CFB Playoff Picks 2018-2019: Cotton Bowl & Orange Bowl

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
(#2) Clemson Tigers vs. (#3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

If you love physical, hard-nosed football built on defense, look no further than this year's Cotton Bowl, which pits second-ranked Clemson against another undefeated, Notre Dame. These two teams have had very similar paths to a Playoff berth; replacing quarterbacks early on in the season, surviving a number of serious upset bids and even facing four common opponents on the year.
The Tigers do feature a more proven track record over the last few seasons, as this marks their fourth straight trip to the Playoff. Head coach Dabo Swinney has been here before and won, and this Clemson squad certainly has the tools to do just that once again. On offense, true freshman Trevor Lawrence has lived up to the hype, tossing for 2,606 yards and 24 touchdowns while playing with a maturity and confidence well beyond his years. He leads an extremely balanced group that can hit you from nearly everywhere. Speedy sophomore Travis Etienne broke into the Heisman conversation this season after notching 21 touchdowns, and he is the type of game-breaker needed to open things up against a physical Irish defensive front. On the outside, Lawrence is aided by rapidly improving Tee Higgins, another true freshman in Justyn Ross and the ever-reliable Hunter Renfrow, who has been crucial in a number of Tiger Playoff runs. The most crucial aspect of this game for Lawrence will be protecting the football. Considering his immense youth, its pretty crazy Lawrence has thrown just four interceptions, but he hasn't faced much defenses with the speed and power of Notre Dame's unit. If Notre Dame is able to get the youngster off-balance, there chances of winning go up in a huge way.
On the other side of the ball, Clemson was hit out-of-the-blue by suspensions to star defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence due to a failed drug test. Losing Lawrence, who eats up space in the heart of the D-Line, will hurt the Tigers, but veteran Albert Huggins should be able to come in and still provide plenty of support.
Notre Dame doesn't quite have the explosive weapons that Clemson has offensively, but they move the ball in a more methodical, deliberate manner. Ian Book took over the reigns of quarterback after just a few games for the veteran Brandon Wimbush, and Book has played well. Much like Lawrence, he has proven he can distribute the ball out and make some really impressive throws, while also limiting his turnovers. There are a number of other offensive weapons that contribute to a group that averages 33.6 points per game. Dexter Williams hasn't been 100 percent for a big chunk of the year, but the elusive running back still totaled 941 yards on the year while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Versatile RB-WR Jafar Armstrong will also get touches out of the backfield, while Clemson will have to find a way to contain wide outs Miles Boykin and Chase Claypool. Both are match-up nightmares for opposing defenses, particularly Boykin, who has proven he has superb chemistry with Book.
However, the key for both teams in this game probably won't end up being at the offensive skill positions. They're going to center around the war in the trenches, where a number of future NFL players will be battling it out. Despite the fact they lose Lawrence, Clemson can still rotate in some astounding talent in their front seven, including Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and youngster Xavier Thomas. Wilkins is an important player to watch not just because of what he can do defensively, but in the other creative ways Swinney and company might use him (he caught a fake punt pass in the 2015 Orange Bowl that completely changed the momentum).
For Notre Dame, it will be interesting to see how their offensive line is able to handle this group of future NFL defenders. The line has played very well for most of the year, even without Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey, who were first-round NFL Draft selections this past spring. Yet, they haven't faced a pass rush with the talent Clemson possesses, and Clemson DC Brent Venables is well-known for his interesting and unique blitzes he can draw up.
The same could be said for Clemson, as their O-Line must face down a Notre Dame front seven that clobbered Michigan to begin the season and is loaded with playmakers. It may not be dotted with quite as much big-name stars, but interior linemen Jerry Tillery had seven sacks on the year, and edge rusher Khalid Kareem can cause plenty of chaos. Notre Dame's defense is also stronger on the back-end, with guys like linebacker Te'Von Coney making tackles from sideline to sideline and a veteran defensive backfield.
This game probably isn't going to have the offensive fireworks we will see later in the day with Alabama-Oklahoma, but it should be a superb semifinal. Both of these teams exemplify what it takes to win in today's college football: balanced offenses, strength on both lines and smart, efficient quarterbacks leading the charge. I like this Notre Dame a lot more than I feel like most do, because they have the experience factor and a roster makeup necessary to take down a powerhouse like Alabama. With that being said, I'm picking Clemson to come out on top in a very competitive showdown in Arlington. They just have too much strength on their defensive front and too much weapons offensively for the Irish to keep up with for sixty minutes. In fact, with their blend of size and speed on both sides of the ball and a coaching staff that knows how to win the big games, Clemson is my pick to win it all when its all said and done in two weeks (much like they were in the preseason).
Clemson, 27 Notre Dame, 20

