Daily Norseman - Daily Norseman 2018 Community Mock DraftThe Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2018-04-25T09:00:07-05:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/169263592018-04-25T09:00:07-05:002018-04-25T09:00:07-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Minnesota Vikings, Pick #30
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: International Series-Minnesota Vikings Practice" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cMi3vz2UD2z86Zn5XJfnYS7TSoE=/0x175:2286x1699/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59509809/usa_today_10371985.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The only pick that actually matters. Well, at least until #62.</p> <p id="NzVvgP">Well, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve made it. After a full month, we’ve reached the only pick in the entire first round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2018 NFL Draft</a> that actually means anything.</p>
<p id="EjaK70">Yes, my friends. . .your <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> are ON THE CLOCK!</p>
<p id="3J6CqE">One last time, let’s review the entire mock to this point:</p>
<ol>
<li id="43ynVB">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> - <span>Sam Darnold</span>, QB, Southern California</li>
<li id="BCgvYh">
<a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> - <span>Saquon Barkley</span>, RB, Penn State</li>
<li id="wlcTZB">
<a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (from <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>) - <span>Josh Rosen</span>, QB, California-Los Angeles</li>
<li id="AJfl5T">Cleveland Browns (from <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>) - <span>Bradley Chubb</span>, DE, North Carolina State</li>
<li id="b6fDQA">
<a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> - <span>Quenton Nelson</span>, G, Notre Dame</li>
<li id="4p9JNK">Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) - <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span>, LB, Virginia Tech</li>
<li id="GlsV3H">
<a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> - <span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span>, DB, Alabama</li>
<li id="SqhYJZ">
<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> - <span>Denzel Ward</span>, CB, Ohio State</li>
<li id="SYz0EB">
<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> - <span>Roquan Smith</span>, LB, Georgia</li>
<li id="4r4IWj">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> - <span>Vita Vea</span>, DT, Washington</li>
<li id="48dCXU">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> - <span>Baker Mayfield</span>, QB, Oklahoma</li>
<li id="PNkTJt">
<a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (from <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>) - <span>Josh Allen</span>, QB, Wyoming</li>
<li id="t4vq1N">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> - <span>Derwin James</span>, S, Florida State</li>
<li id="3zXQuv">
<a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> - <span>Mike Hughes</span>, CB, Central Florida</li>
<li id="7qSQxf">
<a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> - <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, QB, Louisville</li>
<li id="VW5M2d">
<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> - <span>Calvin Ridley</span>, WR, Alabama</li>
<li id="YVi50v">
<a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> - Da’ron Payne, DT, Alabama</li>
<li id="745SXp">
<a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> - <span>Mike McGlinchey</span>, OT, Notre Dame</li>
<li id="sHl1yG">
<a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> - <span>Courtland Sutton</span>, WR, Southern Methodist</li>
<li id="MsozLI">
<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Maurice Hurst</span>, DT, Michigan</li>
<li id="qYaxXi">Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo Bills) - <span>Connor Williams</span>, OL, Texas</li>
<li id="HXqaVO">Buffalo Bills (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</li>
<li id="0wM193">
<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</li>
<li id="AHW2Hz">
<a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - Joshua <span>Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</li>
<li id="1UbxEQ">
<a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> - <span>Marcus Davenport</span>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</li>
<li id="k4nMQb">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> - <span>Taven Bryan</span>, DT, Florida</li>
<li id="mgTbOc">
<a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State</li>
<li id="bXhw7a">
<a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> - <span>Rashaan Evans</span>, LB, Alabama</li>
<li id="0YrLuc">
<a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> - <span>Will Hernandez</span>, G, Texas-El Paso</li>
</ol>
<p id="VPyI4F">Honestly, I’m not going to bore you with all the comings and goings and all of that stuff like I have for the 29 other posts in this process. We’re Vikings fans. . .we know what the team has done this offseason, and we know what their needs are. So, I’m going to pretty much throw this open to players remaining that appear to have a realistic chance of being selected by the Vikings at #30 overall in our scenario.</p>
<p id="y4yI3T">Yes, that means that there will be multiple players at multiple positions. Everyone has their favorites, and there’s still going to be plenty of room for debate because everyone is going to have their favorites. So, I’m just going to list the available options in alphabetical order.</p>
<p id="RgokV1"><span><strong>Jaire Alexander</strong></span><strong>, CB, Louisville</strong> - If the Vikings are unsure about turning the slot corner role over to <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> on a full-time basis, <span>Alexander</span> is someone they could certainly bring in to compete for that spot. He’s also go outstanding return skills if the team wanted to use him in that capacity.</p>
<p id="HMZ1xs"><span><strong>Orlando Brown</strong></span><strong>, OT, Oklahoma</strong> - Gripe about him being here all you wish. The tape shows first-round talent. If the Vikings can get him motivated, nobody will even remember the 2018 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">Scouting Combine</a>. If the Vikings want to push <span>Mike Remmers</span> to the inside, they’d need a starting right tackle, and Brown could step into that void.</p>
<p id="Ey5rDf"><span><strong>James Daniels</strong></span><strong>, C/G, Iowa</strong> - We know how much the Vikings value flexibility along the offensive line, and Daniels is a player that certainly fits that bill. A center at Iowa, whether he’s a center or a guard in the NFL depends on who you ask. If the Vikings take him, then he’s probably a guard.</p>
<p id="OoVMbo"><span><strong>Hayden Hurst</strong></span><strong>, TE, South Carolina</strong> - While the Vikings are probably going to be looking for more offensive weaponry, they could be interested in taking a tight end to complement Kyle Rudolph. Hurst’s age might scare some team off, but with Dallas Goedert off the board, he’s probably the next best tight end left.</p>
