Although it has not been that long on the calendar since my last mock draft, a ton has changed across the NFL landscape. When the league year opened in mid-March, a flurry of free agent signings, trades, and cuts happened, drastically changing the outlook for a lot of teams when it comes to the draft. Two trades involved some first round draft picks (Colts-Jets and Bengals-Bills), which alters a lot at the top of the first round. Major signings and trades involving players also had a profound impact on the direction teams now must go in April (not to mention how teams may fare during the season in 2018). It was fun to follow all the action, but the focus of a lot of teams is once again returning to the draft. Let’s dive in:
The Sports Guys 2018 NFL Mock Draft
First Round (Fourth Edition):
1. Cleveland Browns select: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
3rd Mock: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
1st Mock: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
Despite trading for Tyrod Taylor, the Browns will still be looking for their franchise QB in the first round. The Jets trade showed the Browns why they must make that selection here at #1, instead of waiting until #4. While I personally have Josh Allen as my top quarterback, I get the sense most teams consider Darnold to be the best option at this point, even if they are overreacting to his pro day in the “awful” conditions.
2. New York Giants select: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
3rd Mock - Trade with Miami: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
2nd Mock: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
1st Mock: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
The Giants are saying some things, but acting another way. They talk a big game when discussing a trade down in the first round, yet when given the chance to deal (cough, Jets, cough), the Giants stayed put and the Jets settled for the #3 pick instead. The only reason you don’t make that deal is you are taking your QB of the future. Sorry Barkley/Chubb, but the Giants aren’t staying put for a running back or edge rusher. That means Allen (my top QB) is Eli’s predecessor. If I’m dead wrong and they simply were holding out for more, then the Bills trade here for Allen. Either way he is the pick (or Darnold if Allen goes #1).
3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis) select: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
3rd Mock (Colts) - Trade with Cleveland: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
1st and 2nd Mock (Colts): Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
I disagree with this pick and would personally go with Mayfield, but Rosen seems to be the direction the Jets are leaning based on interactions I’ve seen. Mayfield and New York City probably wouldn’t be a good thing anyway. The Jets will take whoever is highest on their board obviously, and we know their board at this point is their top 3 QB’s. That’s why they moved up.
4. Buffalo Bills (via trade with Cleveland from Houston) select: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock - Trade with Indianapolis: Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
2nd Mock - Trade with New York Jets: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
1st Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
The Jets trade has changed the perspective for Buffalo in a big way. They will try to move up to #2 for sure. However, if the Giants turn them down so they can take their future franchise QB, that will cause panic in Buffalo and they will overpay (both 1’s and a 2nd) for this spot to get the last of the elite QB’s. For what it’s worth, Mayfield is my #2 quarterback, not #4. Cleveland makes this deal and passes on Barkley since they signed Hyde in free agency, and will get a ton of talent with the picks they picked up at other positions.
5. Denver Broncos select: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
3rd Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock - Trade with Washington: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
1st Mock: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
This would be the best way to support their new quarterback Case Keenum. Get your new quarterback a stud running back to make his job easier. They didn’t do anything of note at the position in free agency. But this fixes everything.
6. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) select: Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
3rd Mock (Jets): Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
2nd Mock (Jets) - Trade with Cleveland: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
1st Mock (Jets): Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
Colts fans would be thrilled if this happens. Three extra second round picks over the next two drafts and you still get Chubb, the best edge rusher in this draft class and the guy I’ve picked for them at #3 for months. If the run on QB’s isn’t over with by this point, they could also move down again. But in this mock it ended at #4. Nelson is another solid choice.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
1st Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
Minkah could start for them at safety or corner, whichever they desire, but would immediately improve their secondary. He can tackle and stop the run, defend pass catchers extremely well, and get to the QB in blitzes off the edge. All of this would help Tampa Bay, especially in a division with Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Drew Brees.
8. Chicago Bears select: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock - Trade with New York Giants from Miami: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
Easiest pick yet... The Bears were active in free agency, but still have a hole at guard. They must fill it with a quality player to protect Trubisky and create enough gaps for the backs. Nelson is a top five talent that is a plug and play starter at the position. He was also coached by the Bears new offensive line coach at Notre Dame. Keep an eye on Harold Landry here, or one of the top linebackers too.
