Post-Combine Mock Draft, Part Two

Editor’s note: before you read on, make sure you go back and check out picks 1-16.

17) Los Angeles Chargers (9-7): Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

The third Alabama product to go off the board heads west to Los Angeles. Los Angeles is already building a star-studded defensive line with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, now it’s time to add some serious beef in the middle. The 6’2″ Payne is 311 pounds cut straight out of granite. With active hands and a high motor, Payne has a chance to be dominant.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (17): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

18) Seattle Seahawks (9-7): Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Williams’ combine proved he’s bounced back nicely from the knee injury he suffered against USC that held him out for several weeks. While he’s not quite the top-five talent he was coming into the 2017 season, he still has one of the better combinations of footwork and hand usage you see in tackles coming out. As Russell Wilson owners can well attest to, Seattle needs any help they can get on the O-line. Williams would be a more than welcome addition.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (18): Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Oklahoma

19) Dallas Cowboys (9-7): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Going wide receiver seems like a no-brainer for Dallas. A young core of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Tyron Smith, Zach Martin, and Travis Frederick can do a lot, but they need help out wide going forward. Kirk’s a natural route runner with elite quickness and speed. An in-state product and ideal slot/flanker receiver, Kirk would be a terrific fit opposite of Dez Bryant.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (19): *Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Christian Kirk’s athleticism was on full display in the Belk Bowl, moved to a late first round pick for me. Mid-first consideration in dynasty. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/JncvgZV6Ek

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 25, 2018

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

20) Detroit Lions (9-7): Derwin James, SS, FSU

Detroit lands the final top-ten prospect on my board and creates one of the best safety pairings in the league. With Darius Slay and a young Teez Tabor at corner, the Lions would have the makings of a very solid defensive backfield. So what makes James a top ten talent? His frame (6’3″, 215 lbs), athleticism, ball skills, and smarts are all at an elite level. It would be a great get for Detroit even though it’s not their biggest position of need.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (20): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

21) Buffalo Bills (9-7): Vita Vea, DT, Washington

It’s no secret. Buffalo badly needs help on the interior. Their one viable option at tackle is Kyle Williams, who will turn 35 in June. Enter Vita Vea. This kid is a freak of nature, at 6’4″, 347 lbs. Vea, unsurprisingly put up 41 reps in the bench press, but what really made him stand out was the 5.1 second 40 he was able to run. On the field, he was one of the most dominant players in all of college football. He would consistently demand double teams, and just as consistently dominate them.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (21): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

22) Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)): James Daniels, C, Iowa

Mason Rudolph would make a lot of sense for a Buffalo team in need of direction at quarterback. But with his true value being closer to an early second rounder, taking care of their interior offensive line questions makes a lot more sense. The best center in the draft, Daniels shows amazing promise as a top ten pass and run blocker.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (22): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

23) Los Angeles Rams (11-5): Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Harold Landry may just be my favorite prospect in the 2018 class. The BC product has an incredible first step that is rivaled by no other edge rusher and has the bend to match it. The question will be whether or not he can handle the physicality the NFL has to offer. If his 24 bench press reps are any early indication, he might just answer that question with a resounding yes.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (23): Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

24) Carolina Panthers (11-5): Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist

Cam Newton needs playmakers. He’s one of the best in the NFL at making plays on his own, but in order to continue his success long-term, he’s going to need weapons. Christian McCaffrey is a good start, but they still need that reliable option on the outside. Yes, Sutton is far from a finished product. But if the Mustang can figure out how to take advantage of his rare combination of size and athleticism, we’ll have ourselves a star.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (24): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

25) Tennessee Titans (9-7): Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Texas San-Antonio

Tennessee is a young potential powerhouse that is just beginning to come into its own. They’re not ready to compete with the NFL’s elite quite yet, but if they can keep adding quality talents, that won’t last for long. Marcus Davenport was hardly on the draft radar back in September. But after a senior season filled with jaw-dropping displays of his strength and quickness, he’s now a clear first-round talent. This would be a really nice haul for Tennessee.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (25): Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Marcus Davenport has freakish strength. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter @MarcusJD84 pic.twitter.com/xY4Uf8ozDt

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 12, 2018

26) Atlanta Falcons (10-6): Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia

They’ll deny it, but the Super Bowl hangover seemed pretty real for Atlanta. They turned things around as the season was winding down but for most of it, they were pretty much sleepwalking. Look for them to bounce back in 2018 as they attempt to play Super Bowl 53 in their own stadium. Adding Isaiah Wynn would be a great way to get started on that goal. Wynn is the most fluid guard in the draft and can pack a punch with his hands. Add in the fact that his technique is right up there with Quenton Nelson, and you can see why his potential as a pass blocker is sky high.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (27): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

27) New Orleans Saints (11-5): DJ Moore, WR, Maryland

The Saints suddenly find themselves in a championship window. A year ago, that would have seemed a little ridiculous, but here we are. Outside of Michael Thomas, Drew Brees isn’t working with much. DJ Moore could take this offense to the next level. A crafty route runner with natural hands and fantastic burst, there’s a whole lot to like with the Maryland product. The big question is whether or not he can be an impact player in the red zone with his 5’10” frame.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (28): Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

28) Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

It’s sad that this is a need for Pittsburgh. That Ryan Shazier injury was horrific. Let’s hope and pray that Ryan can play again. But for now, its created a gaping hole in the Steel Curtain at the linebacker position, that needs to be filled as soon as possible. He’s not quite the athlete that Shazier is, but Rashaan Evans would give a much-needed boost in talent to Mike Tomlin. The 6’3″ Evans plays with tremendous strength and an even better ability to shed blocks which adds up to him being one of the best run defenders in the draft.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (29): Arden Key, EDGE, LSU

Rashaan Evans sheds blockers on the regular, right here, he straight up olé’s the right guard. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/zYEi9XBjgk

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) January 26, 2018

29) Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6): *Billy Price, C, Ohio State

The Jags are building a “tough as nails” play style that nearly led them to the Super Bowl. Billy Price would slide in pretty seamlessly. The two-time Ohio State captain not only has the enviable quickness for an interior lineman but the strength and leverage that made him one of the Big Ten’s best run blockers. You can bet the farm that Leonard Fournette would be a happy man if Jacksonville is able to add Price.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (26): Billy Price, C, Ohio State

*Price underwent pectoral surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp.

30) Minnesota Vikings (13-3): Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida

Mike Zimmer would be grinning ear to ear if Minnesota is able to land a talent like Mike Hughes at number 30. His 40-yard dash was a bit disappointing, but don’t let that distract you from the talent this kid shows on tape. The Central Florida product is a willing tackler with swift hips and excellent football instincts. Hughes would very well add some much-needed playmaking to a defense that could use a couple more interceptions.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (32): Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

31) New England Patriots (13-3): Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

New England was a difficult selection, but I couldn’t go wrong with giving them a prospect of Isaiah Oliver’s ability. This kid has no real weakness. With a lengthy 6’1″ frame and terrific skills in the run game, Oliver should be a very solid starter in any scheme. Bill Belichick would be just fine adding Oliver to an already talented group of cover corners.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (31): Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Texas San-Antonio

Isaiah Oliver has some of the best ball skills in this class. Kid knows how to play the CB position! #NFLDraft #drafttwitter pic.twitter.com/ULHfXroFNF

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) March 5, 2018

32) Philadelphia Eagles (13-3): Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

I’ve said Green Bay and New England are difficult to mock for. Philadelphia doesn’t compare. Up and down the roster, this team is completely stacked. In the end, it came down to Derrius Guice and Vander Esch, and the latter just made more sense. The Bronco is a smooth athlete with more than enough strength. Take into account the fact that he’s already pretty polished in coverage and you can see why many have fallen in love with him. Whoever Philly ends up taking here, they will be a strong contender once again.

Mock Draft 2.0 Selection (30): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

Round Two

33) Cleveland Browns (0-16): Donte Jackson, CB, LSU

34) New York Giants (3-13): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

35) Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans (4-12)): Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

Cannot wait to see Brian O’Niell’s numbers, one of the most athletic OT’s I’ve scouted. Yes they actually set up a screen for him. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/691MKWV5hU

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 28, 2018

36) Indianapolis Colts (4-12): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA

37) New York Jets (5-11): Ronald Jones, RB, USC

38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11): Arden Key, EDGE, LSU

39) Chicago Bears (5-11): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

40) Denver Broncos (5-11): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

41) Oakland Raiders (6-10): Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

One of my favorite Chubb plays. Off tackle to the right, breaks 3 tackles, and shows the breakaway burst! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/uwQ9oKkWYP

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) March 6, 2018

42) Miami Dolphins (6-10): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

43) New England Patriots (from San Francisco 49ers (6-10)): Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

44) Washington Redskins (7-9): Rasheem Green, DT, USC

45) Green Bay Packers (7-9): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

46) Cincinnati Bengals (7-9): Geron Christian, OT, Louisville

47) Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

48) Los Angeles Chargers (9-7): Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State

49) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks (9-7)): Justin Reid, FS, Stanford

50) Dallas Cowboys (9-7): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

51) Detroit Lions (9-7): Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

52) Baltimore Ravens (9-7): Will Hernandez, OG, Texas El-Paso

53) Buffalo Bills (9-7): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

Harrison Phillips has a terrific ability to get skinny and slide around blockers! Really like this kid. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/rMfBBlnQtm

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 15, 2018

54) Kansas City Chiefs (10-6): Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama

55) Carolina Panthers (11-5): M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

56) Buffalo Bills (from Los Angeles Rams (11-5)): D.J. Chark, WR, LSU

57) Tennessee Titans (9-7): Josh Sweat, EDGE, FSU

58) Atlanta Falcons (10-6): *Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

*Hurst is a mid/late first round talent on my board who was diagnosed with a heart condition at the combine.

59) San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans Saints (11-5)): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

60) Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3): Jessie Bates, FS, Wake Forest

Falling in love with Jessie Bates, very athletic FS with ball skills! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/TcWfXO7eCy

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 25, 2018

61) Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6): Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

62) Minnesota Vikings (13-3): Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

63) New England Patriots (13-3): Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

64) Cleveland (from Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)): Deshon Elliott, SAF, Texas

Well, that wraps up this edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook“, please leave a comment or question about a specific prospect, or fit for your team, below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. See you next time!

[/am4show]