With the NFL Scouting Combine all wrapped up, it’s on to pro days. Before free agency begins, two writers take their shot at a 2018 NFL mock draft.
Fellow BuffaLowDown writer Stephen McCarthy and I are going to be conducting a weekly mock draft until draft day (April 26). By alternating picks, we will put our general manager hats on and work our draft magic.
We will consider team needs and try our best to simulate trades that would occur during the first round by using the NFL trade draft value chart. Mock drafts that simulate zero trades are unrealistic since there are always teams maneuvering the draft board early. (First Round Trades: 2017 – 6, 2016- 8.)
This draft was done with these two free agency signings in mind:
Kirk Cousins signs with the Minnesota Vikings. They make him the highest paid quarterback in the NFL.
Case Keenum signs with the Denver Broncos. They offer him a big contract to show they are committed to him in the long run and want to capitalize on their Super Bowl window.
The 2018 NFL Draft is loaded with potential playmakers on offense and game-wreckers on defense. There is not a clear No. 1 quarterback like many other years, so there will be suspense throughout.
Mock draft 1.0 is complete. Let’s take a look at what Cleveland will do at No. 1…..
Key Dates to Remember:
NFL Free Agency begins: March 14
2018 NFL Draft: April 26–28
It’s between Barkley and Quenton Nelson for the top prospect in the class. I have Barkley ranked slightly higher and I believe the Browns do as well.
Barkley would add excitement to the Cleveland franchise that clearly needs it. This strategy would allow the Browns to get the best player in draft and a top quarterback at No. 4.
Barkley’s game-breaking ability will force teams to stack the box, allowing Josh Gordon and David Njoku to run against single coverage more often.
The Cleveland Browns must not overthink this pick. Barkley will sell jerseys and help guide them to their first victory since Dec. 24, 2016. (Justin)
Quenton Nelson is one of the top prospects in the class. A mauler by nature, Nelson is great not only in pass protection, but a run blocker as well. He can slide in day one as a starting left guard for the Giants, who have had plenty of issues across their offensive line.
The Giants may decide to trade this pick, especially after they traded picks for Alec Ogletree recently. The Bills could certainly be a candidate with the team wanting to trade up for their franchise QB and the relationship between Giants GM Dave Gettleman and Bills GM Brandon Beane. (Stephen)
It’s going to be a simple strategy for the Colts. Every team in the division has a mobile quarterback (Mariota, Watson, Bortles), so Indianapolis must get a player that could limit their impact.
Bradley Chubb offers the team a defensive presence they haven’t had since Robert Mathis retired. Chubb is a clean pass rusher that demonstrates a consistent work ethic. He is always in pursuit and routinely wreaked havoc in his opponent’s backfield.
Taking Chubb at No. 3 overall will help the Colts close the gap within the division. Getting a guy that can put the ball back into Andrew Luck’s hands should be the number one priority this offseason. (Justin)
The Browns finally get their guy. Instead of taking Sam Darnold at number one, they opt to wait. The strategy pays off because they get him at No. 4. Darnold is one of the best QBs in the class, with no character issues, and all the looks of a franchise QB.
Darnold has the demeanor and calm personality that coaches seem to love and the pressures of being the savior of Cleveland’s QB woes shouldn’t bother him.
The Browns can put Darnold, Barkley, Josh Gordon, and David Njoku together to form one of the league’s youngest and most exciting offenses. (Stephen)
The Bills get their guy. It may have been costly, but the Bills finally solve the quarterback issue that has been plaguing the franchise since Jim Kelly retired in 1996.
Rosen is as polished of a quarterback as they get. His mechanics and footwork allow him to work the pocket and dissect opposing defenses. He has been called cocky based on some actions during his time at UCLA, but they are not enough to stop the Bills from betting on him.
He will start from day one and make Bills Mafia even rowdier then they are now. (Justin)
Much like the Bills, the Jets are a team that needs a franchise QB. Josh Allen has all the physical tools to be an elite QB, and had an impressive combine, showing off his rare arm strength and impressive athleticism.
One of the biggest knocks on him is what happens when he is under pressure. His accuracy and throwing platform tend to break down. He also put up pedestrian stats last year at Wyoming, but that could be due in part to a weak supporting cast.
However, the Jets should be very pleased to wait at No. 6 and take who some consider to be the best QB in the draft. (Stephen)
MAKING MOVES!!! Another team trades up to grab a franchise quarterback.
Steve Wilks will look to get his guy in his first year, no matter the cost.
Mayfield heads out west to give the Cardinals a dynamic backfield. David Johnson will be a great weapon to help Mayfield get acclimated to the talent difference in the league. The Cardinals offense can lean of Johnson until Mayfield is ready to take the reins.
Arizona is a great landing spot for Mayfield. His maturity will not be big issue in Arizona because they have veterans in place to keep him in check. Larry Fitzgerald will be a great mentor that can help him grow into the future of the Arizona Cardinals. (Justin)
The Bears could be tempted to go receiver here in an attempt to get a weapon for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky, but none warrant a top-10 pick.
