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Well here it is, with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, my labor of love. On the dawn of draft day I present to you, my faithfully devoted Steelers Nation, my final full 7-round mock draft. Regardless of whatever happens during the actual NFL draft, I’ll be happy to welcome our new players to the Black & Yellow and all that it stands for.
Round 1
1. Cleveland Browns - Josh Allen QB, Wyoming
GM John Dorsey has said that he already knows who the Browns will take at number one overall, which should be either Sam Darnold or Josh Allen. Rumors pointing to either have been swirling for some time now so it’s anyone’s guess which it will be.
2. New York Giants - Saquon Barkley RB, Penn State
The Giants are expected to take Saquon Barkley here, despite rumored interest in Sam Darnold, otherwise they will be looking to auction off the second overall pick to the highest bidder. Another rumor states that the Ginats and Bills have the framework inplace for a trade should New York decide that they want to trade out of this pick.
If the Giants do trade with the Bills, look for them to address CB after releasing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and the interior of their offensive line after losing both Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg in free agency. They are also rumored to love Marcus Davenport, who would replace Jason Pierre-Paul.
3. New York Jets (via IND) - Sam Darnold QB, USC
The Jets didn’t trade up to the third overall pick for anything other than a quarterback. They’ve been linked to Baker Mayfield, but would they take Sam Darnold if he’s available?
4. Cleveland Browns (via HOU) - Bradley Chubb DE, North Carolina State
The Browns would love to get Saquon Barkley here. If the Giants take Barkley, Cleveland will consider trading out of this pick. They also really like Denzel Ward, but it’s too high to take him here and it’s likely that he won’t be available if they trade back with one of the teams looking to move up for a QB. Bradley Chubb is an elite prospect, and would make a terrorizing duo with 2017 first overall pick Myles Garrett. New GM John Dorsey has made all of the right moves so far this offseason, and he’ll be more inclined to draft an elite prospect than trading back to acquire more picks like his predecessor would have.
5. Denver Broncos - Baker Mayfield QB, Oklahoma
Despite the two-year contract given to Case Keenum the Broncos could find a long-term solution to the quarterback position with this pick. Denver has been tight-lipped about which QB they like in this draft class, but during the Senior Bowl they requested that Baker Mayfield be put on their squad.
If the Broncos will take anyone other than a QB it’s expected to Quenton Nelson, or trade back and target Denzel Ward to replace a replacement for Aqib Talib.
6. Indianapolis Colts - Roquan Smith LB, Georgia
The Colts are rumored to be looking to trade back again, and are rumored to “love” Roquan Smith. Bradley Chubb would be the pick if he were available, and Quenton Nelson will get serious consideration. Both Jack Mewhort and Matt Slauson are on 1-yr deals and the Colts have to do a better job of protecting Andrew Luck.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Quenton Nelson OG, Notre Dame
Tampa is rumored to love Quenton Nelson and Bradley Chubb, despite the fact that the Bucs signed Vinny Curry and traded for Jason Pierre-Paul. If either are available at 7 then they would be the pick, as would Saquon Barkley. The Bucs could still take Derwin James at 7, but it’s more likely that they’ll trade back with a team looking to target an available QB if Chubb and Nelson are off of the board.
8. ***TRADE***Buffalo Bills (via CHI) - Josh Rosen QB, UCLA
The rumor mill is swirling that the Bills are trying hard to move into the top 5 of the draft to get a quarterback, and that they have the framework of a trade with the Giants if New York wants to trade back. If any of the top QB’s falls out of the top 5, the most likely trade possibilities are at picks 6-8, as the Colts, Bucs, and Bears all seem open for business at the right price.
If the Bills cannot accomplish a trade up for a QB, Buffalo has plenty of needs to fill with their multiple early round picks. With the unexpected retirements of both Eric Wood and Richie Incognito, and after trading Cordy Glenn to the Bengals for this pick, the Bills now will need to completely rebuild their offensive line.
Defensively, the 1-yr deals given to Vontae Davis and Phillip Gaines shouldn’t stop Buffalo from taking a CB early, especially if Denzel Ward is available. At LB, the Bills let Preston Brown walk in free agency and need upgrades at both ILB and WLB.
9. San Francisco 49ers - Minkah Fitzpatrick CB/S, Alabama
Under GM John Lynch the 49ers have been wheelers-and dealers in the draft, and could look to trade out of this pick, but they are also rumored to really like Minkah Fitzpatrick, as they aren’t expected to re-sign Eric Reid, and both Roquan Smith as well as Tremaine Edmunds given that Reuben Foster may be released for off-the-field issues. The top of San Francisco’s draft board should look like: 1. Roquan Smith, 2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, 3. Tremaine Edmunds.
10. Oakland Raiders - Mike McGlinchy OT, Notre Dame
The Raiders are rumored to love Roquan Smith. Linebacker has been an issue for Oakland for years, and the Raiders could use an upgrade at both inside and weakside linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds will get some consideration, as would the Denzel Ward, Jaire Alexander, and Vita Vea, but LT has to be addressed early. 35 year old Donald Penn will be coming back from Lisfranc surgery. If Roquan Smith is off of the board, look for the Raiders to trade back and get better value for Mike McGlinchy.
11. Miami Dolphins - Tremaine Edmunds LB, Virginia Tech
It’s looking more and more likely that the top four quarterbacks will be off of the board by this point in the draft, causing the Dolphins to miss out on a replacement for Ryan Tannehill. Miami is rumored to love Roquan Smith to go with Raekwon McMillan and Kiko Alonzo after releasing Lawrence Timmons, and would also take Tremaine Edmunds. Third on their board is said to be Jaire Alexander to pair with Xavien Howard.
12. Chicago Bears (from BUF via CIN) - Denzel Ward CB, Ohio State
Despite re-signing Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller, Chicago is rumored to love Denzel Ward in addition to Quenton Nelson, who would replace Josh Sutton. Nelson and Ward should be numbers one and two on their draft board, while they’ll also be considering a trade back. After trading back the Bears still get someone at the top of their rumored draft board.
13. Washington Redskins - Vita Vea NT, Washington
Rumor has it that the Redskins love Alabama teammates Minkah Fitzpatrick and Da’Ron Payne, as well as Vita Vea, and are looking to upgrade their run defense at DT. When paired with 2017 first round pick Jonathan Allen, Vea or Payne would give the Redskins a boost in the pass-rush as well as against the run. Safety has been an issue for Washington for years, and after trading Kendall Fuller to KC the Redskins have a hole at slot CB as well.
14. Green Bay Packers - Derwin James S, FSU
Per Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst, the Packers will be targeting Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joshua Jackson with this pick, with Denzel Ward as the player that Green Bay “truly covets”. This information was likely predicated on Derwin James already off of the board. Josh Jones is expected to replace Morgan Burnett at SS, but smart franchises take the best players available on the board.
Elsewhere, the Packers are rumored to also be targeting linebackers and wide receivers. Green Bay released Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb is injury-prone, while the Packers have needed upgrade at ILB for a while now. In addition the Packers also need to think about a long-term replacement for soon-to-be 32 year old Clay Matthews III, who has been slowed by injuries in recent years.
