16. Atlanta Falcons
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
This entire defensive front needs help in a bad way, outside of Grady Jarrett. This scenario gives the Falcons multiple options to address either the interior or the edge rush, and they really can’t go wrong either way. South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw is a worthy candidate, but I’m guessing the Falcons would opt instead for a high-upside edge defender like Chaisson. He’s got size, length and athleticism, and can handle all three phases of playing on the edge.
17. Dallas Cowboys
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
After letting Byron Jones walk in free agency, the Cowboys need to find themselves a corner who can fill his shoes. While that’s a tall task, Fulton has all the physical tools to quickly develop into that kind of player. His experience in press-man coverage and going up against top talent in the SEC on a weekly basis has Fulton ready to make an immediate impact.
18. Detroit Lions (from PIT via MIA)*
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
Another big win for the Lions here, who fill another huge need on defense with a player who should have been long gone. This defensive front desperately needs a versatile, powerful defender who can wreck opposing offenses, and Kinlaw checks every box in those departments. He’s a huge bargain at this point in the first round.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
The Raiders got the perfect pick for their offense at No. 12 overall, and here, they get the exact same thing for their defense. This unit desperately needs a difference-maker at the heart of the action, and Murray has both the physical traits to be that three-down playmaker, and the leadership ability to transform the identity of the entire defense. He’ll make an instant impact, and the Raiders leave the first round with a cornerstone player on each side of the ball.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
In just a couple of years, the Jags have gone from having one of the league’s most promising corner tandems to trading away both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. With two first-round picks in this year’s draft, they absolutely have to use one of them to find a starting-caliber corner. Diggs has the height, length and cover skills to shoulder that responsibility from Day 1, and he’s been tested by some of the most talented pass-catchers in the country.