2018 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1)

Cleveland Browns – Josh Rosen – QB- UCLA

 

The Browns have now had 28 different starting quarterbacks since they came back to the league in 1999. This is a ridiculous trend that needs to stop as soon as possible and the man to do this is Josh Rosen, The junior sign signal caller from UCLA is the most polished quarterback to come into the league since Andrew Luck. Rosen possess the arm talent, mechanics and poise to step in day one and make a huge difference for the Browns. At UCLA he showed that he was able to produce with limited talent around him which should help him in transitioning to the Browns and help turn the franchise around.

 

New York Giants- Sam Darnold – QB – USC

The Giants have a ton of holes on their team especially at the offensive line and running back position. While it is tempting for them to grab someone to fill in those needs, it is highly unlikely they will have another opportunity to have a high enough draft pick to grab a franchise QB and Eli Manning’s successor. Sam Darnold has all of the skills you want to see in a young quarterback, he possesses an electric arm, is able to perform on a big stage and is fantastic making plays out of the pocket when things break down. The knock on Darnold is his mechanics and decision making, a year or two sitting and learning behind Eli Manning should help him improve leaps and bounds for when he is ready to take the reins.

 

Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb – EDGE – NC State

Outside of Andrew Luck, the Colts might have the most incomplete roster in the NFL. When you look at building an NFL roster the two most important positions are the quarterback and edge rushers, the latter is an area where the Colts truly suffered last seasons the ranked 31 in the league with 22 quarterback sacks. Bradley Chubb is the type of player who can turn this around for a team and change the defensive culture. As a senior Chubb was a disruptive force in college football racking up 10 sacks 25 tackles for loss basically living in opponent’s backfields. Not only does Chubb rush the passer with ferocity, he defends the run extremely well racking up 73 tackles, this really separates him from the last of the edge rush class.

 

Cleveland Browns – Minkah Fitzpatrick – CB/S – Alabama

This is one of the most popular landing spots for Sequon Barkley but with what Cleveland needs as a team and the depth of the running back position they can afford to wait on a running back.  Last season Cleveland secured their front seven with Myles Garrett this draft they can add an elite player to the back end of their defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick is played both corner and safety at Alabama showing elite traits at both positions. While it is unclear where Cleveland would view him their defensive coordinator Gregg Williams spoke about playing “positionless defense” and Fitzpatrick fits that bill.

 

Denver Broncos – Baker Mayfield – QB – Oklahoma

John Elway has been looking for his franchise quarterback since he took over in Denver. At the five spot in the draft, he’s in the perfect spot to land that in Baker Mayfield. The former Heisman winner isn’t the prototypical quarterback, he’s fiery under six foot and was a college walk on without a pedigree. Don’t let any of that fool you, Mayfield is a killer at the quarterback position in his last season at Oklahoma he complete 70 percent of his passes, threw 43 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions. Along with staggering accuracy, Mayfield plays fantastic out of the pocket and on the run always keeping his eyes downfield which will be huge playing in Denver who has a line that leaves a lot to be desired.

 

New York Jets – Josh Allen – QB – Wyoming

Assuming the Jets don’t land Kirk Cousins in free agency the quarterback trend will continue if they do land him that changes the whole landscape of the draft.  Josh Allen looks like you created him in a quarterback lab, he’s six foot five 233 pounds and has a rocket for an arm. While he looks the part and has the natural talent to play quarterback, there are a ton of questions surrounding Allen.  He has struggled with accuracy and decision making over his career playing inferior competition at Wyoming. If the Jets are able to sit him for a year or two to mature it could be incredibly beneficial to him and the team, if not they could be in for some huge issues.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sequon Barkley – RB – PSU

At the seventh spot in the draft, the Bucs have hit pay dirt landing possibly the best player in the draft in Sequon Barkley who fits a major need for their team.  After cutting Doug Martin the only running backs on the roster Peyton Barber and Charles Sims which is not an acceptable starting combination Barkley brings elite traits as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. His explosive playmaking ability will take pressure off of Jameis Winston in the passing game forcing teams to respect the run. Barkley has the skillset to stay on the field all three downs and could quite possibly be the best running back prospect to come out in years.

