NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2

Jacob Camenker

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl is the last game of the NFL season before it’s on to free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at our latest mock draft that sees the Redskins select a quarterback.

The NFL season is almost over. The unfortunate reality is that once the Super Bowl is played, there won’t be live NFL football until the 2019 preseason begins. That’s a long way away, but thankfully, free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft will be there to tide us over.

The draft is going to be an extremely important one for the Redskins, as they may find themselves searching for a new franchise quarterback. With Alex Smith likely out for the 2019 season, the team is going to have to add depth at the position at the very least. And if they don’t trust Colt McCoy to be a starter, they may look to invest in the position early.

Obviously, free agency will have an impact on what the Redskins do in the draft. But if they largely ignore the quarterback position during the process — which is expected given the potential high-cost of the available quarterbacks relative to what they’re already paying Smith — their first-round pick will certainly have a high level of intrigue surrounding it.

Without further ado, here’s a look at our latest NFL mock draft. The mock spans two full rounds and sees the Redskins address both sides of the ball with their two selections. Let’s jump in.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

For quite a while, the presumed top pick in this draft has been Nick Bosa. Let’s pump the brakes on that for just a moment. While Bosa is talented, it’s notable that he barely played this year for Ohio State, as he suffered an injury and then elected to prepare for the draft. While that was unequivocally the right move for him, it may mean that he doesn’t go with the first pick.

Because of Bosa’s absence, other players have been able to improve their draft stock and make an intriguing case for themselves as the No. 1 pick. Quinnen Williams is the most notable, as the Alabama defensive lineman had a breakout season in his first year as a full-time starter.

Williams helped to replace the departed Daron Payne in the Alabama defense, and he was nothing short of spectacular in that role. He posted 71 tackles — a ridiculous number for an interior defensive lineman — and also logged eight sacks. He constantly collapsed interior offensive lines and has an elite first step that will allow him to shoot through gaps at the NFL level.

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The Cardinals have been searching for a successor to Calais Campbell since he left to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Robert Nkemdiche has been a bust so far, so it may intrigue them to add Williams to the fold to become their new Campbell.

Under Vance Joseph, it seems probable that the Cardinals will shift back to a 3-4 base defense after mostly using a 4-3 last year. In the 3-4, Williams could either function as a five-technique or as a nose tackle depending on the package. Either way, he would be a massive upgrade for the team’s defensive line that was relying heavily on Corey Peters and Rodney Gunter on the interior last year.

The Cardinals could also opt to trade down from this pick for a team that wants one of the top pass rushers. If they can get a king’s ransom and then pick a top offensive lineman in the latter part of the top-10 picks, that may be the best route for them to take. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that any team will have to trade up to No. 1 to get a quarterback, as the four teams behind the Cardinals have no need to add a player at the position.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The 49ers will probably take whichever one of Bosa or Williams falls in their laps. In this case, Bosa is available, and the team would probably be ecstatic about that.

The 49ers could use some help on the edge. Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead have merely been mediocre options since being first-round picks and with Armstead set to be a free agent after the 2019 season, the team will soon need a replacement if they don’t retain him.

Bosa is a natural pass rusher who was tough to contain at Ohio State. In three games during his junior season before going down with an injury, Bosa had four sacks and was able to get into the backfield easily and consistently. This followed up his solid performance during his freshman and sophomore years, in which he combined for 13.5 sacks despite only being a part-time player his first season.

Bosa would give the 49ers a bona fide No. 1 edge rusher right away. That could help Armstead and Thomas settle into the complementary roles that they are better suited for. And, it would give excellent interior rusher DeForest Buckner a chance for opportunities as opposing offensive coordinators won’t be able to focus solely on his as the top pass rushing threat.

There’s no question that Bosa has talent, and it seems likely that he will be a top-two pick. His fit in San Francisco seems very good and perhaps better than his fit in Arizona would be. So, that makes this a realistic scenario and a potential win-win for both franchises.

LEXINGTON, KY – SEPTEMBER 01: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats plays against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Commonwealth Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Jets definitely will need to add an edge rusher to their defense. For too long, they have struggled to generate solid exterior pressure, and while Jordan Jenkins has shown promise as a piece, they need a true No. 1 pass rusher to help out their squad. Josh Allen would certainly suffice.

Allen is coming off a monster year at Kentucky in which he totaled a whopping 17.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. He was a big part of the upstart Wildcats’ strong season and he projects to be a solid edge player at the next level.

I had Allen mocked to the Jets as part of my first mock draft of the season. Here’s what I said about him at the time.

Washington Commanders

"Entering this draft season, that quarterback was Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins. But in speaking with three general managers, they believe that Duke quarterback Daniel Jones will rise to be the first quarterback selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Independently, all three general managers thought Jones would rise to be the first quarterback picked. They felt that his tutelage under David Cutcliffe and Cutcliffe’s history grooming and coaching Peyton and Eli Manning would lead to Jones rising up draft boards. On top of his grooming, Jones has a good skill set with collegiate production."

This certainly makes sense, as Jones is regarded as a very smart quarterback with a high football IQ. He may have an easier time transitioning to the pro level than Haskins and Lock because of this coaching. Essentially, Jones has the highest floor of the quarterback group and in a weak class, teams often will sacrifice upside for a sure thing.

