With the first our rounds of our NFL Draft mock 7.0 off the board, there are still plenty of talented players left to be selected.
The picks in the final three rounds are more important than they seem to be. The right pick can, at the very least, give you a solid piece of depth, and at the most, can give you an Pro Bowl player.
Each team will be looking to find that gem in the rough in the next few slides, but how many will actually find them? We will take a look, but first, let’s recap what happened in Round 4:
- Talented linebacker Josie Jewell landed with the Los Angeles Rams.
- The Washington Redskins grabbed a nose tackle in Tim Settle.
- The Jaguars gave Blake Bortles an ultimatum by drafting Luke Falk.
It’s been exciting so far, and there’s still plenty to come! Turn the page, and take a look at Round 5 of our NFL Draft mock 7.0!
Picks 138-141
138. Green Bay Packers (via CLE): DE Rasheem Green, USC
The Green Bay Packers nabbed an edge rusher in Round 2, taking Kansas’ Dorance Armstrong, but they still lack adequate depth at the position. With the first pick in the fifth round, the Packers take the best player on the board, USC’s Rasheem Green.
Green, set to turn just 21 years old in May, is a massive steal at this point in the NFL Draft. Green, standing at 6-foot-5, 275, has the size to be a terror both on the edge and as a 4-3 defensive tackle. Green uses his burst and length to wrench open double teams and pry away offensive linemen. He has the upside of a long-term starter.
Green would assume an immediate role as a rotational player in the Packers’ defensive scheme, and in time, he could grow to become an asset for the team.
139. New York Giants: DE Kemoko Turay, Rutgers
After shipping Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Giants need some new talent on the edge of the defensive line. At pick No. 139, Rutgers’ Kemoko Turay is a very good fit.
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Like the player ahead of him, Turay has chaotic burst coming off the line. His short-distance quickness is seldom matched in this NFL Draft class, but injuries may knock down his draft stock a bit. Turay could fill a need early here. He’ll work into the lineup right away, and if he can beef up and stay healthy, he could be a very impressive pick.
140. Indianapolis Colts: WR Michael Gallup, Colorado State
The Indianapolis Colts continue their renovation of the receiving core by selecting reliable Colorado State wide receiver Michael Gallup here.
The Colts selected a similar receiver in James Washington in Round 3, but they need all the help they can get in that area. With many needs filled earlier in the draft, the Colts can afford to solidify the position further here.
Gallup is a sure-handed receiver with underrated after-the-catch ability. He produced on a crazy scale with the Colorado State Rams. He managed to at least nudge Nick Stevens into the late-round conversation, which is feat by itself.
Gallup is another player who could contribute early for the Colts. His dull play style and below-average athleticism could relegate him to a specific role, but Gallup could grow into an increased role with time.
141. Seattle Seahawks (via HOU): DL Deadrin Senat, USF
After losing Sheldon Richardson and Michael Bennett earlier in the offseason, the Seahawks could decide to bolster they defensive line with this pick. The situation surrounding Malik McDowell is far from certain, and Jarran Reed and Nazair Jones don’t make a unit.
Therefore, the Seahawks have far worse decisions here than picking Deadrin Senat. As a short, stocky defensive interior lineman with impressive strength and leverage, Senat is a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ 4-3 defensive scheme. His arrival makes the unit just a little bit deeper, and he has the potential to be an impact player down the road.
Picks 142-145
142. Denver Broncos: LB Andre Smith, North Carolina
The Denver Broncos re-signed Todd Davis, and they still have Brandon Marshall providing quality play, but they can afford to add some depth. Andre Smith can give that to them.
Smith isn’t flashy in any aspect of his game, but much like Washington Redskins 2016 sixth-round pick Steven Daniels, Smith is a physical linebacker who can hit hard. He tends to be too aggressive this sense, but he has the mentality of a quality linebacker, and at the very least, he can impact the game on special teams.
143. San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ): TE Ian Thomas, Indiana
George Kittle was a pleasant surprise from the fifth round for the San Francisco 49ers last year, and he appears to have the starting role locked up. Still, the 49ers can get more depth at the position, with only Garrett Celek and Cole Wick backing Kittle up.
