Phin Phanatic
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Predicting the first 10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft and a surprise WR

By Mathis Gaglione

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces Jaelan Phillips as the 18th selection by the Miami Dolphins during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces Jaelan Phillips as the 18th selection by the Miami Dolphins during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Houston Texans. Ickey Ekwonu. 3. player. 10. . OL

NFL Draft
Ikem Ekwonu. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Houston Texans seem committed to last year’s 3rd round pick, Davis Mills. With already having one of the best LT’s in the league Laremy Tunsil on the roster, adding in Ekwonu could give the Texans the best pair of tackles in the NFL. It would be huge for the young quarterback to have a solid offensive line as he develops. Evan Neal is also an option here, but I think the Texans will value Ekwonu’s run blocking, versatility, and tremendous upside over Neal.

30. . CB. New York Jets. Sauce Gardner . 4. player

NFL Draft
Ahmad Gardner. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Jets had one of the worst secondaries in the league last season, and they didn’t go all out to address it in free agency. Sauce Gardner has emerged as the top corner in this draft as the injuries and limited playing time of Derek Stingley Jr. have made him a little bit more of a riskier pick. The Jets are in dire need of a playmaking player in the back-end of their defense, and with the elite measurables Gardner posted at the combine (4.41 40), the Jets feel comfortable taking a corner in the top 5. With the addition of Sauce, Robert Salah should feel good about his new secondary with D.J. Reed and Jordan Whitehead being their free-agent pickups.

OT. New York Giants. Evan Neal. 5. player. 31.

NFL Draft
Evan Neal. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

The Giants moved on from free agent bust Nate Solder this off-season, and have a big hole at right tackle. They drafted Andrew Thomas two years ago and need someone opposite of the Georgia product. With Ekwonu off the board going to Houston, Neal is the next best tackle. At 6’7 330, Neal will be an anchor in pass protection the second he steps on the field, and he’s also good enough to play either side of the line. The Giants added Jon Feliciano and right guard Matt Glowinski in free agency, adding Neal should make this a competent unit in 2022. New coach, Brian Daboll needs to see if Daniel Jones is the guy this year, and this is the best pick to figure that out.

. QB. Carolina Panthers. Kenny Pickett. 6. player. 87

NFL Draft
Kenny Pickett. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports. /

I thought about a tackle here for the Panthers, but I just don’t think they’re gonna pass on the opportunity of a quarterback. Pickett is the most pro-ready from this class, but many front offices have questions about his ceiling. With Matt Rhule on the hot seat, he’s gonna try and buy some time with a young QB, and hope Pickett shows immense potential as a rookie. Malik Willis is very intriguing, but the Panthers’ front office simply doesn’t have time to develop a very raw quarterback.

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