<p id="P7Dy7m"><span><strong>Kolton Miller</strong></span><strong>, OT, California-Los Angeles</strong> - <span>Miller</span> projects as a potential left tackle of the future, with a huge frame and very good athletic ability. The issue for Minnesota is that he doesn’t seem to be ready to step in immediately, and the Vikings need help on the o-line now rather than later. Still, he’s a possibility at this spot.</p>
<p id="3K0py3"><span><strong>D.J. Moore</strong></span><strong>, WR, Maryland</strong> - While the Vikings might look to a wide receiver at some point, they don’t need another slot option like Christian Kirk. Of the receivers remaining, <span>Moore</span> would probably be the best fit for the Vikings at this point. He <em>could</em> rotate into the slot, but could probably find as much or more success as an outside option.</p>
<p id="0YlDJ5"><span><strong>Billy Price</strong></span><strong>, C/G, Ohio State</strong> - People may question whether <span>Price</span> is worth a first-round pick after his pectoral injury at the Combine, but that’s a ridiculous question given that he’s going to be ready for Training Camp. He’s also familiar with one of his teammates in <span>Pat Elflein</span>, and would likely end up being a guard as he was when he and <span>Elflein</span> were both at Ohio State.</p>
<p id="5LD5hu"><span><strong>Frank Ragnow</strong></span><strong>, C/G, Arkansas</strong> - A name that’s picked up plenty of steam over the past couple of weeks, the Chanhassen native had an impressive career for the Razorbacks. In just over 2,600 snaps in college, he allowed <em>zero</em> sacks and just eight quarterback hits. That’s pretty damn impressive.</p>
<p id="9z8ust"><span><strong>Isaiah Wynn</strong></span><strong>, G, Georgia</strong> - We know that guard is a big need for the Vikings. . .honestly, the offensive line in general is huge. <span>Wynn</span> was very good as a tackle at Georgia, but projects as more of a guard at the NFL level. This pick would probably push Mike Remmers back to right tackle, which I see as a good thing, but your mileage may vary.</p>
<p id="pSWKKX">As things stand right now, that probably exhausts the list of realistic options for the Vikings in our current scenario. There aren’t any defensive tackles left that are worth this spot, and after Alexander, there probably aren’t any corners that belong here, either. The Vikings aren’t taking a running back or a quarterback in this spot, either, and edge rusher isn’t a huge need.</p>
<p id="Pxtfy6">So, we’ve got nine different names for everyone to discuss/debate/argue about at #30 the way our Community Mock Draft has fallen. We’re going to leave the poll on this one open until just before the start of the first round, so there’s plenty of time to pick a winner between now and then.</p>
<p id="PS8w1O">With that, have at it, ladies and gentlemen!</p>
<div id="PW2x00"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1036256"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/25/17278624/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-minnesota-vikings-pick-30Christopher Gates2018-04-24T09:00:08-05:002018-04-24T09:00:08-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars, Pick #29
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: AFC Championship-Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UZHyMxcy8zy2xQL8Iq2Eui8Lb1M=/0x208:2151x1642/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59494743/usa_today_10562051.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Just one pick away from the Vikings’ selection</p> <p id="hskqGe">We’re just a couple of days away from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2018 NFL Draft</a>, and nearly to the end of our 2018 Community Mock Draft as well. Let’s review how the last five selections have gone in our mock thus far.</p>
<p id="0UytZf">24. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - <span>Josh Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</p>
<p id="14UmEb">25. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> - <span>Marcus Davenport</span>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</p>
<p id="2NVnm1">26. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> - <span>Taven Bryan</span>, DT, Florida</p>
<p id="veA3Ss">27. <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State</p>
<p id="j3Hts1">28. <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> - <span>Rashaan Evans</span>, LB, Alabama</p>
<p id="3pHLLW">That brings us to the team that lost the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> Game this past season, the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>. They’re picking at #29, and they’ve got a lot of positions that they’re already really, really solid at. However, they do have some needs. Let’s go ahead and take a look at them here.</p>
<h3 id="UiXwGY">Jacksonville Jaguars</h3>
<p id="yDOAVH"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 10-6 (1st place, AFC South)</p>
<h4 id="h4YjcH">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="x5C4Fo">S <span>Don Carey</span> (free agent signing), S <span>Cody Davis</span> (free agent signing), CB <span>D.J. Hayden</span> (free agent signing), QB <span>Cody Kessler</span> (acquired via trade with Cleveland), WR <span>Donte Moncrief</span> (free agent signing), G <span>Andrew Norwell</span> (free agent signing), TE <span>Niles Paul</span> (free agent signing), TE <span>Austin Seferian-Jenkins</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="x2Gan3">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="IUe5ME">CB <span>Aaron Colvin</span> (signed with Houston), QB <span>Chad Henne</span> (signed with Kansas City), WR <span>Allen Hurns</span> (signed with Dallas), RB <span>Chris Ivory</span> (signed with Buffalo), TE <span>Marcedes Lewis</span> (released), G <span>Patrick Omameh</span> (signed with <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>), WR <span>Allen Robinson</span> (signed with Chicago)</p>
<h4 id="JIQzId">Team needs</h4>
<p id="4cxaQP"><strong>Guard</strong> - The Jaguars signed Andrew Norwell to a huge contract, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL early on in free agency. That takes care of one guard spot. Still, this team wants to run the football and keep <span>Blake Bortles</span>. . .or whoever lines up behind center. . .on their feet. That means taking another guard that would slot in on the right side.</p>
<p id="qm4ccF"><strong>Quarterback</strong> - The team picked up Blake Bortles’ fifth-year option, and he <em>did</em> have a good season in 2017, but you have to get the feeling that the Jaguars aren’t convinced. It’s a make-or-break year for Bortles, and the Jaguars might want to have a plan in place if Bortles regresses this coming year.</p>
<p id="8LjGEx"><strong>Tight end</strong> - It seems like Marcedes Lewis has been with the Jaguars forever, and he kind of has, but he hasn’t been brought back so far this offseason. If the Jaguars are interested in helping Bortles out, they probably need to get him someone to work the middle of the field the way Lewis could in his prime years.</p>
