NFL Mock Draft 2018: Edition 4

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA to Jets

1. Cleveland Browns
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
With two weeks to go until the 2018 NFL Draft, it is still very unclear what direction Cleveland will go with the top selection. It seems highly likely they will go with a quarterback, but which one, in a class where none have really separated themselves? The most likely solution will be to go with the signal-caller with the most upside, which is Josh Allen. The polarizing product out of Wyoming was wildly erratic in the collegiate ranks, but his arm talent is astounding and he will be mentored by head coach Hue Jackson, a well-known QB guru.
Previous Selection: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Other Possibility: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
There remains a strong chance New York goes with Saquon Barkley or a pass rusher here, but all reports are indicating the Giants will roll with Darnold if Cleveland doesn't snag him first overall. New head coach Pat Shurmur will probably stick with Eli Manning for one more season, but adding his franchise QB right away would be the right move for a new era in the Big Apple.
Previous Selection: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Other Possibility: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets (from Colts)
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Yet another quarterback here? After moving up three spots to pick three, it seems nearly impossible the Jets go anywhere else but signal-caller here, considering their long-term issues at the position. Josh Rosen would certainly be the best available here, and the flashy playmaker seems like a perfect fit in New York.
Previous Selection: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Other Possibility: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
4. Cleveland Browns (from Texans)
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Things couldn't work out better for new GM John Dorsey and Cleveland, as the quarterback-needy top of this Draft allows the best prospect, Barkley, to slip to pick four. The Browns did add Carlos Hyde in free agency, a rock-solid veteran, but there is no question Barkley has a higher ceiling and would immediately upgrade Cleveland offensively and on special teams.
Previous Selection: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
5. Denver Broncos
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Guard is rarely a position highly sought after in the Top 10 of the NFL Draft, but Notre Dame product Quenton Nelson redefines the position. The hard-nosed, surprisingly athletic offensive linemen was dominant in his time with the Irish, and he is clearly pro-ready. Denver may be tempted to select a QB here, but Nelson is just too good to pass up on for a team that needs O-Line help.
Previous Selection: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Other Possibility: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
6. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets)
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
I've had Bradley Chubb mocked to the Colts in each of my previous three mocks so far, and I'll stick with it here. The Colts are just so thin on the defensive line, and have lacked a star pass rusher since Dwight Freeney left town. Chubb is a proven sack machine, and would immediately add some ferocity to a defense that desperately needs it.
Previous Selection: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Other Possibility: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
This is a Draft with a very deep defensive back class, which works perfectly for a Tampa Bay needing to upgrade a porous secondary. They have a number of options here, but Ward, who is the best true corner in this Draft, should be the move. Ward is very reminiscent of his former Buckeye teammate Marson Lattimore; a physical, athletic corner that should translate very well to the next level.
Previous Selection: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
8. Chicago Bears
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Tremaine Edmunds' stock has been improving for some time now, and it now appears he is a real possibility to be the Bears move here at pick eight. The Virginia Tech product has an interesting blend of coverage and pass rushing skills, and fills a significant need at outside 'backer for Chicago.
Previous Selection: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
9. San Francisco 49ers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
After locking up their quarterback of the future, San Francisco can address their needs on the defensive side of the ball here. That includes the defensive backfield, even if the addition of Richard Sherman helps. Second-year GM John Lynch (a former legendary defensive back himself) would love to add Fitzpatrick, an ultra-versatile defender who won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2017, given to the country's top DB.
Previous Selection: Derwin James, S, Florida State
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
10. Oakland Raiders
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
There are a number of options for Oakland to go here, particularly on defense, where they need plenty of help. However, I'll stick with Roquan Smith, who seems like the most logical choice for new head man Jon Gruden. Smith was an absolute monster during his time with Georgia, and should complement superstar Khalil Mack perfectly.
