2018 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Mock Drafts/dates are subject to change based on new information.

Our mock drafts, just like everyone else’s, is for entertainment purposes only. Our mock drafts are based on a number of factors. We keep in mind the team’s needs, best player available, offensive/defensive scheme, previous draft history of the organization/GM and we sprinkle in a our own opinion about which player we would take in that spot. Keep in mind of course, nobody really knows what a team is thinking inside their war rooms, which is why every single year there are numerous of surprises throughout the draft. Even the “best”, whose career it is to predict the NFL draft are more wrong than right.

We like to wait until after the scouting combine for our first mock draft. The values of players will generally increase or decrease based on the combine results. There is also a good chance that the mock 2.0 will look different than our first mock draft, since free agency could have a significant influence on teams’ draft plans.

1.  Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

If you didn’t already believe that Barkley was an a amazing talent, just watch his combine. People could argue that it is not in the best interest for a running back to be drafted so high in the first round. Nonsense. He’s the best player in this draft and even though the Browns need a quarterback, there isn’t one that separates themselves as the clear-cut best. Considering that they also have the #4 pick, taking Barkley makes the most sense and shouldn’t be hesitated by the Browns front office. (UPDATE: The Browns have acquired Tyrod Taylor from the Buffalo Bills. Just adds credence to them taking Barkley here)

---

2. New York Giants: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

The Giants can go a number of ways here. Barkley could be the guy if he doesn’t go number 1, but the running back position is an area I think they address in free agency or later in the draft. Regardless, Barkley is not available here in this mock draft, so it comes down to the drafting the future quarterback or rebuilding what has been a terrible offensive line. They’ll do the latter. The new brass is looking to get this turned around quickly, and getting Nelson will help do that. The team still feels Eli Manning can give them another couple of years, so they’ll continue to develop Davis Webb and draft a quarterback later on. (My believe is that the Giants will trade out of this pick)

---

3. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, North Carolina State

I honestly don’t think there will be much debate or hesitation in the Colts war room with Chubb available. Not only does he fill a need, but with the team trasnsitioning to a 4-3 defense, Chubb is exactly the edge rusher they need.

---

4. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC

This is why you take Barkley at #1. I don’t believe there is a chance that Barkley gets to 4, and now they’ll still be able to get the quarterback they wanted anyway. Who that quarterback is, is the difficult part. I really wanted to put Baker Mayfield here, but with all the ridiculous Johnny Manziel comparisons, the Browns don’t want to relive the circus. As mentioned earlier, there isn’t “one” quarterback that really separates himself from the rest. All of the prospects have a flaw, but Darnold could be the most NFL ready out of all of them. He won’t have to start right away either after the team signs a veteran quarterback in free agency (A.J. Mccarron?)

---

5. Denver Broncos: Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming

If things go differently in the first couple of picks and the Giants trade out of the #2 slot, then that could leave Quenton Nelson available to the Broncos. In that scenario, Nelson would be the pick for Denver here. However, that isn’t how it plays out in this mock. The Broncos are considered to be a finalist for the services of Kirk Cousins (as of this writing), but I’m working under the assumption that they fall short of acquiring him. Josh Allen may have the biggest upside of any of the QB prospects and has shown significant improvement in his footwork and mechanics. Elway knows a thing or two about strong armed quarterbacks, and Allen possesses similar measurable to that of Broncos general manager (No, I am not saying that Allen will be John Elway in his career). Case Keenum could be a backup plan if they miss on Cousins, but even if they do sign Keenum or any other veteran quarterback, drafting Allen makes for the Broncos.

---

6. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

“Broadway Baker?” Based on this selection you could probably figure out that I do not believe they’ll end up with Kirk Cousins either. The team needs a franchise quarterback in the worst way. This pick could very well be Josh Rosen as well, and the Jets better feel strongly for one over the other, otherwise this is GM’s nightmare if one becomes a superstar and the other is a bust. Knowing the Jets well, they’ll select the wrong one anyway. The organization has done a decent job drafting on the defensive side of the ball the last couple of years, and now they need to focus on the offense. Sure, an offensive line man such as Mike McGlinchey is a safe pick, but this is New York and a team without a franchise QB, so staring a potentially two of them and not drafting one, would not be in the best interest of the organization.

---

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Ward made it clear at the combine that he is this draft’s best cornerback. While he may lack the ideal size you would want for that position, he makes plays and can fly. He’ll be able to keep up with any receiver on the field.

---

8. Chicago Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

If the Buccaneers view Fitzpatrick as a CB, then he may not be available for Chicago here. Of course they could use a wide receiver, but they should take care of that during free agency and there isn’t a wide receiver I like enough to be taken at this spot.