<p id="QxR8zx"><strong>Wide receiver</strong> - The Jaguars lost both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, who just a couple of years ago were one of the league’s most prolific receiving tandems. If the season started today, Marquise Lee and newly-acquired Donte Moncrief would be the starters at receiver, but the Jaguars would probably want to add more at the position.</p>
<h4 id="qnRDzA">Options</h4>
<p id="K1YUul"><span><strong>Will Hernandez</strong></span><strong>, G, Texas-El Paso</strong> - If the Jaguars want to maul people, then <span>Hernandez</span> is probably the guy they want. He’s probably the best pure guard in this year’s class not named <span>Quenton Nelson</span>, and would be a perfect addition at the right guard spot for Jacksonville.</p>
<p id="m37Wd1"><span><strong>Hayden Hurst</strong></span><strong>, TE, South Carolina</strong> - With Dallas Goedert off of the board, Hurst is the next man up at the tight end spot. He’s got the size and speed to create mismatches for the Jacksonville offense to exploit. What’s likely going to scare teams away from Hurst is his age, as thanks to a couple of seasons of minor league baseball he’s already 25 years of age.</p>
<p id="fv4XaP"><span><strong>Christian Kirk</strong></span><strong>, WR, Texas A&M</strong> - Kirk is someone that could immediately step in for the Jaguars and be their #3 wide receiver in a group with Lee and Moncrief. He also has elite return skills, though I’m not sure whether or not Jacksonville would use him in that capacity.</p>
<p id="P50Y0i"><span><strong>Mason Rudolph</strong></span><strong>, QB, Oklahoma State</strong> - As stated earlier, the Jaguars probably aren’t really in love with Bortles at this point, and <span>Rudolph</span> could prove to be the contingency they put in place while Bortles plays out his fifth-year option. If Bortles continues developing in a positive manner, then they have Rudolph as his future backup. If he doesn’t, then Rudolph could be starting as early as 2019.</p>
<p id="TzQXEt"><span><strong>Isaiah Wynn</strong></span><strong>, G, Georgia</strong> - For much of this mock we’ve avoided having two guys at the same position as options for a team to choose from, but <span>Wynn</span> really is a different sort of guard than Hernandez is. Wynn is more mobile, and could potentially have more flexibility, having excelled at Georgia as a tackle.</p>
<p id="vVrxZ3">Tomorrow, we hit the last pick (that we’re actually going to get to) in our 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, as the most important team in the National Football League will be on the clock with pick #30.</p>
<div id="JW0om0"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1034558"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/24/17274018/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-jacksonville-jaguars-pick-29Christopher Gates2018-04-23T09:00:05-05:002018-04-23T09:00:05-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pick #28
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0M0WINuBbPDqnOKiZJfjiE8xCms=/0x0:3096x2064/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59480627/usa_today_10363479.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>They’ve got some interesting questions to answer</p> <p id="W84A63">Only a couple more picks remain in our 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft! As a review, let’s go back over who has been taken with the last five picks.</p>
<p id="9Ixmss">23. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</p>
<p id="MDi1kx">24. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - <span>Josh Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</p>
<p id="bityzK">25. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> - <span>Marcus Davenport</span>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</p>
<p id="I9QhNa">26. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> - <span>Taven Bryan</span>, DT, Florida</p>
<p id="Vp6B6Z">27. <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State</p>
<p id="nu5Eca">That brings us to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> at #28 overall. The Steelers have one of the most dynamic offenses in the National Football League, but do face some interesting questions as they look towards the future. Let’s take a look at them now.</p>
<h3 id="8UiWa4">Pittsburgh Steelers</h3>
<p id="8SxESj"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 13-3 (1st place, AFC North)</p>
<h4 id="fqcrrB">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="dSOaZx">LB <span>Jon Bostic</span> (free agent signing), S <span>Morgan Burnett</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="OmLpaz">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="2mUXMr">CB <span>William Gay</span> (signed with <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>), S <span>Robert Golden</span> (signed with Kansas City), OT <span>Chris Hubbard</span> (signed with Cleveland), S <span>Mike Mitchell</span> (released)</p>
<h4 id="MgCfDY">Team needs</h4>
<p id="pxRxhi"><strong>Cornerback</strong> - The Steelers scored a coup by getting <span>Joe Haden</span> in a trade just before the start of the regular season in 2017, but when he went down with an injury last season, the Steelers showed some serious issues with their depth at the position. They have some younger players that could take a step forward, but more help is still needed.</p>
<p id="ad2IkT"><strong>Inside linebacker</strong> - One of the scariest moments of last season was when <span>Ryan Shazier</span> went down with a neck injury on what appeared to be a regular tackle. While the effects are obviously farther reaching than the field, the on-field loss of Shazier means that the Steelers have a hole at one of their inside linebacker spots, and they need to fill it.</p>
<p id="XhkTt8"><strong>Quarterback</strong> - <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> isn’t getting any younger, folks. He just turned 36, and has already reportedly entertained thoughts of hanging up his cleats. They don’t have much behind him at the moment, and they need to start seriously looking for Roethlisberger’s successor.</p>
<p id="1dDBpg"><strong>Running back</strong> - The Steelers are playing their annual game of “chicken” with Le’Veon Bell, and eventually one of two things is going to happen: Bell is going to lose his value in some way, be it age or injury or whatever, or the cost of using <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/2/14/14584232/how-does-the-nfl-franchise-tag-work-players-paid">the franchise tag</a> is going to get so insanely high that the Steelers won’t be able to keep using it. In either case, the Steelers need to start planning for when they don’t have the NFL’s best running back anymore.</p>
<p id="0l4ODO"><strong>Safety</strong> - <span>Mike Mitchell</span> was let go this offseason, as the Steelers were no longer able to justify his salary at his level of production. <span>Sean Davis</span> is set at one safety spot, but the loss of <span>Mitchell</span> means the Steelers need someone to plug in next to him.</p>
<h4 id="mh6iX6">Options</h4>