9. San Francisco 49ers select: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
While I don’t believe Ridley belongs in the top ten, I feel they may be forced into this pick. Garoppolo needs a top wideout in a bad way. Garcon and Goodwin are only complementary guys in my opinion. They weren’t able to reel in any of the big fish wideouts in free agency, but were able to improve their team in other ways. Ridley becomes a need-based pick due to these factors.
10. Oakland Raiders select: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
The Raiders are in a good spot here with plenty of great options: Ward, Smith, Edmunds, and more. While I believe they would all be excellent fits, Ward fills a need and is also the highest player left on my board. Their secondary was weak a year ago, and got weaker in the offseason with some losses. They struck out in free agency with all the big name corners, but this makes up for it. They would hope he’s as impactful as last year’s top CB out of Ohio State: Lattimore.
11. Miami Dolphins select: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
3rd Mock - Trade with Chicago: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
2nd Mock: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
1st Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
While I like both Smith and Edmunds better at linebacker for them, this is their best chance to replace Suh in the middle of their defensive line. Vea won’t give much in terms of a pass rush, but he’ll clog things up in the run game, and take on double teams allowing Wake/Quinn to get after it. Of course, Miami could be looking to move up for a QB like many other teams.
12. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Buffalo from Cincinnati) select: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
3rd Mock (Bengals) - Trade with Los Angeles Chargers: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
2nd Mock (Bengals): Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
1st Mock (Bengals): Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
With Cleveland possessing so many picks in the first two rounds, best available should be the way to go after they traded back. Smith would start in year one at linebacker, and his tackling ability would come in handy against the run heavy teams in the AFC North.
13. Washington Redskins select: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
2nd Mock - Trade with Denver: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
1st and 3rd Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
Washington has offered contracts to a few pass rushing outside linebackers over the last couple weeks, but nobody has actually accepted. Landry gives them an elite presence attacking on the outside, especially if you remember his production as a junior. Jackson and James are both great options also if they want to improve their secondary.
14. Green Bay Packers select: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
2nd Mock: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
1st Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
The Packers have lost a lot of secondary players this offseason (Burnett to Pitt, Randall traded, House unsigned). They tried adding Kyle Fuller, but the Bears matched their offer. An aggressive move would be trading up for Denzel Ward, but that’s not their style. Instead, Jackson gets the nod here as the second best cornerback in the draft.
15. Arizona Cardinals select: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
2nd Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
1st Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
James should go much higher based on talent, but may fall based on need. If the Cardinals don’t pursue their franchise QB by moving up, they would love to instead improve their secondary, especially at CB opposite Peterson or at S to replace the “Honey Badger.” James is the ladder.
16. Baltimore Ravens select: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
3rd Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
1st Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
The Ravens must improve their offense, which includes the offensive line. Williams is an elite prospect, capable of playing multiple positions on the offensive line. I think he could play on the interior for Baltimore immediately, but could transition out if needed.
17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
3rd Mock - Trade with Cincinnati: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
2nd Mock: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
1st Mock - Trade with Buffalo: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
Don’t be surprised if this pick ends up being a quarterback, but the Chargers should look to add an immediate contributor to help them win right now. Edmunds, who could go much higher, would become an instant upgrade at linebacker that could improve the second level of their defense. He’s one of my favorite players in the draft.
18. Seattle Seahawks select: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
3rd Mock: Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
1st Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
Seattle purged their roster and is rebuilding on both sides of the ball. Look for them to pick based on best available or most upside. That’s where Davenport comes in, an edge rusher with massive potential. He could be developed into a star, one that could replace Michael Bennett over time. Josh Jackson would be a home run here also if available (which he isn’t in this mock).
19. Dallas Cowboys select: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
2nd Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
1st Mock: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
Honestly, I don’t have a clue as to what Dallas will target in the draft. They suddenly have a lot of holes to fill, and free agency didn’t help them much in terms of filling them. Hurst gives them an interior disruptor, one that would help the defense on the front lines.
