T 1st round; here’s latest mock draft
taze Burfict and the rest of a linebacking corps that has been both carved up by running backs and exposed in coverage by opposing passing attacks.
12. Packers — Montez Sweat, DE-OLB, Mississippi State: With Clay Matthews’ and Nick Perry’s tenures in Green Bay possibly coming to a close, the Packers can’t rely on another 101⁄2-sack season from Kyler Fackrell to power their pass rush.
13. Dolphins — Daniel Jones, QB, Duke: A quick-triggered passer best suited to work the short-to-intermediate levels of the field and execute run-pass options.
14. Falcons — Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan: Expect Gary to emerge as one of the combine’s biggest standouts with rare marks for speed and agility.
15. Redskins — Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma: Now that he has declared himself all-in for pursuing the NFL, Murray likely will command the biggest spotlight of any player at the combine. With Alex Smith’s 2019 status unclear, Washington shouldn’t let any hope for a full recovery end the conversation on Murray or any other quarterback.
16. Panthers — Jachai Polite, DE-OLB, Florida: Polite’s explosiveness off the edge and growing set of pass rush moves would make him an attractive asset, especially if the unit ends up deploying more 3-4 looks.
17. Browns — Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma: Going back to the Sooners pipeline could pay off for Cleveland as it looks to surround QB Baker Mayfield with support. 6-4, 338-pound Ford is powerful and moves well for a player his size.
18. Vikings — Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State: A fleetfooted left tackle, Dillard would allow Minnesota to move Riley Reiff to guard while forming one half of a promising pair of bookends with Brian O’Neill.
19. Titans — D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi: Metcalf might be a significant part of the answer to opening up Tennessee’s offense with his rare blend of size (6-4, 230 pounds) and speed.
20. Steelers — Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan: Overshadowed by WR Antonio Brown trade speculation, Pittsburgh’s defense still has a substantial hole at its center. Built for today’s passhappy NFL, undersized Bush (5-11, 226 pounds) darts from sideline to sideline with a keen sense for finding the ball.
21. Seahawks — Byron Murphy, CB, Washington: With an NFL-low four picks, Seattle might be inclined to trade back or out of the first round to pick up more selections.
22. Ravens — Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma: A Lisfranc injury will sideline Brown for on-field work during the combine and his pro day, according to reports. Few receivers in the class, however, can match the 5-10, 168-pounder in generating explosive plays.
23. Texans — Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia: Change is likely coming to Houston’s secondary given the potential upheaval at cornerback
Joseph.
24. Raiders (from Bears) — Brian Burns, DE, Florida State: At the top of his game, Burns is one of this class’ most adept defenders at disrupting quarterbacks.
25. Eagles — Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson: Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s attacking front four would be a fitting match for Wilkins.
26. Colts — Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State: A lackluster free agency class of receivers could further push GM Chris Ballard to draft the search for a complement to T.Y. Hilton.
27. Raiders (from Cowboys) — Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama: Despite having to scrape for playing time at Alabama and finishing third on the team in rushing last year, Jacobs could help recalibrate a Raiders offense still looking to establish an identity.
28. Chargers — Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame: He’ll have to answer for his bouts of inconsistent play, but Tillery can shoot gaps and shed blockers with ease.
29. Chiefs — Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware: A former cornerback who now blankets the back end of the field, Adderley demonstrates a capacity for sound coverage.
30. Packers (from Saints) — T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: More than just a checkdown option, Hockenson is a well-rounded threat who could help QB Aaron Rodgers rediscover the utility of a consistent tight end.
31. Rams — Mack Wilson, ILB, Alabama: Wade Phillips’ defense could use more athleticism at the second level, and Wilson should be poised to make a significant leap.
32. Patriots — Noah Fant, TE, Iowa: In lieu of the outside threat New England needs, Fant can slide in as a dynamic pass catcher who can eventually take over for Rob Gronkowski. beyond Johnathan