Saquon Barkley, Penn State to New York Giants |
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Usually by this point in the Draft process, with just days to go until the first picks are read, we have clarity on who the top selection will end up being. However, new Browns' GM John Dorsey has kept their plans extremely secretive, and we've heard Josh Allen, Sam Darnold and now, even Baker Mayfield rumored here. Darnold may be the most NFL-ready and Mayfield has a proven winning pedigree, but Dorsey loves his big-armed quarterbacks (traded up last year to add Patrick Mahomes) and Allen has the highest ceiling.
Previous Selection: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Other Possibility: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Much like Cleveland, the Giants could go any number of directions with this selection. A quarterback, offensive linemen or edge rusher could all be in play. They should end up going with the best player available, which is Barkley. The dynamic former Penn State rusher can be the solution to New York's running back problems they've had for some time.
Previous Selection: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Other Possibility: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
3. New York Jets (from Colts)
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
There should be no doubt the Jets are looking for a quarterback here, considering they haven't had a truly quality signal-caller since the Chad Pennington era. Both LA quarterbacks are significant possibilities, but rumor is the Jets love Mayfield, and for good reason. He may be undersized and there are some character concerns, but he knows how to win and has proven experience.
Previous Selection: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Other Possibility: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Cleveland Browns (from Texans)
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Despite adding Myles Garrett with the first overall selection a year ago, Cleveland could use further help on the defensive line. Bradley Chubb has proven to be the best defensive end in this Draft, and he comes with no serious concerns. For Dorsey, getting his top quarterback and best pass rusher is a dream scenario for his first Draft with the Browns.
Previous Selection: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Other Possibility: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
5. Denver Broncos
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Denver has made it quite clear that this pick is up for sale, and Buffalo looks like a very real possibility to move up. With that being said, if they do keep this selection, snatching up Rosen is somewhat of a steal here. He is the best overall quarterback in this Draft and should be able to learn a bunch under veteran Case Keenum.
Previous Selection: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
6. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets)
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Nobody questions Andrew Luck's talent, but it isn't crazy to say his career to this point has been slightly disappointing. There are a number of reasons for it, which includes having a suspect offensive line protecting him. While Indianapolis needs more help defensively, passing up on Nelson, who some scouts have labeled the best offensive line prospect in years, is just too hard.
Previous Selection: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Other Possibility: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Tampa will be hopeful that the quarterback frenzy set to occur before their selection allows either Saquon Barkley or Quenton Nelson to drop, two guys they should surely love to add. If they don't, adding Minkah Fitzpatrick is a fine consolation prize. The rangy Alabama defender can play corner or safety, and is an impact player at either spot.
Previous Selection: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
8. Chicago Bears
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
It would be ideal for Chicago if Nelson falls to them (which is a real possibility), considering new O-Line coach Harry Hiestand coached Nelson at Notre Dame. Yet, with the ND product gone, Chicago addresses their long-term issues in the secondary. Denzel Ward is the best cover corner in the Draft, and will be a huge addition in a division stocked with premier QB talent.
Previous Selection: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Other Possibility: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
9. San Francisco 49ers
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
I've had San Francisco taking a defensive back for some time now, and GM John Lynch certainly could go for Derwin James at this spot. Yet, with second-year linebacker Rueben Foster embroiled in serious legal issues, the Niners will need help at linebacker. Edmunds beats out fellow 'backer Roquan Smith because of his superior closing speed and overall scheme versatility.
Previous Selection: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
10. Oakland Raiders
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
It is no secret Oakland needs to upgrade a defense that has been historically bad in the recent past, and it just so happens they can choose between two of the most well-rounded defenders in this Draft at pick ten, Smith and James. James would upgrade a porous secondary, but Jon Gruden loves his gritty defenders, and would be creative with how he utilizes Smith.
Previous Selection: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Miami went all in on a culture change this off-season, dumping overpriced, poor character guys (hello, Ndamukong Suh!) in the hope some new attitude can help them climb out of mediocrity. Former Washington nose tackle Vita Vea is the ideal fit for this new-look team. He is a high character guy that moves incredibly well for a 350-pound defender, and is just scratching the surface of what he can do on the football field.
