ITH NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Beginning of NFL Free Agency
Here we are in the middle of March, a month and a half removed from the Buccaneers Super Bowl victory. If NFL football has not been on your radar since then, now is the time to get yourself involved. With the beginning of Free Agency and NFL Draft prep kicking into high gear, the most exciting part of the offseason has arrived. There is just over one month left before the Draft, and we here at Inside the Hashes have our latest projections for where the league’s newest stars will be playing next season. In this two-round mock draft, Jacob Keppen will be making the odd number selections and Ben Schwartz will be picking for the even-numbered teams.
Round 1
#1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
This has been the pick since it was confirmed that the Jaguars were to select 1st overall. Trevor Lawrence has been the prize of this class since the start, and nothing has changed. The Jaguars are hitting the reset button, something they’ve badly needed to do for a while now. Getting a franchise quarterback like Trevor Lawrence is the perfect way to kick off the Jaguars rebuild under the new Urban Meyer administration.
-Jacob Keppen
#2. New York Jets - Justin Fields, QB Ohio State
With the recent news that the Jets are hearing offers for quarterback Sam Darnold, it seems like they will be going after that same position with the number two overall pick in this year’s draft. Justin Fields is still my second-ranked quarterback in this year’s class and would likely be the best quarterback in many drafts from the last ten years, so the Jets take him off the board here. He has everything you would want in a prospect, but some still try to build a false narrative that he cannot read defenses. It is just not true. An organizational culture shift seems to be in the works in East Rutherford, and Justin Fields is the perfect leader to get the Jets back to where they want to be.
- Ben Schwartz
#3. Miami Dolphins- Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
The best way to help out a young quarterback is to give him help. Make it so he doesn’t have to be the hero on every snap. Last year the Dolphins attempted to beef up their offensive line by taking USC left tackle Austin Jackson in the first, and Louisiana right tackle Robert Hunt in the second round. With the third overall this year, the Dolphins give Tua Tagovailoa a real feature weapon. Smith is a pro-ready receiver that understands leverage and technique. He is a great athlete that gains separation and is a monster with the ball in his hands. He plays bigger than his size indicates and will help Tagovailoa in a big way.
- Jacob Keppen
#4. Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
The Falcons are in a weird spot, and we are going to learn a lot about how they perceive themselves in this draft. If the Falcons decide to select a quarterback with the fourth overall pick, it will signal a departure from the Matt Ryan era. But if they do not, then why not give Matt Ryan arguably the best pass-catcher in the Draft. Pitts is listed as a tight end, but he can line up anywhere, and with only one tight end on the roster (Hayden Hurst who has just one more year left on his deal), it makes sense to address the position early. One statistic to note: the Falcons averaged only 4.2 yards after the catch when throwing to players lined up as an inline tight end or in the slot. Kyle Pitts averaged 7.3 yards after the catch per reception last season.
- Ben Schwartz
#5. Cincinnati Bengals- Penei Sewell, OT Oregon
There is no need to make America wait the full ten minutes for this pick. Cincy has their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow, taken with the first overall pick last year. Now it is time to protect their franchise guy. Burrow already has been injured behind a bad Bengals line, get him a true franchise tackle. Penei Sewell is as good of a tackle prospect that you’ll find, with crazy size and athleticism. He has the potential to be one of the best tackles in the game.
- Jacob Keppen
#6. Philadelphia Eagles - Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU
With the report coming out today that Eagles owner Jeffrie Lurie wants to build around quarterback Jalen Hurts this year and prioritizing making him successful in 2021, it only makes sense to give the Eagles LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase at the sixth pick. Chase is a nice compliment to the current Eagles receiver room and has the skills to be the WR1 that allows Jalen Hurts to reach his potential. If anyone has any doubts about Chase, just remember that he was more productive at LSU during the 2019 college football season than NFL Rookie of the Year runner-up Justin Jefferson. Chase can flat-out play.
