Tag: Draft Wire

Mock draft watch: breaking down Draft Wire’s latest 4-rounder for the Browns

It’s a great haul for the Browns

The latest mock draft from our friends at Draft Wire celebrates President’s Day with four rounds of 2020 NFL Draft projections. For the Cleveland Browns, it’s truly a presidential haul of talent to help stock the roster for new head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Here’s a look at what the Browns select in the four rounds from Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling.

First round: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

The Alabama right tackle has become a fairly popular projection for the Browns, and for good reason. He’s NFL-ready to start at the weakest position on the team.

There’s no denying the amount of talent this offense has at the skill positions, but it’ll be all for naught if the Browns don’t improve their offensive line in a big way this offseason. Wills has been a fast riser throughout this season, and could easily be off the board by this pick. If he’s not, he’d be the perfect blend of need and value for Cleveland.

Second round: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Delpit is a player whose stock has taken a real perceived tumble. In mock drafts from the college season, Delpit was often gone by the time the Browns would make their first pick at No. 10 overall.

An injury watered down his season for the national champs, and the holes in his game — namely tackling — got worse and not better when he did play. The elite-level prospect is still there, probably. It would be up to new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, himself a seasoned DB coach, to bring back the playmaking headhunter that dominated in his earlier LSU tenure.

Third round: Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan

Third round: Jordan Mack, LB, Virginia

The Browns have two third-rounders, their own and Houston’s as a result of the Duke Johnson trade. Using them on Bredeson and Mack helps restock the depth on the team.

Bredeson projects best as a center, though he’s played left guard for the Wolverines and certainly has the power to handle playing RG for the Browns. An Academic All-American, Bredeson has the ability to contribute right away.

Mack is a reactive, twitchy linebacker with excellent blitzing ability and a downhill sense of play. He’s a similar size to Mack Wilson but doesn’t play the same type of game at all; Mack struggles in coverage and doesn’t move as well in space as you would expect of a 6-foot-2, 230-pound LB. Playing them together in Woods’ 4-3 could be a nice blend of talents.

Fourth round: Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU

Yeah, Randy Moss’ son. The guy who thrived in the CFB playoffs at just 21 years old and with limited experience for a guy at a major program. He’s got incredible upside as a supersized (listed 6-3/249) receiver, but he also has pretty solid blocking chops for being the son of arguably the most physically gifted WR of all-time, too.

USA TODAY ranks top LB’s ahead of NFL Draft: Is Tae Crowder too low?

According to USA TODAY’s Draft Wire, Georgia’s Tae Crowder ranks just inside the top twenty in a list of NFL Draft prospects.

According to USA TODAY’s Draft Wire, Georgia alum Tae Crowder ranks just inside the top twenty in a list of NFL Draft prospects at linebacker.

It is important to note that these are preliminary rankings based entirely upon collegiate performance. Such rankings are subject to change following pre-draft workouts including the NFL Combine and each school’s respective Pro Days.

That said, dear reader, Tae Crowder is an unsung hero and one of my personal favorite Georgia Bulldogs.

It’s partially due to his play, but chiefly because of his backward football background:

Crowder was a last-minute addition to the Dawgs’ 2015 signing class, receiving his scholarship offer the morning before National Signing Day. He hadn’t taken an official visit. He spent no time in personal meetings with Georgia coaches.

Yet, he committed on the spot.

“It was always my dream to play at the University of Georgia,” Crowder told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2015.

This year, he graduates as one of the very last prospects recruited by Mark Richt, who left his post as top Dawg following the 2015 college football season.

As Harris County’s offensive player of the year during his senior season, Crowder came to Athens as a dual receiver and running back.

He was quickly moved to inside linebacker, and, after redshirting his first year in Athens, spent another year fine-tuning his linebacking skills before spending three years starting, recording 122 tackles, and grabbing two takeaways along the way(s).

Does this one ring a bell? It certainly rung the referee’s bell.

Crowder was not invited to the NFL Combine. Only one former Bulldog defender of the ten total was summoned to Indianapolis.

Given his history of adaptation, I think Tae will do just fine.

 

2020 NFL Draft: Bills pick WR is Draft Wire’s latest mock

Buffalo Bills pick WR is Draft Wire’s latest mock.

The Draft Wire‘s latest mock draft for the 2020 NFL Draft has the Bills taking Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault from Colorado.

The position could be on the Bills’ radar come late April, but the Bills should keep the Eagles in mind as well. Picking at No. 21, one spot ahead of the Bills, the Eagles also take a wide receiver. Their pick is Clemson’s Tee Higgins, a popular pick for Buffalo.

Despite that, Shenault is still the Bills’ man. Here’s why, according to Draft Wire:

The Bills are desperate need of a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen. Shenault is a physical player with a well-built frame who puts it to good use, both at the catch point and after the catch. He’s the complete player this offense needs to take their game to the next level in 2020 and beyond.

