Here are the picks for our NFL mock draft. More specifically: picks #21-25. Here we go.
In case you missed them: here are
21. Miami Dolphins: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The 11th-ranked player on PFF’s big board, Newton played defensive end for Illinois and will be a welcoming sight in Miami.
With eight sacks in 2023 and 28 hurries, he possesses a quick first step and also quick hands to help him get past offensive linemen. He does stand at just 6’2″ and 295 pounds, leaving many to wonder if his size will be a concern at the next level. But, when you’re quick and have good pass-rush tools, it doesn’t matter how big or small you may be.
Current defensive end Zach Sieler could use someone opposite of him to help get to the quarterback. Newton would step in and automatically be the starter on the left side.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Arguably the best safety in the draft, Nubin joins an Eagles defense that, truly, doesn’t have many holes.
With fantastic football IQ along with his run defense skills, he’s someone who can truly make an impact no matter what you assign him to do. Nubin isn’t just your typical deep safety, as he is also able to line up in the box and blitz the quarterback if you need him to. When it comes to stopping the ball carrier, he looks to make an impactful hit that will send the ball jarring from their hold.
Currently, Reed Blakenship serves as the Eagles’ free safety. But, Nubin would be an upgrade over the incumbent safety, and as long as the team allows him to play free, robber and box safety roles, he’s going to make an impact out of the gate.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
With the ability to play guard or center on the offensive line, Powers-Johnson is most dominant as a center. Grading as the best at his position in 2023, his power and finesse skills make him a first-rounder.
Despite the Vikings already having Garrett Bradbury currently playing center, there’s no reason why you can’t move Powers-Johnson to guard. He’s a dominant man to have in the run game, moving people with ease. It helps that he has great upper-body strength, and will toss defenders to the side because of it.
The only flaw is his short arms, but then again, it shouldn’t matter too much. He’s an NFL-caliber lineman who will be an All-Pro sooner rather than later. Whoever is under center will have more protection at his disposal with this pick. Even if Bradbury misses games (like we’ve seen recently) due to injury, Powers-Johnson can come in and the line won’t miss a beat.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, T, Duke
With Tyler Smith and Terrence Steele at the tackle positions, you wonder why Barton would come to Dallas. I could argue that Steele is not better than Barton, and the latter would automatically slate himself into the right tackle for the Cowboys.
However, his best position for the NFL is center.
Barton is a tough and well-moving lineman with strong hands and a mean streak in the run game. His best position in the NFL is likely at center, as he brings starting-caliber traits there.
PFF’s scouting report on Graham Barton
The 6’5″, 314 lb lineman rarely let his quarterback get touched from the blind side, allowing just two sacks in 2023. He’s well-balanced before the snap and moves well to the point where you don’t want him coming at you in the run game.
His leg drive stands out too, which will help him in combo block situations. One thing to point out is his grip strength, which is a good but also a bad thing as it may lead to more holding penalties than usual.
In the end, you can’t deny this tough lineman is someone Dallas could use.
25. Green Bay Packers: Amarius Mims, T, Georgia
At 6’7″, 340 lbs, Mims is a towering prospect with high potential. The skills are there for the Georgia product, from his elite length to his fast and fluid movement (which makes him stand out because of his size).
The only thing that was a concern was just experience on the field. He only played 682 snaps in the past two seasons (seven games in just 2023). Of course, along with injuries, playing at a talented program like the Bulldogs makes it hard to carve consistent playing time.
Regardless, he’s a strong player who as long as he develops (confidence in pass protection and working on his strides), will be a franchise right tackle for years to come. You don’t come across guys this size with the potential to be dominant in the trenches.
With Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom at the tackle spots, Mims won’t be pressured to start right away. But, when he’s ready, he’ll take over one of the spots (more likely right tackle) and be a force.
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