The New York Giants select three players and address two major areas of need in the latest three-round CBS Sports mock draft.
The New York Giants have clear needs along both their offensive and defensive lines, which most experts expect the team to address in the early rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Such was the case during a mock draft courtesy of R.J. White from CBS Sports earlier this week, where the Giants went with a familiar offensive tackle in Round 1.
No. 4, Jedrick Wills Jr., OL
A proven commodity at the right tackle position, Wills can lock down that position in his rookie year and potential slide over to left tackle in 2021. He gives the Giants the upgrade they need in protection for their young QB.
Wills has become such a common (perhaps the most common?) mock to the Giants that there’s no sense in rehashing what we’ve already published a seemingly countless number of times. Needless to say, Wills would immediately step in at offensive tackle.
In Round 2, the Giants also go with a familiar face — the brother of one of their former players.
No. 36, Julian Okwara, EDGE
The Giants picked up offensive line help with their first pick, and now they pick up an edge rusher who could be in the mix to go in the first round despite an injury cutting his 2019 season short.
After the NFL Combine and some private workouts, it’s unlikely Okwara slips into Round 2, but crazier things have happened. If the Giants were able to get lucky and land both a starting offensive tackle in the first round and then a potential starting EDGE rusher in the second round, that would be a huge win for general manager Dave Gettleman.
Adding to the fun, White takes a gamble and actually projects the Giants’ third-round compensatory pick, sliding them into spot No. 70 overall.
No. 70, Lamar Jackson, CB
Projected comp pick. The Giants have to focus on upgrading their pass defense, and even if they can sign a quality starter in free agency, Jackson can still help depth at a position with more questions than answers.
Yet another young project cornerback… We’re not sure that’s the best approach for the Giants with all of their other needs, but many draft experts are trending toward the Giants taking both a cornerback and wide receiver over the first few rounds. We’ll see…
Here’s how the Colts can replace DE Jabaal Sheard.
There is still over a month until free agency officially begins for the Indianapolis Colts and one of their pending free agents is veteran defensive end Jabaal Sheard.
The ultimate leader in the locker room and a steady run defender, Sheard was Chris Ballard’s first outside free-agent signing in 2017. But he’s 30 years old now and his production has been far from game-changing at one of the most important defensive positions. The Colts could re-sign him to a short-term deal or they could look to free agency and the draft to replace him.
If they decide to go with the latter, here are six options the Colts could consider to replace Sheard this offseason:
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Yannick Ngakoue | Age: 24 | Free Agency
Turning 25 years old at the end of March, Ngakoue will be one of the most pursued free agents should the Jaguars allow him to hit the market. There is always a chance they franchise tag the former third-round pick but if they don’t, the Colts should be all over this pass rusher.
Priorities for the Jaguars and their roster in the off-season: 1. Re-sign Yannick Ngakoue 2. Everything else pic.twitter.com/K4ZWJpjoNU
A steady contributor since being drafted, Ngakoue has 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits over the last four seasons. That’s good for the 12th and eighth-most among pass rushers during that stand. He’s also missed just two games since entering the league.
The price range might keep Chris Ballard out of serious bidding but Ngakoue can be a game-changer for the Colts and should be heavily considered if he winds up hitting the market.
Time will tell but recent trends in some of the most-respected draft analysts mock drafts have had fewer and fewer former Fighting Irish going in round one.
April 23 will bring the start of the 2020 NFL Draft, this year being held in Las Vegas as part of the NFL’s celebration of bringing the league to Vegas with the Raiders.
How many Notre Dame players will we see drafted in those three days? Time will tell but recent trends in some of the most-respected draft analysts mock drafts have had fewer and fewer former Fighting Irish going in round one.
Matt Miller from Bleacher Report released his full seven round mock draft this weekend and had eight different Notre Dame players getting selected. Now who were they and where did he have them going?
R1 – 30: Cole Kmet, TE, Green Bay Packers
R2 – 54: Julian Okwara, Edge Rusher, Buffalo Bills
R3 – 75: Khalid Kareem, Edge Rusher, Indianapolis Colts
R3 – 94: Chase Claypool, WR, Green Bay Packers
R4 – 145: Troy Pride, Jr., CB, Baltimore Ravens
R5 – 153: Jalen Elliott, S, Arizona Cardinals
R6 – 196: Alohi Gilman, S, New England Patriots
R7 – 241: Tony Jones, Jr., RB, Miami Dolphins
A few thoughts on this one:
First off, as a Chicago Bears fan I despise the idea of both Kmet and Claypool going to Green Bay. Jimmy Graham is washed up at tight end while aside from Davante Adams, there aren’t many options for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. Kmet and Claypool fix that issue, especially when you factor in the ridiciulous depth of talent at wide receiver in this draft being the only reason Claypool would be a fourth round pick.
