The first round of this year’s NFL draft was as brilliant and unpredictable as everyone expected. But considering the incredible depth of talent in this year’s draft, finding the right players on day 2 will be crucial if teams want to have a shot at the Superbowl this year. So to give you more of an insight into who are the best players left, and every team’s top needs, here is my round two mock. Remember this is what I would do I had each pick, not what I think will happen. If you want to learn more about a specific player, or who the best left at a specific position are, check out Alex Sibo’s scouting reports and 1000 player big board, alongside the rest of Last Word On Sports’ NFL draft coverage.
33. Houston Texans- Derek Carr, QB
Although I still think Khalil Mack would have been the smarter pick at one, I am not surprised the Texans took Clowney with the 1st pick, and if he fulfils his potential, he should become incredible. But the Texans still have a huge hole a quarterback, where a new starter needs to be found. Derek Carr is better than the signal caller the Jaguars took at 3 in my opinion, and so it great value here.
34. Washington – Pierre Desir, CB
Washington have to hit the ground running here considering they don’t have a first round pick. And the best small school prospect in this draft is not a bad way to start. They are in desperate need of help in the secondary, and 6’1” Desir has the potential to become a star.
35. Cleveland Browns- Marquise Lee, WR
The Browns were unquestionably one of the winners of the first round, getting two stars who were arguably the best players at their position in the draft, as well as an extra 1st round pick next year. They’re fortunate enough to get another first round talent with this pick, and there are multiple players who they could take to fill needs. The best of them is Marquise Lee, who was being projected to go in the top ten of the 2014 draft this time last year.
36. Oakland Raiders- Jordan Mathews, WR
After picking up a defensive playmaker with their first pick, the Raiders should aim to do the same on the other side of the ball in the second round. Jordan Mathews is just that, and the all-SEC receiver and his huge hands (only WR at the combine whose hands were larger than 10.25 inches) should do a lot to help the Oakland passing attack
37. Atlanta Falcons- Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB
The Falcons did the smart thing in round one by not being overly aggressive and letting Jake Mathews fall to them at six. After shoring up their offensive line, improving their horrendous pass rush should be their priority. Jeremiah Attaochu should do just that, as the former Georgia Tech defender averaged a pressure every 9.5 snaps in his final season.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ra’Shede Hageman, DT
After getting a top receiver to partner with Vincent Jackson, the Buccaneers should look to the trenches for their second round pick. There is a gaping hole at nose tackle alongside Gerald McCoy, and Ra’shede Hageman is both large enough and talented enough to fill it. Although some have questioned his motor, his size, strength and ability to dominate interior blockers are all incredible.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars- Allan Robinson, WR
As I mentioned previously, I’m really not a fan of the Jaguars first round pick. Bortles has great potential, but needs a fair bit of work and support, and the current supporting cast in Jacksonville is certainly not elite. One way to make his transition easier is with Allan Robinson. The Penn State receiver has incredible agility and elusiveness, and would make for a dangerous combination with Bortles.
40. Seattle Seahawks- Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG
Although Joel Bitonio is still available (I had them taking him at 32 in my final 1st round mock draft), it makes sense for them to go after the best guard in this draft if they can. Seattle really needs to improve on the interior, especially after St. Louis picked up Aaron Donald, and the former UCLA player is a great all-round blocker who can do just that.
41. Buffalo Bills- Joel Bitonio, OL
After giving away too much for a player that doesn’t fill a significant need in the first round, the Bills need to start day two by giving EJ Manuel better protection up front. Joel Bitonio can play either tackle or guard, and should be a great asset to the team from day one.
42. Tennessee Titans- Carlos Hyde, RB
After cutting Chris Johnson in the offseason, the Titans need to find a new feature back. Carlos Hyde is comfortably the best player at his position in the draft, combining not only great running ability (he’s the only player in the FBS in the draft who rushed for over 4 yards on more than 60% of plays) with top notch blocking and catching technique.
43. New York Giants- Kyle Van Noy, OLB
Although the team could improve the offensive line with this pick, they are in desperate need of an outside linebacker, and Kyle Van Noy is better than any o-linemen available. Great against both the run and the pass (tied for most pass deflections among linebackers in the draft with 7), the former BYU star is precisely what the Giants need.
44. St. Louis Rams- Lamarcus Joyner S/CB
The Rams biggest weakness exiting the first round is in the secondary, and Lamarcus Joyner should help change that. Although many will be put off by his height, Joyner is excellent in coverage and could become a top starter at either free safety or slot cornerback.
45. Detroit Lions- Phillip Gaines, CB
After what some may see as a luxury pick at ten, the Lions should address their most pressing need in the second round. Phillip Gaines may not be a player everyone knows about coming out of Rice, but any corner 6 ft tall that can run sub 4.35-40 should get everyone’s attention.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Nix III, NT
Considering many had the Steelers picking Nix with their first round pick earlier in the season, he would be a steal for them in the second. By far the best nose tackle in the draft, Nix is a huge body who can engulf offensive linemen with ease, something which would really help Pittsburgh’s run game.
47. Dallas Cowboys- Kony Ealy, DL
After solidifying their offensive line in the first round, the Cowboys have to improve their defence with round two. Despite sliding down many big boards in the past few months, Kony Ealy still deserves to go in the top 35 based on talent. He is a perfect fit at defensive end in the cowboys 4-3 scheme.
