5. Bradley Chubb – Denver Broncos
Pick by Cameron Parker
The Denver Broncos would have loved to see either Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield drop in their lap. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. That said, the Cleveland Browns were rumored to target Bradley Chubb at four, but they went a different direction. Chubb gives the team multiple pass rushers just like their 2015 defense.
6. Quenton Nelson – Indianapolis Colts
Pick by Ty Walden
Despite the trade down with the New York Jets during the offseason, the Colts are able to draft some offensive line help to protect Andrew Luck. Perhaps the best offensive guard in the draft, the Colts are going to need it to protect their quarterback. Protecting the interior of the offensive line will be key.
7. Derwin James – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick by Andrew Wade
Derwin James to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes too much sense. James provides a versatile defender that can play multiple positions coming out of local school Florida State. At 6’2, 215 pounds running a 4.47 40-yard dash, James has the speed to stick with wide receivers in coverage and the size to stick to tight ends. Additionally, he provides the leadership element in the secondary that has not been around since the vaunted John Lynch/Ronde Barber days.
8. Josh Rosen – Miami Dolphins (projected trade with CHI)
Pick by Andrew Wade
The Miami Dolphins make a splash move, trading this year and next year’s third round draft pick for the chance to move up three picks and select UCLA’s Josh Rosen with the 8th overall pick. Tannehil is under contract for three more years, but he is coming off a major injury and has not been overly effective in his time with Miami. In Rosen, Gase will get his intelligent quarterback (a la Manning) who can make any throw and progress through all the necessary reads.