Welcome to the 2018 NFL mock draft. The big night, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas is now upon us. What will happen at Jerry’s World/The DeathStar? Our best projections follow below.
With only 32 picks to go around, yes, there will be a guy or two that you feel very strongly should be a first rounder, but got left out. Sorry, but it’s inevitable. Also, many of you will strongly disagree with the projections here, and with the write-ups, but try to be respectful about it in the comments section.
That’s what the comments section is for! Just keep it above board and professional in your criticism.
There is no need for name calling; be the adult in the room as you voice your disagreement. We appreciate your passion and interest, but keep it clean.And seriously, how empty and meaningless is your life that you would feel the need to brutally insult someone over a mock draft projection?
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1. Cleveland Browns, Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Almost everybody seems to believe that Darnold will be a top three pick, including Adnan Virk, host of College Football Final, who joined our podcast this season. You can hear him assess Darnold and some of the other brand name stars in college football over at this link.
Yes, the Brownies are once again looking for a signal caller, and are once again probably going to be picking up at the top of the draft. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
2. New York Giants, Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Penn State coach James Franklin articulated the selflessness and team-oriented philosophy of Saquon Barkley. “He’s never once asked for the ball more, never asked for more touches, never fussed at the offensive line,” said Franklin.
“Never fussed at the coaching staff, he’s an unselfish guy that gets the big picture in a circumstance that most guys wouldn’t. A lot of attention and focus on Saquon Barkley right now, but his attention and focus is on the team.”
This is a guy that we have interviewed many times and written about extensively; for good reason. Go here for more on him. Barkley put up 29 bench press reps, second to only DL Kylie Fitts of Utah among combine attendees under 270 pounds. Barkley, who also ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and had a 41-inch vertical, is 43 pounds lighter than Fitts. Go here for more on his monster combine.
In a just world, he’d be the first pick overall. Hey, #2 isn’t bad though.
3. New York Jets via Indianapolis, Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Comedic legend, N.Y. Jets fan and L.A. resident Larry David wants his team to pick Rosen over Darnold, or anybody else for that matter, and it looks like it might actually happen now. L’Chaim!
4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans), Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
With a quarterback in place the Browns can go best player available, and at this slot, Chubb is the only franchise type prospect still available.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Chubb is flexible to different schemes, and he provides good quickness for a defensive end his size. Think a Joey Bosa type, but maybe even better. He is poised to be the first non-QB off the boards.
5. Denver Broncos, Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
For the Notre Dame player NFL Draft mocksourcing go to this link
In 2017, Brian Kelly finally went against his traditional pass happy ways and overly committed to the run game. Why? Well, with two future NFL studs on the left side of the offensive line, it only made perfect sense to base the offense around the rushing attack, and one that plays to the teams strengths.
“Q is a dominant leader, last year we all fed off of him. His play speaks for itself,” said Notre Dame Tight End Alize Mack. “You can put the film on and you can see the same guy every week, he’s going to have a very successful career in the NFL.”
Go here for more on the Notre Dame players in this year’s NFL Draft class.
6. Indianapolis Colts via NYJ, Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
He’s a tackling machine, who can also be a disruptor in the opposing offensive backfield, and also drop back into coverage. Smith brings a ton to the table.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Derwin James SS, Florida State
An electric prospect who will be wanted by any team with a need to shore up their pass defense. The Niners need a new lead edge rusher, or at least should prepare for that situation, cuz it’s coming, but we think they’ll address that in free agency.
8. Chicago Bears, Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio St
Go here for the Bears NFL Draft mocksourcing
Bears are a complete mess, they just need players period. Ward, in his first season as a starter, was a consensus All-American. He led OSU with 15 pass break-ups and 17 total passes defended (two interceptions and 15 PBUs).
He also contributed 37 tackles, including 30 solo stops. Ward participated in Cotton Bowl prep practices, and left his decision on playing open until game day. He declined, but in practicing, he helped the younger cornerbacks in the program. The Buckeyes routed USC just fine without him anyway. Also, Ward had a monster combine- go here for more on that.
OSU rivaling Bama and LSU when it comes to producing “succeed and proceed” early entry players these days.
9. San Francisco 49ers, Vita Vea, DT, Washington
The combine really hurt this guy, but he still remains a hot prospect, and his stock obviously didn’t suffer too much. Vea excels at clogging up the middle; he’s got great potential to be an excellent run stuffer at the the next level.
10. Oakland Raiders, Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama
By far the biggest disappointment of the season, the Raiders have been a major let down on every level. Lots of needs to address but why not start with their awful pass defense. Bama blue chip may not even last this long. He’s a prospect that could fit in with almost any team.
11. Miami Dolphins, Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Dolphins might be wise to select QB in first round, because this draft class has more depth at the position than previous editions. Head coach Adam Gase said Ryan Tannehillhas progressed well from his left knee injury and that he will be the starter in 2018. However, this is a good time to grab an insurance policy, with a prospect like Allen potentially being available.
He didn’t have the greatest combine, and there are plenty of questions about his accuracy and arm strength, but he’s still a blue chip prospect- one that many believe might even go #1 to Cleveland.
12. Buffalo Bills, Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
It goes without saying that AJ McCarron, Joe Webb and Nathan Peterman are not the answer.
The reigning Heisman trophy winner killed it during the passing drills at the combine, but we all knew that was going to happen. The main concerns for Mayfield related to character, as he’s an individual who actually expresses strong opinions in public and showcases his colorful personality. The NFL, typically wants to no part of anybody like that, and instead prefers vanilla corporate types.
