Let’s try this out for the third time. This is now post-combine, but pre-free agency. Those are both big factors here. I am also including a second round for the first time in a mock. Unlike other sites, I am projecting trades (along with some free agency predictions). Why? Because they will happen in real life, so how can a mock be accurate without them? With that said, this will change dramatically over the weeks to come. But let’s have some fun nonetheless. Enjoy!
The Sports Guys 2018 NFL Mock Draft
First Round (Third Edition):
1. Cleveland Browns select: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
1st Mock: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
We’ve seen the Browns pass on top QB’s before, especially for players that have much higher grades. Barkley is the best prospect in the draft (especially after he lit up the combine), will immediately impact the game, and would help whoever ends up as the starting quarterback. I personally think that Cleveland signs AJ McCarron, which allows them to justify passing on a signal caller here.
2. Miami Dolphins (via trade with New York) select: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
2nd Mock: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
1st Mock: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
Yes, a bold prediction! They say the NFL is a copycat league and this is my prediction on how Miami can copy the Eagles success. A couple years ago, Philly used Alonso and Maxwell to swap picks with the Dolphins themselves (13 for 8). I think Miami will do that this year with Chicago (Jarvis Landry). Philly then used picks to move from 8 to 2 in order to get Carson Wentz. Miami would do that with the Giants to get the top QB in the draft. I know they have Tannehill, but he’s not their future. The Eagles made these moves to get Wentz after signing Sam Bradford to a large deal. Getting a franchise QB is that important. Allen has the most upside in the draft, had the best combine of any QB, and is fresh off a great Senior Bowl.
3. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Indianapolis) select: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
1st and 2nd Mock: Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
After passing on quarterback at #1, Cleveland may look to move up in order to secure a QB. Miami beat them to the punch at #2, but the Colts would gladly move back a spot and allow the Browns to draft their franchise guy. We saw Chicago move up one spot last year so this is not unprecedented. Even if the Browns sign McCarron, they likely will draft a rookie high in the draft. They have to solve their QB dilemma this offseason. Mayfield is my second rated quarterback, right after Allen. I love his attitude and his tape is really good. He also threw well at the combine and improved each day at the Senior Bowl.
4. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with Cleveland from Houston) select: Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
2nd Mock - Trade with New York Jets: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
1st Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
This is a homerun for the Indy, as Chubb is an amazing edge rushing prospect. Moving back a spot didn’t compromise this pick, but it got them a second round pick (#33) to use this year. Chubb, Barkley, and Nelson are players being linked to the Colts, but Chubb makes the most sense as an elite pass rusher, which they haven’t had in years.
5. Denver Broncos select: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock - Trade with Washington: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
1st Mock: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
This was tough. For starters, I don’t think they’ll land Cousins in free agency, but I do think they will get Case Keenum. They will keep Lynch as their backup and look elsewhere in the draft. I nearly went Nelson, as the offensive line must improve, but Fitzpatrick is perfect for them. With TJ Ward gone and Talib likely to follow in a couple weeks, Fitzpatrick would fill those voids as both a safety and corner. The young man is a stud.
6. New York Jets select: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
2nd Mock - Trade with Cleveland: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
1st Mock: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
If Cousins is serious about winning, he’ll choose Minnesota over New York. That leaves the Jets without a future at quarterback. McCown or Bradford could be signed as a stopgap, but drafting an elite QB will become paramount. In this scenario, they got beat out by teams trading up, yet still wind up with Darnold, who some consider the top QB prospect. I think he hurt himself by not throwing at the combine, and I don’t love his college tape as much as others. He’s clearly worth the risk here though.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
1st Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
Nelson has established himself as the best offensive lineman in the draft, despite being a guard. He would help the running game tremendously, and will hold up in pass coverage nicely. Ward is another great option, but the offensive line takes priority this time.
8. New York Giants (via trade with Miami from Chicago) select: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
I considered another trade here, as Buffalo could be a team looking to package their first rounders and move up to get Rosen. However, even though New York is okay with Eli in the short term, there is no way they can be okay with him long term. Rosen is the last of the “Big 4” in terms of elite quarterbacks, and the Giants would be foolish to pass on him, especially after already trading down to acquire extra goodies from Miami. I question Rosen’s attitude and injury history, but on the field, Rosen is the purest passer in the draft.
9. San Francisco 49ers select: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
Nearly went with Ward, but the 49ers are linked to many of the top CB’s in free agency. Surely they will land one there which kept Ward from getting the nod here. Smith though would be a perfect player to help San Francisco, especially with the off-the-field issues involving last year’s linebacker selection: Reuben Foster. Smith is a great tackler, reads plays extremely well, and had a solid showing at the combine.
