NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2
Picks 61-64
61. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs have gotten good run out of Damien Williams since they cut Kareem Hunt, but they could stand to add some depth and extra talent at the running back position. Hill averaged 5.6 yards per carry at Oklahoma State and functioned as a lead-back for them in each of the past three seasons. He should have a chance to be a solid starter at the next level, so the Chiefs will be happy to grab him.
62. New Orleans Saints: CB Trayvon Mullen Clemson
The Saints may need to add some help at cornerback. Eli Apple was decent after being acquired in a trade last season, but the team lacks talent in the slot and needs some extra depth. Trayvon Mullen has a good frame (6-foot-2) and could have moved up draft boards with a better season at Clemson. That didn’t happen, so that’s why the Saints are landing him late in the second round.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): EDGE Oshine Ximines, Old Dominion
The Chiefs will need to add some depth to their edge rush just in case Dee Ford doesn’t return or only remains for a single year after the team franchises him. Ximines had a great career at Old Dominion and finished this past season with a career-high 11.5 sacks. Ximines will get a chance to show off at the Combine and if he can do that, he will solidify his Day 2 status.
64. New England Patriots: QB Tyree Jackson, Buffalo
This is an out-of-the-box pick for the Patriots, but I think it makes sense. The team needs a young quarterback to develop despite Tom Brady continuing to be an ageless marvel. Tyree Jackson is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in this draft class, as he has great size (6-foot-7), excellent athleticism, and a big arm. He desperately needs to improve his accuracy, but he has unique traits that teams look for in quarterbacks.
Bill Belichick may be intrigued by what he sees in Jackson. And if Jackson can sit for two or three years behind Brady, he could develop into a solid starter. Then, the Patriots can either use him to replace Brady or net draft capital in a trade as they have done with other quarterbacks in their system. Jackson may seem like a reach, but if Belichick and company like him, they won’t care where they take him.