Chicago Bears trade back twice for defensive end in Mock Draft 2.0

The Patriots select a versatile defensive back in Alabama’s Brian Branch, who has the physicality and intellect to play multiple positions across Bill Belichick’s defense. Branch can play slot cornerback, and has the potential to take over the free safety position once Devin McCourty retires.

The Green Bay Packers take a skill position player in Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer for the first time since 2002. With a clear focus on the run game and an overall lack of talent to throw to, Mayer can come into Green Bay as one of the best receivers on the roster, as well as a premium run-blocker at the tight end position.

After trading back with the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets pick the best linebacker in this year’s draft in Clemson’s Trenton Simpson. Simpson can potentially become a better version of what Robert Saleh had with the San Francisco 49ers in Fred Warner, and with an insane combination of size and speed, Simpson is a true freak that can impact both the run and passing games.

The Philadelphia Eagles trade back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but still end up with potentially the best cornerback in this class in Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. Porter Jr is an elite zone cornerback and would fit well with an athletic and stingy Philadelphia defensive backfield.

The Detroit Lions sure up their secondary with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who fits the physical mentality that Detroit’s adopted under head coach Dan Campbell. An aggressive cornerback who can make tackles in the open field, Witherspoon could find a fit as an outside or inside cornerback for a young Lions’ defense.