2018 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-August Update
By Jon Dove
17. Minnesota Vikings- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
The Minnesota Vikings are hoping that mid-round pick Jaleel Johnson can replace the oft-injured Sharrif Floyd. However, Johnson doesn’t have the same type of upside as Maurice Hurst who is quickly establishing himself as a force.
Hurst features a combination of size and quickness that makes him a nightmare to control. He is able to hold up at the point of attack and penetrate the pocket. His disruptive style of play is what a lot of defensive coordinators look for in a tackle.
18. Arizona Cardinals- Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Vita Vea should continue to gain momentum as a prospect throughout the process. He’s a massive individual features good quickness. This is someone who can dominate the line of scrimmage and clog running lanes.
However, he also has the quickness to penetrate the pocket and make plays away from his frame. The Arizona Cardinals are very thin along the defensive line and could use a dominate force like Vea in the lineup.
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19. New Orleans Saints- Arden Key, Edge, LSU
Arden Key’s situation is very fluid at the moment as we wait to see when/if he’ll return to LSU. His absence has created some question marks surrounding his draft stock. However, Key is a high-end prospect based solely on his production on the field.
He is an elite athlete who features the length evaluators look for in an edge rusher. Key has the raw talent needed to develop into a double digit sack threat at the next level.
20. Denver Broncos- Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders have had a great run together. However, both are getting older and haven’t produced like they have in the past. The Denver Broncos should look to add some young blood to the wide receiver corps.
Deon Cain is still developing as a player, but possesses the speed and size to be a major deep threat. He’s a quick-twitch athlete who can outpace defenders and stretch the field. Adding him to the mix would make life easier for the Broncos quarterback and aging receivers.