<p id="dIc0WI"><span><strong>Jaire Alexander</strong></span><strong>, CB, Louisville</strong> - The next corner up after we’ve seen a few go off of the board, Alexander is a solid player that can get the job done in either man or zone coverage. He also has some skills as a return specialist, whether or not the Steelers could use him in that capacity.</p>
<p id="fSfEaT"><span><strong>Rashaan Evans</strong></span><strong>, LB, Alabama</strong> - <span>Evans</span> is likely to be better served playing in a 3-4 than he would be in a 4-3, so he’s a player that could make sense for the Steelers here. He’s not an elite athlete, but having been one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide’s defense, he’s certainly developed into an outstanding football player that might be the best tackling linebacker in this year’s class.</p>
<p id="xaggOW"><span><strong>Derrius Guice</strong></span><strong>, RB, Louisiana State</strong> - If the Steelers are in the market for insurance for Le’Veon Bell, this is definitely a direction that they could look in. Guice isn’t the same sort of runner as Bell. . .then again, nobody is. . .but he’s the next best running back on the board and could be a decent complement to Bell for the time being.</p>
<p id="8Jgnrx"><span><strong>Ronnie Harrison</strong></span><strong>, S, Alabama</strong> - With Minkah Fitzpatrick and <span>Derwin James</span> off the board, Harrison is the next guy up at the safety spot. Harrison draws plenty of comparisons to another Alabama safety, <span>Landon Collins</span>, and is at his best when he’s able to attack downhill. With the Steelers’ need at safety, he’s certainly a viable option here.</p>
<p id="BvEdYl"><span><strong>Mason Rudolph</strong></span><strong>, QB, Oklahoma State</strong> - As we mentioned previously, the Steelers really need to start taking the search for Roethlisberger’s successor seriously. <span>Rudolph</span> is the next quarterback on the board after five have already gone off, but is he what the Steelers want at the position?</p>
<p id="FsgEP2">Tomorrow, we have the team that knocked the Steelers out of this year’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFL playoffs</a>, as the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> will be on the clock at pick #29.</p>
<div id="lk53Yt"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1032757"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/23/17269302/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-pittsburgh-steelers-pick-28Christopher Gates2018-04-22T09:00:03-05:002018-04-22T09:00:03-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints, Pick #27
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: NFC Divisional Playoff-New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GQljfXMAwgPCWCfavUK20iQ4SFo=/0x1:3054x2037/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59474243/usa_today_10546815.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The NFC South champions are now on the clock</p> <p id="vXdHsP">We’re just a couple of days away from the most important pick of our 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, but we still have to get through a few more teams to get there. Let’s review how the last five selections have gone for our mock.</p>
<p id="skSD01">22. <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</p>
<p id="WhdXbS">23. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</p>
<p id="4Z6UGf">24. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - <span>Josh Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</p>
<p id="8HtxGY">25. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> - <span>Marcus Davenport</span>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</p>
<p id="6JFdjg">26. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> - <span>Taven Bryan</span>, DT, Florida</p>
<p id="2oqjMw">As always, if you want to review all of the picks, <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/3/25/17162318/daily-norseman-2018-community-mock-draft-nfl-draft-mock-draft-minnesota-vikings">you can do so right here</a>.</p>
<p id="vyxKY2">Now, we come to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> with the 27th overall pick. We know what happened to the Saints at the end of last year, and rather than sit here and rub it in, let’s take a look at what they might be looking towards in this year’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<h3 id="2Fe3MV">New Orleans Saints</h3>
<p id="wc5tWU"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 11-5 (1st place, NFC South)</p>
<h4 id="nV3FlV">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="lf7Kb4">OL <span>Jermon Bushrod</span> (free agent signing), S <span>Kurt Coleman</span> (free agent signing), LB <span>Demario Davis</span> (free agent signing), CB <span>Patrick Robinson</span> (free agent signing), QB <span>Tom Savage</span> (free agent signing), TE Ben Watson (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="lAHv19">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="1vRaT8">S <span>Rafael Bush</span> (signed with Buffalo), QB <span>Chase Daniel</span> (signed with Chicago), LB <span>Jonathan Freeny</span> (signed with Detroit), OL <span>Senio Kelemete</span> (signed with Houston)</p>
<h4 id="munR10">Team needs</h4>
<p id="4JpSQF"><strong>Cornerback</strong> - <span>Marshon Lattimore</span> obviously looks like a star in the making, but he could use some help. <span>Delvin Breaux</span> is likely penciled in as the other starter, but he’s coming off of an injury. Like we’ve said for a lot of teams, you can never have enough depth at corner, and it’s something the Saints could use.</p>
<p id="NQDWZR"><strong>Defensive end</strong> - <span>Cameron Jordan</span> is locked in on one side, and he’s great, obviously owing to his outstanding genetics and upbringing. On the other side, <span>Alex Okafor</span> is coming off of a knee injury and <span>Trey Hendrickson</span> is still unproven, so they could use a guy that can get after the quarterback.</p>
<p id="EjorJe"><strong>Interior offensive line</strong> - The tackle positions are set for the Saints, but they could use some players on the interior to, at the very least, provide depth.</p>
<p id="mbh6gm"><strong>Quarterback</strong> - I mean, <span>Drew Brees</span> can’t just go on indefinitely, right? Right?</p>
<p id="cEyrRD"><strong>Tight end</strong> - The Saints used to utilize the tight end a lot when <span>Jimmy Graham</span> was in town, but it’s become more of an afterthought in recent seasons. They could stand to give Brees someone to work the middle of the field.</p>
<h4 id="Ts48au">Options</h4>
<p id="958aPV"><span><strong>Jaire Alexander</strong></span><strong>, CB, Louisville</strong> - The next corner up after we’ve seen a few go off of the board, Alexander is a solid player that can get the job done in either man or zone coverage. He also has some skills as a return specialist, whether or not the Saints could use him in that capacity.</p>
<p id="vwAfVL"><strong>Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State</strong> - Goedert might need a little bit of time to adjust to the NFL game after playing at a smaller school, but he has the size and speed needed to create all sorts of mismatches for opposing defenses to deal with. He’s not Jimmy Graham or anything. . .not yet, anyway. . .but he is probably the best tight end in this year’s draft.</p>
