Each player will have a link to a website where you can see their film so it’s easier for the readers to do their own video scouting. As always, this is not a mock draft of what this author would do. It’s a mock draft based on what the team is likely to do based on the current perceptions of the prospects in college football.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeremy Cash, DB Duke
The Steelers need a lot of help in the secondary: the return of their offensive players from injury should fix their offensive issues(few that they are).
On defense, they need to fix that secondary. Senquez Golston, who missed the entire 2015 season due to injury, is a talented corner for them to use. They need a new strong safety and Cash is the kind of hard hitting playmaker that they’ve missed since Troy Polamalu’s play dramatically declined.
23. Seattle Seahawks:Jack Conklin, OL Michigan State
Conklin isn’t the perfect left tackle prospect teams would want, but he’s got that combination of power and nastiness that the Seahawks value.
With so many issues on their offensive line, they need a prospect who’s more ready for the NFL and Conklin fits that bill. He should start immediately at right tackle for them and will be hard to get out of that spot once he grows into the role.
22. Houston Texans: Hunter Henry, TE Arkansas
The Texans have found themselves a star wideout in Nuke Hopkins, and still can find quality running backs relatively easily. If they’re going to stick with Yates/Hoyer in 2016, which might not be a bad idea, they need another target to go with Hopkins.
Hunter Henry is a quality tight end prospect who can run block and be a receiving target and that’s exactly what the Texans could use. He looks equally comfortable in-line and split-out and won’t be asked to carry the receiver corps.
21. Washington Redskins: Derrick Henry, RB Alabama
If the Redskins give Kirk Cousins 19-20 million a year, this draft pick will be used to fill any of their 12 unrestricted free agents among their top contributors. If they’re not plugging holes, then this pick probably will be about fixing their moribund running game.
Henry is the kind of power back that Scot McCloughan loves. He saw Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore up close and will want that in DC. Henry will also have Matt Jones-another power back-in the backfield so that he won’t get too many touches for his body to handle.
20. New York Jets: Connor Cook, QB Michigan State
This is a desperation pick. Bowles has a top defense stocked with good talent up and down the roster. He has an inconsistent offense with three quarterbacks who all have their own flaws. Petty might be the future, but it’s likely that he’s not.
Cook has some serious flaws, namely his ability to handle a pass rush. But this is a team desperate for a young consistent QB to build around and Cook might glitter like gold to them.
19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, DL/LB Clemson
The Bills’ top priority in this offseason will be replacing Mario Williams. His inability to do much for Rex Ryan was a primary reason why the Bills’ defense was so horribly inconsistent.
Lawson is no Mario Williams on talent. He’s a one year wonder(not his fault, he was stuck behind Vic Beasley) and need a lot of work especially on his technique. But he has a relentless motor and thats the exact kind of rusher than the Bills need next to Dareus and Williams(Kyle).
18. Indianapolis Colts: Shon Coleman, OL Auburn
Coleman is being ignored far too much by everyone but the scouts. He’s a technician at tackle who combines toughness with quickness. He did beat cancer during his college career, but teams won’t want to pass on him just for that unless his medical doesn’t check out.
The Colts kept Pagano and need to heed his warning about their offensive line: It just isn’t good enough. Coleman could start at left tackle for them immediately.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Laquon Treadwell, WR Ole Miss
Treadwell just declared and his drop from perceived top 10 pick to the mid/late first round begins now as well. He has undeniable hands and route running ability, but he’s just too slow. Unless he runs a sub 4.5 at the combine, his drop will be long and hard.The Falcons would consider him and other wideouts here because Roddy White looks old and slow. They need someone, anyone, to go with Julio Jones. However, don’t be surprised if they go with a faster, smaller wideout to go with Jones.