- Ben Schwartz
#7. Detroit Lions- Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan
Not much has changed from the last draft. The Lions still had one of the worst defenses in the league last year. They still struggled to get to the quarterback. Romeo Okwara has been one of the lone bright spots on the Detroit defense, but they need more. Kwity Paye has a high floor and has an equally high ceiling. The Lions keep the Michigan defender in state and start the rebuild of their defense.
- Jacob Keppen
#8. Carolina Panthers - Zach Wilson, QB BYU
Teddy Bridgewater is not the long-term solution for the Carolina Panthers, and there’s no reason for them not to roll the dice on that position. The Panthers could go with any of the top quarterbacks on the board here (Lance, Wilson, Jones), but they go with Wilson because of the playmaking ability. His arm is legitimately special and his production out of the pocket. Level of competition questions are legit, so are those about his frame. But he can manipulate a football in such a way few others can.
- Ben Schwartz
#9. Denver Broncos- Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State
The Denver Broncos would be foolish to pass up on a quarterback prospect of Trey Lance’s caliber. Drew Lock struggled a lot last year, and Denver might not get a shot on a quarterback like Lance for a while. Lance has one of the highest ceilings in the class, with great athleticism and arm strength. He will have great weapons in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, and Noah Fant, giving him all of the chance in the world to succeed.
- Jacob Keppen
#10. Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain, CB Alabama
The Cowboys have holes all over their defense, but their lack of playmakers in coverage is a weakness too serious to overlook. With Dan Quinn now serving as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, it is likely the Cowboys will play a lot of single-high defenses now, which means the corners will be put on islands and attacked. This was a situation Surtain excelled in at Alabama. According to Pro Football Focus, Dallas allowed 67% of passes to wide receivers to be caught last season, the league's sixth-highest rate. Surtain only allowed 40% of passes to be caught when he was covering wide receivers.
- Ben Schwartz
#11. New York Giants- Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
With all of the top quarterbacks gone, Daniel Jones is the guy in New York. He needs a true go-to target. Jaylen Waddle has game-breaking potential. His speed and overall mobility is unmatched by virtually everyone. With Waddle and Slayton, teams will have to watch out for New York’s speed.
- Jacob Keppen
#12. San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech
Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Dontae Johnson, Jamar Taylor, Emmanuel Moseley. That is the list of every San Francisco cornerback set to become a free agent this offseason. Even if the 49ers bring a few of them back, that is plenty of turnover to experience. Farley is young and extremely athletic. Left on islands a lot in Virginia Tech’s system in 2019, he performed at an elite level, allowing a passer rating of just 26.8 on throws into his coverage.
- Ben Schwartz
#13. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern
Years down the line, everyone will be asking “How did Rashawn Slater last all the way to the Chargers at 13?’ Los Angeles shouldn’t take too long to make the pick. They have a massive need on the left side of their offensive line, and Slater is an elite-level prospect. He has great strength and athleticism to go alongside the best technique in the class. Slater has all-pro potential and will help keep franchise quarterback Justin Herbert upright.
- Jacob Keppen
#14. Minnesota Vikings - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG USC
The Vikings have needs at edge rusher but also along the interior offensive line, and Vera-Tucker -- who is a stud on the interior but starred at tackle this season for USC -- has the versatility to line up anywhere. With this pick, the Vikings are making the best aspect of their team even better. Vera-Tucker is an incredibly athletic offensive lineman that excels in zone run schemes, which we have seen Dalvin Cook absolutely dominate in this past season. He has quick feet and has shown an ability to get to the outside and up to the second level.
- Ben Schwartz
#15. New England Patriots- Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Patriots just go the best player available and take Penn State linebacker, Micah Parsons. Donta Hightower is getting older and the Patriots linebackers are not great as a whole. Parsons has otherworldly potential, with great size and athleticism. Parsons can keep the Patriots defense chugging into the 2020s.
