Our first-round mock started off with a bang, and now we have the next 32 selections from Round 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Here they are.
Round 1 of the seven-round Riggo’s Rag mock draft kick started an exciting week, where the top remaining free agents are preparing to sign and the draft speculation is starting to heat up. And now, it’s time to go in for Round 2.
To recap, here were some of the big events from Ian Cummings’ first round of the 2018 NFL Mock Draft 7.0:
- The Browns selected Sam Darnold at No. 1 overall
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lucked into landing Saquon Barkley at No. 7
- Maurice Hurst went unfathomably high to the Dolphins at No. 11
- The Redskins landed a quality defensive back at No. 13
- And five quarterbacks went in the first round in total
With all that said, there are still a lot of quality players left on the draft board, including some who will likely be first round selections. So, let’s dive into the selections.
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.
Picks 37-40
37. Indianapolis Colts (via NYJ): DT Taven Bryan, Florida
With back-to-back picks by virtue of their trade with the Jets, the Colts get the luxury of taking the two best players available. It was a tough pick between Taven Bryan and Nick Chubb at this juncture, but I gave the edge to Bryan.
With the Colts moving to a 4-3 defense under head coach Frank Reich, the team is going to have to add personnel who can fit that scheme. Bryan is a great fit in a 4-3 scheme, and he has the size and athleticism to be an impactful player at the NFL level. If Bryan makes it to this pick, expect the Colts to quickly snap him up.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Arden Key, LSU
The Bucs would be ecstatic to get a shot at Arden Key after getting Saquon Barkley in the first round. Key was once considered to be a top 10 lock, but character concerns have pushed him down some draft boards. But at the No. 38 pick, the Bucs would be risking very little by bringing in Key.
Key was dynamic as a sophomore at LSU recording 11 sacks and generating a lot of pressure against quality tackles. He tapered off as a junior, but he still possesses the athleticism and on-field ability to be a great NFL player. The Bucs and every NFL team will vet Key, but if they like what they see, don’t be surprised to see him go a bit higher than this.
39. Chicago Bears: WR D.J. Chark, LSU
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The Bears did a good job of getting Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel to help upgrade Mitch Trubisky’s receiving corps. That said, the team could still use another upgrade at receiver, and D.J. Chark is one of the better players available here.
Chark performed well in the Senior Bowl and parlayed that into an excellent Combine where he showcased his ability as a downfield threat. Given that Robinson is coming off a torn ACL and Gabriel lacks size, Chark would be a welcome addition to the receiving corps. Ideally, Robinson could be a possession receiver with some breakaway speed while Gabriel could serve as that slot man. That would allow Chark to take on the speed role outside and he would probably do well in that role.
40. Denver Broncos: OT Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
The Broncos will need to protect their new quarterback a bit better than the team managed to last year. After seeing Donald Stephenson struggle immensely at right tackle, the Broncos smartly let him walk in free agency. That said, the team needs to address the position to ensure that Josh Rosen has quality protection.
Martinas Rankin has the prototypical size that one looks for in a tackle. At 6-foot-4, 308 pounds, Rankin could get a chance to win the starting job across from Garett Bolles and would be an ideal bookend for the former first rounder. Rankin is one of the best players available at this juncture, so grabbing him would make a lot of sense for the Broncos.
Picks 41-44
41. Oakland Raiders: DE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
The Raiders could use another edge rusher to pair with Khalil Mack. They had trouble generating pressure on opposing teams last season and at this point, Sam Hubbard is a steal. While Hubbard wasn’t always productive at Ohio State, he has excellent athleticism and movement skills that were on display at the Combine. Hubbard should do a lot to take pressure off Mack and that could improve the Raiders defense under Jon Gruden.
42. Miami Dolphins: QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
After missing out on a quality quarterback in the first round and reaching for a defensive lineman, the Dolphins will have a decision to make here. They could try to upgrade another position on offense like tight end and target Hayden Hurst. Or, they could grab one of the best remaining quarterbacks in the draft.
