The NFL Combine is quickly approaching, but today we’re looking at what the Draft might look like if it were today. The Detroit Lions are up at twenty.
The Detroit Lions front office, primarily general manager Bob Quinn and new coach Matt Patricia, have a huge offseason in front of them. The Lions need upgrades on both sides of the ball, although the defensive needs outweigh the offensive deficiencies.
They only have five picks in this year’s NFL Draft. Their first is at number twenty overall. They have their first through fifth picks, only. Big areas of need are: defensive line, especially pass rush, running back, an interior offensive lineman who can flex out to left tackle if needed, outside linebackers, and depth at most position groups.
Big draft outlook & notes
This year’s installment is light on pass rushers, but deeper at running back, and the hottest commodities this year, the quarterbacks. As many as five or six could go Thursday night, alone.
The big question is who will be left at #20 for the Lions? The large group of quarterbacks will decide the quality of Detroit’s pick depending on when they are drafted. Let’s see how it plays out.
I read up on prospects usually on several websites, including my favorite, NFL Draft Scout. I encourage any draftnik to do the same, I also read stuff from Matt Miller, Bleacher Report. Those are a couple, of course, many people like Todd McShay or Mel Kiper, ESPN draft experts, too. I used to follow Kiper very close, and he is still considered a worthwhile source to me.
With that out of the way, on to the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft …
This is premature, but I happen to agree with NFL Draft Scout that Darnold has the best skill set of any eligible quarterback. The Browns can afford to wait on anything else. Darnold is: 6-3, 220-plus, and looks the part of a number one overall.
Big, strong arm, NFL style offense, pocket passer, unless some huge red flags show up, he’s got the biggest upside. Will Cleveland learn from the Kizer situation and let him play when he’s ready? Who knows.
There are two other realistic options: Josh Allen and Josh Rosen. Both quarterbacks are very talented. Rosen famously stated that he doesn’t want to end up in Cleveland, too. So, I’d say that pretty much rules him out.
Allen has a big arm, size, and is coming off of a very good Senior Bowl, too, but one game against good competition may not make his case well enough.
Could I make an argument for Saquon Barkley, or another player? Sure.
By the time they get their second pick, the downgrade between NFL caliber quarterbacks available, will be huge. Rosen hurt himself with selfish comments, but so did Eli Manning, the current passer, prior to the Giants trading for him.
The Giants will offer an ideal situation: a veteran starter who a rookie can learn from, and play behind. You lock up the future while you’re playing your two-time Super Bowl winner.
Also, there will be very good running backs available for much longer. None AS GOOD as Barkley, but a lot less drop off at running back than QB.
The offensive line needs help badly, too, but there’s just no elite, left tackle prospect who is Top 5 worthy.
Okay, now it may seem that I dislike Barkley. Hear me out, though.
Running backs usually are done in about seven years, tops. Do you want to invest a Top 5 pick in a guy who can’t play at 30? Marlin Mack made some plays as a rookie, too. He looks like he could break out if Frank Gore decides to hang up the spikes.
Chubb is the best defensive end available. In fact, there’s really no competition. Other pass rushers stayed in school, which will push Chubb’s value into a Top 3 pick. It could be ten more selections before another end is even being considered.
The Colts defense is horrific. They are near last in every major defensive statistic. Wallah! Bradley Chubb!
The Browns probably aren’t going to sit #1 overall, Sam Darnold, so what’s the next best thing? Give him a home run-hitter for a running back. The Browns need play-makers, and that’s exactly what Barkley is; electricity in a bottle. Barkley’s a true three-down player, and is a good blocker, too.
The Browns have needs in multiple places, they could use a cornerback, another tackle, a wide receiver, almost anything. Providing their rookie quarterback with help is the best thing that they could do, though.
Could the Colts let someone trade up to steal Barkley? Sure, but we aren’t doing that here.
I also know that I just made the argument that spending a Top 5 pick on a runner was a bad idea. The recent success of other Top 10 running backs, their immediate impact on an offense, will convince someone that Barkley is worth the upgrade.
Josh Allen is the biggest, perhaps the most prototypical NFL quarterback, size-wise. The former Wyoming Cowboy has seen his stock rise sharply since his Senior Bowl appearance, where he did more than hold his own. Allen played his college ball not too far from Denver, about 130 miles away. Allen has a big arm, is fairly mobile, and just needs some experience.
