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The NN Community Mock Draft is back with Rounds 4 and 5!!
103. Arizona Cardinals (Apolitical Football): Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
Pratt led the Wolfpack in tackles as a senior with 105, but also finished No. 1 in the ACC with 9.5 tackles per game. He is a modern-day linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. He jumps off the screen with his sideline-to-sideline speed and twitchy movement skills. His plus ability as a blitzer, run defender and skills as a former safety (4.57 in the 40) show up in coverage.
104. San Francisco 49ers (Rowingdave): Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
This is the spot in the draft where you start debating whether to go with upside or immediate impact; I can respect either strategy, but with this team, I’d like to see the Niners select a guy at 104 that is not only a lock for the roster, but someone who can step in and immediately fill a roll on game days, and not just on special teams. I was the first guy who was ragging several NN readers about drafting a TE2 in the first two days of the draft, but this is where I see the value for a guy like Foster Moreau, who not only has incredible upside, but is already very polished in a skill you need from a TE2 in a Shanahan offense: blocking. There might not be a better in-line run blocker in the draft, but lo and behold, Moreau is also a freaky athlete who, of course, was under-utilized in LSU’s neanderthalic offense.
Who does that remind me of? Two years ago, I mocked George Kittle in the 4th round to the Chicago Bears and said it was the steal of the draft. I don’t feel Moreau is the steal of the draft, but this is the perfect blend of athleticism, upside and impact value. Moreau will step in immediately and take Celek Time’s job the first day of camp, offering utility on special teams and another sneaky weapon on two tight end sets...and as a monster red zone target. Sparqy as hell, just like the Niners like’em, Moreau is also incredibly intelligent. I can see him going in the third round, and would be ecstatic with him landing here.
105. New York Jets (RocklinRoll): Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia
Did I mention our offensive line is terrible?
Lamont Gaillard has been described as being "tougher than old brisket". Anybody that tough has a place on my team. Especially on my O-line.
A permanent team captain and all-SEC performer his senior season, Gaillard is a natural leader and should be a great presence in our locker room. He’ll compete for the starting job right off the bat, but may need a year of "seasoning" before he wins it outright.
106. Oakland Raiders (Mertons Merkin): Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple
I LOVE RYQUELL ARMSTEAD. I know he’s a little under the radar coming out of Temple, and know he’s not getting a lot of publicity right now. I get too that this mock is being generated by 49ers fans, and we don’t need a running back, so we maybe aren’t tuned in on what some of these backs from some of these smaller schools are up to. But DAMN, Ryquell Armstead has it all. He’s going a lot sooner than 106th overall. And if he doesn’t, well, more power to the team that grabs him. He’s going to be a household name in a couple years. Quick feet, decisive cuts, good vision early in the down, and unrelenting strength and power through the hole. He punishes defenders looking to make a tackle. He’s also a threat in the pass game. As the Raiders need to look to replace Marshawn Lynch, they could look to a guy that has a similar style, and though clearly not as refined or explosive, Armstead is as close as you’ll find in this draft. Armstead keeps his knees high, rarely lets arm tackles bring him down, fights aggressively for extra yards, and brings a street fighting demeanor to his game. Armstead is best when used in an inside zone scheme, which the Raiders do employ a lot of. But he’s also underrated in the power run game. Now, it might take two guys to recreate Beast Mode, so I'll probably be back to take another one. Hold that thought.
How versatile is Armstead? He got a sack this year. Go figure…
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pwillystyle): Bobby Evans, OG, Oklahoma
108. New York Giants (Riqonator): D’Andre Walker, Edge, Georgia
109. Jacksonville Jaguars (Lancashire 49er): Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
I'm a fan! I would even advocate Shanalynch drafting this guy, purely because we know where the ceiling really is with Beathard and Mullens.
Anyway, I'm here for the Jags!
Foles will come in and provided they play to his strengths, will be a serviceable QB I think. Do I think he's the answer they want long term? Hell no. So here's Stidham to come in, sit and learn for a season or two with the potential to take over.
Stidham was seen as a top QB prospect early in his college career. Great feel for the pocket and ability to step up or out (and he needed to do so a lot last year). Good at the short throws and drop offs to the RB, hitting them in stride for good YAC (see Offence 101 - K Shanahan). Throwing mechanics seem a little wide, but quick enough. Good at the, short, intermediate and reasonable at the deep ball (aka a young Jimmy G!). It does seem like he could work on getting rid when the play breaks down, not staring down his receiver and also under centre, but that's what coaching is for.
All in, good technically and very accurate. Good prospect to take.