- Jacob Keppen
#16. Arizona Cardinals - Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
With Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick, and Jonathan Joseph set to become free agents this offseason, the Cardinals take the best cornerback left on the board to fill this positional need. Horn is a physical, athletic play-making cornerback who would add depth at the position. Standing at 6’1’’ and 205 pounds, Horn has the size and length to match up with the collection of big and physical receivers in the NFC West. While the Cardinals have a need on the defensive edge as well, Horn is too good to pass up on in this spot.
- Ben Schwartz
#17. Las Vegas Raiders- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame
The Raiders need any help they can get on the defensive side of the ball, and Owusu-Koramoah is possibly the most versatile player in the draft. He can play almost anywhere for a defense. Primarily playing as a linebacker, you saw multiple instances of Owusu-Koramoah lining up as a box safety, as well as lining up in the slot. He brings a great intensity to a defense and can be a swiss army knife for the Raiders.
- Jacob Keppen
#18. Miami Dolphins - Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
With their second pick in the first round, the Dolphins can go after any player who falls to them. Edge rushers like Phillips or Ojulari could be options, but I think it is best to go after a player who could help the offensive line. At Pick 18, Darrisaw could be an immediate upgrade over both tackles they took in the first round last season, Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt. According to Pro Football Focus, Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt earned grades of 74.1 and 87.1, respectively, in their final season of college football. Darrisaw was at 95.6 last year.
- Ben Schwartz
#19. Washington Football Team- Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota
Terry McLaurin needs help. Washington really needs to improve on their 2nd wide receiver, they already have a budding star in McLaurin. With Bateman, Washington potentially has two star wide receivers. Bateman is an all-around receiver with great body control and contested catchability. He’s a smooth athlete who can make the tough grabs. He’s the perfect complement to McLaurin.
-Jacob Keppen
#20. Chicago Bears - Teven Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State
Allen Robinson is coming back! Bears fans rejoice! With Chicago placing the franchise tag on their star receiver, they are now open to pursue another one of their team needs with the 20th overall pick. A bully on the offensive line, Jenkins will be a good player for a long time. The Oklahoma State tackle is not super long, but he plays with such a nasty streak and power that he makes up for it. However, he is not a quarterback. This means the Bears will be stuck in the middle for yet another year.
- Ben Schwartz
#21. Indianapolis Colts- Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame
The Colts need a left tackle that can play now. Not tomorrow, not after breakfast, NOW! Long-time left tackle Anthony Costanzo has retired, leaving a big hole on the left side next to Quenton Nelson. You made the investment in Carson Wentz, you can’t let him get hurt. Why not pair Nelson with his Fighting Irish teammate Liam Eichenberg. Eichenberg can start immediately for the Colts. He fits the scheme well and is an in-state player.
-Jacob Keppen
#22. Tennessee Titans - Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
The Titans were abysmal rushing the passer in 2020, ranking 31st in pressure rate and accumulating just 19 sacks. The Jadeveon Clowney signing did not pay off the way they wanted it to, and Harold Landry can only do so much. Once again, Clowney is a free agent, and the Titans are searching for their next top pass rusher. Ojulari has been on my radar since the beginning of the college football season because he plays hard on every snap, whether it is a run or pass. Extremely active off the edge, Ojulari regularly finds himself in the backfield as a disruptive presence.
- Ben Schwartz
#23. New York Jets- Terrace Marshall, WR LSU
Do not make the same mistakes that were made with Sam Darnold. Do not expect Justin Fields to make magic out of nothing. Get him receivers. Justin Fields throws a beautiful deep ball, and Terrace Marshall could be the recipient of many long bombs in a Jets uniform. Marshall is a great combination of size and speed and was a big-play threat at LSU.
