8th Annual Football Garbage Time Twitter NFL Mock Draft! – Round 2

By the Football Garbage Time Staff

Howdy, y’all!

We all know that the NFL Draft is right around the corner, beginning on April 28th.  And we all know that the choices that teams make that night will be a significant part in whether they end up with the Lombardi Trophy and the 32nd pick in a future draft, or if they end up with the first overall pick looking to rebuild.

Seeing as how important these decisions are, we here at Football Garbage Time again got together and decided to conduct a mock draft.  In fact, this will be our 8th Annual Twitter NFL Mock Draft!

This year, eleven different writers & podcasters from seven different sites participated, including:

Each one took part as GMs of several teams in the draft and conducted the mock draft live over several weeks on Twitter (feel free to check out the back and forth on Twitter by searching for #FGTMock).  A few trends became clear and we certainly had more than a few surprises.

Last time we gave you our Round 1 Picks and Analysis, as well as discuss those picks in our podcast with Jordan Latz, and now we’re back with Round 2 of the mock draft below.

33 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: George Pickens – WR

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Jaguars drafted Trevor Lawrence first overall last year, but it’s pretty clear he wasn’t going to single-handedly turn the offense around.  The Jags went on to average a franchise-low 14.9 points per game with just 11 plays of 30-plus yards and led the NFL in dropped passes with 39.  Which is why the Jags met with George Pickens in early March and why they should be drafting him at the beginning of the 2nd round.

Pickens played just four games during Georgia’s national championship season in 2021 due to right knee ACL tear but had 88 catches for 1,286 yards and 14 touchdowns during his first two seasons.  And if there was any concern that the ACL reconstruction would slow him down, that was addressed at the Combine where he clocked an impressive 4.47 and 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash.  Pickens has great size at 6-foot-3 and around 200 combined with solid route running and an exceptional ability to haul in any pass near him.  He’ll instantly upgrade Lawrence’s targets in his sophomore year with the Jags.

George Pickens Receiving Stats
Rece Rece Rece Rece
Year School Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Avg TD
*2019 Georgia SEC FR WR 12 49 727 14.8 8
*2020 Georgia SEC SO WR 8 36 513 14.3 6
*2021 Georgia SEC JR WR 4 5 107 21.4 0
Career Georgia 90 1347 15.0 14

34 – Detroit Lions

Pick: Christian Watson – WR

Staff: Scott King

The Lions grab a WR they need in Watson at the top of the second. They do not need to reach on QB here.

35 – New York Jets

Pick: Devonte Wyatt – DT/ILB

Staff: Adam Aniba

36 – New York Giants

Pick: Arnold Ebiketie – Edge

Staff: Joanne Kong

The Giants have been on a continuous mission to shore up their defensive front with little success.

Lorenzo Carter, a 2018 3rd round draft pick, will be moving on to the Atlanta Falcons. Oshane Ximines, a 2019 3rd round draft pick, just signed a 4-year contract with the Giants, but after suffering a season ending injury in his second year, Ximines hasn’t been the same. In 2020, Ximines only totaled 4 solo tackles, 9 assists and no sacks. A disappointing showing compared to his rookie year where he totaled 11 tackles, 14 assists and 4.5 sacks. Even with the new contract, its uncertain whether Ximines will develop into the player the Giants need on the defensive line.

Azeez Ojulari, 2021 2nd round pick, had a promising rookie year with 29 solo tackles, 20 assists, 8 sacks and a forced fumble. And Quincy Roche was claimed off waivers in 2021, also putting up promising stats with 23 solo tackles, 15 assists, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. But neither Ojulari or Roche have been a standout defensive player.

Arnold Ebiketie is an impressive prospect who has top-level athletic skills with explosiveness, elite speed and mobility around the edge, instinctive pass-rushing skills, and the power to drive through blockers to blow up running plays.  Ebiketie will need some development and fine tuning in the pro level, especially correcting his balance off the line, but his innate skill is something few players can replicate.