Mason Rudolph is considered by some to be a potential first round pick. Rudolph has a good arm, but after playing in a Big 12 offense, he is raw for the next level. Rudolph needs to work on reading the field, as the type of spread offense he ran at Oklahoma State is a lot different than pro-style offenses in the NFL. Additionally, his accuracy and ball placement need work. So right now, Rudolph is a strong-armed quarterback who needs time to develop.
FanSided
The Dolphins won’t mind that too much. They already have Ryan Tannehill and while he missed last season and the team may not fully trust him, he can hold down the fort until Rudolph is ready. If the Dolphins want a potential starting quarterback, this will be just about their last chance to land one.
43. New England Patriots (via SF): RB Nick Chubb, Georgia
The Patriots could stand to add some youth at running back. The team lost Dion Lewis to free agency, and while they retained Rex Burkhead, the team still needs a true power back for their offense. Jeremy Hill was added to a one year deal, but it remains to be seen whether or not that will work out.
Chubb was once considered to be a potential top 15 talent early in his career at Georgia. However, a bad knee injury that took time to recover from has downgraded him a bit. Still, Chubb looks like a great between the tackles runner with strength. He also is in the process of regaining some of the burst he had before his injury. He may never be the same athlete that he was pre-injury, but he is still one of the best running backs in the draft and should be a quality starter in the NFL.
44. Washington Redskins: RB Ronald Jones, USC
In this scenario, the Redskins are lucky to get one of the second-round running backs to fall into their lap. Ronald Jones had a great season for the USC Trojans in 2017. Jones totaled 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 261 carries and was a terrific weapon for Sam Darnold. He looked like a true lead back and is one of the better runners in this draft.
With the Redskins, Jones would be the natural backfield leader for the team. He would be a potential three-down back, though Chris Thompson would likely hold onto his passing back role. Still, having an early downs starter like Jones would do a lot to complete the running back group for the Redskins, a group that would likely feature Jones and Thompson as the main backs with Samaje Perine being worked in. That would do a lot to help the team’s offense out under Alex Smith’s leadership.
Picks 45-48
45. Green Bay Packers: EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr., Kansas
The Packers got a cornerback to help their ailing defense in the first round. In the second, they grab a rush linebacker to improve their pass rush. Clay Matthews is starting to regress, and the team hasn’t really had a quality option across from him for most of his career. Landing Dorance Armstrong could change that.
Armstrong played his college ball at Kansas, which is why his name isn’t as familiar as some other prospects. Armstrong was far and away the best player on the Kansas defense, and he totaled 10 sacks as a sophomore. His numbers weren’t as good as a junior, but that was due to the fact that he faced a lot of double teams because of his talent level. He looked great at the Combine in all the drills, and he should be a quality starter for the Packers.
Armstrong could end up being a really good value, as he has athletic upside and the only thing he lacks is consistent production. But again, that can be blamed on his below average supporting cast.
46. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Brian O’Neill, Pittsburgh
Even after drafting an interior lineman in the first round of the draft, the Bengals still need an upgrade on their offensive line. Cordy Glenn will be the starter at left tackle, Cedric Ogbuehi can play one of the guard spots with Clint Boling at the other, and James Daniels can start at center. Brian O’Neill would be the final, key cog at right tackle.
O’Neill was one of the most athletic tackles at the Combine, and that shouldn’t be a surprise. He used to be a tight end in his early days at Pittsburgh but made the transition to tackle. O’Neill will need to develop his strength, but his terrific movement skills and speed could make him great on plays where the right tackle pulls and block for runs. He has upside and at this point, that’s the big thing that the team needs.
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47. Cleveland Browns (via ARZ): TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
The Browns have yet another pick here in the second round thanks to the trade that Ian projected in the first round of the draft. They can afford to take the best available player here and that would be Hayden Hurst.
