NFL Mock Draft 2018: Edition 2 (Combine Edition)
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| Josh Allen, Wyoming to Cleveland |
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
A tremendous showing at the Combine this week has only confirmed that Saquon Barkley is the premier talent in this year's Draft. While Cleveland may be tempted to take a QB top overall, adding Barkley would make more sense, considered no signal-caller has separated himself from the pack. Barkley would immediately upgrade the Browns' lackluster offense, and should only get better.
2. New York Giants
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Despite the fact Sam Darnold did not throw at the Combine this week, he flashed solid and underrated athleticism in most of the drills and could push himself in front of the pack. Darnold's decision-making is still a concern but adding him now and letting him learn under Eli Manning for a year would work wonders for the young quarterback.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
No matter what Andrew Luck's future in Indianapolis looks like, the Colts know they have to upgrade their poor defense. It just so happens they can do that at pick No. 3, by adding the best pass rusher in the Draft, Bradley Chubb. Chubb was an absolute force in his time with NC State, and his size and speed will fit right perfectly in todays NFL.
4. Cleveland Browns (from Texans)
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Despite a mediocre collegiate career at a small school, NFL scouts love Allen and his Combine performance have given us a great indication why. Allen has a huge arm, decent mobility and you can see the potential every time that he throws. There are things to work on, but Hue Jackson, who prides himself on being a quarterback guru, could be the guy to get that vast potential out.
5. Denver Broncos
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
While Denver did just invest a first-round selection on Paxton Lynch recently and is in the running for Kirk Cousins, it seems likely Denver will use their pick here on a quarterback. There are still a number of options, but Baker Mayfield seems like he would be a great fit in Denver. His playmaking ability and overall confidence would immediately jolt an offense that has been weak for a number of seasons.
6. New York Jets
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Another quarterback in the Top 10? The Jets are so thin at the position and have been for so long it seems highly unlikely they would pass up adding a franchise passer here, especially one with as much talent as Josh Rosen. Rosen has had injury questions and is still very young, but he has all the traits to be the franchise guy New York has been lacking.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Tampa Bay was a pretty big disappointment this past season, and much of what it can be attributed to a defense that was incredibly porous. It needs help up front, but more importantly it needs more support in the secondary. Fitzpatrick has been a playmaker since Day One for Alabama, and his incredible versatility will be a welcome asset in Tampa.
8. Chicago Bears
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
A rock-solid showing at the Combine has only cemented Calvin Ridley as the likely first wide receiver taken in this year's Draft. Even though he struggled with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play in his time in Tuscaloosca, Ridley still proved to be quite the talent, and he can certainly become Mitch Trubisky's top target in short time.
9. San Francisco 49ers
Derwin James, S, Florida State
San Francisco's pass defense was a disaster throughout much of '17-'18, ranking 28th in the NFL per Football Outsiders' DVOA. Even though Derwin James was unable to salvage Florida State's rough 2017 season, he continued to assert himself as one of the best defenders in the sport. His range, athleticism and closing speed will all translate very well to the next level.
10. Oakland Raiders
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Legendary head coach Jon Gruden and his hardcore, smashmouth brand of football returns to Oakland, and defense will likely be his focus early on. Khalil Mack is a generational talent, but that side of the ball still needs a ton of help. Roquan Smith was one of the premier defenders in college football this past season, and he would be an ideal fit in Gruden's physical defensive scheme.
11. Miami Dolphins
Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
The Dolphins' secondary has been terrible for a couple years now, and there aren't many options on the free agent market that can alleviate this problem for the long term. Adding Iowa product Joshua Jackson is a great start. Jackson was an absolute interception machine for the Hawkeyes and he has NFL size and athleticism.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Guard is never a position drafted very highly in the NFL Draft, but Notre Dame product Quenton Nelson will likely be the exception. Nelson was absolutely dominant during his time with the Irish, and he is skilled as a pass blocker and in run support. He will immediately upgrade a Bengals' offensive line that was a big problem last year.
13. Washington Redskins
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Last NFL Draft, Washington added defensive linemen (and Alabama product) Jonathan Allen but Allen was limited to just five games and Washington's D-Line was dreadful. The Redskins can upgrade the unit by once again adding an Alabama prospect in Payne, who is a major force in the middle. The addition of Payne, plus improved health from Allen, will work wonders in Washington.
14. Green Bay Packers
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Over the past few years, Ohio State has become a factory for NFL defensive backs, sending tons to the next level. Denzel Ward appears to be the next, after he put together a fine 2017-2018 campaign. Green Bay is extremely thin at corner and while they may go after Aqib Talib or Malcolm Butler, Ward is a much better option in the long term.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
With Carson Palmer officially calling it quits this off-season, Arizona is in need of a new quarterback. However, with most of the big names gone by 15, I envision them going the veteran route and signing a signal-caller, and in turn using this pick elsewhere. Their O-Line was up to par a season ago, so adding McGlinchey, who was Top 10 talent, seems like a good move.