Ian Thomas is a tight end who can do it all. He has size and athleticism that will translate well to the next level. He’s quick and physical with his routes, and his blocking is on track as he enters the NFL. With how quickly Kittle blossomed in San Francisco last year, Thomas could see a similar start to his career.
144. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Darius Phillips, Western Michigan
With an aging veteran and an underwhelming former first-round cornerback in the fold, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can use all the cornerbacks they can get. The team grabbed former North Carolina Tar Heels standout M.J. Stewart in Round 3, and here, they strengthen the position further, adding a cornerback with shorter size but bigger upside. Darius Phillips has the ball skills, and with some polish from an NFL-level coach, he can see major growth.
145. Chicago Bears: DT Andrew Brown, Virginia
The Chicago Bears have some talent on their defensive line, but they aren’t quite where they need to be yet. In the fifth round, a defensive lineman that provides good value is Virginia Cavaliers’ defensive lineman Andrew Brown.
Brown still needs to work on his consistency, but he gives unparalleled effort on every play, and if he can get the right coaching, he can become a good player for the Chicago Bears. At 6-foot-4, 284, he has the size to fill a number of interior roles, and he could bring an allotment of skills in the fifth round.
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.
Picks 150-153
150. Cleveland Browns (via GB): LB Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
Once a fringe first-round pick, a devastating season-ending knee injury sent Jack Cichy’s NFL Draft stock tumbling. Cichy was an active defender for the Wisconsin Badgers, possessing the adequate size and athleticism to compete and succeed at the next level. That said, his injury is concerning, in terms of his future mobility. The Cleveland Browns, however, who filled many key needs earlier in the NFL Draft, they can take a chance on him here, with hopes that he recovers and provides quality play in the future.
151. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Riley Ferguson, Memphis
Pressure’s on, Andy Dalton.
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team with many holes. And it’s hard to imagine that Andy Dalton benefited from those shortcomings. But Dalton himself has a fair amount of flaws, and it’s easy to wonder if Dalton, now 30 years old, has anything left to offer, in terms of success.
Dalton’s career is far from over. Per modern standards, he’s only halfway there. But his lack of game-changing ability for a Bengals team that has been competitive until 2017 could be worrisome for the front office. They could look to implement the same strategy that sparked a career season for Alex Smith. Find Dalton some competition.
In Round 5, Memphis’ Riley Ferguson is a clear-cut favorite to serve this role. Ferguson has a big arm, but he’s showcased his accuracy as well. He’s widely viewed as a gunslinger, and he draws some comparisons to Brett Favre. No one is saying Ferguson will be in the Hall of Fame, but Ferguson can function as a quality backup behind Dalton and Matt Barkley while learning the system. And if Dalton fails to pick up the pace over the next couple years, or if he regresses, then Ferguson can easily pick up the reins.
152. Arizona Cardinals: C Coleman Shelton, Washington
The Arizona Cardinals, in case we haven’t said it before, need to bolster their offensive line in the NFL Draft this year. Although the center position is relatively deep, Coleman Shelton could still serve a purpose as a depth interior lineman for the team. He has very good fundamentals, and although he isn’t physically gifted, he’ll provide value as a reserve right away, and he could grow as a player down the road.
153. Detroit Lions: S Marcus Allen, Penn State
Penn State’s Marcus Allen is primarily a box safety, but there’s a chance he could grow to fill other roles with some tutelage from Detroit’s Glover Quin, whose career inevitably won’t last forever. With this pick in the NFL Draft, the Lions snag Allen, planting him next to Miles Killebrew as another defender in the next wave of contributors to join the Lions’ unheralded defense.
Picks 154-157
154. Baltimore Ravens: QB Chase Litton, Marshall
With Joe Flacco inciting no confidence in Baltimore, the Ravens may at least sign a solid backup for him to coach up. Chase Litton fits this job description well; like Flacco, he’s tall, and he has a big arm. Litton also has some of the mobility that Flacco lacks. Sitting behind Flacco for a couple years, Litton could learn the ins and outs of being a tall quarterback in the NFL, and when it’s his time to compete for the job, he could effectively end a quarterback era in Baltimore.
155. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jester Weah, Pittsburgh
As a wide receiver, if you’re 6-foot-2 and run a 4.43 40-yard dash, you’re automatically going to garner some time of interest. Luckily for Jester Weah, he has that going for him. And that’s not the only thing.
Weah isn’t the most precise route runner, but he is very reliable catching the football. He knows where he needs to be, and he catches with his hands, not his chest. For the Los Angeles Chargers, who have a solid starting core of receivers already, Weah would provide needed depth, with the potential to grow.
156. Philadelphia Eagles (via SEA): RB Mark Walton, Miami
As if the Eagles had enough weapons in their running back stable. With the No. 156 pick in the NFL Draft, they take yet another: Miami running back Mark Walton. Walton’s quickness will make him worth a long look at the next level. He has impressive cuts, and while he lacks in other areas, such as size and vision, he ha the natural athletic tendencies to succeed in a specific role. A running back stable of Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Mark Walton could prove to be very dangerous.
157. New York Jets (via DAL): OG Toby Weathersby, LSU
As it stands, the New York Jets can add another quality interior offensive lineman through the NFL Draft. In Round 5, the chances of coming across one of those is lower than normal, but with Toby Weatherby, they get a player who can develop into just that.
Weathersby, hailing out of LSU, has somewhat sloppy fundamentals. He played tackle at LSU, but his body makeup almost guarantees him a role as a guard in the NFL. He has good awareness of what his assignments are, and he always seems to keep looking for work as the play progresses. Weathersby can provide depth for the Jets right away, and with the right coaching, he could become a decent spot-starter.
Picks 158-161
158. Cincinnati Bengals (via BUF): LB Tegray Scales, Indiana
The Cincinnati Bengals could decide to grab a developmental linebacker here in the NFL Draft by snagging former Indiana standout Tegray Scales. Scales lacks elite size, but physically and mentally, Scales can do everything that’s asked of him. A strong prospect who will only get better once he joins the NFL and learns, Scales deserves outside attention.
159. Oakland Raiders (from Kansas City via Cleveland and New England): RB John Kelly
The Oakland Raiders, as much as Raiders’ fans may want to believe, are not set with Doug Martin at running back. In fact, if you ask me, I think their need at running back is greater now.
The Raiders need a new young running back after Marshawn Lynch had an underwhelming first year in the bay area. With John Kelly, a do-it-all running back waiting in the wings, the Raiders have permission to feel a little bit better about their over-the-hill crew at running back.
160. Denver Broncos (via LAR): C Bradley Bozeman, Alabama
With Matt Paradis nearing 29 years old, the Denver Broncos can afford to search for his backup or eventual replacement in this year’s NFL Draft. Alabama’s Bradley Bozeman could turn out the be that player, provided he finds time to develop. At 6-foot-4, 317, Bozeman has sneaky impressive size, and he’s decently mobile for his weight as well.
NFL Draft: Jay Gruden wants to add a running back early
161. Carolina Panthers: RB Josh Adams, Notre Dame
After losing Johnathan Stewart, the Carolina Panthers are in the market for a big back to pair with Christian McCaffrey’s agility and overall ability. At this NFL Draft pick, Notre Dame’s Josh Adams is a decent match.
At 6-foot-2, 213, Adams has great build for the NFL. He can bulk up a little bit, but his size is certifiably elite. According to Tyler James of Notre Dame Insider, Adams ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at his pro day, quelling any concerns about his raw mobility, when referencing his size.
Adams might need some development, but he can be a starter in the NFL. With McCaffrey providing some lightning for Josh Adams’ thunder, the Panthers could have a solid tandem on their hands after this pick.
Picks 162-165
162. Tennessee Titans: CB Isaac Yiadom, Boston College
Boston College’s secondary performed admirably last season, and veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom was a big reason why.
Yiadom is on the thin side, but he has great length at 6-foot-1, and he’s far from the slow, lumbering prospect. Yiadom plays with great speed, and he has no trouble tracking the ball, both through the air and on the ground.