Hurst is probably the most talented tight end in this class. It may not be the strongest tight end class, but Hurst has been a good receiver (44 catches for 559 yards and two touchdowns in his final season) and he his 6-foot-5 frame should allow him to be a good blocker. The Browns did spend a first round pick on David Njoku last year, but adding Hurst as a solid second tight end would really complete the team’s receiving corps for their new quarterbacks.
48. Los Angeles Chargers: C Billy Price, Ohio State
This pick would be a steal for the Chargers. The team has long needed an upgrade at center, as Spencer Pulley is merely a backup player. And it just so happens that Billy Price has fallen to the No. 48 pick in this update.
Price was on his way to becoming a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft when he tore his pectoral at the NFL Combine. Price could still be an early pick, but the injury will likely downgrade him on some boards. Still, he is a quality blocker and this fills a major hole for the team. It would allow them to play the newly signed Mike Pouncey at guard and establish Dan Feeney as a primary backup. That would do a lot to help protect Philip Rivers in the latter years of his career.
Picks 49-52
49. Indianapolis Colts (via NYJ and SEA): G Braden Smith, Auburn
The Colts have to get some upgrades on their offensive line. After using their earlier picks to add three defensive playmakers, the team should turn their attention to the guard position, and Braden Smith would certainly qualify.
Smith was a very good starter at Auburn and has good athletic ability. At 6-foot-6, 303 pounds, Smith could end up being a solid starter at the NFL level. Andrew Luck (or Jacoby Brissett if Luck can’t get healthy) would definitely appreciate an interior upgrade, especially if the team is unable to re-sign Jack Mewhort in free agency.
50. Dallas Cowboys: OT Geron Christian, Louisville
Recently, the Cowboys have been looking at offensive tackles on the free agent market. Specifically, they have brought Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle, two Patriots players, in for visits. They seem to know that they need some depth at right tackle and that they could stand to upgrade left guard by moving current guard La’el Collins back to that position.
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In the second round, there are going to be a handful of tackles who come off the board. One of them could be Geron Christian who blocked well for Lamar Jackson at Louisville. Christian has a nice 6-foot-6, 315 pound frame and should be able to develop into a good start at right tackle. At the worst, he would be an upgrade at the swing tackle position so that in the event that Tyron Smith goes down again, the Cowboys aren’t surrendering six sacks to one player in one game. For that reason, Christian will get consideration here.
51. Detroit Lions: DT Trenton Thompson, Georgia
The Lions need some help at defensive tackle. In fact, they’ve needed help here since the departure of Ndamukong Suh. Adding a big bodied run stuffer with some nice athletic upside would be a good move for the Lions, and Trenton Thompson makes sense. Thompson was a solid defender at Georgia, and he should be able to start next to A’Shawn Robinson to improve the Detroit line. Expect Matt Patricia to add a tackle and end at some point in the draft, and Thompson could be a strong option here.
52. Baltimore Ravens: TE Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
The Ravens have long lacked talent at the receiver position, but perhaps adding John Brown and Michael Crabtree, after unceremoniously failing Ryan Grant’s physical, will allow them a chance to compete. That said, it would be nice to pair a solid receiving tight end with Joe Flacco to ensure that he has quality offensive weaponry. Mark Andrews could be that guy.
In his final year at Oklahoma, Andrews was a huge playmaker for Baker Mayfield and company. Andrews caught a career high 62 passes for 958 yards and eight scores and emerged as one of the biggest receiving threats on the Oklahoma roster. Armed with great size and above average strength, Andrews would immediately be the top tight end on the Ravens’ roster and he has a chance to be the best combination tight end in this draft. It’s possible that he could go before Hayden Hurst if he impresses in the pre-draft process.
Picks 53-56
53. Buffalo Bills: OT Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
The Bills need to make sure they upgrade their offensive line for their new quarterback. They no longer have Cordy Glenn or Eric Wood, so they need to find upgrades at one tackle position and center. Since rookie Dion Dawkins is expected to play left tackle, the team can focus on finding a good option on the right side of the line.