Capital One Orange Bowl
(#4) Oklahoma Sooners vs. (#1) Alabama Crimson Tide

Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Between the two of them, Alabama and Oklahoma averaged roughly 109 points per game, 1,104 yards per game, had the top two Heisman finalists and nine All-Americans in 2018. Needless to say, points are going to come fast and furious in this semifinal duel between two of the sport's blue blood programs.
Alabama looked essentially invincible throughout the entirety of the 2018 regular season, but a come from behind victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship indicated this team did have some weaknesses. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is still as dominant as they come, and could be in store for a big day against a porous Oklahoma defense. Tagovailoa was not 100 percent in the SEC Championship, but says he is ready to go in this game. He'll be joined by offensive stars everywhere you look on this Alabama roster, with a deep stable of backs and the Biletnikoff Award winner, Jerry Jeudy. Damien Harris, Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs are a three-headed monster in the backfield that rotate regularly, keeping each one very fresh for sixty minutes. Thats a distinct advantage, particularly facing a defense almost sure to be on the field a lot. They all operate behind a strong offensive line, with All-Americans and future NFL starters Jonah Williams and Ross Pierschbacher leading the way. This offense is not the conservative, run-heavy unit it once was in the early years of Nick Saban. It has evolved into quite the big-play threat, with burners everywhere that can take it to the house each time they touch the ball.
Oklahoma will be able to counter with an offense that is no slouch either. Head coach Lincoln Riley has asserted himself as one of the top offensive minds in the sport, simply replacing one Heisman winner (Baker Mayfield) with another one in Kyler Murray. Murray has a rocket arm and truly eye-popping speed, and he is going to get out of the pocket and show it often in this game. Murray may be even better than his predecessor at creating plays when they break down, something that seemed impossible with what Baker did at times a season ago. The Sooners certainly miss running back Rodney Anderson, who played terrific in last year's Playoff, but they can still hit very hard with their ground game. Freshman Kennedy Brooks didn't receive much attention prior to this season but managed to rush for over 1,000 yards, while sophomore added 928 yards and 12 touchdowns. Oklahoma also doesn't lack for playmakers at receiver, where they have flaming fast Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and reliable CeeDee Lamb. While Alabama's secondary has played well for most of the season, Brown and Lamb are different types of challenges. Brown may be the fastest player on the field in this one, even quicker than Alabama's Jeudy or Jaylen Waddle.
Yet, while both offenses have proven they can score, the two defenses have been trending in completely different directions all season long. Alabama has not shown any issues with the number of NFL defections they suffered last spring, seemingly growing stronger every single week. Their defensive line is stocked with some absolute monsters, namely Quinnen Williams, who plays like a seasoned NFL veteran and is almost sure to go high off the boards this next spring. Behind that line is a group of linebackers who have been here before and know what they need to do, along with a secondary that has some impressive young talent. Safety Deionte Thompson was an All-American this past season, while true freshman Patrick Surtain Jr. has stepped up for the absence of injured corner Trevon Diggs.
The same can't be said for Oklahoma's defense, which has been their Achilles Heel for a number of years now. This year's group has really struggled to make tackles in space and has let up too many big plays, resulting in the country's 124th total defense. Coordinator Mike Stoops was fired halfway through the season and gave way to Ruffin McNeil, but that hasn't made a huge difference. They still gave up 56 in a close victory over West Virginia, and this defense is still the same group that allowed 40 points to Kansas, the most the Jayhawks have managed in a conference game since 2010. The defense has been bailed out all season long by Murray and this incredible offense, but that won't work the same way against a team like Alabama. How is a poor tackling team supposed to contain a physical, explosive offense? How is a defense that gives up too many big plays supposed to contain a collection of Tide receivers that can score every time they touch the ball?
This game won't lack for points and fireworks, but it won't end up being the competitive game the Cotton Bowl should end up being. Alabama just has too much to expect Oklahoma to keep up, even if their defense saw miraculous improvement over the past three weeks. Kyler Murray should be able to keep Oklahoma at least somewhat close, but even that could be in question. Something to remember: while Murray has certainly been superb he has also operated behind a great O-Line and has barely been hit this season. He is going to be hit hard and often by a physical SEC defense, and will he be able to pull off his usual magic after? Oklahoma might just have enough to keep things close, but I don't see much chance the Tide falter here.
Alabama, 49 Oklahoma, 34

