NFL Mock Draft 12.0: Final draft day mock for 2018 NFL Draft
17. Los Angeles Chargers: LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama
The Chargers want to get some upgrades for their defense, and they have been tied to Rashaan Evans. He had a productive career at Alabama, and he looks like a solid player. It’s also worth noting that Evans can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, so he should have versatility as well.
For the Chargers, Evans would come in and help shore up what is a pretty weak linebacker corps for the Chargers. He would pair well with Denzel Perryman, and the two could focus on helping to stop the run. This may seem a bit high for Evans, but it is quite possible that he could go here. Other options will include Leighton Vander Esch and Isaiah Wynn.
18. Atlanta Falcons (via SEA): DT Taven Bryan, Florida
Here’s another trade, and this is one that I think could be very realistic. The Falcons like Taven Bryan and the Seahawks want to move down. Additionally, the organizations have traded together in the past and Dan Quinn was a member of the Seahawks coaching staff before becoming the Atlanta head coach. So, this well could happen.
Bryan is a very good athlete from Florida, and his tape is very good. He has a very quick first step and should be able to consistently get into the backfield at the NFL level. Provided that he can prove to have a good motor, he should be a high-quality defensive starter for the team that lands him. The Falcons could use him to replace Dontari Poe, so they appear to be a good marriage here.
19. Dallas Cowboys: LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
If Leighton Vander Esch is available here, the Cowboys will take him. They need to replace the departed Anthony Hitchens, and their front office likes Vander Esch. And they have good reason to.
Vander Esch is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career at Boise State. He totaled 141 tackles and excelled in all facets of the game. He has excellent instincts, and if it weren’t for injury concerns, he would probably go higher than this. The Cowboys would immediately have a role for him, and getting him here seems like the best fit.
20. Detroit Lions: DE Marcus Davenport, UTSA
If the Lions have the choice between Marcus Davenport and Harold Landry, it could be tough for them to make. Their new defensive coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni, coached at Boston College before being hired this year. So, the Lions know a lot about Landry and what he’s capable of.
At the same time, Davenport is the more talented prospect. Armed with a 6-foot-7 frame, excellent length, and good athleticism, Davenport should be a solid fit at the end position across from Ezekiel Ansah. Because of his size, he will probably be a better run defender than Landry, who struggled in that aspect in college. For that reason, Davenport holds a slight edge here. But either way, defensive line is probably the area that the Lions will address at this juncture.