15. Arizona Cardinals - Jaire Alexander CB, Louisville
Arizona would love to grab a a long-term replacement for the retired Carson Palmer. Barring a QB, Arizona must do more to protect their brittle new QB Sam Bradford. Justin Pugh and Andre Smith were signed to upgrade at RG and RT, but the Cardinals have a hole at left tackle after trading away Jared Veldheer to Denver. If the Cardinals go in another direction it would be for a WR to pair with and eventually replace 34 year old Larry Fitzgerald, a CB to pair with Patrick Peterson, or a defensive lineman to replace Xavier Williams. Vita Vea, Mike McGlinchy, Calvin Ridley, or Jaire Alexander are the likely targets here.
16. Baltimore Ravens - Lamar Jackson QB, Louisville
The Ravens don’t need much defensively except at ILB next to C.J. Mosley, as 2016 second round pick Kamalei Correa has been a huge disappointment thus far, and unable to beat out 2016 undrafted rookie free agent Patrick Onwuasor for the starting spot vacated by the retirement of Zach Orr.
The Ravens have to fix their offensive woes. Their inability to draft and develop WR’s has really hamstrung this offense, but they did sign Michael Crabtree in free agency. Depending on where the Ravens play newly re-signed James Hurst, they’ll still have a hole to fill at either LG or RT, in addition to OC. At RB the Ravens haven’t had a real threat since Justin Forsett’s breakout 2014 season.
GM Ozzie Newsome loves taking players from his alma mater Alabama, and could take Calvin Ridley, Da’Ron Payne, or possibly even Rashaan Evans, but the most likely non-Bama players will be Mike McGlinchy, Courtland Sutton, and Derrius Guice.
While Ozzie Newsome may be running the show now, his protege Eric DeCosta will be taking over in 2019. DeCosta has been vocal about getting the Ravens out of cap purgatory. It may be a smokescreen but Baltimore has shown a lot of interest in Lamar Jackson. 33-year old QB Joe Flacco has suffered from back issues and inconsistency for the last three seasons, and his contract has directly contributed to the Ravens cap woes. With no more guaranteed money left on his contract, the Ravens could draft Jackson and give him a season to acclimate, then release Joe Flacco next offseason. With a weak WR class, if the Ravens don’t trade out of this pick Lamar Jackson makes a lot of sense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers - Da’Ron Payne DT, Alabama
The Chargers are rumored to be targeting a defense-heavy draft, and are particularly looking at defensive tackle and safety. They are rumored to be targeting Vita Vea and Da’Ron Payne, otherwise the Chargers will likely look to fill needs at linebacker and cornerback. A free agent in 2019, Jason Verrett has only played in 25 out of a possible 64 games in his 4-year career, and only five games in the last two seasons because of a myriad of injuries.
18. Seattle Seahawks - Christian Kirk WR, Texas A&M
Rumor has it that, without a second or a third round pick, the Seahawks will be looking to trade out of this pick to acquire more picks in the top 100. If the Seahawks stay here they will look to grab someone like Kolton Miller or Marcus Davenport, who lit up the combine and have a high SPARQ rating. They are also rumored to be interested in Derrius Guice, who is being compared to former Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch.
A trade candidate might be the Browns, given that they are armed with three 2nd round picks. If the Seahawks trade back into the top of the second round, look for them to replace many of the aging stars of their once vaunted defense. At safety, Earl Thomas has been on the trading block and Kam Chancellor is working his way back from a serious neck injury. At edge-rusher, the Seahawks traded Michael Bennett to Philly and Cliff Avril has hinted at retirement.
Offensively, besides their need for O-line help, the Seahawks will need to replace Paul Richardson at WR as well as Jimmy Graham at TE.
19. Dallas Cowboys - Leighton Vander Esch LB, Boise State
Dallas will very likely go in one of three directions with this pick. This pick should come down to Leighton Vander Esch to fill their need at LB, D.J. Moore to replace the recently released Dez Bryant, and Vita Vea to upgrade the defensive line.
NFL.com’s Jane Slater has reported that the Cowboys “envision Leighton Vander Esch as Brian Urlacher 2.0.”
20. Detroit Lions - Marcus Davenport DE, UT-San Antonio
Assuming that new HC Matt Patricia payed attention in Bill Belechick’s school for building teams, he’ll likely spend this pick on a front-seven defensive player or an offensive lineman. The Lions need help at DT, CB, but especially at LB. AT DE, the Lions could use an upgrade across from Ziggy Ansah, and a possible replacement for him in 2019 if they can’t work out a long-term contract. GM Bob Quinn is rumored to really like Tavan Bryan, and the Lions have also shown a lot of interest in both Marcus Davenport and Harold Landry.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (via BUF) - James Daniels OC/OG, Iowa
The Bengals traded for Cordy Glenn but still have a ways to go in rebuilding what has to be one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Both offensive guards positions as well as the center position needs to be addressed. James Daniels would be a massive upgrade at any of the three interior offensive line positions, and the Bengals would take Mike McGlinchy if he’s available.
22. Chicago Bears (via BUF from KC) - Calvin Ridley WR, Alabama
***Compensation for the Bills trade.***
The Bears signed Allen Robinson in free agency but still have to get more weapons for young QB Mitch Trubisky.
23. New England Patriots (via LAR) - Rashaan Evans ILB, Alabama
Rumor has it that the Patriots are infatuated with UCLA’s Josh Rosen, and acquired this pick to package with their other first round pick as well as their two second round picks in an effort to trade up and draft Rosen as a successor to Tom Brady.
Provided that they cannot move into the top 5 for a QB, the Patriots will likely use this pick on a replacement for Nate Solder or a front-seven defensive player. Rashaan Evans makes sense to pair with Dont’a Hightower, and as insurance since Hightower will be coming back from a torn pectoral muscle.
24. Carolina Panthers - Hayden Hurst TE, South Carolina
The Panthers could go in any numbers of directions with this pick. They need offensive line help, wide receiver help, a long-term replacement for both Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson, but their biggest need for several years now is in the secondary, either at cornerback or safety. Carolina lost Andrew Norwell in free agency and Ryan Kalil has stated his plans for retirement in 2019. Carolina could draft James Daniels to play RG in 2018, and shift him to OC after Ryan Khalil retires. Rumor has it that the Panthers are looking to spend an early round pick on a successor to 33 year old Greg Olsen, and that they really like local product Hayden Hurst. If a top WR like Calvin Ridley or CB Jaire Alexander are not available the Panthers will likely take Hurst.
25. Tennessee Titans - Harold Landry DE/OLB, Boston College
Tennessee seems to be targeting an upgrade at linebacker with this pick, either inside or an edge-rusher. Both Derrick Morgan and injury-plagued Brian Orakpo will be free agents in 2019, and standout ILB Avery Williamson signed with the Jets in free agency. 2016 second round pick Kevin Dodd has proven to be a poor fit as a 3-4 linebacker. This pick should come down to Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans, Harold Landry and Sam Hubbard.
26. Atlanta Falcons - Tavan Bryan DT, Florida
Rumor has it that the Falcons really want to upgrade at defensive tackle next to Grady Jarrett, and will be targeting Vita Vea, Da’Ron Payne, and Tavan Bryan. If all three of those are gone, look for Atlanta to shift gears and target one of James Daniels, Billy Price, Isaiah Wynn, or Will Hernandez to fill their need at OG, or a CB to replace departed 2015 2nd round draft bust Jalen Collins.
