The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 7.0 as we dig into the last 13 days before the draft kicks off. This is part two covering teams 17-32.
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft: 1-16
17. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Ward is a newcomer to the mock draft, but this situation makes a ton of sense. The Ravens need a safety and it just so happens the top two are gone in this scenario. Enter Ward who has played himself into being a borderline first round prospect at this point. Ravens may reach, but they get their guy.
18. New York Jets: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
The Jets will be drafting mostly, if not all, on offense. Cooks is a great route runner with sure hands, which is what the Jets need most. Cooks runs a great vertical route and will be the deep threat they have lacked.
19. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame
Dolphins are still reeling from the bully scandal and needed to purge their already mediocre offensive line. Martin can be groomed to take over for the inevitable Brendan Albert injury in 2014 and his retirement in the next few years.
20. Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Barr is sliding down everyone’s board so I guess I’ll follow suit. Barr has a high chance of being a bust, but his game has a chance of translating. Barr can learn from John Abraham until he retires and then step into his role and hopefully thrive.
21. Green Bay Packers: C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama
Mosley is settling into the 20-32 area of the draft after rumors of his stock dropping into the second round. Mosley could still fall out of the first round, but if it is between Mosley and Ryan Shanzier for this pick the Alabama project has the edge.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
The Eagles seem to be set on offense, but Chip Kelly could notice there are slim pickings in the back end of the draft for defensive talent. The Eagles can make their WR core one of the best in the league with Benjamin and that is right up Kelly’s ally.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA
High on the list of needs for the Chiefs is some interior offensive line help. Su’a-Filo is the top pure guard in the draft and would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs. The Chiefs don’t make the most exciting pick, but it’s on that must be made.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
The Bengals get one of the better corners and don’t have to settle for one that is still on the board. Dennard will bring a youth rush to the Bengals corner position and if I know the Cincinnati CB group, Dennard will see a lot of playing time.
25. San Diego Chargers: Louis Nix, NT, Notre Dame
San Diego needs a huge body to eat up blocks and take on double teams and look no further than Louis Nix. Nix specializes in just this skill and I have mocked him earlier due to this type of skill set becoming more of an endangered species. The Chargers are another team that will load up on defensive talent.
26. Cleveland Browns (via Colts): Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Browns got their quarterback and now it’s time to stock up on weapons. Lee is a perfect compliment receiver for the Browns and could step into one of the better situations for a rookie receiver. Lee could catch 90 balls as a rookie in Cleveland.
27. New Orleans Saints: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Ealy slides a little and the Saints jump all over it. Rob Ryan wants more defensive playmakers and was granted his wish with Jairus Byrd. Sean Payton has shown he is content with the offense player he has at his disposal and can get a WR later in such a deep draft. Ealy can rush the passer and take some pressure off the Saints offense.
28. Carolina Panthers: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
The Panthers are another team on the outside looking in when it comes to WRs. Moses is a reach for the the first round, but when you are out of first round options at this point, you have to address your biggest need. The Panthers are paper thing at WR and OT.
29. TRADE Oakland Raiders (via Patriots): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Raiders make up for their boring pick at No. 5 with the exciting, show-stopping pick in the later goings of Round 1. Bridgewater is a great fit for the Raiders and was rumored to be high on their list for the No. 5 pick.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Dee Ford, OLB/DE, Auburn
The 49ers take Ford based on his upside and his ability to potentially be the heir to Aldon Smith. Ford could sneak into the first round based of a stellar offseason, but his game tape is lacking in some areas.
31. Denver Broncos: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Shazier is a nice piece to a team loaded with leaders and veterans. He can sit back and play his game while others teach him the ways and he gains expereince. Shazier has the speed to run down these players and deliver a hit in the process. Very good technique and delivers at the point of attack.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Joel Bitonio, OT/G/C, Nevada
The true utility lineman, Bitonio can play all five position on the line. The Seahawks can use a utility guy like that just in case someone goes down midseason. Bitonio will also compete for a starting guard spot, but in his rookie season he can rotate to where the need is.
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