RADIO
On Friday, we released the first round of our staff mock draft. While there were some minor surprises, the board played out mostly as one might expect. There were a few players that slipped through the cracks and could provide solid value for teams on day two of the draft.
As a reminder, to the best of our ability, we tried to select the best value at a position of need for the team, not so much trying to inhabit the specific drafter and choose as he would. We decided to prevent any trades and there is a short rationale for each pick as well as the Twitter handle of the drafter so you can tell them how amazing their picks and insights were.
You can check out other NFL mock drafts from our RotoBaller staff as well. Now let's see how round two went down.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
33. Cincinnati Bengals (@DennisMClausen)
Cole Kmet, TE Notre Dame
The Bengals have failed to get anything out of the TE position for a few years now, so landing a talented outlet for their new franchise quarterback should be an imperative. A WR is also a possibility here but with a deep class and the hope that A.J. Green will be in uniform for the full season, the Bengals can afford to wait until the middle rounds
34. Indianapolis Colts (@GbridgfordNFL)
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR Colorado
Frank Reich and the Colts have been looking to get another receiving threat opposite T.Y. Hilton, and they get one of the most versatile receivers in the class in Shenault. He can be used in a wide variety of ways which can further unlock the creativity in the offense with Philip Rivers under center.
35. Detroit Lions (@CoachRiggall)
Damien Lewis, OG LSU
The Lions struggled to run the ball in 2019 and adding a solid guard would help remedy that. He's a powerful guard who can drive his man off the ball. He doesn't have the lateral mobility to fit in a zone-blocking scheme, but he can anchor and punish offensive lineman with a nasty competitive streak.
36. New York Giants (@SamskiNYC)
Zack Baun, DE Wisconsin
The Giants addressed a major LB issue by selecting Simmons in round one, but they still have major pass-rushing needs. Despite signing Kyle Fackrell in free agency, the Giants go with Baun here. He has shown himself to be a dynamic pass-rusher that the Giants can line up as an OLB or DE depending on their formation. He has the speed to help in run defense too and would be a major upgrade on Lorenzo Carter opposite Fackrell. The draft is deep on CB and offensive line, so the Giants can afford to wait a bit longer there.
37. Los Angeles Chargers (@_PhilClark)
Jalen Hurts, QB Oklahoma
The Chargers were forced to adjust their strategy earlier in the draft following the selection of three quarterbacks within the first five picks. But the Bolts now have finally secured a signal-caller who can learn from Tyrod Taylor, an ideal mentor for a run/pass threat like Hurts.
38. Carolina Panthers (@DennisMClausen)
Xavier McKinney, S Alabama
The Panthers helped their secondary in the first round but decide to go all-in in the second. Not Tom Brady now in your division coming to join the Saints and Falcons dynamic offenses. With plus tackling, versatility, and playmaking ability, Xavier McKinney can be a game-changing defender.
39. Miami Dolphins (@Roto_Chef)
Grant Delpit, S LSU
Mckinney would have been the Dolphins' first choice but after being sniped, they will pivot to another SEC safety to replace Reshad Jones. He's a physical and versatile defensive back who could provide consistency and intelligence in the back of the Dolphins secondary.
40. Houston Texans (@juscarts)
Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona State
(This pick was made prior to Houston trading for Brandin Cooks)
Aiyuk isn't DeAndre Hopkins, but the Texans need to add talent at the wide receiver position, and Aiyuk's speed can help them stretch the field. He's more than just a stretch-the-field type of wide receiver and can do damage with the ball in his hand. Adding him as a weapon for Deshaun Watson would be a smart move.
41. Cleveland Browns (@SamskiNYC)
Antoine Winfield Jr., S Minnesota
The Browns were really hoping Delpit would fall, and would likely have traded up if he was this close to their pick. Instead, they'll settle for Antoine Winfield Jr. He's a bit small, but he's incredibly fast and solid in coverage. Adding him to a secondary that features Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward will make the Browns happy.
42. Jacksonville Jaguars (@Roto_Chef)
Jeremy Chinn, S/LB Southern Illinois
Restocking a once-dominant defense is still a priority and Chinn offers versatility and athleticism, which could help the Jaguars in a number of ways. He's a natural playmaker with proven intelligence and the ability to adapt to any defensive scheme. His ability to cover the slot and play in the open field should be useful in the modern NFL.