- Jacob Keppen
#24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Najee Harris, RB Alabama
Big Ben is coming back for at least one more year and the Steelers need to beef up the O-line, but they also need to figure out how to re-establish the run. Najee Harris is not Derrick Henry, but he has similar traits with the added ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Harris projects as a three-down back at the next level, and in this offense could have serious Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration. If Pittsburgh can find a run game, its passing offense becomes much more consistent (and less predictable). - Ben Schwartz
#25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State
Same pick as last time, the Jaguars take their franchise tackle to protect their franchise quarterback. Dillon Radunz was dominant at the FCS level, and then proceeded to dominate the competition at the Senior Bowl. With the franchise tag being placed on Cam Robinson, the North Dakota State lineman could possibly play guard with rumors of Andrew Norwell being available. Radunz could then move to tackle next year.
- Jacob Keppen
#26. Cleveland Browns - Trevon Moehrig, S TCU
The Browns are oddly complete on offense and could end up going with the best player available on defense or fill a positional need. Luckily for them, that player is Trevon Moehrig, who fills a significant need at safety. Moehrig is an all-around safety with the ability to stay deep in centerfield, play in the half-field, and sometimes come down and cover slot receivers. Per Pro Football Focus, Browns’ safeties earned the worst cumulative grade in the league last season at 48.2. Moehrig led the country in pass breakups over the previous two seasons from the safety position.
- Ben Schwartz
#27. Baltimore Ravens- Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami
This is a nightmare scenario for the Ravens. The top five receivers are all off the board. Lamar Jackson needs help, but that will have to wait until the next round. Jaelan Phillips is too good for the Ravens to pass up on. The Ravens need a standout edge rusher, and with Yannick Ngakoue not working out as well as they’d hoped, it’s the perfect time to take a swing on Jalean Phillips. Phillips has some medical concerns but has the potential to be the best defensive player in this class. He has tremendous physical traits and you’ll be hard-pressed to find an edge rusher who was better down the stretch last season.
- Jacob Keppen
#28. New Orleans Saints - Kadarius Toney, WR Florida
If there is an offensive mind who will know how to get the most out of this offensive weapon, it's Sean Payton. Slot. Backfield. Wide. Kicking game. Toney is a gifted separator. Whether it is Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill under center for the Saints next season, Toney will not only cause problems for opposing defenses with his versatility, but will also presumably open up the field for Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, and the rest of the Saints weapons.
- Ben Schwartz
#29. Green Bay Packers- Sam Cosmi, OT Texas
This is the pick to make. The Packers need a right tackle, and tackles are starting to fly off the board. A good receiver will be there at pick #62, a right tackle most likely will not. Sam Cosmi has a ton of potential. He’s massive and can move well. He has to bulk up a tad bit but has shown good ferocity in his play.
- Jacob Keppen
#30. Buffalo Bills - Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State
I think it is very possible that the Bills decide to trade back from this pick and acquire more draft picks to build on the depth of their already stellar roster. But in this no-trade mock draft, the Bills decide to select what they hope to be one half of a long-term cornerback duo with Tre’Davious White in the form of Florida State corner Asante Samuel Jr.. The Florida State corner takes after his father with his plus-man coverage abilities and instincts, not to mention that he is also one of the top zone corners in the class. Samuel Jr. provides additional value by being very solid when defending the run thanks to his sure tackling and play recognition.
- Ben Schwartz
#31. Kansas City Chiefs- Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State
Wyatt Davis is as solid of a pick you can make at 31, and a team like the Chiefs needs a good solid lineman. Kansas City struggled at times to run the ball last season, especially in the redzone. Wyatt Davis is a plug-and-play starter who can help an already great Kansas City offense. He’s a really good pass blocker and is as solid as they come in the run game. A team with championship aspirations needs well-rounded solid players, not boom or bust guys, and Wyatt Davis is a well-rounded good player.
- Jacob Keppen
#32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Carlos Basham, EDGE Wake Forest
(This selection was made prior to Shaquil Barrett resigning with the Bucs) With Tampa Bay placing the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin and signing linebacker Lavonte David to a two-year contract, all signs are pointing to Shaq Barrett playing for a new team next season. So, the Buccaneers decided to select a possible replacement for Barrett with the 32nd selection. Shaquil Barrett held a 17.2% pass-rush win rate over the last two regular seasons, and Basham’s 18.5% win rate would be ideal. Other edge rushers like Jason Oweh and Joseph Ossai are still on the board, but Basham provides the best pass-rushing upside.