110. Cincinnati Bengals (Mertons Merkin): Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
Two ways to look at Vontaze Burfict moving on. Either the Bengals have decided to look toward the future of the position, and decided that Burfict is no longer a fit in the modern NFL, or, they are looking to the future, still want a thumper of a linebacker in the hard hitting AFC North, but have decided that Vontaze Burfict is too old and too frequently serving suspensions to be an asset moving forward. If that’s the thought, Tavai makes perfect sense. He’s just a younger version of Burfict. He’s big, he’s strong, he loves contact, he missed the first game of his senior season after an arrest following a fight, and his style of masking his physical limitations with huge downfield slobber knockers is going to get him fined repeatedly. The AFC North probably took a collective sigh when Burfict was shown the door… Not. So. Fast.
111. Detroit Lions (Andrew9er): Conner McGovern, IOL, Penn State
The Lions continue to build up the trenches. McGovern provides the Lions the option to start Glascow at G if they so desire or handle G on his own and provide a quality C option should they suffer an injury.
112. Buffalo Bills (Ndetherock): Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
113. Ravens (Surfer2099): Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
The Ravens lost 4 key starters on defense during free agency. Although they signed Earl Thomas giving them an even more potent secondary (rated 5th by PFF before signing Thomas), they still had holes in both linebacker position and pass rush. Adding joseph will hopefully contribute the linebacking corp for the Ravens.
114. Green Bay Packers (Fred Mercury): Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami
115. Carolina Panthers (azsharksfan): Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
Hardman is a project. His combine results were outstanding and truly reflect his explosiveness evident in his film. He is a converted DB, however, and his lack of experience at WR is obvious. He needs to work on his catching and route running so he doesn’t figure to be an immediate starter but he makes sense on Day 3.
116. Miami Dolphins (ninersfootball): Isaiah Buggs, IDL, Alabama
Dolphins want to build up the trenches and they get a coachable player from Alabama who can play interior DL and add some pass rush. He’s not a true NT but can help in anchoring the run game. Miami wants to build up the interior and have strong OL and DL and Buggs helps in that regard. At worst, he will be a quality backup for new defensive minded HC Brian Flores.
117. Atlanta Falcons (Rowingdave): Mike Edwards, DB, Kentucky
Quite simply, this guy can do it all. Not the freakiest athlete, but will be a very dependable slot defender, whether in coverage or attacking downhill in the box. Great utility coverage guy who will see a lot of snaps in his career.
118. Green Bay Packers (Fred Mercury): LJ Collier, Edge, TCU
119. Cleveland Browns (mmastation): Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
120. Minnesota Vikings (Blackpool Niner): Daniel Wise, IDL, Kansas
Time to get some defensive help to appease Mr Zimmer. Vikes need a 3T following Sheldon Richardson’s departure. They have a committee of guys who can rotate in alongside Linval Joseph and Wise (brother of Super Bowl champion Deatrich) can join this rotation right away and break out and earn the starting role early in his career.
Wise’s film is...fun! The Jayhawks are not good and he was often hopelessly miscast at DE with some bizarre coverage snaps (hands off, Saleh). But when given chance to shoot B-gap he showed disruptive power, burst off the line, active hands and all-round promise.
121. Tennessee Titans (Shanafandom): Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
The Tennessee receiving corps needs help. So it’s worth throwing a second pick out there after I took Riley Ridley. The corps is "highlighted" by Corey Davis, Taywan Taylor, and Adam Humphries. Slayton is very fast and is a deep threat which the Titans lack, is good against press, and is 6’1’’. My biggest concern is that he has a case of the dropsies. But in the middle rounds, I’m willing to take that risk.
122. Pittsburgh Steelers (JUICEcyk): Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA
Caleb Wilson brings a good target for Big Ben and is an above average blocking Tight end. Could really help out this organization and, man, I think this is a 4th round steal.
123. Baltimore Ravens (Surfer2099): Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma
The Ravens guard, Alex Lewis, has a below average PFF rating for 2018. Their tackle, Stanley will be in his fourth year of his rookie contract (he does have 5th year option) and there is talk of right guard Marshal Yanda possibly retiring. He’s 34. It’s imperative that Lamar Jackson have a stable O-Line. The Ravens will need a replacement for Lewis and someone to backfill Yanda should he retire in 2019. The Ravens are in need of two guards or a guard and center.
124. Seattle Seahawks (O Liner): Penny Hart, WR, Georgia State
With Doug Baldwin’s injury worries, the Hawks need help at receiver. Penny Hart is no Doug Baldwin and never will be, but he will help. He’s a quick, sneaky slot who, with an accurate passer (yes he is unfortunately), will thrive as a third down security blanket, like Trent Taylor in his first season for the 49ers.