Previous Selection: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Other Possibility: Derwin James, S, Florida State
12. Buffalo Bills (from Bengals)
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Buffalo already moved up once in this Draft, and I would be floored if they didn't move up even more on Draft night. If they do stay put, they still have a shot at landing the franchise quarterback they clearly want, as one is almost sure to fall out of the Top 10. In this case, it is Darnold, who doesn't seem to fit on any team at the top not named Cleveland. If he is available, the Bills snatch up their guy for the long term.
Previous Selection: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Other Possibility: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
13. Washington Redskins
Derwin James, S, Florida State
As I mentioned in my last mock, Derwin James is a Top-10 talent, but team needs could allow the former Florida State Seminole to fall slightly. Washington would love if he gets to them, considering the needs they have in the secondary, even with so much invested in corner Josh Norman. James is a terrific athlete with incredible range, and is the type of player that could lead the NFL in tackles year in, year out.
Previous Selection: Derwin James, S, Florida State
Other Possibility: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
14. Green Bay Packers
Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine knows the Packers need a cornerback, but with most of the big names gone, the former Browns head man goes with a guy who fits his scheme the best: a physical, high-motor edge rusher. Davenport was a monster while at UTSA, and he has the potential to be a sack machine in Green Bay.
Previous Selection: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Other Possibility: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
15. Arizona Cardinals
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Arizona is another team that could be in store for a trade. They need a quarterback, but are in an awkward spot in the middle of Round One. Should they trade up and try and land a big name or move back and hope Lamar Jackson slides? If they do end up sticking with pick 15, I think receiver might be the move. It is no secret future Hall-of-Famer Larry Fitzgerald is at the end of his career, and assuming he stays healthy, Sam Bradford needs support.
Previous Selection: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Other Possibility: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
16. Baltimore Ravens
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Adding another offensive difference-maker seems like a possibility here for Baltimore, but Ozzie Newsome loves his linemen, and the Ravens could use some help on the O-Line. Selecting McGlinchey, who has Top-10 talent, and pairing him with his former Irish teammate, Ronnie Stanley, on the other side would be a superb fit for some time.
Previous Selection: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Other Possibility: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Already equipped with skilled pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, the Chargers could form the league's best defensive line by upgrading the interior of the unit. Even though he didn't get much attention when compared with some of Alabama's other big-name NFL prospects, Payne had a tremendous 2017 in Tuscaloosca, and is ready for the next step.
Previous Selection: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
18. Seattle Seahawks
Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Yet another team to watch for trades, Seattle has a number of needs they'll look to address in this Draft. That begins on the defense, where they moved on from a number of aging stars, namely Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett. Losing Sherman obviously won't be easy, but the Seahawks can alleviate some of them by selecting Jackson at this pick. Even though he isn't necessarily the biggest or quickest, Jackson produced at Iowa, and is a turnover machine.
Previous Selection: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
19. Dallas Cowboys
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
The fact Dallas moved on from Dez Bryant doesn't automatically they'll select a wide receiver at 19, but it certainly raises the chances. Despite needs on the D-Line and at inside linebacker, the Cowboys fall in love with Sutton's potential, as the former SMU Mustang has the size and elite athleticism to be something special.
Previous Selection: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Other Possibility: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
20. Detroit Lions
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Considering new head coach Matt Patricia's love for defense, I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit adds some help on that side of the ball at pick 20. Yet, Derrius Guice has first-round talent, and the Lions have been one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL for years. Adding a hard-nosed, physical runner like Guice may be too hard to pass up.
Previous Selection: Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
Other Possibility: Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Bills)
James Daniels, OL, Iowa
Last year, I criticized the Bengals for taking offensive skill position players like John Ross III and Joe Mixon early on despite needs elsewhere. I don't think they'll do that again in 2018, considering their major problems on the O-Line and in the defensive front seven. James Daniels is far from a flashy pick, but he can play guard or center at a very high level and produced in the hard-nosed Big Ten for years.