My Favorite Moments from the 2018 College Football Season

Now that bowls have been announced and the four Playoff teams are known, the college football season has nearly reached its inevitable end. While there are still some memorable moments left to come, I took some time to reminisce on some of my favorite moments from the 2018 college football regular season: 

Kentucky Beating Florida For the First Time Since 1986

For so long, Kentucky has struggled to have their success on the football field match up with what they do on the basketball court and nowhere has that been more evident than their annual rivalry with Florida. The Wildcats have consistently found ways to choke away games against the Gators and entered this fall without a victory against UF in over three decades. That all changed the second Saturday of the year, when they shocked the 25th-ranked Gators in Gainesville, behind 175 rushing yards from running back Benny Snell Jr. Kentucky wasn't able to win the division despite their hot start, but there was no denying how successful the season was for them. They won nine games, and beating their fierce rival gave their fans something they hadn't seen in much too long. 

Ohio State-Penn State Part Three

The last two Ohio State-Penn State games prior to 2018 for some of the most thrilling college football you could hope to watch, and this year's edition didn't disappoint either. The Nittany Lions jumped out to an early lead and looked ready to take control of the Big Ten East before another furious comeback from the Buckeyes. The victory helped Ohio State later on lock up the division, making this the third consecutive OSU-PSU game that decided who would win the division. This game was also the real coming out party for eventual Heisman finalist Dwayne Haskins, and seeing the young gunslinger get better every week was one of the most exciting parts of the fall.

The Return of the Red River Rivalry

The Red River Rivalry, which features border rivals Oklahoma and Texas, is one of the most iconic and important rivalries the sport has to offer. However, the rivalry has taken a back-seat over the past decade, as Texas has struggled to return to their old, National Title-contending form. Yet, the Longhorns made the game relevant once again in early October, putting together a masterful offensive showing to win a thriller by three. Texas fans are hopeful that the victory over eventual Playoff participant Oklahoma and future Heisman winner Kyler Murray was really the first step to their resurgence as national power. Considering they came very close to their first Big 12 Title since 2009, that very well might be true.

Purdue's Upset of Ohio State & Rondale Moore's Coming Out Party

There was few upsets that were as surprising in the 2018 campaign as Purdue smacking Ohio State in front of their home crowd. Ohio State was ranked second in the country and looked like they were going to roll to another Playoff run, but that came to a crashing halt at the hands of Purdue. The Boilermakers played superb football en route to a 29-point domination, and the world was introduce to freshman receiver Rondale Moore. Many hardcore fans were aware of Moore, but few knew the true extent of what he could do. Moore accounted for nearly 200 yards of offense and two touchdowns that helped fully seal the deal. It is going to be very fun to watch the dazzling wide out for at least two more seasons, and we will see what other damage he can achieve during his time in West Lafayette.

Gardner Minshew Carried Off the Field

Carrying the quarterback off the field is one of the most sacred traditions in college football and the sport in general, and it was thrilling to see it happen at Washington State, a school not known for its football prowess. It happened following the Cougars upset victory against 12th-ranked Oregon, which asserted Washington State as the top threat in the Pac-12 North, before an eventual loss to their in-state rivals. This was particularly awesome because of Minshew, who had recently transferred from East Carolina. A transfer leaving his original school and finding success somewhere else, considering the adversity they can face. Minshew even planted himself in the Heisman race, finishing up fifth in voting, highest for a WSU player since Ryan Leaf in 1997.

Kyler Murray & Will Grier's Duel

Seeing two gunslinging Big 12 quarterbacks go at it is a different type of football, and watching Will Grier and Kyler Murray duel was eye-popping. The eventual Heisman winner led his team to a victory behind 478 total yards and four touchdowns, but Grier kept things interesting, tossing for 539 yards himself. Sure, traditional football fans may whine about the little defense that was on display, but this game was a perfect encapsulation of modern football, and went down to the wire. It didn't quite match the numbers of 2016's epic battle between Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes, but it still entertained all the same.