125. Denver Broncos (ninrfevr16810): Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
After losing Brandon Roby in Free Agency, the Broncos signed Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan to compete for a starting position opposite Chris Harris, Jr. The addition of Johnson will bring some youth to the CB corps with Jackson recently turning 31 and Harris turning 30 before the season starts.
Benjamin Solak of the Draft Network calls Johnson "a target for teams looking to develop a starting corner for Year 2 or 3 of his career. Long and physical but impressively fluid, Johnson profiles as a high-ceiling man coverage corner who can win in the press and carry speed down the field. A WR-to-CB convert with only two years of corner play under his belt (22 games), Johnson's foot discipline, ball tracking instincts, and press technique are all too spotty for NFL play in Year 1, but he has promising eye discipline and recovery quickness to survive in man coverage."
126. Chicago Bears (Lancashire 49er): Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame
Tranquill is a heck of an athlete who could help in the nickel situations as a linebacker. He has solid change of direction speed and could really help the team sure up the linebacker position.
127. Philadelphia Eagles (GreatOden’sRaven): Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
I really wanted to go with an OT here, but my draft crush Tytus Howard went a little earlier. Enter Singletary. Finally a Sproles replacement for the Eagles. He is a shifty, quick back who can catch the ball and plays bigger than his size. He’s not an every down back so I don’t expect him to start over Jordan Howard, but he can certainly be the change of pace back and MAKE PLAYS. That’s something Wentz should be killing to get out of that backfield. Without Ajayi, Howard and Singletary can be a good two headed monster.
128. Dallas Cowboys (Rowingdave): Trysten Hill, IDL, UCF
This is an upside pick for the Cowboys; Hill was an underachiever who was in his coach’s doghouse last year...but make no mistake, he has the potential to be a very slippery and disruptive force in the interior defensive line.
129. Indianapolis Colts (cgun): Edge Justin Hollins, Oregon
Justin Hollins is a freakish athlete even among an elite class of edge defenders, a position where athleticism matters. At 6’5" and 245 pounds, Hollins is versatile enough to rush the passer and cover slot receivers. He has 4.5 speed, contact balance, quickness, and strength off the edge, and he shows great fluidity, movement, awareness, and depth when dropping into coverage.
Hollins is not a finished product, but he has time to develop under the mentorship of Justin Houston, who is on the wrong side of 30 but was signed to jump start the Colts’ edge rush this season. Hollins has the opportunity to contribute this year on special teams and in certain sub-packages, and he has the traits to blossom into an elite role player down the road.
130. Rams (JUICEcyk): Isaiah Prince, G, Ohio State
131. Bills (Ndetherock): Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo
132. Giants (Riqonator): Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
133. Rams (Stevesrus): Renell Wren, IDL, Arizona State
134. Patriots (GESWhoseBack): Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
With Gronk’s retirement, the Patriots begin the difficult task of trying to replace a hall of famer. Alize Mack has a nice athletic profile for a TE and was probably underutilized at Notre Dame for various reasons. He has the potential to be a nice starter at some point.
135. Colts (cgun) Te’von Coney, LB, Notre Dame
Aside from DROY Darius Leonard the Colts are thin at linebacker. Te’von Coney is a monster in run defense, one of the nation’s surest tacklers (missing only six of his 117 attempts this season), and he allowed just 10 receptions while keeping his receivers out of the end zone on his 420 coverage snaps. This made Coney PFFs 11th overall ranked draft prospect. Coney has the opportunity to compete with Anthony Walker for a starting role and provide depth at ILB.
136. Dallas Cowboys (Rowingdave): Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
The Cowboys will take a flier on an injury-bug athlete, who if healthy, would probably be a Day Two receiver. He could also go undrafted, but I see this as an upside pick on a team desperate for perimeter weapons.
137. Atlanta Falcons (Rowingdave): Joe Jackson, Edge, Miami
Here’s your lunch pail Big End that has dropped to athleticism concerns, but has all the tools to be a reliable depth chess piece on the defensive line.
138. Philadelphia Eagles (GreatOden’sRaven): Dennis Daley, OT, South Carolina
Eagles are in need of offensive line help. Daley struggles a bit with some of the faster DE, but certainly won’t get rocked by the big strong guys. He is a developmental prospect but down the road could be either a RT or a LT for the Eagles. Daley should be able to be a utility OT starting day one and can move around the line as needed. I see this being a pick that we don't see benefits from until the following season though.
