Renny Thomas’ Mock Draft 1.0

 

Pick #21: Seattle Seahawks – Byron Murphy, Cornerback, University of Washington

 

The Seahawks, in the past known for their secondary group known as the “Legion of Boom”, have not drafted a defensive back since 2009 (Earl Thomas).  The Legion of Boom is no more but Seattle should look to build the next iteration with the drafting of Byron Murphy from Washington. He is a corner with elite ball skills and has an excellent ability to read quarterbacks.  He is a raw prospect, having only started in college for a year and a half, but he should develop into a solid cornerback, given time and guidance.

 

Pick #22:  Baltimore Ravens – Jeffrey Simmons, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State University

 

Simmons has top 15 level talent but following an ACL tear in February, he has quickly fallen down many draft boards.  Simmons is a strong interior lineman who should generate a pretty solid pass rush from the middle of the line. Due to his injury, he might not be of much help this upcoming year but should be an immediate impact player next year.  This would go a long way in helping a pass rush that lost Terrell Suggs, Zadarius Smith and C.J Mosley.

 

Pick #23: Houston Texans – Andre Dillard, Offensive Tackle, Washington State University

 

Dillard is one of the best pass blocking lineman in the draft and should make an immediate impact on an offensive line that allowed 62 sacks last year, worst in the NFL.  Dillard’s combination of size and athleticism and the Texans lack of talent on the offensive line should allow him to quickly find himself as the starting left tackle for the Texans.

 

Pick #24: Oakland Raiders – Noah Fant, Tight End, University of Iowa

 

After Jared Cook joined the New Orleans Saints this offseason, the Raiders have been left with a gaping hole at tight end.  In Noah Fant, the Raiders will have found themselves a playmaking tight end that is more receiver than blocker. He will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and along with Antonio Brown, will provide the Raiders with two game changing playmakers.

 

Pick #25: Philadelphia Eagles – Johnathan Abram, Safety, Mississippi State University

 

Johnathan Abram is a terrific tackler and should become the heir apparent to Malcolm Jenkins.  He is a tough defender and a physical player who will quickly become a fan favorite in Philadelphia.  Much like last year, this also might be a spot where the Eagles trade out of the first round to get additional picks later in the draft since the Eagles needs don’t fit the available personnel this late in the draft.

 

Pick #26:  Indianapolis Colts – Christian Wilkinson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson University

 

The Colts will look to continue to improve their pass rush and in Wilkinson, they will find a disruptive force in the middle of the line.  His unique combination of size and athleticism should allow for the Colts to play him at multiple spots along their ny4-3 defensive line. The Colts may also be looking at getting Andrew Luck some help on offense as well with this selection.

 

Pick #27: Oakland Raiders – Justin Layne, Cornerback, Michigan State University

 

The Raiders have the time to take on a project and Layne, a converted receiver, is currently a project at cornerback from Michigan State.  Layne is a long, rangy cornerback who has great hands and terrific ball skills. He has a ways to go when it comes to reading routes but if the Raiders can be patient with him, he could be a steal this late in the draft.

 

Pick #28: Los Angeles Chargers – Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle, Clemson University

 

In last year’s playoff match against the Patriots, the Chargers were overrun by Sony Michel and the Patriots offense.  Los Angeles can go a long way to rectifying their defensive line deficiencies with Lawrence, who should be an immediate contributor.  Lawrence is an excellent run stuffer who should produce an ample amount of pressure up the middle.

 

Pick #29: Kansas City Chiefs –  Jerry Tillery, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame University

 

While the Chiefs biggest need is in the defensive secondary, it does not appear that there is a player available late in the first round that is worthy of a late first round grade.  If they don’t trade out of this pick, they could definitely pick a player like Jerry Tillery to beef up their defensive line. While Tillery played at defensive tackle at Notre Dame, he has the combination of quickness and size to effectively play in the Chief’s 4-3 system.

 

Pick #30: Green Bay Packers – Chris Lindstrom, Offensive Guard, Boston College

 

Like previously said, Aaron Rodgers is 35 heading into this season and the Packers need to make protecting him a priority.  With Chris Lindstrom, the Packers will get one of the best offensive lineman in the draft. Lindstrom has a high football IQ and should provide great interior protection for Rogers.  He is versatile, with long enough arms, to spell the offensive line at tackle as well.

 

Pick #31: Los Angeles Rams – Cody Ford, Offensive Tackle/Guard, University of Oklahoma

 

With tackle Roger Saffold and center John Sullivan no longer with the Rams, Los Angeles will need reinforcements on their offensive line.  With Cody Ford, the Rams will get a mean and nasty offensive lineman who should immediately push to become a starter. He has strong hands to control defenders in the run game and can be overpowering at the point of attack.

 

Pick #32: New England Patriots – Marquis Brown, University of Oklahoma

 

You never know what Bill Belichick will do in the draft and he may trade down from this spot to gain more picks or move up to take one of the really good defensive lineman in this draft, but if the Patriots stay at pick #32, they will take a real hard look at Marquis Brown.  Brown is a lightning quick burner and could be a big play wide receiver in the NFL and a future heir to Julian Edelman in the slot.