No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Jets get another win here as Makai Lemon slips to them at No. 16. A shifty route runner with outside wide receiver talent, Lemon will provide another reliable option in the offense alongside Garrett Wilson. Now the question is can the Jets land a quarterback.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
The Lions top focus is to solidify the tackle position. With the selection of Monroe Freeling with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, they do exactly that. Freeling not only gives them depth behind Larry Borom and Penei Sewell, he also provide long-term starter stability.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings – Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Vikings cut both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave which leaves them thin at the defensive tackle position. With the No. 18 overall pick, they fill that void with Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald who becomes the fifth Ohio State player off the board. McDonald is a force in the middle who is the ultimate run stopper. He fills their need in the middle in a huge way.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Panthers add another safety to the mix with the selection of Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. As the third safety off the board, the former Toledo star gives the Panthers a playmaker in the defensive backfield to pair with Tre’von Moehrig.
No. 20: New York Jets via Dallas Cowboys – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets get their quarterback at an area in the first round that won’t be considered too much of a risk. As their third first round pick in this draft, the Jets can have Simpson learn behind a veteran like Geno Smith until he is ready. The team could also double dip at QB and take another prospect later in the draft.