2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 2.0

Previous pick: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia

The Cincinnati Bengals moved back in the draft in order to acquire Cordy Glenn. That fixes one tackle spot (if Glenn can stay healthy) but the other is still up in the air. Neither Jake Fisher or Cedric Ogbuehi has been what Cincinnati expected. The Bengals are also still looking to replace Kevin Zeitler at guard. Connor Williams is a great fit for the Bengals because of his versatility. Williams was the left tackle for Texas but a lack of size has some scouts projecting him to move to guard. The Bengals could have Williams start at guard, finally replacing Zeitler, and if neither Fisher or Ogbuehi can handle right tackle, or if Glenn gets hurt, Williams could kick out to tackle.

Previous pick: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF (Buffalo Bills) 

Wondering what New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman meant when he said he was looking for “hog mollies“? He meant Will Hernandez. Hernandez is a bulldozing, old-school guard who plays with a nasty streak. He finishes blocks through the whistle and dominates defenders at the line of scrimmage. He didn’t face great competition at UTEP but he impressed at the Senior Bowl, proving he can hang with the big boys. It’s no secret that the Giants need help along the offensive line. Making Nate Solder the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman was just the start of Gettleman’s rebuild. He also brought in Patrick Omameh to go along with John Jerry at guard but neither one of those players will stop New York from drafting Hernandez. Many Giants fans want Quenton Nelson to combine with Solder to form a dominant left side of the offensive line. He’s not as polished of a prospect as Nelson, but Hernandez could also make those dominant left side dreams come true.

Previous pick: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College (Los Angeles Rams) 

The Chicago Bears’ biggest needs heading into this offseason were wide receiver and cornerback. Well, they added Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel at receiver in free agency and retained Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller at corner. Because they added to their biggest weaknesses, the Bears were able to trade back with the Patriots and acquire two first-round picks. With their first selection, Chicago adds a talented linebacker to man the middle of their defense. After cutting Jerrell Freeman, the Bears need someone to line up next to Danny Trevathan. Leighton Vander Esch is an instinctual linebacker who is always around the football and would be a great addition to Vic Fangio’s defense.

Previous pick: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

The Carolina Panthers clearly wanted to add to their secondary when they signed free agent Bashaud Breeland. Unfortunately, Breeland failed his physical, leaving Carolina with a hole opposite James Bradberry. Although they could use help at wide receiver, with Calvin Ridley and D.J. Moore off the board, the Panthers wait for better value in the middle rounds. Adding Mike Hughes gives the Panthers a solid No. 2 corner to replace Daryl Worley and an excellent return man. Hughes was one of the best kick and punt returners in the country this past season.