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We are minutes away from the tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers taking the field for the first day of on-field workouts. This year’s WR group may have the next 40 yard dash champion amongst them. You better believe draft boards will be changing once this process is over. I think it’s important to get a mock out when things are pure and unburned by anything other than game tape.
Round 1
OT, Mekhi Becton, Louisville
To say we have an offensive line problem would be putting it as mildly as possible. Depending on who you are asking, we could need 3 to 5 new offensive linemen next year. That kind of turnaround is insane. It means we need to take offensive line value in premium spots (First 4 rounds). Have you ever seen Never Ending Story? There was this character named Pyornkrachzark. He was a mountainous being that ate rocks and by all appearances was made of rock. Becton reminds me of him. If you think you can bull rush him, you can’t. If you think can win a battle with him at the point of attack, you won’t. For a man with his vastness, there are usually mobility issues that lowers ceilings. Mekhi moves surprisingly well for his size. I believe that is very important in our 2020 offense and beyond. I am looking for scheme diverse players. This means a combo of mobility and strength. Becton can fit the bill.
Round 2
EDGE, Bradlee Anae, Utah
Oh look, another year where we need an edge player. This is an evergreen offseason need. Depending on how much we spend on offensive line free agents and re-signing our own players, we might not be able to spend big on any big names. Bringing back Jenkins might be the safe and cheapest option. Bradlee Anae is an edge prospect I really liked watching throughout the regular season and also during the Senior Bowl. Anae is a high character, high motor player with the athleticism and talent to boot. His impressive hand usage and burst combine for a dangerous pass rusher.
Round 3 (Pick 1)
IOL, Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
Once again, our dearth along the O-line requires more capital invested in it. I doubt all the offensive line players we bring in during free agency will be top ticket talent. We can use some competition and depth. Jonah Jackson meets my criteria for scheme diversity. Jackson has the upper body strength and leg drive to move piles while also sporting decent mobility. He moves with good balance and leverage. If we were to bring back an Alex Lewis on the cheap. I can see Jonah challenging him for a starting spot year one.
Round 3 (Pick 2)
WR, Antonio Gandy Golden, Liberty
Our WR stable is pretty top heavy and in limbo of being broken up. If we don’t bring back Anderson, there won’t be many options in free agency to replace him. I think in the end he returns. With that said, we should still take advantage of the depth at WR. Antonio Gandy-Golden is a big bodied receiver that can get separation and be a warrior. Despite the poor competition he faced at Liberty, his skill set translates well at the next level.
Round 4
CB, Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
Corner back was by far our thinest position last year. I hope we can bring Poole back to plug the slot. I am hopeful that Bless can continue to develop into a solid starting option longterm. We should still be looking for more help wherever we can get it. Amik Robertson isn’t the biggest corner, but he is ferocious nonetheless. He is more than comfortable squaring up in press man against much bigger receivers. His punch is effective, and his mobility is fluid. At worst he can be depth for Poole, but I can see him getting work outside and not being a liability.
Round 5
WR, Van Jefferson, Florida
As I said before, this WR class is deep. I have no problem double dipping at this position. Van Jefferson, although an older prospect, is very talented and has roots in the NFL. In fact he has roots on the Jets. His father is our, you guessed it, wide receivers coach. Jefferson is one of the best route runners in this class. Unfortunately, it was discovered that Jefferson has a foot fracture and will be out of commission for about 8 weeks. I really wanted to see his 40 time. This injury might push him down boards. Let’s make this a family affair.
Round 6 (Pick 1)
TE, Jacob Breeland, Oregon
I wouldn’t say we are safe at TE. I would continue to bring in talent and trim the fat we don’t need. Breeland got unlucky with injuries this year and never got a chance to really put together the kind of season that would send him up draft boards. From what I did see, we would be getting a decently athletic TE that can stretch the field. As a late round flier, I would be more than happy making this pick.
Round 6 (Pick 2)
QB, Tyler Huntley, Utah
Right now we don’t have any backup QB’s on our roster. I would prefer that we spend the bulk of our money on the O-line and maybe bring back McCown or someone relatively cheap. Drafting some fresh blood to learn behind Sam and Josh’s hair, would be a smart move. Huntley has the athleticism and the arm strength to be a solid NFL QB. What he is not is consistent. If he can nail down the finer points to being an NFL QB and do it on a regular basis, he could grow into a solid backup.