Three Ducks Listed in Latest ESPN NFL Mock Draft
On Monday ESPN contributor Jordan Reid offered up a full seven-round NFL mock draft.
This was his prediction on the actual draft based on the needs of each team. Not a ranking of players.
Oregon has three picks in the seven rounds of the draft, according to Reid. Of course those picks were led by Kayvon Thibodeaux going in the first round to the New York Jets.
Round 1, Pick 4
Kayvon Thibodeaux – New York Jets
The Jets need pass-rushers. Carl Lawson will return after tearing his Achilles in training camp last season, but they need more talent and depth. The franchise hasn’t had a player reach double-digit sacks since Muhammad Wilkerson in 2015.
Pairing Thibodeaux alongside Lawson gives the Jets a formidable tandem moving forward.
ESPN Evaluation:
| Thibodeaux is a bit underwhelming physically for such a supremely talented player. He has average height, weight and arm length for an edge rusher, but his top-end speed is outstanding for his size (ran 4.58 in the 40-yard dash). He has a fast first step and fast hands. His swipe, dip and push-pull moves are very effective, but he doesn’t have elite torso flexibility to work through blockers at the top of the arc while engaged. He has an explosive takeoff and outstanding closing burst through the quarterback. He does a great job of using quick hands and initial power to stay unblocked and fight through contact. He is an excellent tackler, and if he gets any kind of grasp on ball carriers, it’s typically over. He stacks blockers, locates the ball and sheds in time to make plays as a run defender. He has the burst to make plays in the backfield and closes well chasing from the backside. — Final evaluation |
Round 4, Pick 3 (No. 108 overall)
Verone McKinely Jr. – Houston Texans
ESPN Evaluation:
| McKinley is a shorter free safety with below-average bulk for the position. He has short arms and average top-end speed. He’s instinctive and aggressive in coverage, and he has above-average range in deep zone. McKinley reads quarterbacks’ eyes and has quick feet and good body control to stick with slot receivers underneath. Faster receivers will stress his ability to turn and run when matched one-on-one. He gets early jumps on throws, takes strong angles to the ball in the air, is aggressive at the catch point and shows strong hands. McKinley is very below average in run support, gets stuck on blocks far too often and displays inconsistent pursuit angles. He dives at ball carriers often and tends to fall off tackles when he goes high. — Final evaluation |
Round 5, Pick 3 (No. 146 overall)
ESPN Evaluation:
| Wright is a scheme-versatile corner with good instincts. He shows good balance in underneath coverage. He has average recovery speed and can get beat over the top when he loses at the line of scrimmage. He’s not a playmaker — he has just one pick in 21 games — and he’s a smaller corner who gets outmuscled at the catch point. He does a nice job of reaching in to break up passes. He’s a solid tackler willing to step up in run support, and he gives great effort in pursuit. — Final evaluation |
