The day is finally here as the long-awaited NFL Draft has arrived. This is an event that I’ve been looking forward to for months, as have NFL owners, GM’s, coaches, and players. Depending on which team you follow, fans are likely excited as well. The draft offers a glimpse into the future, and in some cases the present. It offers each franchise hope as teams proclaim their picks won’t be busts, but will contribute towards winning. I guess we’ll see. This will be the final mock draft of 2018, and it includes two rounds worth of picks (third round is too unpredictable to accurately predict). These selections are based on what I think will (or at least could) happen over the next couple of days, not what I would do. Some teams are pretty easy to read, while others keep their plans close to the vest. And once one team changes course, the entire draft gets flipped on its head. That’s why you have to watch it live. Enjoy!
The Sports Guys 2018 NFL Mock Draft
First Round (Final Edition):
1. Cleveland Browns select: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
3rd Mock: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
2nd Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
1st and 4th Mock: Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
We know it will be a quarterback, but which one is a slight mystery. Last week I was thinking Allen (and still think it could be), but this week I’m going once again with Darnold. Mayfield is rumored to be in the mix, but I think those reports are smokescreens. The Browns haven’t clued us in too much on the whom, so I’m reading between the lines a little bit. Darnold is my #3 (behind Allen and Mayfield) but is #1 on many expert QB boards. He’ll be the pick.
2. New York Giants select: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
4th Mock: 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)
If Darnold is available, this choice becomes a bit murkier, but Barkley is who they plan on taking unless a big trade offer comes in. With other teams in the top six willing to trade down, I doubt anyone comes up this high due to the cost it would take. Barkley will help extend Manning’s career (they hope) and would give them a solid running game for the first time in years.
3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis) select: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
4th Mock: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
3rd Mock (Colts) - Trade with Cleveland: Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
1st and 2nd Mock (Colts): Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
Allen is intriguing, they also like Rosen, but I hear that the Jets are smitten with Mayfield. Darnold may be the only player they’d consider over him. Like Cleveland at #1, we know what position will go here tonight. I’m expecting the Heisman winner to come off the board when all is said and done.
4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston) select: Bradley Chubb (Edge, NC State)
4th Mock - Trade with Buffalo: 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)
With Barkley off the board, I think Chubb gets the nod with the Browns’ second selection. While Nelson would be good, they are targeting a tackle to replace Joe Thomas, not a guard. Smith is another option, but they just acquired Jamie Collins a year ago. Ward, Fitzpatrick, and James are all intriguing, but with three picks in the second round, they can address their secondary there. A trade back is yet another option, but with the Broncos and Colts wanting to do that also, I doubt it happens unless Mayfield or Darnold is on the board. That leaves Chubb, a dream bookend with Myles Garrett. They will wreak havoc on quarterbacks for years to come.
5. Denver Broncos select: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
3rd Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock - Trade with Washington: Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
1st and 4th Mock: Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
Denver has an interesting decision to make in the draft. Trade up for a QB of their choice, trade back with a more QB-needy team (such as the Bills), draft best player available (Nelson in this scenario), or draft their own quarterback of the future right here at #5. Denver has done extensive work scouting all the top quarterbacks, have met with all of them more than once, and hosted all of them on visits. Allen and Mayfield stand out however, as the coaching staff coached them at the Senior Bowl. With Mayfield gone, Allen gets the nod and will have the chance to learn behind Case Keenum for a year or two. Denver is taking one now thinking they won’t be drafting this high again in the near future.
6. Buffalo Bills (via trade with Indianapolis from New York Jets) select: Josh Rosen (QB, Wyoming)
4th Mock: 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)
Here’s the trade we’ve all been waiting for. With so many teams looking to add additional picks, the Bills will likely take the cheapest option, which is Indy. In fact, the Colts want a quantity of picks, not necessarily quality. That means the Bills can get this done without giving up both first rounders. I think they’ll trade #12, both second rounders (#53 and #56), and the later of their two third round picks (#96). This gives the Colts three more day two picks along with a very good player in the first round still. The Bills get Rosen to be the face of their franchise moving forward, a guy who happens to be the most NFL ready of all the top QB’s in my opinion. We could easily see him beat out McCarron and Peterman in year one.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
2nd and 4th Mock: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
1st Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
Despite having multiple needs, Tampa Bay has been linked to all the top players in the secondary, an area they must improve. They’ve brought all the top prospects in for privates or met with them at pro days or at the combine or workouts or by other means. I went with James, a player they’ve fallen in love with and have been linked to heavily this past week. Seeing as he played college football in the state of Florida, they’ve known about him for some time now.