Okwara not only not in the first round but really not sniffing the first round. It certainly is starting to seem like it’s going to be Kmet or bust for that first round.
Troy Pride, Jr. as a fourth round pick by the Ravens feels like the kind of Ravens defensive pick that you see, don’t think a ton about initally and then you look up six years later and he’s still a mainstay on that defense.
Alohi Gilman as a reserve safety and special teams player for the Patriots seems like the most Bill Belichick sixth round draft pick ever…well, besides that Brady guy.
Tony Jones, Jr. gets selected in this one. I know the All-Star games don’t carry nearly the weight as the practices before them do but he had a rather weak showing a few weeks back in Tampa and I’ll be pleasantly surprised if his name is called and he’s not an undrafted free agent.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Notre Dame edge defender Julian Okwara
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many talented pass rushers. If your favorite team is looking for an edge defender who is no stranger to overcoming challenges and making big plays, they should be all over Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara.
One of the top edge rushers in the 2020 NFL draft class, Okwara recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his childhood journey to the United States from Nigeria, how he approaches his pass-rushing plan, and how playing for the Fighting Irish prepared him for the next level.
JM: You moved to the U.S. from Nigeria in the third grade. You were obviously quite young, but I’m curious as to what you remember about that process, and if you experienced any culture shock at all?
JO: Yeah, it was a process for us. I lived in Nigeria with my dad, and my brother, Romeo. I remember Romeo and I just hanging out. We always had sports when life got tough. I remember playing a lot of basketball growing up. I was a soccer guy, as well. We were always hanging out outdoors. We made the move to Charlotte when I was eight years old. It wasn’t much of a culture shock because I had some family here already. They really helped us make a smooth transition. My brother and sister were already here with my mom. It was more about getting used to new surroundings. It wasn’t so bad if I’m being honest.
JM: Your mom came here first, as you said, and you guys eventually followed. They made quite the sacrifice. What did that teach you about hard work?
JO: It taught me that hard work comes with a lot of sacrifice. My dad took a huge risk by bringing his family here while he was still in Nigeria working on his business and other things he had going on at the time. He ultimately knew that coming to America was one of the best things he could do for his family. He was able to make some sacrifices, my mother was already here with my other brother and sister. It was all about making a better life for ourselves.
I think it all worked out nicely. Romeo is playing in the NFL, my other brother has a great job back in Charlotte, and I’m on my way as well. My sister is in college right now. Education was always huge for our family. I think my dad knew that moving us here gave us the best chance. My dad actually went to college as well. He understood the benefits and potential payoff of moving his family here. It all worked out in the long run.
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
JM: How much of being a successful pass rusher is accomplished pre-snap?
JO: A lot of it starts pre-snap. For me, it starts with being familiar with the quarterback in general. I pay attention to the cadence and things of that nature. I’m a big film guy. Any advantage you can gain going into a game is huge. Getting in the film room and picking up on anything about his habits before he snaps the ball can be huge. It’s about getting familiar with that and being able to key in on it during a game. Watching the offensive linemen on film is obviously a huge component as well. I try to look at their body language and see if I can pick up on anything. For example, when he’s a little low in his stance before the snap, it’s likely a run play. You just try to pick up on a tell and key in on that.
JM: I love that. Do you have a favorite pass rush move?
JO: I love bull-rushing people. I love to use my stab, as well. I have pretty long arms, or at least that’s what I’ve always been told (laughs). That’s the move I’ve always worked on. I’ve been working on that since I was a freshmen. To be able to use that move, to be able to keep contain in the run game, those are some of the things I’m really proud of. I can use it to come under, shed the block and get to the quarterback. I think it’s more of a two-way move, I can use that without selling out to get to the quarterback in case it’s a run play. It’s important that I don’t lose contain.
JM: Let’s say that bull rush is stopped, you’re having trouble with it. How do you counter?
JO: I’ve incorporated the spin move quite a bit. I’m more of a finesse player. I try not to overthink things and run with whatever the offensive linemen is giving me. You can’t be too fixated on what you’ve done in the past and what not. Every game is different and every opponent is different. I have to make sure I’m well prepared for each opponent because the strategy has to stay fresh. I have to practice what I’m good at, but I also have to be ready to counter. That can really help you throughout the course of a game.
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
JM: I’ve heard some great news regarding your recovery from injury. I see a dynamic, athletic player on film. What can you tell me about that?
JO: I’ve been rehabbing a lot. A lot of people seemed to think the injury was a lot worse than it was. I was never injured before that. To have a minor injury, I’m thankful that I’ve been healthy throughout my collegiate career. I now understand what it’s like to overcome the process of rehabbing. Everybody goes through it at some point. That’s just the nature of the game.
