26. Detroit Lions (from MIA)*
Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
If the Lions swap top-five spots with the Dolphins, expect them to at least get one of Miami’s additional first-rounders in this draft. After adding the top corner prospect they need with Okudah at No. 5, the Lions turn their attention to the defensive trenches, where they need help both along the interior and on the edge. The better value in this scenario is the latter, and Gross-Matos looks like the prototypical edge defender for today’s NFL.
27. Seattle Seahawks
Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
Gone are the days of Earl Thomas roaming the Seattle secondary, but if the Seahawks want to try and recreate that kind of presence for the future, Winfield is about as close as they can get. The son of a Pro Bowler by the same name, Winfield was a one-man wrecking crew for the Golden Gophers, and he could instantly bring the swagger back to what was once one of the NFL’s most feared defensive backfields.
28. Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully evident when injuries kept him out of the lineup in 2019, which means the Ravens need to find a succession plan for their veteran runner. They get their pick of some talented runners in this scenario, and Taylor’s performance at the NFL Combine proved he’s more than worthy of being the first running back off the board. He would make the NFL’s best rushing attack even better from Day 1.
29. Carolina Panthers (from TEN)*
Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
If Cam Newton returns at full strength, this move probably isn’t necessary just yet. But that’s a big “if” right now, and new head coach Matt Rhule might want to hand-pick his own passer in his first draft. Eason has the arm talent and decision-making ability to be worthy of a first-round pick, and if he’s still on the board here, a team like the Panthers would be wise to trade back into the first round to secure him on a five-year deal.
30. Green Bay Packers
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
This pick simply has to be another weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers have some fantastic options in this scenario. TCU’s Jalen Reagor, Clemson’s Tee Higgins and TCU’s Jalen Reagor would all be solid picks, but after Jefferson’s combine performance, he may have just leapfrogged those names on some draft boards. He’s a polished, complete player who would pair extremely well with Devante Adams.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Grant Delpit | S | LSU
The defending NFC champs don’t have many picks in this draft, so trading out of this spot would be ideal. But without any worthy quarterback targets still available, they may not find a market for this spot. If left to make the selection, they could do much worse than filling a significant need on defense with one of the nation’s most versatile playmakers in Delpit. Injuries held him back for much of 2019, but at full strength, he’s a dominant defender.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE/DL | Iowa
Another team that probably wouldn’t mind trading back, the Chiefs can also just wait for the value to fall to them. That lines up with their biggest needs in this situation, as a versatile defensive linemen like Epenesa would be a huge boost to a front that needs to reload with some youth. Despite disappointing at the combine, Epenesa’s film should still prove him to be a first-round pick.