1) OL Graham Barton, Duke.
Would have loved JPJ to slide to us (I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a top 20 pick). That leaves Barton, who is a stud in his own right. Typical Licht OL pick who is an athletic Tackle looking to move inside at the next level. Barton can come in and start at LG or challenge Hainsey at Center. Immediately gives this OL a boost in the run game and helps Baker with a cleaner pocket to get the offense clicking.
2) WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida.
WR may not seem like the biggest need at the moment, but with Godwin entering a contract year at 20 mil, I have my doubts he’ll be back next offseason. Enter Pearsall, who can step in as WR3 for a year before taking over full time. Good size, soft hands and runs crisp routes. Liam Coen gets his WR to groom.
3) ILB Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson.
Undersized LB with nose for the football and outstanding football IQ? Sounds familiar. Trotter immediately challenges Britt for the starter roll opposite Lavonte and at the very worst gives us some great depth this season.
3) OLB, Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan.
Shaq is gone, and JTS likely won’t see his 5th year option picked up. Ya ya was a great find in the 3rd last year, Licht can hit it again with this pick. Kneeland is a heavy handed power rusher with a high motor, gives us some a nice rotation this year with room for more.
4) RB, Ray Davis, Kentucky.
Liam Coen gets one of his guys here. Davis will be 24 when the season starts, which likely pushes him down a round or so. But he is a powerful, tough, decisive runner with 3 down potential. He would compliment Rachad White well here. We need someone besides Chase Edmonds and Sean Tucker.
6) OT Frank Crum, Wyoming.
Huge OT prospect who gives some depth behind Wirfs/Godeke.
7) CB, Quinton Newsome, Nebraska
This one’s for MJW. Good sized Special teamer who can push for dime package duty.
All in all, I’d be very happy with this draft. Can’t fix everything in one year, but touched most of our needs and added some really good players who can either contribute right away or groom for the future.