Jones could interest the Giants because of the connection to Cutcliffe and simply because he would at the very least be an upgrade over Eli Manning. He has the arm talent needed to efficiently operate the Giants’ offense, so don’t be surprised if they end up going with Jones with this pick. Haskins is certainly an option as well, but for now, Jones seems to be more connected to the Giants.

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the second half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

I was torn about whether or not to mock Dwayne Haskins to the Jaguars but ultimately, I decided that it could make sense. While the Jaguars may look to add a veteran quarterback like Nick Foles, who new Jaguars offensive coordinator John DeFilippo worked with during his time with the Eagles, Haskins may be too good to pass up for them.

Haskins is coming off a prolific season for Ohio State that saw him post a ridiculous 50 passing touchdowns and really carry the team’s offense. He does have some work to do at the NFL level, particularly with his ball placement and deep accuracy, but it could be argued that he will be the best quarterback in this draft class.

I have Haskins ranked as the No. 3 passer on my initial big board behind Jones and Lock. Here’s what I said about Haskins in that piece.

"Haskins definitely made the right choice by declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft. He is in perfect position to take advantage of a weaker quarterback group and it’s quite possible that he will be the best of the players drafted. He had a prolific season in his lone year as Ohio State’s starter, completing 70 percent of his passes for 4,831 yards and a school-record 50 passing touchdowns. It’s clear that he has good size and arm talent for the next level, but he does have some things to work on."

The areas for Haskins to work on are the aforementioned issues with ball placement and the fact that he struggled at times against pressure at Ohio State. He could certainly grow out of those with good coaching, but if he proves to be inaccurate at the Combine, his stock could drop. And generally speaking, teams will likely pick Haskins apart on film a little more than the other top quarterbacks because he didn’t get a chance to perform in the college football all-star games.

Haskins would definitely give the Jaguars an upgrade over Blake Bortles, as Haskins is a much better pocket passer than Bortles. If the Jaguars don’t land Foles or Joe Flacco (who some have compared to Haskins) perhaps the Ohio State QB will be the selection here.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 8: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars warms up before playing against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

The Lions did well to acquire Damon “Snacks” Harrison before the trade deadline to shore up their run defense a bit. However, they could still use some extra pass rushing talent on the defensive line and may need a versatile piece to help them out. For that reason, the team will be interested in many of the top defensive linemen at this pick, but Ed Oliver is the best one available.

Oliver was a three-year starter at Houston and was a monster for the team. In three seasons, he totaled an absurd 53 tackles for loss and a solid 13.5 sacks. He was able to shoot through gaps quickly, and it’s clear that for the next level he will be able to get into backfields quickly and be a weapon.

However, there are some minor concerns about Oliver’s size. He has a 6-foot-2 frame and weighs just about 280 pounds. That’s a bit small for an NFL defensive tackle — at least as an every down player — and if he can’t bulk up and play at a larger size while keeping his overall athletic ability, it may be difficult for him to find a fit on a team.

That said, in a 4-3 defense, Oliver could easily play the edge if things don’t work out inside. Matt Patricia and company can decide whether or not he’s a good fit for their defense depending on whether or not he can bulk up. And if he can’t make a big enough impact there, they can kick him to end and help provide them with an upper-tier option there.

It will be interesting to see where Oliver lands and what his true position will end up being. But for now, his fit with the Lions looks like a solid one and he should go in the top 15 picks at the very least.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jonah Williams #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LeSean McCoy recently stated on Twitter that he would love to see the Bills draft an Alabama offensive lineman. In this mock draft, his wish comes true.

The Bills do need some serious help on the offensive line. Aside from left tackle Dion Dawkins, the team doesn’t have a lot of talent and they could stand to get younger, too. Jonah Williams is arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft class, and the Bills will certainly have interest at this juncture.

Williams played left tackle at Alabama and was solid, but his home in the NFL could be at guard or right tackle. The Bills need help in both areas, so Williams could come in and compete for one of those slots. And also, if Buffalo views Williams as a true left tackle, they could shift Dawkins to guard or to the right side. Either way, the team needs to shore up their blocking for Josh Allen and McCoy.

Williams (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) will have a chance to impress at the Combine. He was a long-time starter for Alabama and he appears to be a good technician for the next level. His versatility will help him out and the experience will also benefit him.

In the event that the Bills aren’t fans of Williams, Florida’s Jawaan Taylor could make sense as another alternative at tackle.

GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 07: Florida Gators helmets sit on the field after the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

By trading down, the Buccaneers pick up an extra resource and still get a guy they may have targeted with the fifth pick anyway. That seems like a winning proposition.

The Bucs have two needs that would make sense addressing given the players available in the top 10. One comes on the offensive line and one on the defensive line. On offense, they could use an offensive tackle to replace incumbent left tackle Donovan Smith who also happens to be a free agency. On defense, they could look to replace Gerald McCoy, who could be a cap casualty this year.

That said, picking an offensive lineman seems like the more likely option at the moment, and Florida’s Jawaan Taylor may end up being the best tackle prospect in this class.