- Ben Schwartz
Round 2
#33. Jacksonville Jaguars- Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State
This is the pick to make every day, seven days a week. You have your franchise quarterback in Lawrence, and potentially your franchise tackle in Radunz. Now keep giving Lawrence help. Pat Freiermuth can be a big-time tight end for the Jaguars. He can make the tough catches over the middle and be a threat on all three levels of the field with Lawrence.
- Jacob Keppen
#34. New York Jets - Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
By selecting Justin Fields with the second overall pick, and then giving him a weapon with their second first-round selection, it is now time to protect their new quarterback. The Jets have to be dead set on making sure Fields doesn't become Sam Darnold. A running back here would make some sense, but adding a powerful lineman -- one who could potentially play inside or out -- would help Fields feel more comfortable once he's thrown to the wolves on Sundays. Leatherwood also provides versatility along the line after having played both tackle and guard at Alabama.
- Ben Schwartz
#35. Atlanta Falcons- Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami
Atlanta needs a lot of help on defense. Their defensive line is one of the weaker units in the league. Gregory Rousseau is a boom or bust player that has a very high ceiling. He has great length and some good athleticism. He has to learn the technical sides of the football, but if he does he could be an impact player for the Falcons.
- Jacob Keppen
#36. Miami Dolphins - Creed Humphrey, C Oklahoma
This pick has been around since the Senior Bowl, and for good reason. Creed Humphrey is one of the best offensive centers in recent memory, and with center Ted Karras entering free agency, he fits right in with Miami. The Dolphins coached Humphrey at the Senior Bowl, so they are familiar with his abilities and intelligence. With this pick, along with their two first-round selections, the Dolphins continue to add to a roster that is quickly becoming one of the best in the AFC.
- Ben Schwartz
#37. Philadelphia Eagles- Nick Bolton, LB Mizzou
Lost in the shuffle this offseason is how bad the Eagles linebackers have been over the past few years, in particular this year. Midway through the season, the cry from all fans was for a linebacker. Here they get their long-term middle linebacker in Missouri’s Nick Bolton. Bolton is a monster going downhill vs. the run and has shown good instincts dropping back into zone coverage. He and Alex Singleton could be a good duo.
- Jacob Keppen
#38. Cincinnati Bengals - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse
The Bengals don’t seem to be reaching a reunion with William Jackson III, given their increased emphasis on Carl Lawson. As such, the Bengals will need to find a new corner in their secondary to replace him. Ifeatu Melifonwu measures out at 6’2″ with 32-inch arms. His length and fluidity give him a lot of matchup flexibility on the outside, and his strength and sure-tackling make him an asset in the run game. A team late in the first round could jump on the Syracuse corner, so the Bengals are lucky to find a high-quality option to fill this positional need in the second round.
- Ben Schwartz
#39. Carolina Panthers- Eric Stokes, CB Georgia
Eric Stokes is an exciting cornerback prospect that can possibly make an immediate impact for the Panthers. Carolina has been looking for a second corner to pair with Donte Jackson, and Stokes is one of the best athletes in the class. He has exciting footwork and technique, and should immediately contend for a starting position in Carolina.
- Jacob Keppen
#40. Denver Broncos - Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas
There’s a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of Von Miller in Denver. Even if the team picks up his club option, they might be mutually parting following next season. As such, the team will need to find their next pass rusher to pair with Bradley Chubb. Ossai is a powerful rusher with an incredibly high motor who is still learning how to play the position. The Texas edge rusher demonstrated great anticipation off the snap and an explosive first step that allows him to disrupt the pocket.
