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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final projection on draft day

By Cody Williams

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: Roger Goodell announces a draft pick during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theater on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: Roger Goodell announces a draft pick during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theater on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: UTEP offensive lineman Will Hernandez in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: UTEP offensive lineman Will Hernandez in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

21. Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills): Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

The reason that the Cincinnati Bengals are in this position with the 21st overall pick in the draft is because they traded down from No. 12 to land Cordy Glenn from the Buffalo Bills. It was evident all of last season that the offensive line was a severe issue for Cincy and the offense as a hole paid the price for it. As such, they use the No. 12 pick to essentially land two stud offensive linemen by first adding Glenn and now landing Will Hernandez.

“Mauler” is the word you often see associated with the bullish Hernandez and it suits him well. While he may have played small-school competition, he dominated the way a first-round talent should against that level of competition. And while there might be some early growing pains for the UTEP product as he picks up the speed of the NFL, he has the strength and other tools to be a long-term option at guard for the Bengals and to help open up their offense again.

22. Denver Broncos (via Bills by way of Chiefs): Connor Williams, OL, Texas

After going defense and taking Denzel Ward with the first pick that they acquired from the Bills in a mocked trade, the Denver Broncos need to turn their attention to the other side of the ball. While Garett Bolles played well when healthy last season, this offensive line in Denver is still far from being complete. There are pieces, but there are also holes and they need to put Case Keenum and/or Paxton Lynch in better positions moving forward.

Connor Williams will help the Broncos be able to do that. The Texas product struggled with some injuries last season, but nothing that appears to be lasting. When on the field and healthy, though, he proved to be an effective lineman on the edge playing tackle with great strength and mobility. However, he also has the frame that leads to the belief that he could play guard in the NFL as well. Wherever the Broncos need him though, his skill and versatility suits them well at a position of need.

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