Instead they select the second Notre Dame offensive lineman in the draft, Mike McGlinchey. They will need the tackle to help keep Trubisky upright and the team can use their salary cap space to sign a top receiver in free agency or trade for someone like Jarvis Landry. (Stephen)
The rush for quarterbacks allows elite players to drop.
This was a toss-up between two defensive playmakers in Fitzpatrick and Denzel Ward. Fitzpatrick got the nod due to his versatility.
I believe the 49ers will look for help on the offensive side of the ball during free agency. The free agent pool is offense-heavy and they need to continue to focus draft assets on the defensive side of the ball.
In recent years, they selected Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Solomon Thomas to build their defensive line. Now the focus must shift to the secondary. Fitzpatrick could fill in at safety or corner, so he has great value at No. 9 overall. (Justin)
This seems like a match made in heaven. Roquan Smith is regarded as one of, if not, the best linebacker in a loaded draft class.
He has the ability to diagnose plays quickly, while blending his speed and athleticism, to make those plays. Linebacker is an extremely weak position for the Raiders, especially with the recent release of Aldon Smith.
The team could use help throughout the defense, and Smith will be a welcome addition to a defense that lacks playmakers other than Khalil Mack. (Stephen)
Running a 4.32 40 helped him solidify himself as the top corner in the draft.
In this scenario, Miami misses out on grabbing a quarterback. I believe they will give Tannehill one more year to prove he is a quality quarterback. If this is how the board shakes out, they will grab the best defensive player on the board.
Denzel Ward offers them a young corner that can run and cover any type of receiver. When you are in a division with Tom Brady, you will need plenty of those guys. (Justin)
Dallas moves up to ensure Washington doesn’t their guy. Only giving up a second to move up eight spots was worth the gamble on a player like James.
Derwin James is a mix of Eric Berry and Jamal Adams. He is a physical safety that will play the run as well as he plays the pass. The Cowboys need a defensive playmaker in the secondary and James would fit that need.
His physical traits are undeniable and Rod Marinelli will have fun finding ways to use his talents. (Justin)
After missing out on James, Washington decides beef up their front seven with the best run stopper in the draft. Vea will slide into the starting nose tackle role after the Redskins opted to release veteran Chris Baker.
Washington is in the middle of a mini-rebuild. They have a decent defense that can be strengthened by Vea’s presence. The Redskins should be building a defense to stop Wentz/Ajayi and Prescott/Elliott. This pick allows them to do that. (Justin)
Josh Jackson is one of the better corners in the class, and Green Bay needs some help on the outside. Jackson has outstanding ball skills and the recovery speed necessary for an NFC North that has Matt Stafford, a young Mitchell Trubisky, and receivers like Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.
Putting Jackson in the Green Bay defense will help give Clay Matthews and Nick Perry more time to rush the passer. The Iowa product will help out a defense that will have a new defensive coordinator in 2018. (Stephen)
The Buccaneers trade back and grab a player that will fill their biggest need. With the departure of Doug Martin, Guice will slide in as the day 1 starter. His physical running style will force the defense to commit more guys to the run.
He will help with the development of Jameis Winston, and allow Mike Evans to continue to grow into one of the best receivers in the league. Guice will be a serious contender for Rookie of the Year in this scenario. (Justin)
A quality number one receiver has always been an issue for the Ravens. Steve Smith was that for them in years past, but with an aging Joe Flacco, the team needs a go-to option.
Courtland Sutton had an impressive combine and has put himself in the conversation for WR1 in this class. Pairing him with Flacco gives the team an option on the outside that can go up and get it with a 6-foot-4 frame, but also strong hands and solid route running. (Stephen)
This may be a head scratcher to some but let’s look at the facts. Philip Rivers is 36 years old and is a statue in the pocket. Rivers may continue to play at a high level for 2-3 years and that will allow Jackson to grow much like Aaron Rodgers did.
Lamar is not a finished product but I believe he could be a great NFL quarterback. This may be a luxury pick, but the Chargers are looking to sell tickets long-term in Los Angeles. Lamar Jackson could do that. (Justin)
Marcus Davenport is a freak. Men that are 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds should not run 4.58 second 40-yard dash times. Well, Davenport did.
The Seahawks agreed to trade Michael Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday and it appears they are starting to dismantle their defense. While the team had a productive tryout with Dion Jordan last year, the team needs to get younger and cheaper at the position. Adding an athlete like Davenport could be similar to the Lions drafting Ziggy Ansah several years ago. (Stephen)
The Bengals offense struggled last season, and that is due in part to the play of their offensive line. Long time left tackle Andrew Whitworth left in free agency last offseason to protect Jared Goff in Los Angeles. The Bengals failed to find his replacement.
Moving back to acquire picks allows the Bengals to draft more players and help build a roster that is in desperate need of improvement. By taking Connor Williams, Cincinnati can find their next left tackle or shore up the right side for the time being. (Stephen)
Detroit has had issues protecting Matthew Stafford and opening holes for their running game. James Daniels could help fix both of those issues as he can play both guard and center. He would help the team get younger up front and could be a starter from day one.