- Ben Schwartz
#41. Detroit Lions- Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
The Lions need to keep improving their defense, and Zaven Collins is too good to pass up on. Collins is a true do-it-all outside linebacker. He has the size of a defensive end, with the ability to make plays in the backfield as well as in coverage. He can be the glue guy for years in Detroit and can learn a lot from Jamie Collins.
- Jacob Keppen
#42. New York Giants - Quincy Roche, EDGE Miami
The New York Giants were dead last in pass rush win rate throughout the entire NFL last season, sitting at just 31%. After Leonard Williams (11.5 sacks), no player on their roster recorded more than 4 sacks. In other words, the G-Men need a standout pass rusher. Here they add a dynamic piece in Miami’s Quincy Roche. Roche is an explosive pass rusher with good hands and a ton of bend. He dominated at the Senior Bowl and can be a big factor in making the Giants defense deeper and more balanced.
- Ben Schwartz
#43. San Francisco 49ers- Trey Smith, OT/OG Tennessee
When in doubt, take an offensive lineman. Trey Smith has great potential, can even potentially be a replacement for Trent Williams at left tackle. While playing at guard the past two years, Trey Smith was the starting left tackle at Tennessee in 2018 and looked promising. He has dynamite for hands and has the nasty that every offensive line coach wants in his players. The Niners could try him at tackle early on, and if that doesn’t work they have a really good guard.
- Jacob Keppen
#44. Dallas Cowboys - Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama
The Cowboys stop the fall of Christian Barmore at 44. Dallas had flashes of good play from Neville Gallimore last year, but they still need to invest in the interior of their defensive line. After adding to their secondary in the first round, the Cowboys can continue to throw resources at their defense by getting arguably the best interior defender in the class. Barmore has the best upside out of the defensive tackles, with flashes of really good athleticism and pass-rushing upside.
- Ben Schwartz
#45. Jacksonville Jaguars- Richie Grant, S UCF
The Jaguars defense is not nearly the same as in years past. They’ve added some good pieces in recent years such as Josh Allen and CJ Henderson, and here they add a top safety to their secondary. Richie Grant is a do-it-all safety who was one of the top performers in Mobile this year. He has great versatility but has the range to be a monster as a single high safety. Grant and Henderson can start to turn around Jacksonville’s secondary.
- Jacob Keppen
#46. New England Patriots - Mac Jones, QB Alabama
In this no-trades mock draft, the Patriots might be the biggest winner with their second-round selection of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones had a prolific season at Alabama. He was a Heisman finalist, led the country in yards and completion percentage, and was second in the country in touchdowns. With his performance in the college football playoff, Jones also proved that he can stay cool in the pocket and deliver on a big stage. Belichick and co. may have found the heir to the throne, a seat left vacant by Tom Brady.
- Ben Schwartz
#47. Los Angeles Chargers- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC
The early part of this draft should be dedicated to helping out quarterback Justin Herbert. Last year Herbert set the world on fire and looks to become a potential top ten quarterback this year. In order to do so, he needs help. Keenan Allen continues to be possibly the most underrated star in the NFL, but needs another receiver next to him. Amon-Ra St.Brown is another good route runner with great after-catch ability who can be an immediate contributor for the Bolts.
- Jacob Keppen
#48. Las Vegas Raiders - Jason Oweh, EDGE Penn State
It’s the second round and the Raiders have not drafted an edge rusher yet, so now is the time to do so. Oweh has fallen a bit under the radar because he didn't have a sack last year, which isn’t great. But his tape, according to evaluators, was still very impressive. He has the physical skill set to work at the next level for a team that can look past the lack of production. Oweh has elite quickness and explosiveness off the line that will eventually create the numbers many would expect.
- Ben Schwartz
#49. Arizona Cardinals- Travis Etienne, RB Clemson
Running back Kenyan Drake is hitting free agency, potentially creating a need at running back in Arizona. While the organization likes Chase Edmonds, Travis Etienne might be too good to pass up here. Etienne has great home-run speed, able to beat nearly any angle. He has improved every year as a receiver and could become a dangerous receiving threat in Kliff Kingsbury’s system.