5th Round
139. Arizona Cardinals (Apolitical Football): David Sills, WR, West Virginia
David Sills, a converted QB to WR, is a Red Zone Touchdown Machine with 33 Touchdowns in the past two seasons. 18 in 2017 and 15 in 2018. He's tall, 6'3" offering a big target and great catch radius who has great leadership abilities from being a quarterback almost his whole life. He's raw, but he'll grow so much under the tutelage of Larry Fitzgerald.
140. Oakland Raiders (Mertons Merkin): Malik Gant, S, Marshall
Gant is a full speed, downhill tackle machine. He is not a single high, he’s not a nickel corner, and I don’t think he’s much good in a system that would ask both safeties to play similar roles. He’s a pure box safety, with the ability to match tight ends and running backs in man coverage, and the ability to destroy the run game. He came out early, and maybe he shouldn’t have. But he does have the skill to be a starting strong safety for a team that still specifies a difference between those roles. He might not make the kind of money he would have made with another year of tape, but if he slides past the third round, keep your eyes open. The 49ers might target him.
141. Pittsburgh Steelers (JUICEcyk): Elijah Holyfield, RB, Georgia
142. New York Giants (Riqonator): Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
143. New York Giants (Riqonator): Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State
144. Cleveland Browns (mmastation): Chris Slayton, IDL, Syracuse
145. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pwillystyle): Iman Marshall, CB, USC
146. Detroit Lions (Andrew9er): Dillon Mitchell, WR, Oregon
147. Buffalo Bills (Ndetherock): Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma
148. Denver Broncos (ninrfevr16810): Ross Pierschbacher, C, Alabama
The Broncos need to improve their interior offensive line. They currently have Connor McGovern (not the guy from Penn State in this year’s draft, but from Missouri drafted in the 5th round of the 2016 Draft) listed as the starting Center. The problem is that he is a much better Guard than Center and according to PFF, his overall grade was 58.3 last year. Pierschbacher was a 4 year starter for the Tide and should be an immediate upgrade to the Center position, allowing McGovern to move to Guard.
149. Cincinnati Bengals (Mertons Merkin): Kingsley Keke, IDL, Texas A&M
Remember when Jim Harbaugh was scouting quarterbacks at the 2011 combine, and a reporter asked him about if Cam Newton would fit in his offense, because Newton was so "raw"? Harbaugh’s response was, "he is raw, but that’s nuclear grade raw material right there." Keke Kingsley is the definition of that. At this stage deep in the draft, you don’t know if a lot of guys can get the job done. You just hope a guy has some trait that keeps him in the hunt. Kingsley has something like that. He’s not explosive, he’s not overly strong, his technique is below where you’d want it to be for a guy in the draft, and he plays with mediocre leverage at times. But boy can he bend. He’s super flexible, he loves the game, he’s a bit of a freak athlete in short bursts and in small spaces. There’s nuclear grade raw material inside him. Not sure he can get it out, but he’s got a skill to hang his hat on while he works at everything else. One gap 3 tech in pass situations.
150. Green Bay Packers (Fred Mercury): Jalen Jelks, Edge, Oregon
151. Miami Dolphins (ninersfootball): Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami
152. Atlanta Falcons (GreatOden’sRaven): Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State
Dax is a talented TE who is overlooked a bit because of inferior competition. He doesn’t excel at any one thing, but he can help the Falcons with some speed at the TE position where normally they just go size.
153. Washington Redskins (GESWhoseback): Tre Watson, LB, Maryland
Reuben Foster insurance. Imagine that. Every team needs it. Watson projects best as a 3-4 ILB because he lacks sideline to sideline quickness. But he will take care of his half of the field just fine.
154. Carolina Panthers (azsharksfan): Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State
I think Mike Weber provides a really good value here for the Panthers. He would be a complement to Christian McCaffrey in that he does a little of everything. He’s pretty fast and elusive as a runner, with a low center of gravity, good balance, and vision. He’s also a willing blocker. He’s undersized at 5’10" but weighing in at 211 lbs with a 4.47 combine 40 he checks the boxes for solid depth as a rotational back with some upside as well. Definitely worth a mid-5th.
155. Cleveland Browns (mmastation): Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
156. Denver Broncos (ninrfevr16810): Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
Jeff Heuerman is currently listed at the starter at TE. The problem is that PFF has him listed as average at best. The Broncos drafted Troy Fumagalli in the 5th round last year but he missed the entire 2018 season on IR. They also have Jake Butt who is recovering from his 2nd ACL tear. Tommy Sweeney could provide some much needed talent to this team. He isn’t the best pass catching TE but he is a really good route runner.