27. New Orleans Saints - Joshua Jackson CB, Iowa
Rumor has it that the Saints would have taken Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft but the Chiefs traded in front of them to take Mahomes. If he’s available, Lamar Jackson is a similar prospect in that he has a lot of raw athletic tools that could be developed if given the chance to sit and learn behind a veteran like Drew Brees. The Saints will also target Baker Mayfield if he falls out of the top 10.
The only other offensive positions that might be addressed here should be at TE, where Coby Fleener could be released if New Orleans can find a suitable replacement, and at WR where the Saints only have Michael Thomas as a consistent threat. New Orleans tried to sign Jimmy Graham in free agency.
Defensively the Saints really need an end or a linebacker, as well as a CB to pair with standout 2017 first round pick Marshon Lattimore. Drafting a DE means that Sheldon Rankins can stop playing out of position and return to playing the 3-technique DT. At linebacker the Saints have been unable to find true three-down player who can cover.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Justin Reid S, Stanford
By now everyone in Steelers Nation knows the teams’ needs, and many of us know even know the prospects the Steelers should be targeting with the 28th pick.
The Steelers went into free agency and signed Jon Bostic and Morgan Burnett, plugging holes at ILB and safety. While neither should be considered a long-term solution to either problem, it does mean that the Steelers are open to taking a player at any position with this pick.
So...based on whom the Steelers have shown the most interest in, and their perceived needs, here is how the Steelers draft board should look:
Leighton Vander Esch ILB, Boise State
LVE is the favorite of Steelers fan here on BTSC. The athletic 1-year wonder from Boise State practically blew away the competition at the scouting combine. While he didn’t run as fast of a 40 as say Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds, a time of 4.65 at 6-foot-4 and 256 pounds is very respectable indeed. Where he really shined was in the 3-cone drill with a time of 6.88, which is a better measure of a players agility, while also looking extremely fluid in the linebacker drills.
On a two-year deal with a long injury history, Jon Bostic is a short-term solution to the defenses coverage woes at the ILB position. The Steelers interviewed LVE at the combine, took him out to dinner before his pro day, and brought him in for a private meeting, so the interest is real.
As the NFL becomes increasingly pass-heavy, coverage linebackers like LVE are becoming more in-demand. As such, it’s seeming more likely that LVE won’t be available at pick 28. He could go as high as 14 to the Packers, and it’s unlikely that he would last beyond the Saints, with the favorite landing spot being the Cowboys at 19. As has already been mentioned, the Cowboys view LVE as “Brian Urlacher 2.0.”
2. Rashaan Evans ILB, Alabama
While there hasn’t been as much public interest in Rashaan Evans as with LVE, the Steelers have to be considering him as a realistic option with this pick. A preseason favorite to be the first ILB taken in this draft class, the 6-foot-2, 232 pounds Evans’ season was plagued by a groin injury. It’s that same injury that kept Evans from participating in most of the events at the combine, however he was the best linebacker in the coverage drills. While he likely doesn't have the same straight-line speed as LVE, Roquan Smith, or Tremaine Edmunds, aside from Smith, Evans may be the best coverage linebacker in this draft class. His ability to read-and-react is outstanding, as is his ability to explode into the ball carrier. He also has experience playing both inside as well as outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and could be the best blitzing pure linebacker in this class as well. If not for the groin injury limiting him, the Steelers likely wouldn’t have a chance to draft him this late in the first round.
3. Lamar Jackson QB, Louisville
After the ousting of OC Todd Haley, Ben Roethlisberger seems invigorated and rumors now say that he wants to play another 3 years. Yay for us, for now, but what if Ben changes his mind again? During an interview on “Pro Football Talk” Steelers GM Kevin Colbert stated that “while the Steelers would love to have Roethlisberger for years to come...great franchises that go from generation to generation and still are successful, they usually pass it on because of great quarterbacks.” He goes on to mention the 49ers with Montana/Young, and the Packers with Favre/Rodgers.
Enter Lamar Jackson. Jackson is not without his flaws, and of all of the QB’s in this draft class he’s clearly the one who needs to sit and learn the most, but it’s highly unlikely that the Steelers will get another shot at a quarterback with as much upside as the 2016 Heisman winner without completely tanking a season.
The Steelers have other needs, but none of them are dire, and this may be the perfect storm where the team is already a Super Bowl contender as is, and can actually find a long-term successor to Ben without mortgaging the future to trade up in the draft. I’m not saying that I would take Jackson, or any QB for the matter, but I can certainly understand why the Steelers front office are thinking about it. Because of a weird situation wherein Jackson’s mom is acting as his de facto agent, the Steelers are one of the few teams who have actually had a private meeting with the QB, having taken him to dinner before his pro day.
4. Justin Reid S, Stanford; Ronnie Harrison SS, Alabama; Jessie Bates III FS, Wake Forest
Unlike Jon Bostic, the Morgan Burnett signing is thought of as more than just a filler signing. On a 3-year deal, the 29 year old Burnett is a more-than-capable starter at safety. However, if a nagging shoulder injury that plagued Burnett in 2017 is more a sign of decline, the Steelers will need to draft a long-term option.
It may be cheating to list all three players in one spot, but all three bring a slightly different skill set to the table for the Steelers to consider.
Justin Reid was one of the best safeties from the combine. Checking in a 6-foot-0 and 207 pounds, Reid ran a 4.40 40 yard dash, had a 3-cone time of 6.65, with a 10-8 broad jump and a 36 and a half inches vertical leap.
Unable to participate in most of the events at the combine due to a sore hamstring, the 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds Ronnie Harrison did measure with arms over 33 inches long. With the notion that Sean Davis may move to FS where his athleticism will be better utilized, having more of a classic thumper like Harrison at SS may be needed.
Jessie Bates’ combine wasn’t quite as spectacular, but there were no red flags either. He ran a respectable 4.50 40, with a 6.78 3-cone, 9-9 broad jump, and a 35 and a half inch vertical.
While Ronnie Harrison has been a mainstay in the back half of the first round throughout much of the draft process, there was some thought that Reid or Bates could be available to the Steelers at the end of the second round, but if the Steelers really want either of the three they have to take one with the 28th pick. The Steelers took out Bates for dinner before his pro day but not Reid, although Reid’s lack of dinner probably had more to do with the Ohio State pro day which was the day before Stanford’s pro day. However, Justin Reid was been brought in for a meeting, as was Ronnie Harrison. An interesting tidbit is that the Steelers may have “snuck” Harrison in without reporting the meeting to the media. Our own Jeff Hartman gave us this excellent breakdown of Reid vs. Bates.
Given the Steelers preference in recent years for drafting athletes with high upside, the best guess is the the front office’s choice of the three players listed would be Justin Reid, who would be interchangeable with Sean Davis at the strong and free positions, as well as being able to cover in the slot.
5. Derrius Guice RB, LSU
Raise your hand if you’re sick of the Le’Veon Bell contract drama? Me too, now every Steelers fan can put their hand down. With Bell’s contract demands seemingly escalating every time he puts out a new rap track, sends out a new tweet, or talks to the media, it’s becoming less likely that he and the Steelers will come to terms on a new contract. While the Steelers did spend a 2017 third round pick on James Conner, he still seems to lack the speed he had pre-cancer and ACL injury.
