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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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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

25. Tennessee Titans: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Losing Avery Williamson in free agency is a big blow for the Tennessee Titans. The linebacker was an integral piece in the middle of their defense with his ability to stop the run and fly all over the field to make plays in that regard. They don’t have an immediate replacement for him at this point, which makes it their most pressing need on a roster that doesn’t have a great deal of big holes. And that’s why they thank the stars that Rashaan Evans is here for them.

Evans is not only the type of athlete and player that can replace what Williamson gave to the Titans, but he actually has the potential to be a bit more than that. His sideline-to-sideline speed and play recognition will allow him to make plays as a run-stopper, but he has more innate coverage ability than Williamson did as well. Thus, he seems like a perfect fit for Tennessee.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons attempted to address a need at defensive tackle by signing Dontari Poe to a one-year deal in free agency. While Poe was most certainly in Atlanta, that’s about all you can say regarding his tenure with the Falcons. He was highly ineffective and was unable to really make an impact in the way that this defense needs someone to at the position. Taven Bryan, however, has the potential to make that impact.

Bryan has some of the most inconsistent tape in this class. There are moments where he looks like a top-10 pick and others when you may want him late on Day 2. Thus, he comes off as a boom-or-bust type of prospect and that feels accurate. However, you know that Atlanta has faith in Dan Quinn to cultivate Bryan’s talent to get him closer to boom than bust, and that would give this Falcons defense a huge boost in the middle of the defensive line.

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