8. Chicago Bears select: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
4th Mock: 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)
With the quarterbacks off the board, a trade down to recoup picks they gave up last year is off the table. Instead, they get an immediate starter at a position of need that was coached by their new offensive line coach from Notre Dame. This seems to obvious though for Ryan Pace, who seems to always have something up his sleeve. We’ll see.
9. San Francisco 49ers select: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
2nd Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
1st and 4th Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
If a QB falls or a team really loves Lamar Jackson, this is yet another pick that could be traded. But if I’ve predicted the draft correct to this point, I don’t think it’s likely (unless it’s true the Packers really want to move up). The 49ers have extensively researched many of the top defenders in the draft, Smith included. I went with Smith due to the recent trouble current linebacker Reuben Foster has gotten into. Smith will be his replacement, and is honestly better anyways.
10. Oakland Raiders select: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
3rd and 4th Mock: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
This is a big change for me, but hear me out. The team wants to support Mack and the defense in a major way. Vea would give them a terrific run stopper and clogger on the inside, which would free up Mack on the perimeter. They’ve scouted tackles heavily pre-draft, and haven’t even met with Ward, Fitzpatrick, or Edmunds, the other options I considered here. The pick makes sense.
11. Miami Dolphins select: Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
4th Mock: 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)
With needs at every level of their defense, Miami is primed to get a great player here despite missing out on the QB fun. Ward is the consensus top corner in the draft, so getting him at #11 is a steal. I’d race to the podium if I were them and hope he performs like his former teammate and 11th pick last year, Marshon Lattimore.
12. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with Buffalo from Cincinnati) select: Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
4th Mock - Trade with Cleveland: 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)
This would be terrific for Indy. Ballard is in love with Edmunds and would get him even after trading down twice (Jets/Bills). He’d start immediately, and at only 19 years old could potentially grow into one of the best defenders in the league. Now on to round two, where they have five picks after the projected Bills trade.
13. Washington Redskins select: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
4th Mock: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
2nd Mock - Trade with Denver: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
1st and 3rd Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
Be aware of potential surprises here such as Guice or Vander Esch, but Minkah falling to them makes too much sense for them to pass up. To me, he’s a top seven prospect that fell due to different needs of the top franchises. That’s what happens when teams go crazy over QB’s. Washington is a perfect match though.
14. Green Bay Packers select: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
4th Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
2nd Mock: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
1st Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
The Packers seem focused on cornerbacks and edge rushers. Most believe the depth on the edge is non-existent, so they are better served starting there. Landry and Davenport were both considered here, and the Packers haven’t given any clues away. So I’ll predict Davenport based on the fact that he’s got as much or more upside than anyone in the draft.
15. Arizona Cardinals select: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
4th Mock: Derwin James (S, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
2nd Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
1st Mock: Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
If Arizona doesn’t trade up for their future franchise quarterback, Jackson is the best they will find at #15. Of course, a team could always jump ahead of them to make matters worse… Their former coach Bruce Arians has discussed Jackson being a great selection for the team, and I believe the current minds in Arizona will agree. With Bradford locked in as the starter, Jackson could sit and learn behind him. That’s ideal for him.
16. Baltimore Ravens select: Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
4th Mock: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
3rd Mock: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
1st Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
Surprised? Don’t be. Vander Esch has been trending up on draft boards for weeks. In fact, the Ravens have brought him in for a private workout. And with the recent signing of Willie Snead (in addition to Michael Crabtree and John Brown earlier this offseason), they may decide that day two is a better spot to draft a wideout, especially with the great depth at the position.
17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Kolton Miller (OT, UCLA)
4th Mock: 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)
At some point early in the draft, the Chargers will make a pick that will improve their offensive line. The way the board fell, it makes sense for that to happen now. Like Vander Esch at #16, Miller is flying up draft boards and the buzz indicates he could be the first tackle taken above McClinchey. While I don’t necessarily agree with that decision, scouts are saying his upside is higher and he’s more likely to start on the blindside. One source said he’s now a likely top 20 pick. So, I’ll bite on the rumors this time.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (via trade with Seattle) select: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
2nd and 4th Mock: Marcus Davenport (Edge, UTSA)
1st Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
The Bengals really like McGlinchey as evidenced by their 4+ meetings with him. They’ve also been trying to improve their offensive line in a big way (Glenn is one of multiple players they’d like to add). With Miller going at #17, the Bengals may want to move up three spots to secure their man. It would only cost them a fourth rounder or so. Seattle, rebuilding and without picks in the second and third rounds respectively, is a team looking to move down.
