Former Rams coach picks Sweat
11. Cincinnati Bengals | Devin White | LB | LSU
Murray would be a fantastic fit in Cincy, but if the Bengals get sniped one pick prior, they’ll still have plenty of solid options at other positions of need. In this situation, the best blend of need and value comes at linebacker, where a complete player like White would be a steal.
12. Green Bay Packers | Montez Sweat | EDGE | Mississippi State
Adding a dynamic tight end to help Aaron Rodgers in tempting here, but the Packers simply can’t ignore their many needs on defense. This year’s EDGE class is deep at the top, which should allow the Packers to land a versatile, athletic playmaker like Sweat outside the top 10.
13. Miami Dolphins | Daniel Jones | QB | Duke
It wouldn’t be surprising if the new regime in Miami would prefer to hand-pick a new franchise quarterback, choosing to move on from Ryan Tannehill. If that happens, and they can’t make a move up for Murray, the raw but promising Jones could be a solid consolation prize.
14. Atlanta Falcons | Ed Oliver | DL | Houston
Even after placing the franchise tag on Grady Jarrett, the Falcons should still be looking for ways to improve the interior of their defensive line. What better way to do that than landing Oliver, a rare athlete who was once in the conversation at No. 1 overall.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from WAS)* | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama
After moving back twice and stockpiling picks to reload the roster for a new coaching staff, the Bucs finally make their first pick, and it’s to help protect Jameis Winston. Williams may lack the elite length and athleticism of other tackles in this class, but on film, he’s the most complete and consistent blocker in the class.
16. Carolina Panthers | Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson
Julius Peppers was a rare talent, and while the Panthers won’t find that kind of player at No. 16 in this draft, they should still target a talented edge rusher to fill the void left behind by the future Hall of Famer. Ferrell is a well-rounded prospect who can start immediately.
17. Cleveland Browns | Rashan Gary | DL | Michigan
This defensive line is loaded with young talent, but it’s still missing that explosive, pass-rushing presence along the interior. Adding a rare athlete and versatile playmaking like Gary would give the Browns one of the league’s most formidable defensive line units for years to come.
18. Minnesota Vikings | Cody Ford | OT | Oklahoma
This team has some dangerous offensive weapons and a capable quarterback, but the protection has to improve across the board. Ford has the size, athleticism and physicality to be an instant upgrade at either tackle spot, allowing the Vikings to check at least one offensive line position off their offseason list.
19. Tennessee Titans | Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
Jurrell Casey is still one of the NFL’s better interior defenders, but he needs some young talent to help him out. Wilkins surprised many by returning for his senior season, but he put together his best campaign yet, and solidified himself as a first-round lock in this class.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Devin Bush | LB | Michigan
Adding a corner is a must for this defense, but not at the expense of better value elsewhere. Bush put on a show at the combine, backing up the impressive athleticism, range and versatility he displayed on film. His fiery, physical playing style makes him a perfect fit in Pittsburgh.