Desmond Harrison is a freak athlete with really good movement skills. However, he comes with major character concerns as he was kicked off the Texas team at the beginning of his career due to multiple team violations. Also, Harrison only returned to football after this past season, so teams will have to make sure he’s committed to the game and to staying out of trouble on and off the field.
If the Bills think that can happen, then the team should pick him in hopes of him starting at right tackle and Jordan Mills moving into the swing tackle role that he is better suited for. Even though they signed Marshall Newhouse to a deal, the team still needs to consider adding a young player who has upside at the position.
54. Kansas City Chiefs: OLB Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
During the last two-round mock I did, I had Carter mocked to the Chiefs at this spot. Here’s what I said about the fit at that time.
"Getting another edge rusher is high on the Kansas City Chiefs’ priority list this offseason. Tamba Hali is probably going to be playing elsewhere in 2018, and the team didn’t get enough quality play from Dee Ford across from Justin Houston last year. Adding a third rusher would do a lot to keep the duo fresh and protect the team in case the injury bug bites again. Lorenzo Carter (6-foot-6, 243 pounds) has the prototypical size of a great edge rusher. While he didn’t produce a lot as a pass rusher at Georgia, he posted 9.5 sacks combined in his final two seasons, he has the skill set and requisite length to become a solid edge rushing presence. Using him as the third option would make a lot of sense, as the team could develop him into a quality starter. This would be a logical way to spend the team’s first pick in the draft."
Free Agency: Redskins sign Orlando Scandrick to a two-year deal
55. Carolina Panthers: WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame
This is lower than I wanted to slot Equanimeous St. Brown, but the Panthers won’t mind. They’ll be ecstatic to land a potential No. 1 receiver late in the second round to pair with the top corner that they got in the first round.
St. Brown’s final season at Notre Dame wasn’t great, but he still performed at a high level and has a lot of upside. Thanks to his huge 6-foot-5 frame, St. Brown should be a red zone threat early in his career, but he also has the downfield ability to gain some separation. He profiles to be a similar player to Kelvin Benjamin, though he isn’t quite as physical as the former Panther and is probably a better athlete. Still, h could play the jump ball receiver role that Cam Newton likes so much. For that reason, St. Brown is an easy choice here for the Panthers.
56. Buffalo Bills (via LAR): LB Malik Jefferson, Texas
Here’s another repeat pick from my earlier second round pick, and this is why Jefferson would be a great fit with the Bills.
"Adding a linebacker is something that Buffalo needs to do this offseason. The team has been using a slew of veterans at the position, but none have been particularly effective. Malik Jefferson is a great athlete and a very good football player. The only question surrounding him is whether or not he truly loves the game. He could end up being a steal in the latter half of Round 2, so picking him up makes sense for the Bills."
So, why change the pick? Jefferson still fills a need and should be a solid option here.
Picks 57-60
57. Tennessee Titans: WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
The Titans would probably like to add some help in the trenches here, but Christian Kirk is too valuable to pass up at this point. Kirk is a quick, talented receiver from Texas A&M who has the potential to be an elite slot man. He’s going to be a versatile playmaker, and that’s something that Marcus Mariota needs. A receiving corps of Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Taywan Taylor, and Kirk would afford the team an opportunity to improve what was a mediocre passing attack last year under Mike Mularkey.
58. Atlanta Falcons: CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
This could end up being a steal for the Falcons. Some consider Isaiah Oliver to be a potential late-first round pick. He falls in this draft due to the number of first round caliber corners that slipped into the early part of Round 1.
Oliver is a prospect with good six (6-foot-even) and he has good length too. After breaking up 13 passes and logging two picks for Colorado, he flashed the potential to be a quality starter at corner. Given that the Falcons already have Desmond Trufant, Oliver could settle into the No. 2 role and possibly push the smaller Robert Alford into the slot. At the worst, he’d be a high-caliber backup with starting potential as he improves. He’s too valuable to pass up at this point.