 

Chicago Bears – Calvin Ridley – WR – Alabama

With Jarvis Landry and possibly Allen Robinson getting the franchise tag the receiver free agent market has shrunk considerably. This will force the hand of the Bears to take a receiver to give their young quarterback so that he has himself a weapon in the passing game.  While Ridley may not have the ideal size at receiver he brings a polished skill set and elite speed to the Bears. Calvin Ridley has the ability to be an instant impact on his ability to get open and line up all over the field as a receiver. If the Bears end up landing Ridley they have a fantastic quarterback to receiver combination for years to come.

 

San Francisco 49ers – Quinten Nelson – OG – Notre Dame

This offseason the 49ers signed their franchise quarterback to a long-term deal in Jimmy Garappolo now it is time to build around him. While it is a little out of the ordinary for a guard to go in the top ten of the draft Quinten Nelson has the potential to become a perennial all-pro player. He can step in week one as a starter and not look back. Nelson is a mauler at the position who excels at pass and run blocking and does both with an attitude. With this pick, the 49ers will be able to plug him in and not worry about the left side of their offensive line at all with him and Staley.

 

Oakland Raiders – Roquan Smith – ILB – Georgia

The Raiders have spent a lot of draft capital and money working on improving their offense and pass rush the last couple years. This is the time they sure up their run defense and falling into their lap is linebacker Roquan Smith.  Smith is the new prototype at linebacker, he possesses the ability to go sideline to sideline shutting down the run game and can drop into coverage to take away the tight end. The instinctive linebacker out of Georgia put on a show from the SEC championship to the National Championship racking up double-digit tackles all three games to go with a pair of sacks. His instinctual style of play paired with his alpha mentality will change the entire demeanor of the defense for the Raiders.  

 

Miami Dolphins – Denzel Ward – CB – OSU

 

The Dolphins are in a division with the best quarterback in the league and still need help against the pass where they finished middle of the pack last season. At the 11 spot, they have the opportunity to grab a lockdown corner in Denzel Ward.  Although a little bit undersized Ward has smooth hips and is able to mirror receivers down the field. A complete package at corner he can play outside and in the slot, if need be against teams with quicker receivers, Ward would be a great addition to the Dolphins helping the Dolphins compete in their division.

 

Cincinnati Bengals – Orlando Brown Jr. – OT – Oklahoma

Anybody can look at the Bengals as a whole and realize they have a glaring need at offensive line. The Bengals weren’t able to protect their quarterback or generate any holes for their running backs. Orlando Brown Jr. the son of the 11 year NFL vet is an absolute monster. At six foot eight 360 pounds, he is an immovable object on the offensive line. Where Brown lacks in technique he makes up for with size strength and a nasty demeanor. Andy Dalton should feel great having him protecting his blind side, Brown will be a great step in the right direction improving the offensive line.

 

Washington Redskins – Derwin James – S – FSU

The Reskins are slowly building themselves a formidable defense, one of the few weakness for it is a safety next to DJ Swearinger. Due to team needs earlier in the draft Washington gets a steal here in Derwin James. The safety from Florida State brings elite size and speed to the position along with the versatility to be a chess piece in the defense. In college, he started at safety but was used all around the defense as a corner, linebacker and pass rusher.  James is a big-time run defender always looking to lay the wood to offensive players While that is his best attribute he has the size and speed to match up w ultra-athletic tight ends in his division like Evan Engram in man coverage.

Green Bay Packers – Harold Landry – Edge/OLB – BC

 

The Packers defense leaves a lot to be desired and is really getting up in age at the edge with Clay Matthews. Harold Landry can come in as a rookie and make an impact as a situational pass rusher for the Packers, he brings elite burst and bends around the edge to give quarterbacks nightmares. His raw skill set could truly transform into something special in Green Bay learning behind guys like Clay Matthews and end up being a franchise player for them.

 

Arizona Cardinals – Lamar Jackson – QB – Louisville

As of right now, the starting quarterback for the Cardinals is Blaine Gabbert, this is not how you succeed as a football team. While there is a good chance that Arizona grabs a QB in free agency unless it’s Cousins they need a franchise guy. This is where the misconceptions on Lamar Jackson as a quarterback pay off. His junior quarterback is seen by a lot as just a runner but this is not true, Jackson is a difference maker at quarterback. The 2016 Heisman winner passed for 3660 yards 27 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions this season. To go with his passing production Jackson rushed for 1601 yards and another 18 touchdowns. This type of production is unheard of for a quarterback and if he lands on a team that builds around his strengths he could be a superstar in the league.

