The Bucs need a little more juice along with two main soccer players, Calijah Kancy (7.5) and Vita Vea (7.0) playing along the interior.
Pick: Edge James Pierce Jr., Tennessee. Pierce had a great combine to make sure his first step and edge speed was legal. He has 7.5 bags this season, and Pierce’s game has many advantages.
The Broncos need to keep the pieces around emerging young quarterback Bonnix.
Pick: WR Matthew Golden, Texas. Golden is the fastest receiver at the combine (4.29), which gives the Knicks and head coach Sean Payton a fun weapon to add to their offense.
While the receiver certainly makes sense here, you could potentially get the best cornerbacks in the 20’s draft.
Pick: CB is Johnson, Michigan. Johnson has an incredible size (6-2, 202) and consistent proven athletic skills. After sitting at the combine, can he run the 40 at Pro Day in Michigan later this month? If not, he could have dropped some, but I consider him one of the best cornerbacks in my class.
twenty two. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Khalil Mack is heading for free agency, but Joey Bosa and Bud Dupree are only signed until 2025.
Picks: Edge Microphone Green, Marshall. Green (6-4, 248) was a talented pass rush, scoring 17 bags and three forced fumbles last season for a thunderous pack.
The Packers can use help along the cornerback and defensive line. Jaylie Alexander is struggling to stay healthy, and Eric Stokes is heading for a free agency.
Pick: CB Azureye’h Thomas, Florida. Thomas is an incredible length (6-2, 198) and he has to sharpen his techniques, but he has all the tools to become a quality starter in the NFL. Packers prefer large, physical horns.
I have them do defensive tackles in my first mock, but once you get a tackle/guard combo player, Kevin O’Connell’s attack gives you some options to move forward.
Pick: Josh Simons, Ohio. Medical care from the Combine will become a key evaluator for him after suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. When healthy, he has the traits of becoming a quality starting tackle in the NFL.
The Texans have some uncertainty in the wide receiver position, with Tankdell’s injuries and Stefon Diggs heading to a free agency away from the ACL injury. Again, the offensive line makes sense, but you’ll have them add weapons outside.
Pick: WR Luther Den III, Missouri. Burden has great run-after-catching skills along with 4.41 speed at the combine, which has scored 21 touchdowns for the Tigers over the past three seasons.
