25. Green Bay Packers- Cameron Smith, LB, USC
The Green Bay Packers have had issues at the inside linebacker position for several years. They were even forced to move their top edge rusher, Clay Matthews, inside. Currently, Green Bay is using Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan as starters.
They are solid players, but USC’s Cameron Smith has more upside than both. Smith is a good athlete who has exceptional instincts. He does a great job reading the play and flying to the football.
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- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
26. New York Giants- Trey Adams, OL, Washington
Week 1 showed us that the New York Giants offensive line is as bad as we thought. Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart just aren’t fluid enough athletes to protect the edge. New York has plenty of offensive weapons, but they can’t get the ball with so much pressure on Eli Manning.
Trey Adams is one of several offensive tackle prospects in the mix for the late 1st round. However, he is someone I have a hard time figuring out. There are times where he looks like a solid left tackle prospect and others where he looks like a guard only.
27. Buffalo Bills (via KC)- Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Earlier in this mock draft the Buffalo Bills landed their quarterback of the future in Mason Rudolph. With this pick, they give Rudolph an explosive weapon on the outside. The Bills current receivers include pending free agent Jordan Matthews and rookie Zay Jones.
Both of them could be a part of the future, but that doesn’t make the position a strength. Deon Cain is a big-time athlete who would provide the Bills with a downfield threat.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Mike Mitchell has had a good career in the NFL and really found a home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he only has two years left on his deal which carries over $8 million in cap hits next year. It’s possible they look to move on from that contract.
Ronnie Harrison is a big-time hitter who would remind the Steelers a little of Mitchell. He also has the speed to provide range in coverage.