21. Washington Redskins
Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Thomas isn’t an obvious pick. However, the Redskins are in a position to draft for luxury, not need necessarily. That’s a new spot for this team. Drafting Thomas will add to the offense and hopefully continue to make it more dynamic for Kirk Cousins, who apparently is the franchise’s quarterback. This is a good move, Thomas can slot in nicely to Jay Gruden’s system.
22. Houston Texans
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Let the Buckeye rush begin. There was speculation that Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon could’ve ended up in Houston during last season’s draft. They didn’t. Arian Foster got hurt, again. This is an immediate need, and they get the best running back in the draft. Elliott will be a huge help to an atrocious offense. However, the biggest need is still a quarterback. Look for them to address this in the draft.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Coleman was lighting the world on fire this season at Baylor until his quarterback got hurt. He emerged as a top threat and will be the dose of medicine the Vikings need on the outside. No real threats have emerged. Stefon Diggs has a ton of promise, but Coleman can be a number one receiver if he can transition. Look for the Vikings to try and find help for Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson in round one.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Bengals haven’t had a glaring need for quite some time; this year is no different. They could use some pieces at a few positions; defensive tackle is one of those spots. Geno Atkins is an All-Pro at that position already. However, part of the reason the Bengals have had such a good pass rush in recent years is because of the rotations. Reed will be able to grow into a bigger role with each snap. He won’t be rushed in Marvin Lewis’ system.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Alexander isn’t considered a first-round choice by many. However, I think the Steelers have to go best available in the first round for a specific need. Corner is the biggest need. The pass coverage was lowly last season and often forced the offense into a track meet. If they can slow opposing offenses even a little, they’re extremely tough to beat.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Andre Billings, DT, Baylor
Billings will be a hugely successful pick if he falls all the way to 26. I’ve seen him from 10-20, never this low. However, I’m not as high on him as most. I still think he’s going to be a consistent player in the NFL, just not worth a top-20 pick to me. The Seahawks retool the defense and help bolster the line.
27. Green Bay Packers
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
This pick may surprise a few people. But the Packers aren’t in dire need of a whole lot. I think Lee comes into the middle of that defense and immediately becomes an impact leader. Lee, for my two-cents, was more impressive than Bosa in 2015. I think he is a great pick for the Packers. Ohio State linebackers have found success in Wisconsin, just ask A.J. Hawk.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Su’A Cravens, S, USC
Cravens is a guy to look out for. I think he has the size that the Chiefs are looking for at safety. He’s 6-foot-1, 216 lbs., a big man with a big attitude. He’s got the makings of a typical USC star. I think he fits in nicely in KC, where they’ll be looking for some safety help.
29. Arizona Cardinals
Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Thompson is my favorite safety outside of Cravens. The Cardinals take Cravens if he’s there, but are happy to settle for Thompson. He’ll find a nice home in Arizona as he will emerge as a top young defensive back.
30/31. Denver Broncos / Carolina Panthers
Broncos- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Panthers- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Broncos will get the running back they desire in Henry. He’s a bruiser and by many standards, not expected to be a star NFL back. However, I think he’s going to surpass expectations and be the best of the two backs taken in the first round.
The Panthers need help at receiver. Sure, the OSU connection has been great, but they need help. When Kelvin Benjamin comes back they’ll be looking pretty. Add in Doctson and you start to see some dangerous possibilities in Carolina.
*New England Patriots do not have a first round pick (deflate gate).
2 Comments
No Joey Bosa in the top 6? Injuries were a huge part of Dallas’ destruction, and they’re especially weak at wide receiver. I could see them taking Treadwell, but not a QB this early.
I can see Bosa going top six, however I don’t think he will. NFL execs don’t seem as high on him as fans do.