- Jacob Keppen
#50. Miami Dolphins - Baron Browning, LB Ohio State
After going offense with both of their first-round picks, the Dolphins move over to the other side of the ball in the second round to add depth to one of the weakest aspects of their defense. Browning is superbly athletic and is at his best when making reads and pursuing the ball carrier using his high-level athleticism to close space quickly. The Ohio State linebacker has all the physical tools to succeed, but he will need to become more consistent to fulfill his potential.
- Ben Schwartz
#51. Washington Football Team- Greg Newsome, CB Northwestern
Washington has a really good defense. Their front seven is quickly becoming one of the best in football. A standout member in the secondary might make Washington into a defensive juggernaut. Coming in to replace free agent Ronald Darby is Northwestern’s, Greg Newsome. A smooth athlete and a great technician, Newsome is extremely sticky in man coverage. Newsome and Kendall Fuller could be a great cornerback combination in Washington.
- Jacob Keppen
#52. Chicago Bears - Dyami Brown, WR UNC
(This selection was made before Allen Robinson was given the franchise tag) With Allen Robinson’s departure looming, the Bears will need to add offensive weapons no matter who is under center next season. Even if Robinson returns, wide receiver should not be considered a position of strength for Chicago. Enter North Carolina wide receiver, Dyami Brown. Brown does his best work in the deepest part of the field where his long speed and explosiveness. He doesn’t need much of a runway to get going, and once he hits his top speed, he’s an electric long-strider who can create space vertically.
- Ben Schwartz
#53. Tennessee Titans- Brevin Jordan, TE Miami
This is an immediate replacement for Jonnu Smith. With the tight end hitting the market this year, Brevin Jordan could be a very similar replacement. Jordan is a big-bodied tight end that has good athleticism and big playability. Just like Smith, Jordan is great with the ball in his hands where he can showcase his athleticism.
- Jacob Keppen
#54. Indianapolis Colts - Ronnie Perkins, EDGE Oklahoma
Both the offensive and defensive line are areas that need addressing for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. After picking up Eichenberg in the first round, the Colts go defense and grab Ronnie Perkins out of Oklahoma. Despite not garnering the same sort of media attention as some of the other top edge rushers in this year’s class, Perkins may be one of the best. The Oklahoma edge rusher has an incredibly high motor and the physical tools that will allow him to make an impact from the start.
- Ben Schwartz
#55. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jalen Mayfield, OT Pittsburgh
With Big Ben returning, the Steelers need to add to their offensive line. The Steelers line really started to disappoint towards the end last year, with subpar play from both tackles. Jalen Mayfield has a ton of potential and can be a top right tackle for the Steelers. Mayfield is a tad bit raw, especially in pass protection, but is already a great run blocker. He may have to play inside early on, but he could eventually be the solution for the Steelers tackle problems in the future.
- Jacob Keppen
#56. Seattle Seahawks - Daviyon Nixon, IDL Missouri
The Seattle Seahawks front seven is no longer the dominant force it was five or six years ago when they appeared in back-to-back Super Bowls. Nixon is incredibly quick for his size and has the ability to stuff the run (13.5 tackles for loss) and get after the quarterback (5.5 sacks). Without a first-round selection, the Seahawks could address other positional needs with this pick. However, Nixon is likely the best defensive player left on the board, so he is the pick here.
- Ben Schwartz
#57. Los Angeles Rams- James Hudson, OT Cincinnati
While it seems like he’s just going to play forever, the Rams have to prepare for life after Andrew Whitworth. James Hudson could potentially be the successor for the Rams left tackle. Hudson is very raw. He only has started at left tackle for one season, but the traits are evident. Hudson glides out of his stance and is one of the best movers at offensive tackle in the draft. Not only is he mobile, but Hudson also plays with violence as well. He isn’t one of these big tackles that plays like a little man. There is nothing passive about Hudson. He has a ways to go in terms of technique, but he’s in the perfect situation in L.A. where he can sit behind one of the best-left tackles of his generation.
