Oh boy, we’ve hit 20 and we’re really moving now! To celebrate the occasion, I’m gonna try to double up on Edge! Let’s see if it works!
Here’s what happened:
.
.
Round 1
I kicked off the draft with Montez Sweat. There’s a lot of discussion on whether or no the deserves to go this high. He has a huge 85″ wingspan and used his explosive first step to dominate Senior Bowl practices. He could stand to put on a little more weight, but I love his pass rush ability too much to pass on him for an Edge-DL hybrid like Rashan Gary or a Tackle prospect like Greg Little.
I don’t get a chance to double up on Top 6 Edge players very often, but when I do, I never pass it up. I got Brian Burns at 30. He’s a little light, but his 6’4 frame can add some weight and his athletic abilities give him the potential to become the best pass rusher in this class. Of course, he could just as easily become Barkevious Mingo…
.
Round 2
One thing I’ve noticed here is how often I get very favorable trade offers for the 12th pick in the 2nd round. I don’t know exactly how the trade algorithms work, but I do know that it seems to be a favorable spot in almost all of my mocks. There’s always a solid players here (and usually at G and S, which Packers need), but more telling is that there seems to be a huge dropoff around the mid 50’s, which often leaves me scratching my head in the 3rd. It makes me really curious to see if the Packers get trade offers here.
I stayed put to keep the mocks focused on who the Packers may take and selected DeAndre Baker. He’s a feisty press corner who plays physical and has disruptive ball skills. He may lack long speed, but he’s a really smart player who can cover the with the best.
.
Round 3
I was a little surprised to see Jaylon Ferguson fall this low. He’s been all over the place in simulations (from top 10 to 3rd round). I would love to see him land here, but since I already doubled up on Edge, I’m filling to similar talent on the other side of the ball. I took Jawaan Taylor, who showed a lot this year. He’s flexible, mobile, has powerful hands, and held up well against top Edge players in this class like Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, and Brian Burns (ironically, those last two would be his new teammates in this mock). Plus, he has a little bit of a nasty streak – check out this f#ck you block from the Right Tackle slot:
Folks! (Florida OT Jawaan Taylor No. 65) pic.twitter.com/jxLpw8pfy7
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) January 26, 2019
.
Round 4
With the first of two 4th round picks, I took Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to shore up the back of the defense. He has a lot of range and good coverage stills. His play has been a little inconsistent, but shows the tools of a good starting free safety and would provide a high upgrade at a position of need.
With the second pick in the round, I wanted to shore up Guard. Michael Jordan fell to here, which is farther than I’ve seen him fall, but – even with his undeniable skills – I don’t think he’s a good fit for zone blocking based on his footwork. I went with Garrett Bradbury, who shows great foot speed and mobility, has great technique, and looks like a perfect fit for zone blocking. A first team All American at Center, he also has the ability to play Guard and represents huge value in the 4th.
.
Round 5
In the 5th, I went with Vosean Joseph. He’s probably a better fit for a 4-3, but he’s fast and good in coverage, which translates to any scheme. He doesn’t shy away from contact, but he doesn’t manhandle anyone, either. An athletic piece for the defense to play with.
.
Rounds 6-7
I’m not going all the way with these picks yet, but given the way the board is, I might have to start!
.
Analysis
The combination of Sweat and Burns gives the defense a tandem with more dynamic athleticism than the team may have ever seen. They could be most athletic tandem in the league from day one. Mind you, I’m not saying that will necessarily transfer to production, but these guys are a couple of absolute freaks.
DeAndre Baker gives another boost to an already-strong secondary. If Breeland is re-signed to play with Jaire, it won’t matter how often Kevin King is injured. With the aforementioned edge rushers, I think we would see tons of coverage sacks, especially with Gardner-Johnson patrolling the back end.
Mike Pettine would have a field day adding talent like this.
Taylor and Bradbury could both start on the right side of the offensive line and erase all the bad memories of last year’s nightmare.
.
Of Note
- Deebo Samuels went in the first round again – don’t forget I loved him when he was a mid-round slot prospect before his Senior Bowl breakout
- I’m ready to start going the full 7 rounds now that we have 20 of these under our belt – stay tuned!
.
Check out our PFTW 2019 Mock Draft Archive to see how other scenarios played out!
.