10. Oakland Raiders select: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
Ward is the top true corner in the draft (if you are counting Fitzpatrick as a safety) and he’s fresh off a great combine. He’s also an Ohio State alum, and they’ve pumped out some great corners recently (Lattimore last year for example). I think Ward could go much higher, but with a run on quarterbacks in this mock, he fell here. The Raiders need to upgrade the position, and would love to take Ward if they strike out in free agency.
11. Chicago Bears (via trade with Miami) select: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
2nd Mock: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
1st Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
Edmunds is making a case for top 10 consideration. He can play multiple spots in the linebacking corps and is only 19 years old. His athleticism is very high and he was impressive at the combine. The Bears happen to need help at multiple linebacker positions, especially on the outside as an edge rusher opposite Floyd. Edmunds is in play if the Bears stay at #8, so at #11 he was an easy selection.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (via trade with Cincinnati) select: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
2nd Mock: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
Another trade up for a quarterback, you bet! I’ve been hearing that some teams have Jackson as high as 1 or 2 in their QB prospect rankings. There are some teams that are afraid of drafting him, but many are afraid of not drafting him due to the upside he possesses and what he could become. The Chargers are quietly looking for a Rivers replacement, and Jackson could sit behind him for a couple years and continue developing his pocket passing. It would cost them a couple mid-round selections, but worth it to secure their future ahead of Arizona and other teams who may try and trade up.
13. Washington Redskins select: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
2nd Mock - Trade with Denver: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
1st Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
I have James as a higher ranked prospect than 13th, so this is great value. He is a playmaker with versatility and a ton of potential. I think he could easily become an all-pro safety.
14. Green Bay Packers select: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
2nd Mock: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
1st Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
The Packers have an interesting offseason ahead of them. Will they change their “M.O.” and be aggressive in free agency filling needs? Will they make any surprise cuts that create major holes? Will they draft for potential, value, need, or readiness? I’m simply throwing a dart right now and guessing Davenport. He was good at both the Senior Bowl and Combine, and has established himself as the second best pure edge rusher behind Chubb.
15. Arizona Cardinals select: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
2nd Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
1st Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
Let’s hope Arizona added a quarterback in free agency (I predict they will), because they are all gone here. Jackson is the second best corner on my board, and would fill a void opposite Peterson. They’ve been looking for that piece for years!
16. Baltimore Ravens select: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
1st Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
Ridley’s 40 time was solid, but the rest of his combine was just okay. He’s still the top wideout in the draft, but he will be selected much lower than originally thought. If the Ravens aren’t able to cash in on a major receiver in free agency, they must look for one early in the draft.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (via trade with Los Angeles) select: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
2nd Mock: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
1st Mock - Trade with Buffalo: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
After trading down and picking up a couple mid-round picks, the Bengals will look to improve in the trenches. Their offensive line is downright awful, which makes it a slightly bigger need than the defensive line. No tackle stands out massively, but I think Williams could be the best options long term. Assuming his medical history isn’t a red flag, I think he could be the first tackle selected. He can play outside, or could even bump to a guard in the NFL. The Bengals need help at both positions.
18. Seattle Seahawks select: Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
1st Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
By now it is clear that the Seahawks are rebuilding. Michael Bennett is gone, Richard Sherman is next, and they are even taking calls about Earl Thomas. Clearly they want to start over, regain cap space, get younger, and change directions. My guy says they won’t replicate their previous team, but try to capitalize on what they still have going for them: Russell Wilson! For a couple seasons now, Wilson can be found running for his life and having to carry the team on his back without a running game. The offensive line must improve. Hernandez, Miller, McGlinchey, and Wynn are all in play here (Williams too if on the board). Wynn won out this time.
19. Dallas Cowboys select: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
2nd Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
1st Mock: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
Vea didn’t fully impress at combine due to an injury hiccup, but still looks the part of a stud interior lineman. On draft day, he could go much higher. The Cowboys could use help on the frontline, and nobody in this draft would help more than Vea.
20. Detroit Lions select: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
1st Mock: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)
With Ansah back via the franchise tag, the focus should move inside, where Payne could be a major factor. New head coach Matt Patricia will be begging for more defensive talent, and Payne delivers on that front. He looked great at the combine, just as he did in the college football playoffs. This selection would be perfect for the Lions.
21. Buffalo Bills select: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
1st Mock - Trade with LAC: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
The Bills have needs at multiple spots, so I went with the best available approach. Evans is a productive player that comes from a great college system. He is solid in the running game especially, and showed nice athleticism in Indy this past week.
22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City) select: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
2nd Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
The Bills would love Vea or Payne, but will settle for Bryan in this mock. Defensive tackle is arguably their largest need since they traded Dareus last season. I think they could also use speed at wide receiver, which could help improve their passing attack.