<p id="WfNEYx"><span><strong>Harold Landry</strong></span><strong>, DE, Boston College</strong> - <span>Landry</span> is a guy that played both standing up and with his hand in the dirt for Boston College. He had a huge 2016 season, posting 16.5 sacks, and while he didn’t put up numbers like that in 2017, he is viewed as a potentially special pass rusher at the NFL level.</p>
<p id="7paFBO"><span><strong>Billy Price</strong></span><strong>, OL, Ohio State</strong> - The Saints had <span>Andrus Peat</span> end this past season on injured reserve, and they lost their top backup on the interior in Kelemete. <span>Price</span> would be able to step in and, at the very least, provide outstanding depth at all three of the interior line positions for the Saints.</p>
<p id="a88tnZ"><span><strong>Mason Rudolph</strong></span><strong>, QB, Oklahoma State</strong> - The Saints re-signed Brees to a two-year deal this offseason, but at some point they need to start taking the search for a replacement seriously. <span>Rudolph</span> would be the sixth quarterback off the board in Round 1, but there’s increasing talk that it could happen.</p>
<p id="YiZJeq">That’s a look at the New Orleans Saints, folks. On Monday, we’ll have the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> at #28, followed on Tuesday by the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> at #29. That means the most important team in the NFL will be up on Wednesday, which will take us right up to the start of the 2018 NFL Draft.</p>
<div id="CS3Uik"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1031788"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/22/17267282/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-new-orleans-saints-pick-27Christopher Gates2018-04-21T10:11:04-05:002018-04-21T10:11:04-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons, Pick #26
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KIRSTUzq7p5m9xxIXw-5rUaTB_A=/0x0:4321x2881/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59470337/usa_today_10465397.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Getting closer to the end</p> <p id="3ffcUb">We are now just five days from the start of the actual <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2018 NFL Draft</a>, and we’ve gotten nearly to the end of Round 1. We’re not going to make it all the way through Round 1, but hey. . .who cares? We’re going to make it to pick #30, which is the only first round pick that really matters at this point.</p>
<p id="hvzVh5">Let’s review how the last five selections have gone.</p>
<p id="xhdbBM">21. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>) - <span>Connor Williams</span>, OL, Texas</p>
<p id="zauQP9">22. Buffalo Bills (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</p>
<p id="pse7zd">23. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</p>
<p id="FvTsjW">24. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - <span>Josh Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</p>
<p id="9JajTn">25. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> - <span>Marcus Davenport</span>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</p>
<p id="wbynD8">That brings us to pick #26, which is held by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. Let’s take a look at what they’ve done this offseason.</p>
<h3 id="ghLUps">Atlanta Falcons</h3>
<p id="xihDi9"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 10-6 (3rd place, NFC South)</p>
<h4 id="6aXL8C">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="iXnwSi">OL <span>Brandon Fusco</span> (free agent signing), DB <span>Tyson Graham</span> (free agent signing), TE <span>Logan Paulsen</span> (free agent signing), DT <span>Garrison Smith</span> (free agent signing), DT <span>Justin Zimmer</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="x31bbz">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="hTt7Ur">DE <span>Adrian Clayborn</span> (signed with New England), WR <span>Taylor Gabriel</span> (signed with Chicago), DT <span>Dontari Poe</span> (signed with Carolina), WR <span>Andre Roberts</span> (signed with <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>)</p>
<h4 id="QWJPhJ">Team needs</h4>
<p id="zkZdM9"><strong>Defensive tackle</strong> - <span>Grady Jarrett</span> is emerging as a big-time force on the inside, but the Falcons lost Dontari Poe in free agency, and the Falcons could look to this year’s defensive tackle class to fill his spot. They also lost Adrian Clayborn, and since you can’t have enough pass rushers in this league, the Falcons could go in that direction as well.</p>
<p id="MppWan"><strong>Guard</strong> - The Falcons have one of the best centers in the NFL in <span>Alex Mack</span>, but their guards struggled in 2017. <span>Andy Levitre</span> missed much of the season with an injury, and he just restructured his deal to reduce his cap hit, but the Falcons need someone that can step in and fill the other guard spot, where the current crop of players haven’t inspired much confidence.</p>
<p id="VyaP7G"><strong>Running back</strong> - This is certainly not the Falcons’ biggest need or anything, as they have a very good 1-2 punch in <span>Devonta Freeman</span> and Tevin Coleman. However, Coleman’s contract is coming up soon, and Freeman is starting to develop quite an injury history (particularly in terms of concussions).</p>
<p id="LVyAsr"><strong>Wide receiver</strong> - With Taylor Gabriel having departed for Chicago, the Falcons could use a solid slot option to complement <span>Julio Jones</span> and Mohamed Sanu. They also lost Andre Roberts, so if they could find a guy that could double as a return man, that would be ideal.</p>
<h4 id="8BTDvG">Options</h4>
<p id="U2YSV7"><span><strong>Taven Bryan</strong></span><strong>, DT, Florida</strong> - We’ve seen a few defensive tackles come off of the board thus far, and <span><strong>Bryan</strong></span> is the next one on the list. Bryan is actually a name that’s becoming more connected to the Falcons in recent weeks, so it sounds like he’s definitely an option here.</p>
<p id="UVLuVY"><span><strong>Derrius Guice</strong></span><strong>, RB, Louisiana State</strong> - If the Falcons want to give themselves a guy that would be a solid complement to either Coleman or Freeman, Guice is someone they could consider. He’s a violent, powerful runner that could be a very solid half of a platoon going forward depending on how the Falcons handle their current backs.</p>
<p id="LdDSmK"><span><strong>Will Hernandez</strong></span><strong>, G, Texas-El Paso</strong> - With the Falcons set at center for the immediate future, they don’t need a guy like <span>Billy Price</span> that they can flex around the interior. What they could use is a pure guard like <span>Hernandez</span> that can go out and maul people.</p>
<p id="mdAQ2U"><span><strong>Christian Kirk</strong></span><strong>, WR, Texas A&M</strong> - With the Falcons in need of a slot option <em>and</em> a guy that can return kicks, Kirk would appear to be a solid fit. He was an elite return man in college, and would immediately step in and be the Falcons’ #3 receiver.</p>