Because of his violent running style, and the lack of a legitimate passing game to take the pressure off of him, Derrius Guice’s final season at LSU was plagued by minor injuries, although none of the injuries should be career threatening. Often compared to Marshawn Lynch, the 5-foot-10, 224 pounds Guice is a true three-down back who is extremely tough to bring down on first contact. At the combine he ran a 4.49 40. There are late-surfacing rumors being reported by Tony Pauline that teams are weary of Guice’s “off-the-field” behavior, even though the RB has never been arrested or accused of anything. He sites an anonymous source, quoting him as saying that teams believe that Guice is a “loose cannon”. The Steelers interviewed Guice the combine, and took him to dinner before his pro day.
And there you have it. The likely top five(seven) players on Pittsburgh’s draft board.
Charlie Campbell of Walterfootball claims, in his latest mock draft, that his sources state that “Harold Landry is in play for the Steelers.” It would make sense, despite the fact that the Steelers just picked up Bud Dupree’s 5th-year option. The Steelers have taken a linebacker in the first round of the draft in four out of the last five years, turning the first round into “new linebacker day”. So perhaps Landry will be somewhere within the Steelers top 10 prospects.
A few quick notes on the Steelers with regards to the first round of the draft. Since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, the Steelers have never not made a pick in the first round, which is to say that they’ve never traded out of the first round entirely to acquire more picks. And since Kevin Colbert was officially named to the Steelers GM position in 2000, the Steelers have only traded up twice. Once for Troy Polamalu in 2003, and again for Santonio Holmes in 2006. Colbert has only traded back in the first round once, in 2001 when they drafted Casey Hampton. All of that is to say that it is very unlikely that the Steelers will move away from the 28th overall pick in either way, and will instead take the normal approach and stand pat to take the best player available that fills any kind of a need, be it immediate or in the near future.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - Billy Price OC/OG, Ohio State
It sounds like the Jaguars will be targeting Hayden Hurst with this pick, as Austin Seferian-Jenkins was only signed to a 2-year deal, and would also love it if Lamar Jackson fell this far. Outside of those two needs, the Jags would take any of the top ILB’s to replace retired Paul Posluszny. Given who’s available, an OG makes the most sense for Tom Couglin as an upgrade over A.J. Cann at RG, to continue to establish a strong running game, after having already upgraded at LG with Andrew Norwell in free agency.
30. Minnesota Vikings - Lorenzo Carter OLB, Georgia
Minnesota gave Kirk Cousins the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history, so their primary objective should be to protect him as much as they can. Joe Berger retired and was replaced with journeyman Tom Compton.
Defensively HC Mike Zimmer loves keeping his CB cupboard stocked. The Vikings have yet to re-sign 39-year old Terence Newman, and 2015 first round pick Trae Waynes has largely been a bust. At linebacker the Vikings could use an upgrade on the weakside, and will potentially need a long-term replacement for 2019 free agent Anthony Barr if they cannot come to terms on a new contact. Rumor has it that the Vikings front office is trying to get Barr to accept a team-friendly deal. The Vikings has shown significant interest in Lorenzo Carter, Mike Hughes, and just about every interior offensive lineman.
31. New England Patriots - Kolton Miller OT, UCLA
Provided that the Patriots do not use this pick to trade up for a quarterback, the player most linked to them in the first round is Kolton Miller, who would replace the departed Nate Solder.
32. Philadelphia Eagles - D.J. Moore WR, Maryland
The Super Bowl Champs don’t have a lot of needs to address. The only pressing need is that soon-to-be 36 year old left tackle Jason Peters will be coming back from a torn ACL. Barring a LT the Eagles can simply go with the best player available. Philly traded the disappointing Torrey Smith to Carolina and needs another receiving threat to go with Alshon Jeffrey. If the Eagles do not take a WR here, Derrius Guice would make sense as a replacement for 2019 free agent Jay Ajayi.
Round 2:
33. Cleveland Browns - Mike Hughes CB, UCF
CLE will consider Denzel Ward at 4, and should take a CB with one of their 2nd rd picks.
34. New York Giants - Isaiah Wynn OT/OG, Georgia
NYG are targeting O-line help with this pick.
35. Cleveland Browns (via HOU) - Courtland Sutton WR, SMU
Josh Gordon is one misstep away from being banned for life.
36. Indianapolis Colts - Ronald Jones RB, USC
IND is rumored to be targeting Ronald Jones here.
37. Indianapolis Colts (via NYJ) - Connor Williams OT/OG, Texas
IND must better protect Andrew Luck.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Derrius Guice RB, LSU
TB is rumored to be looking to trade up for Derrius Guice.
39. Chicago Bears - Will Hernandez OG, UTEP
CHI released Josh Sutton.
40. Denver Broncos - Isaiah Oliver CB, Colorado
Aqib Talib was traded to LAR.
41. Oakland Raiders - Maurice Hurst DT/DE, Michigan
OAK needs more pass-rushers to compliment Khalil Mack.
42. Miami Dolphins - Sony Michel RB, Georgia
The Dolphins are rumored to really like Sony Michel.
43. New England Patriots (via SF) - Ronnie Harrison S, Alabama
N.E. is looking to get younger at safety.
44. Washington Redskins - Nick Chubb RB, Georgia
WAS would love to get a RB here.
45. Green Bay Packers - Austin Corbett OT/OG, Nevada
35 year old Jahri Evans remains unsigned.
46. Cincinnati Bengals - Sam Hubbard DE, Ohio State
CIN needs a DE opposite of Carlos Dunlap.
47. Arizona Cardinals - Mason Rudolph QB, Oklahoma State
Brittle Sam Bradford was signed to a 1-year deal, with an option for 2019.
48. Los Angeles Chargers - Uchenna Nwosu DE/OLB, USC
LAC are rumored to be targeting Uchenna Nwosu if Mason Rudolph is unavailable.
49. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ via SEA) - Donte Jackson CB, LSU
IND needs to replace Vontae Davis and Rashaan Melvin.
50. Dallas Cowboys - D.J. Chark WR, LSU
DAL is rumored to be targeting a WR here.
51. Detroit Lions - Dallas Goedert TE, South Dakota State
HC Matt Patricia needs his “Gronk”.
52. Baltimore Ravens - Orlando Brown OT, Oklahoma
BAL never replaced Rickey Wagner.
53. Buffalo Bills - Frank Ragnow OC/OG, Arkansas
Richie Incognito and Eric Wood both retired.
54. Kansas City Chiefs - Carlton Davis CB, Auburn
KC is rumored to be targeting a replacement for Marcus Peters here. The top contenders will be Donte Jackson and Carlton Davis. Otherwise they’ll likely take Dorance Armstrong to replace Tamba Hali who was released.
55. Carolina Panthers - Jesse Bates S, Wake Forest
CAR is rumored to be targeting Jesse Bates here.
56. Buffalo Bills (via LAR) - Mike Gesicki TE, Penn State
BUF would love to get a WR or a TE in the 2nd round.