Previous Selection: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Other Possibility: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
11. Miami Dolphins
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Miami made the right move to cut the expensive and highly controversial Ndamukong Suh this off-season. It leaves them thin at defensive tackle, but Vita Vea would be the ideal solution. Vea isn't quite the pass rusher Suh is, but is more of a well-rounded defender and doesn't come with all the baggage.
Previous Selection: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
12. Buffalo Bills (from Bengals)
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Coming off a marvelous season that included a Heisman, Big 12 title and Playoff appearance, Baker Mayfield seems like the spark this Bills franchise needs to get out of their long-running streak of mediocrity. He may be undersized, but Mayfield's mobility, arm strength and passion for the game ensures he lands in the first round.
Previous Selection: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Other Possibility: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
13. Washington Redskins
Derwin James, S, Florida State
Derwin James is a Top-10 talent in this Draft without much of a doubt, but with team needs could allow him to drop here to 13. If that is the case, the Redskins won't hesitate for a second on the rangy safety, who may soon remind Washington fans of former star Sean Taylor.
Previous Selection: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Other Possibility: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
14. Green Bay Packers
Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Even before trading Damarious Randall to acquire DeShone Kizer, Green Bay was seriously thin at corner. Now, with Randall gone, they need to add any number of cornerback options available here. Jackson put together a strong Pro Day after a mediocre Combine, and his playmaking abilities will immediately be an asset.
Previous Selection: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Other Possibility: Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
15. Arizona Cardinals
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
It will be very interesting to see what Arizona does here halfway through the first round. They clearly need a quarterback and probably would like to trade up, but there are still options that would work at 15. Rudolph doesn't have the name recognition of some of the other signal-callers in this Draft, but his size (6'5") and arm strength are already at NFL levels.
Previous Selection: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Other Possibility: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
16. Baltimore Ravens
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Baltimore signed John Brown and Michael Crabtree this off-season to try and jolt a stagnant offense, but neither seem like long-term solutions. The Ravens could find that in Calvin Ridley, who was an absolute stud while at Alabama, and gives them a very dangerous deep threat to open things up.
Previous Selection: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Other Possibility: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The Chargers' rush defense was abysmal in 2017, ranking 31st in the league and they didn't do much in the off-season to solve this problem. They could still address it by selecting Da'Ron Payne, an immediate upgrade. Payne's size and physicality is an ideal fit for today's NFL, and should give this LA defense more bite.
Previous Selection: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
18. Seattle Seahawks
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Despite acquiring veteran Duane Brown, Seattle still needs offensive line help and McGlinchey, who some deem a Top 10 prospect, just happens to fall to their lap. It isn't the flashy pick for the Seahawks after an off-season where they got rid of much of their defense, but McGlinchey certainly fills a need and is a steal at this spot.
Previous Selection: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Other Possibility: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
19. Dallas Cowboys
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Sean Lee is one of the premier linebackers in the sport, but the inside 'backer has a long history of injuries, including missing five games in '17. Without Lee, this defense really struggles and a lack of depth is a real concern. The 'Boys could fix this issue by selecting rising Leighton Vander Esch, who has gone from a mid-round pick to a near first round lock.
Previous Selection: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
20. Detroit Lions
Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
Despite recording over 20 sacks these past two seasons while at Boston College, Harold Landry appears to be a pretty underrated Draft prospect. That should allow Detroit to snatch up the versatile pass rusher, as the Lions desperately need another pass rusher to pair with Ezekiel Ansah, who they franchise tagged.
Previous Selection: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Other Possibility: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Bills)
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Bengals' biggest need remains on the offensive line where they lack much young talent or depth. However, most of the top-notch offensive line prospects in this Draft will be gone, possibly forcing them to reach on Connor Williams a bit. Williams is a rock-solid offensive linemen, and an excellent pass blocker.
