2018 NFL Draft: Ryan Cearfoss’ Mock 2.0

Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold – QB USC

The Browns recent moves showed us the direction they are going with their offense. Todd Haley’s fingerprints are all over the acquisitions of Jarvis Landry and Carlos Hyde. If this is truly the case Sam Darnold makes all of the sense in the world possessing a lot of similar traits to Ben Roethlisberger with a sturdy frame, ability to improvise outside of the pocket and big arm.  While Darnold is a fairly raw prospect Cleveland has room to let him sit and learn with the addition of Tyrod Taylor. If all goes as planned Cleveland found their first franchise QB in 20 years.

(Last Mock – Josh Rosen)

New York Giants- Josh Rosen – QB- UCLA

With Eli Manning entering the twilight of his career the Giants have the opportunity to pick his heir. Rosen is as polished as any quarterback in recent memory and can step in and start right away. While he could benefit from sitting and learning behind Eli, the first sign up struggles the New York fan base will be clamoring for their star rookie. Rosen has all of the talents in the world to succeed and whether it’s sooner or later the Giants will have an incredibly smooth transition to the future.

(Last Mock – Sam Darnold)

New York Jets – Baker Mayfield– QB –Oklahoma

The New York Jets made a blockbuster trade to move up to the three spots in the draft, solely for the purpose of drafting their franchise quarterback. Sitting here at the three spot is a man built to play in New York and that’s Baker Mayfield. The former Heisman winner proved that no lights were too bright and no stage is too big for him at Oklahoma. This is the perfect marriage of quarterback and city. Mayfield brings accuracy, poise, and leadership  which is something the Jets haven’t had in a long time

(Last Mock – Bradley Chubb)

Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen– QB Wyoming

Trade Alert: Cleveland Browns (Projected) TRADE Pick 4 to Buffalo Bills for picks 12, 22, 53, 65 and 2019 second

With the Bills sitting at 12 and the chance of getting a quarterback dwindling on draft day, they make a blockbuster trade with Cleveland giving them both of their firsts, a second, a third and 2019 second to move up to the four spot to grab a quarterback, similar to what Philadelphia did for Wentz.  At the four spot, the Bills take Josh Allen the quarterback from Wyoming with a rocket arm. Allen is everything that Tyrod Taylor was not for Buffalo, he is the prototypical build for a QB who takes chances. This marks a huge change for the Bills organization in every way possible. If Allen does live up to the expectations the Bills could be good for the long haul.

(Last Pick – Minkah Fitzpatrick)

Denver Broncos – Sequon Barkley- RB – PSU

The Broncos are definitely in the market for a QB and unfortunately for them, the dice didn’t roll their way. What they do add is possibly one of the most talented offensive weapons to come out of the draft in recent memory in Sequon Barkley.  Barkley is not only the top rushing prospect coming out but his rare receiving ability makes him a tremendous mismatch weapon on offense making Case Keenum’s life much easier.

(Last Pick – Baker Mayfield)

Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb – EDGE- NC State

The Colts are coming out of the trade with the Jets looking like geniuses. The Colts we able to move back accumulating picks and still get their guy in Bradley Chubb. The Colts have been in desperate need of a pass rush and Brad Chubb is the best there is in this draft. Chubb is a culture changer in Indy bringing a well-rounded skill set, a motor that doesn’t stop and an attitude. While this organization needs to add a lot of talent to get competitive this is a fantastic step in the right direction.  

(Last Pick – Josh Allen)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Minkah Fitzpatrick – CB/S- Alabama

The Bucs biggest needs in the draft are pass rushers and running back. Unfortunately for them, the top ones at each of those positions are gone but the good news is they can still drastically improve their pass defense that ranked last in the league. Minkah Fitzpatrick can step in day one and make an impact for them, whether it’s at corner or safety. Minkah brings a well-rounded skill set with the ability to cover and defend against the run, which are both things that the Bucs need to improve on.

(Last Pick – Sequon Barkley)

 

Chicago Bears – Quinten Nelson – OG – Notre Dame

The Bears showed this free agency that they are committed to building an offense around their second-year quarterback picking up Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton. With Josh Sitton leaving the Bears have a hole at their guard spot and luckily for them not only is Quinten Nelson the top guard but possibly the top player in the draft is there at eight.  Nelson is an absolute mauler on the offensive line with a mean streak that will set the tone for the entire offense. With his blocking ability, it will allow for Trubisky to flourish as well as the run game.