43. Chicago Bears (@davithius)
Noah Igbinoghebe, CB Auburn
The Bears desperately need to replenish the cornerback position after the departure of Prince Amukamara. I'm sure they were hoping that more cornerbacks would be available at this point in the draft, but Igbinoghebe is a speedy corner that has the upside needed to develop opposite Kyle Fuller.
44. Indianapolis Colts (@GbridgfordNFL)
Jeff Gladney, CB TCU
This pick could have gone a few ways, but the Colts take a guy who they saw sliding. Cornerback isn't the team's biggest need, but Gladney gives them a good trio of young corners, which is useful for any NFL defense. He's sticky and aggressive in man coverage, and he brings an edge to a Colts secondary that rounds out a stout defense on all three levels.
45. Tampa Bay Bucs (@RotoSuperstar)
Austin Jackson, OT USC
The Buccaneers have a major need along the offensive line, and while Jackson may still be somewhat raw, his athletic traits and abilities can't be ignored. This rangy tackle gives the Bucs some flexibility as he can pull out for outside runs and is stable enough to hold his ground against some of the stronger defensive ends.
46. Denver Broncos (@RotoSuperstar)
Terrell Lewis, DE Alabama
The long and athletic Lewis should find a nice home in Denver and quickly secure a starting spot for the Broncos. He comes in with some durability concerns, but the upside is clear. As he develops at the next level, Lewis should be a very productive linebacker that can rush the QB as well as play above average in coverage.
47. Atlanta Falcons (@_PhilClark)
Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah
Atlanta already seized Henderson in Round 1, but in a division that includes Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Emmanuel Sanders, the Falcons need to strengthen their secondary even further. It probably wasn't their plan going in, but the value is too good to pass up on here.
48. New York Jets (@RotoSurgeon)
Michael Pittman Jr., WR USC
Robby Anderson is gone, and the Jets need a new number one threat for Sam Darnold. He has solid athleticism in the open field and the athleticism to be a good run blocker. He's good in contested catches, which allows him to be a strong red zone option. He won't be a game-breaker, but he'll be a dependable threat for a young quarterback.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers (@SamskiNYC)
D'Andre Swift, RB Georgia
The Steelers are in win-now mode with Big Ben under center and would have loved Aiyuk or Pittman to fall to them. With the depth at WR in this class, the Steelers can wait another round rather than reach now, so they take a player who can contribute now at a position of need in Swift. The Steelers saw what happens when James Conner misses time and it was not pretty. Conner has been injury-prone during his NFL tenure and the league is not one for workhorse backs anymore. Pairing Swift and Conner can help make them a more dynamic offense.
50. Chicago Bears (@davithius)
Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia
The Bears used their first pick to shore up some holes on the defensive side of the ball, so now they can help improve the trenches on the other end. David Montgomery is a talented young running back, but he needs some help to reach his full potential. Wilson adds the size and power that should be able to bring back a run game that was lacking last season.
51. Dallas Cowboys (@juscarts)
Ashtyn Davis, S California
Dallas has starting safeties, but both of them are on one-year deals and the team is facing a daunting cap situation as they try to re-sign their top offensive talent. Davis is a solid addition because of his strong tackling in the run game and his ability to cover man-to-man in the slot. He'd give the Cowboys a versatile defensive piece for the future.
52. Los Angeles Rams (@steverebeiro)
Denzel Mims, WR Baylor
With Brandin Cooks out the door, it opens the way for the Rams to draft a high-end receiver prospect who fell right into their laps. Denzel Mims has excellent body control and can provide the large catch radius that Goff lacks with the other receivers. The Rams have always focused on offense more than defense under Sean McVay. That won't change in 2020.
53. Philadelphia Eagles (@Envisionff)
Kyle Duggar, S Lenoir-Rhine
If the plan is to replace Malcolm Jenkins with Jalen Mills, the Eagles will be very disappointing. He could not play corner last year, and he won't be any better at safety. Drafting Duggar fixes that problem. He's a versatile defender who can cover tight ends in addition to being the last line of defense at safety. This selection gives them a player with upside to develop at the safety position.