<p id="tUQQxH"><span><strong>Harold Landry</strong></span><strong>, DE, Boston College</strong> - <span>Landry</span> is a guy that played both standing up and with his hand in the dirt for Boston College. He had a huge 2016 season, posting 16.5 sacks, and while he didn’t put up numbers like that in 2017, he is viewed as a potentially special pass rusher at the NFL level.</p>
<p id="lXC3c9">That’s a look at the Atlanta Falcons. Tomorrow we’ll be back with their NFC South rivals, the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>.</p>
<div id="giXDKJ"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1031113"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/21/17265804/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-atlanta-falcons-pick-26Christopher Gates2018-04-20T09:00:04-05:002018-04-20T09:00:04-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Tennessee Titans, Pick #25
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: AFC Wild Card-Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ny_kDurhlHzX4eRWgvptFAQ_cFQ=/0x0:2804x1869/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59455183/usa_today_10527078.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Tennessean-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Into the final quarter of Round 1 we go</p> <p id="4b9LTI">We continue on in our 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, as we’re now into the final quarter of Round 1. Let’s review how the last five picks have gone.</p>
<p id="ctMmA9">20. <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Maurice Hurst</span>, DT, Michigan</p>
<p id="SpMdj3">21. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>) - <span>Connor Williams</span>, OT, Texas</p>
<p id="xpCQPM">22. Buffalo Bills (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</p>
<p id="YCPzTl">23. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</p>
<p id="SbGzWN">24. <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> - <span>Josh Jackson</span>, CB, Iowa</p>
<p id="kHbsLv">Now, we’re on to teams that lost in the divisional round of this year’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFL playoffs</a>, so we start with the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> with the 25th overall pick. They scored an impressive comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs on wild card weekend before getting flattened by New England the next week. Let’s take a look at what they’ve done and what they need.</p>
<h3 id="cQiknm">Tennessee Titans</h3>
<p id="6c9QIU"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 9-7 (2nd place, AFC South)</p>
<h4 id="vOBYFK">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="DryNxR">CB <span>Malcolm Butler</span> (free agent signing), WR <span>Michael Campanaro</span> (free agent signing), LB <span>Will Compton</span> (free agent signing), QB <span>Blaine Gabbert</span> (free agent signing), DE <span>DaQuan Jones</span> (free agent signing), G <span>Josh Kline</span> (free agent signing), RB <span>Dion Lewis</span> (free agent signing), DL <span>Bennie Logan</span> (free agent signing), G <span>Kevin Pamphile</span> (free agent signing), G <span>Xavier Su’a-Filo</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="rtaGSy">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="hizb2R">QB <span>Matt Cassel</span> (signed with Detroit), DT <span>Karl Klug</span> (released), RB <span>DeMarco Murray</span> (released), S Da’Norris Searcy (signed with Carolina), WR <span>Eric Weems</span> (released), DT <span>Sylvester Williams</span> (signed with Detroit), LB <span>Avery Williamson</span> (signed with <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>)</p>
<h4 id="LVXWfv">Team needs</h4>
<p id="5ZwjIw"><strong>Edge defender</strong> - Both of the outside linebackers in the Titans’ 3-4, <span>Brian Orakpo</span> and <span>Derrick Morgan</span>, are over age 30, and they’re likely going to start slowing down here sometime soon. The Titans need to start looking to the future at the position.</p>
<p id="Rkn2yp"><strong>Inside linebacker</strong> - Avery Williamson has left for the New York Jets, so the Titans could look to someone to team with <span>Wesley Woodyard</span> on the inside. . .preferably someone that can cover opposing running backs, an area where both Williamson and Woodyard were sorely lacking last season.</p>
<p id="fVqDFt"><strong>Interior offensive line</strong> - While the tackle spots are set with <span>Taylor Lewan</span> and <span>Jack Conklin</span> (for the long term, I mean, as <span>Conklin</span> might have to start 2018 on PUP), the interior of the line provides much less inspiration. Neither center <span>Ben Jones</span> nor guard Josh Kline were anything special, and the Titans could easily upgrade at either spot.</p>
<p id="cgCAQr"><strong>Wide receiver</strong> - A late-season surge from rookie <span>Corey Davis</span> helped him a little but, but the Titans went without having a wide receiver reach the 800-yard plateau for the fourth straight year. <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> fans can remember what that’s like, can’t we? <span>Marcus Mariota</span> needs targets in a bad way.</p>
<h4 id="Q7kHyX">Options</h4>
<p id="bDGwAa"><span><strong>Marcus Davenport</strong></span><strong>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</strong> - Rather than repeating the same thing about <span>Davenport</span>, I’ll just say that the fact that he’s still available is ridiculous. Seriously. Pretty much any complaining about the availability of certain players is more than negated by Davenport being available at the 25th overall pick.</p>
<p id="TC5OwG"><span><strong>Rashaan Evans</strong></span><strong>, LB, Alabama</strong> - <span>Evans</span> is likely to be better served playing in a 3-4 than he would be in a 4-3, so he’s a player that could make sense for the Titans here. He’s not an elite athlete, but having been one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide’s defense, he’s certainly developed into an outstanding football player that might be the best tackling linebacker in this year’s class.</p>
<p id="U2YSV7"><span><strong>Will Hernandez</strong></span><strong>, G, Texas-El Paso</strong> - If the Titans want to go with more of a pure guard for their offensive line issues, this is a guy that makes a lot of sense. <span>Hernandez</span> is a mauler, and would be a very solid fit in the run-first offensive style that the Titans employ.</p>
<p id="PURVRs"><span><strong>Christian Kirk</strong></span><strong>, WR, Texas A&M</strong> - We said that <span>Mariota</span> needs targets, and Kirk is the top wide receiver left at this point in the proceedings. Though he’s mostly projected to be a slot guy as things stand right now, the Titans need help at the position wherever they can find it.</p>
<p id="WP7BTS"><span><strong>Billy Price</strong></span><strong>, C, Ohio State</strong> - The Titans have a potential need at both center and guard, and <span>Price</span> could fill either spot. The Rimington Award winner as college football’s best center last season. . .have I mentioned that he was the best center in college football last season? Because he was. With his recovery from a pectoral injury not expected to affect his readiness for camp, he’d be a decent pick for the Titans.</p>
