NFL mock draft 1.0: KC Chiefs stay put and take value pick

While there is a lot of talent on the Washington defense, there is one position that is noticeably lacking a star: The safeties group. With some great offensive weapons and defensive pass-rushers, Brian Branch might just be the missing piece that Washington needs to be competitive in the NFC East. While he is somewhat limited in his ability to cover man-to-man, Branch seems to cover ground quickly and make big tackles in the open field. With his skillset and leadership, the Commanders will have solidified a top defensive player in this year’s class.

The Steelers are one of those teams that could draft a player at almost any position and it would make some logical sense. In this mock draft, I have them selecting Devon Witherspoon, who would add a much-needed level of youth to the defensive backfield. With some serious tenacity and instinctual play, Witherspoon may become one of the NFL’s best playmakers. After signing Patrick Peterson this offseason, Witherspoon would have a great mentor and player to play beside for at least his rookie year. In that sense, this pick would make a lot of sense.

The Lions seem to have improved in a number of areas this offseason. After bringing an influx of defensive talent onto the roster, the Lions could use a dominant tight end. While there is a debate as to who the best tight end is in this class, Darnell Washington seems like the kind of player that Dan Campbell might fall in love with. With an enormous frame, Washington is both capable of moving guys when he is asked to block and catch passes within a wide radius. Washington might not be the most explosive player in the draft, but he would fulfill a need and could become very effective in Detroit’s offense.

While this pick would come as a surprise to some, it really shouldn’t. The Bucs are going to be headed for a rebuild within the next couple of seasons. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans are aging and the Bucs would probably like to have a receiver that is cost-effective for the foreseeable future. In drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Buccaneers would guarantee that their future franchise quarterback, no matter who that may be, would have a great route runner. With an aging and transitioning roster, Smith-Njigba would make a lot of sense at 19 overall.

(Projected trade from Seattle)

The Giants just made Daniel Jones a highly-paid quarterback. As of now, the Giants have a lot of “solid” receivers, but none that stand out as one that could be “elite.” With many of the top receivers coming off of the board, the Giants trade up to take “their guy.” While Jordan Addison does not flash the same skillset as a few of the other receivers in this class, he is a very talented route runner that knows how to effectively use leverage. With the Giants, he would immediately become one of the best receivers on the team and would make a lot of sense as a fit.