans)
The Pick: N’Keal Harry, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
The Packers need another receiver with sure hands and Harry fits that mold. He might not be considered the most athletic receiver in the draft, but the Packers would take him if available, as they always care more about hands with sneaky athleticism. Harry is a big body receiver who would be perfect for Aaron Rodgers’ jump balls. He would be the starter on the other side of Davante Adams and would instantly contribute.
– Max Mason
31. Los Angeles Rams
Photo Credit: USA Today SportsThe Pick: Johnathan Abram, Safety, Mississippi State
You should not draft to replace departing players. You should simply draft the best player available within reason. However, this pick is so great because it happens to fit both. Abram may be the top player left on the board, and he fills a need likely created when safety Lamarcus Joyner is overpaid by another team (he played on a franchise tag this past season). The hardest hitting player in the SEC plays with a similar attitude to Joyner, but at four inches taller and 24 pounds heavier, Abram is more physically imposing and can be an enforcer in the run game from the safety position, in addition to holding his own in coverage. This would give the Rams a pair of young, athletic safeties (John Johnson is entering his third year) to sure up the middle of their defensive backfield for foreseeable future.
– Nick Fox
32. New England Patriots
The Pick: Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
New England loves to have the run-stopping big guy in the middle of their defensive line. Lawrence fits that description and then some. He finished the year with 36 total tackles with seven tackles for a loss and one-and-a-half sacks. At 350 pounds, Lawrence is a rock that is nearly impossible to push around and will set up the outside rushers to get to the quarterback. He has failed to live up to the hype after his stellar freshman season in which he had 62 tackles and six-and-a-half sacks and also got busted for performance enhancing drugs which led to his suspension from the NCAA Playoffs, which resulted in him missing the National Championship victory over Alabama. He seems like a prime candidate to fall to the late first round where the Pats can draft him and get him into the Patriot Way of thinking. If anyone can build him back into the potential beast his freshman season promised, it’s Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
– Terry Goffena
Second Round
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports- Arizona Cardinals: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
- Indianapolis Colts (via NY Jets): Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
- Oakland Raiders: Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
- San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
- New York Giants: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
- Buffalo Bills: Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
- Denver Broncos: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
- Cincinnati Bengals: Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
- Detroit Lions: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
- Green Bay Packers: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
- Atlanta Falcons: Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
- Washington Redskins: Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
- Carolina Panthers: Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
- Miami Dolphins: Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
- Cleveland Browns: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
- Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
- Tennessee Titans: Zach Allen, EDGE, Boston College
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
- Philadelphia Eagles (via Baltimore): Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
- Houston Texans (via Seattle): Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
- Houston Texans: Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
- New England Patriots (via Chicago): Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
- Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
- Dallas Cowboys: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
- Indianapolis Colts: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
- Los Angeles Chargers: Ryan Finley, QB, NC State
- Kansas City Chiefs: David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
- New Orleans Saints: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
- Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): Oshane Ximines, EDGE, Old Dominion
- New England Patriots: Alizé Mack, TE, Notre Dame