Previous Selection: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
22. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs)
Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Buffalo suddenly has a huge issue on the offensive line. They traded away veteran Cordy Glenn and then watched as center Eric Wood and guard Richie Incognito opted to retire. The Bills will look for any O-Line help, and Wynn is a fine consolation prize. The long-time starter at Georgia faced some very tough competition in the SEC and was terrific, and can play multiple positions.
Previous Selection: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Other Possibility: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
23. New England Patriots (from Rams)
D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
With the pick they acquired by trading away Brandin Cooks, New England finds his replacement in Maryland product D.J. Moore. Moore is one of the hottest names in the Draft right now, thanks to an excellent Combine and Pro Day. His athleticism and speed would immediately allow him to be able to replace Cooks.
Previous Selection: None
Other Possibility: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
24. Carolina Panthers
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Carolina failed to replace Josh Norman last off-season, and they haven't done a whole lot this off-season to indicate the problematic position is in better shape. Look no further than Hughes, who continues to rise up Draft boards. His physicality, speed and instincts are all top-notch and should translate well to the next level.
Previous Selection: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Other Possibility: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
25. Tennessee Titans
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
After Avery Williamson left in free agency, Tennessee now has a need at linebacker. GM Jon Robinson is not known for drafting linebackers early, but it would be hard to pass up on Evans if he is still available. Evans has the athleticism, coverage skills and closing speed to be a great linebacker in the NFL, and address this particular need.
Previous Selection: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Other Possibility: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
26. Atlanta Falcons
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons are looking for a new defensive tackle after rock-solid Dontari Poe left in free agency to sign with the Carolina Panthers. They have a plethora of options here, but Taven Bryan, a hard-nosed linemen out of Florida, appears to have the highest ceiling. Dan Quinn would love to coach up the talented young defender.
Previous Selection: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
27. New Orleans Saints
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Scouts and fans are completely split on Lamar Jackson; some view the former Heisman winner as the next Michael Vick and a wide contingent don't even see him playing QB at the next level. He is a polarizing prospect, but if he does work out, he could be quite the steal in the late first round. New Orleans is looking for a successor for Drew Brees, and Jackson may just fit the mold.
Previous Selection: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Other Possibility: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Pittsburgh would love to add a linebacker to replace Ryan Shazier, whose future in the NFL is unclear. However, most of the big-name linebackers will be off the board here, forcing the Steelers to address another concern: pass rushing off the edge. Sam Hubbard has impressive potential, and is just scratching the surface of what he can be as a defensive end. He will be a great selection late in Round One.
Previous Selection: Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
Other Possibility: Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
With both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns heading elsewhere in free agency, Jacksonville now has a clear need at wide receiver. They could trade up to try and land Calvin Ridley or D.J. Moore, but Courtland Sutton would still be a steal here. The former SMU Mustang has impressive size and leaping ability, making him a dangerous red zone threat.
Previous Selection: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Other Possibility: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
30. Minnesota Vikings
Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
After investing 84 million dollars in Kirk Cousins the next three years, Minnesota has to ensure he can stay healthy by improving a mediocre offensive line. Hernandez isn't a flashy prospect by any sense of the word, but he was extremely productive and reliable over four years while at UTEP. He will immediately strengthen the unit, and open things up for a healthy Dalvin Cook.
Previous Selection: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Other Possibility: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
31. New England Patriots
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
With their second selection in the first round, New England should address their clear need at offensive tackle, which opened up after long-time contributor Nate Solder decided to sign with the Giants. Kolton Miller has astounding size and potential, and it isn't hard to envision him being a franchise left tackle in the NFL.
Previous Selection: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Other Possibility: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
Philadelphia could go so many different ways with this pick, from tight end, to O-Line to defensive back. With that being said, they may opt to go with the best player available here, which I believe to be Davenport. Despite coming from a small school, Davenport has big-time talent, and brings a high motor and impressive versatility. He'll ensure this top-notch defense doesn't miss a step in 2018.
Previous Selection: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Other Possibility: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State