Taylor has the frame needed to be a top-caliber tackle in the NFL. He stands at 6-foot-5, 328 pounds and should be a force at left tackle. He has solid strength and good footwork, so that will only aid him as he looks to establish himself as a franchise tackle.

The Buccaneers are only a few pieces away from challenging for the Wild Card. If they can find an effective tackle and running back, their offense should be in great shape. That’s why they may look to draft a tackle early, provided that they don’t bring back Smith in free agency.

Speaking of running backs, the Buccaneers could also target Alabama’s Josh Jacobs with this selection. That may be a bit of a reach, but the team could fall in love with his upside and the potential he would bring to make their offense truly two-dimensional.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 24: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 10 yard run as Grant Delpit #9 of the LSU Tigers and Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers are unable to keep him out of the endzone during the first quarter at Kyle Field on November 24, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Bengals definitely need to add a linebacker to improve their team’s defense. When Nick Vigil and Vontaze Burfict were out last season, the defense couldn’t cover anything. And with Burfict’s career potentially over due to concussions, the team needs to find a potential replacement.

Devin White would qualify. While the team could explore potentially adding a lineman on either side of the ball with the pick, White is one of the better players available and could do more to impact the team’s defense than any other pick at this juncture.

I had the Bengals selecting White in my initial 2019 mock draft from early January. Here’s what I said about him at that time.

"White has really good instincts and is a very smart player. He tends to react quickly to the ball and makes plays as a result of that. He was the catalyst of a very good LSU unit and is far and away the best linebacker in this draft class. Considering that do-it-all linebackers are becoming more important in the NFL, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see White go higher than this, as teams will be very high on his potential. There are not really many holes in White’s game. He seems like a safe pick, and the Bengals’ new coach (whoever that may be) will be glad to scoop him up and utilize him to help fix the team’s woeful run defense from last season."

White has a lot of upside and while he could work on his play recognition a bit, he has everything that coaches look for in a stud linebacker. He could work his way into the top 10, so the Bengals are getting a good value here.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Last season, the Packers had only one player record double-digit sacks. It wasn’t Clay Matthews. It wasn’t Mike Daniels. It was Kyler Fackrell. While Fackrell had a breakout year, the team has little talent across from him on the edge. They will need to change that in this draft and will likely target one of the many quality edge rushers that are available in this draft.

With the 12th pick, the Packers will be hard-pressed to find an option better than Montez Sweat. The Mississippi State star was one of the standouts at the Senior Bowl, and he did a lot to improve his draft stock during the week in practice. He measured in at 6-foot-6 with an athletic frame and very long arms, so that helped his stock as well.

Sweat has been a force for the Bulldogs over the course of the past two seasons. After transferring from Michigan State, Sweat logged 30 tackles for loss and a whopping 22.5 sacks in the past two years combined. He did this against quality SEC offenses and at times, he was unblockable. Thanks to his frame and athletic ability, he will have a chance to become a double-digit sack threat quickly in the NFL.

For the Packers, Sweat would be a logical replacement for the over-the-hill Matthews. He would give the team a true No. 1 pass rusher and that would allow Fackrell to continue to get the opportunities he had this year. Plus, because of Sweat’s length and instincts, he will have a chance to deflect balls at the line of scrimmage, so that could end up being just as impactful as his abilities as a pass rusher.

If the Packers don’t like Sweat, Clelin Ferrell could also get some consideration here. But considering all the positives surrounding Sweat, he should be the pick and his stock could improve even more with a strong showing at the Combine.

SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 30: Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies warms up before the Pac 12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi’s Stadium on November 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Dolphins could target a quarterback with this pick, but they have previously indicated that they’re willing to wait until 2020 to select a quarterback. This would be a sensible strategy, given that draft class is loaded with potential top quarterbacks unlike this weaker class.

In the short-term, the Dolphins could target a stopgap like Joe Flacco or Nick Foles to run their offense. They could also try to trade for Andy Dalton if the Bengals make him available. But either way, the team will consider players outside of the quarterback position with this pick, and Byron Murphy is one of the better corners in this class.

Murphy was a big-time playmaker at Washington and in the past two seasons, he has logged a combined six interceptions. He is a solid tackler with very good coverage skills, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he ends up being the first corner off the board in the 2019 draft.

With the Dolphins, Murphy would team up with Xavien Howard and Minkah Fitzpatrick to create a promising young secondary for Miami. They will need to add talent at all levels in order for Brian Flores to find success in his new head coaching position. Starting with a strong, young secondary would at least give him a chance to compete defensively and start building for a potential 2020 playoff run.

If Murphy isn’t the selection, the team could also look at an edge rusher like Clelin Ferrell or a linebacker if Devin White falls. However, Murphy makes the most sense — unless, of course, the team opts to target a quarterback in Round 1.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers looks on during warm ups prior to the CFP National Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Falcons need to add some talent in the trenches next to Grady Jarrett. Their defense was much better when they had Dontari Poe, but he defected for Carolina.

Christian Wilkins is arguably the best player on the board here. The Clemson defensive lineman was dominant during the 2018 season and College Football Playoff. He looks like a hard-to-move player at the next level, and he should be a solid interior pass rusher.

