NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 5
player. 16. . OT. Mississippi State. Martinas Rankin. 30
Having a mobile quarterback helps, but Tyrod Taylor running for his life doesn’t make for a very reliable offense. Starting left tackle Jordan Mills out of Louisiana Tech is a journeyman player. He’s spent time in four different organizations since entering the league in 2013 and was signed to the Bills roster off the Lions practice squad in 2015.
Mills’ versatility is a point in his favor. He has some experience playing ever position except for center and would be an excellent depth piece if paired with an elite talent. The No. 1 ranked JUCO lineman in 2015, Martinas Rankin would be a great piece for the Bills. At worst, he competes with Mills for a start on the first team before becoming valuable depth. At best, he could go on to a long career in the NFL.
Rankin saw time at center during spring practices and has experience at guard too. Perhaps his most notable performance was a sack-free outing against Texas A&M in 2016. Both of the Aggies’ defensive ends that day, Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall, are playing in the NFL right now. Anyone that can shut out that tandem is worth a shot. He brings the added experience of blocking for his current mobile quarterback, Nick Fitzgerald.