16. Baltimore Ravens
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Baltimore's offense has been downright mediocre for years now, and while there are a number of reasons why, paramount is the lack of elite weapons at receiver. Adding James Washington could be a perfect solution; the Oklahoma State product has great deep threat abilities, which could really open things up for this offense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Already equipped with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, the Chargers' defensive front could be absolutely terrifying if they add an elite run stopper. Vita Vea happens to be just that, and almost a sure-fire first-round draft pick following a good showing at the Combine.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Once considered a Top 10 pick, Orlando Brown had a brutal NFL Combine. He ran a 5.86 40 (only one person has ran that slow and been selected) and also disappointed in the bench press and other measurements. Even so, Brown has a chance to redeem himself at his Pro Day and his body of work at Oklahoma should still keep in the first round. Seattle needs more protection for Russell Wilson, so adding the sliding tackle here makes sense.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Its looking more and more like Dez Bryant's time in Dallas is set to expire this off-season, opening the door for a new No. 1 for Dak Prescott. The Cowboys would be smart to stay inside the state of Texas to address this new need and add A&M product Christian Kirk. Kirk put up huge numbers with the Aggies, and could also be a major help on special teams.
20. Detroit Lions
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
New head coach Matt Patricia (former New England DC) would love to add some pass rushing help here, but the fact of the matter is that Detroit's running back situation has been historically bad these past few years. Having Guice, who runs with amazing power and tenacity, drop here would be a dream come true in Detroit.
21. Buffalo Bills
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
The Bills added wide out Zay Jones in the second round of last year's Draft and traded for Kelvin Benjamin this past season, indicating they want to jolt an average passing attack. In order to do that, they really need to fix the person leading it, and add a new QB. Rudolph isn't often discussed with the other big-name QB prospects in this Draft but he has the size (6'5") and huge arm scouts adore.
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| Marcus Davenport, UTSA to Buffalo |
Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
A small-school guy, Marcus Davenport is the type of prospect sure to shoot up boards as the process continues, and he put together a good Combine. The UTSA product has an explosive first step and incredibly high motor, and he would bring immediate support to a Bills' defense that started off hot in '17-'18 before tailing off.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Arden Key, DE/LB, LSU
The Rams dealt away pass rushing specialist Robert Quinn just this past weekend, but they could still replicate his production by adding Arden Key here. Key still has parts of his game to work on, but he knows how to get after the quarterback, compiling 20 sacks in three seasons with LSU, including 11 in 2016.
24. Carolina Panthers
D.J. Chark, WR, LSU
Christian McCaffrey proved to be a great pickup for Carolina in last year's NFL Draft, but the Panthers' offense still needs a receiver who can stretch the field vertically, while McCaffrey does horizontally. Enter D.J. Chark, who wowed scouts with an impressive Combine. The former LSU Tiger ran the fastest 40 out of all receivers and many believe he wasn't utilized the correct way while in college.
25. Tennessee Titans
Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Following a great Senior Bowl and solid Combine, Will Hernandez's stock is rising, and it looks as though we could have a few guards selected in the first round. Despite playing in Conference USA, Hernandez has NFL talent, and he could pave the way for Tennessee's powerful rushing duo of Derrick Henry and Demarco Murray.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Head coach Dan Quinn loves top-flight athletes on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the front seven, and he has an abundance of options here. The best fit may be Tremaine Edmunds, who has the talent to go much higher then 26. The Virginia Tech product has incredible instincts and tremendous closing speed, an ideal fit in this aggressive Atlanta defense.
27. New Orleans Saints
Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Jimmy Graham was clearly a top-notch talent before New Orleans opted to move him to Seattle. They could get his replacement here in Mark Andrews, who had a tremendous career during his time at Oklahoma. Andrews' speed and great hands will be a huge benefit for the Saints, particularly Drew Brees as his career slowly comes to a close.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
While Ryan Shazier continues to make strides in his recovery from a scary back injury earlier this season, the Steelers may have to confront the fact he may never be a contributor for them again. Shazier was not only very productive, he was a leader on this roster and if he can't come back that obviously hurts. Rashaan Evans may not be able to completely replace Shazier, but the ferocious linebacker is a hard-hitting, intelligent defender.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Leonard Fournette was wonderful in his rookie season with the Jaguars and a major reason why they nearly won the AFC, but Jacksonville's aerial attack still lags behind. Despite this, the Jags gave QB Blake Bortles a hefty contract extension this off-season, which puts more pressure on the receiver corps to step up. Adding Courtland Sutton, who has the frame and athleticism to go in the Top 10, could be a nice solution.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Minnesota's defense was superb throughout nearly all of 2017-2018, but the defensive backfield still has some question marks. Trae Waynes struggles with consistency, and Terence Newman is on the last legs of his career. Carlton Davis was highly productive while at Auburn, and his physical style of play is exactly what head coach Mike Zimmer is looking for.
31. New England Patriots
Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
Despite the fact they nearly won another Super Bowl, New England's defense has some serious issues, namely a suspect pass rush. This is a great Draft for pass rushers, and Harold Landry could be quite the steal. Landry led the NCAA in sacks in 2016 with 16, and he would be a great addition from the area.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Carson Wentz proved he could be one of the best players in football when healthy this past season, but improved protection will only help. Connor Williams has a ton of talent and potential, and if he does manage to slip all the way down to the late first round, the Eagle should snatch him up in a heartbeat.
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