Steel City Blitz 1st Round Mock Draft – Picks 9-12

Picks 1-4…
Picks 5-8…

9. Tampa Bay Bucs – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
This may seem a little high compared to most mocks but I think Lawson makes a lot of sense here. The Bucs needs edge rusher help for Gerald McCoy and Lawson is an underrated prospect in this class. Hargreaves is also a possibility but DL is a more immediate need with the Bucs signing Brent Grimes in free agency.

10. New York Giants – Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
The men in blue will be tempted by a handful of wide receivers but in the end, rebuilding the offensive line will win out and that starts with Stanley. Giants’ QB Eli Manning has remained amazingly healthy over the course of his career and nobody knows that as well as new head coach Ben McAdoo who previously served as offensive coordinator. Stanley will provide tremendous pass protection and some athleticism for the running game. He just makes too much sense here for New York.

11. Chicago Bears – Chris Jones, DL, Mississippi State
I’m not sure why Jones isn’t getting more love from the draft community but I think he goes much earlier than everyone expects. The Bears switched to a 3-4 last season and lack piece for it. Jones fits as a 5-tech on their new scheme, and his athleticism puts him just outside the top 10.

12. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
The Saints saw division rival Carolina advance to the Super Bowl behind a powerful running game (which the Saints need to stop) and a dominant front four on defense. The drafting of Rankins ahead of guys like Billings or Robinson is because of his ability to fit either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. While he’s not likely to be an interior guy, he can play there and he has shown pass rushing skills that are varied whether inside or out. New Orleans has many options here but I think solidifying the defense is job number one.