While I’m largely sticking to my guns from the first mock draft, teams have begun to loosen their lips in regards to their potential April selections. This does change some things throughout the first round, however status quo remains amongst the top-10.
1) Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett (Edge) Texas A&M
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 272 lbs.
Big, strong, fast, productive – Myles Garrett is the clear number one player in this draft and it really isn’t even close.
The number one overall pick has been his destiny since his freshman year when he recorded 11.5 sacks and emerged as the best edge player in college football. Despite the foregone conclusion of him going number one in April’s draft, a few weeks ago, Garrett went out at the combine and even further solidified things by posting speed/agility numbers that many running backs would blush at, and strength numbers that most offensive tackles could only dream of. While his talent and Greek God physique is an incredibly rare combination, if forced to come up with a comparison, I would say to think DeMarcus Ware’s talent, skillset, and work ethic in Jadeveon Clowney’s body. This guy will be an IDP terror for years to come and has double-digit sack potential right away.
2) San Francisco 49ers
Solomon Thomas (DL) Stanford
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 273 lbs.
Word on the street is that ideally San Francisco would like to trade out of this pick and take a quarterback at the spot they moved back to, but I am starting to believe that 2017 will be another tank season so that they have options going forward. Not only will 2018 be one of the more stacked quarterback classes in memory, but Kirk Cousins will also be a free agent. If the Niners tank again, they can have a top pick in the draft once again and have the option of taking one of the top young quarterbacks, or they can trade the pick, get an incredible return, and reunite Kirk Cousins with his former guru in Kyle Shanahan.
Following that train of thought here, I have the Niners taking Solomon Thomas out of Stanford with the second overall pick. Sure they can go a lot of ways with this selection and they may have far bigger needs, but the fact of the matter is that you just can’t pass up talent like his when you have so many holes. With the Niners transitioning to a more interior stacked 3-4 look on defense, they will need a ton of defensive line depth. Thomas helps them in that regard and then some considering his position versatility. I believe that he can play anywhere from their nose, to the three-tech, to the five-tech, all the way through their “LEO” edge rushing position in certain sub-packages on pass rushing downs. Beyond versatility, it can be argued that Thomas has the best motor out of anyone in this class. He just never quits, and seems to always be wreaking havoc in the backfield. He uses incredible functional strength in his hands and a relentless leg drive to keep defensive coordinators up at night. Don’t believe me? Just ask Mitchell Trubisky what he thinks of him (see: video below)…
3) Chicago Bears
Jamal Adams (S) LSU
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 214 lbs.
With the recent signing of Mike Glennon, the Bears no longer need to go quarterback early on in the draft so they too can go the route of San Francisco.
In Adams, they are getting a Hall of Fame level talent, a tone setter for years to come, a player who can completely transform their defense over the next decade. I see Eric Berry written all over Adams and I don’t think I am getting ahead of myself either. He’s a safety with the ball skills and range to play single-high, while his fearlessness, toughness, and tackling instincts make him best suited to serve as a strong safety in the NFL. If Adams is still there at three when Chicago is picking, I expect them to turn in the card faster than they can say “Ditka.”
4) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan Allen (DL) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 286 lbs.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, Allen was considered the safest pick in the draft, but after an underwhelming combine and shoulder concerns, his stock has slipped slightly. This works out perfectly for the Jaguars because here they would be getting a number one overall talent, despite picking at number four. Think of when the Jets got Leonard Williams at sixth overall in regards to the value selection that Allen would be for Jacksonville.
For the last two years, Allen has been the best player on the best defense in the country and has the production to match the hype despite playing a position that makes production hard to come by. In the Jags defense, Allen’s versatility will be much appreciated, as they seem to value that amongst their defensive linemen. The way I see it, in base, Allen will slot in as the strong-side defensive end, while newly signed Calais Campbell will kick inside having him and Malik Jackson handle the defensive tackle spots. Either Dante Fowler or Yannick Ngakoue will play the “LEO” as the team’s primary edge rusher. In college, Allen had no trouble racking up double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons, so when joining another incredibly talented defensive line like the Jags have, I see no reason that he wouldn’t have double-digit sack potential right away in the NFL.
5) Tennessee Titans - from Los Angeles Rams
Malik Hooker (S) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 206 lbs.