Wide receiver could certainly be in-play for the Bills with their first-round pick the way things sit in Buffalo. Are Cole Beasley and John Brown reliable options for 2020? Yes. But could the Bills use more depth and a youthful option at receiver too? Also yes. At 6-foot-2 and a strong 220-pound frame, Shenault looks very much like the No. 1 wideout the Bills have lacked in recent years. His size could certainly make a difference for the Bills as well. While not overly tall like the 6-foot-4 Higgins, Shenault plays big.

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Draft Wire’s new mock has Falcons finding replacement for Vic Beasley

The Atlanta Falcons obviously have a big need at defensive end, with both Vic Beasley and Adrian Clayborn potentially out of the picture in 2020

To help get you through a slow week of Atlanta Falcons news, we’ve been taking a look at some of the various mock drafts from different NFL sites.

So far, Pro Football Focus has the team selecting LSU CB Kristian Fulton. ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper both like the Falcons to take Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa.

Our friends over at Draft Wire released a new mock that projects Atlanta to land an EDGE replacement for pending free-agent DE Vic Beasley. Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling mocked LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson to the Falcons, saying the pick would be the best mix of value and need:

This pick is about finding the best value, whether it’s along the interior or on the edge. Chaisson is an explosive rusher with great technique, and would be a perfect pick to either push or supplant Vic Beasley or Takk McKinley.

The Falcons obviously have a big need at defensive end, with both Adrian Clayborn and Beasley potentially out of the picture in 2020.

Don’t rule out the team moving up, either. Atlanta has an additional second-round pick it acquired from the New England Patriots in the Mohamed Sanu trade.

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Who could the Bills target from Draft Wire’s All-Senior Bowl team?

Potential 2020 NFL Draft targets for the Buffalo Bills from Draft Wire’s 2020 All-Senior Bowl team.

Our friends at Draft Wire broke down the 2020 Senior Bowl in a second-to-none fashion (even though we may be biased).

Regardless, this year’s event for upperclassmen is in the books. Following the game last weekend, Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling tabbed his full 2020 All-Senior Bowl squad.

Of those, there are a few guys that might have caught the attention of the Bills.

Here’s a rundown of players from Draft Wire’s 2020 All-Senior Bowl squad and who could interest the Bills:

North running back Joshua Kelley of UCLA. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

RB Joshua Kelley| UCLA

Joshua Kelley finished with a game-high 105 yards on 15 carries. Memphis rusher Antonio Gibson was the next closest running back to his totals with 68 yards on 11 carries. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott already said this offseason he wants a one-two punch in his running game. Could that be Devin Singletary and Kelley?

Here’s how Draft Wire discussed Kelly’s output in the game:

This year’s running back group was less than inspiring on both squads, but Kelley looked the most impressive. He showed off a well-rounded skill set, and displayed the patience and vision NFL teams want to see from their backs. Kelley boosted his draft stock as much as any runner we saw in Mobile this week.

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Draft Wire projects Texans taking Ohio State CB Damon Arnette in third round

The Draft Wire has the Houston Texans getting younger at cornerback and taking Ohio State’s Damon Arnette in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.

The Houston Texans will get even younger at the cornerback position and still rely on the Scarlet and White to stock their secondary.

According to the latest four-round mock from the Draft Wire, the AFC South champions will use their third-round pick, No. 101 overall, to take Ohio State’s Damon Arnette.

The redshirt senior collected 35 tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception, which he returned for a 96-yard touchdown, eight pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

While the statistics aren’t flashy, Arnette would help the Texans get younger at cornerback. Currently, Johnathan Joseph will be 36 years old if he continues playing for the Texans. The club also has to decide whether to let Bradley Roby, who also went to Ohio State, walk in free agency as he is without a contract. The club does have Lonnie Johnson, a second-rounder from 2019, entering his second year and traded for Gareon Conley while also signing Vernon Hargreaves off waivers.

At 6-0, 195 pounds, Arnette would have the same body type as Roby. Arnette also knows how to play injured as he finished the 2019 season playing with a broken wrist.

Seahawks address defensive line in latest Draft Wire mock draft

Draft Wire has their latest four-round 2020 mock draft, which has the Seattle Seahawks addressing their offensive and defensive line.

Now that the college football season is officially over, it’s time to start speculating on which college stars will find their way onto the Seattle Seahawks roster for the 2020 season.

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling released his latest four round mock draft, which has the Seahawks investing heavily on the offensive and defensive lines – two key positions of need for this team if they want to make a Super Bowl run in 2020.

Here’s a look at each of Seattle’s four picks, and why they could be good fits.

Round 1, Pick 27: Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia

Kindley isn’t being mocked in the first round very many places, but Seattle does have a history of making unconventional first round picks, so maybe this makes perfect sense.

Kindley is a hulking left guard – an area of need with Mike Iupati hitting free agency – although his mobility could use some work.

He’s more of a run-blocker than a pass protector at this point, another reason Pete Carroll could be interested, but unless he really impresses in the combine he’s probably not worth a first round selection.