20. Detroit Lions select: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
3rd Mock: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
1st Mock: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)
With Matt Patricia now coaching the team, I’m thinking defense will be their calling card, so look for an addition on that side of the ball. Key gives them huge upside on the edge, something they need despite the tagging of Ansah. If they do go offense, keep an eye on the trenches, as some of the best offensive linemen are still available.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo) select: Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
3rd Mock (Bills): Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
2nd Mock (Bills): Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
1st Mock (Bills) - Trade with Los Angeles Chargers: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
The Bengals already bolstered their offensive front by acquiring Cordy Glenn, but they won’t stop there, as they still need help in a major way. Wynn is one of the best linemen in the draft, a guy who played tackle in college but projects to be an elite guard in the NFL. Wynn and Glenn together would get the line back on track and help pave the way for Mixon and the rushing attack.
22. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Buffalo from Kansas City) select: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
2nd Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
Joe Thomas has officially retired, which means Cleveland needs a new left tackle. In steps McGlinchey, a player once thought of as a top ten pick. He hails from Notre Dame, a program that has routinely spit out elite linemen.
23. Los Angeles Rams select: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
1st Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
Ogletree and Quinn were traded away this offseason, creating some gaps in the front seven. Evans immediately fills the hole left at linebacker. I’m already dreaming about owning this defense in fantasy football this year...
24. Carolina Panthers select: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
3rd Mock: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
2nd Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
I’ve loved Hernandez ever since the Senior Bowl. Just watch his tape and try not to fall in love. He is a brute in the run game. Norwell was a free agent loss… a big one. Hernandez is a great replacement. Although the Panthers could go many different ways here.
25. Tennessee Titans select: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
1st Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
The Titans made a free agent splash adding Malcolm Butler, but the defensive front needs to improve also. After losing Sylvester Williams, Payne becomes the perfect draft choice in the first round. When is adding an Alabama defender ever a bad thing though?
26. Atlanta Falcons select: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
3rd Mock: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
1st and 2nd Mock: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
As you can see by this mock and the three previously, I’m expecting Atlanta to fill the Poe void with this selection. Seeing Payne go a pick before is painful, but Bryan is an underrated prospect that could end up being better.
27. New Orleans Saints select: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
The Saints may take a player to help them win right now, but at some point they have to think about their future. Brees has a couple years left, but what will they do when he’s gone? Rudolph is their backup plan and future signal caller in this scenario.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
1st Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
The Steelers have been looking around at safeties, and having been expressing interest in Reid specifically. In my last mock, I had Pittsburgh trading up in the second round to take him, but now I think they’ll just take him in the first.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
2nd Mock: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
1st Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
Jacksonville is hoping nobody jumps back in ahead of them, as they would love to take Jackson to give them another option besides Bortles. While I think Bortles would win out in the short term, I think Jackson has more upside long term.
30. Minnesota Vikings select: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
3rd Mock - Trade with Minnesota: Kolten Miller (OT, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State)
1st Mock: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
Minnesota could, possibly should, take an offensive lineman here. But Hughes is too talented to pass up for a defensive minded team like Minnesota. And when you are competing against Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford atop the NFC North, having capable corners is a necessity.
31. New England Patriots select: Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
3rd Mock: Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)
2nd Mock: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
1st Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
If there were better options available, I’d be looking for a team to trade up into this spot. But I’m not seeing it in this scenario. So I have the Patriots taking an immediate starter at linebacker. Doesn’t have the upside of other picks, but is a sure contributor.
32. Philadelphia Eagles select: Kolton Miller (OT, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
1st Mock: Kolton Miller (OT, UCLA)
Still think this is a tad high for Miller, but I think he’ll likely be drafted around this point in the draft. The Eagles may want even more depth in the secondary, but depth on the offensive line is more critical due to the protection of Wentz.
Second Round (Second Edition)
33. Cleveland Browns select: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
3rd Mock - Trade with Indianapolis: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
They acquired Randall from Green Bay, but to play safety. Gaines was signed recently to play corner, but on a one year deal. Oliver gives them talent at the position long-term.
34. New York Giants select: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
With the G-men taking a QB in the first round, they can add their running back now. Great value getting Guice at 34.