48. Baltimore Ravens- Dion Bailey, S
Although the Ravens could go wide receiver or offensive tackle here, they have to take a safety to improve the back end of their defence. Dion Bailey may be a slight reach here, but he has the athleticism and awareness required to become a fantastic starter in the pros.
49. New York Jets- David Yankey, OG
The Jets have to replace Brian Winters on the interior of their offensive line in the draft, and David Yankey should be an unquestionable upgrade. The Stanford mauler has 40 starts for the Cardinal, something which is unsurprising when you see him play.
50. Miami Dolphins- Stephon Tuitt, DE
Having got the offensive linemen they desperately needed in round one, the Dolphins can look to replace the free agents they lost on the defensive line in round two. Tuitt deserves to go far higher that this based on talent, but there was nowhere higher i could put him. Despite having a poor final season due to injury, Tuitt is still a dangerous big body on the edge.
51. Chicago Bears- Timmy Jernigan, DT
After not addressing their defensive line in round one, the Bears must do so in round 2. If it wasn’t for a failed drugs test, Jernigan would be going much higher than this. He has the strength and speed to cause havoc in the middle of defence, as long as he doesn’t make any off-field errors.
52. Arizona Cardinals- Trent Murphy, OLB
The Cardinals biggest need is by far edge rusher, where they need to get both better and younger (current starter John Abraham is now 36). Trent Murphy is one of the most under-rated players in this draft, and should become a pass rushing terror at the next level. He led the FBS in sacks in 2013, and he has a multitude of pass rushing moves that mean he has a fair chance of repeating the feat in the NFL some time in the future.
53. Green Bay Packers- Jace Amaro, TE
After being awarded for their patience in the first round by getting the chance to pick the best safety in draft, i can see the Packers having the same sought of fortune in round two. Jace Amaro is a first round calibre tight end in my opinion, and would be a steal in the second round. He broke the FBS record for receiving yards by a tight end in his final season, and should be a menace for opposing defences over the middle of the field in the NFL.
54. Philadelphia Eagles- Davante Adams, WR
Although the Eagles first round pick will not be universally popular, it fills a need with one of the most effective pass rushers in the FBS last year (Marcus Smith was second only to Trent Murphy in sacks). The should now look to replace Desean jackson in round two with an explosive receiver. Adams is just that, and would be a good vertical threat to help the Eagles passing attack.
55. Cincinnati Bengals- Scott Critchon, DE
After getting great value at cornerback in the first round, the Bengals are in position to do the same at defensive end in the second. Scott Critchon a prototypical 4-3 DE, with excellent raw physical ability and lots of untapped potential
56. San Fransisco 49‘ers- Cody Latimer, WR
After not getting a wide receiver in round one, San Francisco has to do it with one of their two round two picks. Cody Latimer has been a hot names in the past few weeks, and that no surprise considering his size and ability to compete for and win balls along the sideline.
57. San Diego Chargers- Demarcus Lawrence, OLB
Another team who were patient and addressed their top need in round one, the chargers could now look to upgrade multiple different position. Getting to the passer more is crucial if they are going to try to compete with Peyton Manning for the top of the AFC East, and Demarcus Lawrence is a great speed rusher who ticks all the boxes.
58. New Orleans Saints- Weston Richburg, C
After letting Brian De La Puente go in free agency, the Saints need to find a new centre to anchor the middle of the offensive line. Western Richburg may not be the strongest player available, but he has tons of experience and is great a great pass and run blocker.
59. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Jackson, G
The Colts have to prioritise improving the offensive line if they are to keep their star QB upright, and that means finding a replacement for Mike McGlynn. Gabe Jackson would be an instant upgrade, and although his technique needs polishing he has more than enough strength to keep most defenders at bay.
60. Carolina Panthers- Cyrus Kouandjio, OT
Although it would be surprising to see the Alabama tackle fall this far, it could happen due to injury concerns. If so, the Panthers should run to the podium. They are in desperate need of a new starting left tackle, and despite some of the questions surrounding him, he has the potential to become a great starting left tackle.
61. San Francisco 49‘ers- Marcus Martin, C
With their third pick, the 49ers should look to find a long term replacement to Jonathan Goodwin, who turned 35 in December. Marcus Martin was an unexpected early entrant into this years draft, and although his technique could be improved, he has a ton of potential, and should become a great starter in the long term.
62. New England Patriots- Troy Niklas, TE
After taking a risk with their first pick, i expect the Patriots to go with a safer option in round two. With Rob Gronkowski’s injury concerns, it makes sense for the Patriots to find someone else that they can pair with him, or start if he cant play. Troy Niklas is already a fantastic blocker, and with some work, should become a top pass rusher as well.
63. Denver Broncos- Chris Borland, MLB
Although it didn’t make sense for the Broncos to go after a middle linebacker in round one with CJ Mosley off the board, they have to address the position sooner rather than later. Chris Borland would unquestionably go higher than this if it wasn’t for concerns over his size and athleticism(6’0”, 4.78 40). If used and developed correctly, his great vision and instincts should shine though in the pros.
64. Seattle Seahawks- Jarvis Landry, WR
After letting Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin leave in free agency, the Seahawks need to find Russel Wilson a new target on day two. Jarvis Landry is another player who has fallen due to poor athleticism, but he would make a great addition to any team thanks to having the safest hands in the draft
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