Minnesota Reclaiming the Axe

As a Minnesota native, I have to admit some bias comes into placing this in my favorite moments of the year, but it deserves the recognition. Minnesota had found new and unique ways to lose to Wisconsin year-in, year-out for over a decade before a superb showing in their annual battle for "Paul Bunyan's Axe". The defense looked completely different from the one once manned by fired defensive coordinator Robb Smith, while the offense jolted behind the play of young stars Mohamed Ibrahim and company. It was a huge victory for head coach P.J. Fleck, who had just four wins in nearly two seasons of Big Ten football prior to the win over the Badgers.

The SEC Championship

Nick Saban still has yet to lose to a former assistant, but Kirby Smart and Georgia really put that to the test in this year's SEC Championship. The fourth-ranked Bulldogs held a lead over the mighty Crimson Tide for most of the game, but a late rally led by former starting QB Jalen Hurts kept Alabama undefeated and No. 1 in the polls. Credit has to be given to Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm for a terrific showing against Alabama's tenacious defense, but even more to Hurts, who could have easily transferred after losing his starting job but decided to stick it out for one more season. He was rewarded handsomely, being the hero on a team that might win the National Title. Its important to note that players that chose to transfer (Minshew, Murray) and stay put (Hurts) both had different moments and successes. Players are going to do what is best for them, and we should appreciate any player making the most out of any situation.

Other Moments & Players to Recognize

• Herm Edwards shocking the critics and upsetting Michigan State early on in 2018
• Florida improving from 4-7 to 9-3 in the first season of new head coach Dan Mullen
• UCF putting together another undefeated regular season despite the loss of QB McKenzie Milton late in the season
• Northwestern playing for their first Big Ten Title since being co-champions in 2000
• North Dakota State winning the FCS Championship, their sixth National Title in seven seasons
• Breakout performances by players such as Kyler Murray, Tylan Wallace, Dwayne Haskins, Rondale Moore and Darrell Henderson
• Impact freshman including Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, Purdue wide out Rondale Moore and Oregon State running back Jermar Jefferson

NFL Mock Draft 2019: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Quinnen Williams, Alabama

The 2019 NFL Draft still remains many months away but that doesn't mean the long process hasn't begun. Every NFL team in the league has taken long looks at prospects across college football, and many teams are already waiting for their time on the clock. Expect plenty to change between now and the spring, but as things stand in early December, here is just how the 2019 NFL Draft may shape up.

