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We’re back with the second round of the Niners Nation community mock. Here is the first round if you missed it.
Chris4949
Cesar Ruiz
IOL Michigan
I wanted a tackle here, but seven were taken in the first round. With Joe Burrow in as the new QB, the Bengals needed to improve the right side of the o-line. Ruiz will have competition from Xavier Su’a-filo and Billy Price (former 1st rounders); Ruiz brings center/guard versatility and can handle being in a gap or zone run scheme.
34.
MD9erFaithful
AJ Epenesa
Edge Iowa
Epenesa might be sliding down boards due to his lack of elite athleticism, but he can play that big end position who can slide inside next to new teammate DeForest Buckner, the same way Buck’s former teammate Arik Armstead used to. While Epenesa might not have the juice Armstead has, he has the power and the intelligence to be a great value pick in the second round, and be an excellent complementary player to Buckner.
35.
Surfer2099
Ross Blacklock
DL TCU
Blacklock, in his freshman year, posted 27 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, and two sacks in 14 starts. He missed his sophomore year in 2018 with an Achilles injury but came with a vengeance to post 40 tackles, 9 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks in 12 games. The Lions defensive line lost Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, and Mike Daniels. Again, they tried to mitigate by bringing in 2 FAs. But they need help that can play at least in the rotation if not a starter. Blacklock is a proven performer, and the Lions need production on their D-Line.
36.
BudaBear78
Isaiah Wilson OT
Georgia
The huge need at offensive line is clear. The Giants are looking for a right tackle to come in and start on Day 1, and possibly replace Nate Solder in the future. Giants select the big and powerful Isaiah Wilson, a two-year starter from the SEC and Georgia’s vaunted running attack. A Brooklyn-born New York kid, Wilson fits exactly what the Giants are looking for to protect Daniel Jones and open holes for Saquan Barkley in the run game. The Giants signed Cam Fleming to be a swing tackle and valuable reserve on the line, while Wilson can hopefully be a Day 1 starter for the G-men. The Giants considered Niang and Wanagho, but both didn’t participate in the Combine and who knows what’s happening with their pro days (both had medical issues).
37.
Stevesrus
Jordan Love
QB Utah State
Chargers are currently starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor; this is a short term bridge at best. Getting Jordan Love here would be good because he could sit and learn behind a veteran quarterback; if he is ready, he can take over the starting position by the end of the season. Hopefully, he will be a franchise quarterback for years to come. Jordan Love has a lot of great physical traits and could be a good steal at this time in the draft. Although he sometimes lacks vision, he could sit for a year and learn from Tyrod Taylor, who has always been careful with the football. The Chargers would love to take a flyer here, and if Jordan Love can be the answer for years to come, that’s great.
38.
RocklinRoll
Yetur Gross-Matos
Edge Penn State
What do Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin have in common? They were Carolina’s sack leaders last season (9.5 and 8.5 respectively), and both currently play for other teams. Widely projected to go in the first round, it was no brainer to take Gross-Matos when he slipped to us at number 38. The opportunity to take an ascending pass rusher like Gross-Matos and pair him with last years’ first-round pick Brian Burns was too good to pass up. We expect several high level, low-cost seasons from the edge in our immediate future.
39.
GreatOden’sRaven
D’Andre Swift
RB Georgia
Ok, so I can’t spend all my draft capital on big boys and not have ANY fun. Swift is the clear best back in the draft (up to you if Dobbins or Taylor are second) and provides a much-needed boost for the Dolphins on offense. Yes, they picked up Jordan Howard, who is useful the way a 06 Camry is. He runs, but no one is asking to drive it. Swift instantly becomes RB1 and takes some pressure off the team. He should be more dynamic than anyone they have had in ages. I was wanting to take an OG, but the value wasn’t there. Ruiz would have been my choice, but he was gone at this point. I expect to look at more playmakers as the draft continues, especially along the lines. Swift for OROY!
40.
GESWhoseBack
Laviska Shenault
WR Colorado
Shenault has struggled with injuries over the years, but he brings a unique skill set as a guy who can operate as a receiver all over the field, including out of the backfield. The man has incredible quicks with the ball in his hand, and DBs do not want to tackle him. He might seem gadgety, but this is not a one-for-one replacement for Nuk Hopkins; that replacement doesn’t exist in the second round. He IS a player. However, that can be a huge weapon in a DeShaun Watson-led RPO scheme.
Andrew9er
Denzel Mims
WR Baylor
I know what Browns fans are probably thinking..... Another WR? We don’t need another one of those. I strongly debated strengthening the interior OL with this pick but felt like the value was too good to pass up at this point of the draft. Mims has the highest upside of any WR in the draft and will slot in as the #3 WR in this offense. In the long run, I feel like this will help Mims as well. He will be able to learn from two highly decorated WR and develop a little more slowly then he would have to on a different squad.
