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17. San Diego Chargers – Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
It’s almost criminal that Todd Gurley could last this long in the draft. San Diego scores a huge win on this one as Gurley has top ten talent. It appears his knee is progressing quicker than expected. I expect he’ll be on a pitch count in year one with an eye on 2016.
18. Kansas City Chiefs – Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
The Jeremy Maclin signing takes some serious pressure off the Chiefs in the draft and really allows the flexibility to take an impact player regardless of position. Arik Armstead’s ceiling is about as high as any player’s in this draft. Teaming Armstead with Dontari Poe, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali is too intriguing for Andy Reid to pass on.
19. Cleveland Browns – Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
The Browns were absolutely abysmal against the run last season. Phil Taylor can’t stay healthy, leaving arguably their biggest need as an inside run stuffer. Shelton is a massive, imposing run defender that has the ability to push the pocket.
20. Philadelphia Eagles – Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
This pick had me stumped as who knows where Chip Kelly is going to go with this one after this offseason. Landon Collins makes a ton of sense here but I think Chip will have his homework done on Strong and view him as a potential steal as he’s just scratching the surface of what he can be.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Landon Collins, S, Alabama
I have to think Peter King’s intel is pretty good, so I’m going with him on this one. Andrus Peat will be tough to pass on at this point. But I don’t think Cincinnati would have imagined a scenario where Landon Collins would make it to 21 for their taking.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Steelers have to replenish on defense, especially with Dick Lebeau in Tennessee. This replenishment starts in the defensive backfield at the corner position. For about four years, I’ve mocked a CB to Pittsburgh in round one. They’ve yet to allow me to hit on their pick. Will this be the year? When I watched Kevin Johnson I couldn’t help but note how he does a bit of everything. He’ll jam receivers in press, shows solid footwork in off coverage and excels in zone with plus instincts. This versatility will play well in Pittsburgh.
23. Detroit Lions – Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Replacing Ndamukong Suh is no easy task. However the Lions find themselves a steal with the 23rd pick. Brown has the upside to be taken in the top 10. If he can harness it consistently under the tutelage of Haloti Ngata and Teryl Austin – watch out.
24. Arizona Cardinals Melvin Gordon Wisconsin RB
Adding Melvin Gordon to this team could be a game changer. Gordon’s game breaking ability gives the Cardinals exactly what they need to compete in their brutal division.
25. Carolina Panthers – Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
When Michael Oher is a major upgrade, you have problems. The Panthers have to do better on their OL to keep their franchise QB in good long-term health. Andrus Peat has the upside of a very good LT in the league for a long time. However, he’ll have to improve on some technique issues before he’s ready for the spotlight of being a stud LT. That said, there’s no chance Carolina passes on this opportunity should it present itself.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
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The Ravens would love to find a replacement for Torrey Smith here but I can’t see them risking it with DGB or reaching for a Devin Smith-type. When I made this selection, I went with five guys I thought Ozzie Newsome could select and picked the least likely – Real Scientific.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
I’m going on record on this one and calling Shaq Thompson as steal of the draft. Everyone is worried about him being a man without a position. I’m not in the least. I think Thompson is a linebacker and one that comes in and competes for DROY.
28. Denver Broncos – Cam Erving, C, Florida State
My bet is on an FSU player for this pick. Either Eddie Goldman or Cam Erving. Erving gets the nod because of his versatility to play so many positions – something John Elway covets on the offensive line. Erving can step in day at center and fill in all along the line should injuries occur.
29. Indianapolis Colts – Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
The Colts really need to upgrade their interior of the DL. Phillips has tremendous upside but durability concerns drop him into Indy’s lap at 29. If healthy, Phillips has the type of ability to be a future Pro Bowler.
30. Green Bay Packers – Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
As usual the Packers have kept their own while avoiding the spending pitfalls of free agency. Ted Thompson and crew need to replenish the defense through this draft. Anyone of the remaining corners would be wise plays here. However, Eddie Goldman has some special qualities to his game. I have a top ten grade on Goldman because of his ability to plug against the run and push the pocket with sneaky athleticism. Re-signing B.J. Raji or Letroy Guion shouldn’t stop them from considering Goldman at this spot.
31. New Orleans Saints – D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
I’m not sure this one makes any sense to me but I can’t see Humphries making it out of the first round. Combine that with the fact that the Saints have proven this offseason that nothing is off the table and that’s how I decided on this selection. Teaming Humphries with Terron Armstead gives the Saints the most athletic tackle tandem in the league.
32. New England Patriots – Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
With the losses of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, Jalen Collins makes a ton of sense. That should be enough reason not to plug him in at this spot. Collins isn’t a guy I value nearly this high but I’ll go with consensus on this one.