 

Baltimore Ravens – Cortland Sutton – WR – SMU

 

Last season the Ravens had zero passing game and are desperate for receiving weapons. Cortland Sutton is just what they need. The big-bodied receiver from SMU has the size and athleticism that teams covet in a number one receiver.  Sutton is able to dominate corners in traffic and use his big body to box out and high point the ball. His huge catch radius should be an asset to Flacco who is a fairly inaccurate quarterback.  Cortland Sutton is a fantastic starting spot for the Ravens in what should be an offensive heavy draft.

 

Los Angeles Chargers – Tremaine Edmunds – LB – VA. Tech

The Chargers are in a great spot with a fairly complete roster which allows them to take the best available player.  Tremaine Edmunds comes in a 6 foot 5 250 pounds at linebacker with room to grow into his frame being he is only 19 years old.  Edmunds shows rare traits for a linebacker prospects of his size with elite sideline to sideline speed, the ability to hit cover and blitz. Pairing him with Denzel Perryman in run defense will allow for Melvin Ingram to spend even more time doing what he is great at in rushing the passer. With the addition of Edmonds, the Chargers would boast one of the best front sevens in the league.

 

Seattle Seahawks – Derrius Guice – RB – LSU

The Seahawks haven’t had a capable running back since when they didn’t give Marshawn Lynch the ball on the one-yard line. It’s about time to change that, Derrius Guice brings a similar game to the Seahawks backfield that Lynch did. He runs the ball hard and violently which allows for him to create for himself when the line isn’t giving him much room. He also possesses elusiveness and creativity in the open field which will allow him the opportunity for the big play. The addition of Guice takes pressure off Russell Wilson so he doesn’t have to put the team on his back week in and week out turning this into a well-rounded offense.

 

Dallas Cowboys – Vita Vea – DT – Washington

 

The Cowboys need all the help they can get on defense and pick at the 23 spot they have the opportunity to grab the best interior defensive lineman in the draft. Vea is an absolute wrecking ball on the defensive line coming in at six foot five 350 pounds. Unlike most player of his size and stat, re Vea is athletic an athletic penetrator in the middle of a defense with close 39 tackles and 5 sacks this season. If defenses don’t respect Vea’s ability they could be in for major issues. On the flip side giving him extra attention with double teams it will open up things for pass rushers like Demarcus Lawrence to thrive giving the Cowboys a scary pass rush.

 

Detroit Lions – Sony Michel – RB – Georgia

The Lions are in desperate need of help in the backfield Ameer Abdullah is talented but can’t stay on the field and Theo Riddick is nothing more than a third-down back.  With their spread out offense, the Lions need a decisive one cut and go, runner. Sony Michel is the perfect fit there, he finds his hole hits it quickly and hard. His decisiveness is great for the system but it’s his burst and speed that make him a great match here. Michel can take any carry to the house at any time which adds a completely new dimension to the offense.

 

Buffalo Bills – Maurice Hurst- DT – Michigan

The Bills are in a strange spot, they just made the playoffs for the first time in decades yet are starting a rebuild. Where they are sitting with back to back picks trading up for a quarterback is a huge possibility.  Staying where they are a QB isn’t in the cards so taking the best players available will be the route to go. For their first pick, I have them grabbing Maurice Hurst. Hurst is up there for the most talented d-lineman in the draft. He has the ability to eat up double teams allowing for the pass rushers and linebackers to cause havoc for the Bills defense. On top of that, he is an elite run defender that will be able to step in to replace Kyle Williams.

 

Buffalo Bills – Billy Price – C – OSU

With the surprise retirement of Eric Wood, the Bills are left with a huge hole on the offensive line.  Billy Price has the technical ability and talent to step in day one as the starter for the Bills and give them have a young piece they can plug in and forget about. This could seem like a bit high for a center but be losing a player who’s been with the team that long is devastating especially in their zone run scheme.

 

Los Angeles Rams – Marcus Davenport – EDGE – UTSA

The Rams had a fantastic season last year with talent all around their roster and are in a great position to take the best available player. In this case, it works out, with Robert Quinn getting older and no other outside rushers Marcus Davenport could step in week one and make an impact.  The small school standout has the ideal size, speed and length to turn into a fantastic pass rusher. He’s a bit raw but paired with Aaron Darnold and Robert Quinn, he would have time to develop.

