8. Atlanta Falcons: DL Danny Shelton, Washington
First-year head coach Dan Quinn is a defensive mind that needs solid defensive line play to make his schemes work to perfection. Shelton – a Washington product from his old stomping grounds in the state of Washington – can provide that in year 1.
9. New York Giants: OL Brandon Scherff, Iowa
The Giants need to improve their offensive line to keep Eli Manning upright and stop their running game from becoming an embarrassment. Scherff is the best offensive lineman in the draft and is capable of giving the Giants consistency on the line that they haven’t had since Chris Snee was in his prime.
10. St. Louis Rams: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State
The Rams need to improve their coverage – the defensive line can’t carry the defense forever. Waynes is the best CB in the draft and could help the Rams take that next step to becoming an elite defense.
11. Minnesota Vikings: WR Devante Parker, Louisville
With Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson losing his luster in Minnesota, the Vikings are in need of a new playmaker to help QB Teddy Bridgewater grow. Parker may be one of the most NFL-ready skill position players in the draft and his familiarity with Bridgewater when they played together in college won’t hurt either.
12. Cleveland Browns: DT Arik Armstead, Oregon
The offenses in the AFC North are improving in firepower, and the Browns need to improve their defensive personnel to match it. Add in the fact that head coach Mike Pettine built his coaching career with defensive linemen and a superb athlete like Armstead could be the star of the Browns line.
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