NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21-31
By the time all of this is written, all of the deals have been made. The big-name free agents all have new homes, guys have been traded, either because their contracts won’t fit their old teams’ cap or because their GM was just trying to get completely rid of the memories of a former coach. In any event, with the NFL Draft only a few weeks away, let’s complete my mock first round.
21. Washington Redskins – Their surprising run to the playoffs has invigorated their fan base. Now, they want their team to go further. They’ve bet everything on quarterback Kirk Cousins, gotten rid of running back Alfred Morris, and Daniel Snyder seems to be staying out of the way. Scott McCloughan needs to shore up his defense here. With the 21st pick, the Washing Redskins select – William Jackson, CB (University of Houston)
22. Houston Texans – They’ve spent a fortune on a guy that played in only a handful of games. But, let’s face it, after their performance against Kansas City in the playoffs, any one of us reading this could have played better than that. The Texans let running back Arian Foster, and his oft-injured body, walk. There’s no way they can pass up a big-time running back at this position. With the 22nd pick, the Houston Texans select – Derrick Henry, RB (University of Alabama)
23. Minnesota Vikings – This one is as intriguing as it gets. At this position, Minnesota has options. They could trade out of this pick, with, say, Cleveland. Or, they could trade with Los Angeles, who has two picks in Round 2. But, assuming they stay here, despite head coach Mike Zimmer’s defensive background, he knows he has to get someone to pair with Stephon Diggs. Teddy Bridgewater seems to get it, and, with the team opening a new stadium, the B.I.T.S. (Butts In The Seats) factor will be huge. Minnesota stays here, and with the 23rd pick, the Minnesota Vikings select – Josh Doctson, WR (Texas Christian University)
24. Cincinnati Bengals – It would be more than fair to say that, the Bengals need some defensive help here. Help that doesn’t make stupid, boneheaded plays when the entire season is at stake. Defensive backs are still plentiful here, but the Bengals need another pass rusher They find it here. With the 24th pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select – Emannuel Ogbah, DE (Oklahoma State University)
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – LeVeon Bell’s injury didn’t hurt the Steelers as much as it was originally thought. Coach Mike Tomlin showed in the playoffs he could still get some mileage out of some re-tread running backs, like Fitzgerald Touissant. DeAngelo Williams didn’t stay healthy for an entire season, much to everyone’s surprise in Carolina (sarcasm). The season-long suspension of Martavis Bryant makes it prudent to draft his replacement at this slot. With the 25th pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select – Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor University)
26. Seattle Seahawks – With the retirement of Marshawn Lynch, running back might be a way to go for the Seahawks here. But, Thomas Rawls more than proved himself, and losing Russell Okung is an area the Seahawks heed to address. With the 26th pick, the Seattle Seahawks select – Germain Ifedi, T (Texas A&M University)
27. Green Bay Packers – With the loss of Jordy Nelson at the beginning of the season, this team basically turned into Aaron Rodgers and a cast of characters. Still, they made things respectable. Eddie Lacy ate his way out of a starting job, and has been given an ultimatum by the team to get back into playing shape, or else. In the playoffs, it seemed as if nobody wanted to catch what Rodgers was throwing. James Jones mailed it in, And Randall Cobb showed off some alligator arms. Nelson’s return should address that. The Pack needs defensive help, and they get it here. With the 27th pick, the Green bay Packers select – Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State University)
28- New England Patriots – This pick was forfeited when the commissioner thought that the Patriots doctored the balls in the playoffs last season.
29. Arizona Cardinals – They went from a thrilling playoff finish, to being flat out-classed the next week. Humbling, to say the least. But, it’s still a deep team, and they’ll make the West a fun division to watch in 2016. With the 29th pick, the Arizona Cardinals select – Jason Spriggs, T (Indiana University)
30. Carolina Panthers – Boy, Vegas must have made a killing on them in the Super Bowl. All the money was going towards Carolina, and Denver just flat manhandled them. MVP Cam Newton can’t do it alone. He’ll get back Travis Benjamin to help in 2016, but he needs more. With the 30th pick, the Carolina Panthers select – Will Fuller, WR (Notre Dame University)
31. Denver Broncos – They weren’t going to mortgage the future by re-signing Brock Osweiller to a ridiculous contract. Peyton Manning retired, as expected. If they can sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to a free agent deal, then this pick is fairly easy. It gives them time to groom the successor. With the 31st pick, the Denver Broncos select – Connor Cook, QB (Michigan State University)
As I’ve said before, nothing is concrete. This will all be very fluid right up until the commissioner comes to the podium to say those words we’ve all been waiting to hear: “Good evening, and welcome to the 2016 Annual League Player Selection Meeting”. OK, maybe I went old-school there, using a Pete Rozelle/Paul Tagliabue line, but you get the idea. The Draft is almost upon us, and I can’t wait!
Fly Eagles Fly!
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