2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

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 this mock (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. Regardless of what is being said, I’m not ready to move off of this pick because it’s the move to make.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Saquon Barkley

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

The Giants can go a number of ways here, and if they don’t trade out of this spot, which could be a very likely scenario, 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. The Giants could very well trade out of this pick, but with the Jets moving into the third slot, they may have to slide all the way down to #11 or #12. A spot where Nelson will no longer be available

Mock 1.0 Pick: Quenton Nelson 

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3. New York Jets: Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC

The Jets made a bold statement by trading into this spot from the #6, more than a month before they would be on the clock. This tells me that there are 3 quarterbacks they would feel comfortable taking in this draft. They would need to love three of them, since it is very possible 2 quarterbacks go with the first two picks. In this case, the Browns and Giants both punt on the quarterbacks, leaving the Jets with their choice of any of them. It will be hard to argue with whoever you insert here, but Darnold is the most complete, and ready to play now, of all of them. With the team signing Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater to one year deals, Darnold won’t have the pressure of playing in New York right away. I had the Jets getting Baker Mayfield at #6 in my first mock, which I’m sure they would’ve been just fine with. However, it was becoming very clear that many teams such as the Bills, Dolphins, Cardinals, Ravens and Saints were all looking for ways to get ahead of them and into the top 5. If that happened, there would be a chance that all 4 QB’s and Barkley would be gone by pick 6.

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Mock 1.0 Pick: Baker Mayfield (Jets) /Bradley Chubb (Colts)

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4. Cleveland Browns: Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming

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. Sure, they wanted the Darnold, but there was too much deliberation in the war room to come to a conclusion between him, Allen and Mayfield. The Allen side wins, as the Jets made up their minds for them…Or do they move up 1 spot?? I can’t wait until Mock 4.1 when I include trades!

Mock 1.0 Pick: Sam Darnold

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5. Denver Broncos: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

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, although Bradley Chubb would also be under consideration in this spot. However, that isn’t how it plays out in this mock. The Broncos signed Case Keenum, but it is only a 2 year deal. I’m sure Elway wanted Josh Allen since he may have the biggest upside of any of the QB prospects and has shown significant improvement in his footwork and mechanics. Elway also 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). Rosen is considered by many as the best of the bunch as far as fundamentals, so the Broncos won’t mind getting him here at 5.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Josh Allen 

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6. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State

This is the perfect scenario for the Colts. They trade back 3 spots, get an additional 3 second rounders, and still end up with the player they would’ve taken at #3. 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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Bradley Chubb (Colts)/ Baker Mayfield (Jets)

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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. (I could see this pick being dealt to a team like the Bills or Dolphins, as they try to get move ahead of the other to acquire Josh Rosen)

Mock 1.0 Pick: Denzel Ward

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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 took care of that during free agency with the signings of Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. Plus, there isn’t a wide receiver I like enough to be taken at this spot.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick 

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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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Tremaine Edmunds

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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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Roquan Smith 

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11. Miami Dolphins: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

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 Mayfield, available at 11 is a welcomed surprise. I highly doubt that this is what actually happens on draft day, as there are teams behind them such as the Cardinals, Bills and perhaps even the Chargers that could look to jump Miami if Mayfield or another top QB is available heading into the back end of the top 10

Mock 1.0 Pick: Josh Rosen

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12. Buffalo Bills: Derwin James, S, Florida State

The Bills were able to get up to this spot by trading Cordy Glenn to the Bengals and swapping pick 21. Perhaps the move was made in an attempt to move further up for a QB, but we aren’t doing speculative trades in this mock.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Mike McGlinchey

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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 (if available) or a wide receiver, but wide receiver could still 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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Vita Vea

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14. Green Bay Packers: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

In our first mock draft, the Packers reached for offensive tackle Brian O’Neill. Here in Mock 2.0, they change directions and look at the defensive side of the ball. Jackson is a ball-hawk with good hands and speed, and should be able to contribute immediately.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Brian O’Neill

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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’ signed Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon in free agency, so the need isn’t as urgent. Then again, it is Sam Bradford who has difficulty staying healthy, and Glennon, who just isn’t that good at football.  You know there is going to be a chip on Jackson’s shoulder from all the wide receiver talk, and how do you think defenses will like preparing for a Jackson/David Johnson duo?

