National Fanatic 2018 Mock Draft 2.0
By James Fedewa 4/13/18 @jamfed
We can all assume that the top four quarterback prospects in the draft could go within the top five picks. And the first three picks could all be quarterbacks; assuming the Browns take Darnold, Giants take Rosen and Jets take Mayfield. Which takes us back to the Browns forth pick, who might be available and what IF they did not draft a quarterback with their first pick? Rumor has it that Josh Allen is who the Browns prefer, so what if the Browns can get Allen at #4? …then the Browns may as well draft their other “top prospect” with the first pick:
Please, let me know what you think:
| Pick |
Team |
Player |
|
| 1 |
CLEVELAND BROWNS |
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State |
For most of draft season, quarterback Sam Darnold has been expected to the #1 overall pick by the Browns, but it is all a smoke-screen. The Browns have been “bluffing” with the Darnold selection all along, and the Browns go all-in with defensive end Bradley Chubb. Having the first and fourth overall draft picks in this draft gives the Browns a major “bluff tool” and wildcard. GM John Dorsey knows how to play the draft game and he will certainly play it and be unpredictable, starting with his first selection as the new Browns GM. Chubb is the best overall draft pick in this draft, plays a premium position and starts draft-day chaos. |
| 2 |
NEW YORK GIANTS |
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA |
Eli Manning has at least two more solid years in NYC (& the NFL). The Giants rarely have a pick this high, which is the ideal time to find Eli’s replacement. With Manning still driving the car in 2018, there is no rush to start Rosen either, which will give him time to learn under Manning. Rosen could also serve the “Brees-Effect” to Eli’s carrier as well (as Drew Brees did not flourish in the NFL until Philip Rivers became a San Diego Charger; then Brees became All-Pro). Rosen is the best quarterback and best passer in this draft, and “best” (Rosen) gets drafted before “potential” (Darnold) – investment pick – Saquon Barkley could be the selection here too, but running back at #2 is too high. Giants should trade down if they are considering Barkley |
| 3 |
NEW YORK JETS |
Sam Darnold, QB, USC |
The twenty-year-old and red-shirt sophomore, Sam Darnold, goes to the New York Jets. Darnold’s still-set, toughness and youth make him a premier QB prospect and will have a year or two of learning behind Josh McCown. Darnold does very well moving around in the pocket and at improv, but his throwing motion windup and high turnover problems make him not the #1 overall pick. Expect Bryce Petty to be traded, but Christian Hackenberg could stick around for one more season. Do not expect Darnold to play in 2018, as this is an investment pick. |
| 4 |
CLEVELAND BROWNS |
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming |
The Browns gambled with their future QB (with Chubb at #1 overall) but still get their desired QB at #4. Josh Allen needs at least 1 or 2 years of learning the pro-game, and he will probably not even suit up in 2018 (learning from vets QB’s Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton). Allen has the biggest arm and highest ceiling out of any of the first round QB’s, but he is high risk/high reward. Good pick. If Darnold is available at this spot, then Allen was already selected and Darnold would be the selection here. |
| 5 |
DENVER BRONCOS |
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State |
The Broncos signed quarterback Case Keenum in free agency, which makes drafting a quarterback less of a priority (at least in the 1st round). The Broncos drafts the best overall player in running back Saquon Barkley, which changes the entire feel of the Denver offense. Elway could go with Baker Mayfield or Lamar Jackson in this spot, but they are not Elway types of QB’s (Big Pocket Passers, like Brock and Paxton). I just cannot picture John Elway drafting a guard, like Quentin Nelson, with a top 5 pick. |
| 6 |
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS |
Quentin Nelson, G, Notre Dame |
The Colts trade down, get three extra second round picks & get the player they were targeting all along. Offensive guards are rarely considered “generational talent” but he is very good blue-chip blue collar player (plus he is a 330 lbs. Taekwondo champion). Protect Luck is the best option at this point is probably the best idea. Drafting a guard is never a sexy pick, but Indy needs as many blue-chippers as possible. DE Marcus Davenport would also be an excellent selection here too. |
