NFL Mock Draft 7.6: Round 7 of the 2018 NFL Draft

Picks 239-242

239. Green Bay Packers (via BUF): LB Nick Deluca, North Dakota State

The Green Bay Packers can afford to strengthen their depth at linebacker. Their starter, Jake Ryan, has only been decent at his best moments, and the players behind him are far from proven. By adding Nick Deluca, the Packers gain a little bit of insurance, and they get a linebacker with good size and physical traits who could prove to be a steal in the near future.

240. San Francisco 49ers (via KC): EDGE Justin Lawler, SMU

Justin Lawler is an edge rusher with all the attitude who lacks athleticism and length. He has a tireless motor that doesn’t stop until the play has been over for ten seconds, and he uses quick hands and brute strength to muscle his way past opposing linemen. Lawler was very productive with the SMU Mustangs, and so the 49ers, at the point, won’t mind his negative traits, which are surprisingly few in number. Lawyer could work into an edge rushing rotation right away, and while he might never start, he’ll be a solid depth player for years to come.

 241. Washington Redskins (via LAR): TE Ethan Wolf, Tennessee

This is a pick for the Washington Redskins that I like a lot. The need for depth at the tight end position is worth mentioning, and with Vernon Davis growing older, the Washington Redskins need to get some insurance in the NFL Draft. Ethan Wolf is the perfect player for that. Here’s what I had to say about Wolf in an earlier NFL Draft article:

"At 6-foot-6, 250, Ethan Wolf checks in with NFL size, and his production has been consistent over four years with the Tennessee Volunteers. Wolf improved on this in his senior season, but his lack of consistency in that area will push some scouts away. Nevertheless, Wolf managed to produce as a receiver in the SEC. In all four years, despite a lack of solid quarterbacking, Wolf recorded more than 20 receptions. He never ‘took the leap’, but he showed he can compete with the best. Wolf was also recognized as a well-spoken leader for the offense, among other things."

With size and athleticism, Wolf is a player who can be developed. The Washington Redskins should take note of that, and grab Wolf while they can. He has the potential to start in the NFL.

242. Carolina Panthers: WR Byron Pringle, Kansas State

The Carolina Panthers just need receivers in general. There’s no two ways about it. In Round 2 of the NFL Draft, the team grabbed Equanimeous St. Brown as an exciting weapon for Cam Newton. Now, in Round 7, they grab a smaller, quicker player in Kansas State’s Byron Pringle.

Pringle has an intriguing combination of size and quickness. At 6-foot-1, 203, Pringle is big enough to go toe-to-toe with NFL defenders, but at the same time, he has the quickness and the twitch to be a weapon in the slot. Pringle is an underrated addition for the Panthers here. He could see snaps early, and he could end up serving in an increased role late in his rookie year.