(Last Pick – Calvin Ridley)

 

San Francisco 49ers – Cortland Sutton- WR- SMU

The 49ers failed to get one of the top receivers in free agency to step in as the top dog in San Francisco.  This makes Cortland Sutton the perfect fit here. Sutton brings the prototypical size NFL teams covet in a number one receiver. Sutton checked all of the question marks at the combine with his speed and athleticism putting teams at ease. With the role players in place at receiver, the 49ers have its worth them betting on the upside of Sutton to be their future number one receiver.

(Last Pick – Quinten Nelson)

 

Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds – OLB – Va. Tech

The Raiders have made a few moves on defense including grabbing Tahir Whitehead as an ILB. They still need a lot of help at the linebacker position and that’s where Tremaine Edmonds fits. Edmunds is one of the youngest players coming out of the draft and is an athletic freak. He is a great fit for Gruden’s defense as well as the type of pick the Raiders tend to go with betting on upside. As a prospect, Edmunds brings size, sideline to sideline speed and the ability to cover checking all of the boxes.This is an incredible thing for a player at his age.

(Last Pick – Roquan Smith)

 

Miami Dolphins – Roquon Smith – ILB – Georgia

 

The Dolphins have a lot of needs in general which allows them to go for the best overall player available and the Roquon Smith. Viewed by many as top 5 talent the run on quarterbacks allowed for him to slide down to Miami giving them one of the best young linebacking corps in the league and Roquon Smith, Raekwon McMillan, and Kiko Alonso. Smith’s athleticism allows for him to run sideline to sideline against the run as well as cover some of the more athletic pass catching backs and tight ends in the AFC East. Miami is in need of playmakers and Roquon Smith is one of the best out there.

(Last Pick – Denzel Ward)

 

Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with Buffalo) – Denzel Ward

By trading back in the draft the Browns now have the ability to grab players at multiple positions filling their needs. One of the Browns biggest needs that weren’t filled in free agency was the cornerback. In Denzel Ward, the Browns get one of the best corners in the draft. While Ward is a little undersized he has absolutely ridiculous athleticism as well as smooth hips that allow him to mirror receivers. His quickness and burst should be a huge asset especially in a division with Antonio Brown and A.J. Green.

(Last Pick – Orlando Brown Jr.)

 

Washington Redskins – Derwin James – S – FSU

Derwin James kind of got lost in the shuffle among top defensive players this year with Florida States season going down the tubes. James still managed to end up with 84 tackles,5.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. At the combine, James showed to have elite traits posting a 4.47 forty yard dash and a 40 inch vertical. Not only do the Redskins get a defender who can play any role they need but they also get a leader who brings an alpha mentality to the defense.

(Last Pick -Derwin James)

 

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

Harold Landry brings one of the best pure pass rush skill sets from to the NFL this year. Coming off an injury that hampered his production this year caused a little bit of a drop in his draft stock a year removed from his 16 sack season. At the combine, Landry proved to be an elite athlete being one of the top performers in most categories. This with his previous production shows this to be a no-brainer of a pick for the Packers.  

(Last Pick – Harold Landry)

 

Arizona Cardinals – Lamar Jackson– QB – Louisville

The Cardinals signed their bridge quarterback this offseason in Sam Bradford but he is far from the answer. Lamar Jackson is the best quarterback available for the Cards here in the draft and after failing to grab one last year to replace Carson Palmer making quarterback a priority. Jackson brings a unique skill set to the quarterback position with his ability to create with his legs. This could be a huge thing for Arizona who has one of the worst overall rosters in the NFL, Jackson is used to having to do it all himself in college and if something happens to Bradford he’ll have to.

(Last Pick – Lamar Jackson)

 

Baltimore Ravens – Calvin Ridley – WR – Alabama

The Ravens added to their passing game by grabbing a possession receiver in Michael Crabtree and a big play threat in John Brown. Both additions are good but the Ravens still need a number one receiver. Calvin Ridley comes out as one of the most polished wideouts in the draft and can step in day one and be an impact player for Baltimore eventually becoming their wide receiver one.

(Last Pick – Cortland Sutton)

 

Los Angeles Chargers – Vita Vea– DT- Washington

The Chargers have one of the best overall rosters in the NFL with no glaring weaknesses.  With a lot of teams filling needs earlier in the draft Vita Vea ends up falling and becoming a steal here for the Chargers. With his ability to rush the passer, he and Joey Bosa should cause nightmares for opposing offenses causing absolute chaos in the backfield.

(Last Pick – Tremaine Edmunds)

 

Seattle Seahawks- Mike McGlinchey – OT – Notre Dame

The Seahawks have needed to draft an offensive lineman for years now. and enough is enough with Russell Wilson running for his life. With Mike McGlinchey here the Seahawks get possibly the best tackle in the draft as well as an anchor to their offensive line. The Seahawks have a lot of needs and protecting their best player should be the top one.