57. Tennessee Titans - Malik Jefferson LB, Texas
Avery Williamson signed with NYJ.
58. Atlanta Falcons - Braden Smith OG, Auburn
ATL needs an upgrade at RG.
59. San Francisco 49ers (via NO) - Arden Key DE/OLB, LSU
SF could use an upgrade at SLB.
60. Pittsburgh Steelers - B.J. Hill DT, North Carolina State
I’m sure most in Steelers Nation will groan at the thought of taking a nose tackle, who may only see the field in about 40% of the teams’ defensive snaps, with a second round pick. Unfortunately the Steelers other options, based on whom they’ve shown interest in, are already off of the board.
After missing out on all of the top four ILB prospects in the first round, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin will be hoping that high boom-or-bust prospect Malik Jefferson makes it this far. They’ve shown significant interest in him, both at his pro day as well as hosting him for a pre-draft visit. Another option would be small-school stud TE Dallas Goedert, whom the Steelers scouted as his pro day and brought in for a pre-draft visit as well. If by chance Mason Rudolph was available he would get some serious consideration as Ben’s heir apparent.
B.J. Hill isn’t just your typical running-lane clogger. The 6-foot-3, 321 pounds DT from North Carolina State opened some eyes with a 4.99 40 time at the combine, which is amazing for someone at that weight. Hill is a solid three-down defender, and would be an upgrade over Javon Hargrave. While his senior year stats won’t show the entire picture, Hill was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines to block. Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar was on-hand at the NC State pro day, and the Steelers brought in Hill for a pre-draft visit.
Other prospects the Steelers might consider are Oklahoma State WR James Washington or South Carolina State ILB Darius Leonard, but it’s too early for either one of them.
Pittsburgh might pull a player out of left field, as they did with JuJu Smith-Schuster in the second round of the 2017 draft(who they only interviewed at the combine which went unreported), and could take an edge-rusher despite having picked up Bud Dupree’s 5th-year option. Duke Ejiofor, Dorance Armstrong, and Josh Sweat are all solid possibilities.
61. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mark Andrews TE, Oklahoma
JAC would’ve taken Hayden Hurst in the 1st round.
62. Minnesota Vikings - Nathan Shepherd DT, Fort Hayes State
Sheldon Richardson is on a 1-yr deal.
63. New England Patriots - Duke Ejiofor DE/OLB, Wake Forest
Belechick loves versatile front-seven defensive players.
64. Cleveland Browns (via PHI) - Jamarco Jones OT, Ohio State
In the wake of Joe Thomas’ retirement the Browns must scramble for a replacement.
Round 3:
65. Buffalo Bills (via CLE) - Dorance Armstrong DE/OLB, Kansas
Soon-to-be 35-yr old Lorenzo Alexander is a FA in 2019.
66. New York Giants - Josh Sweat DE/OLB, Florida State
Jason Pierre-Paul was traded to TB.
67. Indianapolis Colts - Martinas Rankin OT/OG, Mississippi State
IND needs better protection for Andrew Luck, both at OG and RT.
68. Houston Texans - Da’Shawn Hand DT, Alabama
HOU needs an upgrade at DE across from J.J. Watt.
69. New York Giants (via TB) - Brian O’Neill OT, Pittsburgh
Ereck Flowers may be traded during the draft, or cut sometime after.
70. San Francisco 49ers (via CHI) - Harrison Phillips DT, Stanford
S.F. needs an upgrade over Earl Mitchell.
71. Denver Broncos - Rashaad Penny RB, San Diego State
DEN is rumored to be looking to add RB depth early.
72. New York Jets - Derrick Nnadi DT, Florida State
NYJ need an upgrade at DE across from Leonard Williams.
73. Miami Dolphins - Tyrell Crosby OT/OG, Oregon
MIA needs an upgrade at RG.
74. San Francisco 49ers - Marcell Ateman WR, Oklahoma State
S.F. lacks a legitimate number 1 WR.
75. Oakland Raiders - Kerryon Johnson RB, Auburn
Marshawn Lynch was a predictable bust signing.
76. Green Bay Packers - Dante Pettis WR, Washington
Jordy Nelson was cut and Randall Cobb is injury-prone.
77. Cincinnati Bengals - Equanimeous St. Brown WR, Notre Dame
John Ross has been an injury-plagued bust.
78. Kansas City Chiefs (via WAS) - Geron Christian OT, Louisville
Zach Fulton signed with HOU.
79. Arizona Cardinals - Terrell Edmunds S, Virginia Tech
Tyrann Mathieu was released.
80. Houston Texans (via SEA) - Chad Thomas DE/OLB, Miami
HOU missed rotational pass-rusher John Simon last season.
81. Dallas Cowboys - DeShon Elliot S, Texas
DAL needs a SS to pair with Byron Jones.
82. Detroit Lions - Rasheem Green DT/DE, USC
DET needs a 3-technique to pair with A’Shawn Robinson.
83. Baltimore Ravens - DaeSean Hamilton WR, Penn State
Baltimore is rumored to really like DaeSean Hamilton.
84. Los Angeles Chargers - Jerome Baker OLB, Ohio State
LAC needs upgrades at both ILB and SLB.
85. Carolina Panthers (via BUF) - Duke Dawson CB, Florida
James Bradberry is the only dependable starter at CB.
86. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeff Holland DE/OLB, Auburn
Tamba Hali was released and Dee Ford has injury issues.
87. Los Angeles Rams - Ogbonnia Okoronkwo DE/OLB, Oklahoma
The Rams biggest need is for an edge-rusher after trading Robert Quinn to MIA.
88. Carolina Panthers - Anthony Miller WR, Memphis
CAR needs another WR to go with Devin Funchess and Curtis Samuel.
89. Tennessee Titans - Michael Gallup WR, Colorado State
TEN needs more weapons for Marcus Mariota.
90. Atlanta Falcons - Ian Thomas TE, Indiana
ATL cut Levine Toilolo.
91. New Orleans Saints - Darius Leonard LB, South Carolina State
N.O. needs upgrades at all three LB positions.
92. Pittsburgh Steelers - Matthew Thomas ILB, Florida State
After being unable to fill their need at ILB in the first two rounds the Steelers will have to select from the next tier of prospects here. Darius Leonard might be a fan favorite but he’s unavailable, but after running a 4.70 40 time it’s unlikely that he would be the pick anyway. The Steelers would likely take OSU’s Jerome Baker if he were available.
The top two contenders will be Clemson’s Dorian O’Daniel and FSU’s Matthew Thomas. Both prospects had stellar combine performances, but Thomas’ was especially eye-opening. He checked in at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, and blazed a 4.58 40 time. What was really incredible was a 41 inches vertical leap, a 6.85 3-cone drill, and a 10-11 broad jump. Those numbers put him at or near the top for his position group. He’s still considered raw and not as polished as Dorian O’Daniel, but he has far more upside and, just like with Justin Reid, is the kind of athlete the Steelers have drafted in recent years.
Other options for this pick would include hybrid S/LB Kyzir White, Washington State WR James Washington, and North Carolina CB M.J. Stewart.
93. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dorian O’Daniel ILB, Clemson
Paul Posluszny retired.
94. Minnesota Vikings - Holton Hill CB, Texas
39-year old Terence Newman remains unsigned.