| 7 |
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS |
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State |
The Buc’s need improvement in their secondary and only a cornerback is worthy of the first DB selected in this draft. Ward will be a lock-down outside CB for years to come and the Buc’s secondary looks very formidable with this addition. (Fitzpatrick could also be the selections here… but it is defiantly a DB – good CB’s are harder to find & are more expensive than any FA safety) |
| 8 |
CHICAGO BEARS |
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA |
Davenport performed remarkably at the Senior Bowl, and did outstanding at the combine. He has rare tools and size you look for in an edge pass rusher and he will be a great one. A wide receiver could also be a good target here, but at #8 could be a little too early for under-sided Ridley. Look for a wide receiver to be drafted in the 2nd round, like |
| 9 |
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS |
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama |
The 49ers need improvement in their secondary and Fitzpatrick might be the best DB in this years draft. Fitzpatrick is so fluid, he could possibly be converted into a cornerback, paired nicely with Richard Sherman, but he can certainly start as a FS or Nickel. Lining Fitz up anywhere in the San Francisco secondary is an improvement. Richard Sherman achilles’ (both) cannot be trusted, so DB is a necessity. (Isaiah Oliver could be chosen here too) |
| 10 |
OAKLAND RAIDERS |
Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado |
Size Matters, especially in what the Raiders want in their cornerbacks. The Raiders only have one notable CB on their current roster (last year’s first round pick: Gareon Conley), and this is a pure NEED pick. Oliver has very long arms, elite size, length and speed. Oliver is better than you think, and this is a pure Gruden pick. Gruden should trade-down with whomever wants Lamar Jackson or Baker Mayfield, if they are still available. Derwin James is also available here, but the Raiders already have two young safeties and not enough cornerbacks |
| 11 |
MIAMI DOLPHINS |
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville |
What would Adam Gase do with this pick? He is the quarterback whisperer, right? He can take potential and turn it into quality, right? However, Tannehill has the potential, but over the last two seasons, he just does not have the knee to stay on the field. Tannehill has not turned the corner. Miami is going to try something completely different and Lamar Jackson is going to change the Miami quarterback position. Derwin James could be the pick here, but what if Tannehill gets hurt again? Who do they have next in line? |
| 12 |
BUFFALO BILLS |
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma |
Mayfield’s lack of height (and cocky attitude) will cause him to slide out of the top 10. He is accurate and he does show is passion, but he is still undersized. The last 6′ QB to be drafted in the first round was Johnny Manziel, but JFF’s combine and pro-day were phenomenal. Both Manziel and Mayfield did win the Heisman, but they are two completely different players… Mayfield could slide a bit in this draft, just like Drew Brees, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and even Jake Plumber – who were all very good 2nd round draft picks (none of whom were very tall). Feels like Doug Flutie 2.0 – Buffalo will not have to trade up to get their desired QB. I still think this is way too early for an undersized quarterback. |
| 13 |
WASHINGTON |
Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville |
SPEED! Alexander lit up the combine with 4.38 40-yard dash and the ‘Skins needs some speed in their secondary. Defensive Lineman would be a good selection here too, but 4.38 DB speed is just too too pretty (speedster WR John Ross in 2017 with 9th overall). Losing Kendall Fuller (in the Alex Smith trade) is a big blow. DT Vita Vea could be the selection here too. |
| 14 |
GREEN BAY PACKERS |
Derwin James, S, Florida State |
James is very fluid, smooth and a big hitter, he is an instant upgrade for the Packers defense. Green Bay could be targeting a cornerbacks or edge pass rushers with this pick, but at this point in the draft, James is best DB prospect. Josh Jackson would also be an excellent selection here too. |
| 15 |
ARIZONA CARDINALS |
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame |
The Cards signed Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon in the offseason. Both seem like temp/stopgap quarterbacks. But regardless of who is playing quarterback or running the ball, the Cards need offensive line work more than anything. McGlinchey stays put at left tackle in Arizona, to protect the classic pocket passers (meaning statuesque). AZ will not trade up for one of the top tier QB’s, as they do have some other holes to fill. Calvin Ridley would be a good selection here too. |
| 16 |
BALTIMORE RAVENS |
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama |
The Ravens and Joe Flacco need some quality wideouts and Ridley looks like an Ozzie Newsome type of selection. Crabtree was an excellent pickup in free agency, but he is more of a possession type receiver now and Perriman has not done much. WR depth is the top priority, and Ridley would be epic in the slot. If Lamar Jackson is available with this pick, they would scoop him up in a second. |
| 17 |
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
Tremaine Edwards, LB, Virginia Tech |
Linebackers in the first round are very rare. And if they are drafted in the first round, they have either elite speed (Darron Lee / Ryan Shazier 34ILB) or tremendous playmaking ability (Luke Kuechly 43MLB). Tremaine Edwards has both speed, playmaking ability, and elite size (6′ 5″ 250). He can play inside or outside, and can turn this Chargers defense into a multi-level powerhouse. Tremaine is very raw, but he is an athletic freak and a great 1st round LB talent, based on athletic freakiness. Day one starter at Strongside linebacker. DT Vita Vea or Offensive Tackle could also be the selection here. |
| 18 |
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS |
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa |
Jackson has tremendous upside, can be an elite pro CB and should go sooner than #18 (but a timing error occurred at the combine changed his unofficial clocked time). Last season, Jackson led the nation in interceptions (8), passed defensed (26) with two interception/touchdowns. |
| 19 |
DALLAS COWBOYS |
Vita Vea, DT, Washington |
Vea has the size and anchor of a classic nose-tackle, with the speed, power and pass-rush of a 3-tech DT. Best DT prospect in the draft and the Cowboys pounce again in the first round for DL needs. Vea can go as early at #10 to the Raiders, but watching Danny Sheldon get traded from Cleveland (for a ham sandwich) shows the NFL’s current value of first round nose-tackles. Vea is better than #19. *Now that Dez Bryant has been released, WR Courtland Sutton would also be a good fit here. Dak did not know how to use Dez properly, so a new WR1 might not be a top priority. |
| 20 |
DETROIT LIONS |
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia |
Detroit parted ways with linebackers Whitehead and Levey, which is now a position of need. Smith is a game changer and a wonderful addition to the Lions defense. RB Derrius Guice, could be a great selection here to, but a big running back was already picked up in free agency (Blount). Quality RB’s can drafted in later rounds. Matt Patricia will have fun with his new defensive tackling machine with Roquan Smith. |
| 21 |
CINCINATTI BENGALS |
Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan |
Hurst looks like a terrific 3-tech DT draft prospect and should go a lot higher, but an irregular heartbeat will cause his draft stock to slip a bit. Cincy needs some youth in the D-Line and Hurst could be the best pass rushing 3-Tech defensive tackle in this years draft. Geno Atkins is not getting any younger and the whole D-line needs some new additions. |
| 22 |
BUFFALO BILLS |
Connor Williams, OT, Texas |
Cordy Glen was traded and Richie Incognito is retiring, which leaves the Bills offensive line nearly vacant. The whole left side is basically gone, and Connor Williams could possibly play either LG or LT position. The Bills should draft a game changing defender here, but their defense looks OK on paper, and their offense has lost its identity completely (including Tyrod Taylor being traded). With the Bills drafting Baker Mayfield earlier, pairing him back with his previous blindside protector LT Orlando Brown could also be a possibility here too (but he could also be around in the second round). |
| 23 |
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS |
Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College |
