PhinPhanatic first round staff Mock Draft

Pick #23 New York Giants:  David Njoku, TE, University of Miami

Analysis:  The pass-happy offense of the Giants looks to make improvements in certain areas on that side of the ball. Additional help on the offensive line is probably a more necessary need, but with more favorable players already off the board, the Giants turn to improve at tight end. What better place to find one than South Florida? (EF)

Pick #24 Oakland Raiders:  Malik McDowell, DT, Mich St

Analysis:  CBS has him rated as the 2nd best DT although some have him benefiting from moving to DE in a 4-3 or a 3-4. He is being compared to Arik Armstead or DeForest Buckner but there is a risk from having a low motor and only showing flashes. There is a chance he turns out like Jordan Phillips. (JA)

Pick #25 Houston Texans:  Pat Mahommes, QB, Texas Tech

Analysis: This is going to be an interesting spot. The Texans need a quarterback but the Patriots could opt to dangle Jimmy Gaarroppolo and if they do, this pick would belong to New England. For now it’s a safe bet given the huge need at the position that the Texans are crossing their fingers that a quarterback is still on the board.

Pick #26 Seattle Seahawks:  Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

Analysis: Will the Seahawks find a trading partner for Richard Sherman? Whether they do or not they will draft his replacement or at the very least a compliment. White is a solid CB who could go higher. This years draft is deep at corner so the Seahawks could wait until round two.    (BM)

Pick #27  Kansas City Chiefs:  Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

Analysis:  This guy did what Jarvis Landry did getting the most receptions record at the collegiate level. He plays tough like Landry also willing to take a hit for his team or even dish them back out at times. He was the top combine performer in both cone events and can run routes well even doing so at all receiver positions as well as returns. NFL football is in his bloodline with a father Robert, brother Cayleb and an uncle Jeff Blake all having played at the pro level. Jones could be a gem of a WR for the Chiefs. (JA)

Pick #28 Dallas Cowboys:  Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Analysis:  The Cowboys hit gold last year in Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. This season, they need help on the defensive side, particularly at corner. Dallas cannot believe that a potential top-5 pick like Lattimore is still available at this point. They can’t run to the podium fast enough to select him. (EF)

Pick #29 Green Bay Packers:  T.J. Watt, DE/OLB, Wisconsin

Analysis:  This is a dream scenario for the former Wisconsin Badger. TJ Watt would stick around in his home state and play professional ball all while learning from one of the best pass rushing specialists in Clay Matthews. He only has one full season as a starter but his pedigree speaks for itself. If he’s available at 29 then Ted Thompson can’t pass on a local product.  (TO)

Pick #30 Pittsburgh Steelers:  Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford

Analysis:  Yes, the Steeler fans who read this site (yes, I’m looking at you, NCFan7) keep telling me that this is not a good pick, and that Christian McCaffrey will not be available at #30.  Well, in this mock draft, he is.  And if he is, then Pittsburgh has to make this pick, if only to keep McCaffrey from somehow ending up in New England.  If Belichick gets his hands on McCaffrey, then it may not matter when Brady retires, because McCaffrey is like a supercharged version of Troy Brown, Wes Welker and Julian Edelman.  Yes, I know that Pittsburgh has Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, but I also saw them lose to the Pats in the playoffs because they didn’t have a third option once Bell got hurt and Brown became the focus of Belichick’s defense. (CR)

Pick #31 Atlanta Falcons:  Garrett Bolles, T, Utah

The defending NFC Champions don’t have any glaring holes so they can afford to pick the “Best Player Available”. Bolles has the ability to play both tackle spots or bump inside to guard. Under either scenario, Bolles will make the OL better both in the short and long-term. (MS)

Pick #32 New Orleans Saints: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

After passing on the best cover corner in the draft (Lattimore) in favor of Reddick, the Saints find that fate has smiled on them as Conley is available at the end of round one. With four interceptions in 2016, and a terrific draft/combine season, Conley is shooting up draft boards. He provides the Saints with a potential day one starter at corner with a ton of upside for the future. (MS)