35. Cleveland Browns (from Houston) select: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock - Trade with Minnesota: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
Landry, Gordon, and Coleman make up an explosive trio of wide receivers. But Landry has only signed on for a year, Gordon’s future is always in question, and Coleman hasn’t established himself yet. Quite simply, Washington gives them more talent that may be handy in the future.
36. Indianapolis Colts select: Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
3rd Mock: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
With three second round picks, the Colts can aggressively address multiple needs. While I like Marlon Mack, the Colts need another back to lean on this year. Jones has loads of potential.
37. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) select: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
3rd Mock (Jets): Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
There are plenty of quality receivers on the board, but Sutton has the makings of a star. I’ve projected him going first round in most mocks, but it didn’t fall that way this time. He’s an immediate starter opposite Hilton in Indy.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
The run on skill position players continues, as the Bucs select their starting running back (Martin is gone). Michel and his teammate Chubb were both considered here.
39. Miami Dolphins (via trade with Chicago) select: Dallas Goedert (TE, San Diego State)
3rd Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
A day 3 pick is worth it to trade up and snag the best tight end in the draft. Especially with Julius Thomas a free agent after a disappointing season with the team.
40. Denver Broncos select: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
Talib’s replacement was Roby, and Roby’s replacement is now Alexander. He has a ton of potential, and needs to prove he can stay healthy.
41. Oakland Raiders select: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
The Raiders could use more juice off the edge, and Hubbard was extremely productive for a great defense in college.
42. Chicago Bears (via trade with Miami) select: Lorenzo Carter (Edge, Georgia)
3rd Mock - Trade with New York Giants: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
Carter is a big, athletic freak of an edge rusher from Georgia that has produced a lot of quality players… such as Leonard Floyd who the Bears drafted a couple years ago. The Bears need a starter opposite Floyd though, so why not go back to the same well?
43. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) select: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Lorenzo Carter (Edge, Georgia)
Despite a poor showing at the combine, Brown offers a lot of potential as a tackle in the NFL. With the Patriots losing Nate Solder this offseason, they will be looking for depth at the position. Brown is worth the risk in the second round.
44. Washington Redskins select: Michael Gallup (WR, Colorado State)
3rd Mock: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
Second straight mock I’ve gone with a wide receiver in the second round for the ‘Skins. Doctson shows promise and Crowder is solid in the slot, but they need another quality pass catcher on the outside. Pryor flopped at the position last year, but Gallup is a more natural wideout.
45. Green Bay Packers select: Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
3rd Mock - Trade with Arizona: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
The Packers still have some holes they are trying to fill in free agency, but they need young talent on the offensive line. It’s a unit that consistently breaks down and doesn’t protect Rodgers as well as they should. Ragnow would help change that, as he didn’t allow a single sack throughout his college career.
46. Cincinnati Bengals select: Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
3rd Mock: Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
Eifert is back, but only a one year deal. His injury history is worrisome enough that the Bengals will look to add a quality tight end as insurance. This is the second straight mock Hurst has gone here.
47. Arizona Cardinals select: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock - Trade with Green Bay: Brian O’Neill (OT, Pittsburgh)
Jaron and John Brown are gone, and Fitzgerald is likely in his last season. Adding another playmaker at the position is critical. Enter Christian Kirk, a combine standout that can play on the outside or in the slot. He’s one of my favorite receivers in the draft, would be a great fit for Arizona, and presents tremendous value this late in the mock.
48. Los Angeles Chargers select: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
3rd Mock - Trade with Pittsburgh: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
With Tre Boston a free agent, the Chargers will need to fill his spot through the draft (unless they tap into the secondary free agent market). Harrison could start for them immediately.
49. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets from Seattle) select: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
3rd Mock (Jets): D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
Colts fans constantly want improvements on the offensive line. This would make them happy. Price has been effective at three different spots on the offensive line, which makes him one of the best prospects in the draft. He would give them flexibility also to move guys around up front if desired.
50. Dallas Cowboys select: Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
A lightning fast corner that would help improve a decimated secondary. What’s not to like?
