By John Sarianides
Day two of the NFL Draft had just as much drama and intrigue as day one did. Here are my thoughts on some of the picks.
1. Dalvin Cook could end up being the steal of this draft for the Vikings. To get a back of his caliber in the second round is a tremendous value.
2. The Green Bay Packers bolstered their beleaguered secondary big time with the additions of cornerback Kevin King and strong safety Josh Jones. Adding defensive tackle Montravious Adams in the third round was also a solid value pick by GM Ted Thompson.
3. I can’t say I am surprised the Bengals took Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon. They had been linked to him for weeks and see him as a starting caliber running back in the mold of David Johnson.
Owner Mike Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis are going to have to spin the Mixon pick properly and do some damage control early on because people outside the organization are already criticizing them for the selection.
4. The Oakland Raiders are already a contender in the AFC but the additions of cornerback Gareon Conley and Obi Melinfonwu solidify the one area of weaknesses they had.
5. I love what the Los Angeles Chargers did yesterday. Forrest Lamp Is a steal in the second round. Dan Feeney was also a terrific value in the third round.
The Chargers offensive line has been a mess in recent years, especially the interior. The additions of Lamp and Feeney change that. Running back Melvin Gordon is a happy man.
6. New Colts GM Chris Ballard has had a very good draft up until this point. Getting Ohio State free safety Malik Hooker and Florida cornerback Quincy Wilson in the first two rounds is a coup. Both have pro bowl potential long terms.
7. I’m scratching my head trying to figure out why the Jets took two safeties with their first two picks. Still haven’t figured it out.
8. The New Orleans defense has been a sieve the past three years. GM Mickey Loomis is looking to change that by drafting cornerback Marshawn Lattimore, free safety Marcus Williams and linebacker Alex Anzalone. All three players will contribute as rookies. By the way, I loved the Alvin Kamara pick in the third round. Great value.
9. The Patriots finally drafted and they grabbed two prototypical Patriots players in defensive end Derek Rivers and offensive tackle Antonio Garcia.
10. What the hell are the Bears doing? It wasn’t enough that they overpaid for Mitchell Trubisky? Now they have to reach for Ashland tight end Adam Shaheen? Jeesh. Bad time to be a Bears fan.