Post-free agency full NFL two-round mock: Redskins trade down
By Ian Cummings
Picks 49-52
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mississippi State CB Cameron Dantzler
Cameron Dantzler’s NFL Combine performance was far from inspiring, but it didn’t confirm anything seen on tape. Dantzler’s speed isn’t an issue on film, where he can be seen closing gaps with ease, and sticking with receivers to the point where quarterbacks don’t look their way. Dantzler’s athletic numbers might speak to a lower ceiling, but his floor is already high enough to warrant a second-round selection.
50. Chicago Bears: Wisconsin LB Zack Baun
The Bears managed to address their need at cornerback earlier in this round, so they have a little more freedom with this selection. Moving to the offensive side of the ball wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially with the Mitchell Trubisky-Nick Foles battle on the way. But Zack Baun is a great value at this stage, with the versatility to add depth as an edge rusher and dynamic ability as a linebacker on the second level, and for a Chicago defense that’s still clinging to its roots, any talent grab is a positive.
51. Dallas Cowboys: Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup constitute a quality starting receiver duo for the Redskins rivals, but the Dallas Cowboys can still add depth and athletic ability to the position group. Those are qualities that Michigan’s Donovan Peoples-Jones should help with. Peoples-Jones is an incredibly explosive athlete with good seam awareness and toughness at the catch point, whose best days are no doubt ahead of him.
52. Los Angeles Rams: Alabama EDGE Terrell Lewis
The Los Angeles Rams were all too content with letting go double-digit sack-getter Dante Fowler in free agency and replacing him with Leonard Floyd and a coinciding $10 million contract. The Rams are taking big risks to try and preserve what’s left of their contention window, and consequently, they can’t roll into the season with Floyd as an unquestioned starter. Even adding a high-upside projection like Terrell Lewis is a good move, as it infuses Los Angeles’ edge position with future potential.