51. Detroit Lions select: Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
The Lions want to improve at running back, despite adding Blount to a one year deal. Chubb had a breakout 2017 campaign, showing he can excel as a complimentary piece but is also capable of handling a larger workload.
52. Baltimore Ravens select: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
3rd Mock: Simmie Cobbs (WR, Indiana)
Gone are Maclin, Wallace, Campanaro, and Whalen. Perriman has flopped and will be gone after this season. So despite adding Michael Crabtree and John Brown, Baltimore is still looking for another pass catcher. They recently missed out on Allen Hurns, but D.J. Moore would be a great addition here in the second round.
53. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Buffalo) select: Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
3rd Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
I had Cleveland passing on Barkley in the first round to acquire a pile of picks. This was one of those picks. Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson are a fine pairing, but Penny gives them quality depth and a future starter. He could even force the Browns into releasing Hyde after the season ends.
54. Kansas City Chiefs select: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
3rd Mock: Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
Gives them a big body up front that is sorely needed.
55. Carolina Panthers select: Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Deon Cain (WR, Clemson)
Breeland was signed to start at corner, but his failed physical messed up those plans. Corner becomes a need early in the draft, and Davis fits nicely.
56. Buffalo Bills (from Los Angeles Rams) select: Marcell Ateman (WR, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
Ateman is a big body at 6’4, a nice compliment to Zay Jones, who they drafted a year ago. Newly acquired Baker Mayfield (#4 pick in this mock) needs people the throw it to. Ateman is a great choice.
57. Tennessee Titans select: Cedrick Wilson (WR, Boise State)
3rd Mock: B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
Eric Decker didn’t give the team much last year, and now he’s a free agent. Wilson would be a nice complimentary receiver behind Matthews and Davis, especially since Davis and Sharpe struggled as rookies.
58. Atlanta Falcons select: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Edge, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Atlanta didn’t produce a ton of QB pressure last year, outside of Vic Beasley. They are expecting McKinley to take a step forward, but Okoronkwo provides quality depth. Losing Clayborn in free agency also makes this a logical selection.
59. San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans) select: Kyzir White (S, West Virginia)
3rd Mock: Kyzir White (S, West Virginia)
I liked this White pick so much, I decided to do it again. The 49ers are in the market for a safety, and White fits them nicely.
60. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Jamarco Jones (OT, Ohio State)
3rd Mock - Trade with Los Angeles Chargers: Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State)
Pittsburgh lost Hubbard at tackle this offseason, so Jones simply takes his spot on the roster. Jones won out over Cappa and O’Neill, both solid options at this point in the draft also. Jones is a great pass protector, which fits well with Big Ben dropping back so often.
61. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Troy Fumagalli (TE, Wisconsin)
3rd Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
Lewis was a consistent, not flashy, tight end for the Jags. He was recently released creating a void. Fumagalli is a solid all-around player, that can make nice catches over the middle of the field, and is a better run blocker than most tight end prospects. That’s a key, as the running game fuels this offense.
62. Minnesota Vikings select: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Da’Shawn Hand (DT, Alabama)
Daniels could play multiple spots on the inside, and take over the center position long-term. Minnesota needs to protect it’s new prize QB (Cousins) and provide better running lanes for second year runner Dalvin Cook.
63. New England Patriots select: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
3rd Mock: Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
I think Luke Falk or another quarterback could be an option, but that can wait until the third round. Gesicki is Gronk insurance, or a second tight end for double tight sets.
64. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) select: Hercules Mata’afa (Edge, Washington State)
3rd Mock: Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
Not only does he have a great name, but he offers upside rushing the quarterback from the inside or outside. With Myles Garrett garnering a lot of attention, Hercules could be a handy sidekick. To recap, the Browns in just the first two rounds came away with: Sam Darnold, Roquan Smith, Mike McGlinchey, Isaiah Oliver, James Washington, Rashaad Penny, and Hercules Mata’afa. That’s seven players, at seven different positions, that could all start within the next two years. That included a franchise quarterback. What a home run of a draft!
That wraps up the fourth mock draft for 2018. As you can see, free agency changed things up. One such way was filling certain holes, creating less opportunity for draft trades. At least in this mock that is. You never know what will happen in April...
By: The Sports Guys
