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