Playing alongside a plethora of NFL talent at Clemson, Wilkins was a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 10 tackles for loss and four sacks per year during his four-year college career. For a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, those are some good numbers.

Wilkins has the size needed to be effective at the next level at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. He has a good first step and should be able to use his strength and power to get into the backfield. The Falcons had previous success in getting Jarrett from Clemson, so teaming those two up with Takk McKinley on the edge would be a nice proposition for the defensive line.

Jeffery Simmons could also get consideration here, but Wilkins should have a chance to leapfrog Simmons at the Combine.

NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

With the Redskins searching for answers at quarterback, they almost certainly will consider one of the top options in the draft at this point. They may have interest in Daniel Jones, but he’s off the board in this mock. Fortunately, one quarterback is available and they certainly will consider Kyler Murray if he’s on the board.

This is the ultimate boom-or-bust pick. Murray is only about 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10. No quarterback that short has ever really succeeded at the NFL level. The closest comparison is Russell Wilson (5-foot-11) and even he had a thicker build and bigger body of work than Murray did coming into the NFL.

The other concern with Murray is unorthodox and isn’t related to his on-field talent. Murray was the ninth overall pick by the Oakland A’s in the 2018 MLB Draft. He could choose to play baseball instead of football, and it’s unclear what his preference is at the moment. It would seem to be football, given that he has declared for the draft, but any team selecting him can’t be guaranteed that he will play for them.

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In some ways, Murray could control his own destiny and tell certain teams that he doesn’t want to play for them in hopes of landing with another team. That could ultimately hurt him, but he does have the leverage. It will be interesting to see if anything of that nature occurs in the lead-up to the draft.

Of course, Murray still does have a special skill set, and that’s why some quarterback-needy teams will consider him in the first round. He has great arm talent — as evidenced by his baseball career — and possesses great athleticism and scrambling ability. He should be able to make any throw at the NFL level, and if teams can figure out how to scheme around his height, he could lead a dynamic offensive attack as he did at Oklahoma. It’s all about figuring out at what point the reward outweighs the risk.

The Redskins may be willing to take the risk, as their quarterback situation could be upgraded. Colt McCoy is a fine stopgap starter, but he doesn’t have much upside at 31. Meanwhile, Alex Smith is unlikely to play in 2019 and it’s unclear whether or not he will recover enough from his brutal leg injury to play again.

Murray would add youth and upside to the quarterback room, though a legitimate debate would exist about whether taking Murray would be better than waiting on a quarterback from the 2020 NFL Draft. Personally, I would prefer the latter, but I could understand why Murray would appeal to Washington.

It’s also possible that Murray’s height could cause him to slide and a team could trade up at the end of the first round to get him, much like we saw with Lamar Jackson last season. Murray is the biggest variable in this draft class, and it will be fascinating to see where he ends up and what he decides to do.

COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Panthers could use some help on the edge. Julius Peppers announced his retirement after a storied 17-year career, and the Panthers don’t really have another player that looks like a quality starter across from Mario Addison.

Luckily for Carolina, they’re picking at a juncture where a quality edge player should be available. In this case, Clelin Ferrell is still on the board, and the Panthers would be very happy to land him with this pick.

Ferrell has been a consistent pass-rushing threat for Clemson over the course of the past few seasons. In three years as a primary player on the edge, Ferrell has totaled 50.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks. He has decent athletic ability but his try-hard attitude and motor are really what will make him an effective player at the next level.

The minor concern with Ferrell’s tape is that he didn’t appear to be as explosive as he was during his junior year this past season at Clemson. Still, he has enough athleticism and quickness to get by, but he may not be the dynamic threat that many expected him to be. For that reason, he may fall out of the top 10 in this draft.

Ferrell would be a great replacement for Peppers. It’s hard to imagine him falling much further than this pick, as some team will fall in love with his effort and body of work.

STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

Simmons is a potential top-10 pick, but there is a chance that he could slip. He had some off-the-field issues in the past that teams are going to have to check out, but Simmons reportedly won’t be invited to the Combine as a result of these issues. Because of this, it will be hard for him to prove himself among the other potential early-round options.

The second issue for Simmons is the fact that this class is fairly stacked with defensive line prospects. It’s not quite the elite class that many foresaw before the season began — partially because Derrick Brown and Raekwon Davis went back to school — but there are still plenty of players that could leapfrog Simmons with strong draft season performances.

Simmons has been a more-than-solid college player for Mississippi State. He has been a tackling machine and in the past two seasons combined, he has logged 123 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. He could stand to improve a bit as a pass rusher, but he has the athletic ability and frame needed to be a solid interior defender at the next level.

The Browns have done a great job of adding young talent to their roster since John Dorsey took over as GM, and they wouldn’t pass up a chance to add a guy like Simmons to their roster. This is especially true considering that one of the team’s biggest needs comes at the defensive tackle position next to Larry Ogunjobi. Simmons just seems like a great fit at this juncture, so the Browns won’t waste time snapping him up to kick off the second half of the first round.

NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 27: Offensive lineman Cody Ford #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners gestures to the crowd before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Kansas State 51-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

Redskins fans know better than anyone that everything has to go perfectly on offense for Kirk Cousins to find success. The Vikings have a solid overall offense, but they need to add some more talent to their weak offensive line that was the root of some of Cousins’ issues.

Cody Ford is a good pickup at this point. He’s big, strong, and has positional versatility. The Vikings will be able to analyze where he fits in best on their line and decide where he could make the biggest difference.

Ford is another holdover pick from my initial 2019 mock draft. Here’s what I said about Ford in that piece.

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"Williams has the true makings of a shutdown cornerback. He’s someone who eliminates an opposing No. 1 receiver and makes big plays in big games. Williams has that talent. Williams has immense upside too, similar to that of 2013 Richard Sherman, or prime-time Deion Sanders. He is 6-foot-3, has long arms, and is a great athlete, Williams will shine in the NFL. Unfortunately I have worries about his mindset and if failing early in his career will set him back forever. For that reason, he’s a true “boom or bust” prospect."

While Williams is the third corner off the board in this mock, the race for the top spot in that group is still certainly up for grabs, and the results could change at some point in the near future. For now, Williams is a great fit in Oakland where he would make a fantastic fit across from Gareon Conley. Those two could do a lot to improve the Raiders’ defense and make their lack of pass rush less of a problem.

<> at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Eagles have a very good offensive line, but they may soon have a hole at one of the tackle positions. Jason Peters just turned 37 and has been struggling with injuries in recent seasons. For that reason, it will be difficult to trust him moving forward.

The Eagles have a solid swing tackle in Halapoulivaati Vaitai, but he hasn’t been particularly successful when plugged into the starting lineup. And while Jordan Mailata is a promising prospect, the team can’t trust the former rugby player as a potential top option just yet.

Enter Greg Little. The Ole Miss product had an up-and-down college career, but he has the frame needed to be a solid blocker at the next level (6-foot-6, 325 pounds). He would create some competition at the offensive tackle position at the very least and he would be a solid developmental piece for the Eagles.

Considering that the Eagles’ biggest needs are at tackle, receiver, and at corner, it makes sense to grab the top available player. One could argue that either A.J. or Marquise Brown would fit the bill at receiver, but they can afford to wait on the position in a deep class. Little is one of the few remaining starter candidates at tackle, so grabbing him now makes sense.

OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Colts have done a great job of rapidly reshaping their roster into that of a contender under current GM Chris Ballard. They made another great move recently by re-signing right guard Mark Glowinski, ensuring that they have almost all their offensive starting roles figured out.

Right now, there is only one major hole on the Colts’ offense. That comes at the receiver position.

T.Y. Hilton is one of the better deep threats in the NFL, but the Colts lack a true compliment to him. Dontrelle Inman and Zach Pascal showed some promise last season, but the team could stand to add another talented playmaker to their roster to give Andrew Luck another weapon and let the other receivers settle in as tertiary options.

At this juncture, A.J. Brown seems like a sensible pick for the Colts. Brown is one of three Ole Miss receivers that figures to be drafted early, and he has the most solid track record of the trio.

In the past two seasons, Brown has had at least 75 catches and 1,252 receiving yards as the top option for the Rebels. He has also caught a combined 17 touchdowns and thanks to his solid, 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame, he should be a functional jump-ball receiver who can win with strength. That said, he still has separation skills, and there’s a chance he could become a No. 1 receiver. And at the very least, he’ll be a high-end No. 2 guy.

With Brown on one side winning with physicality and Hilton winning with athletic ability, the Colts would be in good shape. They would have three great receiving weapons at WR and TE and Andrew Luck would have a chance to lead another terrific offensive attack, provided that his protection holds up and everyone stays healthy.

NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 27: Wide receiver Marquise Brown #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners lines up against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Kansas State 51-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

The Raiders tried to make a move for a deep threat last year by trading a third-round pick for Martavis Bryant. Suffice to say, that did not pan out at all, as Bryant was on and off the roster and is facing a potential indefinite suspension from the league.

The Raiders’ receiving corps really didn’t show much ability last year following the trade of Amari Cooper. Jordy Nelson looks like he’s on his last legs, and while Marcell Ateman showed some nice jump-ball ability, he’s merely a red-zone threat or tertiary option at the best.

That said, the Raiders really need to try and find a No. 1 receiver. Given that they seemed to want to add a speed threat, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown could interest them with their third pick in the first round.

Brown was a dynamic playmaker in each of the past two seasons at Oklahoma. Working with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, Brown combined to catch 132 passes for 2,413 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was one of the more dynamic playmakers in the country and won consistently with his deep speed.

For the NFL level, Brown could develop into a playmaker similar to T.Y. Hilton. Both have great speed and solid route-running ability, but there are some concerns about the size of both. Hilton has obviously turned into a great NFL receiver, so the concerns were not really warranted in the end for him. Meanwhile, Brown’s thin, 168-pound frame may not hold up well if he takes too many hits. Whatever team drafts him will have to help him bulk up a bit in order for him to avoid suffering injury issues.