---

9. San Francisco 49ers: Tremaine Edmunds, OLB/DE, Virginia Teach

Edmunds has a ton of talent with an unlimited ceiling. At just 19 years old, he’s a physical freak and with great size and athleticism. What makes Edmunds special (besides everything I just said) is that he has the ability to be used in coverage or for rushing the passer. Teams may be calling San Francisco for this pick.

---

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Jon Gruden’s first pick back on the sidelines is going to be used on the defensive side of the ball. Luckily for the Raiders, the best interior linebacker is still available and also fills a need. The Raiders won’t be done drafting defense after this pick either.

---

11. Miami Dolphins: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The war room in Miami could literally be turned upside down if this scenario plays out. The team is not sold on Ryan Tannehill as their long term solution at quarterback, so seeing Rosen, who could even be the first quarterback drafted, available at 11 is a welcomed surprise. There are teams behind them such as the Cardinals, Bills and perhaps even the Chargers that could look to jump Miami if Rosen is available heading into the back end of the top 10.

---

12. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

The Bengals offensive line needs a lot of work, and being able to get McGlinchey in this spot is a great start. McGlinchey should immediately help not only Andy Dalton, but Joe Mixon and the running game as well. While it is still too early to consider last year’s first round pick (WR John Ross) a bust, they’ll go the safer route and hope this year’s pick can actually get on the field for them.

---

13. Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

Washington is going to be faced with a difficult decision here. Vea is the pick because he not only fills a need but is an area that could be harder to fill via free agency. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they go with Derwin James or a wide receiver, but wide receiver could be addressed in free agency and there is still some talented safeties available in the 2nd round. Vea is quick for his size and is not only a force in the running game, but he can put pressure on the quarterback.

---

14. Green Bay Packers: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

Yes, this could be considered a reach but the Packers are going to march to the beat of their own drum. They’re expected to be unusually aggressive in the free agent market this off-season (we’ll see). They should be signing Aaron Rodgers to an extension at some point soon and they are going to want to protect him. O’Neill will most likely start his career inside, but has the athleticism to move back to tackle with the right coaching. He stands at nearly 6’8″ but needs to put some weight on to build on that frame. Mike McCarthy isn’t a stranger to some odd play-calling, and O’Neill is someone that can be used on such plays. As a former tight-end, O’Neill displayed his quickness at the combine with his 4.80 40 yard dash and his 22 bench reps were in line with the average for offensive lineman.  the Packers could trust James Campen to work with him to become a trusted force on the O-line.

---

15. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

This is a pick that I’m not too sure about and one I can see changing from now until our final mock. They’ll sign a quarterback in free agency, but it most likely won’t be one that they view as a long-term answer. You know there is going to be a chip on his shoulder from all the wide receiver talk, and how do you think defenses will like preparing for a Jackson/David Johnson duo?

---

16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

They are revamping the entire wide receiver corps and surely will address that area in free agency. However, they only currently have underwhelming Brashad Perriman, and they can’t sign all the available free agent wide receivers can they? This is a great match and good spot for the first wide receiver to come off the board.

---

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

Based on who is still available and what the Chargers need, I could see them trading out of this spot. In fact *Spoiler Alert* you could probably see them trading out of this spot a lot sooner than when it actually gets to 17 in our final mock when we have some fun with some trades. For the purposes of this mock, they do need to upgrade the offensive line, and Miller is the best available on my board.

---

18. Seattle Seahawks: Derwin James, S, Florida State

Seattle seems to be completely revamping their team..at least on the defensive side of the ball. They could go in a number of different directions here, including trading back for some more picks. Their offensive line is definitely an area of need, so they could look in that direction as well. However, with Derwin James still available at this spot it is going to be hard for them to pass on him here, As of this writing, the team is listening on offers for Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor’s future with the team could also be in limbo

---

19. Dallas Cowboys:  Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Nothing Dallas does surprises me, so If they go with Dallas Goedert (even just for his name) or Mike Gesicki at tight end here, I could get behind it. Jason Witten isn’t getting any younger, but I don’t see Jerry picking a TE replacement at this point. However, Defensive tackle is  something that Dallas is in major need of. Payne is an athletic DT, who can help create pressure on the quarterback. He’s currently our #2 at the position.

---

20. Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Detroit should be happy that not only is Davenport still available, but so is Connor Williams, and Isaiah Wynn. They also might be tempted to go with Harold Landry out of Boston College, considering the BC defensive line coach is now on the Lions coaching staff. Any one of the aforementioned players would be fine here, but Davenport is our pick due to his impressive combine and upside

---

21. Buffalo Bills: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Something tells me that Buffalo will not be drafting here. The Bills have traded Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns, leaving Nathan Peterman as the only quarterback on the roster. Of Course, they could address that in free agency, but even if they do, I still expect them to use these two back to back picks to trade up. However, for this mock, the Bills are here and Evans is their pick. Schematically it may not be a perfect fit, but McDermott will find ways to utilize Evans’s strengths.