59. San Francisco 49ers (via NO): CB Carlton Davis, Auburn
Davis is another corner who falls, and San Francisco will be happy to get him. The team needs an insurance policy in case Richard Sherman can’t fully recover from the Achilles tear he suffered last season. Davis had a great career at Auburn and has nice size and athletic ability. He could end up being an outside starter for the 49ers and at the worst, would backup Sherman. The 49ers are on their way to having a great secondary, and Davis would just give them even more depth.
60. Pittsburgh Steelers: S/LB Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech
The Steelers unfortunately have to prepare for the possibility that Ryan Shazier may never play again. The good news is there has been some positive buzz about his recovery from a terrifying spine injury, but the reality is that he might not play in the NFL again. And at the very least, he is confirmed out for 2018.
The Steelers get lucky here as the versatile Terrell Edmunds is available at the No. 60 pick. Edmunds’ brother Tremaine went in the Round 1, and Terrell has the talent to go in early Round 2. He’s been a productive player at Virginia Tech, and he could play a safety/linebacker hybrid role that is becoming all the rage in the 3-4 defense. Edmund could start at linebacker next to Vince Williams and at least help the team try to combat the loss of their most athletic defensive player.
Picks 61-64
61. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
I really like the fit of Mike Gesicki in Jacksonville. Even with the addition of Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Gesicki would come in and be a receiving threat at tight end right away. He’s not much of a blocker, but with Seferian-Jenkins and former Redskin Niles Paul on the team, he won’t have to be. He can focus on running routes and getting open deep. And adding another weapon for Blake Bortles certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing.
62. Minnesota Vikings: CB Mike Hughes, UCF
After filling their two biggest needs in free agency and getting a luxury pick at tackle in the first round, the Vikings can take a player to fill a need. The team could use a solid cornerback to play across from Xavier Rhodes, and Mike Hughes is a borderline steal at this point. Hughes is a fringe first round prospect, but he is also a love/hate prospect in the scouting community. In the event that some of the talented players that slipped in this mock fall into the top 10 of Round 2, Hughes could find himself falling down the board.
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Still, Hughes was a strong cover man in his lone season at UCF. He figures to be a solid No. 2 corner at the next level, and he has the athleticism to be a very good pro. He could probably go in the top 40 picks, and he will likely move up if he continues to perform well in pre-draft visits.
63. New England Patriots: WR DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State
Not many expected the Patriots to lose Danny Amendola. But, he ended up leaving the team and signing with the Miami Dolphins. Given that Tom Brady will turn 41 in August, the Patriots have to make sure that they surround him with enough weaponry to remain competitive at the end of his career.
DaeSean Hamilton seems like the kind of player that the Patriots would have interest in. Hamilton is a very good route runner with solid, 6-foot-1 size and solid athleticism. He was a threat for the Penn State offense this past season, and he has done a lot to help improve his overall game during draft season.
Hamilton would come in and play the Amendola role as a versatile, do-it-all receiver behind the team’s top options. He would start his career as the No. 4 guy before eventually becoming a starter. It’s not an obvious need, but it’s never a bad thing to add an offensive playmaker to pair with the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.
64. Cleveland Browns (via PHI): RB Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
With what seems like their millionth pick in the first two rounds, the Browns just grab the best player available. Kerryon Johnson is one of the many running backs who figures to be a mid-second round option, but he slips here out of circumstance. The Browns would be happy to land him as a complement to Carlos Hyde, and the two would create a nice one-two punch for the team’s new-look offense. As it stands, Cleveland would have what looks like a very solid offense after the first two round of the draft.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 7.0 - Round 1 of 7
That’s it for this part of the mock, but we’ll have Round 3 coming your way soon. Keep it here at Riggo’s Rag as we work through every round of the NFL Draft in the coming week!