Brown would be a good top option for the Raiders’ defense. Derek Carr will certainly be glad to have a top-caliber talent to throw to — though he did struggle to ever create chemistry with Cooper, so that is something to watch.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Mack Wilson #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts in the first quarter of the AllState Sugar Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Chargers employed a defense that used seven defensive backs against the Ravens in the playoffs. The strategy worked well, but there was also a reason that the team played that style of defense. They need some help at linebacker.

Denzel Perryman is a good starter when healthy, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his career and is set to be a free agent. Even if Perryman returns, the team could stand to add a well-rounded linebacker to help in coverage to continue adding young talent and depth to their oft-injured group.

Mack Wilson would qualify. Wilson has been very good in coverage at Alabama over the course of the past couple seasons, and that will make him a hot commodity. Coverage linebackers are all the rage in the NFL right now, as middle-of-the-field threats like top-caliber tight ends and even slot receivers are hard to guard. Wilson has the instincts needed to help against both types of threats depending on the scenario.

Wilson has a solid frame at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds and should be a solid tackler at the next level. He had a career-high 65 stops in his final year at Alabama which is good considering that his primary responsibilities were to cover when on the field. He would pair well with a downhill linebacker, as Wilson can work more laterally and in coverage to prevent big plays over the middle.

Adding a top-notch linebacker would strengthen an already good Chargers defense. Wilson is a sensible option here and could get consideration earlier. Devin Bush from Michigan would also garner consideration here.

CHESTNUT HILL, MA – NOVEMBER 10: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles sacks Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter of the game at Alumni Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

Andy Reid loves bolstering the trenches, so I anticipate this pick will be either an offensive or defensive lineman. Considering that they have more holes on the defensive side of the ball, grabbing a defensive player makes more sense.

There are a few options that make sense for the Chiefs. Dre’Mont Jones of Ohio State, Dexter Lawrence of Clemson, and Zach Allen of Boston College all make sense. However, I’m going with Allen here as I think he has the chance to be a well-rounded player at the NFL level.

I happen to be a big fan of Allen. Here’s what I said about the defensive lineman in my initial 2019 NFL Mock Draft.

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"Allen may look like a positional tweener to some, but in reality, he is scheme versatile. He can play the five-technique in a 3-4 defense while he would likely move around a defensive line in a 4-3 scheme. On early downs, he would serve as an edge-setting run defender while kicking inside as an interior rusher on passing downs. Early in his career, Allen may see more action on running downs, but he could develop into a superb all-around player if he continues to grow as a pass rusher. Allen reminds me a bit of a poor man’s J.J. Watt. He doesn’t have the same athletic ability as Watt, but he has that same motor and really good strength that should make him a solid starter at the NFL level. And if Allen continues to grow and develop as a player, he could end up being a steal."

Obviously, the Watt comparison is a lofty one, but the point here is that he will have a chance to become a very good starter at the NFL level. Playing alongside Chris Jones and Dee Ford could give him the opportunity to improve his pass rushing moves and really strengthen the trenches for the Chiefs. Andy Reid will see some upside there and will scoop him up with this selection.

FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 03: Justin Silmon #32 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with Dalton Risner #71 of the Kansas State Wildcats, Reid Najvar #67 of the Kansas State Wildcats and Zach Reuter #15 of the Kansas State Wildcats after scoring a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The Packers have three solid offensive linemen when all are healthy. Their holes come at guard, where Lane Taylor is an average performer while right guard was a problem spot for Green Bay last year. With this selection, the team will have a chance to address that problem as Dalton Risner is on the board.

Risner is an experienced and versatile offensive lineman. He played center and tackle for Kansas State, and it’s possible that he could play any position at the next level. However, I believe he’ll be better suited to play on the interior, and he should be a well-rounded player with the potential to be road-grader in the run game.

By adding Risner, the Packers would guarantee that they would improve Aaron Rodgers’ protection. Given that Rodgers is an aging quarterback coming off a couple of injury-plagued seasons, protecting him has to be at the forefront of the Packers’ mind. With two first-round picks, landing Risner along with Sweat will go a long way towards shoring up some of the Packers’ biggest weaknesses.

If Risner doesn’t appeal to the Packers, or if they view him as more of a tackle, Boston College’s Chris Lindstrom would be an option with this selection. Lindstrom also performed well at the Senior Bowl and looks like he will be a solid run blocker for the next level.

GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones #86 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Ndamukong Suh is going to be a free agent after this season. He was solid for the Rams, but he may price himself out of what they’re willing to pay for him. As a result, the team may end up looking for a replacement in the draft.

Dre’Mont Jones would be a good one. The Ohio State defensive lineman had a very good year and really improved as a pass rusher during his junior campaign. He notched 8.5 sacks despite playing on the interior and being, arguably, the best Ohio State defensive player once Nick Bosa announced he wouldn’t play again.

For the next level, Jones looks like a solid five-technique in a 3-4 defense. That’s exactly what the Rams run. By adding Jones and plugging him next to Aaron Donald, the Rams would ensure that they have one of the scariest interior pass rushes in the NFL. Given the importance of collapsing the pocket from the middle, this seems like a terrific fit.

If the Rams want to go in a different direction, Brian Burns of Florida State would make sense, as he would be more of an edge rusher option. However, Jones is the better pick for now.

BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

At this point, it’s unknown whether or not Rob Gronkowski will return for the 2019 season. There have been strong indications that he is at least considering retiring and if the Patriots win the Super Bowl, that may be enough to convince him to ride off into the sunset.

Even if Gronk does return to the team, it’s still worth noting that the team could use a solid TE2 to pair with him. Or even a top tight end to work as his successor. Gronk has struggled with injuries for a long time and he just put up one of his worst seasons in recent memory. Adding a talented player in this deep tight end class would be a smart move, and the Patriots have a few options.

As I see it, there are a few tight ends to consider with this pick. The two Iowa players, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson, and Alabama TE Irv Smith Jr. It’s a close race, but for now, I have Hockenson as the player that the Patriots may like the most.

Hockenson was one of the best players on Iowa’s squad last year, and he proved to be a solid red-zone threat who had good blocking ability as well. Hockenson totaled 49 catches, 760 yards, and seven touchdowns even while seeing his teammate, Fant, eat into his target share. Hockenson should be a great pro and might be the ideal successor to Gronk. It will certainly be interesting to see which tight ends Bill Belichick is interested in during the draft process.

CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Picks 33-36

33. Arizona Cardinals: WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

The Cardinals will have Larry Fitzgerald for another season, but he won’t be around forever. They need a long-term partner to pair with promising 2018 second-round pick Christian Kirk. Samuel is a good option with this selection as he had a terrific outing in the Senior Bowl while displaying a nice combination of size and speed. Offensive line help is an option here, too, with Chris Lindstrom being the top guard on the board.

34. Indianapolis Colts (via NYJ): DL Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

After addressing the offense in the first round, the Colts come back and add some talent to their defensive line. Lawrence was a very solid defensive tackle at Clemson and he would be an ideal threat next to Denico Autry in the Colts’ defense. He would go a long way to continuing to build up their strong front seven.

35. Oakland Raiders: RB Damien Harris, Alabama

Harris has actually been compared to Doug Martin as a good all-around running back. The Raiders signed Doug Martin last offseason and got modest production out of him. With their fourth pick in the opening 35 selections, the Raiders can afford to take Harris in hopes that he can become the bell-cow for their backfield. At the very least, he would be a good replacement for the aging veterans Martin and Marshawn Lynch.

36. San Francisco 49ers: LB Devin Bush, Michigan

Cutting Reuben Foster made sense for San Francisco at the time. However, they now have a big hole at linebacker next to last year’s third-round pick Fred Warner. Devin Bush is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, but we’ve seen undersized linebackers play well in previous years. Bush could end up being a first-round pick if he performs well at the Combine and his Pro Day. He has good athletic ability and pairing him and Nick Bosa would give the 49ers a massive boost to their front seven.

LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Picks 37-40

37. New York Giants: G Chris Lindstrom, Boston College

The Giants draft Will Hernandez in Round 2 last year and could pull the trigger on another guard to shore up the right side of their offensive line this year. Lindstrom was terrific at the Senior Bowl and showed very well in run blocking. He’s a well-rounded, well-coached player from Boston College and Dave Gettleman will surely be interested in adding him to protect Daniel Jones.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State

Picks 41-44

41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via DEN): DE Brian Burns, Florida State

The Buccaneers picked up this pick in the trade they made with Denver in the first round. And they are getting a potential steal here. Burns could end up being a first-round pick and is coming off his most productive season at Florida State (10 sacks). The major concern with him is that he is very lean by NFL standards and will need to bulk up. That could push him to Round 2, but it’s also possible that he could go at the end of Round 1. The Bucs will grab him here in hopes of finding a dynamic player to pair with Jason Pierre-Paul in the immediate future.

42. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Irv Smith Jr., Alabama

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The Bengals will have both Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft hit free agency this offseason. Both are difficult to trust due to their recent injury history. The team needs to get a true No. 1 tight end, and Irv Smith Jr. fits the bill. Smith averaged 16.1 yards per catch and scored seven times in his final season at Alabama. He’s another gem in a loaded TE class, so we’ll see if he ends up rising with a solid performance at the Combine.

43. Detroit Lions: CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

Oruwariye has seven combined interceptions in the past two seasons and has demonstrated solid coverage skills on tape. The Lions need a long-term No. 2 corner to pair with Darius Slay, so this would be a good pickup. Oruwariye and Ed Oliver would certainly be big upgrades to the Detroit defense under Matt Patricia.

44. Green Bay Packers: S Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State

The Packers traded Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the Redskins, so they will need to add some more young talent at the position to replace him. Abram is a do-it-all safety that had almost 100 tackles last year at Mississippi State. Abram would be a big upgrade for the secondary and would get to play with his college teammate and Packers first-round pick Montez Sweat. This seems like a good fit.

BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the LSU Tigers missed a second half field goal at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Picks 45-48

45. Atlanta Falcons: DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech

The Falcons continue to bolster their defensive line after landing Christian Wilkins in the first round. The team could use another pass rusher across from Takk McKinley as Vic Beasley has regressed since the Falcons’ Super Bowl run. Ferguson had 45 career sacks in four college seasons and performed well at the Senior Bowl. He would definitely upgrade the Atlanta defense, so he’s a sensible choice here.