37 – Houston Texans

Pick: Lewis Cine – S

Staff: Eddie Martin

The Texans need talent that they can start day 1. After losing Justin Reid the need was more evident. Cine is plug and play, and can cover anywhere on the field. Will need to improve on pad level as he hits high and that doesn’t work in the NFL.

38 – New York Jets

Pick: Jaquan Brisker – S

Staff: Adam Aniba

39 – Chicago Bears

Pick: Kenyon Green – OG

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Bears almost ruined Justin Fields last year, and with a new head coach, that won’t happen again.  That means job one is getting him some protection.  And that’s where Kenyon Green comes fits in.

Green played left guard in 2020 and started all 10 games, ultimately being named second-team All-American by the Associated Press and second-team all-SEC.  In 2021, Green played all over the line and started at every position except center, ultimately being named first-team All-American and first-team all-SEC and was also a finalist for the Lombardi award, which goes to the top offensive lineman in the country.  Draft pundits love Green due to his versatility. He played four positions well in college and his strength and athleticism should allow him to excel inside or outside in the NFL.

Green would have been a 1st round player but for some lingering medical concerns.  That being said, the upside is immense.  The Bears have already brought in Green for a pre-draft visit and it’s clear that if he’s available at 39, the Bears will pounce on him.

40 – Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Travis Jones – DT

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

41 – Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Breece Hall – RB

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

42 – Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Trey McBride – TE

Staff: Scott King

43 – Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Calvin Austin – WR

Staff: FXP Jr.

44 – Cleveland Browns

Pick: Logan Hall – DE

Staff: Joanne Kong

The Dawg Pound has made some big changes for the coming season with the release of quarterback Baker Mayfield and the acquisition of quarterback DeShaun Watson garnering the most headlines. Myles Garrett is still in the pound, but his counterpart Jadevon Clowney will not be returning, creating a substantial hole in the defensive line. The Browns signed two veterans to the defensive line with Stephen Weatherly (DE) and re-signed Sheldon Day (DT). But the Browns could still use some depth to shore up their defense.

The Browns had the 5th best defense in the league last season in yards allowed.

The Browns two biggest need is the defensive line and a strong wide receiver 2 to pair with new acquisition Amari Cooper, without OBJ or Jarvis Landry.

Any player that can fill multiple roles have a greater value on the field. Logan Hall is that player. Hall has the size (6’6”), a long frame to leverage his weight, a large wingspan to wrap around offensive tackles, explosiveness and quickness off the line to cause trouble for the offense. Good lateral movement gives him the ability to cover ground, spin around blockers and guards and pursue the quarterback. Currently weighing in at 283, Hall has the agility to become a playmaker on the defensive line. Does anything more need to be said?

45 – Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Dylan Parham – OG

Staff: Dan Thury

46 – Minnesota Vikings

Pick: David Ojabo – Edge

Staff: Dan Thury

47 – Washington Commanders

Pick: Isaiah Likely – TE

Staff: Adam Aniba

48 – Chicago Bears

Pick: Skyy Moore – WR

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Now that Allen Robinson has left, Darnell Mooney is finally the top target in Chicago.  And with a new coach and offensive scheme in Chicago, there should be plenty of opportunity for Mooney to breakout.  But after Mooney, there’s very little to get excited about. Plus newly acquire Byron Pringle is already in trouble with the law, so his impact on the upcoming season is anyone’s guess.  And that’s exactly why Skyy Moore makes so much sense.

Moore has background as a quarterback and defensive back prior to becoming a receiver, so he understands the importance of getting separation and getting open. He had terrific production in college with 95 catches for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and had 51 catches for 802 yards, averaging 15.7 yards per reception, in 2019. Some downplay Moore’s production since he was in the MAC, but the numbers were outstanding nonetheless and he backed them up at the Combine by showing a 4.41 seconds 40-yard dash and a 34 1/2-inch vertical leap.  He profiles well as a slot receiver, something that would help loosen pressure on Justin Fields and open up room for Mooney on the outside.  Bottom line is that Moore will be an instant upgrade for the Bears offense, and give Fields another target to grow with.

