2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Photo: NFL.com
Date(s): April 26-28
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network

Fantasyshed Mock Draft Schedule:

Mock 1.0– March 12

Mock 2.0– March 26

Mock 3.0- April 9

Mock 4.0- April 23

Mock 4.1- (With potential trades) April 25

Draft Notes:

Total Selections: 256

Most picks: Green Bay Packers (12)

Fewest Picks: New York Giants (5)

Detroit Lions (6)

Tennessee Titans(6)

Philadelphia Eagles (6)

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 wrong more often than right.

The values of players will generally increase or decrease based on the combine results, pro days, and what players are having private workouts/visits with particular teams. There is also a good chance that this mock (mock 3.0) will look different than our first and second mock draft, since free agency could’ve have a significant influence on teams’ draft plans.

This mock draft does not consist of trades that could take place on draft day, and this year there is expected to be a lot of movement within the first and second rounds, due to many teams having multiple picks and the interest in the quarterback position. We have some fun in our last mock draft (4.1) when we incorporate our own draft trades.

Round 1

Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

I know, I know..I’m very stubborn. I’m just not ready to come off of Barkley at #1 just yet. He’s the best player in this draft and even though the Browns need a quarterback, there isn’t one that truly separates themselves as the clear-cut best. We hear one day that Sam Darnold is going to be the #1 overall pick, and then we hear the next day, that the Browns are seriously considering Josh Allen in this spot. Then of course, there are people in the organization that really want Baker Mayfield. What does that tell me? Well, for one, it is all smoke. On the other hand, it tells me that there just really isn’t one particular quarterback that is the “sure” thing as I mention above, 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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Saquon Barkley

New York Giants: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

Stubborn? Or is it naive? Perhaps it’s both. 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. However, the running back position is an area I think they address 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. If Denver or even the Browns want to move into this spot, that would be a more likely scenario for the Giants to consider.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Quenton Nelson

Mock 2.0 Pick: Quenton Nelson

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 at least 3 quarterbacks they would feel comfortable taking in this draft. Maybe even all four. 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, Saints and now the Patriots, 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. Since this is a mock without trades, let me just throw this out there..It is clear the Jets don’t have only one of these quarterbacks in mind, and I don’t think the Browns do either. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Browns give up one of their early second round picks to move up 1 spot if they end up falling in love with just one in particular. In my gut, I feel that Josh Rosen or Baker Mayfield will be leading the Jets in the future, but if things play out the way I personally think they should, you can’t pass on Darnold if he’s there.

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: San Darnold

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 may have wanted 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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Josh Allen

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 strong 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. If the Broncos aren’t in love with Rosen or Mayfield, this could be a perfect opportunity for them to trade down. Could the Patriots, who now have 2 first rounders and 2 second rounders, look to move into the top 5? We all know that they aren’t show about trading their draft picks.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Josh Allen

Mock 2.0 Pick: Josh Rosen

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 transitioning to a 4-3 defense, Chubb is exactly the edge rusher they need.

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Bradley Chubb

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

I know some Bucs fans haven’t been thrilled with seeing Ward here in the first 2 mocks, so I apologize to them…Actually no I don’t. What is there not to like here? Ward made it clear at the combine that he is this draft’s best cover 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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Denzel Ward

Chicago Bears: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Landry is scattered across draft boards at this point, and I recognize this is considered a reach. However, You could argue that he is the best pure EDGE rusher coming out….Assuming he regains his form from his Junior season. An ankle injury derailed his season, but he still draws comparisons to Vic Beasley. This pick is more about the player going to this team, but it might not be here at the #8 spot.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Mock 2.0 Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick

San Francisco 49ers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

They would love if Nelson or Chubb happen to slip to them, and might also be fine with Harold Landry (picked above) or the player I had slotted to them in the first two mock drafts, Tremaine Edmunds. Edmunds is slipping a bit lately and the 49ers will simply take the best player available here. Fitzpatrick can be used a either a cornerback or safety, so they’ll figure it out as far as what best suits the team and the player.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Tremaine Edmunds

Mock 2.0 Pick: Tremaine Edmunds

Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

If one of the quarterbacks (in this case Mayfield) is still available at this spot, the Raiders’s phone lines will be blowing up. The Bills and Patriots (both AFC East rivals w/ 2 first and 2nd round picks) will surely be looking to jump Miami for that said quarterback, as will the Chargers and perhaps the Arizona Cardinals. In this trade-less mock, 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. This pick has been consistent throughout and will remain so unless a trade takes place.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Roquan Smith

Mock 2.0 Pick: Roquan Smith

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. Miami fans shouldn’t get so excited just yet. I highly doubt that this is what actually happens on draft day, as there are teams behind them such as the Cardinals, Bills, Patriots and perhaps even the Chargers that will 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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Baker Mayfield

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. Stay tuned for our last mock (4.1), scheduled to be released on 4/25/18

Mock 1.0 Pick: Mike McGlinchey

Mock 2.0 Pick: Derwin James

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Vita Vea

Green Bay Packers: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

In our first mock draft, the Packers reached for offensive tackle Brian O’Neill. Mock 2.0 we changed focus to the defensive side of the ball and will keep the pick the same for this one. The Packers will have a tough decision with Jackson and Mike McGlinchey both available, and both an area of need. However Jackson wins out. Jackson is a ball-hawk with good hands and speed, and should be able to contribute immediately.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Brian O’Neill

