Ben Wasley’s NFL Mock Draft 3.0 Part 2

Here’s the second half of my Mock Draft 3.0. If you missed the first half, go check it out too.

17. Lions – Kadyn Proctor (OT – ALA)

In my last mock, I cited character concerns regarding Kadyn Proctor as a possible fit for the Lions, but multiple reports have nixed that. Detroit need a Taylor Decker replacement and Proctor can slide in straight away at tackle.

18. Vikings – Dillon Thieneman (S – ORE)

Safeties typically fall in the draft so this would be a reach, as Dillon Thieneman is no Caleb Downs, despite his good combine performance. But the Vikings have such an obvious need that this is the chalk pick. I could also see defensive tackle or edge rusher as possibilities, but Thieneman makes more sense, especially if Minnesota can trade back a little.

19. Panthers – Kayden McDonald (DT – OSU)

The Panthers have been consistently linked to selecting their third consecutive first round wide receiver. I’m not buying it though. Instead, I’m giving them a big boy up front to free up Derrick Brown as a pass rushing asset on the interior.

20. Cowboys –CJ Allen (LB – UGA)

It’s popular to mock the Cowboys an edge rusher with this pick but I don’t mind their combination of Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston and Sam Williams. Instead, I’m giving them a talented off-ball linebacker to pair with DeMarvion Overshown. After all, they absolutely can’t give Shemar James over 500 snaps again this year.

21. Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane (OG – PSU)

The Steelers gave DK Metcalf some support with the trade for Michael Pittman, though that hasn’t stopped mockers from giving them another receiver with this pick. I disagree though. Now they need to ensure Old Man Rodgers has the time to operate. Vega Ioane is the elite interior lineman in this class and could easily be gone half a dozen picks before this.

22. Chargers – Peter Woods (DT – CLEM)

The Chargers will do the Harbaugh ‘address the trenches’ thing. But which side? I’m guessing defense is more likely; though if Vega Ioane falls, he’ll likely be the pick. An edge rusher is possible given their aging options, but I like Peter Woods here as a talented interior pressurizer.

23. Eagles – Monroe Freeling (OT – UGA)

The Eagles draft a developmental project who should be able to replace Lane Johnson when the time comes. A wide receiver also isn’t out of the question if the right player falls.

24. Browns – Blake Miller (OT – CLEM)

The Browns get sniped for their preferred tackle and instead take a viable alternative in Blake Miller. Caleb Lomu and Max Iheanachor are also sensible fits here.

25. Bears – Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – MIA)

The Bears are odds-on favorites to draft a D-lineman in the first round. With two defensive tackles already off the board, it’s back to the deep well of cusp first rounders in the edge rusher group. Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect who benefited from playing opposite Rueben Bain Jr, but he is worth a first rounder and likely goes in this range. Some teams view him as the better of the Miami prospects.

26. Bills – Cashius Howell (EDGE – TA&M)

The last quarter of the first round will likely be packed with edge rushers. The Bills are one of many that need help rushing the passer but who do they take? Cashius Howell gives them some much needed speed off the edge, but they could equally take TJ Parker, Akheem Mesidor, Zion Young or reach for a lower prospect they like.

27. 49ers – KC Concepcion (WR – TA&M)

If I were the 49ers, I’d be addressing the interior of one of my lines. But all the buzz has them selecting a wide receiver. KC Concepcion gives them speed and a return threat who will complement the size and strength of Mike Evans and George Kittle.

28. Texans –Caleb Lomu (OT – UTA)

The Texans have no glaring holes but would benefit most from an upgraded offensive line. Caleb Lomu is an agile blocker with high IQ who needs to bulk up a little for the NFL.

29. Chiefs – Avieon Terrell (CB – CLEM)

The Chiefs acquired this pick from the Trent McDuffie trade, so it’s only right they replace him with it. Avieon Terrell is a ballhawk who is likely to play in the slot due to his slight frame. Though like his brother AJ, playing on the outside isn’t out of the question.

30. Dolphins – Colton Hood (CB – TEN)  

The Dolphins have needs across the board and could go in any direction here. Defensive line is certainly a possibility, but I think they need to come out of the first round with a cornerback after passing on Jermod McCoy with their previous pick. Hence, it’s Colton Hood being mocked to a team that isn’t the Seahawks (to the surprise of anyone who monitors the sharp mocks).

31. Patriots – Max Iheanachor (OT – ASU)

The Patriots must prioritize protecting Drake Maye and that starts with drafting a tackle to replace 35-year-old Morgan Moses. Max Iheanachor is more of a project, but he’s got the talent to be elite with good development. Having said that, edge rusher is very much a possibility as well.

32. Seahawks – Omar Cooper (WR – IND)

The Seahawks have no desperate needs, but a lot of wants. Cornerback is very possible but Brandon Cisse is the next one on my board and I think that would be a slight reach. It’s also possible they trade down for a team wanting a fifth year option for Ty Simpson. Instead, I’m adding Omar Cooper to a mock for the first time. He’s been a riser all draft process and while many have him going to the Jets, Steelers or Browns in the 20s, I think he belongs in the 30-40 range. Seattle can use him to replace the aging Cooper Kupp.

I’ll be back next week for my final mock before Thursday NFL Draft.