For how I just raved about Jamal Adams, would you believe that there are people out there who think Hooker is a better safety prospect? This isn’t a knock on Adams either, but more of a compliment on the potential of Hooker. There are some out there who have gone as far to say that Hooker has an Ed Reed ceiling. It’s tough to put those types of expectations on a young player, but based off of his talent, athleticism, and 2016 production, it is tough to say that these overzealous scouts are wrong.
With Ohio State last season, Hooker finished second in the NCAA with seven interceptions, broke up four other passes, racked up 74 tackles (5.5 for loss), all the while serving as a rangy free safety. On tape he can tackle, has excellent ball skills, and he can flat out cover ground. These skills are the most important traits that any safety can have when concerning a college to NFL transition. So considering all of this, I’m sure you are asking, “Why then is he only going fifth overall?” And my answer is two pronged: A) he is coming off of two surgeries (torn hip labrum and hernia) and B) he only has one year of production (didn’t start until 2016). Those two concerns make him a slightly more risky prospect than the four players above him. In any event, the Titans will be thrilled to add a player of Hooker’s caliber to their defense, especially considering this was a pick that they got in the Jared Goff trade last season.
6) New York Jets
Marshon Lattimore (CB) Ohio State
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 193 lbs.
Let’s not overcomplicate things – The Jets desperately need help in the secondary and Lattimore is the best corner in this draft, bar none. He tested off the charts at the combine and has the tape to match. Rather than reaching on a quarterback that they don’t really love, the Jets can fill an immediate need here and hopefully replace the production that Darrelle Revis had given them for so many years. Safe and smart pick for the Jets here.
For those clamoring for a quarterback, take note of what the Jets have done this offseason. They gutted their roster in hopes of bottoming out in 2017 for yet another high draft pick. Expect their QB of the future to be taken in the 2018 draft, while in 2017 they can take the best player on the board.
7) Los Angeles Chargers
Corey Davis (WR) Western Michigan
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 209 lbs.
Many think that the Chargers should go offensive line here, but I don’t believe that there is an elite lineman in this draft – certainly not one worthy of seventh overall – so instead they fill another need here. Let’s face it, as good as Keenan Allen is, the Chargers can no longer rely upon him to stay healthy, thus they need to look for an insurance policy at the position.
Enter Corey Davis.
At 6-foot-3 and over 200 lbs., Davis is well built for the position and looks every bit the part of a future number one receiver in the NFL. And while his frame may be intriguing alone, what people love most about Davis is that he has the production to back it up. With the conclusion of the 2016 season (97 rec, 1,500 yds, 19 TD’s), Davis finished his career as one of the most productive receivers in the history of college football (career numbers: 332 rec, 5285 yds, 52 TD’s). On tape, Davis is big, strong, fast, and talented. He’s the complete package; there is nothing that he can’t do. Rather than having me further bore you with superlatives and adjectives, here’s his highlight tape which mostly speaks for itself…
8) Carolina Panthers
Leonard Fournette (RB) LSU
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 240 lbs.
Admittedly, this may be a slight reach, but after the Cowboys proved last season what a game changing running back can do to a team with talent, I can’t help but see the incredible potential here.
Fournette has probably been the most publicized player in this draft class for the last three years, and for good reason, as when healthy he is one of the most dominating running backs in recent memory. He’s built like Jamaal Lewis, yet has the breakaway speed of Clinton Portis – an unfathomable combination, I know. In my years of watching football, I can honestly say that there aren’t many backs that I can think of that are harder to take down. Now I won’t say that Fournette is the prospect that Ezekiel Elliott was last year because he lacks the refinement and nuance needed for the position, plus he isn’t the blocker or receiver that Zeke is, but there is no doubt that Fournette’s physical traits have never been seen at this position before. Paired with Cam Newton, the Panthers will have the two best goal line backs in the NFL, and arguably the two most explosive playmakers at both the quarterback and running back positions. I doubt that they will be able to pass up on that potential if Fournette is still there when they are picking at eight. (and yes, both of these .GIF’s are from the same game)
9) Cincinnati Bengals
Reuben Foster (LB) Alabama
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 229 lbs.