- Jacob Keppen
#58. Baltimore Ravens - Deonte Brown, OG Alabama
The Ravens are looking to replace Marshal Yanda, as it’s painfully obvious they missed a presence like his last year. While Brown isn’t Yanda, Brown is an absolute behemoth guard who fits the Ravens’ power-run game perfectly. Standing at roughly 6’4’’ and 350 pounds, Brown is able to combine his raw power with an explosive first step and quick hand movements to gain control of his battles on the line. While receiver may be an option for the Ravens with this pick, they ultimately decide to make the best part of their team better. - Ben Schwartz
#59. Cleveland Browns- Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
This past season has shown that Baker Mayfield, and the Browns offense as a whole, is best when Baker Mayfield is spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. Rondale Moore is a versatile weapon that can just add another element to the Browns offense. He has tremendous athleticism and is one of the best receivers with the ball in his hands. With Rashard Higgins potentially leaving and Odell Beckham Jr. struggling to stay healthy over the years, the Browns would be smart to bring in a weapon like Moore.
- Jacob Keppen
#60. New Orleans Saints - Tyson Campbell, CB Georgia
If the Saints wish to return to Super Bowl contender status, they need to get better in the secondary. This is especially true in the context of this mock draft as both the Falcons and Panthers have bolstered their passing attacks, and we don’t need to say anything more about that of the Buccaneers. The Georgia corner fits the prototypical build at the cornerback position and plays the game with great athleticism and short-range explosiveness. Transitioning to the NFL could potentially be a big adjustment because of the advanced technical skills of wide receivers, but with the right coaching, Campbell has the potential to be a star for the Saints.
- Ben Schwartz
#61. Buffalo Bills- Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina
Buffalo’s actually a really tough team to pick for, as they don’t have a ton of holes really. If there was an area that could use improving on, it’s the run game. While the offense as a whole was extremely well last year, Buffalo didn’t have the most standout rushing attack. Javonte Williams would be a great starter next to Devin Singletary. Williams is a bruising running back who takes pleasure in running over defenders. He can add another element to the Bills attack, especially giving defenses, even more, to worry about on play actions, and can improve an already really good Buffalo squad.
- Jacob Keppen
#62. Green Bay Packers - Tylan Wallace, WR Oklahoma State
While it may seem like Devante Adams is all Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers need lining up at wide receiver, they could definitely use some help. Tylan Wallace was a Senior Bowl standout as he demonstrated to NFL scouts the physical gifts they already knew he had, as well as the route flexibility they may not have been aware of. Wallace excels at creating separation between himself and defensive backs using quick cuts and great footwork. His speed gives him the potential to break off big plays and his 6-foot frame is big enough to be effective on contested catches.
- Ben Schwartz
#63. Kansas City Chiefs- D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan.
(Note, this draft was done before the Chiefs cut both Eric Fischer and Mitchell Schwartz) The Chiefs could use another speedy wide receiver, especially with it looking likely that Sammy Watkins will be gone next year. D’Wayne Eskridge is an exciting small school player that dominated both at Western Michigan and at the Senior Bowl. He has great overall athleticism and route running as a result. He can be a good #3 in Kansas City immediately, and potentially be a special teams starter as well.
- Jacob Keppen
#64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kenneth Gainwell, RB Memphis
Due to him not playing in the 2020 season, Kenneth Gainwell seems to be the top running back that not many people are talking about. All Gainwell did in 2019 was carry the ball 231 times for 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns. But wait, there’s more! Gainwell also caught 51 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns. The Buccaneers are fully in win-now mode, and adding a dynamic, all-purpose monster like Gainwell will only increase their chances of becoming the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions in almost 20 years. - Ben Schwartz
-Ben Schwartz
-Jacob Keppen