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

Picks 146-149

146. Seattle Seahawks (via OAK): S Damon Webb, Ohio State

The situation surrounding Earl Thomas is still unfurling. The veteran could be traded sometime this offseason. Kam Chancellor’s career is winding down as well. The Seahawks need to add a safety with upside, and at this pick in the NFL Draft, Ohio State’s Damon Webb makes plenty of sense.

Webb doesn’t get the recognition that the rest of the Buckeyes’ vaunted secondary gets, but he was an integral part of the unit in 2017. He logged five interceptions in that season, posting solid tackling numbers. He logged a 4.62 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but don’t fooled; his play speed is faster than his test speed.

Webb has the intelligence, ball skills, and overall football acuity to thrive at the next level. With his tackling ability, he could serve well in a special teams role to start his career, and with some developments, he has the traits to become a replacement for one of the Seahawks’ veterans down the road.

147. New Orleans Saints (via MIA): TE Durham Smythe, Notre Dame

After missing out on the Jimmy Graham sweepstakes, the New Orleans Saints still need to find their tight end. In Notre Dame’s Durham Smythe, they can get a player at the position who has no trouble catching the ball or blocking. At 6-foot-5, 257, Smythe has the size to impose himself against any defense. He won’t replace Coby Fleener. He’s not that adept at receiving the football. But he serves a purpose that would benefit an offense co-run by Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

148. Pittsburgh Steelers (via SF): WR Tre’Quan Smith, UCF

A reliable target at wide receiver, Tre’Quan Smith has good die and speed for the position. He’s not a dominant athlete, but his style is dependable, and he could become a ‘Ryan Grant’-like player down the road. He won’t beat you with any elite traits. But he will find a way to beat you on occasion. And then he’ll get a contract worth $30 million over four years, only to fail his physical and have it voided.

149. Washington Redskins: DE Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State

The Washington Redskins managed to get a decent nose tackle in Round 4 by drafting Tim Settle. Now they have a need to settle on the edge in the NFL Draft.

Jalyn Holes is a good option for the Washington Redskins. Holmes was buried under a very talented depth chart at Ohio State, but he still managed to provide valuable depth for the Buckeyes, and he could do the same for the Redskins. Here’s what I had to say about Homes in an earlier article:

"His production might not mirror that of a top-tier recruit, but Holmes has the length and athleticism to garner a look during the draft. Furthermore, he emerged as a leader at Ohio State as the years went along. He was voted a captain as a senior, and when the team grew thin at defensive tackle, he volunteered to fill in at the position. Overall, Holmes is a solid prospect who could come cheap if he continues to fly under the radar. The Washington Redskins need an infusion of depth on the edge, and in the later rounds, Holmes could be a dark horse to keep a close eye on. He’s a talented player, and he could trust be a gem in the rough."

The Washington Redskins ultimately need depth at edge rusher, and by picking Holmes in Round 5, they would satisfy that need, and grab a player with upside all at once.