Billy Price from Ohio State could have also been selected here, but his torn pectoral muscle at the combine has bumped him down the list. (Stephen)
With Keenum signing with Denver in this mock, the Broncos will look to keep him secure and try to recapture the magic of Minnesota. The Vikings had stellar offensive line play and a dynamic run game. The Broncos will copy that with their two picks.
Ronald Jones will bring the burst to the Denver offense that it rarely showed last year. Anderson and Booker did their best, but neither are as talented as Jones. It may be a reach, but he is a back that fits their system and can give Denver a home-run threat they haven’t had in years. (Justin)
After their trade with the Bills, the Broncos fall back to No. 22 with their second pick and take Hernandez. Like Quenton Nelson, Hernandez is a mauling guard who plays much like Richie Incognito.
Denver has had issues in years past with protecting their quarterbacks and have had several players take turns along the line. Hernandez could pair with 2017 first-round pick Garett Bolles to provide a youthful punch on the left side of the line for Denver. (Stephen)
The Rams offense is dynamic. Their defense is short a pass rusher and a linebacker due to the recent trades of Alec Ogletree and Robert Quinn. They opt to grab an elite talent in Edmunds that can fill the void left by either player.
He would be a great fit for a 3-4 team, but Wade Philips will find ways to use him. As one of the top defensive minds in football, Phillips will make sure a talent like Edmunds will be utilized to the max to ensure the Rams defense is as dangerous as its offense. (Justin)
Free agent Andrew Norwell is considered one of the best guards in the NFL and a free agent for the Panthers. He should expect big money on the open market, unless the team franchise tags him. With the uncertainty of Norwell’s future with the team, the Panthers could elect to find his immediate replacement in Isaiah Wynn.
Wynn could step right in and play tackle, guard, or center in the NFL, but his best position would be on the inside due to his stature at 6-foot-2. He could be an immediate fill-in for Norwell, or help at center to provide the team some depth up front. (Stephen)
Mike Vrabel is a defensive guy. He understands to be successful in the NFL you need to have plenty of pass rushers. The Titans will select Landry to help add youth to their pass rush. Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo aren’t getting any younger and are great veterans that can help Landry along with his development.
The Titans will look for offensive help later because Landry’s pass rushing ability would be a great value at No. 25. (Justin)
Atlanta has several young players on defense and should continue building their young nucleus. Payne is next in a long line of talented Alabama defensive lineman that are NFL-ready.
Payne could step right in and be the replacement for free agent Dontari Poe, who will command big money on the open market. Along a front seven that has talents such as Deion Jones, Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett, and Brooks Reed, Payne would fit in nicely to a defense that is on the rise. (Stephen)
The Saints need to find their future signal-caller on both sides of the ball. With the top 5 quarterbacks gone early, the Saints will sprint to the podium to select a top linebacker.
Vander Esch is Frankenstein’s monster. Vander Esch is a coach’s dream with his effort on every play. His blend of size and speed can give New Orleans a presence in the middle they haven’t had since Jonathan Vilma. Vander Esch can help the Saints defense with his relentless motor and can go head to head with a guy like Cam Newton. (Justin)
Star middle linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered an unfortunate spinal injury last season and his return to football may never happen.
We saw what life was like without Shazier in the playoffs, and they desperately need to find a replacement. Like Payne, Rashaan Evans comes from the Alabama family of defensive game-wreckers. He is another plug and play linebacker and could step in and help fill the Steelers’ void at the position. (Stephen)
Gesicki is not the top tight end in this class. Jacksonville does not care about that because they are trying to build a team that is bigger and faster than their opponents.
Gesicki was clearly the most athletic tight end in the class and the Jaguars took notice. He will offer Blake Bortles a matchup nightmare in the middle to go along with their deep receiving core.
He will have to work on his run blocking to be a constant presence on the field. (Justin)
The Vikings have struggled along the line over the past several seasons. Last year, they were able to improve in areas, but the improvements need to continue.
Despite tearing his pec at the combine, Billy Price is one of the best center/guard talents in the draft. Minnesota could use upgrades at both positions, and Price will return in the next several months and could step in right away to help Kirk Cousins. (Stephen)
I have a weird feeling that the Buccaneers will be major players in draft night trading. They will trade back into round one to get their guy, rather than waiting until pick No. 38.
Tampa has put a great emphasis on the defensive side of the ball in recent drafts. However, they have neglected the defensive line in the draft. Other than Noah Spence (24), their defensive line is one of the oldest in the league. Hubbard will provide them with a spark plug that plays hard every snap. (Justin)
Chicago sneaks back into the first round to address their receiving need by trading up seven spots and offering up a fourth.
Ridley is a speedy, gifted receiver that could take the top off a defense. Trubisky could use a weapon to help take the pressure off the run game and get his go-to guy.
Moving back up into the first round ensures the Bears don’t have to wait until pick No. 39 overall and they grab one of the best receivers in the class. (Stephen)
The offseason has just begun. The excitement of free agency is right around the corner and many surprising transactions are going to take place. Next week’s mock draft could be vastly different depending how teams attack free agency.
Next: Where the Bills roster can be improved
Do you agree with the picks? Is there a prospect that fell too far?