Might as well get a final mock in in this last hour and a half (boy has today been boring).
And I start with a trade.
Patriots trade Malcom Butler to New Orleans Saints for 42.
42. Marcus Maye, Florida ,S
I admit to hedging my bets here a bit as I've been high on Melifonwu. But I don't think Melifonwu will be in a position for the Pats to draft him and I've been getting a vibe on Maye the last couple of days. The Pats clearly have been looking hard at safeties this past few weeks, particularly high ones like Maye, Melifonwu and Josh Jones. Everything I've read about Maye says that he's an onfield leader and character guy. he reminds me of Su'a Cravens in that respect.
76. Teez Tabor, Florida, CB
Maybe I'm buying into the hype but I think most quality pass rushers will go off the board before 76, including Daeshon Hall. But CBs will likely fall and I think there's too much value here to pass up on. Tabor is a first round talent, he just doesn't run like one. I think his lack of speed can be masked though, particularly if we're playing quarters or cover-3.
96. Julie'n Davenport, OT, Bucknell
Still no pass rusher. Davenport has the smarts (35 on the wonderlic) and is one of the better fits in terms of length and athleticism in a meagre draft and, of course, was worked out by Dante. I think if you want someone to be in a position to replace Solder if necessary, it's necessary to go earlier rather than rely on prospects that are barely likely to make their way out of the PS.
131. Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas
I don't think he's the next Chandler Jones but he sure tested like him. This draft will test my theory that BB prefers the bigger, more 5-techy DE than the edge benders. Wise is certainly the former. I also think, when in doubt, go SEC.
183. Harvey Langi, LB, BYU
Obligatory BB loves him pick. I don't see it personally but at this point in the draft, in BB we trust.
200. Keionta Davis, DE, Chattanooga
Because I didn't grab an EDGE player I early, it makes sense to double down and double the chance of a prospect making an impact. Davis' tape against Alabama was interesting. Whilst he didn't pressure the QB much, he certainly had an impact in the running game. And whilst he didn't show his pass rush against 'Bama, watch his other tape and you certainly see his ability to pressure the edge. It came down to Davis or Bryan Cox for this pick and it was a difficult choice. Davis was the more interesting pick in my mind.
239. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Tennessee
This was going to be James Onwualu all the way and I still think he has a very good chance of being a priority free agent as a key special teamer. But Reeves-Maybin, whilst lacking the size, has real talent. I really liked him at the start of the year so grabbing him in the 7th is value I couldn't pass up.
I'd have loved to include Samson Ebukam but couldn't find a space and I find that projecting mocks is a little like gaming on cheat mode so left him out reluctantly.
I appreciate that this won't be the most popular mock with no TE, a slow CB and no priority pass rusher, but this is just where my thinking is right now as to what might happen.