The Bengals can go in a couple of different directions here, but I believe in Foster they grab the best player available and fill their biggest need. Sure he was sent home from the combine after having a heated moment with a medical assistant, but that event is not indicative of who Foster is. By all accounts he’s a committed worker, locker room leader, and standup citizen off the field. On the field he’s a linebacker who plays fast and tough with incredible instincts. Slotting in next to Vontaze Burfict, the addition of Foster could give the Bengals the most feared linebacking duo in the NFL.
10) Buffalo Bills
O.J. Howard (TE) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 251 lbs.
I’m sure we all remember what O.J. Howard did in the National Championship game two years ago (5 rec, 208 yds, 2 TD’s), but for those of you who don’t, I have attached that tape below. Essentially what Howard did a couple of weeks ago at the combine is confirm that talent which we saw on tape in January of 2016, as he tested as one of the most athletically gifted tight ends in the history of the NFL. He not only measured at a hulking 6-foot-6 and over 250 lbs., but he also tested faster in the 40-yard dash than Antonio Brown! Now while his lack of eye-popping production as a receiver outside of that title game two years ago may be concerning, his combine workouts all but confirm that he will be capable when actually utilized in an offense. As for the rest of his tape, Howard has shown tremendous strides as an inline blocker on running downs. The combination of everything above makes Howard the undisputed top tight end in this class. Adding his talent to the Bills offense will only speed up the progression of Tyrod Taylor.
11) New Orleans Saints
Taco Charlton (EDGE) Michigan
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 277 lbs.
I’ll be frank and say that I don’t love Charlton, but he is the exact type of player that always seems to get picked in this range. He’s got a prototype build, has position versatility, and seemingly has potential to the moon. My problem is that Charlton is still a raw player technique wise and has one of the more questionable motors in the draft. He also started just one season in college – his senior year. All things considered though, he still posted really good production last season (9.5 sacks in 2016) and fills a need for the Saints here.
12) Cleveland Browns - from Philadelphia
Haason Reddick (LB) Temple
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 237 lbs.
I think ideally the Browns will trade out of this pick, but without that opportunity and without being in love with any of the quarterbacks, they will play the board BPA.
According to my board, the best player available here is Derek Barnett, however having just picked an edge player with their first overall selection, chances are that they wont double-dip. Next in line is linebacker Haason Reddick, who will perfectly slot in as the weakside backer in the Browns new 4-3 defensive scheme.
Over the last month, Reddick has sky rocketed up draft boards. This is mainly due to his incredible combine performance, but make no mistake, his production and tape are no after thoughts either. He’s blazing fast (4.52 40-time) and crazy athletic, while his instincts and positional versatility will propel him into the top half of the first round. The Browns need help everywhere they can get it, so drafting strictly based off of talent is more than appropriate with their second selection in the first round.
13) Arizona Cardinals
Mitchell Trubisky (QB) North Carolina
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 222 lbs.
Finally a quarterback comes off the board, and while I’m sure it won’t actually take this long, I am still not comfortable projecting trades this far away from draft day.
For Arizona, they get the best quarterback in the draft and fill arguably their most looming future need. Carson Palmer is no spring chicken and he should be able to show the inexperienced Trubisky the NFL ropes in his first couple of seasons.
14) Philadelphia Eagles - from Minnesota
Dalvin Cook (RB) Florida State
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 210 lbs.
Cook at one point was considered in the Leonard Fournette range, but a shaky past (arrests), fumblitis, and a disappointing combine have dropped him to the mid-first round. The Eagles will welcome Cook’s shortcomings with open arms, as they will still view him as a franchise altering running back.
While I’m not as high on Cook as many others are, I do see where they are coming from. His running style is reminiscent of Le’Veon Bell if you squint really hard, as he sets up his blocks expertly and knows when to use his acceleration to burst through the line of scrimmage. He possesses breakaway speed and is a really good receiver out of the backfield too. My problems with him are the same that I had with Melvin Gordon two years ago… He is too reliant on bouncing runs outside and he runs far too upright for the beating he will take in the NFL. If he can correct these issues along with holding onto the ball better and staying out of trouble off the field, I will be on board with Cook too.
15) Indianapolis Colts
Christian McCaffrey (RB) Stanford
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 202 lbs.
From a back I’m down on more than most, to a back that I know I’m higher on than just about everyone else – Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in this class. Boom; hot take!
