As we get ready for April, teams find themselves preparing for the next step on the journey to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta; the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at who the experts think will go in picks 21 through 25 in next month’s draft.
#21: Cincinnati Bengals
CBS Sports: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame | Bleacher Report: James Daniels, OL, Iowa | NFL.com: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
“The Bengals took a step toward addressing their offensive line woes by acquiring left tackle Cordy Glenn from the Bills and moving down to this pick. They should keep adding talent to the position with McGlinchey, who is a fit at either tackle spot. He’ll slot in at right tackle initially but could move to the left side if Glenn can’t stay healthy. Either way, drafting the Notre Dame standout puts the Bengals halfway to fixing their line issues.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports
#22: Buffalo Bills
CBS Sports: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU | Bleacher Report (traded to Indianapolis Colts): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU | NFL.com: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
“As part of the predicted trade for pick No. 6 overall, the Indianapolis Colts add this selection and get the workhorse running back they can plug in right behind Andrew Luck in Week 1.One of my philosophies is that a good running back makes the quarterback’s life easier, and that’s exactly what the physical, punishing, mean Guice would be as Luck gets back onto the field this season. The best way to take pressure off Luck is to give him a bell-cow back.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
#23: Los Angeles Rams
CBS Sports, NFL.com: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama | Bleacher Report: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
“The trade of Alec Ogletree to the Giants opens a spot for this gifted LB. Like so many of recent vintage from ‘Bama, Evans runs well, and is well-versed in pro-style scheme, and reasoning. Plus, he makes an impact as soon as he arrives.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com
#24: Carolina Panthers
CBS Sports: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Jaire Alexander, DB, Louisville
“The first order of business for returning general manager Marty Hurney in this draft should be fixing the mess his predecessor, Dave Gettleman, left at cornerback. Even considering how badly the team needs upgrades on the offensive line and at wide receiver, the secondary should get a look first.Louisville’s Jaire Alexander might not fit the size profile for some teams at 5’10 ¼” and 196 pounds, and he was banged up in 2017 with hand and leg injuries, but he’s a physical player at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. Alexander can match up with taller receivers thanks to his speed and instincts. His tool set would make him the Panthers’ best cornerback right away.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
#25: Tennessee Titans
CBS Sports, NFL.com: Harold Landry, LB, Boston College | Bleacher Report: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State
“Landry is an athletic freak as an edge rusher, but he’ll likely be better served not playing a large role as a rookie while he adjusts to the NFL and potentially bulks up. That should be just fine for the Titans, who will have a huge need at edge rusher next offseason with Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan slated to reach free agency. Landry can be a subpackage player in Year 1 and eventually take over one of those starting spots in 2019.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports
To see full mock drafts:
For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.
For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.
For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.