95. New England Patriots - Luke Falk QB, Wasington State
N.E. needs the next QB to develop behind Tom Brady.
96. Buffalo Bills (via PHI) - R.J. McIntosh DT, Miami
BUF has had issues stopping the run after trading Marcel Dareus.
97. Arizona Cardinals comp - Justin Jones DT, North Carolina State
Calais Campbell left in free agency last year and Robert Nkemdiche has been a bust.
98. Houston Texans comp - David Schultz TE, Stanford
HOU has had issues at TE for years.
99. Denver Broncos comp - James Washington WR, Oklahoma State
Emmanuel Sanders and/or Demaryius Thomas could be cap casualties at some point.
100. Cincinnati Bengals comp - Trent Thompson DT, Georgia
CIN needs an upgrade over Andrew Billings.
Round 4:
101. Green Bay (via CLE) - Nick Nelson CB, Wisconsin
35-yr old Tramon Williams is a short-term fix.
102. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via NYG) - M.J. Stewart CB, North Carolina
34-yr old Brent Grimes is on a 1-yr deal.
103. Houston Texans - Jordan Whitehead S Pittsburgh
Tyrann Mathieu is on a 1-yr deal.
104. Indianapolis Colts - Simmie Cobbs jr. WR, Indiana
IND needs another WR to pair with T.Y. Hilton.
105. Chicago Bears - Tavarius Moore FS, Southern Mississippi
CHI is looking to add a 3rd safety.
106. Denver Broncos - Marquis Haynes OLB, Ole’ Miss.
DEN is looking for depth at OLB.
107. New York Jets - Kemoko Turay OLB, Rutgers
NYJ needs an edge-rusher opposite of Jordan Jenkins.
108. New York Giants (via TB) - Mark Walton RB, Miami
Jonathan Stewart is a short-term solution at RB.
109. Denver Broncos (via SF) - Chukwuma Okorafor OT, Western Michigan
DEN needs upgrade at OG.
110. Oakland Raiders - Parry Nickerson CB, Tulane
OAK needs another CB to pair with Gareon Conley.
111. Los Angeles Rams (via MIA) - Alex Cappa OT/OG, Humboldt State
LAR need an upgrade at RG.
112. Cincinnati Bengals - Josh Adams RB, Notre Dame
Jeremy Hill signed with NE.
113. Washington Redskins - Desmond Harrison OT/OG, West Georgia
WAS needs an upgrade at LG.
114. Cleveland Browns (via GB) - Tim Settle DT, Virginia Tech
Danny Shelton was traded to NE.
115. Chicago Bears (via ARI) - Brandon Parker OT, North Carolina A&T
CHI could use an upgrade at RT.
116. Dallas Cowboys - Nyheim Hines RB, North Carolina State
Alfred Morris remains unsigned.
117. Detroit Lions - Kalen Ballage RB, Arizona State
Ameer Abdullah has been a bust.
118. Baltimore Ravens - Chris Herndon TE, Miami
Ben Watson is 37 years old.
119. Los Angeles Chargers - Kameron Kelly CB, San Diego State
Jason Verrett is injury-prone.
120. Seattle Seahawks - Shaquem Griffin OLB, Central Florida
SEA is rumored to like Griffin, who would be reunited with his brother.
121. Buffalo Bills - Anthony Averett CB, Alabama
Vontae Davis is on a 1-yr deal.
122. Kansas City Chiefs - John Kelly RB, Tennessee
Spencer Ware is coming back from a PCL tear.
123. Miami Dolphins (from CLE via CAR) - Tarvarus McFadden CB, Florida State
MIA needs a CB to pair with Xavien Howard.
124. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) - Jordan Aikens TE, Central Florida
KC runs a 2-TE offense.
125. Tennessee Titans - Armani Watts S, Texas A&M
Da’Norris Searcy was released.
126. Atlanta Falcons - Jaylen Samuels RB, North Carolina State
ATL has not re-signed Derrick Coleman.
127. New Orleans Saints - Kyle Lauletta QB, Richmond
NO needs a QB to develop behind Drew Brees.
128. San Francisco 49ers (via PIT) - Kyzir White S/LB, West Virginia
SF needs an upgrade at WLB.
129. Jacksonville Jaguars - Marcus Allen S, Penn State
JAC needs to get younger and cheaper at S.
130. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIN) - Tony Adams OC, North Carolina state
PHI needs interior O-line depth.
131. Miami Dolphins (from PHI via NE) - Troy Fumagalli TE, Wisconsin
Julius Thomas was released.
132. Philadelphia Eagles - Royce Freeman RB, Oregon
LaGarrette Blount signed with DET.
133. Green Bay Packers comp - Oren Burks ILB, Vanderbilt
GB needs competition for Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan.
134. Arizona Cardinals comp - Daurice Fountain WR, Northern Iowa
John Brown signed with BAL.
135. Los Angeles Rams (via NYG) comp - Josey Jewell LB, Iowa
Alec Ogletree was traded to NYG.
136. New England Patriots comp - Keke Coutee WR, Texas Tech
Danny Amendola signed with MIA.
137. Dallas Cowboys comp - Breeland Speaks DE, Ole’ Miss.
DeMarcus Lawrence hasn’t been re-signed long-term.
Round 5:
138. Green Bay Packers (via CLE) - Tyquan Lewis DE/OLB, Ohio State
GB needs depth behind Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.
139. New York Giants - Kentavius Street DE, North Carolina State
NYG need edge-rushers and have shown a lot of interest in Kentavius Street.
140. Indianapolis Colts - Genard Avery ILB, Memphis
IND needs upgrades at all LB positions.
141. Seattle Seahawks (via HOU) - Natrell Jamerson S, Wisconsin
Earl Thomas may be traded at some point.
142. Denver Broncos - Fred Warner OLB, BYU
DEN needs a coverage LB to sub for Todd Davis.
143. San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ) - Christian Campbell CB, Penn State
Richard Sherman is coming back from an Achilles tear.
144. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kendrick Norton DT, Miami
TB needs an upgrade next to Gerald McCoy.
145. Chicago Bears - Trey Quinn WR, SMU
Kevin White has been an injury-plagued bust.
146. Seattle Seahawks (via OAK) - Andrew Brown DT/DE, Virginia
Michael Bennett was traded to PHI.
147. New Orleans Saints (via MIA) - Cedric Wilson WR, Boise State
Willie Snead signed with BAL.
148. Pittsburgh Steelers (via SF) - Russell Gage jr. WR, LSU
The Steelers have shown a lot of interest in several late round WR’s. Martavis Bryant likely won’t be with the team in 2019, which is also the year that a 32-year old Darrius Heyward-Bey hits free agency as well. Add in that fringe WR Justin Hunter is set to hit FA at the same time, and the back half of the WR depth chart will look pretty empty.
Russell Gage jr. got about as much hype at his pro day as a prospect can with only 26 career receptions in college. He had the poor misfortune to play in one of the worst passing offenses in a Power 5 conference. With every NFL team in attendance he made the most of his opportunity. Gage ran a 4.45 40 and a 6.9 in the three-cone drill, and touched 39 inches in the vertical leap. The 6-foot-0, 184 pounds prospect reportedly looked good in both the receiving drills as well as fielding kicks. With the Steelers seemingly on an endless search to find a full time return man that isn’t named Antonio Brown, Gage could make the active roster as a return specialist, with a larger role in 2019.
