NFL Mock Draft 7.1: Round 2 of the seven-round mock NFL Draft
Picks 33-36
33. Cleveland Browns: WR Courtland Sutton, SMU
It’s highly unlikely that Courtland Sutton will slip outside of the top 25 following a stellar Combine performance. Sutton could end up being the top receiver in this draft class, as he has good size and solid athleticism that will allow him to become a potential No. 1 receiver at the NFL level.
Armed with many picks in the first three rounds, the Browns can take the best player available here, and that would be Sutton. With Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman, and Sutton on the team, general manager John Dorsey would do a lot to ensure that Tyrod Taylor and Sam Darnold have a plethora of weapons at their disposal in 2018. So, Sutton is the most sensible option here.
34. New York Giants: RB Sony Michel, Georgia
The Giants have lacked a quality starting running back for quite some time. Last year, the unspectacular duo of Orleans Darkwa and Wayne Gallman carried the team for most of the season. Darkwa is now a free agent and while Gallman is still young, he looks more like a rotational back than a starter.
After surprisingly passing on Saquon Barkley in the first round of this mock, the Giants will scoop up a Day 2 player in hopes of shoring up the position. Sony Michel is arguably the second best runner in this draft behind Barkley, and he has shown flashes of Alvin Kamara on tape and in workouts. Michel would immediately be a three-down back for the Giants and would help to take pressure off Eli Manning and the passing game.
35. Cleveland Browns (via HOU): CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
The cornerback who helped himself out the most at the Combine was Jaire Alexander. The Louisville product was the best player on the field in the drills and did a lot to solidify himself as a potential first round prospect. Alexander should have the versatility to play both the slot and outside at the NFL level, which will make him all the more valuable.
The Browns desperately need to get some help at cornerback. Though they added T.J. Carrie in free agency, the team traded away their best corner from last year, Jason McCourty. The team should look to add a potential outside corner to pair with Carrie and at this stage, Alexander is the best player available for the team.
36. Indianapolis Colts: CB Donte Jackson, LSU
The Colts officially lost Rashaan Melvin to the Raiders in free agency. While the team invested a second round pick in Quincy Wilson last year, they still need to add another potential starter to help out the second. Donte Jackson could be one of the better corners in this draft class, and he makes sense at this juncture. So, the Colts look to upgrade their defense as they try to rebuild their roster.