54. Buffalo Bills (@SamskiNYC)
Lloyd Cushenberry III, OG LSU
The Bills would have likely grabbed Duggar but got sniped, so they need to pivot. The trade for Diggs means the Bills can wait on WR until later in the draft. They could use some pass rush help, but there's nothing on the board that's exciting for the Bills' scheme, so they will go to work on the offensive line. Brandon Beane has said Cody Ford will stay at RT, which means the Bills need some help on the IOL to push Spain/Felicano and maybe take over in a year. Cushenberry is perfect for that because he can also play center if Morse's concussions become a problem.
55. Baltimore Ravens (@RotoSurgeon)
Jonah Jackson, OG Ohio State
Marshal Yanda retiring has left a gaping hole a right guard for the Ravens. For a team that wants to run as much as the Ravens do, the offensive line is a top priority. An experienced guard, Jackson is an intelligent blocker who understands various schemes and roles and can provide the Ravens with a consistent interior option.
56. Miami Dolphins (@Roto_Chef)
Curtis Weaver, DE/LB Boise State
The Dolphins have addressed a variety of needs over the first two rounds, but their entire team needs an infusion of talent. Weaver is an edge rusher that fits into their 3-4 scheme. He will provide an athletic option off the edge and should mesh perfectly into this defense that needs to attack more often.
57. Los Angeles Rams (@steverebeiro)
Julian Okwara, DE/LB Notre Dame
The Rams get a great value with Okwara here at a position of need after the departure of Clay Matthews and Dante Fowler. Okwara is a little raw, but he has tremendous athleticism and has the tools and athletic profile to wreak havoc off the edge. He's not a great run defender, but he has considerable upside and will certainly bring energy off the edge right away.
58. Minnesota Vikings (@Envisionff)
Cameron Dantzler, CB Mississippi State
The Vikings tried to replace Xavier Rhodes with their first-round pick, but their secondary could still use upgrades. This is simply a team taking advantage of value on the board as the Vikings take Dantzler, who has good length and demonstrates a willingness to tackle.
59. Seattle Seahawks (@scotteTheKing)
Ezra Cleveland, OT Boise State
The Seahawks had a need at offensive line even before George Fant signed with the Jets. Carroll will encourage competition with Brandon Shell, and Ezra Cleveland has a lot of natural ability to ultimately better protect Russell Wilson at right tackle. He could even possibly succeed Duane Brown on the left side
60. Baltimore Ravens (@RotoSurgeon)
Josh Uche, DE/OLB Michigan
The Ravens brought back Matthew Judon and traded for Calais Campbell, but they could use an infusion of young pass-rushing talent. Uche is a little small to be a true defensive end at the next level, but he has good hands and a variety of moves that consistently allow him to get into the backfield.
61. Tennessee Titans (@CoachRiggall)
Lucas Niang, OT TCU
When you're as dedicated to the run as Tennessee is, you need to make sure your offensive line is among the league's best. Losing Jack Conklin was huge for this team, so Lucas Niang is a step towards patching up that hole. He moves impressively well for a man as gigantic as he is which makes him a strong fit in Tennessee's system and a likely day one starter.
62. Green Bay Packers (@GbridgfordNFL)
Ross Blacklock, DT TCU
Green Bay has been looking for a defensive lineman to pair with Kenny Clark, and they're getting a good one with Blacklock. He can penetrate the B gap while Clark pushes the pocket into the face of the quarterback. Combine those two with the pass rushers off the edge, and Green Bay has a pretty vicious front for opponents to deal with.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (@juscarts)
Jordyn Brooks, LB Texas Tech
In today's NFL, everyone always needs pass-rushing. With the Chiefs offense among the elite units in the league, they will keep adding explosive defenders to help make the team more dynamic on both sides of the ball. Brooks doesn't have much experience in coverage, but he attacks the ball aggressively and shoots gaps with bad intentions.
64. Seattle Seahawks (@scotteTheKing)
A.J. Green, CB Oklahoma State
The Seahawks still need to add quality depth at CB even after acquiring Quintin Dunbar during the offseason. This is not quite the stalwart unit that they are used to fielding. They could go a few directions here, but A.J. Green has the size Carroll and Schneider prefer.