Less prolific as former small school prospect, Carson Wentz, Allen has some similar skills. He is not as polished of a passer or decision-maker, but he certainly looks the part of an NFL starter. Allen may need extra coaching and time, but his upside is undeniable.
The Broncos have been solid defensively, other than their points allowed per game. The offense, on the other hand, has been anemic, especially through the air. Paxton Lynch, their first round pick from two years ago, doesn’t seem to be panning out as a signal caller. Time to find the future.
The Broncos could use help at other positions, offensive line for sure, but settling their quarterback situation seems like priority one. Again, waiting until Round Two will cost them a lot at quarterback, not so much at guard or tackle, where there’s some depth but no sure-thing prospects.
There are a lot of ways this pick could go. As with many teams, an unsettled quarterback situation is difficult to overlook. Baker Mayfield has a big personality, is very talented, but also has some issues, too. Mayfield is 6′ 3/8″, and has times where he looks like Drew Brees. Mayfield is a good athlete, able to make some plays with his feet and has adequate arm strength. The Oklahoma quarterback has a gunslinger mentality, and a fiery, competitive streak.
Mayfield also has times where he comes off more immature, like former fellow Heisman winning quarterback, Johnny Manziel. Mayfield is a boom or bust prospect. Often, though, Mayfield looks the part of a first round, Top 10 player.
The Jets could use offense: Calvin Ridley, wide receiver, and Connor Williams, tackle, could go here if Mayfield is unable to convince the Jets to draft him here. The Jets have drafted quarterbacks in 2015 and 2016, but neither Bryce Petty (4th Round), nor Christian Hackenberg (2nd Round), respectively, appear ready to take the reigns.
Chalk this up to great luck for Tampa Bay. Fitzpatrick probably should go sooner, but good quarterback prospects have a way of getting all of the attention.
The Buc’s don’t really have a great pass rusher available at #7, so they go with their next defensive need. They need a cornerback, Fitzpatrick is a very good one.
The Buccaneers have needs across the board. They need help along their offensive line to block for quarterback, Jameis Winston, both at tackle and guard. Tampa Bay also has needs in their secondary and defensive line, especially at end. In other words, they need to take the best guy that they can find. Fitzpatrick is both a leader and a great athlete who can do a lot on the field.
Fitzpatrick starred for the Crimson Tide and played as many as five positions for them, in what Alabama calls their “Star” position; it’s a hybrid corner-safety-linebacker.
Although scouts debate what his best position might be, he is athletic enough to play both corner and safety at the next level. Versatility, and being able to stay on the field in any formation, is the kind of utility that the NFL demands. Fitzpatrick delivers.
The Bears need receivers for Mitchell Trubisky, their quarterback going into his second year. Chicago could also use a corner back, especially if they lose either Kyle Fuller or Prince Amukamara to free agency. They have both available here at the eight spot. Neither, though, is an ideal NFL player in size or strength.
Honestly, wideout Calvin Ridley from Alabama just doesn’t say WR1 in the NFL at 6-1 and 190 pounds. So, I will have the Bears select cornerback Denzel Ward from Ohio State. Could they draft an offensive lineman? Trade down? Yep, but if they don’t I think they can talk themselves into one of the two players mentioned.
Ward is tough, has great speed (4.37 in the forty), and functions well on an island (covering a receiver with no help around). Ward fills a need and is more worthy of the pick as an athlete.
The San Francisco 49ers had a renaissance of sorts this season. They started off looking like a team destined for a Top 2-3 pick, only to see their fortunes change after they traded for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. General manager, John Lynch, seems to have stolen Jimmy-G and set up his franchise for big success, as the ‘Niners went on a tear late in the season.
With Garoppolo under center, the 49’ers can concentrate on getting him some weapons and improving the protection for their franchise quarterback.They need receivers and possibly a running back, depending on pending free agent, Carlos Hyde.
Garoppolo is a free agent that will demand a big contract, like Matt Stafford, Derek Carr money. Jimmy may set a new record with his contract even though he has less than ten starts in his career.
Given what I previously said about the wide receivers, not that I’m immune from contradicting myself, I believe that Stanford-educated GM, John Lynch, knows where his money is best spent. Keep your best player upright.
The Raiders were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2017 season. Derek Carr, their young Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback, was injured. The protection for Carr was substandard, and needs to be addressed now, if they want to protect their huge investment.