As we all know, corporate culture=absence of any culture, but Mayfield reportedly aced the interviews so he successfully alleviated this concern. Go here for more on Mayfield’s combine.
13. Washington Redskins, Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech
Edmunds is a quick, instinctive player with good length, and a ridiculous athlete who should succeed at the next level at either the Mike or Will.
14. Green Bay Packers, Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Could step in right away and get major playing time. He’s a play-making ballhawk, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Jackson led the nation (tied with two other players) in interceptions with seven.
15. Arizona Cardinals, Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Sutton really should be the first wideout off the boards, not Ridley, and the underwear Olympics last week likely solidified that.
16. Baltimore Ravens, Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
As good a time as any to address the issues plaguing what might be the NFL’s worst passing offense. Yes, they brought in a couple of receivers in free agency, and thus I really wanted to do a pick change here, but ultimately decided to stay put…for now. No doubt we’ll likely end up making a few changes between now and the end of April.
Ridley didn’t have the best combine possible, but he’s still a blue chip. Go here for more on that.
17. Los Angeles Chargers, Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
For the Notre Dame player NFL Draft mocksourcing go to this link
Tackle is a position that has been mocked to the Chargers in many a mock draft, and McGlinchey at this point would be a steal. In 2017, Brian Kelly finally went against his traditional pass happy ways and overly committed to the run game. Why? Well, with two future NFL studs on the left side of the offensive line, it only made perfect sense to base the offense around the rushing attack, and one that plays to the teams strengths.
“Big, physical smart, knows the game, technique. Not afraid to turn down the challenge, and I think that’s going to translate well in the NFL,” said Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack of McGlinchey.
“Having the knowledge of the game and being under (former Offensive line coach Harry) Heistand one of the greatest offensive line coaches in the country in the my opinion. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Go here for more on the Notre Dame players in this year’s NFL Draft class.
18. Seattle Seahawks, Harold Landry, DE, Boston College
Scouts from several NFL teams came to DeKalb to see Landry in action against NIU, and for good reason. Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey on facing Landry: “He’s good. I don’t know where the NFL scouts have him ranked, but for us this is like Bosa when we faced him at Ohio State. He can single-handedly disrupt an offensive game plan, and we have got to know where he is.”
Landry had a blockbuster combine, go here for more on that and go here for more on Landry.
19. Dallas Cowboys, Arden Key, OLB/DE, LSU
You’ll see many a 2018 NFL mock draft mocking somebody in the middle of the defense to the Boys and there’s plenty of reason for that. Key comes with a lot of baggage, it’s true. He may be a stretch to go in the first round, but his talent and versatility is undeniable. Key is suited to multiple systems and positions.
He might be a good fit for the Cowboys too as Jerry Jones has already shown absolutely no qualms about taking in very troubled players with severe off-the-field issues.
Go here for more on the LSU prospects in this class
20. Detroit Lions, Marcus Davenport, OLB, UTSA
There are some, perhaps you could even say “many,” who believe that Davenport is essentially the second best pass rushing prospect in this class behind Chubb.
WILD CARD ROUND LOSERS
21. Cincinnati Bengals, Billy Price, OL, Ohio State
You have to listen to our audio with Price, he’s just as fun to do interviews with as he is to watch dominate opposing defenders. Price is funny, witty, down to earth and oh, also a dominator in both pass blocking and run blocking.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs), Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
For more on the LSU prospects in this draft, go here.
23. New England Patriots (via Los Angeles Rams), Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Go here for the Patriots NFL Draft mocksourcing
Even with workhorse back Leonard Fournette on the field his sophomore year, Guice still managed to put up 1,387 rushing yards.
He may not have had quite as eye-catching a junior year by the numbers, but Guice is still far and away one of the best running backs – and athletes – of this class. The quality that sets him apart so much is his ability to “run angry.”
Go here for more on the LSU prospects in this class.
24. Carolina Panthers, Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Hernandez is a fast rising prospect, due to an excellent Senior bowl and stellar Combine.
DIVISIONAL ROUND LOSERS
25. Tennessee Titans, Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Fills a need and a tremendous value at the same time.
26. Atlanta Falcons, Taven Bryant, DT, Florida
Falcons need to shore up this position group and Bryant is a guy who can play anywhere on the DL.
27. New Orleans Saints, Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Has the measurables and skill set, but there are some concerns medically.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers, Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Mocking a LB to the Steelers, it’s a tradition unlike any other.
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP LOSERS
29. Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
There’s not a team in the NFL that would turn down more pass defense help from blue chip prospects like these- whether it be back in the secondary, or up front in the pass rush.
30. Minnesota Vikings, Connor Williams, G/T, Texas
You’ll see an OL mocked to the Vikes in many a 2018 NFL mock draft, and there’s a good reason for that. Williams will be the best around when Minnesota is on the board.
SUPER BOWL TEAMS
31. New England Patriots, Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Go here for the Patriots NFL Draft mocksourcing
Time to start thinking about Tom Brady’s eventual successor. He is on the other side of 40 now, after all.
32. Philadelphia Eagles, Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
For the Notre Dame player NFL Draft mocksourcing go to this link
“That’s my boy, we’re close, it’s crazy to see how his career has progressed, from playing with him in high school, coming to the same college…great hands, great speed, he’s always looking to get better and grow,” said Notre Dame Tight End Alize Mack.
Go here for more on the Notre Dame players in this year’s NFL Draft class.
This 2018 NFL mock draft is listed on several mock draft databases including Walter Football, DC Pro Sports Report, Fantasy Football Toolbox and Eat, Drink, Sleep Football.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
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