The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 8.0 as we dig into the last 6 days before the draft kicks off. This is part two covering teams 17-32.
17. Baltimore Ravens: Zack Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame The Ravens need a right tackle and guard and Martin could satisfy both spots whenever one is needed. Martin would find a home as a right tackle, but in the chance the Raven guard play is miserable, Martin could move inside. This kind of versatility is what the Ravens need.
18. New York Jets: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
The Jets will be drafting mostly, if not all, on offense. Cooks is a great route runner with sure hands, which is what the Jets need most. Cooks runs a great vertical route and will be the deep threat they have lacked.
19. Miami Dolphins: C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama
The Dolphins could reach for Morgan Moses, but they could also wait until the second round for a tackle. Mosley is good value here for a position that isn't valued this year. The Dolphin defense is very good and it gets better with this pick.
20. Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Barr is sliding down everyone’s board so I guess I’ll follow suit. Barr has a high chance of being a bust, but his game has a chance of translating. Barr can learn from John Abraham until he retires and then step into his role and hopefully thrive.
21. Green Bay Packers: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
The Packers would probably take Mosley here based of his upside, but with how often he is injured this could be a blessing in disguise for Green Bay. Shazier is a physical freak that would be a welcome edition to any defense, but the Packers need youth and speed.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller is jumping up draft boards and Bradley Roby is falling down them. This pick is based off the dire need of secondary help in Philadelphia and all the best safeties are already off the board. The Eagles will take a long look at wide receiver here as well.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA
High on the list of needs for the Chiefs is some interior offensive line help. Su’a-Filo is the top pure guard in the draft and would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs. The Chiefs don’t make the most exciting pick, but it’s on that must be made.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Losing Michael Johnson will hurt at first, but the Bengals will be happy they didn't pay the hefty price to keep him. Ealy is a good talent with the versatility to change to an outside linebacker in some schemes, The versatility will make the Bengals appreciate his as a cheap alternative to Johnson.
25. San Diego Chargers: Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame
San Diego needs a huge body to eat up blocks and take on double teams and look no further than Louis Nix. Nix specializes in just this skill and I have mocked him earlier due to this type of skill set becoming more of an endangered species. The Chargers are another team that will load up on defensive talent.
26. Cleveland Browns (via Colts): Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Browns got their quarterback and now it’s time to stock up on weapons. Lee is a perfect compliment receiver for the Browns and could step into one of the better situations for a rookie receiver. Lee could catch 90 balls as a rookie in Cleveland.
27. New Orleans Saints: Dee Ford, OLB/DE, Auburn
The Saints need to add to the pass rush to fully take advantage of the great secondary they now have. Ford is a borderline first round prospect, but Rob Ryan and crew could fall in love with his upside and take a chance on a player with a ton of versatility.
28. Carolina Panthers: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
The Panthers are another team on the outside looking in when it comes to WRs. Moses is a reach for the the first round, but when you are out of first round options at this point, you have to address your biggest need. The Panthers are paper thing at WR and OT.
29. TRADE Oakland Raiders (via Patriots): Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
The Raiders still trade back in for version 8.0, but this time they grab Carr since he falls down the board. Carr is better than No. 29, but in this scenario it just didn’t go his way. Carr will learn behind Matt Schaub for a year and then take the reigns with a solid pass attack.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
The 49ers grab a big solid red zone target in the form of Benjamin to solidify the receiver core. Benjamin will benefit from all the established receiver talent around him and will be able to take over when one of them leaves the team. This is a good spot for Benjamin and the value is good for the 49ers.
31. TRADE Jacksonville Jaguars (via Broncos): Teddy Bridgewater QB, Fresno State
Another trade as the Jaguars steal Bridgewater away from the rival Texans before the end of the first round. Bridgewater is great talent here and gets his named called on the first day of the draft. The Jaguars get amazing value, but now have to wait and see if the investment pays off.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Joel Bitonio, OT/G/C, Nevada
The true utility lineman, Bitonio can play all five position on the line. The Seahawks can use a utility guy like that just in case someone goes down midseason. Bitonio will also compete for a starting guard spot, but in his rookie season he can rotate to where the need is.
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