<p id="e4JFV2">We head back to the NFC tomorrow, as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> will be on the clock at #26 overall.</p>
<div id="nwVOXJ"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1029320"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/20/17260244/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-tennessee-titans-pick-25Christopher Gates2018-04-19T09:00:04-05:002018-04-19T09:00:04-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers, Pick #24
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: NFC Wild Card-Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6tap0kPcG3eSzvExPPSpd3RVNuE=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59440883/usa_today_10530473.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A playoff team from last year with a surprisingly high number of questions to answer</p> <p id="TxXAnc">We continue motoring along in the 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, as we’ve reached the three-quarter pole of the first round. Let’s run back through how the past five picks have gone.</p>
<p id="cK5BRW">19. <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> - <span>Courtland Sutton</span>, WR, Southern Methodist</p>
<p id="Dp61sA">20. <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Maurice Hurst</span>, DT, Michigan</p>
<p id="BV0w46">21. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>) - <span>Connor Williams</span>, OL, Texas</p>
<p id="F6f8T1">22. Buffalo Bills (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</p>
<p id="fBo5rQ">23. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>) - <span>Isaiah Oliver</span>, CB, Colorado</p>
<p id="ojQaKt">Now, we come to the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> with the 24th pick in the first round. The Panthers had a solid season and came close to a playoff victory this past season, but they do have plenty of questions that need answering. Let’s take a look at them.</p>
<h3 id="bHdyKg">Carolina Panthers</h3>
<p id="0ZJp4J"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 11-5 (second place, NFC South)</p>
<h4 id="4hqfk9">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="IbUxUA">CB <span>Ross Cockrell</span> (free agent signing), OL <span>Jeremiah Sirles</span> (free agent signing), DT <span>Dontari Poe</span> (free agent signing), S Da’Norris Searcy (free agent signing), WR <span>Torrey Smith</span> (acquired via trade with Philadelphia), WR <span>Jarius Wright</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="oo1xVP">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="pg8OGp">S <span>Kurt Coleman</span> (signed with New Orleans), TE <span>Ed Dickson</span> (signed with Seattle), DE <span>Charles Johnson</span> (free agent), DT <span>Star Lotulelei</span> (signed with Buffalo), G <span>Andrew Norwell</span> (signed with Jacksonville)</p>
<h4 id="Uy7Npj">Team needs</h4>
<p id="xBilEV"><strong>Cornerback</strong> - <span>James Bradberry</span> has shown plenty of promise for the Panthers at one corner spot, but the Panthers traded away <span>Daryl Worley</span> to acquire <span>Torrey Smith</span>. (<span>Worley</span> has already been cut by the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>, despite his best efforts to fit into the Philadelphia community.) However, that leaves a hole for the team at corner, and they certainly need depth at the position.</p>
<p id="g9wbdz"><strong>Defensive end</strong> - <span>Julius Peppers</span> continues to produce at the spritely young age of 206, but you figure he’s going to slow down eventually. <span>Mario Addison</span> had a very good season, tying Peppers for the team lead in sacks, but this is a position the Panthers still need to look at addressing due to Peppers’ age.</p>
<p id="7KHL2Q"><strong>Offensive line</strong> - The Panthers lost guard Andrew Norwell, who signed a big-time contract with Jacksonville. They still employ <span>Matt Kalil</span>, which might be even worse. Matt’s brother Ryan, aka “The Good Kalil,” is in the last year of his deal as well, and might need to be replaced sooner rather than later.</p>
<p id="w1ce9I"><strong>Safety</strong> - The team’s best remaining safety, <span>Mike Adams</span>, is 37 years old, and Kurt Coleman is no longer with the team, either. That means they definitely need help at safety, whether it’s a center field type or an in the box type of safety.</p>
<h4 id="bphmTD">Options</h4>
<p id="X1SwLH"><span><strong>Marcus Davenport</strong></span><strong>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</strong> - <span>Davenport</span> is a player that is definitely going to need some time to develop, as he played his college ball at a smaller school. Still, he has as much physical talent as any other defensive end in this year’s draft. If the Panthers are looking for a replacement for Peppers that could learn from him for a year or two, Davenport would be a nice fit.</p>
<p id="XJl6vO"><span><strong>Joshua Jackson</strong></span><strong>, CB, Iowa</strong> - Jackson exploded onto the scene this past season, leading all of FBS with eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Given that he only started for one year at corner for the Hawkeyes, he clearly hasn’t reached his ceiling yet, and could provide a boost to a Panthers’ secondary that needs depth.</p>
<p id="Jif9KH"><span><strong>Ronnie Harrison</strong></span><strong>, S, Alabama</strong> - With Minkah Fitzpatrick and <span>Derwin James</span> off the board, Harrison is the next guy up at the safety spot. Harrison draws plenty of comparisons to another Alabama safety, <span>Landon Collins</span>, and is at his best when he’s able to attack downhill. With the Panthers’ need at safety, he’s certainly a viable option here.</p>
<p id="UmC3Bu"><span><strong>Kolton Miller</strong></span><strong>, OT, California-Los Angeles</strong> - After the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments that resulted from putting <span>Orlando Brown</span> as a draftable option, we’ll put <span>Miller</span> here instead. He projects as a left tackle, but could start out on the other side until the Panthers come to the realization that Matt Kalil is awful. I mean, if they haven’t already.</p>
<p id="afYT6O"><span><strong>Billy Price</strong></span><strong>, C, Ohio State</strong> - <span>Price</span>, who followed in <span>Pat Elflein</span>’s footsteps in winning the Rimington Award (given to college football’s best center), has been told that he will definitely be recovered from his pectoral injury by Training Camp, which is great news for him. Price could start out at guard for the Panthers, and if <span>Ryan Kalil</span> chooses to hang it up after this season, he could slide over to occupy the center spot.</p>
<p id="Mt2sLN">That’s all for the Panthers, folks. Tomorrow we move back over to the AFC, as the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> will be on the board at #25.</p>