157. Tennessee Titans (Shanafandom): Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky
158. Buffalo Bills (Ndetherock): Devine Ozigbo, RB, Nebraska
159. Seattle Seahawks (O Liner): Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Has MAJOR character concerns. He can’t stop getting in trouble, and an NFL career feels doubtful. But this is the Seahawks and this is the 5th round. The kid is good. On talent, better than 5th round good. Shifty and strong, has the potential, with development, to be more than just a complimentary back. Hawks will happily take a flyer on him in the 5th where he can join Carson and Penny in an impressive rushing attack
160. Baltimore Ravens (Surfer2099): Austin Bryant, Edge, Clemson
Ravens’ pass rush was the area most affected by free agency. The Ravens lost both Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith. The Ravens do have others on their roster who will need to step up, but they will also need to backfill those positions. With so many edge rushers in this draft, it was a hard decision not selecting an edge rusher higher than this round. But Bryant was part of a very successful Clemson defense and is a good option in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme. Bryant was the #2 guy behind Clelin Ferrell. In 4 college years, he’s amassed 130 tackles, 37 for losses, 21 sacks, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles.
161. Houston Texans (Riqv): DeMarkus Lodge, WR, Ole Miss
162. Chicago Bears (Lancashire 49er): Will Harris, S, Boston College
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has come in to plug the loss of adrian amos, but is basically on a one year prove it deal. I like Ha Ha, but who knows if he'll play to the level he was drafted to play. With little depth behind Ha Ha and breakout player Eddie Jackson at FS, Harris can come in and provide depth with potential starter material.
Coming out of Boston College who are doing a nice job churning out players across the whole of their defence, Harris offers a range of versatility to play either FS or SS in the Jags’ 3-4 defence. Best suited to a SS role in and around the box, Harris is a great and consistent tackler with good routes to the ball. Quick to read a play and get to the man, Harris will be a dependable and potential higher value for a 5th round pick.
Another good piece to build on the highly regarded defence that Fangio has left in a good place.
163. Philadelphia Eagles (GreatOden’sRaven): David Long, LB, West Virginia
Quick, name a Philly linebacker! Who you come up with? Yeah me either. But their defense was solid. Because they can coach up the guys they got! So let’s give them another tool for the toolbox. Long is a fast, lean, hard hitting LB. He flies to the ball (often right past it) and can fill gaps. He’s not an all world playmaker (hence his draft position) but if I was the Eagles I would get him on the field early and often and let him learn on the fly.
164. Indianapolis Colts (cgun): Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
Jamel Dean brings an exceptional combination of height, weight and speed, and the length and ability to win 50/50 balls. He is good enough to contribute in a variety of coverages. Dean is an early round talent whose draft stock dropped due to a history of knee surgeries. That’s a risk the Colts felt more than comfortable taking once Desir was signed to a multi-year contract. Dean offers depth and will compete for a role in subpackages and special teams.
165. Dallas Cowboys (RocklinRoll): John Cominsky, IDL, Charleston
Making the leap from a small school to the NFL is definitely a daunting task, but the Cowboys believe that Cominsky has the brains and braun to make a successful transition to the next level.
166. Los Angeles Chargers (JUICEcyk): Ugochukwu Amadi, S, Oregon
I can’t pronounce this dudes name. BUT I watched him play against UW and he pretty much just locked up the entire right side wide receivers...being a UW fan it hurt to see him destroy the offense and put the Huskies in neutral but I would like to have him on my team nonetheless.
167. Kansas City Chiefs (Sarf London): Daylon Mack, IDL, Texas A&M
Primarily will be a nose tackle alongside Chris Jones, but he showed some flashes of pass rushing ability in his final year suggesting he could develop into a 3 down player over time.
168. New Orleans Saints (GESWhoseBack): Mark Fields, CB, Clemson
Another best player available for the Saints. Not a need but Fields has the talent to push someone off the roster. The Saints will have to make some decisions soon on their roster. They can't possibly keep everyone. Fields may not be Lattimore but maybe he can soften the blow of losing him if it comes to that.
169. Los Angeles Rams (Stevesrus): Wyatt Ray, Edge, Boston College
170. Cleveland Browns (Mmastation): Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington
171. New York Giants (Riqonator): Khalil Hodge, LB, Buffalo
172. Atlanta Falcons (GreatOden’sRaven): TJ Edwards, LB, Wisconsin
Solid player, great instincts, makes tackles. Not a great athlete but gets to the spot, right place right time. Will be an excellent special teamer and rotational linebacker. With heady play and lots of work in weight room could be a big time contributor to the Falcons defense.
173. Washington Redskins (GESWhoseBack): Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
Jordan Reed has been injury prone. Gentry can ease some of the load.
To recap...
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