(SS) 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
When Bri and I started this mock I was hoping one of three players would make it to number 19: Barron, Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. I was a bit worried about what I’d do if two of those prospects were still on the board. Little did I expect I would end up choosing between all three. So, yes, I was torn. I felt comfortable with what the Bucs could get at linebacker on Day Two and I also don’t see the need as being quite as pressing as some do. There’s good cornerback depth for Day Two, too, but I’m very high on the versatile and productive Barron, so it was between him and Ezeiruaku. Honestly, if we repeated this process tomorrow, I might go with Ezeiruaku. All of that said, Barron is an exciting prospect who plays a position at which I consider quality depth to be critical. Barron excelled both inside and in the slot at Texas and could probably even hold his own at safety if needed. Todd Bowles wants cornerbacks who are willing and able to tackle, and Barron eagerly throws his facemask into the mix. He is probably best in zone coverage, where he diagnosis plays quickly, and the Bucs had one of the highest zone-coverage percentages in the NFL last season.
(BD) 20. Denver Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The Broncos take the former Tar Heel to add another dimension to Sean Payton’s offense. Even without Drake Maye in 2024, Omarion Hampton led the ACC in rushing, setting a UNC single-season record with 2,033 all-purpose yards. Hampton rushed for more than 100 yards in 10 of 12 games in 2024 and quickly accelerates through congestion. The bruising back taps the gas pedal once he gets north-south, punishing second-level defenders. Hampton plays with a blend of power and speed, barreling downhill. He presents an upside in pass protection for three-down duties and finished number-four in program history in rushing yards with 3,565 and number-two in 100-yard rushing games with 19.
(SS) 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Here’s where Sanders’ slide stops. I don’t think Pittsburgh would have traded up to get him, but when he falls right their lap it becomes worth the swing. The Steelers’ current depth chart reads Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson…and that’s it. Yeah, it might eventually have an “Aaron Rodgers” in there, as well, but that’s no sure thing, and even if it does happen it’s likely a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…