23. Los Angeles Rams select: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
2nd Mock: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
1st Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
Landry improved his draft stock at the combine, and the Rams are in clear need of an edge rusher after trading Quinn in the past week. This is a logical match and easy pick to predict. The Rams trade of Ogletree also brings linebacker into focus.
24. Carolina Panthers select: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
2nd Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
This is my third mock and my third different position I’ve predicted to the Panthers in the first round. Hughes though would help improve the pedestrian secondary they possess, and also represents solid value at #24. Wide receiver is a big need, but there is solid depth at the position.
25. Tennessee Titans select: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
1st Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
Not sure Hubbard is valued by most in this spot, but I like what I see in his game, and think he fits well with Tennessee. They need more juice on the edge, and they need production immediately. I think Hubbard can give them those things. His floor is fairly high despite his low ceiling. This can be viewed as more of a safe pick, unlike their first rounders a year ago.
26. Atlanta Falcons select: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
1st and 2nd Mock: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
There is concern about a heart condition, discovered at the combine, but if that checks out, Hurst can be great. The Falcons will part ways with Dontari Poe this offseason, creating a big hole (literally) in the center of their defensive line. Hurst would give them a ton of talent at that spot.
27. New Orleans Saints select: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
Price suffered a recent injury, but his talent and tape speak for themselves. The Saints could go with a player with more upside (like Arden Key), but Price is safer and ready to produce right now. Receiver is another major need, but depth at the position makes it easier to pass on now.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
2nd Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
1st Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Leveon Bell was franchised this week, but could be gone next offseason. Plus, he reportedly may hold out for up to half the season. Even if the holdout stops right before the season, he won’t be game ready for at least month or so, like we saw in 2017. No matter what, the team needs backup. Guice remains the second best back in a strong class.
NOTE: If I’m Pittsburgh, I offer Bell to the Browns for #1 overall so I can draft Barkley (and take somebody different here). Barkley would be a younger and cheaper option, and possibly a better player. Oh, and he’d also be locked in for five years. Plus, I’m personally sick of the selfish ways that Bell conducts himself. Cleveland could take on Bell, pay him what he wants, and suddenly become more appealing to Kirk Cousins. Won’t happen, but it makes sense right?
29. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
2nd Mock: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
1st Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
It looks like the Jaguars could lose both Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee in free agency, creating a major void at the position. Sutton gives them great size and athleticism, and would be a great redzone target. I think 29th is also tremendous value.
30. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Minnesota) select: Kolten Miller (OT, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State)
1st Mock: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
The Browns are once again loaded with picks and may look to be aggressive moving up more this year than back. If Joe Thomas decides to hang it up, getting a new left tackle is paramount, especially if Barkley joins the team. Miller had a terrific combine and showed so much potential. He’s worth a trade-up in my opinion. If Thomas comes back, scrap this idea.
31. New England Patriots select: Dallas Goedert (South Dakota State)
2nd Mock: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
1st Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
Obviously the Pats are a team that could be moving down in the draft, as they often seem to do. But with two second round picks already, that doesn’t seem as likely this year. If Solder walks in free agency, McGlinchey would be the pick. But in this scenario, let's go with Goedert, the best tight end prospect in 2018. He’s effectively in both the pass and run game, could be a Gronk replacement sooner or later (depending on retirement), or could be a Allen replacement (free agent) in double-tight looks.
32. Philadelphia Eagles select: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
1st Mock: Kolton Miller (OT, UCLA)
McGlinchey hasn’t done much wrong, but his value continues to fall a little each mock draft I do. This pick, however, would represent a massive steal. Consider this insurance if Peters doesn’t return or isn’t the same player. They must protect Wentz right?
Second Round (First Edition)
33. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with Cleveland) select: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
By trading from #3 to #4 in the first round, Indy was rewarded this pick. Hernandez would be a major asset to their weak offensive line, especially in the running game.
34. New York Giants select: Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
The running game has to improve if they want to have success with Eli Manning for another season. Michel continues to creep up draft boards and would be a great selection here.
35. Minnesota Vikings (via trade with Cleveland from Houston) select: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
I have Minnesota getting Cousins in free agency. I then had them trading down because they only have five picks in the entire draft, and this gets them extra assets. The interior of the Vikings offensive line is weak, but Daniels could help fix that. He’s a center, but Minnesota could have him play guard to begin with if desired. Their guard play was pretty bad last year.
36. Indianapolis Colts select: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
Kirk wowed scouts at the combine and could quickly become Luck’s #2 after Hilton in Indy.
37. New York Jets select: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
The Jets are in on a lot of big name cornerbacks in free agency. Oliver is a nice fall-back plan.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
The Bucs were dead last in sacks last year. Key has massive raw potential. Any questions?
