New York Giants (17th Overall) – Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
Pick Made by Andrew Wade
The New York Giants desperately need edge help which is why they are consistently getting mocked an edge defender with their first pick in the first round, however the Giants went with Daniel Jones from Duke earlier leaving them a hole still at edge.
Fortunately, this Florida State stud fell a bit in the draft despite testing great and putting on the size necessary to play the position.
The Giants would be ecstatic to get a player of Burns’ caliber in the middle of the first round. Although I’ll be honest, I started thinking Montez Sweat or Rashan Gary might fall to me with this pick after not being drafted with the first 12 picks.
Minnesota Vikings (18th Overall) – Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Pick Made by Sayre Bedinger
The Vikings’ mission in this year’s draft should have nothing other than “Protect Kirk Cousins” at the forefront. The Vikings missed the playoffs this past year despite all of the money they have spent and despite all of the talent on the roster. Cousins set a personal high with 30 touchdown throws but it was all for not as the Vikings missed out on postseason play. A big reason for that was their inability to protect and Andre Dillard is the best pass protecting tackle in this year’s draft. He has the athleticism to fit in the Gary Kubiak offense as well.
Tennessee Titans (19th Overall) – Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Pick Made by Matty Mulls
Marcus Mariota has immense talent. He can make all the throws and make plays with his legs. What he can’t do is catch passes from himself (unless he’s playing KC in the playoffs). Enter the lightning quick Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR from Oklahoma. Although his route tree wasn’t expansive at OU, his route running, timing, and separation could be as good as anyone in this class. Putting Hollywood opposite of Corey Davis could allow Mariota to take a big step forward next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (20th Overall) – Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Pick Made by Derek Esquibel
The Steelers may have selected “Hollywood” Brown had he been available. However, that’s how the draft works. Instead they grab Wilkins to pair with their formidable duo of Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward.
The Steelers are beginning to get back to their identity. Defense. Adding Wilkins will only improve what was already a stingy run defense last season. With the rushing talent within the division the Steelers will be glad to grab Wilkins.