It's the start of the final week before the draft, what better time than now to do a mock draft!
Here is last week's edition.
Now onto the new one
The first round broke about as well as it could for Minnesota with Jermaine Johnson & Derek Stingley Jr. both available. After his pro day showing the Bayou Tiger has less chance than ever to not be selected before pick 12 but crazy things happen every draft so the simulator may not be altogether wrong. The homecoming for Johnson may be something that fans would root for if the situation presents itself next Thursday but to add a shutdown corner was too attractive of a possibility!
CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
The new-look defense would be well-served with the way that the options broke for the second round pick as well. This time the options were at backer and the team had the chance to add a Bulldog!
LB Quay Walker, Georgia
The chances to add an impact player to go alongside Eric Kendricks were abundant at 77 as well, which would serve the new braintrust well during the real weekend! Double-dipping was considered but instead the preference was to try and find another option for the pass rush rotation. Oklahoma's Nic Bonitto & USC's Drake Jackson both project as 3-4 edge rushers so the deciding factor is the unchangeable - size. Jackson has the edge in height, weight, length & explosiveness. That's a done deal!
DE/Edge Drake Jackson
Even with an offensively-inclined head coach the team could go 4/4 for the defense. CBs Akayleb Evans (Missouri) & Jaylen Watson (WA St.) could both be in play come the fifth round. With KO running the sideline & the highly-compensated one still in the mix it made more sense to address the offensive line. Adding another body to compete for snaps at guard continues to be a pressing issue and that was that choice.
Guard Joshua Ezeudu, North Carolina
With three picks in the low 100's Minnesota has the chance to run the board for a bit on Saturday. Already having added a probably starter, it was time to go back to the DB well with a guy that has 40 games of experience at corner but could be better suited at safety long term.
Josh Thompson, Texas
A few picks later it was time to finally add a weapon for O'Connell. Hailing from the Sin City state, there's a tight-end whose athleticism could get him on the field for special teams right away and who knows how much else given time & tutelage.
Cole Turner, Nevada
With the next pick It made sense to target another potential contributor for the linebacker group. A standout from Houston could be just the guy at this point in the proceeding.
LB/Edge David Anenih
With the last of the current selections it was a great opportunity to add another development receiver. Erik Ezukanma (Texas Tech), Michael Woods II (OU) & Tre Turner (VT) are all ones to be aware of in the late stage. For my money the Raider is the best option to learn behind Jefferson, Thielen & Osborn. In any case, this is another strong class of pass catchers so expect the Purple to try and add some value to the position again this year.
WR Erik Ezukanma (Texas Tech)
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