39. Chicago Bears select: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
Even if the Bears land Landry or another big name receiver in the coming weeks, they must get a young player to lean on at the position. Washington is a potential steal this late in the draft.
40. Denver Broncos select: Ronald Jones (RB, USC)
The Broncos can’t run the ball well, and they don’t have many quality backs on the roster (in my opinion). Jones could be exactly what they need.
41. Oakland Raiders select: Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
What a draft so far for Oakland. Ward in the first, Vander Esch in the second. Both players fill needs and are great value. Vander Esch had a great combine and could go in the first round now.
42. New York Giants (via trade with Miami) select: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
The Giants may be looking for an Eli Apple replacement, and Alexander looks the part of a starting caliber corner after shooting up boards at the combine.
43. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) select: Lorenzo Carter (LB, Georgia)
Carter has become one of the best linebacking prospects in this draft. The Pats have lost multiple players off their front seven in recent seasons, Carter replaces one of them.
44. Washington Redskins select: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
In 2017, the team lost Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. They signed Terrelle Pryor last year to help, but he’ll be gone now also. Moore was impressive in Indy, and is not in first round discussion. This is quite a pick.
45. Arizona Cardinals (via trade with Green Bay) select: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
Gesicki put up wide receiver numbers at the combine, making him a hot commodity as a tight end. The Cardinals move up a couple spots to secure a much needed pass catcher. Whichever veteran they bring in to play quarterback will appreciate this move.
46. Cincinnati Bengals select: Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
After missing out on Gesicki, the Bengals will have to settle for Hurst. With Eifert headed to free agency, the Bengals will be looking for a replacement at the position.
47. Green Bay Packers (via trade with Arizona) select: Brian O’Neill (OT, Pittsburgh)
Can’t go wrong with protecting Aaron Rodgers better.
48. Pittsburgh Steelers (via trade with Los Angeles) select: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
The Steelers needed another solid piece on defense, so Reid justifies a move up the board. They will likely be aggressive this offseason to take advantage of the last couple years with Big Ben.
49. New York Jets (from Seattle) select: D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
Another guy that’s shooting up draft boards, Chark blazed through his 40 and is in first round consideration for some. The Jets would gladly snatch him up here to give Darnold (first round pick) another weapon.
50. Dallas Cowboys select: Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
After getting demolished last offseason in the secondary, the Cowboys must bounce back this year. Davis isn’t amazing, but he’s solid.
51. Detroit Lions select: Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
The other running back for the Bulldogs also goes in the second round. This pick is all based on how the Lions feel about the running backs on their current roster. Most feel like the Lions needs to move on from the group... I agree...
52. Baltimore Ravens select: Simmie Cobbs (WR, Indiana)
Yes, the Ravens are in such need at the receiver position that I have them doubling down in the first and second rounds. Mike Wallace is a free agent, Jeremy Maclin may be let go, Breshad Perriman simply sucks, need I go on?
53. Buffalo Bills select: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
I think the Bills will end up sticking with Tyrod Taylor this offseason, but adding Rudolph gives them a potential replacement for the years to come. Clearly Peterman isn’t the answer.
54. Kansas City Chiefs select: Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
Out with the old, and in with the new. That’s what is happening in KC this offseason.
55. Carolina Panthers select: Deon Cain (WR, Clemson)
After trading Kelvin Benjamin a year ago, the Panthers need more firepower for Cam to utilize. Cain would help a lot.
56. Buffalo Bills (from Los Angeles Rams) select: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
I know I had them addressing the defensive line in the first round, but who says they can’t do it again? Between Phillips here and Bryan earlier, the Bills take a weakness and make it a strength.
57. Tennessee Titans select: B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
A Senior Bowl standout and a combine riser. Put him in the second round!
58. Atlanta Falcons select: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Who couldn’t use a stud safety from the best defense in college football?
59. San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans) select: Kyzir White (S, West Virginia)
You know their GM likes safeties...
60. Los Angeles Chargers (via trade with Pittsburgh) select: Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State)
I like him more than most after the Senior Bowl, but considering I had him going first round in my last mock, this is low enough.
61. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
Much has been said about his terrible combine, but he was a projected first rounder not long ago. The combine can’t be worth that much.
62. Minnesota Vikings select: Da’Shawn Hand (DT, Alabama)
You can always use some beef in the middle. This could give Minny the upper “hand.”
63. New England Patriots select: Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
Meet the new Jimmy Garoppolo!
64. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) select: Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
Griffin’s stock is rising and his story is amazing, but it is likely still unrealistic to see him go in the second round. Nonetheless, I wanted him in this mock. So here he is!
That wraps up the third mock draft for 2018. Free agency is just around the corner, which will be lit. It was also change this mock tremendously. And that’s what makes this fun!
By: The Sports Guys
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