21. New York Giants: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Maybe by the time some of you are reading this, the New York Giants will have already traded for a running back. Maybe they will have missed out.
The point is, at the time of this mock draft being written, we don’t know what will end up happening for the Giants, but it seems clear they are interested in acquiring running back help. Dating back to the offseason, we knew the Giants were hoping to be in on the Kenneth Walker sweepstakes, but he was never not going to the Chiefs.
If the Giants can’t acquire Jonathan Taylor – or someone – then maybe they will be the team that goes after Jadan Baugh in the 1st round next year. Baugh has star qualities and John Harbaugh will love him.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tae Johnson, SAF, Notre Dame
If your defense needs an absolute game-changer on the back end, Tae Johnson is going to be near the top of your list.
The Notre Dame safety has some of the most impressive instincts and closing speed in the country, and his ability to read and react truly feels like it shrinks the field.
The Jaguars have never been afraid to buck conventional thinking and wisdom in the NFL Draft, so they won’t mind taking a safety in the first round if they believe this guy can be a game-changer for their defense.
We’ve seen how much a player like this can impact modern NFL defenses as coordinators get creative with putting them in different positions, whether on the back end or even lined up as pass rushers.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
Just what the Cincinnati Bengals need: Another elite weapon for the passing game.
We’ve seen how dynamic and explosive this Bengals offense can be without a true every-down threat at the tight end position, even though Mike Gesicki has certainly had his moments there. Jamari Johnson is someone who can provide the Bengals with a true three-down threat at the position, and another playmaker to give defenses headaches.
He has such a unique ability to impact every level of the field at the tight end position, and the Bengals would probably be dancing in their war room if he was still on the board.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
My stance has changed pretty significantly on Arch Manning this season. Although there are still moments where you sit there and watch him and say, “See, there it is!” There are also simply far too many moments where you’re left scratching your head and wondering what the guy is thinking out there.
While Manning has tremendous natural talent, he’s not developing at the quarterback position at the pace needed right now.
Even though that may be true, I still think there are owners in the NFL who will have some input on wanting this guy drafted. A team like the Steelers might have the luxury of giving Arch a softer landing at the NFL level as well as the type of structure around him to eventually succeed.
But his 1st-round status is hanging on by a thread.
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