2018 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft for all 32 teams
By Austin Erwin
25. Tennessee Titans: Harold Landry, DE – Boston College
Tennessee is a team on the rise in the AFC. The Titans are just a few pieces away from becoming a truly dominant defensive team in the league.
A consistent pass-rusher is one asset that will be in high demand for Tennessee on Thursday.
Harold Landry is a pass-rushing specialist with the athleticism and burst to come off the edge as a constant disruptor to the quarterback.
He needs to improve his presence when defending the run, but it is difficult for any offensive tackle to keep up with him on the edge.
26. Atlanta Falcons: D.J. Moore, WR – Maryland
The talented receiver out of Maryland would be an excellent fit to help continue rounding out Atlanta’s offense. Taylor Gabriel left in free agency this year, leaving wide receiver as an open position of need for the Falcons.
D.J. Moore could come in right away and serve as a number two option next to Julio Jones. Mohamed Sanu is still in Atlanta, but Moore is a younger body who will bring some electrifying talent downfield.
27. New Orleans Saints: Hayden Hurst, TE – South Carolina
The Saints missed out on a Jimmy Graham reunion in free agency this offseason, so now they will look to the draft to find their tight end of the future.
Hayden Hurst has some of the most reliable hands a scout can find in a tight end. His athleticism is above average for his position and he knows how to separate and get open in the middle of the field.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Leighton Vander Esch, LB – Boise State
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need at the linebacker position after the unfortunate injury situation with Ryan Shazier.
Leighton Vander Esch can become an elite talent at the linebacker position with his unique combination of skills. He is long, rangy, and has the athletic ability to chase down the ball carrier, while also providing valuable pass coverage.
However, Vander Esch has reportedly flunked a medical examination from some NFL teams according to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. The injury situation is a little grey for Vander Esch, but there are still a ton of teams generating interest in the first round.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Connor Williams, OT – Texas
Jacksonville has a stout, young defensive group, but they need to continue building on the offensive side of the ball.
Connor Williams is a physical, aggressive run blocker who can help the Jaguars push the run game with Leonard Fournette. Williams can play tackle, but he would be better served on the right side of the line of scrimmage or inside at one of the guard spots.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Wynn, OT/OG – Georgia
After signing Kirk Cousins in free agency, it is vital for the Minnesota Vikings to continue building their offensive line to protect the $84 million quarterback.
Isaiah Wynn has elite traits and talent for an interior offensive lineman in this class. There is a possibility for Wynn to play tackle, but his lack of size and length will likely push him inside to guard.
Wynn has dominant strength at the point of attack to drive defenders in the run game and hold his ground in pass protection.
He knows how to lock down his blocks and rarely gives up any ground. Wynn has the talent to go much higher in this draft, but lacks the ideal height that would typically go with the tackle position.
Minnesota Vikings
31. New England Patriots: Kolton Miller, OT – UCLA
The Patriots lost their longtime left tackle, Nate Solder, to the Giants in free agency this year. With Tom Brady in his final years under center, it will be important to maintain protection on his blind side.
Kolton Miller has the reach and athleticism to move his feet and protect the edge from speedy defensive ends.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Gesicki, TE – Penn State
Philadelphia could go a number of ways with their first-round pick, but look for the Eagles to add another offensive weapon to complement the return of Carson Wentz.
Trey Burton left for Chicago this offseason, leaving a spot open alongside Zach Ertz at tight end. Mike Gesicki is an athletic freak who excels at the jump ball downfield.
Next: Vikings 7-round mock draft, 2.0
He will also provide needed depth if Ertz continues to have the injury disruptions. He has the size and strong hands desired by NFL scouts to be a dynamic pass-catching tight end in the league.