---

22. Buffalo Bills (From KC): Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Had he not gotten hurt and missed most of this past season, Williams probably would’ve been a higher pick (though there is still time). His stock is rising back up due to an impressive combine and there is a chance that by the time the draft rolls around, he’s off the board a lot sooner than this.

---

23. Los Angeles Rams: Harold Landry, OLB/DE, Boston College

An ankle injury derailed his 2017 season and kept him from getting more recognition. He is highly athletic and compared to Vic Beasley by some people in the organization. Having just traded Robert Quinn, the Rams will be very happy to see Landry at this spot.

---

24. Carolina Panthers: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

They need an edge rusher and O-Line help too, but the value with those positions doesn’t translate well here for a team that also needs wide receivers. Sutton could be the #1 wide receiver based on one’s draft board, but his combine didn’t really help his cause. At 6’4”, he has good size and gives Newton another weapon in the offense. (Carolina has acquired Torrey Smith from the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite that, we are keeping this pick as is)

---

25. Tennessee Titans: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

Will Hernandez flashed at the combine in drills, specifically the bench press. He’s talked about as a high character, tough player and could have an impact right away.

---

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma St. 

He reminds me a bit of Taylor Gabriel who the Falcons most likely won’t be bringing back. I don’t mean by size, I mean by what he can bring to an offense. Although, when you watch his tape, you would believe he is faster than what he displayed at the combine. He looks like a running back when on the field and somehow finds away to get open down the field.

---

27. New Orleans Saints: Arden Key, EDGE. LSU

The Saints may not have a pressing “need” for Key, but he is the best player available off my board. Tight end is a common approach here, but Fleener is still there, and they could bring back Jimmy Graham. They also need to start looking for Drew Brees’s hier, but it’s too early for Mason Rudolph, the best quarterback available at this point.

---

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Leighton Vander Esch, LB Boise State

This is ideal spot for Pittsburgh to trade out of if the opportunity presents itself. However, if they have to make the pick, they’ll fill a need at inside linebacker with Vander Esch. Might be considered a reach at this spot, but he has good size and speed to play all three downs.

---

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

Jacksonville doesn’t incorporate the tight end often, but that could possibly be due to not having an adequate one. I know that sounds like a knock on Marcedes Lewis, but it isn’t meant to be one. Lewis is a good tight end and valuable to their team for his blocking skills. Sure, he can go out there and catch three touchdowns in a game from time to time as well. However, adding a player like Andrews will give Bortles another big option in the receiving game. With the potential of losing Allen Robinson, Bortles could benefit from having Andrews in the red zone.

---

30. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia

The Vikings did a great job rebuilding the offensive line last off-season, and they will continue to do so here. Wynn is an athletic tackle with good character, though he should find himself somewhere on the inside of the offensive line in the NFL.

---

31. New England Patriots: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

Despite playing better in the second half of the season, the Patriots has holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Joshua Jackson is currently the #2 CB on our board and he’s still available here for New England. I was tempted to slot Mason Rudolph in this spot because….well, it is the Patriots.

---

32. Philadelphia Eagles: D.J. Chark, WR, LSU

Chark is climbing up draft boards after a fantastic combine. Standing at 6’3″ and running the fastest 40 time for the position, he brings that complete package of size and speed. His route tree may be limited, but they just need him to stretch the field and go up and catch balls. Speaking of “going up”, he also led all wide receivers in the vertical jump drill as well. With Torrey Smith shipped to Carolina, this is a good landing spot for Chark.

---

---

33. Cleveland Browns: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

34. New York Giants: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

35. Cleveland Browns: Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

36. Indianapolis Colts: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

37. New York Jets: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE, Oklahoma

39. Chicago Bears: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

40. Denver Broncos: Dallas Goedert, TE, S. Dakota St.

41. Oakland Raiders: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

42. Miami Dolphins: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

43. New England Patriots: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma St.

44. Washington Redskins: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

45. Green Bay Packers: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

46. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State

47. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

48. Los Angeles Chargers: Lorenzo Carter, OLB/DE, Georgia

49. New York Jets: Billy Price, OG, Ohio State

50. Dallas Cowboys: Holton Hill, CB, Texas

51. Detroit Lions: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

52. Baltimore Ravens: Deontay Burnett, WR, USC

53. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Nnadi, DL, FSU

54. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

55. Carolina Panthers: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

56. Buffalo Bills: Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

57. Tennessee Titans: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

58. Atlanta Falcons: Harrison Phillips, DL, Stanford

59. San Francisco 49ers: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

60. Pittsburgh Steelers: DeShon Elliot, S, Texas

61. Jacksonville Jaguars: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

62. Minnesota Vikings: Luke Falk, QB, Washington State

63. New England Patriots: Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State

64. Cleveland Browns: Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis