NFL Draft Mock 5.0: Two-round mock, post-free agency
By Ian Cummings
Picks 61-64
61. Kansas City Chiefs – Alabama S Deionte Thompson
The Chiefs signed Tyrann Mathieu in free agency, and they have third-round pick Armani Watts in the fold at free safety, if they feel comfortable with his development. But ultimately, after the loss of Eric Berry, the Chiefs need to add someone at safety, and late in the second round, Alabama’s Deionte Thompson is fairly good value. Fluidity as an athlete can be a problem for Thompson, but he has the instincts and feel to potentially earn a starting role down the road.
62. New Orleans Saints – Iowa State RB David Montgomery
Mark Ingram defected to the Ravens in free agency, leaving Alvin Kamara without the thunder to his lightning. The Saints signed Latavius Murray, adding to their running back room, but Murray is largely a downhill runner without many defining traits to his game. The Saints need to bring back some of Ingram’s physicality, and they can do that by drafting Iowa State’s David Montgomery. Montgomery has the contact balance to churn out tough yards, and his burst is good enough for him to rush through lanes as they open and close. He’d be a good compliment for Kamara in New Orleans’ offense, although his receiving ability leaves something to be desired.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) – Massachusetts WR Andy Isabella
It’s unclear if the legal issues surrounding Tyreek Hill will lead to any repercussions, but in spite of that situation, the Chiefs could stand to add to their receiving core, as they lost Chris Conley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. By drafting Andy Isabella, they’d institute a “death by speed” philosophy, as Isabella is a dynamic threat who can flip the field with the snap of a finger. He is a bit undersized, and other elements of his game are lacking, but you can’t teach speed, and Andy Reid will enjoy scheming his weapons open with another big play threat in tow.
Next. Redskins seven-round mock: Quarterback in first round?. dark
64. New England Patriots – Boise State QB Brett Rypien
The only quarterback to be drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft is Boise State’s Brett Rypien. This could be a bit high for the East-West Shrine Game MVP, but Rypien has the kinds of tools the Patriots may want to lock up early, especially with Tom Brady set to turn 42 years old this coming August. Rypien doesn’t have a strong or elastic arm, but he can cultivate some zip with his quick throwing motion, and he’s one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the 2019 NFL Draft class. Rypien reminds me of Kirk Cousins, in the sense that he’s a mid-round quarterback who could start in the right situation. In New England, he’d have the requisite conditions.