First-round mock draft: Quarterback overload knocks top talent to Chiefs
By Grant Tuttle
17. Denver Broncos (Projected Trade with Jacksonville Jaguars)
SELECTION: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Admittedly, this is a lot of quarterbacks. With that being said, this is a unique time in the NFL. It's hard to remember a time when there were so many quarterback-desperate teams.
In our projected trade, the Broncos gained more draft capital later in the draft to make selecting the consolation prize, Bo Nix, more palatable. Nix is no slouch, but is more limited than the previous four quarterbacks taken. Undoubtedly, Sean Payton will see a player reminiscent of better days as Nix has drawn some comparisons to Drew Brees. Denver takes quarterback five out of sheer desperation and uncertainty at the position.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
SELECTION: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The Bengals must make every draft pick count as they enter the years of Joe Burrow's extension. Undoubtedly, they got their fill of Orlando Brown Jr. With a lack of athleticism and pass protection ability, the Bengals must consider their options to keep Joe Burrow healthy for the long term. Troy Fautanu can move laterally very quickly and packs a punch. As their replacement plan for Orlando Brown Jr., Fautanu makes a lot of sense at 18 overall.
19. Los Angeles Rams
SELECTION: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The Rams need a new defensive tackle after the retirement of NFL legend Aaron Donald. While Byron Murphy II does not project to be the same player as Aaron Donald (because Aaron Donald is a once-in-a-lifetime type player), Murphy will add some stability to the middle of a now shaky interior on the defensive line. A defensive star at Texas, Murphy is capable of creating problems for smaller interior linemen and is extremely quick for a man his size. This would be a no-brainer for the Rams.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
SELECTION: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Steelers would be sprinting to the podium with this one. Somehow Laiatu Latu falls to pick 20. In my opinion, this seems unlikely. With tremendous production at UCLA, Latu might not fall out of the top ten. With all of the quarterbacks taken, however, the Steelers were clear beneficiaries. Latu has had some concerns regarding his ability to stay healthy. Despite this, many regard Latu as the best pure pass rusher in the draft. A Latu/Watt combination would be terrifying.