NFL Mock Draft 7.1: Round 2 of the seven-round mock NFL Draft
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.