Mock 1.0 Pick: Lamar Jackson

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16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

They are revamping the entire wide receiver corps and tried addressing  that area in free agency with the signings of Michael Crabtree and John Brown. This is a great match and good spot for the first wide receiver to come off the board.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Calvin Ridley

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17. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame                                                         

Based on who is still available and what the Chargers need, I could see them trading out of this spot. They need to address the offensive line, and they’ve done that in both our mock drafts so far. If they would’ve been happy with Kolton Miller here, they will be even happier with McGlinchey available this time around.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Kolton Miller

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18. Seattle Seahawks: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

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’ll look to help that here with Kolton Miller. 

Mock 1.0 Pick: Derwin James

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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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Da’Ron Payne

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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

Mock 1.0 Pick: Marcus Davenport

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21. Cincinnati Bengals : Connor Williams, OG, Texas

I mentioned in the first mock draft that I doubted the Bills would be picking in this spot. I was right about that, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon. Even with acquiring Cordy Glenn from the Bills, the Bengals need an overhaul on the offensive line in order to give Andy Dalton time, and open up some holes for Joe Mixon. Moving back 9 spots will net them two players that should significantly do that.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Rashaan Evans (Buffalo)

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22. Buffalo Bills (From KC): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

We’ll see if the Bills still pick here come draft day as they attempt to use their draft capital to move up for a quarterback. As of now they hold this pick and they’ll be just fine with selecting Evans in this spot. Evans brings pass rushing ability along with good coverage speed into the middle of the Bills defense.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Connor Williams

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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 in the league. Having traded Robert Quinn, the Rams will be very happy to see Landry at this spot.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Harold Landry

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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, even with additions of Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright. 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. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a running back in this spot (Derrius Guice) if the team feels the same as I do about Christian McCaffery…Which is, that he’s best suited for a slot wide receiver role. (Christian Kirk or DJ Moore could be the WR in this spot, but we currently still have Sutton ahead of them on our rankings because of his size)

Mock 1.0 Pick: Courtland Sutton

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25. Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia

The Titans need to improve their guard position, and Isaiah Wynn is the best one available on our board. Wynn is an athletic “tackle” with good character, though he should find himself somewhere on the inside of the offensive line in the NFL.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Will Hernandez

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

He reminds me a bit of Taylor Gabriel who the Falcons didn’t bring 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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: James Washington

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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 making a decent amount of money. 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, so why not go with the guy that played his college ball in your backyard!

Mock 1.0 Pick: Arden Key

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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.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Leighton Vander Esch

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29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Rudolph, QB Oklahoma St.

We had the Oklahoma tight end, Mark Andrews, in this spot for mock 1.0, but the Jaguars went out and signed Austin Seferian -Jenkins and Niles Paul. The Jags are already a very good team and filled some of their few needs already during free agency . They could use some depth at LB and CB, but if you ask Jaguars fans what is the weakest link on the team, they will say “quarterback”. They did go out and sign Bortles to a 3-year extension, but when you look at the complexity of the contract, it really just puts them on the hook for this year and next. So, why not take the big pocket passer, who still needs some time on the bench to learn? Rudolph will be the 6th quarterback drafted in the first round, and in reality, somebody in the next 5 picks would’ve taken him anyway. (Maybe Coughlin ruins the Giants second round plans?)

Mock 1.0 Pick: Mark Andrews

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30. Minnesota Vikings: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

The Vikings did a great job rebuilding the offensive line last off-season, and they will continue to do so here. The tackle position is probably their biggest area of need, so being able to our #2 ranked tackle in this spot is a big win for the NFC runner-up.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Isaiah Wynn

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31. New England Patriots: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

The Patriots wanted a top offensive lineman here, but Minnesota took their guy with the last pick. Will Hernandez is still available, but with both the short and long-term availability of Gronkowski in question, they’ll turn their attention to Andrews.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Joshua Jackson

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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. Even with Mike Wallace there, this is a good landing spot for Chark.

Mock 1.0 Pick: D.J. Chark

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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. Indianapolis Colts:  D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

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: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

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. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ via Sea): Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP                                                                

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