Picks 57-60
57. Philadelphia Eagles – Virginia S Juan Thornhill
With two starting safeties entering the twilights of their respective careers, the Eagles need to start planning for the future at the safety position, via the NFL Draft. It was a toss-up between Deionte Thompson and Juan Thornhill, but the Eagles took Thornhill for his athletic upside. They don’t need a player who can start right away, and Thornhill’s potential trumps the limitations of Thompson.
58. Dallas Cowboys – Alabama EDGE Chrisitan Miller
With the Demarcus Lawrence situation in flux, the Dallas Cowboys could do well to add some depth at the edge rusher position in the NFL Draft. Alabama’s Christian Miller might never become a full-time starter; he’s a bit undersized, and he lacks the athletic traits that most starters possess. But that said, he has a workmanlike approach to his role, and he’s shown flashes of modest bend on tape. Miller is an insurance pick for the Cowboys; one who could be provided a starting opportunity if negotiations with Lawrence sour.
59. Indianapolis Colts – Washington S Taylor Rapp
Taylor Rapp seems like Chris Ballard’s kind of NFL Draft prospect. He’s not the most athletic safety, but he’s solid in just about every area. The Colts re-signed Clayton Geathers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add another safety into the mix as a special teamer with starting upside. Rapp has the smarts and the skills to have a long career in the NFL, and with the Colts, he’ll eventually get his long-awaited opportunity.
60. Washington Redskins (via LAC) – Stanford WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
The Redskins need more dynamic talent on offense, but they can’t just draft for speed alone; not with Paul Richardson set to earn $8 million a year. That’s why I’ve been low on Marquise Brown throughout this process, and that’s why I passed on Andy Isabella for J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Isabella is the faster player, but Arcega-Whiteside might be just as dynamic. He’s an extraordinary vertical athlete, and while he doesn’t have the top-end speed Isabella does, he’s athletic enough to hone his skills as a route runner. With a high football I.Q. and an even higher vertical, Arcega-Whiteside earns the pick here.