Round 2, Pick 59: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

Dantzler has the requisite length (six-foot-two) to be a Seattle defensive back, and his previous experience at other positions gives him the versatility that coach Carroll craves, but he lacks physicality – often getting pushed around by bigger receivers.

Plus, he’s shown a tendency to get a little grabby on deep balls, which Seattle will want to avoid after seeing Tre Flowers cost them mightily because of that same issue.

Round 2, Pick 64: Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin

This is a very weak draft for EDGE defenders, so while it may be a surprise to see Seattle wait this long to grab one, it probably makes the most sense.

Baun fits what Seattle needs as a quick pass rusher off the edge with the versatility and strength needed to make an instant impact.

He isn’t much of a run stuffer, but Seattle will take a third down pass rush specialist at this point – they can always work him into an every down player in the future.

For now, if he can get to the quarterback, he’s worth taking.

Round 4, Pick 123: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

Blacklock only recently committed to entering the 2020 NFL Draft, but many believe he has the size and strength to go within the top 100, making him a nice pickup at 123 if Seattle can get him.

Blacklock was the BIG-12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2017, and showed great ability to get into the back field throughout his time with the Horned Frogs.

Seattle fans may be weary of taking a defensive lineman from TCU, but maybe reuniting Blacklock with L.J. Collier will get both of them going for Seattle in 2020.

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Latest Draft Wire mock draft has Seahawks taking defensive tackle

The Seattle Seahawks select a defensive tackle, a guard, and a cornerback in the latest three-round mock draft from Draft Wire.

The Seattle Seahawks have advanced to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs and are all set to take on the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a peek at how the roster could get re-shaped during the 2020 NFL draft.

Despite a stellar 2019 season, Seattle clearly has some holes on its roster, holes that Luke Easterling of Draft Wire believes they will look to fill in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

In his latest three-round mock draft for Draft Wire, Easterling has the Seahawks picking No. 28, No. 60 and No. 63 overall based on current standings and trades.

With those picks, Seattle is mocked to select Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, Michigan guard Ben Bredeson, and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

“Free agency could decimate this defensive line this offseason, so don’t be surprised if the Seahawks opt for cheaper, younger talent in the draft to replace whatever they lose on the open market,” Easterling wrote about Davis. “Davis is huge, athletic, and versatile, and is ready to make an immediate impact.”

Davis is more of a run-stuffer than a pass rusher, which may not make him an ideal fit for a Seattle team that already has Poona Ford in the middle, but if Jarran Reed doesn’t return the team could opt to replace him with another Alabama product in Davis.

Bredeson is projected as a starting guard at the NFL level, and – unsurprisingly – is more of a run-blocker than a pass-protector. With both Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker potentially free agents after this year (depending if Fluker opts out) the team could certainly use more guard play up front.

Ethan Pocic may slide over to the starting center role, and having Bredeson and Phil Haynes to build around on the interior – not to mention Jamarco Jones, who seems to have transitioned to guard – would be a good start toward building a line Russell Wilson can succeed behind.

Johnson would join Cody Barton and Marquise Blair as former Utes on the Seattle defense, and his length and range as a cornerback will no doubt be attractive to coach Pete Carroll.

Seattle’s depth behind Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers is extraordinarily thin, and while Johnson may need some time to develop he has all the tools to be a legit shutdown corner in the NFL, with the proper molding from Carroll and company.

The Seahawks are no doubt focused on the task at hand against Green Bay on Sunday, but these three players are among the many they will be in on during draft season.

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Eagles land Clemson WR, TCU CB in Draft Wire’s updated 2-round mock

Eagles land Clemson WR, TCU CB in Draft Wire’s update 2-round mock

The Philadelphia Eagles are just hours away from clinching a playoff spot, but that doesn’t mean NFL Draft season hasn’t officially gotten underway.

With the College Football Playoffs kicking off on Saturday night, tons of draft day prospects will on display over the next few weeks in bowl games and then again in the Senior Bowl.

Draft Wire and Luke Easterling just released an updated two-round mock draft and the Eagles come away with an All Acc selection and a stud from TCU.

With the 21st pick in the first round, Draft Wire has the Eagles selecting Clemson star wide receiver Tee Higgins. with the No. 54 overall pick, the Eagles then are projected to snag TCU cornerback, Jeff Gladney.

A five-star recruit, Higgins originally committed to the University of Tennessee to play college football before changing to Clemson. The junior was Clemson’s leading receiver this season with 53 receptions for 1,103 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Higgins was second-team All ACC in 2018 and capped his final season at Clemson by garnering first-team All-ACC honors.

Gladney stands 6-feet tall almost 200 pounds and was a four-year starter at TCU and one of the fastest players in college football. Gladney has been clocked at a 4.34 40-yard dash time and bench pressed 400 pounds last offseason.

Gladney is a shutdown corner, allowing the lowest passer rating in the Big 12 in 2018 with 13 pass breakups, and this season collected 14 more deflections — tied for fifth in the FBS.