19. Dallas Cowboys select: Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
4th Mock: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
3rd Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
2nd Mock: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
1st Mock: Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
Dez is gone and they have their choice of any wide receiver in the draft they want. They’ve evaluated all the top prospects at the position, including Ridley, Sutton, and Moore. Of those three I went with Ridley because I think he fits well opposite Allen Hurns, a player they added earlier this offseason. But I wouldn’t be shocked by any of them being selected here.
20. Detroit Lions select: Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
2nd and 4th Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
1st Mock: Clelin Ferrell (Edge, Clemson)
I am torn in a lot of directions with my prediction here. Ultimately, I think they’d love to trade back, but there is not any obvious team or player that makes that likely to me. I could see them taking a running back like Guice, an edge guy like Landry, a beefy lineman for either side of the ball, or one of the top linebackers. Since a lot of teams in this part of the draft like Evans, I’m predicting they will nab him before another team does.
21. Seattle Seahawks (via trade with Cincinnati from Buffalo) select: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
4th Mock: 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)
Seattle could trade down further, but Alexander will be too enticing to pass up. He’s a draft board riser that happens to fill a huge hole after they parted ways with Richard Sherman. And to increase their amount of draft picks, look out for Earl Thomas to be traded on draft night (Dallas is a team to watch).
22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City) select: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
4th Mock: Trade with Cleveland - Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
2nd Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock: Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
The Bills got Rosen at #6, and now they get him an elite weapon with Moore. Their depth chart at wide receiver is scary bad, so this pick would be ideal.
23. New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Rams) select: Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
4th Mock (Rams): Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
2nd and 3rd Mock (Rams): Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
1st Mock (Rams): Josh Jackson (CB, Iowa)
The Patriots could go a lot of different directions here, but Jackson presents great value in my opinion. He could massively help a porous secondary (watch the Super Bowl again and you’ll understand this), especially after Malcolm Butler signed on with Tennessee.
24. Carolina Panthers select: Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
4th Mock: 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)
Jackson is another that’s quietly moving up draft boards. Carolina brought him in for a private workout, and they could add him in the wake of Breeland’s failed signing last month. For those counting at home, that’s three of four picks now at corner in this draft. That’s called a run...
25. Tennessee Titans select: Harold Landry (Edge, Boston College)
4th Mock: 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)
Watch out for a trade back here or a wide receiver, but Landry should beat out both of those options. They need to upgrade on the edge and Landry is my #2 edge rusher, and arguably the best fit for their defense. He’ll make an immediate impact and could develop into one of the best in the business.
26. Atlanta Falcons select: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
4th Mock: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
3rd Mock: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
1st and 2nd Mock: Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
I’ve consistently had the Falcons taking a defensive tackle here and that won’t change for my final mock. This pick not only fills a need, but the value is terrific. Payne could easily end up in the top twenty, so Atlanta should be thrilled. The Falcons have been pretty silent on whom they are targeting however, so this is an educated guess.
27. New Orleans Saints select: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
4th Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
They’ve scouted a ton of wideouts, but many of those were before they signed Cam Meredith to a two year deal last week. Many believe they could take a tight end, but their scouts aren’t indicating that. I know they like Hernandez, and with the running game central to their success, he makes a ton of sense.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
4th Mock: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
1st Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Reid has been linked to Pittsburgh for some time now. The need and value line up, as do the player and team. This pick is likely.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
4th Mock: Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
2nd Mock: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
1st Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
Hurst or Goedert, that is the question… I went with Hurst who is a better run blocker, which meshes well with the run-first Jags. He’ll also give Bortles a legit target at the position to replace Lewis who is no longer with the team.
30. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Minnesota) select: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
4th Mock: 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)
The last few spots in the first round are always hot commodities due to the fifth year option given to first rounders. Minnesota will gladly move down for an extra pick on day three. Cleveland would love to add a starting caliber corner if they pass on Ward in the first round. Hughes is my third ranked corner, but isn’t getting the buzz he deserves. If Cleveland is paying attention, they should nab a steal here.
31. New England Patriots select: Connor Williams (OT, Texas)
4th Mock: 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)
Whether it’s at tackle to replace Nate Solder or a move to guard that many project, Williams would help New England at a needed position. A private workout this month suggests that the Patriots may be targeting him in this spot. That is, if they don’t trade down like they’ve done so many times before.
