The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 6.0 as we dig into the last 20 days before the draft kicks off. This is part two covering teams 17-32.
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Part One
17. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Ward is a newcomer to the mock draft, but this situation makes a ton of sense. The Ravens need a safety and it just so happens the top two are gone in this scenario. Enter Ward who has played himself into being a borderline first round prospect at this point. Ravens may reach, but they get their guy.
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 treat they have lacked.
19. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame
Dolphins are still reeling from the bully scandal and needed to purge their already mediocre offensive line. Martin can be groomed to take over for the inevitable Branden Albert injury in 2014 and his retirement in the next few years.
20. TRADE Jacksonville Jaguars (via Cardinals): Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
The Jaguars trade back into the first round to get their quarterback and it’s the teammate of their other pick, Mike Evans. Manziel has always made sense for the Jaguars for more reasons than football. The Jags are the constant talk of relocation and lack of ticket sales, but with Manziel at the helm all those problems go away and they stay away if Manziel pans out.
21. Green Bay Packers: C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama
Packers will be taking a young playmaker on defense and the question is who will it be. I'm sold on Mosley to Green Bay, but Ryan Shazier could make a late push. This is a best case scenario for both sides.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
The Eagles seem to be set on offense, but Chip Kelly could notice there are slim pickings in the back end of the draft for defensive talent. The Eagles can make their WR core one of the best in the league with Benjamin and that is right up Kelly’s ally.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Lee takes a little bit of a slide, but the Chiefs will be ecstatic to have him on board. Pair Lee with the talent on the Chiefs already and Alex Smith will sleep easier knowing he doesn't have to go to battle with his lackluster weapons.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
The Bengals get one of the better corners and don’t have to settle for one that is still on the board. Dennard will bring a youth rush to the Bengals corner position and if I know the Cincinnati CB group, Dennard will see a lot of playing time.
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): Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Roby is rumored to be making the jump into the first round and the Browns are out of WR options at No. 26. Roby would fit in well with the new look Browns’ secondary and with Cleveland’s track record he should be a solid starter for years to come.
27. New Orleans Saints: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Ealy slides a little and the Saints jump all over it. Rob Ryan wants more defensive playmakers and was granted his wish with Jairus Byrd. Sean Payton has shown he is content with the offense player he has at his disposal and can get a WR later in such a deep draft. Ealy can rush the passer and take some pressure off the Saints offense.
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. The Panthers could look at Allen Robinson here as well.
29. TRADE Houston Texans (via Patriots): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
And there goes Teddy. The Texans get their guy at the back end of the first round as the Louisville star’s wait finally ends. Bridgewater has been plummeting down draft boards after being the No. 2 overall prospect months ago. Bill O’Brien will make him into that player once again, but at the pro level.
30. Tennessee Titans (via 49ers): Dee Ford, OLB/DE, Auburn
The Titans get their extra picks and get a fit for their new 3-4 defense. Ford came on late as a first round prospect and impressed at the Senior Bowl and Combine, but the Titans need bodies to play the 3-4. Ray Horton will love his new toy.
31. Denver Broncos: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Shazier is a nice piece to a team loaded with leaders and veterans. He can sit back and play his game while others teach him the ways and he gains expereince. Shazier has the speed to run down these players and deliver a hit in the process. Very good technique and delivers at the point of attack.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Another typical Seahawk pick as they grab a guy who has fallen down the draft board, but will play multiple positions on defense. The Seahawks have to start finding young bodies to replace veterans that will soon become cap casualties as Richard Sherman’s and Russell Wilson’s contracts’ become a priority.
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