Yiadom can carve a role out on special teams at the beginning of his career, and he can slowly work his way up to being a starter. He has the talent. For now, all the Titans need is depth. But in the future, Yiadom could emerge as a key contributor for them.
163. Denver Broncos (via ATL): CB Parry Nickerson, Tulane
After running a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Nickerson’s name has been gaining steam as a legitimate Day 3 prospect. The Broncos already have a slot cornerback, which is where Nickerson, with his speed, and slightly underwhelming size, fits best. But Nickerson gives the team a bit of a fall back option, were things to go awry. After trading away Aqib Talib, the Brocnos need to add more cornerbacks. At this pick in the NFL Draft, they could do a lot worse.
164. New Orleans Saints: CB Levi Wallace, Alabama
The cornerback run continues, this time with the New Orleans Saints selecting Alabama cornerback Levi Wallace. At 6-foot-0, 179, Wallace is a bit under the normal weight a cornerback should maintain. And after posting a 4.63 40-yard dash, it’s clear that he lacks in the way of speed, too.
Must Read: Terrelle Pryor likely to join the New York Jets
While Wallace doesn’t have the athletic honors of normal Alabama prospects, he does have something else to his name: Walk-on status. Walk-ons rarely ever make it in the Alabama football program, but Wallace did that, and more. He became a starter.
Wallace’s work ethic must be tireless, and so too must be his drive to get better. Whoever gets Wallace will get a prospect who is limited, but has enough juice in the tank to evolve into a quality pass protector, if everything goes right.
165. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Christian Sam, Arizona State
With Ryan Shazier’s situation in flux, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to solidify the linebacker position, to an extent. They drafted hybrid defender Terrell Edmunds earlier in the NFL Draft, but they can do better by adding a pure inside linebacker wit this pick. Christian Sam is a well-built linebacker who has all the tools to succeed. He’s not flashy, but he has a workmanlike approach on the field, and in terms of getting the job done, he’s fairly reliable. There are reports he doesn’t have the mentality teams look for in their inside linebackers, however. The Steelers will hope they can coach him up with this pick, because his stock would undoubtedly be higher, if not for his character concerns.
Picks 166-169
166. Buffalo Bills (via JAC): TE Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
With Charles Clay grown older, the Buffalo Bills can afford to somewhat invest in the future with this NFL Draft selection. Here, they decide to take former Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin.
Conklin, hindered by an injury in 2017, absolutely destroyed the NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash time, a 4.80, was less than ideal for a tight end, but he did very well in every other category.
Conklin offers experience and reliability to the Bills, and when Clay leaves, Conklin will be able fill in. Conklin is a natural receiver who has all the qualities of a tenacious blocker. He could be the full package with a little development and a little healing, and the Bills would be smart to pick him up.
167. Minnesota Vikings: OT Timon Parris, Stony Brook
The Vikings spent their earliest pick on a tackle, but they can’t be too safe for their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins. For a complete team like Minnesota, adding insurance late in the NFL Draft helps, and that’s exactly what they’re doing here. Timon Parris has the size and strength to be molded into a quality tackle, and with the Vikings lacking long-term starters on either side of the line, Parris could end up emerging as a key contributor in due time.
168. Seattle Seahawks (via NE): RB Akrum Wadley, Iowa
With Eddie Lacy and C.J. Promise in the mix, the Seahawks may feel as if they don’t need an all-around solid running back to keep the run game moving forward at a brisk pace. It would certainly help, but so too could the presence of a small, quick third down back like Akrum Wadley.
Wadley produced on a massive scale with the Hawkeyes, using his quickness and his slippery nature to eek out the most yards from every play. He’s not the strongest back, but he can truly hurt you with speed, and the won’t forget that on draft day.
169. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Kenny Young, UCLA
The Philadelphia Eagles, if nothing else, need depth in the linebacking core, and that’s what UCLA linebacker Kenny Young can give them at this juncture. Young has the attitude every NFL team searches for in an inside linebacker, and while he may be undersized, or somewhat lacking with his physicality and tenacity, he can easily learn and function with higher efficiency at the next level. How high Young’s ceiling is, for now, remains unknown. But in time, we will find out.
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.