Previous Selection: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Other Possibility: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs)
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Adding their quarterback earlier on, Buffalo now addresses their issues at linebacker, where they are incredibly thin. Vander Esch definitely is not a big name in this Draft, but he looks like the type of hard-nosed, well-built linebacker who can lead a defense for years. Getting him at 22 is quite the win for the Bills.
Previous Selection: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Other Possibility: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
23. New England Patriots (from Rams)
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Even with some serious ups-and-downs while at UCLA, Kolton Miller is considered a serious candidate to be the top tackle off the board. Scouts adore his size, long arms and overall potential. New England is still looking to replace the departed Nate Solder, which they do with the selection they got from the Rams in the Brandin Cooks deal.
Previous Selection: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Other Possibility: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
24. Carolina Panthers
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
While character concerns are holding Mike Hughes back, the UCF product still has a chance to quietly rise up boards and be a surprising pick in this Draft. If he does manage to last to the Carolina pick, I see the Panthers snatching him up. Carolina is still extremely weak at corner, and Hughes has shutdown corner attributes.
Previous Selection: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Other Possibility: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
25. Tennessee Titans
Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
Somebody is going to get a huge steal in Harold Landry, and it may just be Tennessee, who lacks a premier edge rusher. After managing 16.5 sacks in 2016, Landry made the surprising move to return for his senior season, but struggled with nagging injuries. When fully healthy, Landry has the first step and quickness to be an absolute sack machine.
Previous Selection: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
26. Atlanta Falcons
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Already equipped with a top-flight offense, Atlanta needs their defense to catch up if they want to return to the Super Bowl and come away with a victory this time around. They have a huge need on the D-Line, where the interior of the unit was soft a season ago. Head coach Dan Quinn would love to fix that problem by selecting Bryan, a tenacious, talented young defensive tackle.
Previous Selection: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Other Possibility: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
27. New Orleans Saints
Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Drew Brees hasn't had a real talent at tight end since New Orleans traded Jimmy Graham. The Saints can fix that with the plethora of tight ends available in the spot, which include South Dakota State product Dallas Goedert, along with South Carolina's Hayden Hurst. However, Gesicki is the most athletic and most dangerous deep threat at the position, an ideal fit for the Saints' vertical offense, even if it is a little high for him.
Previous Selection: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Other Possibility: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
The scary injury to Ryan Shazier not only altered his life significantly, it greatly impacted Pittsburgh's linebacker corps. Replacing Shazier's production and leadership is no small task, but Rashaan Evans is a superb option here. Coming out of Alabama, Evans has experience in a NFL-ready defense, and he can make plays sideline to sideline.
Previous Selection: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Even with the fresh contract extension for Blake Bortles this off-season, the Jaguars should still be ground-oriented with second-year Leonard Fournette only getting better. But, they will still need to throw the ball at times, and Bortles' top two options in the passing attack, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns both left in free agency. D.J. Moore has the explosiveness and playmaking ability to remind of another former Maryland wide out: Stefon Diggs.
Previous Selection: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Other Possibility: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
30. Minnesota Vikings
Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Minnesota GM Rick Spielman is well-known for trading often in the Draft, and I could certainly see Minnesota trading back, particularly if a QB-needy team wants a shot at Lamar Jackson here. If they stay firm, offensive line should be the move. Will Hernandez is a proven run blocker who would open up massive lanes for Dalvin Cook to work with, while also keeping Kirk Cousins on his feet.
Previous Selection: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Other Possibility: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
31. New England Patriots
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
I would be pretty amazed if Lamar Jackson does indeed last until pick 31, but there remains a decent chance the Louisville product lasts longer than he probably should. New England has made it pretty clear they're intrigued by Jackson, and they clearly need a long-term answer at QB, considering Jimmy Garoppolo is long gone.
Previous Selection: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Other Possibility: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Sony Michel's stock has been rising for some time now, and there is now a significant chance he winds up going in the first round. The Eagles do have Jay Ajayi at running back for the time-being, but he enters a contract year and will likely demand pretty big money. Selecting Michel and grooming him to be the feature back would be the cheaper move, and the UGA product probably has a higher ceiling anyways.
Previous Selection: Marcus Davenport, DL, UTSA
Other Possibility: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
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