NFL Mock Draft 7.4: Round 5 of the 2018 NFL Draft

Picks 170-174

170. Cincinnati Bengals: OG Taylor Hearn, Clemson

This pick in the NFL Draft is more of a depth pick for the Cincinnati Bengals, but with the way their offensive line looks, even after a number of acquisitions, they could use more depth to stymy the adverse effects of possible injuries.

Taylor Hearn of Clemson isn’t the most consistent blocker in this class, but at 6-foot-5, 330, he has solid size for an interior lineman, and he has decent strength as well. He logged 18 bench reps at the NFL Combine, hovering a tad below average.

Hearn shouldn’t be pressed to start for the Bengals, but the guard has starting experience in college, and he has all the physical traits to provide an impact. Whether or not he can realize his potential is the most pressing question surrounding Hearn.

171. Dallas Cowboys: DB Siran Neal, Jacksonville State

The Dallas Cowboys need help wherever they can find it on defense. Here, at the tail end of Round 5, they manage to luck into versatile cover man Siran Neal, out of Jacksonville State.

Neal has been one of the more underrated prospects throughout the NFL Draft process, but there is no question that the man can play. He showcased his strengths during Senior Bowl week, where he stood out as a very willing and able tackler and a sticky pass defender.

Neal has the instincts, ball skills, and physical attributes to help a slim Cowboys’ pass defense rather quickly. His versatility makes him an asset for depth, and with some time to learn, an increase role could likely be in Neal’s future.

172. Green Bay Packers: TE Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers signed stout veteran Jimmy Graham last week, but for all his talent, Graham is set to turn 32 years old later this year. The Packers need a younger option they can turn to if Graham gets hurt, and they also need that younger option in the wings so that they can develop him and groom him to eventually replace Graham.

At this pick in the NFL Draft, Wisconsin’s Troy Fumagalli, the homer pick, is a great pick up. A solid route runner with the right attitude to contribute as a blocker, Fumagalli is one of those prospects who isn’t amazing at anything, but he’s decent at almost everything. At 6-foot-6, 248, he has great size and length to be a consistent target when given the opportunities, and when Graham ultimately leaves, the Wisconsin local could be in a position to take his place.

173. Oakland Raiders (via DAL): WR Braxton Berrios, Miami

For better or worse, the Oakland Raiders have revamped their receiving core this offseason. They traded away Cordarrelle Patterson to the Patriots, while also signing former Packers star Jordy Nelson to a deal.

Provided that Nelson doesn’t permanently regress in his first year with the Raiders, their lineup at wide receiver is generally well set. Amari Cooper is still one of the better young receivers in the league, and with Derek Carr healthy, the offense could see a better year under Jay Gruden. But there is still one more thing they can do.

They can add a slot receiver.

Miami’s Braxton Berrios fits the Raiders perfectly. Gruden loves using the mismatch with the linebackers in the middle of the field to his advantage, through utilization of overlapping crossing routes and post routes. Some of these plays require a slot receiver with a quick twitch and precise route running. Braxton Berrios fits that description.

At 5-foot-9, 186, Berrios isn’t exactly built to leap for the high catch. He serves a purpose, and he serves it well. If the Raiders can get Berrios here, it could add an interesting element to the team’s passing game. And it could facilitate a change for the better.

174. Green Bay Packers: DE Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State

The Green Bay Packers already signed an edge talent in the second round when they grabbed Dorance Armstrong. But with Tyquan Lewis here at the end of Round 5, readily available for them to pick up, they would be brash to pass up the opportunity.

At 6-foot-3, 265, Lewis has adequate size to play in Green Bay’s defensive scheme. He’s an active rusher with good awareness. He takes efficient angles to beat his offensive lineman, and while he may not have the athletic gifts to utilize those angles consistently, his motor will cause trouble at the next level.

Lewis, at the very least, is depth for the Packers. They haven’t had such a luxury at the position of edge rusher in a long time, and Ohio State’s Tyquan Lewis would provide them that.

Next: NFL Draft mock 7.3: Round 4 of the 2018 NFL Draft

That wraps up Round 5 of our seven-round NFL Draft mock! Stay tuned to Riggo’s Rag, as we’ll have Round 6 up on schedule tomorrow morning.