(Last Pick – Derrius Guice)

 

Dallas Cowboys- D.J. Moore – WR – Maryland

The Cowboys pass offense struggled immensely last season, especially without Ezekiel Elliott there to take away the pressure. As of now the Cowboys still have Dez Bryant as their number one receiver and they have their slot role in Cole Beasley. Both of them translate into possession types who lack the big play ability.  D.J. Moore brings an explosive well-rounded skill set to that offense. Moore can play at any spot inside or outside and brings something that they desperately need some playmaking ability. Moore is one of the best receivers coming out with the ball in his hands. His explosiveness should add a fantastic wrinkle to the offense making them truly dangerous.

(Last Pick – Vita Vea)

 

Detroit Lions –– Derrius Guice – RB – LSU

Even with the addition of LeGarrete Blount the Lions still have no solution to the running game.  Adding Derrius Guice in this draft they are getting an elite runner who would be the top guy at the position in the majority of other years. Guice brings power, speed, and big play ability to an offense that has been missing that from the running back position for over a decade.  With the addition of Guice, the Lions have one of most formidable offenses in the NFC and could really make a deep playoff run.

(Last Pick – Sony Michel)

 

Cincinnati Bengals– Will Hernandez– OG – UTEP

The Bengals got their starting left tackle in their trade with the Bills getting Cody Glenn. Moving back in this trade they have the opportunity to grab one of the best linemen in the draft. Hernandez started to truly open up eyes dominating at the senior bowl and continued with a strong combine. His presence as a run blocker should help get the offense going starting with Joe Mixon.

(Last Pick – Maurice Hurst)

 

Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with Bills) –Connor Williams – OT – Texas

The Browns continue to accumulate talent and filling in holes. In Connor Williams, the Browns will attempt to fill in the massive hole of their best player over the past decade in Joe Thomas. While in all reality he may not ever be the caliber player of the future hall of famer he has the talent to step in and be a starter from day one.  Williams has all of the potential to grow into being a top-tier offensive tackle in the league.

(Last Pick –Billy Price)

 

Los Angeles Rams –Rashaan Evans – LB – Alabama

Last year’s Cinderella team the Rams have a ton of talent all over their roster and possibly aren’t done adding to it. One of the only spots they really lost talent was at inside linebacker in Alec Ogletree. With letting him walk and drafting Rashaan Evans they will be upgrading the position from last season. Evans is an instinctual playmaker at linebacker with the ability to play in multiple spots. As well coming from Alabama shows that he is good at buying into a system which is a huge part of the Rams success.

(Last Pick –Marcus Davenport)

 

Carolina Panthers – Jaire Alexander– CB – Louisville

The Panthers have been looking for their number one corner since Josh Norman left. Jaire Alexander is out of the same mold. Alexander is a man to man corner who chirps all game to the receiver he’s on.  Not only does he talk and set the tone he has the ability to back it up. The Louisville corner is a lockdown corner who can have the ability to become a team’s number one corner.

(Last Pick – Connor Williams)

 

Tennessee Titans – Marcus Davenport- Edge – UTSA

The Titans have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL which allows them to go for the best overall and shoot for upside. The small school standout made scouts drool at the senior bowl with his blend of size speed and length. While he is a little bit raw he will have the ability to rotate in on pass rush situations and learn behind Brian Orakpo.

(Last Pick- Taven Bryan)

 

Atlanta Falcons- Maurice Hurst – DT – Michigan

This offseason the Falcons lost two starting defensive linemen in Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn leaving a huge gap. Maurice Hurst from Michigan could come and gain the starting job right away for the Falcons making a huge impact. Hurst is a well-rounded defensive lineman who excels at stopping the run, eating up double teams with the ability to still get after the quarterback. This type of talent helps add an anchor to the defense for all of their speed they already have allowed them to make plays.

(Last Pick – Jaire Alexander)

 

New Orleans Saints – Dallas Goedert – SDSU

The Saints were one play away from making the NFC championship last year with a young budding defense and solid offense. After filling some needs on defense in free agency the Saints can afford a luxury pick in a playmaker at tight end. Dallas Goedert is an absolute playmaker, he’s had two straight thousand yard seasons at tight end. Goedert could finally fill in the void the Saints have had at tight end the Saints have had since Jimmy Graham bringing athleticism and amazing hands to an already dangerous offense.

(Last Pick – Rashaan Evans)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers – Leighton Vander Eschs –LB – Boise St.

With the Steelers filling in their need at Safety picking up Damarious Randall in free agency. With that, all eyes are on filling their need at linebacker.  Leighton Vander Eshs checks all of the boxes for what the Steelers covet in a linebacker, he has the prototypical size, speed, and motor that teams look for. With the Steelers picking Vander Eschs they are getting a guy who can start day one and has the potential to be the focal point of the defense.