I’ll probably get heat for this, but I truly believe it. He’s got the tape in spades, his 2015 season (3,864 all-purpose yards, 15 TD’s) was the best by a running back in the history of college football (2016 was no slouch either: 2,327 all-purpose yards, 16 TD’s), and to top it all off he was the best pound-for-pound performer at the combine.
He will join the Colts as both their best running back and best slot receiver from day one, and the same would go if he were to be drafted by about 20 other teams. It’s this dual-threat skill-set that makes him such an attractive option in the first round, but if we are just strictly talking about running the football, I still see him as the best in this class. Where I was talking about Dalvin Cook before and how he is patient through the line of scrimmage, take that skill for McCaffrey and multiply it by two. He – most like Le’Veon Bell – can stop and start on a dime, set up blocks, and change directions in a way not seen since Barry Sanders. I have to go to another sport to find a comparison for his change of speed ability, as it is most reminiscent of a crafty left-handed pitcher.
Once he is through the hole and has shaken every would-be defender out of their cleats, he has ample breakaway speed to take it to the house. If drafted here, I expect McCaffrey to serve as an excellent back, receiver, and return man right out of the gates for the Colts, which is the type of explosive weapon that they have been lacking since the days of Edgerrin James.
16) Baltimore Ravens
Derek Barnett (Edge) Tennessee
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 259 lbs.
The Ravens defense is in a state of transition and they need a new x-factor to give them an identity on that side of the ball again. Barnett is by far the best available player on the board at 16 and he will fill the Ravens biggest need. His resume speaks for it’s self, as his 33 career sacks in three seasons is an SEC record, one that was previously held by hall of famer Reggie White. While he is not the best athlete, there is little doubt that Barnett is the most polished and accomplished pass rusher in this class – yes even more so than projected number one overall pick Myles Garrett.
17) Washington Redskins
Zach Cunningham (LB) Vanderbilt
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 234 lbs.
Washington is in dire need of help at the inside linebacker spot, regardless of the addition of Zach Brown.
Something to keep in mind is that Brown is coming in only on a one-year deal, and last year’s starting combination of Mason Foster and Will Compton was atrocious.
Cunningham is a ball magnet as is evidenced by his 125 tackles last season, while his ability to put pressure on the quarterback (six career sacks) is an added bonus. He should start off the bat for Washington, however even if he doesn’t, he will be the only inside linebacker on the books for the Redskins beyond 2017.
18) Tennessee Titans
John Ross (WR) Washington
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 188 lbs.
When you produce like Ross has in his collegiate career and you break the 40-yard dash record (4.22) at the combine, there is little chance that you will slide all the way down to 18th overall, but surprisingly I do see that being the case for Ross this April. It’s not for a lack of talent or production, but rather it’s his slight frame and injury concerns that will keep some teams scared of Ross towards the beginning of the first round.
Luckily the Titans will be able to look past those concerns here because they already selected in the first round and have the luxury of taking a risk. My bet is that Ross will be cleared quickly after his shoulder surgery and he will go on to serve as a much needed deep threat for Marcus Mariota and this Titans offense for years to come. Remember Ross’ name during your fantasy drafts this summer.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Curtis Samuel (RB/WR) Ohio State
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 196 lbs.
While some scouts will find an issue with Samuel’s “undefined” position, I see a versatile offensive weapon. In 2016 for the Buckeyes, Samuel not only rushed for an astounding 8.0 yards per carry for a total of 771 yards and eight touchdowns, he added another seven receiving touchdowns on 74 receptions and 865 receiving yards. Personally I would use him as a running back on most downs and as a gadget wideout in a few packages per game, but my ultimate point is that I would do all I could to get the ball in this guy’s hands. Based off of his tape, production, and the clinic that he put on in Indy, I have very little doubt about Samuel being taken in the first round.
In this scenario, the Buccaneers will be blessed with a player who can make things a lot easier on the rest of their stars. Less focus will be on Mike Evans, less workload will be put on Doug Martin, and most importantly Jameis Winston will have to take far less 7-step drop backs. For scouts who are weary about Samuel’s moniker of “Jack of all trades, master of none,” just hark back to the prime years of Percy Harvin… I think that worked out pretty well.
20) Denver Broncos
Ryan Ramczyk (OT) Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 310 lbs.
I’m not breaking news when I tell you that the Broncos need some serious offensive line help. Sure they signed Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson in free agency, but more help is still needed, particularly at the offensive tackle spot.
