Padres Draft: Latest five-round mock draft is flawless

Second round, 45th overall: CJ Van Eyk, RHP (FSU)

Van Eyk has been slipping in several mock drafts, which could end up being favorable for the Padres in this draft. The Florida State product doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he’s as reliable as it gets.

As a true freshman, he made 19 appearances – including five starts – while striking out 71 batters in 56.2 innings. He posted a 2.86 ERA and limited opponents to a .208 average but also had the propensity to walk a few batters — 30 over that span.

The following year, he moved into the Seminoles’ starting rotation, making 18 starts while striking out 129 batters. His command remained a tad shaky – 41 walks in 99.1 innings (3.7 BB/9) – but held opponents to a .234 average.

He was off to a much better start this year before the shutdown, striking out 25 through his first four starts while limiting the opposition to a .151 average.

Third round, 80th overall: Landon Knack, RHP (ETSU)

Knack is this draft’s best-kept secret. We recently did a profile on him, noting he had the second-most strikeouts in the country before the shutdown, despite pitching for East Tennessee State.

Last year, he made 19 starts and displayed terrific command, walking just 16 in 97.0 innings, which comes out to an impressive (1.5 BB/9). He’s a big-time strikeout guy, obviously, and struck out 94 in 2019 while limiting the opposition to a .241 average.

He was off to a great start this year, making four starts and striking out 51 in 25.0 innings of work. He walked JUST ONE batter over than span as well while holding batters to a .136 average. If the Padres can land him in the third round of this draft, he could very well be the steal of this entire draft.