149. Washington Redskins - Quin Blading S, Virginia
Su’a Cravens was traded to DEN.
150. Cleveland Browns (via GB) - Joel Iyiegbuniwe ILB, Western Kentucky
Jamie Collins needs to be replaced.
151. Cincinnati Bengals - Mason Cole OC, Michigan
Russell Bodine signed with BUF.
152. Arizona Cardinals - Will Clapp OC, LSU
A.Q. Shipley needs to be replaced.
153. Detroit Lions - Christian Sam ILB, Arizona State
DET needs two LBs to go with Jarrad Davis.
154. Baltimore Ravens - Sean Welsh OG/OC, Iowa
Ryan Jensen signed with TB.
155. Los Angeles Chargers - Scott Quessenberry OG/OC, UCLA
Mike Pouncey has hip issues.
156. Seattle Seahawks (from PHI via SEA) - Poona Ford DT, Texas
SEA needs a DT to pair with Jarran Reed.
157. New York Jets (via DAL) - Akrum Wadley RB, Iowa
NYJ needs a 3rd down RB.
158. Cincinnati Bengals (via BUF) - J.C. Jackson CB, Maryland
CIN has gambled on troubled players in the past.
159. Oakland Raiders (from CLE via KC) - Auden Tate WR, Florida State
Jordy Nelson has injury issues.
160. Denver Broncos (via LAR) - Folorunso Fatukasi DT, Connecticut
Adam Gotsis has off-the-field issues.
161. Carolina Panthers - Jayln Holmes DE, Ohio State
CAR needs long-term replacement for Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson.
162. Tennessee Titans - Chase Edmonds RB, Fordham
DeMarco Murray was released.
163. Washington Redskins (from DEN via ATL) - Rashard Fant CB, Indiana
Kendall Fuller was traded to KC.
164. New Orleans Saints - Justin Lawler DE, SMU
NO needs a DE to shift Sheldon Rankins back to DT.
165. Pittsburgh Steelers - Trey Johnson CB, Villanova
The Steelers like to spend late round picks on developmental CB prospects, not that it always works out. Pittsburgh was on hand at the speedy 5-foot-11, 187 pounds Trey Johnson’s pro day where he lit up the track with a 4.33 40 time, and followed it up with a 10-8 broad jump, 4.20 short shuttle, and a 36inch vertical leap. Johnson could challenge Coty Sensabaugh for the 4th CB spot on the depth chart, or replace him when Sensabaugh hits free agency next offseason.
166. Buffalo Bills (via JAC) - Corey Thompson LB, LSU
BUF has had issues at WLB since Zach Brown left in FA.
167. Minnesota Vikings - Brett Toth OT/OG, Army
OG has to be addressed.
168. Seattle Seahawks (via NE) - Tony Brown CB, Alabama
Richard Sherman was released.
169. Philadelphia Eagles - P.J. Hall DT, Sam Houston State
PHI is looking to load up on the D-line.
170. Cincinnati Bengals comp - Chris Worley OLB, Ohio State
Preston Brown is on a 1-yr deal.
171. Dallas Cowboys comp - Dimitri Flowers FB, Oklahoma
DAL needs an upgrade at FB.
172. Green Bay Packers comp - Dane Cruikshank CB, Arizona
Damarious Randall was traded to CLE.
173. Oakland Raiders (via DAL) comp - Skai Moore OLB, South Carolina
OAK needs to completely revamp their LBs.
174. Green Bay Packers comp - Justin Watson WR, Pennsylvania
Both of GB’s top WRs have injury issues.
Round 6:
175. Cleveland Browns - Da’Mari Scott WR, Fresno State
Josh Ross has been a bust.
176. Los Angeles Rams (via NYG) - Christian LaCouture DT, LSU
Michael Brockers is coming back from an MCL tear.
177. Houston Texans - Bilal Nichols DT, Delaware
HOU needs D-line depth.
178. Indianapolis Colts - Khalil McKenzie DT, Tennessee
Johnathan Hankins was released
179. New York Jets - Jamil Demby OT, Maine
NYJ needs an upgrade at OG.
180. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tre’Quan Smith WR, Central Florida
DeSean Jackson is 31-years old.
181. Chicago Bears - Zach Seiler DT/DE, Ferris State
CHI needs depth at DE.
182. Arizona Cardinals (via DEN) - Airius Moore LB, North Carolina State
ARI needs a traditional ILB to pair with Deone Bucannon.
183. Los Angeles Rams (via MIA) - Kylie Fitts DE/OLB, Utah
LAR need multiple upgrades at OLB.
184. San Francisco 49ers - Deontay Burnett WR, USC
Outside of Pierre Garcon SF doesn’t have a dependable WR.
185. Oakland Raiders - Michael Dickson P, Texas
Marquette King was released.
186. Green Bay Packers - Mike Love DE/OLB, South Florida
GB lacks depth at OLB.
187. Buffalo Bills (via CIN) - Marquez Valdes-Scantling WR, South Florida
Zay Jones has off-the-field issues.
188. Washington Redskins - Riley Ferguson QB, Memphis
WAS needs a QB to develop behind Alex Smith.
189. New Orleans Saints (via ARI) - Davion Liner DT, Arkansas State
Nick Fairley was released.
190. Baltimore Ravens - Bo Scarborough RB, Alabama
BAL needs competition for Alex Collins.
191. Los Angeles Chargers - Damon Webb S, Ohio State
LAC is looking to upgrade at S.
192. Dallas Cowboys (from OAK via SEA) - Antonio Callaway WR, Florida
DAL has never been shy about gambling with off-the-field issues.
193. Dallas Cowboys - Cole Madison OT, Washington State
Cameron Fleming is a short-term fix at RT.
194. Los Angeles Rams (via DET) - Micah Kiser ILB, Virginia
LAR need a starter and depth at ILB.
195. Los Angeles Rams (via BUF) - D.J. Myers WR, Midwestern State
Brandin Cooks is a 2019 free agent.
196. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremy Reaves S, South Alabama
Eric Berry is injury-prone.
197. Carolina Panthers - Chandon Sullivan CB, Georgia State
CAR is rumored to really like Chandon Sullivan.
198. Los Angeles Rams - Dejon Allen OG, Hawaii
LAR lack depth at OG.
199. Tennessee Titans - Mike White QB, Western Kentucky
TEN needs competition for Blaine Gabbert.
200. Atlanta Falcons - Jack Cichy LB, Wisconsin
ATL needs depth at LB.
201. New Orleans Saints - Greg Senat OT, Wagner
Zach Strief retired.
202. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from PIT via CLE, TB, PIT) - Siran Neal S, Jacksonville State
TB needs an upgrade over Chris Conte.
203. Jacksonville Jaguars - Javon Wims WR, Georgia
Allen Robinson signed with CHI.
204. Minnesota Vikings - Jake Wieneke WR, South Dakota State
Laquon Treadwell has been a bust.
205. Cleveland Browns (via NE) - Charvarius Ward CB, Middle Tennessee
CLE needs multiple upgrades at CB.