I’m working my way towards the NFL right now and there’s always going to be some sort of adversity when you’re working towards such a major goal or accomplishment. I’ve been rehabbing twice a day and the process has been going well. I have some amazing people in my corner. They’re constantly checking in on me and making sure I’m good to go. I’ve been attacking rehab the same way I attack a workout or a practice. You just have to commit yourself. That part is crucial. I’ve been getting my strength back day by day.
JM: Playing at Notre Dame allowed you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?
JO: I would say the best offensive tackle I’ve faced throughout my career was Andrew Thomas from Georgia. He’s a really strong guy and it’s always a challenge to go up against him. I think I went up against him during my freshmen or sophomore year when we played them at home and then again this past season. He’s an incredible player that we always had to account for. You better be ready for him.
JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to sack?
JO: I would probably say Tom Brady. I just think he’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. I just read an article that said he’s coming back next year so maybe I’ll get my chance to get after him (laughs). If we’re on the same team, I won’t be allowed to touch him of course. I’m not trying to lose my job (laughs). Anyone that plays defense, you’ve always dreamed about going up against these legendary quarterbacks and he’s obviously one of those guys.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
JM: The NFL Scouting Combine will be here before we know it. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular?
JO: I’m looking forward to the bench press. I always see people talking about how small I am compared to this person or that person. I expect to see my bench numbers a little higher than the guys I’m sometimes compared with. I love going out there and showing people that I’m strong enough to set the edge and be a force in the run game as well. I’m strong enough to bull rush my opponent into the quarterback’s lap. I’m excited about the chance to show off my ability in all of the drills and show that my size is a non-issue. I’m out to prove that I’m gonna be a great addition to any organization.
JM: You had some great teammates at Notre Dame, but I’m gonna put you on the spot: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would it be and why?
JO: I would probably say Jamir Jones. We came in together. He’s a defensive end that I’m close with. We knew we could always count on him. He was always ready to step in and do whatever the team asked of him. Whether guys were getting injured or whatever, he always stepped in and sacrificed himself for the greater good of our locker room. He’s just an excellent teammate and a super reliable guy. He’s always been one of my best friends. We have each other’s backs no matter what. We just have that connection.
JM: If you could pick the brain of any current or former pass rusher, who would it be and why?
JO: Von Miller. I’ve been watching him since I was in middle school. He’s always been one of my idols as a pass rusher. He’s definitely one of the greatest pass rushers of our era. He’s just been super productive. His ability to bend the corner and get to the quarterback is such a pleasure to watch. He just wreaks havoc out there. I’d love to understand the way he plays the game. That would be a fun sit-down for me. Getting tips from him would be a blessing.
JM: Lots of mock drafts are placing you in the first round. I wanna give you a chance to tell me why that’s justified at this point?
JO: I believe I’m one of the best defensive ends in the country, if not THE best defensive end in the country. I think my skill-set could benefit any defensive game plan or alignment. I think I’m scheme versatile, I can play defensive end in a 4-3 alignment or outside linebacker in a 3-4. I have a lot of room to grow still. Any team that picks me is getting a fierce competitor who won’t accept anything less than being great. I wanna be one of the best defensive ends to ever played the game. I’m excited to bring my leadership attributes to the locker room as well. I’m a lead by example kinda guy. I’ll do everything I can to get the best outta the guys around me.
JM: How will you look back on your time at Notre Dame a few years from now?
JO: Coming to Notre Dame helped me become the man that I am today. There were points in my life throughout high school that I didn’t know what the future held for me when it came to the athletics. I can look back at it already and say I graduated from Notre Dame. I’ll forever be an alumni. I’ll always think about that and remember the people that helped me along the way. I’ll always remember the staff, everyone in the athletic department, my family of course. They really have a family environment up there. I knew they always had my back. It’s a true four-year program. It really speaks for itself.
With some fine-tuning, Okwara could quickly become a difference-maker in an NFL defense.
The college football season has officially come to a close, and many stars from the 2019 season will be moving on to the next phase of their careers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
One of those is Notre Dame defensive end Julian Okwara, who USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz projects the Tennessee Titans will select at No. 29 overall.
The mock has the Titans picking behind the Ravens and just ahead of the Green Bay Packers.
“Mike Vrabel has thrown an assortment of players into the pass-rushing mix, yet none have proven consistent threats,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “Tennessee can ramp up its efforts on this front by grabbing Okwara, who’s still learning the finer points of his position but has a tantalizing athletic profile.”
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Okwara’s season ended early due to a fibula injury, and he’s also struggled with consistency issues in the past.
His overall athletic ability is highly impressive though, and he racked up 13.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 22 games over the past two seasons.
With some fine-tuning, Okwara could quickly become a difference-maker in an NFL defense.