(Last Pick – DeShon Elliot)

 

Jacksonville Jaguars –Billy Price- C –Ohio State

The Jags roster is absolutely stacked on defense and have solid pieces on offense as well. With their continued commitment to the running game, the Jaguars select the best center in the draft in Billy Price. Price brings the experience and ability to be plugged into their offensive line and make life even easier for Leonard Fournette.

(Last Pick – Dallas Goedert)

 

Minnesota Vikings- Isaiah Wynn– OG – Georgia

With the Vikings guard, Joe Berger retiring after free agency was over this opens up an immediate need for the Vikings.  Isiah Wynn was an absolute beast at Georgia leading the way for two of the best running backs in the country. His nasty demeanor, versatility talent will allow him to play multiple spots on the line and be a plug and play guy for the Vikings filling any needs they have.

(Last Pick – Isaiah Wynn)

 

New England Patriots– Josh Sweat – DE – FSU

For making it to the Super Bowl the Patriots have a lot of needs especially when it comes to the defense. When it comes to defense putting pressure on the quarterback is king and that is right in Josh Sweats wheelhouse. At the combine Sweat wow’d everyone showing what an athletic freak he was. Often misused in college, the Patriots will put him in the best position to succeed. With their new and improved defensive front eating up space Sweat will be able to get after the quarterback with ferocity and cause nightmares for quarterbacks.

(Last Pick – Arden Key)

 

Philadelphia Eagles- Sony Michel – RB – Georgia

The Super Bowl champion Eagles continued to improve their roster all of the free agency focusing on their pass rush. With the amount of talent, they have they can truly take the best available player and sitting here at 32 is Sony Michel. While Ajayi and Corey Coleman are on the roster neither brings the all-around skill set that Michel does. Michel has the ability to run inside, outside, as well as catch the ball. To go with it he is explosive enough to score any time he gets the ball in his hands. In college he split carries with Nick Chubb so coming into a backfield where he won’t have too heavy of a workload will make the transition easier for him as he becomes their franchise running back.

(Last Pick – Leighton Vander Eschs)

 

Round 2

1 (33). Cleveland Browns- Taven Bryan – DT Florida
2 (34). New York Giants-James Daniels – C – Iowa
3 (35). Cleveland Browns – Nick Chubb –RB – Georgia
4 (36). Indianapolis Colts – Lorenzo Carter– OLB – Georgia
5 (37). Indianapolis Colts –Frank Ragnow – C – Arkansas
6 (38). Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ronald Jones II- RB – USC
7 (39). Chicago Bears- Ronnie Harrison– S – Alabama
8 (40). Denver Broncos – Mason Rudolph – QB – Oklahoma St
9 (41). Oakland Raiders – Joshua Jackson – CB – Iowa
10 (42). Miami Dolphins- Braden Smith – OG – Auburn
11 (43). New England Patriots –Kyle Lauletta – QB – Richmond

12 (44). Washington Redskins- Arden Key – DE – LSU
13 (45). Green Bay Packers- James Washington– WR – Oklahoma St
14 (46). Cincinnati Bengals- Mike Hughes – CB – UCF
15 (47). Arizona Cardinals-Christian Kirk – WR – Texas A&M
16 (48). Los Angeles Chargers – Josey Jewell – ILB – Iowa
17 (49). Indianapolis Colts –Kerryon Johnson – RB Auburn
18 (50). Dallas Cowboys- Da’Ron Payne – DT -Alabama
19 (51). Detroit Lions-Isaiah Oliver –CB Colorado
20 (52). Baltimore Ravens – Mike Gesicki – TE- Penn St
21 (53). Cleveland Browns (via –Projected Buffalo Bills trade) –Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – OLB- Oklahoma
22 (54). Kansas City Chiefs- Carlton Davis – CB – Auburn
23 (55). Carolina Panthers – Equanimeous St. Brown – WR- ND
24 (56). Buffalo Bills –Alex Cappa – OT – Humboldt State
25 (57). Tennessee Titans- Derek Nnadi – DT – FSU
26 (58). Atlanta Falcons – Anthony Miller – WR – Memphis
27 (59). San Francisco 49ers-Donte Jackson– CB- LSU
28 (60). Pittsburgh Steelers-Armani Watts – S – Texas A&M
29 (61). Jacksonville Jaguars- Sam Hubbard – Edge -OSU
30 (62). Minnesota Vikings- Michael Gallup – WR – CSU
31 (63). New England Patriots- Malik Jefferson – OLB – Texas
32 (64). Cleveland Browns –Kolton Miller – OT – UCLA

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