17. New York Giants (Via CLE): DL Dexter Lawrence
(Original Pick – DL Dexter Lawrence)
There could be multiple ways for New York to go, but in the end, why change what’s working? Lawrence by no means was elite coming out of Clemson, but 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble are decent numbers for a rookie on the line. Gettleman stays put and picks the same two players.
18. Minnesota Vikings: OL Garrett Bradbury
(Original Pick – OL Garrett Bradbury)
If you want Kirk Cousins to be good, draft offensive linemen. Hey look, Garrett Bradbury is one! Oh, and he makes Dalvin Cook look like an All-Pro runner thanks to his blocking skills? Run, Rick Speilman, run to the podium and never look back on this pick.
19. Tennessee Titans: WR Deebo Samuel
(Original Pick – DL Jeffery Simmons)
It’s tempting to put Jeffery Simmons here because of his success, but man, Ryan Tannehill needs a new weapon. Proven with Brown’s success, the Titans were a receiver away from becoming a standout offense no matter who is under center. Deebo Samuel is the obvious pick after being selected 36th by the 49ers. The former Gamecock caught 57 passes for 802 yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers aren’t in spitting distance to the Ole Miss target, they’re in the same area code.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Gardner Minshew
(Original Pick – TE Noah Fant (Via DEN)
Pittsburgh almost made the playoffs last season with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. Granted, the defense did most of the heavy lifting, but even without Bush, Kevin Colbert still trades for Minkah Fitzpatrick to improve the secondary.
Everyone missed on “Minshew Mania” coming out of Washington State. While a sixth-round pick jumping to the first is unheard of, Minshew threw for 3,271 yards with 21 touchdowns and just six interceptions following Nick Foles’ first touchdown pass in Duval County. Behind a better offensive line and more standout weapons, perhaps the madness could have pushed Pittsburgh into the postseason?
21.Seattle Seahawks: DL Jeffery Simmons
(Original Pick – S Darnell Savage (Via GB))
The Seahawks traded for Jadeveon Clowney before the start of the season. He played a mix of both defensive end and tackle while part of the 12th Man, and collected a career-low three sacks. This time around, John Schneider takes Jeffery Simmons to play in the middle. Although injured for half the season, the Mississippi State product collected 32 total tackles and a pair of sacks.
He’s going to be a star in the Music City, and he would undoubtedly fix the defensive line in Seattle as well.
22. Baltimore Ravens: WR Marquise Brown
(Original Pick – OT Andre Dillard (Via PHI))
Baltimore traded back and still got their guy. Since there are no trades this time around, they stand pat and grab the Sooner sensation at No.22. Brown finished his rookie season with 46 passes for 584 yards and seven scores. As a vertical threat, he was a perfect addition for MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. No reason to overthink this, Eric DeCosta.
23. Houston Texans: OT Jawaan Taylor
(Original Pick – OT Tytus Howard)
Honestly, Tytus Howard wasn’t a terrible pick when on the field and very well could have been the selection here. If the Texans are still trading for Laremy Tunsil, perhaps a healthier option, like Jawaan Taylor could have made sense for Brian Gaine’s final first-round pick.
When playing the right tackle for the Jaguars, the Florida product helped the run game improve drastically. He also played in all 16 games and is the future of the position for the AFC South rival. At least Houston would finally have two bookends for Watson’s progression that could stay healthy.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (Via CHI): RB Josh Jacobs
(Original Pick – RB Josh Jacobs)
Running backs aren’t valued, thus hurting Jacobs’ stock. In the end, he lands with the same team in the same spot, and no one will question it. The Alabama runner was limited with the Crimson Tide but broke out for 1,316 total yards and seven touchdowns.
Is it likely he lands here? No, but it’s my draft, and I’ll do what I want.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
(Original Pick – WR Marquise Brown (Via BAL))
As much as the offensive line wasn’t a need, Andre Dillard still wasn’t the right pick for now. Instead, the Eagles take the 39th pick out of Central Michigan at No.25. Murphy-Bunting was fantastic as a rookie, finishing the season with 44 tackles, eight passes defended, three interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble. This would be a huge upgrade over everyone, but Darius Slay, heading into the new decade.
26. Indianapolis Colts: S Darnell Savage
(Original Pick – Montez Sweat (Via WAS))
The Colts ranked 23rd in pass defense last season. And with Malik Hooker’s option being declined, Indianapolis could address the position with help from Darnell Savage, a multi-tooled defender who could play either role. With the Packers, the Maryland standout finished with 55 tackles; five passes defended, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 14 starts.
27. Las Vegas Raiders (Via DAL): DE Montez Sweat
(Original Pick – S Jonathan Abram)
It’s hard to tell how Jonathan Abram will turn out other than the one game he played before a season-ending injury. Instead, Las Vegas adds a pass rusher to complete their first-round picks with Montez Sweat joining their line. Despite playing for an abysmal franchise, Sweat thrived in the D.C. area. The former Bulldog finished with seven sacks and 50 tackles while starting all 16 games and would be a natural fit in Paul Gunther’s 4-3 base defense.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Andre Dillard
(Original Pick – DL Jerry Tillery)
The Chargers have struggled to find a serviceable offensive line for years. With or without Philip Rivers, the franchise needed to build for their future with additions like Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner. This time around, they add another option to their line of defense.
Andre Dillard struggled in Philadelphia but could be better suited for Anthony Lynn’s offense. Should he struggle against the pass rush, move him to the right side and let Bulaga play on the left — or vice versa.
29. Seattle Seahawks (Via KC): DE Clelin Ferrell
(Original Pick – DL L.J. Collier)
The Seahawks used this selection to take TCU’s, L.J. Collier. This time around, they still address the position while adding a player worthy of a first-round grade. Clelin Ferrell has a lackluster year in Oakland, collecting 4.5 sacks and 38 total tackles. Flashing the potential to become a quality defender, perhaps a change of scenery would have the former Clemson star living up to the hype.
30. Green Bay Packers (Via NO): TE Noah Fant
(Original Pick – CB Deandre Baker (Via GB & SEA))
Again, let’s give Aaron Rodgers weapons. The Packers drafted Texas A&M’s Jace Sternberger in the third round, but he was injured all season. Noah Fant, meanwhile, flashed his ability to become a top-level tight end with the Broncos. Finishing the season with 40 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns, perhaps that’s enough to give Matt LaFleur and Rodgers a trip to Miami in February.
31. Los Angeles Rams: OL Erik McCoy
(Original Pick – OT Kaleb McGary (Via ATL))
The Rams saw John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold depart in free agency. The pick was traded away on draft night, but this time around, Los Angeles plays it smart and finds Erik McCoy to bolster their line. The former Aggie thrived in New Orleans as Max Unger’s replacement and has a knack for pass protection up the middle. Add in his run blocking skills, and maybe Los Angeles could have been talking postseason play last December.
32. New England Patriots: QB Dwayne Haskins
(Original Pick – WR N’Keal Harry)
Well, you knew this was coming. With Tom Brady firing the cannons in Tampa, the Patriots need a true future quarterback. Gardner Minshew would be nice, but Haskins’ potential could work under Bill Belichick. Playing in nine games, the former Buckeye was even in touchdowns and interceptions, while tossing for 1,365 yards.
This time, he can learn a full season from one of the best before taking over as the future of Foxborough.