49 – New Orleans Saints

Pick: Darian Kinnard – OT/OG

Staff: Eddie Martin

50 – Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Kingsley Enagbare – Edge/LB

Staff: Trevor Stores

51 – Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Ed Ingram – OG

Staff: George Templeton

Ed Ingram profiles as a first-round pick but for the indiscretions off the field. But those were 3 years ago and he was reinstated to LSU’s team and performed. Philadelphia has to improve their interior offensive line play if Jalen Hurts is going to have a real shot to prove he’s the answer at QB.

52 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Zion Johnson – OT/OG

Staff: Scott King

53 – Green Bay Packers

Pick: Daniel Faalele – OT

Staff: Dan Thury

54 – New England Patriots

Pick: Troy Anderson – LB

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

55 – Arizona Cardinals

Pick: John Metchie – WR

Staff: Geroge Templeton

Wide receiver isn’t a big priority for the Cardinals but John Metchie falling to 55 was too good to pass up and Kliff Kingsbury won’t be able to resist adding another offensive weapon for Kyler Murray.

56 – Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cameron Thomas – DL

Staff: Joanne Kong

The Cowboys will be looking for a raw athlete to fill the edge rusher position and Cameron Thomas might be that athlete. Thomas had the size at 6-4 and 267 pounds. In 2021, Thomas totaled 71 sacks, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas was graded an 89.4 overall, 86.8 run defense, and 89.3 pass-rush, with his 77 pressures placing second to only Alabama’s Will Anderson, who will likely be the first defensive player off the board next year.

Thomas has the agility to turn corners and avoid blocks, which are two qualities for a good edge. He’s light on his feet and has good speed off the line, although he doesn’t have the explosiveness. He’ll need to build more strength to have better success against the run in the pro-level. If its raw talent the Cowboys want in the second round to mold an edge rusher, Cameron Thomas definitely has it.

57 – Buffalo Bills

Pick: Kenneth Walker – RB

Staff: FXP Jr.

58 – Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Khalil Shakir – WR

Staff: FXP Jr.

59 – Green Bay Packers

Pick: Alec Pierce – WR

Staff: Dan Thury

60 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Daniel Faalele – OT

Staff: Scott King

61 – San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Drake Jackson – DE

Staff: Wole Akinso

62 – Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Martin Emerson – CB

Staff: Trevor Stores

63 – Cincinatti Bengals

Pick: Jamaree Salyer – OG

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

It’s clear, particularly after narrowly losing the Super Bowl, that the Bengals need to shore up their offensive line.  And although they added three offensive linemen in free agency, it’s wise to build for the future to continue protecting their young QB, which is exactly why I think they’ll take Jamaree Salyer at the end of the second round.

Salyer is a huge 6’3″ and 321 pounds and, perhaps most importantly, can slot in anywhere on the offensive line. He played every offensive line position at Georgia, including center, and played both left tackle and right guard during Georgia’s 33-18 national title win over Alabama.  Salyer’s best season came in 2020 when he didn’t allow a single sack across 663 offensive snaps, and he managed to be named first team All-SEC player in 2021.

Adding a versatile player like Salyer would not only give the Bengals some much-needed depth, but if he proves he’s ready to start right away, he could compete for the starting left guard spot, which is currently the Bengals’ biggest issue on the offensive line. It’s also the position that Salyer seems best-suited for at the NFL level. The Bengals currently have Jackson Carman slotted in at left guard and although he’s been improving, the team would probably feel a lot better if it had some insurance at the position just in case Carman doesn’t continue to improve.

64 – Denver Broncos

Pick: Chad Muma – LB

Staff: Trevor Stores

Thanks for following our 8th Annual Mock Draft!  Be sure to check back all preseason for more NFL news and analysis!

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