42.
Rowingdave
Jeff Gladney
CB TCU
The Jaguars are targeting guys that bring utility on all three downs and in every facet of the game. Gladney, while not the tallest corner in the draft, packs plenty of punch as a tackler, and is an animal as a blitzer. He’s not afraid to lay the leather, which has been a knock on quite a few of the defensive backs in this class. But I want my corner to cover, first and foremost, and that’s what he does...he just doesn’t allow receivers to separate, and in closely contested catch opportunities, he has been successful nearly 80% of the time in denying a catch. Like his TCU teammate Reagor, he is another “Feldman Freak,” squatting 600+ pounds. His 4.48 forty was mitigated by performing at the Combine with a meniscus injury; when healthy, he’s a straight-up 4.40 stud. He gets knocked for his size...and I’m not buying that. He’s a contributor on defense from day 1.
43.
Juicecyk
Lloyd Cushenberry
IOL LSU
Cushenberry comes in being a top center/interior lineman in this draft class. I expect Chicago to put him at the top of their board and will probably draft him if they have the chance. Cushenberry provided consistent blocking at LSU and showed that he has a lot of potential and room to grow while still being quite dominant in the college field. You know what you’re getting in Cushenberry as he is as much of an NFL ready talent as other guys in this draft. Chicago jumps at the chance to increase their OL for new QB Nick Foles.
44.
Indianapolis Colts
MD9erFaithful
Lucas Niang
OT TCU
Lucas has an incredible amount of upside for us, potentially becoming a consistent pro-bowler while protecting the blindside of our QB. Mr. Niang showcases great ability to seal off for run plays and shows unique abilities to keep up with the edge rushers of today’s game. He is a unique player with a great combination of athleticism and size, and we feel Lucas has great potential to grow and become an even better NFL player than NCAA player.
45.
Shanafandom
Prince Tega Wanogho
OT Auburn
This fills Tampa’s biggest need in right tackle. Demar Dotson, longtime starter, was not re-signed, and Brady needs protection. I would have liked Niang, who went one spot earlier, but Wanogho will do. If this wasn’t such a tackle-talented class, I think he’d be projected much higher. If all goes well, he could eventually move back to the left side(where he played at Auburn) to replace Donovan Smith, who is pretty average. He is fairly raw and new to the fame, but with good coaching, I think Wanogho could be a monster tackle, which any team needs.
46.
52therim
Justin Madubuike
DL Texas A&M
Once Blacklock and Gladney went off the board, I was hoping that 1 of Mudubieke and Igbinoghene would fall to me, and both did. I wanted to get a lead in the best-drafted names category, and these seemed like a good place to start. Both fill needs for the Broncos, but I just really liked the film on Mudubieke, and the D line need is greater. Madubuike is just a hair shorter than you’d like (an inch shorter than Blacklock), but when you look at his film, he’s explosive into gaps with very nice agility. He has pass-rushing traits that I didn’t see on film in the other Day 2 IDL. With Patrick Mahomes in your division, you’d better create some interior pressure. The Broncos have added Jurrell Casey on their 3-man front, but at this moment are looking to lose all three starters from last year, including Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris to FA.
47.
The_bones
Cameron Dantzler
CB Mississippi State
While I debated possibly taking C.J. Henderson in the first round, I ultimately thought the depth of the cornerback class would last into the second. That gamble paid off as a fringe first-rounder fell to the mid-second. With Trufant off to Detroit, the team desperately needs some help at corner. While lacking in physicality and strength, Dantzler’s IQ and instincts are top-notch. Scheme versatile but best-suited outside in zone coverage.
48.
Lancashire 49er
Jaylon Johnson
CB Utah
Taking Trumaine Johnson off the books following a disappointing time after the big FA contract he signed after leaving the Rams (with all the Niners chatter, so glad we didn’t overpay on this guy), the Jets need some outside CB help. They have a very good slot guy in the returning Poole and Desir is a nice pick up on a good one year contract, the Jets fill a need for an outside corner with a feisty corner in Jaylon Johnson, that Gregg Williams will love. I watched tape from the game against USC, and he seems good at sticking with his man, play recognition and quick to the ball, good at jamming at the line, willing tackler, and good hips to stay with his guy. Top speed seems ok, but he always does enough to stay with his guy and challenge. Nice pick up in round 2 for a starting material corner.
49.
MD9erFaithful
Matt Hennessy IOL
Temple
While not known for his power, Hennessy is a crafty technician who is scheme diverse and can be trusted as a pass protector from day one. Better for zone blocking schemes, but he brings a polished array of skills that has value on Day 2.
50.
