NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2
Picks 53-56
53. Philadelphia Eagles (via BAL): CB Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky
The Eagles need to add some talent to their secondary. Their depth was tested last year and while they eventually found their groove, the team needs to add another potential starting corner, especially if Ronald Darby leaves via free agency. Lonnie Johnson was a standout at the Senior Bowl, so getting him late in the second is a really good value for the Eagles.
54. Houston Texans (via SEA): WR Riley Ridley, Georgia
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The Texans have arguably the NFL’s best receiver in DeAndre Hopkins, but they haven’t found adequate support for him in recent seasons. Will Fuller and Keke Coutee have shown promise, but both have had issues with health. And the recently acquired Demaryius Thomas tore his Achilles late in the season, so he may not return to action soon.
Riley Ridley has a solid skill set and caught nine touchdowns for Georgia last season. He could be a better NFL player than a college player, and he definitely has the size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and athletic ability needed to develop into a quality starter at receiver.
55. Houston Texans: OL Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State
Armed with back to back picks, the Texans continue to build on offense. This time, they take an interior lineman to help with their poor offensive line. Elgton Jenkins is one of the better center prospects in this draft, and it’s possible that he could play guard for Houston as well. Houston drafted Jenkins’ teammate Martinas Rankin last season, so perhaps they will double-dip on the Mississippi State O-line prospects in consecutive drafts.
56. New England Patriots (via CHI): DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson just seems like a perfect fit for the Patriots. He’s a versatile defensive back that can play safety and corner, and he really started to catch fire at the end of the season. He put forth a great performance in his bowl game, notching two interceptions, and should be a playmaker at the next level. The Patriots have shown a penchant for Florida players in the past, and Gardner-Johnson would provide them with a potential new starter at safety in the event that Devin McCourty retires.