How Lucas Foresees The End Of The First Round Of The 2018 Draft.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo Bills): Isaiah Wynn, Offensive Tackle/Guard from Georgia
Isiah Wynn played tackle at Georgia, but, due to concerns about his height, he will likely have to play guard in the NFL. He is very athletic, is great in pass protection, and good be a big upgrade for the Bengals offensive line. His versatility is what makes him the first interior offensive lineman off the board.
Play That Best Showcases Isaiah Wynn:
https://streamable.com/jl77q
22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs): James Daniels, Center/Guard from Iowa
With the retirement of center Eric Wood, and guard Richie Incognito aging, the Bills could use some help with protecting new quarterback Lamar Jackson. They get just that, with Daniels who is the best center in the draft. Daniels is a big mauler of a center who is looking to hurt defenders with his powerful blocking on every play.
Play That Best Showcases James Daniels:
https://streamable.com/816bh
23. New England Patriots: Jaire Alexander, Cornerback from Louisville
With the loss of Malcolm Butler in free agency, and the pitiful performance of all corners not named Stephon Gilmore in the Superbowl, the Patriots upgrade the position big time here with the ultra-athletic Jaire Alexander. Alexander was one of the most impressive players at the NFL combine, and had a fantastic 2016 season. Injuries derailed his 2017 season, but he has a very good chance to bounce back in the NFL. Alexander also offers value as a kick returner.
Play That Best Showcases Jaire Alexander:
https://streamable.com/4iiwb
24. Carolina Panthers: Justin Reid, Safety from Stanford
Justin Reid is an extremely speedy safety who specializes in pass coverage. He fills a massive need for the Panthers, who do not currently have a player on their roster capable of playing the free safety position. Reid also offers positional versatility, as he has played nickel cornerback at a high level.
Play That Best Showcases Justin Reid:
https://streamable.com/0lkop
25. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Davenport, Outside Linebacker from UTSA
Davenport is one of the most intriguing players in the draft. He is a nightmare to go against phsycially (6’6″, 260 pounds) but comes from the small UTSA where he never played against great competition. He got away with beating offensive tackles with only his power in college, and he won’t be able to in the NFL. If he can develop his pass rushing moves, he has very high potential.
Play That Best Showcases Marcus Davenport:
https://streamable.com/7ysbn
26. Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Hurst, Defensive Tackle from Michigan
The Falcons have a need for a three technique defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket and rush the passer, and that’s exactly what they get with the athletic Maurice Hurst. Hurst falls this far in the draft due to a heart condition that kept him from performing in the NFL combine, but he has since been cleared.
Play That Best Showcases Maurice Hurst:
https://streamable.com/9s5qp
27. New Orleans Saints: Mike Gesicki, Tight End from Penn State
After missing out on Jimmy Graham in free agency, the Saints get a potentially better player here with Gesicki. Gesicki is a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense and offers a massive target for Drew Brees. An offense featuring Mark Inram, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn and now Gesicki is borderline unstoppable.
Play That Best Showcases Mike Gesicki:
https://streamable.com/nc8vd
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Lorenzo Carter, Linebacker from Georgia
Lorenzo Carter played both inside and outside linebacker in Georgia’s 3-4 defense, and he did a good job of both. The general feeling is that he would be a better outside linebacker in the NFL, but his versatility makes him a great fit for the Steelers defense, which is looking both for an upgrade at the edge position and a replacement for Ryan Shazier.
Play That Best Showcases Lorenzo Carter:
https://streamable.com/4o3dt
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Hernandez, Guard from UTEP
The Jaguars are bringing back old school, run first football, and they solidify their already strong run game by drafting Will Hernandez. Hernandez is a bit undersized at only 6’2″, but he more than makes up for it with his strength and technique in both pass and run blocking. With this addition, the Jaguars will have the strongest interior offensive line in the NFL, with Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder and now Will Hernandez.
Play That Best Showcases Will Hernandez:
https://streamable.com/et4me
30. Minnesota Vikings: Frank Ragnow, Guard/Center from Arkansas
Ragnow is another versatility interior offensive lineman who can play both guard and center, and the Vikings could use some help along the interior of their offensive line. Rangow is not as powerful of a blocker as James Daniels, but he makes up for it with fantastic technique for a player coming out of college.
Play That Best Showcases Frank Ragnow:
https://streamable.com/t47kh
31. New England Patriots: Connor Williams, Offensive Tackle/Guard from Texas
Connor Williams has the potential to replace Nate Solder at left tackle for the Patriots. If that doesn’t work out, he is also a good fit for the tackle position on the right side of the offensive line, or he could potentially play either of the guard positions. The Patriots offense benefits from adding a versatile offensive lineman who can start from day one.
Play That Best Showcases Connor Williams:
https://streamable.com/nwtjj
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrius Guice, Running Back from LSU
After losing running back LeGarrette Blount to the Lions this offseason, the Eagles actually upgrade their backfield by taking the best player available. Guice is a powerful runner who also has the speed to get away from defenses and can be a factor in the passing game. I have Guice as a top 10 overall talent in this draft and believe he can develop into a franchise running back.
Play That Best Showcases Derrius Guice:
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