Chicago Bears
Juicecyk
Brandon Aiyuk
WR Arizona State
Was originally thinking Tight End here but redirected into a different offensive weapon with more potential. Aiyuk gives the bears a new offensive tool to work with across the field from Allen Robinson, who is looking to improve on his stellar year from last season. The bears don’t have many quality WRs outside of Robinson, so this makes perfect sense. Adding to Robinson, Cordarelle Patterson, Riley Ridley, and Anthony Miller seems very necessary, and the acquisition of Jimmy Graham makes TE less of a priority. Brandon Aiyuk joins Riley Ridley as the future of the Bears air attack.
51.
Riqonator
Cole Kmet
TE Notre Dame
With one of the weirdest free agent acquisitions in recent history, the Raiders stole longtime Cowboys stud, TE Jason Witten. To be honest, though, Witten is extremely old, and the Cowboys needed to move on in the worst way. Enter Cole Kmet, consensus #1 TE in the draft. Kmet is a big target and versatile, playing in the slot and on the line for the Fighting Irish. He separates sneakily, and while not a good blocker yet, he is not a liability either. He is a high floor prospect, and that is something the Cowboys need, they cannot afford to miss. He is very good on 3rd down and can be a great red-zone target, along with over the middle of the field. Kmet is decent at almost everything. Nothing sticks out, but that is not a bad thing. Plug and play at TE.
52.
Los Angeles Rams
GreatOden’sRaven
Josh Uche
Edge Michigan
The Rams have lost a lot. A. LOT. With the departures from their front lines, including Fowler, they need someone to get after the QB and shore up the line. They’ve added A’Shawn Robinson and Leonard Floyd, but they need someone to push the QB into Donald. Uche can be that guy. He has excellent skills as a DE/hand down OLB. He can also use his athleticism to drop into shallow zones and cut off swing passes. Sort of like the Rams’ own version of Anthony Barr. I think he’s a great fit for a team that needs versatility. I considered going for Okwara or Lewis, but Uche’s potential and versatility make him the better choice for LAR. He got pressure on 26% of his snaps in the Big 10!
53.
rhardin49
Antoine Winfield
S Minnesota
He fits a real and significant need for the Eagles secondary, after their loss of Malcolm Jenkins to New Orleans in free agency – the heart and soul of the Eagles back end. The Safety position(s) will be very important to replenish for the Eagles in 2020. Winfield lined up in a variety of alignments for the Minnesota defense, from on the line of scrimmage as a pseudo-linebacker to a true center-fielding free safety. He showed comfort everywhere he played, with a combination of athleticism and football IQ, giving him very good play strength. Winfield Jr. frequently moved just before the snap, helping to disguise Minnesota’s coverages and blitz intentions. His on the field track record in 2019 was quite good – 83 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, forced fumbles 2, and 7 interceptions. Winfield Jr. is occasionally over-aggressive, particularly in the angles he takes in run support. Winfield’s lack of length — measuring 5-foot-9 and with 30-inch arms — could be an issue for teams with strict lower thresholds in those areas. Antoine Winfield Jr. projects as a starting safety for the Eagles. Winfield has impressive versatility to play both the free and box safety roles, playing coverage, and run defense in both areas. Winfield adjusts well to the ball, and despite his lack of length has enough of a catch-denial radius to high-point and intercept passes.
54.
Andrew Strong
Curtis Weaver
Edge Boise State
The Bills took care of their interior defensive line in free agency and got lucky to have Weaver still available. Originally I planned on drafting J K Dobbins in this slot but was pleasantly surprised to see Weaver available. High football IQ, carries plenty of moves in his repertoire and will shore up the Bills edge spot for years to come. I have him as the 3rd best edge in the draft.
Rowingdave
Julian Okwara Edge
Notre Dame
Julian Okwara suffered a broken fibula 11 weeks into last season, and this is the only reason he isn’t a first-round pick. Bones heal much better than ACLs, and I’m sprinting to the podium with this pick. Incredibly efficient as a pass rusher, Okwara showed he’s more than a SPARQy freak by displaying power as his most elite trait in foiling opposing OTs. He has the bend and athleticism to mix it up; once he varies his technique more, he could be the steal of the draft. He’s not going to be an elite run stuffer, but he’s more in the mold of a Dee Ford, except taller, much longer and way stronger (27 Bench reps despite nearly 35-inch arms...insane). He lined up outside the OT on 95% of his snaps and had a 23% pass-rush win rate, so you know you’re drafting him with the intent of turning him loose, but he’s more than capable of dropping back in coverage; in Day 2, if you can add the first-round talent that is paired with consistent production and elite athletic traits, it’s a no-brainer.
56.
Miami Dolphins
GreatOden’sRaven
Robert Hunt
IOL Louisiana
Sort of a sleeper pick only because he didn’t play for a big school. This kid shows up, and the only reason he isn’t up there with Ruiz as the top lineman is injuries. He’s had a few. He has extreme power, lots of grind and run, and in some ways would remind Niner fans of Iupati. He’s not the most athletic guard you will see, but he has the mean streak and follow through to leave a wake of bodies behind him. I was hoping he fell to me here and frankly was the only IOL around this area I wanted.