 

Carolina Panthers – Connor Williams – OT – Texas

 

At this position, the Panthers possibly grab the best tackle in the draft. In the 2016 season, Williams was viewed as the top lineman in the country before his injury which caused a dip in production this year. If he gets back to form he gives the Panthers their franchise left tackle and allows for them to move on from Matt Khalil who is not the answer.

 

Tennessee Titans – Taven Bryan – DT – Florida

 

With Mike Vrabel as the new head coach for the Titans, he could try to build his defense similar to how the Patriots did when he played for them. A defense that was big and fast on the defensive line and could rotate where players lined up. Taven Bryan fits this mold at six foot four 290 pounds he’s big enough to play on the inside where he played at Florida. The reason he’d be a great addition to this defense is his outstanding athletic ability which will allow him to move off of the ball in different situations. Bryan is a great piece to give the Titans flexibility on their defensive line.

 

Atlanta Falcons – Jaire Alexander– CB – Clemson

The Falcons are building a great young defense starting from the front seven working its way back. Now they have an opportunity to grab a lock down man corner to pair with Desmond Trufant. Alexander brings the ability to press cover receivers, stick with them downfield and is aggressive going for the ball. Although he is a bit light he is able to make open field tackles and is not afraid of contact. The local product from Clemson would be a great addition to their already aggressive defense.

New Orleans Saints – Rashaan Evans– ILB – Alabama

The Saints defense improved by leaps and bounds this year closing the gap between that and their unbelievable offense. The pass defense was their strongest aspect on that side of the ball so adding a linebacker with the skillset of Rashaan Evans would be a perfect fit. He is able to defend the run sideline to sideline, he lays the wood on runners and is able to blitz off the edge and middle. He can cover well enough to stay on in passing situations or move to the outside and pass rush.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers – DeShon Elliot – S – Texas

The Steelers secondary has been a point of concern for a long time now. They’ve added decent corners but still haven’t found a ball hawk to cover over top. The Jim Thorpe award finalist notched 4 interceptions and showed his big-play ability taking two to the house this season. He is a raw player who will make mistakes but this isn’t something that Pittsburgh has shied away from in the past drafting potential over production.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert – TE- SDSU

The Jaguars have one of the best overall rosters in the NFL and if they had better quarterback play they may have been in the Super Bowl this year. This late in the draft a replacement at quarterback isn’t a feasible thing, what is possible adding to the talent around him.  A big strong athletic tight end like Dallas Goedert would be a great weapon added to the offense. Goedert had 1293 yards and 11 TDs this season for the Jackrabbits. His athletic ability and phenomenal hands will be a great addition to the Jags and a nice safety blanket for Bortles.

 

Minnesota Vikings – Isaiah Wynn – OG – Georgia

The Vikings bolstered the best defense in the league last season and have all of their skill positions filled on offense, all that’s left is to keep building up their offensive line.  Last season Isaiah Wynn anchored a fantastic Georgia offensive line in an All-American season. While he was technically sound and a top tier tackle he doesn’t have the size to play the position. His athletes and technique should allow him to move to guard for the Vikings and make them an even more formidable offense.

New England Patriots- Arden Key –EDGE – LSU

 

For being a Super Bowl runner-up the Patriots have a lot of holes, especially on the defense. Last season they had a ton of issues getting to the quarterback and at this spot they have an opportunity to grab one of the most talented players in the draft in Arden Key. If it weren’t for off the field concerns he would be considered a top ten type talent. If there was any team that could keep it in check it would be the Patriots. If they can get Key’s head on straight it could pay huge dividends for the Patriots.

 

Philadelphia Eagles – Leighton Vander Esch – LB-Boise St.

The Eagles have a fairly complete roster but will be hit hard by free agency.  Both corners Jalen Mills and Patrick Robinson will be free agents as well as Nigel Bradham. Chances are because a corner is such a more important position they will lean towards retaining them. If this is the case the can take the ultra-athletic Vander Eschs at the end of the first.  He brings true sideline to sideline speed to the middle of their defense which can make an already talented unit be even more effective.

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