2018 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft for all 32 teams
By Austin Erwin
19. Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Ridley, WR – Alabama
Dallas just picked up Allen Hurns in free agency, who can provide the number two threat alongside Calvin Ridley. The Alabama product has the route running and quickness to get open at all levels of the field and provide high volume production early on.
Because of his ability to separate, Ridley could be a solid replacement for Dez Bryant right away.
20. Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport, DE – UTSA
Yes, the Lions franchise tagged Ziggy Ansah this year, but another talented defensive disruptor could be a high priority for Detroit in the first round.
The Lions have lacked a truly dominant defensive front for a while, which would be beneficial in getting the ball back to Matthew Stafford.
Davenport provides a ton of upside of the edge and flashy speed. He has the combination of quickness and length, allowing him to work on his pass-rushing skills with a foundation already in place.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills): Rashaan Evans, LB – Alabama
Rashaan Evans is another dynamic defensive talent to go in this draft. The Cincinnati Bengals have lost their edge on the defensive side of the ball and an infusion of young talent is greatly needed.
Evans is a fast, rangy linebacker who flies all over the field. He has the speed to chase shifty backs with the discipline to also hold position and consistently tackle runners inside.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs): Will Hernandez, OG – UTEP
Richie Incognito retired along with his all-pro caliber play inside. Look for the Bills to grab an interior offensive line talent to complement their selection of Josh Rosen earlier in the draft.
Will Hernandez stylistically fits the bully mentality that Incognito leaves behind and provides the Bills with a guard who can play at a high level for a long time.
23. New England Patriots (via Rams): Mason Rudolph, QB – Oklahoma State
It is safe to say that Bill Belichick will look to find a future replacement for Tom Brady in this draft after the team sent Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco last season.
Mason Rudolph is intriguing for New England because he provides a cannon arm and raw talent that Belichick will be able to groom behind Brady.
24. Carolina Panthers: Jaire Alexander, CB – Louisville
After missing out on Bashaud Breeland in free agency, Carolina will need to look for a talented playmaker in their secondary in this year’s NFL Draft. Receiver is another priority, but Ridley and Sutton are already off the board here.
Jaire Alexander brings the boastful confidence that has been lacking for the Panthers since the departure of Josh Norman. Alexander is a talented cover corner who plays physical and close to his man.
His talent is severely underrated in this class. Alexander can make an impact right away with his coverage and ball skills.