The Patriots lost several free agents this offseason and there seems to be holes though-out the starting lineup. However, Bill Belichick usually drafts round pegs to fill those round roster holes. Finding the 2nd best edge rusher at #23 is certainly Patriot luck/ Landry looked great at the Senior Bowl but he is a little lean for a 4-3 defensive end. However, he is a good pass rusher, which is every teams want. Left tackle (Connor Williams) or cornerback (Mike Hughes) could also be targets here. Do not expect Belichick to reach on a QB. |
| 24 |
CAROLINA PANTHERS |
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
|
Ever since Josh Norman left in free agency a couple years ago, Carolina have been looking for cornerbacks. Hughes slides a bit at #24 as he has excellent upside. Hughes’ extra bonus here is his special-teams ability, as he is a potential pro-bowl punt returner too. |
| 25 |
TENNESSEE TITANS |
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida |
Mike Vrabel is looking for his version of J.J. Watt and Teven Brayan is this years potential prospect. Bryan is a nice fit at a 5-tech DE, and he can play inside and outside in the nickel, so he is quite versatile along the defensive line. The Titans could also be targeting an edge OLB as well, like Adren Key (who might be more of a gamble). |
| 26 |
ATLANTA FALCONS |
Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama |
Alabama is the DT factory and Payne can unleash the pain for the Falcons D-Line. Dontari Poe has left in free agency, so finding another DT to pair with Grady Jarrett is a solid pick. Payne (at this spot) is a really good value and he could go as early as #17. |
| 27 |
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS |
Arden Key, LB, LSU |
Adren Key has character issues, but he too good to pass. He does have some character issues, which are a little overblown. Seems like the Saints defensive line consists of four 5-tech defensive tackles, so some pass-rush diversity is needed here. Key is a great gamble here and a great contrast in what the Saints currently have. His bend and pass rushing ability is a work of art and he could develop into a top pass rusher quickly. |
| 28 |
PITTSBURGH STEELERS |
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama |
Welcome Ryan Shazier’s replacement. Evans is more of a thumper at ILB, vs. a speed guy like Shazier, but he is also very mulit-dimensional and can play every LB position in a 3-4. He is a thinker, very cerebral and a quality leader. He could go as early as #16 |
| 29 |
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS |
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU |
Jacksonville’s wide receivers need some new talent and lot of help, but so does the quarterback play. Mason Rudolph could be an excellent selection here too. Sutton is a big WR and looks like he can develop into a WR1. |
| 30 |
MINNESOTA VIKINGS |
Isiah Wynn, G, Georgia |
The Vikings spent a lot of money on free agent offensive tackles last offseason, yet the O-Line still needs to improve. |
| 31 |
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS |
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma |
Bill Belichick studies players and game tape, and drafts players based on players abilities, not combine statistics. Brown’s poor combine numbers have nothing to do with his outstanding game tape and pass protection skills (zero sacks allowed in 2017). LT Nate Solder left in free agency and currently there is no blindside protector for TB12. QB Mason Rudolph could be the selection here too (as him and Brady have the same cleft chin). |
| 32 |
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES |
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU |
RB Jay Ajayi could be an excellent feature running back, but his knee is not exactly reliable. And with Blount, Sproles and Barner all leaving the team, RB is an extreme position of need. Guice can make running back a position of strength for this team. |
Posted on April 13, 2018, in NFL. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
National Fanatic 
I doubt the Bucs will take Ward. The RB,Chubb, & Nelson gone, they will look to trade down.But I think 4 QB’s will go top 6.
Lots of reaches here. The Browns will take a QB 2, no doubt
meant @!
Yes, overall, the Browns will probably take a QB @ 1.
Q: Which picks do you see as “reaches”?
I don’t see the following prospects going in the first round that you have listed as such: Isaiah Oliver, Maurice Hurst, Josh Jackson, and Orlando Brown. Oliver may go round 2, as will Hurst and Jackson. Brown may be Day 3.
And if the Browns take a DE overall @1 and then what most of the people I know the most sure-fire bust in Allen @4 then nothing will have chnged in Cleveland.