While I’m not his biggest fan, Ryan Ramczyk is the best tackle in this draft class and fills an obvious need for Denver. Need I say more?
21) Detroit Lions
Jabrill Peppers (S) Michigan
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 213 lbs.
The Lions defense is largely devoid of talent, so they could use help at all three levels. The addition of Peppers would give them help – in theory – at all three levels, as he can cover, mix it up around the line of scrimmage, and get after the quarterback. Beyond that he is an all-world talent with the ball in his hands, so his contributions on special teams and potential gadget offensive touches would just be an added bonus to this selection.
22) Miami Dolphins
Forrest Lamp (OG) Western Kentucky
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 309 lbs.
Miami is considered a team without many holes, but without many strengths either. Here I give them the best player on the board that fills their seemingly biggest need – offensive line. I say that O-Line is their biggest need because the plan is to appropriately kick Laremy Tunsil out to left tackle, leaving a void at guard.
A little about Lamp: he’s a four-year starter – mainly at left tackle – and comes from a smaller school. Despite this, he gained notoriety for his excellent play and managed to be named an AP All-American by his senior year. The book on him is that he can play literally any position on the line, but he will likely be best suited at guard at the next level because of his lack of length. Sounds quite familiar to Zack Martin a few years ago – a player who many have compared Lamp to – and we all know how that worked out.
23) New York Giants
Garett Bolles (OT) Utah
Height: 6-foot-5 | 297 lbs.
Admittedly I struggled with this one because while there aren’t many tackles that I like in this draft, there is no way that I can see the Giants leaving the first round without one.
While Bolles is blessed with raw ability and excellent physical traits, he’s a late bloomer at the position. He only has played one year of FBS football and he’s also already 25-years old. Some red flags throughout his scouting notes there for sure, but I also would be lying if I said that I haven’t been in awe of his natural athleticism on tape. If the Giants just work with him on cleaning up his punch technique and get him a little more of a power base in his kick-slide, there is no reason that he can’t become a pro bowler some day.
24) Oakland Raiders
Jarrad Davis (LB) Florida
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 238 lbs.
There is no question that the Raiders biggest hole is at the linebacker position, so with three already off the board, they can’t hesitate at all in this selection.
Davis is just as talented and nasty as any of the three taken before him, but his injury history allows him to slide towards the end of the first round.
His addition would bring the Raiders an instant tone setter, as his smash mouth approach is the only thing that has given him injury troubles in the past. He has excellent instincts, and can read, react, and drive through the ball carrier like he isn’t even there. I’m confident that Davis can plug and play as a starting strong-side linebacker in any NFL defense, but for the Raiders purposes he will slot in as the mike. Considering this, my only concern aside from his spotty health history is his ability to cover in space. His ample athleticism should make up for any deficiencies though, so the Raiders will be pleased with their new thumping linebacker – a future team captain for sure…
Also, I hate to project lofty comparisons on prospects (actually I love to), but in this .GIF below, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Ray Lewis. I honestly haven’t seen a linebacker hit the backfield on a short yardage play like that since the Ravens future hall of famer. (Lewis on left; Davis on right).
25) Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson (QB) Clemson
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 221 lbs.
This would be a massive steal for Houston, as Watson would likely be their Week 1 starter if the draft were to play out like this.
He doesn’t project “as” well into the NFL game as Mitchell Trubisky, however I still think he will end up being a good player in this league. With the current makeup of the Texans roster, Watson would make them an instant Super Bowl contender, especially considering his big game experience. Think something similar to what Dak Prescott did for Dallas last season in terms of presence, not necessarily statistically however.
26) Seattle Seahawks
Kevin King (CB) Washington
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 200 lbs.
Many will call this the biggest reach of the draft, however by accounts of most scouts, this cornerback class is very even from about numbers 2-20. King certainly falls into that range of the CB position rankings, and thus I believe that this scenario is not that unlikely. I picked Seattle for his landing spot because he is almost the exact prototype of what they love to see in corners. He’s huge (6-foot-3, 200 lbs.) – check – is excellent in press – check – specializes in zone third coverage – check – and as an added bonus he doesn’t have to move very far because like his college team, the Seahawks play their football in Seattle too. Furthermore on King, his combine performance in my eyes put him into first round consideration because there is no way that a man his size should run a sub 4.45 40-time.
27) Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Williams (WR) Clemson
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 218 lbs.
From maybe the biggest reach in the draft to the biggest steal – Mike Williams is a wide receiver whom many consider a top-10 player in this draft. My reasoning for his slide is because of recency bias. Not only did John Ross blow up the combine, but contrarily Williams was a non-participant, and while Williams proved he possesses more than adequate speed at his pro day, I still believe that John Ross will go ahead of Williams because of his historic deep speed. Truth be told, I’m really just struggling to find a different landing spot for Williams, so for now he remains my biggest faller.
Having said all of this, Williams is a baller. The Madden statistic “spectacular catch” was seemingly made for him, as he high-points the ball in ways only currently seen by Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and Dez Bryant. To add to that, he’s a good route runner, he’s tough as nails, is a clutch time performer, and has incredible hands. I believe that his mind for the game will separate him from someone like Laquon Treadwell, therefore Williams will off the bat be at least a factor in the red zone for whomever drafts him.
28) Dallas Cowboys
Budda Baker (S) Washington
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 195 lbs.
Dallas typically goes by the “best player available” mantra, but picking at 28, I think they will draft for need this year in hopes of putting them over the top as a Super Bowl contender.
You could argue that outside of Sean Lee, the Cowboys don’t have a single playmaker on defense. This notion was only furthered this offseason when what I’m calling the “Great Dallas Exodus” occurred, potentially leaving the Cowboys without seven defensive starters. Particularly in the secondary the Cowboys lost the most, as two starting corners left along with their top two strong safeties.
In Budda Baker, the Cowboys could potentially fill both positions to an extent and get themselves a true x-factor on the defensive side of the ball, as his Honey Badger-esque skillset makes him a prime candidate for a roaming safety and nickel corner role. He may be undersized, but he brings the hammer at the point of attack and is an expert at ripping the ball away from defenders. In all he created eight turnovers in three years as a starter – something that the Cowboys have desperately been missing on the defensive side of the ball since DeMarcus Ware was last strip sacking quarterbacks for them.
If taken here, expect Baker to serve as the nickel safety, playing alongside both Byron Jones and Jeff Heath as the third safety on the field. His versatility will allow the Cowboys to not have to change personnel as much, as he will line up with anyone in the slot and can handle himself downhill in the run game like a linebacker. His insane athleticism and playmaking ability may just end up being too much for Dallas to pass on in the first round… Last season Budda tallied 71 tackles (10 TFL), three sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble, while he ran a 4.45 at the combine.
29) Green Bay Packers
Marlon Humphrey (CB) Alabama
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 197 lbs.
Considered another huge fall, Humphrey is just a product of this incredibly deep corner class. The Packers secondary was such a disaster last season though that there is no way they would waste any time taking a player of Humphrey’s caliber.
He’s long, rangy, fast, and possesses good ball skills. Basically a prototype for historical Green Bay corners, but I will not lie to you and tell you that Humphrey is without flaws. He tends to lose his man at times on deep balls and can get burned more often than you would like out of a number one corner. In any event, he’s a significant upgrade over much of what they have back there, so he will be a welcomed addition to this Packers secondary.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles Harris (Edge) Missouri
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 253 lbs.
Harris comes off the board here and fills a huge gap for the Steelers after they lost Jarvis Jones to free agency. While he didn’t test like it, Harris is one of the more twitched up pass rushers in this draft, making him a perfect fit on the edge for Pittsburgh across from Bud Dupree.
31) Atlanta Falcons
Dorian Johnson (OG) Pittsburgh
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 300 lbs.
Probably the player in my mock who is most unknown, Johnson will fill a big need for the Falcons inside at guard. Unlike most first round guards in past years, Johnson was a career guard in college rather than a converted tackle, so his learning curve in the NFL should be minimal. He will join the defending NFC champs roster ready to contribute from day one, something that Atlanta will need along the line if they are going to keep their run going.
32) New Orleans Saints - from New England
Tre’Davious White (CB) LSU
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 192 lbs.
With their second first round selection, the Saints get an ultra-talented corner who will have the luxury of staying in state.
Scouting notes on White: he’s a cover corner through and through, and while he wont contribute much in the run game, his tape and measureables match up with what the Saints typically look for in corners. He has the speed to stay with just about any receiver and his cover scheme ability is versatile. An overall solid starter for years to come.