APC Mock Draft 2018: Round two begins with a run on receivers and corners

Today, we at Acme Packing Company resume our 2018 mock draft, picking up where we left off with the start of the second round. This round sets up pretty well for the Packers, who hold the 45th pick, as several intriguing cornerback and wide receiver options remain on the board.

However, a few of them disappeared quickly to start round two, with five of the first six picks of the round playing one of those two positions.

Here are picks 33 through 42, and we’ll finish up over the next two days with the rest of the second round.

2.33 — Cleveland Browns (Shawn)

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

The Browns added a couple players counted on to be future offensive stars in the first round. Cleveland, therefore, can start the second round off on the defensive side of the ball and shore up another pressing need at cornerback. Yes, Damarious Randall was added during the offseason but the plan is to use him at safety.

A number of players could be options here depending on how the board falls, especially APC’s, but the Browns decide to go with Alexander. A ballhawk that would be valued much higher if not for injury concerns, Alexander adds a swagger that the new Browns regime could benefit from. He’s a potential immediate starter on a defense that has added several intriguing young talents the past couple drafts.

2.34 — New York Giants (JBH)

D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

While the Giants no longer appear to have interest in trading Odell Beckham Jr., the team does need additional secondary weapons as well as a potential No. 1 receiver in the event the two sides part ways after 2018. Maryland’s D.J. Moore grades as one of the most athletic wideouts in any recent draft and enjoyed a highly productive college career despite the absence of consistent quarterback play. That bodes well for the Giants, who plan to start Eli Manning for at least one more season.

2.35 — Cleveland Browns (Shawn)

Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

This may be high for Rankin, but I think he presents the best left tackle option left on the board at this point and Cleveland is in need of tackle help after Joe Thomas’s retirement. The Browns added a lot of help at numerous positions in the offseason, but the left tackle spot is currently reserved for young veteran Shon Coleman, who was at right tackle last season. Cleveland would be well-served to add depth and an insurance policy if the swap doesn’t work as planned.

Rankin was really beginning to come on in his second season starting at left tackle for Mississippi State as a senior before an injury slowed him mid-way through. It’s possible that in a weaker draft year for offensive tackles, Rankin could’ve slid into first round consideration if fully healthy. He looked impressive in the early going against good defensive front sevens in LSU and Georgia. Cleveland gets Rankin early in round two and lands at least a future starter on the interior if left tackle doesn’t pan out.

2.36 — Indianapolis Colts (Jordan)

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Personally, I can’t believe Calvin Ridley is still available here and I feel my cabana on Ridley Island is a solitary one. There are concerns with Ridley’s age as well as his durability at the NFL level, but I love the idea of pairing him with T.Y. Hilton.

Ridley is an advanced route runner already coming out of Alabama and reminds me a little bit of Amari Cooper and Nelson Agholor in his ability to break in-and-out of routes. Add another 10 pounds to his frame and he’ll have similar measurements to Cooper; drop 5 pounds and he’ll be of similar weight to Agholor. Ridley didn’t test well at the combine, but his game tape shows explosion and speed to be a big time playmaker for the Colts.

2.37 — Indianapolis Colts (Jordan)

Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

After drafting Landry in the first round, it’s time for the Colts to start adding more building blocks to field an effective pass defense. At 6’0” 201 pounds, Isaiah Oliver has a great size and speed to play as a boundary corner and take pressure off Malik Hooker. Oliver might not step in and be a day one starter, but he has the physical tools to develop into a starting corner.

Oliver needs to take better angles to position himself to make plays, but he does have long arms and active hands that allow him to knock jump balls loose. While quick receivers can give him issues, his 33.5” arms can help him jam up receivers early in the route.

2.38 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Jonathan B.)

Holton Hill, CB, Texas

The Buccaneers did not have a good pass defense last year. Vernon Hargreaves has not been lock down and Brent Grimes is approaching the end of his contract. Tampa Bay looks to bolster their depth here and try to help Jameis Winston play with a lead once in a while. Hill has decent, but not great speed. He is a tall, physical player and should be good in supporting the run. He has some maturity issues, but he can take a year to grow while acting as the nickel corner.

2.39 — Chicago Bears (Mike)

Billy Price, OL, Ohio St

The Bears let go of veteran guard Josh Sitton in the offseason and bring in versatile lineman Billy Price to replace him. Price comes from a recently impressive group of centers to come out of Ohio State. He can play either guard or center and the Bears will see where helps the team the best. If he is better at center, look for current center, Cody Whitehair, to shift to right guard.

2.40 — Denver Broncos (Peter)

Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

After snagging Quenton Nelson in the first, getting a versatile, dynamic back for Denver was an easy call. Michel is a first-round talent and would immediately become the lead back in this offense. I considered Mason Rudolph, but given the structure of Case Keenum’s contract, the Broncos are married to him for at least two years. They want to compete now.

2.41 — Oakland Raiders (Jonathan B.)

Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech

Oakland has the advantage of being able to move Khalil Mack around their defense, but they still finished 2017 rather middle of the pack for run defense. They also did not find ways to generate sacks. Settle is a large body (6’2” and 330 pounds) and can hold his own in the middle of the line. He is also able to collapse the pocket and provide pressure up the middle. He should draw blockers and free up some of the other defensive playmakers.

2.42 — Miami Dolphins (Mike)

Lorenzo Carter – LB Georgia

The Dolphins shored up the defensive line in round one and do the same with their linebacking corps with Lorenzo Carter. Carter will step in right away to start alongside last year’s second round pick Raekwon McMillan and veteran Kiko Alonso. Carter has the athleticism to play sideline to sideline and will give them a productive pass rusher on passing downs.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the middle of round two, including the Packers’ pick at 45.