1. Oakland Raiders
Nick Bosa, DL, Ohio State
Following in the footsteps of his older brother Joey, a former high first-round Draft selection himself, Nick Bosa has asserted himself as a dominant pass rusher with limitless potential. Even in a Draft filled with superb pass rushers, Bosa appears to be the top on the board with an explosive first step and incredible motor. He will immediately upgrade an Oakland pass rush that has been nearly nonexistent since the Khalil Mack trade.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
Prior to 2018, Quinnen Williams entered the year without a lot of snaps under his belt but he has quickly evolved into one of the best defenders in the entire country. Williams' ability to play both end and on the inside, paired with his impressive size will make him a high profile NFL prospect throughout this process. San Francisco could use another impact defender in their defensive front, and turning to the Tide linemen will be in their best interest.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Ed Oliver, DL, Houston
The run on defensive linemen continues with Ed Oliver, who has been an impact defender with Houston since the first day he stepped on campus. Oliver is another playmaker that brings impressive versatility, size and potential to the table even though he dealt with injuries for a decent chunk of 2018. Arizona is yet another team that needs help up front defensively, and Oliver is a superb consolation prize.
4. New York Jets
N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Sam Darnold has had a wildly inconsistent rookie season, but he has had to make do with a Jets' offense that lacks proven weapons. New York could remedy this issue by selecting explosive Arizona State wide out N'Keal Harry. Harry doesn't have ideal NFL size, but he can open up any games with his speed and can also support on special teams if need be.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
Jacksonville needs a quarterback, but Doug Marrone nor Tom Coughlin really seem interested in a rookie at that spot and a trade or free agent signing of a veteran seems much more likely. The Jaguars will instead turn to their offensive line, which has struggled for much of this season. There isn't a clear top offensive line prospect in this class, but the athletic and reliable Greg Little will be just fine.
6. New York Giants
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
After over a decade of Eli Manning, it appears time for the New York Giants to move on at the quarterback position. This is not a great quarterback class, but in a down year for the position, Oregon's Justin Herbert will be more than enough. Herbert still needs to improve his accuracy, but he already has NFL arm strength and should be a good fit in Pat Shurmur's offense.
7. Buffalo Bills
Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Obtaining a franchise left tackle should be top on Buffalo's priority list if they want to continue to build around Josh Allen at QB. Their offensive line has been inconsistent all season, and Allen needs all the help he can get. Williams has been a starter at Alabama since his true freshman season, and has all the talent to be a Top 10 selection.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Could Tampa Bay move on from the Jameis Winston era and select a quarterback in the first round? Perhaps, but the more pressing need lies at cornerback, as Tampa has been scorched all season by the passing attack. In a division with Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, Tampa needs all the help they can get, which is where Williams comes in. A ball-hawking corner out of LSU, Williams would be a great move here.
9. Detroit Lions
Devin White, LB, LSU
The Lions need plenty of help on their mediocre defense, including the D-Line, linebackers and their secondary. Linebackers seems the most likely, considering how thin and old they are the position. One of the rangiest defenders in college football, White is the type of player that would work wonders for this Detroit team. 
10. Cleveland Browns
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Cleveland already has a strong defensive front, but adding yet another pass rusher to the mix could really put them over the top. Derrick Brown doesn't get as much attention as other pass rushers in this class, but he proved to be extremely productive while at Auburn and he has the potential to be an extremely productive weapon for the Browns.
11. Green Bay Packers
Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
Many scouts view Josh Allen as a Top 5 talent in this Draft, but there is a good chance one of the top defensive players in this class drop. If thats the case, Green Bay won't hesitate to select Allen, who would be an excellent fit as a standup linebacker in the Packers' 3-4 defensive look. Allen has been pivotal in UK's surprising 2018 season.
12. Atlanta Falcons 
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
While their offense can compete with anybody in the country, Atlanta has consistently struggled to stop opponents from doing the same. They need to get more pressure on the quarterback and luckily, there are an abundance of options at this spot. Alabama's Raekwon Davis may be the best option on the board, as the physical linemen has proven he can consistently wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Cincinnati is another team that could use pass rushing help immediately, and they should be able to take advantage of the plethora of options in this Draft. Jeffery Simmons has Top 10-level talent, but a video of him hitting a woman prior to arrival at Mississippi State still hangs over him, and rightfully so. The Bengals have been a franchise willing to take chances on guys with questionable pasts, and Simmons fits the mold.
14. Miami Dolphins
Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
The run on defensive linemen continues here for Miami, a team looking for interior help after releasing Ndamukong Suh this past off-season. All four of Clemson's defensive linemen should be high Draft selections, but Wilkins should be the first off the board. He has been an impact player since being a true freshman, and brings excellent versatility and athleticism.
15. Tennessee Titans
DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia
Even with their recent acquiring of cornerback Malcolm Butler, Tennessee's pass defense was struggled for much of 2018. There is hope Butler and company can return to form, but the most likely solution is to select a young defensive back. DeAndre Baker proved himself as a shutdown corner during his tenure with Georgia, and he could immediately be an upgrade.
16. Denver Broncos
Dwayne Haskins Jr., QB, Ohio State
After a breakout 2018, Dwayne Haskins should take advantage of his rising stock and go to the pros. He still has things he will need to work on, but his arm talent and pocket presence should be enough to earn him a first-round selection. Denver could desperately use a fresh signal-caller to develop, and Haskins is a worthy move right here.
17. Carolina Panthers
Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Playing on a defense that is loaded with future NFL talent, Trayvon Mullen often gets ignored at Clemson. Yet, the physical corner has the athleticism and football acumen to be well worthy of a first-round selection. He would immediately upgrade a Carolina defense that has really struggled to defend the pass ever since Josh Norman left for Washington.
18. Philadelphia Eagles
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
It has been a disappointing season just a few months removed of a Super Bowl Title, but Philadelphia still has one of the most complete rosters in football. However, they could get even better by upgrading their pass rush and defensive front. Look no further than yet another Clemson prospect, tackle Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence isn't an elite pass rusher, but he is superb in run support and has loads of potential.
19. Washington Redskins 
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
A devastating injury to Alex Smith a few weeks ago opened up Washington's eyes to just how thin they are at the quarterback spot. Even if Smith is able to come back healthy, he is aging and has never been the type of player that can put a team over the top. Its time for the Redskins to start anew at the position, and Drew Lock is the best on the board. He has an incredible arm that could really open up this offense.
20. Indianapolis Colts
A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
A healthy Andrew Luck has worked wonders for the Colts, who find themselves in the Playoff hunt despite some significant holes on this roster. While Luck has been superb, he needs more help from a mediocre group of receivers. T.Y. Hilton is still a factor but he is getting older and there isn't much beyond him. Indianapolis turns to A.J. Brown here, a playmaker with a huge frame who could easily be the top wide out on the board this next spring.
21. Baltimore Ravens
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
While their pass defense has still been solid in 2018, there is significant age on the back-end. Baltimore should remedy this issue by adding Alabama safety Deionte Thompson, who is the type of prospect that will shoot up boards as the process continues. Thompson is incredibly rangy and should be able to make the plays some of the aging guys aren't able to.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Ben Powers, OG, Oklahoma
The Vikings have one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL and much of it can be blamed on an offensive line that can't get any push. They need to address the line right away in this Draft, and Oklahoma product Ben Powers would be a huge help. Powers has been crucial in the success of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, and should open up massive lanes for Dalvin Cook to work with.
23. Seattle Seahawks
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Many people point to the break-up of the Legion of the Boom as the main reason for Seattle's lack of defensive success in 2018, but the D-Line has also lost important contributors and lacks a premier pass rusher. Selecting Clelin Ferrell here would be a huge move to add some much-needed bite to the front seven. Ferrell is a sack machine who could easily go as high as the Top 10.
24. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas)
Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
Already adding Nick Bosa earlier, the Raiders continue to improve their defensive front by adding the top Draft prospect from his rival school. Rashan Gary, formerly the No. 1 recruit in the country, has had issues with injuries but possesses undeniable talent. Learning under Jon Gruden could unlock all of Gary's vast potential.
25. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago)
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
After stocking up defensively, Oakland uses their third first-round selection on the other side of the ball here. Amari Cooper is gone, opening the door for a new No. 1 guy to step up for the Raiders, who should look no further than Marquise "Hollywood" Brown here. Brown is an absolute blazer that can change games every time he touches the ball. Paired with Derek Carr's huge arm, Brown will be a home run threat from the first snap.
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Zach Allen, DL, Boston College
Los Angeles has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2018 campaign, but they have been inconsistent against the run all season, and that needs to change if they want to get over the top. Zach Allen is yet another guy that can play inside or outside, and produce at either spot. He is an absolute beast, and maybe the most underrated prospect in this Draft.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
The latest in a long line of star inside linebackers from Alabama, Mack Wilson is a terrific NFL prospect. He has great range, is superb as a coverage 'backer and is one of the hardest hitters in the entire country. Pittsburgh's linebacker corps still misses Ryan Shazier, so selecting Wilson here makes sense.
28. Houston Texans
Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
There shouldn't be much of a question which direction Houston should go with their first pick: offensive line. The O-Line has been absolutely terrible for all of 2018, and there is no hope Deshaun Watson takes a step forward without some help. Dalton Risner has been a crucial leader for Kansas State over the years, and he is the well-rounded prospect Houston needs.
29. New England Patriots
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
No quarterback of the future here for New England, but instead a tight end of the future. Rob Gronkowski has made possible retirement plans well-known and injuries have crippled his time with the Patriots. Noah Fant is one of the most consistent tight ends in the nation, and while he doesn't have Gronk's size, he has a little more speed and shiftiness.
30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans)
Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
Jordy Nelson is gone, and it looks as though Randall Cobb may soon be out as well in Green Bay. As Aaron Rodgers career begins to slowly start slowing down, he is going to need a toy to play with in this offense. The Packers shouldn't hesitate to add Parris Campbell out of Ohio State. Campbell is a big play waiting to happen, and he was perhaps the most dominant player on the field in UM-OSU, a game loaded with NFL prospects.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Equipped with three picks in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft, its hard to imagine Kansas City not improving their secondary here. The unit still misses Marcus Peters, and longtime safety Eric Berry is not getting any younger. Taylor Rapp plays like a younger Berry, with a fearless, ball-hawking attitude.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Yodney Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Jared Goff has an incredibly bright future and could soon be vying for MVP awards. Yet, in order to do that he will have to stay healthy and stay upright, which is where the O-Line comes in. West Virginia product Yodney Cajuste would've been a high pick a year ago but instead opted to finish his career with the Mountaineers. He has the talent to develop into a franchise left tackle to pair with Goff.