Tackle, Donald Penn, is turning 35, and the other tackle position has been a consistent issue. Bringing in a left tackle capable player could add much needed stability and talent in front of Carr.
The defense needs help all over, too. Da’ Raid-uh’s need linebackers, corner backs, and defensive tackles. I would say just take the best athlete, but the priority has to be Carr’s health. There is an offensive tackle that should go around here, and I believe that a run on offensive linemen could have started with San Francisco.
Williams is a 6-5, 315 pound tackle who plays mean, and is a powerful, gritty blocker. Although he lacks ideal lateral quickness, he can learn to compensate with good technique. His lack of ideal measureables will keep him out of the Top 5, but for both need and talent, he should go somewhere around Top 10.
The Miami Dolphins suffered an early season loss of Ryan Tannehill, their quarterback, and turned to recently retired Jay Cutler to salvage their season. Cutler did not deliver, but it wasn’t all his fault, either. The offensive line was not good, and the defense had big deficiencies, as well.
The Dolphins would love to have Quenton Nelson here, but we had him go just two picks prior. They may think about trading up to Chicago’s spot, who lost several picks obtaining Trubisky last year.
If they cannot trade up, I think that there are a couple of linebacker prospects worth considering: Roquan Smith from Georgia, or Tremaine Edmunds, from Virginia Tech. Smith appears to be the better athlete, and although not very big for an inside linebacker (6-1/4 and 225 pounds), he has very good speed (estimated at 4.54). Many scouts consider him a Top 10 player, and he certainly fills a need for Miami.
The Bengals need help up front. Andrew Whitworth, their best tackle, left last year and the blocking was poor all year. Andy Dalton, who hasn’t won one postseason game in his career, struggled after losing both linemen and receivers. Rookie running back, Joe Mixon, was a bright spot but couldn’t compensate for the porous line in front of him.
So, it may seem like a no-brainer to select either Orlando Brown or Mike McGlinchey, both tackles, at #12. Some also view Ohio State center, Billy Price, as a mid-first selection, too.
The problem is that there is one athlete that I have not mentioned to this point in the draft, safety Derwin James, of Florida State. James is a hybrid safety-linebacker type, similar to JaBrill Peppers, Michigan, from the 2017 draft.
The question is whether or not the best available athlete is enough of a lure to take away from the biggest need, blocking. I am going to say, “No, he isn’t.” The offense may reach a bit here, but for all of the right reasons. The Bengals have a veteran quarterback and first round running back to protect.
The 6-7, 345 pound son of an NFL great seems like a good gamble. Brown is not a can’t miss prospect, and has problems with speed rushers, but he has the bloodline and ideal size to warrant this pick.
The Redskins have lessened the need for a young quarterback by trading for veteran Alex Smith, who is 34, from the Kansas City Chiefs. Their mishandling of Kirk Cousins, is coming to an end. They could still franchise tag Cousins to trade him, though. Cousins is a big free agent and could wind up in one of the places that I have taking a quarterback, like the New York Jets, for example.
Cousins could also opt to go to a contender, like Arizona, Jacksonville, or Minnesota, if he were willing to take a slightly reduced salary if he is released. Either way, he is likely gone from Washington.
So, let’s switch to the defense. The Redskins need to plug the middle after giving up an NFL worst 134 yards per game on the ground. Both Da’Ron Payne and Vita Vea, two defensive tackles, are available here. Vea, the University of Washington product, is the bigger player, but Payne, Alabama, is considered the better athlete.
Payne is 6-2, 308 pounds, is strong at the point of attack and moves well in a phone booth. Payne has the thick lower body and strength to anchor as a run-stopper. It is an almost ideal situation for Washington. The ‘Bama tackle isn’t much of a pass-rush threat, which is why he’s not a Top 10 pick.
Green Bay lost its best player for most of the year, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The team continues to struggle in their secondary, as well. Their biggest needs are on the back end of the defense, and to a lesser degree, the linebackers. The Pack needs to find some depth along their offensive line, and a tight end who can catch.
Looking at their needs, only one name seems to fit here, the aforementioned, Derwin James. James is a great athlete, a hybrid safety-linebacker type. DJ can fit into a nickel or traditional defense, and can cover or blitz, accordingly. At 6-2, 211 pounds, he was often referred to as the best athlete in college football.
