Chicago Bears get two stud defensive linemen in first round mock draft 1.0
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears fans will be sad to see Justin Fields’ former WR go
16) WAS: Cam Smith, CB – South Carolina
With the frame of a true lockdown corner, Cam Smith can succeed in a Washington defense that already possesses a good cornerback in Kendall Fuller and talented young safeties. A truly great zone defender, Smith has room to grow in the man coverage game, but his aggression at the cornerback position makes him an exciting player to watch on defense, and he has the experience to start immediately after playing quality snaps in three years straight for South Carolina.
17) PIT: Joey Porter Jr, CB – Penn State
Following in the footsteps of his dad, who was the Steeler’s third-round pick back in 1999, Joey Porter, Jr is an athletic corner who fills a huge position of need for an otherwise elite Pittsburgh defense. At 6’2″, Porter is a long cornerback who uses his leverage to his advantage, with the speed that is usually seen in shorter defensive backs. An incredibly fluid player, Porter is great in zone coverage but needs to work a little bit in man coverage, especially on deeper routes.
18) NYG (via DET): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR – Ohio State
DET receives #21, R2 2024
NYG receives #18
Despite missing the majority of 2022 due to injury, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was one of the best receivers in the country during his collegiate career and has the intangibles to continue his production at the next level. Not the fastest receiver in this class, Smith-Njigba creates separation with elite body control and uses size to find an opening in man coverage. When fully healthy, he could end up being the reliable number-one receiver the Giants have been searching for.
19) SEA: Nolan Smith, EDGE – Georgia
Seattle goes back to the well of Georgia defensive players, partnering Jalen Carter with Nolan Smith — an incredibly athletic outside linebacker for his size. A great fit in Seattle’s 3-4 defense, Smith has developed into an impressive pass rusher who has excellent bend around opposing offensive talents, while still maintaining the range and instincts to drop into coverage now and again.