25. Minnesota (10-6) — Josh Jones, OT, Houston
If the Vikings want to improve in pass-protection, then Jones is their man at this point in the draft. Per PFF, he only allowed four pressures on 325 pass-blocking snaps. Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton is another good option, and is probably the choice if they feel they need greater improvements for run-blocking, as his tremendous size would prove valuable for running back Dalvin Cook.
26. Miami from Houston (10-6) — Louisville, OT, Mekhi Becton
Speaking of the big man, let’s slot him in for the Dolphins. Coach Brian Flores’ mind was surely spinning at nights over one football-guy question: How do we establish the run? Maybe a running back like Etiene or Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor would help. But hopefully Flores and Miami general manager Chris Grier are wise enough to know that a running back is a waste at this slot. They should take a risk on a potentially elite offensive lineman.
27. Seattle (11-5) — Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Jadeveon Clowney and Ezekieh Ansah are both set to be free agents. The Seahawks should bring in at least one young edge defender, so they don’t break the bank at that one position. This Penn State pass-rusher is a Draft Wire favorite, and a young man with an incredible story. If coach Pete Carroll wants another lengthy cornerback, Clemson’s A.J. Terrell fits the mold.
28. Baltimore (14-2) — Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
He’s ready for the NFL game, whether the Ravens deploy Jefferson in the slot or outside. He’s a rangy and graceful athlete at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. He can help serve as a safety net for Lamar Jackson in the passing game.
29. *Tennessee (9-7) — Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
The Titans probably need another reliable edge rusher, as their sack-leader Harold Landry had a rough finish to the regular season. But perhaps coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson will want to try something different: a big slot option for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Corey Davis is a nice piece but he’s nothing special. Bryant has the potential to be a nightmare matchup on the inside.
30. *Green Bay (13-3) — Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Let’s sneak Elliott into the back end of the first round on a team in dire need of run support. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman moves well at his size, and he finished with 44 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the middle of the Tigers’ defense. He’d be an anchor at the line of scrimmage for the Packers.
31. *Kansas City (12-4) — Raekwon Davis, DE, Alabama
He would work well on the opposite edge of defensive end Dee Ford. Davis has faced no shortage of NFL-caliber tackles and guards this season in the SEC, and should be a force, particular in run defense, where the Chiefs were lacking in 2019.
32. *San Francisco (13-3) — K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
What do you give to the team that seems to have everything? This, as always, would be a good place for a team to trade up for a quarterback. This is the final slot that allows a team to put a fifth-year option on their pick. So if someone wants Eason, they can get him.
If the 49ers do make the pick, this draft selection may come down to what happens in free agency. But let’s just take another player who will help their defensive line, because that’s the unit which has come to define this team’s defense. Chaisson had 13.5 sacks and 60 tackles in 2019. Not bad for the final pick of the first round.
Picks 1-8 | Picks 9-16 | Picks 17-24
[jwplayer WHhCvbXS-q2aasYxh]