Could the cheese-head contingent opt for a lineman, receiver, or something else? Sure, it’s the NFL Draft. They would be silly to trade down away from James unless they see a deal that gets them a corner back and something else.
This is one of the destinations that would make a lot of sense for Kirk Cousins. A team that even though riddled with some big injuries in 2017, could see a big rebound with the right trigger man.
It is not conducive to a rookie quarterback, at all. The team needs to find a quarterback, there’s no question. Their record, although deeply unsatisfying to the team, puts them pretty far away from a top-flight quarterback, anyway. So, while they could draft a QB at some point, it will likely be to compliment a signing of a veteran to start. If they lose Cousins, a guy like Sam Bradford or Case Keenum might get a deal.
In round one, however, they need to do one of two things: get better weapons for a quarterback, or get better protection up front. While I am tempted to take an offensive lineman here, I believe that this is about where Calvin Ridley offers some value as a WR2.
At just over six foot and 190 pounds, Ridley is a natural pass catcher. Ridley has very good hands, acceleration, and is a very good route-runner. Struggles with upper body strength, getting past press coverage, and a fairly small frame in general, drop his stock. Production in college was not a problem, but even added time to mature hasn’t given him an edge in strength.
Head coach, Jon Harbaugh, saw a resurgence this past year on the defensive side of the ball. They were sixth in points per game. On the other side of the ball, however, the Ravens had a tough time generating yards in 2017. The rushing attack was decent, although rotating about four different players. The passing game was ranked 27th.
Coming into 2018, adding some weapons to their attack is a huge priority, as is protecting quarterback, Joe Flacco, and opening up holes for an yet-to-be-named rusher.
If there’s one thing that can help an offense, it’s solid line play. McGlinchey offers a big, athletic, tackle who may eventually take over on the left side, but who will start out on the right.
McGlinchey is a former tight end and basketball player, and at 6-7, 315 pounds, his athleticism makes him a good gamble just inside the Top 20. Speed rushers give him problems, a common theme for big men. If his agility was a little better, he’d have been a Top 5-10 pick.
Rob Rang, of NFL Draft Scout, compared him to Detroit Lions left tackle, Taylor Decker, and I think that’s pretty spot on. Imagine if Decker was able to play right tackle, and eventually move after getting acclimated.
The Chargers almost rebounded from a poor start to make the playoffs, but just missed the postseason. Philip Rivers is still playing well, but his protection did not play well in 2017. Rebuilding the offensive line is a big priority, not just for Rivers, but for running back, Melvin Gordon.
On defense, the line needs beef up the middle. The defense gave up a lot of yards on the ground, ranking 31st. Vea is 6-4, and 340 pounds. That’s pretty massive. Having a space-eater like that often frees up linebackers and other defensive personnel to make tackles.
If that is what the Chargers need, Vea is a big piece to improving their run defense. Vita isn’t much of a pass rusher, and does sometimes lose track of opposing runners, but he will immediately help to establish a line of scrimmage.
Rang astutely compares him to Detroit Lions and former Ravens tackle, Haloti Ngata.If you’ve ever seen this kid, you’d agree.
Russell Wilson put up some big numbers in 2017, despite inconsistent line play or a run game. It was like watching Matt Stafford, to be honest. Mediocre defense, particularly in the ground game, made the former Legion of Boom look very vulnerable. Danger-Russ Wilson was running for his life way too often.
If the Seahawks were a little worse, they’d have a tackle prospect to choose from, here. As it sits, though, they still have two options to improve the offensive line. Billy Price the center-guard from Ohio State, and Isaiah Wynn, guard, Georgia.
Price has experience at both center and guard, and has played in a bunch of games. Price has good size, 6-3, 312 pounds, he offers great size and agility. He also fills the need for the Seahawks of trying to keep Wilson and the running backs healthier.
At this point in the draft, the Cowboys don’t have a ton of options, but a main thing that they do need is a wide receiver to give quarterback Dak Prescott someone to throw to.
Dez Bryant appears to have slowed, in fact he hasn’t had a 1,000 yard season since 2014. While the running game for the Cowboys has been good featuring Ezekiel Elliott.
Injuries up front and the suspension to Elliott derailed the high hopes for the 2017 season. If Prescott is going to take another step forward, he needs a WR1.