46. Washington Redskins: S Deionte Thompson, Alabama

Thompson was once seen as an option for the Redskins in the first round, but his stock has fallen after his play slipped late in the season. Still, Thompson is a rangy safety who should find success as a ball-hawking centerfielder. He just has to improve his instincts a bit to avoid being caught out of position as he was during the College Football Playoff. Thompson would immediately start for the Redskins and would help to replace D.J. Swearinger. Oh yeah, he’s also from Alabama, so that may help his cause.

Other options here include an interior offensive lineman (Garrett Bradberry, Eric McCoy) or a wide receiver (J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Andy Isabella).

47. Carolina Panthers: C Garrett Bradberry, NC State

Ryan Kalil’s career will soon come to an end and the Panthers need some help on their offensive line anyway. While they would probably love to land a left tackle, there are none available. Bradberry has shown well during the draft process so far and possesses quickness and good blocking ability. He will be a solid starter for the team and marks the second semi-local product the Charlotte-based team has selected in this mock.

48. Miami Dolphins: WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

The Dolphins are, again, eschewing the quarterback position to upgrade the rest of the team. They need a true No. 1 receiver and Arcega-Whiteside could fit the bill. Arcega-Whiteside is a big-bodied threat who will be able to win with strength and physicality in the NFL. He has 28 touchdowns in 33 career games and Miami will be more than happy to use him as their top option. Essentially, he has the chance to become what DeVante Parker never could.

SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles George Campbell #11 of the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Picks 49-52

49. Cleveland Browns: CB Julian Love, Notre Dame

The Browns have a talented No. 1 corner in last year’s first-round pick Denzel Ward and a couple of other nice players in Terrance Mitchell and T.J. Carrie. However, E.J. Gaines is a free agent, so the team could use some more depth and a potential No. 2 corner. Love was great for Notre Dame this past season and has very good coverage skills. If he was taller, he could work his way into the first round discussion.

50. Minnesota Vikings: WR Andy Isabella, UMass

The Vikings continue to upgrade their supporting cast around Kirk Cousins in the second round. Laquon Treadwell has been a bust as a first-round selection and the team could use a third receiver to pair with the excellent combination of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Isabella is a smaller receiver, but he has over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the each of the past two seasons. The UMass product has terrific speed and should be a deep threat in the NFL. He also has the quickness in his route running needed to be a good slot option.

51. Tennessee Titans: DL Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame

The Titans could stand to add some defensive line help to go with Jurrell Casey. Tillery has first-round upside, but character concerns could cause him to fall. Still, Tillery has a massive 6-foot-7 frame and had seven sacks in his final season at Notre Dame. Pairing him and Casey would potentially give the Titans one of the best interior pass rushes in the NFL.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Vosean Joseph, Florida

The Steelers need to add a linebacker to help properly replace Ryan Shazier. Joseph is coming off a season that saw him post 93 tackles and four sacks at Florida. He has a solid frame and should work well as an inside linebacker in 3-4 or outside backer in 4-3. The Steelers will be happy to land Joseph to continue to upgrade their defense.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Florida Gators intercepts the ball in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

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.

LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack looks to pass against the Louisville Cardinals in the first quarter of the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Picks 57-60

57. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Kelvin Harmon, NC State

The Golden Tate acquisition didn’t quite work out as the Eagles had hoped. They will probably be looking for a free agent replacement and No. 2 receiver in the draft. Kelvin Harmon has a big 6-foot-3 frame and has put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at NC State. Pairing him with Alshon Jeffery, another jump-ball type receiver, will make it difficult for opposing defenses to match up with the Philadelphia offensive attack.

58. Dallas Cowboys: DL Charles Omenihu, Texas

Omenihu is an intriguing prospect with excellent length who is coming off a 9.5 sack season at Texas. He has shown well so far in the pre-draft process and will probably end up being a Day 2 pick. Dallas could stand to add some pass rushing talent that can play on the interior, so getting Omenihu — an inside/outside threat — is a sensible pick at this point.

59. Indianapolis Colts: S Juan Thornhill, Virginia

The Colts may need to find a safety of the future to start with Malik Hooker. Mike Mitchell, a long-time veteran, ended the year on IR while Clayton Geathers is set to hit free agency. The team will need some depth if Geathers departs and will need someone to eventually supplant Mitchell in the starting lineup. Thornhill is a solid tackler and has shown good ball skills, notching 13 interceptions in the past three seasons combined. He could be a nice fit next to Hooker, and that could be a dynamic safety tandem.

60. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Ryan Finley, NC State

Geno Smith is the current backup for the Chargers. That needs to change. Phillip Rivers is inching closer and closer to 40, so having a reliable backup and potential successor in the fold will be important. Finley was an accurate passer at NC State and could be an Alex Smith type player for the NFL level. At the very least, he would keep the Chargers afloat if Rivers missed a game.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 30: Tyree Jackson #3 of the Buffalo Bulls throws a first half pass while playing the Northern Illinois Huskies during the MAC Championship at Ford Field on November 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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.

Jacob Camenker