By Jack Mcnicholas

April 30, 2020

When the first round concluded on Thursday night, many teams noticed that many talented players fell into the second round. With one of the deepest drafts in years and many surprises in the first round, it is not uncommon many high rated talents would fall to the second round. 

In this article, I will examine the four players that I feel will be starters on day one. These are players who, at one point, had first round grades. Things have changed for these players. At one point on Thursday, they found themselves without a team. Not to fret, these players found themselves in situations that they will succeed. 

Ross Blacklock, Houston Texans, Picked 40 Overall:

The Houston Texans did not have a first round pick this year after trading for Laremy Tunsil. The team was unable to select a player until the second round. Ross Blacklock was the pick for them. A pick that was involved in the Deandre Hopkins trade during free agency.  Houston added receivers this offseason and did not need to fill that void just yet. 

Ross Blacklock will add as a piece to this Texans defensive front and solidify himself as the teams top run stopper next to J.J Watt. Blacklock played a similar scheme at TCU; he was able to play the five technique and the zero technique. This will be great for the existing scheme in the Texans run. Originally labeled a late first round pick, he was one of the top interior lineman in the draft. Blacklock brings his 6’4, 305 lb. frame to the middle of the Texans defensive line, in what I believe was a second round steal. 

Johnathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Picked 41 Overall:

The Colts had the third highest PFF grade for an offensive line in 2019. This year, they did not have a first round pick due to the trade in which they acquired defensive tackle Deforrest Buckner. They used the second round pick for Wisconsin running back Johnathan Taylor; a power runner with a natural ability to gain yards after contact. After a stellar college career and going into a draft with teams questioning his durability after 926 career rushes in college, this team runs a running back by committee. 

With Marlon Mack already in the backfield, this team does not have any true pressure to make Taylor their top back. This is a situation where he can be the power back behind a line that would create opportunities for Taylor that many other teams would not have for him. 

Xavier McKinney, New York Giants, Picked 36 Overall:

Xavier McKinney was the top rated safety in the draft. As soon as the Giants were on the clock, the selection card was in. McKinney will give the Giants a starter day one in the secondary. Joe Judge, the new head coach, is a former coordinator under Nick Saban. Xavier McKinney was one of Saban’s favorite players to coach. McKinney can play sideline to sideline and can cover tight ends, as well as slot receiving threats. Aforementioned Giants Head Coach Joe Judge promised that he will bring in smart, versatile and players with a high football IQ. McKinney comes in and will be a leader for Big Blue for years to come. 

The Giants missed former safety Landon Collins last year. This year, they got the top safety in the draft while remaining patient, they filled a large need for the defensive secondary. and a critical need, getting a top player at the safety position. McKinney to the Giants is another great example that the second round is filled with talent.  

Laviska Shenault, Jacksonville Jaguars, Picked 42 Overall:

Laviska may be 6’1, but he plays as if he is 6’4. 

Jacksonville has missed having a red-zone threat since Allen Robinson was on the team. Gardner Minshew will be the Jaguars quarterback in 2020 after using their two first round picks on C.J Henderson at corner and K’Lavon Chaisson at outside linebacker. 

There was still a need for weapons outside of Chris Conley, DJ Chark and Dede Westbrook. Laviska has a higher ceiling than those three top receiving options. Laviska was the top ranked receiver when Jacksonville was on the clock at pick 42. This was a steal for them; more competition going into training camp will only help push the veteran receivers on the team. Laviska adds a scoring threat and will really let Gardner Minshew flourish in John DeFilippo’s scheme.