<div id="Ijd7w4"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1027480"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/19/17255040/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-carolina-panthers-pick-24Christopher Gates2018-04-18T09:00:04-05:002018-04-18T09:00:04-05:002018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft: New England Patriots, Pick #23
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Super Bowl LII-Philadelphia Eagles vs New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c1QviIl-FuGsEOf5RPFn-VYAKic=/0x405:3232x2560/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59427835/usa_today_10588459.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The defending AFC Champions are now on the clock, thanks to a trade</p> <p id="66vyAk">We continue on with our 2018 Daily Norseman Community Mock Draft, as we are now on to pick #23 overall. Let’s review what’s happened with the last five selections.</p>
<p id="eyvBZ7">18. <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> - <span>Mike McGlinchey</span>, OT, Notre Dame</p>
<p id="Q9nYHS">19. <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> - <span>Courtland Sutton</span>, WR, Southern Methodist</p>
<p id="eYWb1k">20. <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Maurice Hurst</span>, DT, Michigan</p>
<p id="VS4Zdm">21. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>) - <span>Connor Williams</span>, OT, Texas</p>
<p id="PKlLr6">22. Buffalo Bills (from <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>) - <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, LB, Boise State</p>
<p id="L4lfie">Now, we have the final pick in the first round that does not belong to its original owner. Yes, this pick now belongs to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, who received this pick from the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> in the deal that sent wide receiver <span>Brandin Cooks</span> to the west coast. Let’s take a look at the NFL’s best team.</p>
<h3 id="5GkFR6">New England Patriots</h3>
<p id="NcO5F7"><strong>2017 record</strong>: 13-3 (1st place, AFC East)</p>
<h4 id="VXtkmf">Offseason acquisitions</h4>
<p id="RyVU96">OL Troy Bowanko (free agent signing), DE <span>Adrian Clayborn</span> (free agent signing), RB <span>Jeremy Hill</span> (free agent signing), WR <span>Jordan Matthews</span> (free agent signing), CB <span>Jason McCourty</span> (acquired via trade with Cleveland), TE <span>Troy Niklas</span> (free agent signing), WR <span>Cordarrelle Patterson</span> (acquired via trade with Oakland), DT <span>Danny Shelton</span> (acquired via trade with Cleveland), OL <span>Matt Tobin</span> (free agent signing)</p>
<h4 id="Ifoush">Offseason losses</h4>
<p id="610nfl">WR <span>Danny Amendola</span> (signed with Miami), CB <span>Johnson Bademosi</span> (signed with Houston), CB <span>Malcolm Butler</span> (signed with Tennessee), WR Brandin Cooks (traded to Los Angeles Rams), OL <span>Cameron Fleming</span> (signed with Dallas), RB <span>Dion Lewis</span> (signed with Tennessee), LB <span>Shea McClellin</span> (released), OT <span>Nate Solder</span> (signed with <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>)</p>
<h4 id="y9YU5Z">Team needs</h4>
<p id="CpBg78"><strong>Cornerback</strong> - The biggest weakness the Patriots have on paper might be the defensive backfield. After the bizarre saga of Malcolm Butler ended with him skipping town, they need some help. They acquired Jason McCourty this offseason, but there isn’t a whole lot behind him.</p>
<p id="UD5Uto"><strong>Defensive line</strong> - The Patriots’ defense was near the bottom of most categories last season, at least as far as yardage was concerned. A lot of that starts up front, where the defensive line is certainly not a strong point. They could use help both on the edge and on the inside, and they could find either here.</p>
<p id="L25RCo"><strong>Offensive tackle</strong> - One of the bigger losses the Patriots suffered this offseason was left tackle Nate Solder, who made his way to the New York Giants. They have <span>LaAdrian Waddle</span> on the roster, who was Solder’s backup, but they can’t possibly see him as a long-term answer, I don’t think.</p>
<p id="YtxFBe"><strong>Quarterback</strong> - You know, <span>Tom Brady</span> is going to eventually retire someday. Eventually. Maybe. Hell, I don’t know. But the Patriots have recently gotten into the habit of trading away backup quarterbacks (see also: Garoppolo, Jimmy and Brissett, Jacoby). Right now, all the Patriots have behind Brady is <span>Brian Hoyer</span>, which is. . .well, it’s not great, Bob.</p>
<h4 id="lvgYuC">Options</h4>
<p id="NY2GMT"><span><strong>Orlando Brown</strong></span><strong>, OT, Oklahoma</strong> - As we’ve said many times in this space before, a lot of people are fixated on <span>Brown</span>’s performance at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">Scouting Combine</a>. However, at some point you have to pay attention to the tape, and Brown’s tape is awfully impressive no matter how you slice it. The Patriots have a need at offensive tackle, and if anyone can get the best out of Brown, it would be Bill Belichick and company.</p>
<p id="s1meiB"><span><strong>Taven Bryan</strong></span><strong>, DT, Florida</strong> - We’ve seen a few defensive tackles come off of the board thus far, and <span>Bryan</span> is the next one on the list. The Patriots certainly need help in the interior, and Bryan is the best player left at the position with Vea, Payne, and Hurst already having their names called.</p>
<p id="BxkF2i"><span><strong>Marcus Davenport</strong></span><strong>, DE, Texas-San Antonio</strong> - <span>Davenport</span> is a player that is definitely going to need some time to develop, as he played his college ball at a smaller school. Still, he has as much physical talent as any other defensive end in this year’s draft.</p>
<p id="mVRhgK"><span><strong>Isaiah Oliver</strong></span><strong>, CB, Colorado</strong> - Oliver is next on the board as far as corners are concerned, at least in my view. He’s a big, rangy type of corner that seems to be well-suited for playing press coverage, and certainly has the talent to develop into a top-notch corner.</p>
<p id="pFjpQs"><span><strong>Mason Rudolph</strong></span><strong>, QB, Oklahoma State</strong> - We’ve already seen five quarterbacks come off the board in this first round, and the popular wisdom is that the Patriots traded for an extra first round pick so that they could acquire one in some way. Since there are no trades in our mock, however, <span>Rudolph</span> is the next quarterback on the board. He’s no slouch, but is he worthy of being a first round pick, or would the Patriots try to get him near the top of Round 2 with the pick they got from San Francisco in the Garoppolo trade?</p>
<p id="QRYywF">The rest of the picks from here on out belong to the teams that earned them during the season. Tomorrow, the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> will be on the clock with the 24th overall pick.</p>
<div id="RvdXWl"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1026000"></div></div>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/4/18/17250250/2018-daily-norseman-community-mock-draft-new-england-patriots-pick-23Christopher Gates