While a linebacker, guard/ tackle, or safety might be attractive here, this class has few prospects capable of developing into a number one receiver. Sutton isn’t a blazer, but he’s got good speed and hands, and most importantly, a 6-3, 216 pound frame that has produced 31 touchdowns for the Mustangs.
Here we are. The Lions are on the clock, and I would love to have the choices that are staring at me. The Detroit Lions need: defensive linemen, a running back, outside linebackers, another offensive lineman who can flex out to tackle, and depth almost everywhere. Detroit got run over in several games due to lack of quality linemen behind injured tackle, Haloti Ngata.
The Cardiac Cats also had a non-existent pass rush whenever end Ziggy Ansah was hampered by injury.
It just simply can’t happen if the Lions are serious about competing for the division title. Newly introduced head coach, Matt Patricia, needs more to work with up front, defensively, and general manager, Bob Quinn, is going to go get him some talent. The Leos need to pressure the opposing quarterback better, it is the biggest void left from last year when we did not draft an end until very late.
Davenport delivered at the Senior Bowl, proving that he can beat NFL talent, constantly getting in the face of whatever quarterback was in front of him. At 6-6, and about 260 pounds, he has a quick first step and good change of direction ability. For that upside he is my choice over some big school talent.
The what-if’s are innumerable, here. Ideally, the Bills, a 2017 playoff team, would sign a quarterback who would improve their offense over former quarterback Tyrod Taylor. However, we have no evidence that they will. If they get a starter like, Case Keenum, for example they still may want to draft a backup and eventual successor.
The Bills have needs up front, defensively and offensively, too. Their linebackers are a weak unit. They’re in the market for a corner back. After those, providing depth at a bunch of positions is key.
Pretty simply, Jackson is the biggest name on the board, and Buffalo has selected an athlete quarterback, before. Jackson still needs help settling into being an NFL style passer. He is used to letting his legs bail him out of many bad situations. That will not work to the same degree in the NFL, where everyone is much faster. If he cannot make reads and beat teams from the pocket, which he has shown the ability to do, we know that running too much is a recipe for disaster.
Many scouts compare him to Mike Vick, but I do tend to think of him more like Robert Griffin, III. If used properly, and not exposed to too much contact, his skinny frame may develop and keep him healthy enough for a long-term career. If his coach is enamored with running him too much, we know how that usually works out. Jackson isn’t very thick, but he is an electric play-maker. Thinking of both he and running back, LeSean “Shady” McCoy in the same backfield is scary.
The Bills have back-to-back picks, which one wonders if they may not make a move. They could, in theory, stay put and take a quarterback of the future and another solid player. I like that idea.
There are a bunch of good players on the board and the needs on defense take precedence, here. The Bills may have been hoping that a big run-stopper was still on the board after dealing Marcell Dareus last season, but there is time to wait for another tackle. The Bills also have two second round picks.
I am not as high on Tremaine Edmunds as some people, but he has great size, and has been productive. The 6-4, 250 pound outside linebacker is a play-maker on defense, and probably the best on the board, too. His measurable speed is not ideal, and that’s a big reason he falls into the twenties. Buffalo is all too happy to get a solid LB prospect.
The Rams are coming off of a huge turn-around in 2017. Behind running back, Todd Gurley, quarterback, Jared Goff, and defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, the Rams won eleven games. The defense was stingy, the offense made a lot of big plays, and the big issues here for coach of the year, Sean McVay, are finding replacements for pending free agents.
The Los Angeles Rams need a corner in the worst way, as both of their starters are set to test the market. They could tag one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened, but for right now, it’s the biggest area of need and there are some very good options.
Of the few corner backs available, two stick out. Josh Jackson, Iowa, and Carlton Davis, Auburn, are both capable cover men who are over six foot. Having seen Jackson’s ball skills, I give his the edge.
Jackson is 6-1, 192, and catches anything near him as a defensive back. His forty-yard dash time is right around a 4.5, but his ability to man-press cover is elite. Jackson lead the nation in interceptions, and was a human highlight reel bringing in big turnovers in big games.
The Carolina Panthers have some real needs across the board both on offense and defense. The offense inexplicably got rid of Kelvin Benjamin, their best wide receiver, last year to the Bills. Devin Funchess did his best to step up, but isn’t the consistent WR1 that Cam Newton needs. Factor in that All-Pro caliber tight end, Greg Olsen, was hurt for much of the year, and you can see why Newton struggled somewhat.