Regardless of where he ends up, there’s no doubting that Okwara is a big get for any team looking to strengthen its pass rush, and it will be interesting to see where he ultimately ends up in April.
The other Golden Domer that Middlehurst-Schwartz had going in round one would be headed to one of the few franchises still playing football this January.
As college football has concluded for 2019 and the NFL has just three more games of consequence we slowly start to turn to the annual blending of the two, the NFL Draft.
Next weekend will be the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama and coaches and scouts will get a chance to see the stars of tomorrow up close for a week.
With that in mind it is officially Mock Draft Season.
Perhaps the excitement in the air isn’t quite as rich as when the holidays hit in December but for football fans and followers it’s an interesting time to watch stocks rise and fall NFL bound players.
Here is who Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has going and where he has them headed in April’s draft:
23. Patriots — Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame: WhileNew England’s future with Tom Brady remains unclear, perhaps it’s time for Bill Belichick and Co. to focus on a different glaring issue. As the draft’s top talent at tight end, Kmet might help fill the Rob Gronkowski-sized hole in this offense.
Ah, the natural fit. If you’re a tight end you want to go to Notre Dame because they turn out more talent than anyone else at the position. Meanwhile if you’re in the NFL it’s hard to find many places better to play than New England where so much of their offensive success over the last two decades has been built on great tight ends. This would be a dream scenario for Kmet.
The other Golden Domer that Middlehurst-Schwartz had going in round one would be headed to one of the few franchises still playing football this January.
29. Titans — Julian Okwara, DE/OLB, Notre Dame:Mike Vrabel has thrown an assortment of players into the pass-rushing mix, yet none have proven consistent threats. Tennessee can ramp up its efforts on this front by grabbing Okwara, who’s still learning the finer points of his position but has a tantalizing athletic profile.
Will Okwara end being a first round pick? It depends you ask, read or follow as he is seemingly very much on the bubble there. After what they’ve done the last two weekends and really since the middle of the regular season Okwara would be walking into a place to likely to compete for something big again.
Okwara finishes his Notre Dame career with 14.5 career sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions.
Julian Okwara’s Notre Dame career didn’t end the way anyone wanted as he suffered a leg injury at Duke in early November but his future still remains plenty bright at the next level.
More on that in a moment but Okwara took a moment Sunday to simply say “thank you” to the entire Notre Dame community for his last four years.
Okwara finishes his Notre Dame career with 14.5 career sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions.
In Pro Football Focus’s latest NFL Mock Draft they had Okwara going in the late first round, citing that he figures to be loved at the scouting combine.
Notre Dame stars Tommy Kraemer and Julian Okwara were both mocked within the first three rounds of Draft Wire’s latest 2020 NFL mock draft.
USA TODAY’s Draft Wire put together a three-round mock draft during Week 15 of the NFL season, and two Notre Dame players were projected to get selected.
First up was right guard Tommy Kraemer, who was mocked in the late second round (no. 63 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens.
Kraemer sprained his MCL and has not played in the final five games of the 2019 season. As of now, it is unclear if he will play in the Camping World Bowl. It’s also unclear if he will even declare for the NFL Draft, or if he will stay for a fifth season in South Bend.
If he does decide to go the professional route, landing in Baltimore with a chance to protect future MVP Lamar Jackson would certainly be desirable.
Next up is Julian Okwara, another injured Irish player who has played his final game of the season after suffering a broken fibula.
Okwara has seen his name pop up in the first round of a lot of draft boards, but this one has him all the way down in the third round, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs at no. 90 overall.
Okwara has all the potential in the world to be an elite pass rusher off the edge, and how he recovers from this injury will have a lot to do with his draft stock, and potential future earnings, in the NFL.
Since we won’t have a notre Dame game to watch for almost a month why not live in the moment and enjoy extended highlights from Saturday’s win over Stanford?
The next time we see Notre Dame playing a football game it’ll probably be taking place in Orlando just after Christmas.
From then we have to wait to the annual tease that is the spring game before the regular season begins August 29 against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.
In the meantime, how about living in the now? Check out the highlights from Saturday’s regular season finale that moved Notre Dame to 10-2.
Did you miss our tenth win of the year (for the third year in a row?)
Or maybe you simply want to relive our dominating performance.
The most recent mocks for 2020 NFL draft heavily favor defense for the Seattle Seahawks.
As college football’s regular season wraps up, Seattle Seahawks fans can look forward to watching top prospects in their bowl games and speculating which of them will be selected by their favorite team in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft.
This week, the season-ending injury to Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shook things up and made several writers across the country rethink their 2020 NFL draft predictions, leading to a slew of new mocks – let’s see which of college football’s best might be available when Seattle is on the clock next year.