57.
Houston Texans
GESWhoseBack
Terrell Lewis
Edge Alabama
The Texans are betting on Lewis’s athletic profile and length with this pick, despite his injury history. Much like Shenault, Lewis probably would’ve received more love earlier if he would’ve been healthier. These are risks. However, you take on Day 2 for a team hungry for playmakers.
58.
Blackpool Niner
Michael Pittman
WR USC
The temptation to take Gallimore or Ashtyn Davis here was strong. But the board is running out of receivers who can contribute anytime soon.
Pittman isn’t a Diggs replacement. He’s more like what they hoped Laquon Treadwell would be. He lines up outside, allowing Thielen to do his thing from the slot. He’s 6’4” 220lbs and plays like it, yet he moves well (4.5 40, sub-7 3-cone). He can sharpen up his route-running, but the athleticism is there. Plus, he catches the ball - few, if any, in the class have surer hands. It’s about the earliest I’d take Pittman, but he won’t be around at #89 as the receivers fly off the board.
59.
Riqonator
JK Dobbins
RB Ohio State
This wasn’t just BPA but also need. Dobbins is a 1st round talent that dropped to the late 2nd. More than that, Seattle and Pete Carroll especially have always been a running team, even with the Hobbit running QB. Dobbins, with his great elusiveness, speed, and catching ability, is a great compliment to Rashaad Penny, their other young RB. Along with Chris Carson and whoever Seattle picks up to be one of their RBs, Dobbins is a new cornerstone in the offense and presents problems for opposing defenses. He produces big yards and is a big play waiting to happen.
60.
Baltimore Ravens
Rowingdave
Ashtyn Davis
S Cal
One of my favorite players in the draft, Davis can step into a Ravens defense from day one as a nickel safety who can play deep or line up in the box. Gradually, he can be groomed into Earl Thomas’s replacement...and that might happen sooner than later. Davis is more than his rags to riches story as a track star walk-on (still an elite high-hurdler at Cal); he has elite skills as a deep/single-high safety, instinctive ball skills, and is a fierce hitter. He’s also one of the most cerebral players in the draft, regardless of position. Listen to him talk about his preparation for his opponent in film study...maturity beyond the typical rookie, and a great value at 60.
61.
Sacto Solon
Neville Gallimore
DL Oklahoma
There is a Jurrell Casey-sized hole in the middle of Tennessee’s D-line after the salary-dump trade of the 5-time Pro Bowler, which the Titans moved to help fill with the selection of the 6’2”, 304 pounder Gallimore. The Ottawa native was a third-team AP All-American selection and second-team All-Big 12 pick after a senior season in which he totaled 30 tackles, 7.5 of those for losses, along with four sacks and two forced fumbles for the Sooners in 2019. Gallimore plays with above-average snap quickness and active hands to go along with a non-stop motor, often hustling downfield to chase down ball carriers. To fill Casey’s enormous shoes, he will need to learn how to play at a lower pad level and shed blocks a little better, nuances of the position coach Mike Vrabel and company are sure to instill in this raw but talented, interior lineman.
SplasGodwithabang
Malik Harrison LB Ohio State
The Packers lost Blake Martinez; their main LB left in free agency. That’s why I believed it was good to add Malik Harrison. Harrison has all the physical capabilities to be a starter on a good team. He is an excellent run stopper but does have a few limitations in coverage, which can be taught. After the absolute pounding given to the Packers by the San Francisco 49ers, it was necessary to add a capable player to the second level of the Packers defense. He is projected to blossom into a starter in 1 to 2 years in the NFL.
Ninrfevr16810
Noah Igbinoghene
CB Auburn
After spending their first-round pick on a starting CB, the Chiefs select Igbinoghene out of Auburn. While he is a work in progress, he has shown some serious upside and could become a steal this late in the 2nd round. Igbinoghene is still learning the position of CB as a former track star but has shown some talent in his two years playing. The Chiefs are in need of more depth at CB, and he could make an instant impact on special teams. Sam Madison will have his hands full working with him to help him get ready for his first pro season.
64. Seattle Seahawks
Riqonator
Jonathan Greenard
Edge Florida
Lance Zierlein’s comparison for Greenard is Dante Fowler Jr. I agree. Greenard shows exceptional burst and bend off the edge, and his quick twitch and side to side movement are elite. He is no slouch in run defense either, and is a workhorse, playing through injuries. Great leverage, as well. His pass-rush move arsenal is limited, however, and he is a one year wonder. He needs to develop a counter if he is going to be a starter or more in the league. Regardless, at the end of the 2nd, this is a great value pick, and Greenard could be a starter by the end of the season. Seattle desperately needs some pass rush, and Greenard can provide that.