32. Green Bay Packers (via trade with Philadelphia) select: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
3rd Mock: Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
1st and 4th Mock: Kolton Miller (OT, UCLA)
With a league high twelve picks in the draft, Green Bay has plenty of ammunition to move up at places throughout the draft. It didn’t work out earlier this round, but getting into this spot is an option up from #45. In fact, with nine picks on day three, they could create a package to move up without giving up an extra day two pick. They covet quality corners, and Oliver is the last elite option at the position.
Second Round (Final Edition)
33. Minnesota Vikings (via trade with Cleveland) select: Isaiah Wynn (OL, Georgia)
4th Mock: Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
3rd Mock - Trade with Indianapolis: Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
A tackle in college, but a guard in the NFL (most likely), Wynn is one of the better offensive lineman in the draft. That’s just what the Vikings need.
34. New York Giants select: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
Price can play guard or center, and is only available in the second round due to an injury at the combine. He’s apparently rehabbing well and could be great value for a second round team. Protecting Eli and creating holes for Barkley is something Price would do well.
35. Cleveland Browns (from Houston) select: Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
4th Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock - Trade with Minnesota: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
Some scouts have Bryan as a top 20 player, which makes this a great value pick. I personally don’t view him as that, but I like the fit with Cleveland and think it would free up their elite pass rushers (Garrett/Chubb) on the outside.
36. Indianapolis Colts select: Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
4th Mock: Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
3rd Mock: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
The Colts will gladly draft the second best running back to replace the freshly departed Frank Gore. Their strategy in the draft is simply to draft as many starters as possible. Guice was an obvious choice.
37. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets) select: Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
4th Mock: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
3rd Mock (Jets): Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
Ragnow is in the first round mix after a late charge over the last couple weeks. While the Colts have Ryan Kelly at center, he or Ragnow could slide to guard and improve over Mewhort or Slauson. Indy has needed to improve the offensive line for some time now.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
4th Mock: Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
3rd Mock: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
Jones, Chubb, Michael, Penny… These are all options to replace Doug Martin in Tampa Bay. This is the spot I think they target their guy.
39. Chicago Bears select: Lorenzo Carter (Edge, Georgia)
4th Mock - Trade with Chicago: Dallas Goedert (TE, San Diego State)
3rd Mock: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
If Carter was gone, I would have traded down. That’s something the Bears have done in the second round two years in a row. But a need as big as edge rusher, Carter fits them too perfectly to ignore. He reminds many of Leonard Floyd, his former teammate that he could reunite with in Chicago.
40. Denver Broncos select: Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
4th Mock: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
With CJ Anderson gone, Denver needs a running back badly. The second round is full of top prospects. Chubb is one of them.
41. Detroit Lions (via trade with Oakland) select: Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)
4th Mock: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
Many consider Goedert the top tight end prospect. If he falls a little, like he did here, some TE-needy team will trade up for him. With Ebron gone in Detroit, they are a likely candidate.
42. Miami Dolphins select: Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
4th Mock - Trade with Chicago: Lorenzo Carter (Edge, Georgia)
3rd Mock - Trade with New York Giants: Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
Right before New England can get him… this will be their backup plan if they don’t get a QB in the first round.
43. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) select: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
4th Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Lorenzo Carter (Edge, Georgia)
Meet the new Jimmy… and to think some thought Mason could sneak into the first round. It’s just not fair.
44. Washington Redskins select: Sony Michael (RB, Georgia)
4th Mock: Michael Gallup (WR, Colorado State)
3rd Mock: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
Some say he could fall a little due to medical concerns surrounding some bone on bone in his knee. But the Redskins brought him in for a private and feel good about him I think.
45. Philadelphia Eagles (via trade with Green Bay) select: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
4th Mock: Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
3rd Mock - Trade with Arizona: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
Here’s a thought… Let’s protect your franchise QB coming off an injury. Duh!
46. Cincinnati Bengals select: Sam Hubbard (Edge, Ohio State)
3rd and 4th Mock: Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
I love Hubbard, and think this is the steal of the draft at this point. He’s a perfect fit for the Bengals defense, and will instantly help their anemic pass rush.
47. Arizona Cardinals select: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
4th Mock: Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock - Trade with Green Bay: Brian O’Neill (OT, Pittsburgh)
I considered Sutton here also, but Kirk fits with Fitzgerald and Nelson better. The team also had him in for a private visit.
48. Los Angeles Chargers select: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
4th Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
3rd Mock - Trade with Pittsburgh: Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
With a hole at safety currently, Harrison would fill it nicely.
49. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets from Seattle) select: Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
4th Mock: Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
3rd Mock (Jets): D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
Another “best available” selection nets them a starter at a position where they lack talent (outside of Hilton). Andrew Luck appreciates this pick in a big way.
50. Dallas Cowboys select: Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
4th Mock: Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
3rd Mock: Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
If the medical staff in Dallas is a team that approves Hurst, this is a terrific pick. He’s a clear first round talent that has fallen due to medical concerns. Dallas picked Jaylon Smith a couple years ago in the second round despite red flags medically, so I’m guessing they won’t shy away here either.
51. Oakland Raiders (via trade with Detroit) select: Geron Christian (OT, Louisville)
3rd and 4th Mock: Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
They’ve evaluated quite a few tackles to improve their O-line. After trading down, Christian is in a perfect spot for them.
52. Baltimore Ravens select: Anthony Miller (WR, Memphis)
4th Mock: D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
3rd Mock: Simmie Cobbs (WR, Indiana)
After taking an elite defender in round one, Baltimore adds a needed playmaker on offense. They simply must improve their passing attack and have been aggressive this offseason in doing so.
53. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with Buffalo) select: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
4th Mock - Trade with Cleveland: Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
3rd Mock: Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
After parting ways with Hankins this offseason, the Colts need a run stuffer in the middle of their new 4-3 defense. Phillips projects as a great fit for them.
54. Kansas City Chiefs select: Tyrell Crosby (OT, Oregon)
4th Mock: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
3rd Mock: Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
This is the first selection of the draft for KC. I looked at cornerback hard as well but Crosby is nice value here.
55. Carolina Panthers select: James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
4th Mock: Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Deon Cain (WR, Clemson)
I really like Washington, and I really dislike the depth chart at wide receiver for the Panthers. They have to add someone early.
56. Atlanta Falcons (via trade with Indianapolis via trade with Buffalo from Los Angeles Rams) select: D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
4th Mock: Marcell Ateman (WR, Oklahoma State)
3rd Mock: Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
The Falcons will be aggressive if they like someone. A small trade up here gives them a replacement for Taylor Gabriel (now on Chicago).
57. Tennessee Titans select: Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
4th Mock: Cedrick Wilson (WR, Boise State)
3rd Mock: B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
After taking an edge rusher in the first round, now Tennessee can improve their linebacking corps. Another good option is wide receiver, but Atlanta’s trade took a great option off the board.
58. Indianapolis Colts (via trade with Atlanta) select: Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
4th Mock: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Edge, Oklahoma)
3rd Mock: Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Combine Ryan Kelly and the projected second round picks of Ragnow and Corbett, the Colts would have a great young core on the offensive line. The interior of the line in particular would keep Luck in the free and clear.
59. San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans) select: Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
3rd and 4th Mock: Kyzir White (S, West Virginia)
San Francisco will likely lean a different direction, but I don’t consider McKinnon an every down back. Penny could be.
60. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
4th Mock: Jamarco Jones (OT, Ohio State)
3rd Mock - Trade with Los Angeles Chargers: Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State)
They’ve been okay the last couple years at tight end, but not great. Gesicki has better upside than any current Steelers tight end.
61. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Brian O’Neill (OT, Pittsburgh)
4th Mock: Troy Fumagalli (TE, Wisconsin)
3rd Mock: Orlando Brown (OT, Oklahoma)
Another improvement to the offense as the line gets a little deeper and better.
62. Minnesota Vikings select: Arden Key (Edge, LSU)
4th Mock: James Daniels (C, Iowa)
3rd Mock: Da’Shawn Hand (DT, Alabama)
The talent Key possesses screams first rounder. But red flags will cause his fall down the board. Minnesota will end that.
63. New England Patriots select: Josh Sweat (Edge, Florida State)
4th Mock: Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
3rd Mock: Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
A draft board riser in recent weeks, he fills a need for the Patriots, at least as a rotational player. Keep an eye on the skill positions though, as New England needs an upgrade at running back (no Dion Lewis) and wide receiver (no Brandin Cooks).
64. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) select: DaeSean Hamilton (WR, Penn State)
4th Mock: Hercules Mata’afa (Edge, Washington State)
3rd Mock: Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman are great compliments for Jarvis Landry. But Gordon’s future is still murky and Coleman hasn’t really proven much yet. This is a slight reach for Hamilton, but I like him as a prospect.
That wraps it up. There are a lot of great prospects left for the third round. We’ll see lives changed over the next few days. We’ll see franchises changed as well. Enjoy the process!
By: The Sports Guys
