By Brendan Bolan
Day one of the NFL draft had everyone ripping their mock drafts in half and scratching their heads. There were reaches, and there were some surprise falls. Every year we think we can predict the future, but football always proves it will simply have its own way. Your team may have missed in the first round, but luckily for you, your favorite team can still land day one talent on day two. Here are my top day 2 Targets:
Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia
One of the biggest day 1 surprises to me was the fact that the exciting new age linebacker was not selected. He’s the consensus number two linebacker in this class (Well…not according to Green Bay). Dean will be one of the first players selected on Friday and is a prime Day 2 Target.
Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
A player that half the world thought would be taken at pick 20 by the Pittsburgh Steelers still remains on the board. Willis is a high ceiling, low floor type of prospect. With Willis you are getting a phenomenal athlete with a true dual-threat ability, you just don’t truly know the NFL quarterback you are getting. If put in the right system and environment, we could see a human highlight reel.
David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
Ojabo likely would have been a first-round pick if it weren’t for the unfortunate Achilles tear at his pro day. His twitch and ability to blaze and bend around that edge will not be taken for granted. He has a better bag of tricks than people will credit him for, and will likely be used really as just a pass rusher early on.
Trey McBride, Tight End, Colorado State
The only reason this man is available in the second round is because of the position he plays. If tight ends were valued higher on draft day he’d already be gone. This is the most complete and best tight end in the draft by a significant margin. His willingness and ability to be an effective, mean blocker cannot be undervalued. That paired along with his dominant pass-catching and run after the catch ability was enough to earn him the John Mackey Award.
Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, NDSU
The freakishly athletic 6’ 4 receiver still stands tall in the second round, but will likely find his home early in day 2. Watson possesses a rare combination of speed, shiftiness, and size. I have never seen a human of that size move so fluidly (Other than Calvin Johnson, but we won’t draw those comparisons). His ability as a runner is so impressive that he’s been utilized as a running back and a kick returner, and he’s scored as both… multiple times. This is one of my favorite “sleepers” of the draft.
Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut
Jones is far and away the best interior run defender prospect left in this class. He wins the game from a technical standpoint, yet has the power and aggression to be a dog. He’s not going to bring you much from a pass-rushing standpoint, but good luck running it at him. Hey, if you couldn’t grab Jordan Davis in the first, get the next best thing here in the second round.
