SideLion Report
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2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: The First 20 Picks

By Michael Kirkland

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: 2010 NFL Draft prospects pose for a group photo with former NFL Players including Jerry Rice, Dan Marino, Lawrence Taylor, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, Floyd Little, Drew Brees, John Randal and NFL Commissioner during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 22: 2010 NFL Draft prospects pose for a group photo with former NFL Players including Jerry Rice, Dan Marino, Lawrence Taylor, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, Floyd Little, Drew Brees, John Randal and NFL Commissioner during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Henry Ruggs #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Henry Ruggs #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Picks 11-15

#11 – Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia, to the Miami Dolphins: previous pick, same

Miami still hasn’t filled the holes in the middle of their defense, could also go defensive tackle, here.

#12 – Vita Vea, DT, Washington, *to the Indianapolis Colts (via Bills & Bengals): previous pick, Orlando Brown

Originally, the Bengals were picking twelfth. I had them selecting a tackle. Orlando Brown was never considered fast, but adequate in agility with a large frame and long arms. He is still trying to finish his 40-yard dash, as we speak. Needless to say, his stock has taken a hit due to his 5.85 official time, not to mention his being reprimanded for looking like he wasn’t trying during drills. OUCH.

Now, finally, the Colts address the middle of their defense with some serious beef.

(*Again, this trade has not happened. I felt it should happen as part of Buffalo moving up for Mayfield.)

#13 – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama to the Washington Redskins: previous pick, same

Payne had a great combine and proved that he was one of the top defensive linemen in this year’s draft. A thing to watch, with the acquisition of Alex Smith, quarterback, who is not a spring chicken, watch for Lamar Jackson, quarterback, Louisville to be a possibility. Smith would be a great role model for Jackson.

#14 – Derwin James, SS/LB, Florida St., to the Green Bay Packers: previous pick, same

James is simply the best athlete on the board and the Packers defense needs play-makers on the back-end. Possibly, they could select a cornerback, as that is possibly a bigger need.

#15 – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama, to the Arizona Cardinals: previous pick, same

I struggled here with this pick as both wide receiver and quarterback are big needs for the Card’s. I believe that they want to win now, more than they want to rebuild for later, though. Lamar Jackson would be a great heir apparent, but Ridley gives them immediate help opposite Larry Fitzgerald.

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