206. Philadelphia Eagles - Malik Reaves CB, Villanova
Ronald Darby may not re-sign long-term.
207. Green Bay Packers comp - Nicholas Falah OC, USC
GB needs depth behind Corey Linsley.
208. Dallas Cowboys comp - Kenny Hill QB, TCU
DAL needs a backup for Dak Prescott.
209. Miami Dolphins (via KC) comp - Nick Gates OT, Nebraska
Ja’Wuan James is a 2019 free agent.
210. New England Patriots (via OAK) - Tremon Smith CB, Central Arkansas
Malcolm Butler signed with TEN.
211. Houston Texans comp - Leon Jacobs-Nwude LB, Wisconsin
HOU needs depth after Brian Cushing was cut.
212. Oakland Raiders comp - David Goldsby OT, Buffalo
OAK needs O-line depth.
213. Minnesota Vikings comp - Joshua Kalu S, Nebraska
Harrison Smith his injury issues.
214. Houston Texans comp - Anthony Coyle OT, Fordham
HOU needs competition for Julie’n Davenport.
215. Baltimore Ravens comp - Shaun Dion Hamilton ILB, Alabama
BAL needs competition for Patrick Onwuasor.
216. Oakland Raiders comp - Jacob Martin DE, Temple
Mario Edwards has injury issues.
217. Oakland Raiders comp - Frank Luvu ILB, Washington State
OAK needs competition at LB.
218. Minnesota Vikings comp - Quentin Poling LB, Ohio
MIN may need two LB’s if Anthony Barr leaves in FA next offseason.
Round 7:
219. New England Patriots (via CLE) - Will Richardson OT, North Carolina State
Cameron Fleming signed with DAL.
220. Pittsburgh Steelers (via NYG) - Joshua Frazier DT, Alabama
With all of the players the Steelers could’ve picked to dine with the night before the Alabama pro day, Rashaan Evans, Da’Ron Payne, Ronnie Harrison, it was Joshua Frazier who received the honor. I’m sure part of that was the influence of current Steelers defensive line coach, and former Alabama D-line coach Karl Dunbar.
With the largely disappointing Daniel McCullers back on a minimal 1-yr deal, and Tyson Alualu set for free agency in 2019, the Steelers could find themselves in need of defensive line depth.
Joshua Frazier is a 6-foot-3, 321 pounds pure zero-technique nose tackle. Where as B.J. Hill, who has identical height and weight but is clearly in better overall shape, has the athleticism to be a three-down defender, Frazier will more than likely assume the role of a short yardage run-stuffer, or rather what Daniel McCullers was supposed to be.
221. Indianapolis Colts - Trey Matthews S, Auburn
IND needs a SS to pair with Malik Hooker.
222. Houston Texans - Richie James WR, Middle Tennesee
HOU needs competition for Bruce Ellington and Braxton Miller.
223. San Francisco 49ers (via MIA from TB) - Evan Brown OC/OG, SMU
Josh Garnett has been a bust.
224. Chicago Bears - Jarvion Franklin, RB/FB, Western Michigan
CHI could use an upgrade at FB.
225. Minnesota Vikings (via DEN) - Matthew Gono OT, Wesley
MIN needs competition for both OT’s.
226. Seattle Seahawks (from NYJ) - Ito Smith RB, Southern Miss.
SEA has never adequately replaced Marshawn Lynch.
227. Miami Dolphins (via SF) - Kendall Donnerson OLB, Southeast Missouri State
MIA has issues at LB.
228. Jacksonville Jaguars (via CIN) - Chris Jones CB, Nebraska
Aaron Colvin signed with HOU.
229. Washington Redskins - Cam Serigne TE, Wake Forest
Niles Paul signed with JAC.
230. Green Bay Packers - Jullian Taylor DT, Temple
Muhammad Wilkerson is on a 1-yr deal.
231. Kansas City Chiefs (via ARI) - Jermaine Carter OLB, Maryland
35-yr old Derrick Johnson remains unsigned.
232. Carolina Panthers (from BUF via LAC) - Kyle Hicks RB, TCU
CAR needs a replacement for Johnathan Stewart.
233. New York Jets (via SEA) - Kyle Queiro FS, Northwestern
NYJ need depth behind Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye.
234. Dallas Cowboys - David Wells TE, San Diego State
Jason Witten is 35 years old.
235. Detroit Lions - Brandon Pertile OG, Virgina
DET has a hole at LG.
236. Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Nall FB, Oregon State
Kyle Juszczyk left in FA last year.
237. Green Bay Packers (via BUF) - Deon Yelder, TE, Western Kentucky
31-yr old Jimmy Graham is on the decline.
238. San Francisco 49ers (via KC) - Foye Oluokun LB, Yale
Reuben Foster has off-the-field issues.
239. Washington Redskins (LAR) - Azeem Victor ILB, Washington
WAS needs depth at ILB.
240. Carolina Panthers - Alan Knott OC, South Carolina
Ryan Khalil is retiring in 2019.
241. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN) - Aaron Evans OT, Central Florida
KC needs competition for Eric Fisher.
242. Atlanta Falcons - Afolabi Laguda S, Colorado
Ricardo Allen is a 2019 free agent.
243. New Orleans Saints - Byron Pringle WR/KR, Kansas State
NO needed a WR before cutting Willie Snead.
244. Pittsburgh Steelers - Macklin Weaver DE/OLB, Eastern Illinois
For the second year in a row the Steelers end their draft by taking a small school edge-rusher. Despite what will happen with Bud Dupree in the long-term, the Steelers may have depth issues at OLB in 2019. Anthony Chickillo will be an unrestricted free agency likely to move onto greener pastures. We also don’t know what to make of 2017 7th round pick Keion Adams as he missed his entire rookie season on injured reserve. Also add in the fact that Arthur Moats remains unsigned.
There isn’t much information out there about Weaver, other than this report by Jeff Hartman which states that there are several teams that employ a 3-4 defense that are interested the small school edge-rusher. But at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, and running a 4.87 40, I’m definitely intrigued.
245. Jacksonville Jaguars - Chris Gonzalez OG, San Jose State
JAC needs depth at OG.
246. Seattle Seahawks (via MIN) - Jacob Pugh DE/OLB, Florida State
Cliff Avril may retire.
247. Cincinnati Bengals (via NE) - Tyler Conklin TE, Central Michigan
Injury-prone Tyler Eifert is on a 1-yr deal.
248. Philadelphia Eagles (via SEA from PHI) - Durham Smythe TE, Notre Dame
Trey Burton signed with CHI.
249. Los Angeles Chargers comp - Korey Cunningham OT, Cincinnati
Joe Barksdale needs to be replaced at RT.
250. Cincinnati Bengals comp - Patrick Morris OC, TCU
CIN needs O-line depth.
251. Cincinnati Bengals comp - D.J. Reed CB, Kansas State
CIN loves to collect CBs.
252. Arizona Cardinals comp - Davon Grayson WR, East Carolina
John Brown signed with BAL.
253. Tampa Bay Buccaneers comp - Bruce Hector DT, South Florida
TB needs DT depth.
254. Atlanta Falcons comp - Kurt Benkert QB, Virginia
ATL needs competition behind Matt Ryan.