The Panthers would love for there to be a left tackle or a big, fast wide receiver at #24. Sadly, there is not. What they can do is find a corner back or defensive end who can address some issues on defense, though.
Sam Hubbard will help take some of the burden off of Julius Peppers, turning 38, and help improve the Panther pass rush. There are a bunch of locally tied southern players, runner Derrius Guice, defensive end Arden Key, LSU, and cornerback Carlton Davis, Auburn, who could be taken here, too. The Panthers seem to like the tie-in to closer universities.
Hubbard is 6-5, 265, and has a good motor. The Ohio State prospect has been productive in the line rotation in Columbus. Considered a well-rounded, athletic end, he has very good size and good instincts. He lacks elite speed, or elite “get-off” quickness, but at #24 this red-shirt junior is a good pick.
Mo Hurst, is an athletic, versatile defensive tackle who gives the Titans an end in nickel packages and a one-gap, penetrating tackle in traditional sets. The Titans primary needs are interior defensive line, and interior offensive line, along with corner back.
Hurst could go sooner, he has flashed elite skills at getting into the backfields of college opponents, but he doesn’t have the girth at the point of attack that most teams covet. At 6-2, 280, he possesses great initial quickness for a big man, though. The son of a former NFL player, Hurst was a leader at Michigan, and will be a solid pro. His running back roots show when he is playing, as he moves very well laterally.
At this point in the draft, teams are often selecting a guy on what they think his potential is, not necessarily what he showed in college. So, there may be other players that Tennessee thinks have better upside that Hurst, here. Hurst’s talent seems to warrant the pick, though as many scouts project him to go earlier.
The Falcons were one of the three NFC South teams to make the postseason, just getting in ahead of the Lions and a couple of other teams like the Seahawks and Cowboys. The offense is in capable hands with incumbent All-Pro quarterback, Matt Ryan at the helm. The Falcons don’t have a great compliment to Julio Jones at wide receiver, and need help at guard.
The defense didn’t look stout enough in their playoff loss to the eventual champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, though. The defensive front still needs help along the interior. Dontari Poe looks to be gone after a one-year, “prove it” contract. The former Chiefs first-rounder, has never lived up to his draft status.
The team also appears to be in need of another corner back since cutting Jalen Collins for off-the-field issues.
Phillips is 6-3, 303, and quick, running under a 5-second forty-yard dash. He is a former wrestler, and a fiery competitor. Rob Rang, NFL Draft Scout writer, likened his style to that of a “junkyard dog.” Sounds like exactly what the Falcons are looking for to toughen up their defensive front. While he isn’t an ideal athlete, nor does he possess the ideal frame or bulk, at number 26, he is a good pick.
The New Orleans Saints are one broken tackle from competing in the NFC Title game. After he heart-breaking loss, the best team from the NFC South must address a shallow linebacker unit, an aging receiver corps, some free agent losses, and need in their offensive line.
The Saints also lack a second round pick to address any concerns. So, this first round pick must hit the biggest need. The linebackers appear to be that need. While there are a few other players that seem to fit the Saints needs, this is both practical and not that far of a reach.
Leighton Vander Esch has good speed for a 6-3, 240 pound ‘backer (4.67 forty). He is versatile and a prospect who made great strides this past year. Not really on the first-round radar in 2016, he has played his way into the conversation. Vander Esch hasn’t played against the best competition, but he looks like a gamer, both physically, and on tape.
I wanted to select Christian Kirk, wide receiver, here, but the Saints just traded away an under six foot speedster, Brandin Cooks, to New England. I don’t know if they feel the need to draft a receiver that high at this point.
The Steelers had a good 2017, advancing to the playoffs and losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars just prior to the AFC title game. The biggest issue is whether or not Le’Veon Bell, their multi-talented running back, is re-signed or not. Beyond that, the team has needs in their secondary, and linebacker corps where replacing Ryan Shazier is a tall task along with adding a running mate inside.
Selecting Harrison makes a ton of sense since he has experience at both safety spots. The 6-2, 214 pounder, is a big hitter and would provide a big lift to the Steelers secondary. Harrison is simply one of the best talents left on the board, and the Steelers do have a need there, too.
Other players that could make a lot of sense would be: RB Derrius Guice, especially if Pittsburgh elects to not re-sign Bell, linebacker Rashaan Evans, or Mason Rudolph, quarterback from Oklahoma State. Rudolph is a big, pocket passer, similar to what they already have. After all, “Big Ben” Roethlisberger isn’t a spring chicken, anymore.
The overwhelming sentiment in Jacksonville has been that quarterback, Blake Bortles, is keeping the Jag’s from going further, even though he made some important plays in their run to the AFC Title game.
Their biggest needs all fall on that side of the ball. The Jaguars need a better line, better quarterback play, and to address the receiver corps, both tight end and wide receiver.
Since there are not sure-thing left tackles running around at pick 29, I’m going to say that the Jaguars take a quarterback. If they were to sign a big free agent, like Cousins, I would probably take Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State tackle, to protect the new signal-caller.
Rudolph is a big, 6-4, 230 lbs., pocket passer with good downfield touch and a good, not great, arm. He won a lot of games at Oklahoma State, went 22-6, and operated in a pass-happy system under head coach, Mike Gundy.
The knock on Rudolph is his ability to find receivers beyond his first read, and he isn’t a great athlete. The system he was in made it easy for him to hide his flaws, as the Cowboys consistently have NFL talent at wide receiver to bail out their quarterbacks. The good news is that if he went to Jacksonville, he has a great running back and defense to help him as long as he doesn’t turn the ball over too often.
The Vikings rode a solid defense, consistency at quarterback, and some big plays all the way to the NFC Title Game. Although the Vikings had some early injuries, especially on offense, they played good defense all year en route to a division title.
The Vike’s have to figure out their cloudy quarterback room. It is the big question for their offseason. Case Keenum, their backup, played well most of the year and into the playoffs. Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Bradford, who have both started in Minnesota, are free agents, as is Keenum.
How they choose to proceed will have big implications for how they handle this pick. They need offensive line, cornerback, and defensive line help, otherwise.
Rankin is a 6-5, 315 lbs., with some upside. Whatever quarterback ends up in the Twin Cities, will need better protection, plus rookie running back, Dalvin Cook, should be back to pick up where he left off prior to his injury.
Rankin has worked hard to improve and has the requisite size and speed to play tackle. Also, he will not be forced to play the left side in Minnesota, alleviating some pressure.
The New England Patriots have been the model of consistency, having made their eighth Super Bowl under head coach, Bill Belichick. Tom Brady and he have five rings together. They fell short against the Eagles, but as long as those two are together it’s difficult to imagine them not contending next year.
The big issues facing the team, other than Brady’s longevity, are: the front seven on defense, offensive tackle and cornerback. Depth at quarterback is also an issue with the Pat’s trading both of their backups this past season, and Brian Hoyer being the only option.
Bryan is 6-3, 291 pounds, and capable of anchoring against bigger men, but also a good enough athlete to play on the edge in nickel defenses. That versatility seems to suggest a team like New England, who has the culture to handle boom-or-bust players, like Bryan. At the end of the round, potential is often put above production. Bryan is a raw athlete with some upside.
The Eagles are busy celebrating their Super Bowl victory. Their long-suffering fans watched their starting quarterback go down, Carson Wentz. Nick Foles, though, performed like a starter, and kept the team in every game, although the defense was the main reason that they were there.
The Eagles have no second or third round picks, so there’s a big, long wait after this pick. The biggest issues are more depth concerns along offensive line, defensive line, and cornerback. Adding a weapon at receiver is also important.
Being that there’s one receiver who is above the others, I will say that he gets the nod, here. Kirk is a fast (4.39 forty) slot man who measures just under 5-11 and 200 lbs. This is a weak draft class for receivers, but Kirk gives the Eagles a guy that can take the top off of opposing defenses. Already a developed athlete, he probably won’t get much bigger. That’s a concern because Kirk has struggled against press coverage. As a slot player, he will be allowed to play in more space.
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Final analysis
Looking at my final results, I didn’t have many skilled position players go early, other than the quarterbacks. I have running backs being devalued due to the depth versus other positions. The Receivers, including tight ends, are just a weak class.
Free agent signings, especially at quarterback, could greatly impact the needs of multiple teams. So, I’ll put another together after free agency has sorted some of that out.
Let me know what you think in the comments! Follow me, CoachKirk @mkirk2, on Twitter.
A special thank you to DC Pro Sports Report , FanSpeak and Walter Football for featuring this mock on their databases.