Mock 2.0 Pick: Joshua Jackson

Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

Having mocked Lamar Jackson here for the first two drafts, I’m changing directions based on the information I currently have in regards to the Cardinals interest, or current lack thereof for the Louisville quarterback. That of course can change from now until the final mock though. I do know there is some interest in Mason Rudolph, who I was going to slide into this spot, but you’ll see why I didn’t, a little later on. They signed Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon in free agency, and also claimed QB’s Alek Torgersen (Lions) and Brandon Doughty (Dolphins) for some camp body depth, 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. Oliver isn’t the top available CB on our board, but he possesses the combination of size, and speed that many organizations look for. He needs some fine tuning, but will have a good mentor in Patrick Peterson on the other side.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Lamar Jackson

Mock 2.0 Pick: Lamar Jackson

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Calvin Ridley

Los Angeles Chargers: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Third mock draft and the third different player I have slotted in this spot. It is time for the Chargers to look ahead into their future. Philip Rivers will be 37 at the end of the season and the Chargers can save $16 million by releasing him heading into 2019, which is also the last year of his contract. I mentioned Rudolph earlier when discussing the Arizona Cardinals, and if he’s there at #15, he could be their pick. However, the Chargers will trade up ahead of Arizona to secure Rudolph. I know this mock doesn’t feature trades, but I’m breaking my own rules in a way here. They don’t have enough to make the climb all the way up for one of the top 4 quarterbacks, but they do have enough to go # 13 or #14.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Kolton Miller

Mock 2.0 Pick: Mike McGlinchey

Seattle Seahawks: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise 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, or with one of the top offensive lineman still available (McGlinchey, Miller, Williams). I also wouldn’t be shocked if they went ahead and drafted Derrius Guice in this spot. I’m going with Vander Esch right now since not only his value skyrocketing, but he’s also the only worthy player with whom the team has met privately with to this point.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Derwin James

Mock 2.0 Pick: Kolton Miller

Dallas Cowboys: Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

My oh my. I’ve spent way too much time trying to mock this Dallas pick. They need interior offensive line help, linebacker, wide receiver and of course defensive tackle. All of those positions still have top quality players still available here for them. Nothing Dallas does surprises me, so even 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, and we like to be consistent in our mocks when possible.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Da’Ron Payne

Mock 2.0 Pick: Da’Ron Payne

Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Detroit should be happy that not only is Davenport still available, but so is Mike McGlinchey, Kolton Miller, Connor Williams, and Isaiah Wynn. 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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Marcus Davenport

Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

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. However, Rashaan Evans is just too good a player to pass up in this spot.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Rashaan Evans (Buffalo)

Mock 2.0 Pick: Connor Williams

Buffalo Bills (From KC): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

We’ll see if the Bills still pick here come draft day (or before) 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 the top offensive tackle in this spot. McGlinchey fell enough for me and had to come off the board. Lamar Jackson and D.J. Moore were also considered here.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Connor Williams

Mock 2.0 Pick: Rashaan Evans

New England Patriots (via Los Angeles Rams): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

This pick now belongs to the Patriots after a trade that sent wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a 4th round pick to Los Angeles for this pick and a 6th round pick. They could use it to replace the departed (to the Giants) Nate Solder, but passing up on Edmunds in this spot is not something BB is going to do.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Harold Landry (Rams)

Mock 2.0 Pick: Harold Landry (Rams)

Carolina Panthers: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

Ok I admit it, I’m giving in a little here as to what the people who cover the team are saying. They also 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 as well, even with additions of Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright. 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 were considered for this spot as well)

Mock 1.0 Pick: Courtland Sutton

Mock 2.0 Pick: Courtland Sutton

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Isaiah Wynn

Atlanta Falcons: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma St.

The easy thing would be to move to the “hot” name of D.J. Moore here, but I’ll stand my ground. Washington 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 a way to get open down the field. He’ll fit in well with the Falcons, who like to take shots deep.

Mock 1.0 Pick: James Washington

Mock 2.0 Pick: James Washington

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Arden Key

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

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

Mock 2.0 Pick: Leighton Vander Esch

Jacksonville Jaguars: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

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 best available quarterback.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Mark Andrews

Mock 2.0 Pick: Mason Rudolph

Minnesota Vikings: Connor Williams,OT, Texas

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 draft our #2 ranked tackle in this spot is a big win for the NFC runner-up.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Isaiah Wynn

Mock 2.0 Pick: Brian O’Neill

New England Patriots: Kolton Miller, OL, UCLA

The Patriots wanted a top offensive lineman here, and were fortunate enough that Miller was still on the board. Miller will replace Solder protecting Tom Brady, but no question that DJ Moore, Derrius Guice and a TE were all being considered.

Mock 1.0 Pick: Joshua Jackson

Mock 2.0 Pick: Mark Andrews

Philadelphia Eagles: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

I just changed last names for the Eagles here in mock 3.0. Moore is climbing up boards and will give them another offensive playmaker. Being the super bowl champions, they can draft based solely on their board without having to fill many needs.

Mock 1.0 Pick: D.J. Chark

Mock 2.0 Pick: D.J Chark