NFL Mock Draft – Round 6
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183. Bengals: QB Tahj Boyd, Clemson (6’1, 222) – A bad Senior Bowl performance drops Boyd all the way to the 6th round. He struggled with his accuracy in practice and then played poorly in the game to cap off a rough week for Boyd. During the game he floated a couple deep balls, got picked off, and got three passes batted down at the line. It isn’t fair to base his value on one game and week of practice, Boyd was a consistent winner at Clemson and showed great intangibles, elite mobility, and an accurate short-to-mid range passing game. He’s a long-shot, but worth a late round pick to see if Boyd’s college success translates to the next level. It’s not like the Bengals are set at QB or anything.
184. Chiefs: G Andrew Norwell, Ohio St (6’6, 316) – Interior line depth. Not much else to say.
185. Chargers : ILB Jeremiah George, Iowa St (5’11, 231) – A tackling machine at Iowa St who led the Big12 in tackles (112), George was one of the stars of the Shrine Game practices and showed a more well-rounded skill set than expected. George could provide good depth as a 3-4 ILB and excel on special teams in the short-term. I think he’s underrated and in 2-3 years will be starting in the league.
186. Saints: T Matt Hall (6’10, 323) – At just under 7 feet, Hall would be the tallest player in the league. Hall is surprisingly athletic for a guy that big and is very strong (rumored 40 reps of 225). He’s also played at three colleges in the last 4 years (Arkansas, Mississippi, Belhaven) which is a bit of red flag. Hall has the potential to be a dominate RT if he can mature enough to stay out of trouble.
187. Colts: WR Ryan Grant, Tulane (6’0, 197): Good route runner with outstanding hands. At the Senior Bowl Grant caught everything with his hands away from his body and showed the ability to get open with crisp routes. He’s not flashy and isn’t a deep threat at all, but could be a reliable possession receiver who isn’t afraid to make tough catches over the middle. One of my favorite late-round receivers in the draft.
188. Panthers: RB Devonta Freeman, Florida St (5’9, 203) – Smallish back but runs low to the ground with good power. Freeman is exceptionally shifty and a smooth receiver out of the backfield (28 catches for 278 yards). The Panthers haven’t had a legitimate #1 back in a long time (ever?) and DeAngelo and Stewart haven’t been good in a couple of seasons. Freeman could team with Mike Tolbert for a legitimate thunder & lighting combo. I have running backs going much later than projected in most mocks and I could be way off, it just seems that’s the trend the last few drafts.
189. 49ers: ILB Preston Brown, Louisville (6’1, 262) – Tough, versatile run-stuffer. The Niners could use some insurance in case Navarro Bowman isn’t recovered from his ACL / MCL injury in the playoffs.
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190. Patriots: DE/DT George Uko, USC (6’3, 275): Would have been a much higher pick if he had stayed in school another year, but the Pats get an explosive D-line prospect who can be a 3-4 DE or eventually move inside if he gains more weight. After watching more clips of Uko, I should have had him a round or two higher. He has a ton of potential.
191. Broncos: WR Jalen Sanders, Oklahoma (5’9, 164) – The Broncos get a speedy slot receiver to go with their twin towers outside. Sanders is small, but can fly and make people miss in the open field. He is also a dangerous kick/punt returner.
192. Seahawks: CB Phillip Gaines, Rice (6’1, 195) – Tall physical corner who doesn’t have top-end speed and gets burned deep too often. That’s not as much of a concern in Seattle’s press coverage scheme and Gaines gives them another big corner to develop if Thurmond and Browner leave in free agency or can’t lay off the adderall.
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_