The 2018 NFL Draft is less than two months away and the Buffalo Bills seem likely to select a top QB. We see that and more in our latest 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 mock 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.)
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.
Free agency is underway and it has been crazy. Some teams like Cleveland, Tennessee and San Francisco have used free agency to add several playmakers. While others have been passive, opting to wait until the draft to make their big moves.
Trades will continue to be made and more deals will get done.
Mock draft 2.0 is complete. Let’s take a look at what Cleveland will do at No. 1…..
2018 NFL Draft: April 26–28
If I were running the Browns, Carlos Hyde would not deter me from taking the best player on the board. Barkley and Hyde would form a fantastic running duo.
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)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Quenton Nelson is one of the surest prospects in this class. He is big, mean and doesn’t care about you. He could immediately step in at left guard and start next to newly signed left tackle Nate Solder and turn one of the team’s biggest weaknesses into an overwhelming strength.
The Giants are ready to compete now, and taking a quarterback here would not fit along that line of thinking. By drafting Nelson, New York can get the best of both worlds by helping Eli Manning now and giving the offensive line a building block for down the road. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The signing of AJ McCarron will not be enough for this regime. It is clear, with the moves they have made, they want a quarterback from this year’s class.
At No. 3 overall, they will get their pick of the group. In this scenario, they opt to go with Josh Rosen.
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 some actions during his time at UCLA, but they are not enough to stop the Bills from betting on him.
He will get the chance to start from day one and make Bills Mafia even rowdier then they are now. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Browns get their guy. Despite trading for Tyrod Taylor earlier in the week, the team gets their franchise QB and someone to work with the talented offense the Browns are building.
Unlike Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield, there are few questions about Darnold as a prospect. His release and decision making need work, and the turnovers are questionable at times, but Darnold has a spotless off-the-field report card and on the field he has immense talent. He has all the makings of a franchise quarterback and the Browns may finally have their guy. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Buccaneers opt to trade up two spots and grab the premier pass rusher in the draft class. Chubb will bring instant production and take pressure off of Gerald McCoy.
Chubb is a clean pass rusher that demonstrates a consistent work ethic. He is always in pursuit and routinely wreaks havoc in his opponent’s backfield.
The NFC South is loaded with star quarterbacks. The Buccaneers need to make sure those quarterbacks struggle for four quarters. Chubb can immediately make an impact and help the Buccaneers make up some ground in their ultra-competitive division. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Derrius Guice and Chris Hubbard
With re-signing Josh McCown and adding Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, the Jets have a crowded quarterback room as is. However, Allen is far too talented to pass on as the Jets look for their franchise guy.
I can see Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg being released to make more room because they have shown what they are. Allen is big, strong, fast and polarizing due to his immense talent, but is he franchise quarterback material due to questions about his accuracy?
It doesn’t matter to the Jets as they pick up who they hope to be their savior. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Broncos trade back and still get their guy. Picking up an extra third-round pick will add flexibility if they want to trade back into the first round.
Some analysts believe the Broncos will take a young quarterback early. Since Case Keenum signed a two-year deal, the possibility appears to be there.
I believe they will take one in the later rounds and roll the dice on Keenum.
Taking Smith adds more time to an already dominate defense. The Broncos will look to maximize their championship window and adding Smith will do that.
They will rely on the defense to make plays while their offense will play mistake-free. It worked in the past and Elway will implement the same strategy this year. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Ronald Jones, Will Hernandez
After adding weapons upon weapons on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears elect to help out the defense by adding one of the draft’s best athletes. Denzel Ward blew up the combine by running a 4.32 40-time, recording a 39.0 vertical jump and just north of 11-feet on his broad jump.
Despite being 5-foot-10, Ward can contest on jump balls and has elite speed to recover and stick with receivers. Chicago had the No. 26 ranked pass defense in the NFL last season and could use some help keeping the team in games. Ward can offer that. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Mike McGlinchey
They are spending money on offense in free agency. The free agent pool was offense heavy so you can’t blame them.
I believe they will 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 ninth overall.
Allowing him to grow up next to Richard Sherman will help his development immensely. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Cardinals trade in front of the Dolphins to secure their quarterback of the future.
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 face of the Arizona Cardinals.
He will also get time to learn from Sam Bradford. Bradford should start the year as the guy, but don’t be surprised if Mayfield wins the job in training camp. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Dolphins will round out the run on first-round quarterbacks.
I believe Lamar Jackson will fit in well with Adam Gase’s scheme and their recent personnel moves seem to indicate they are moving to a fast-paced offense.
Signing guys like Albert Wilson and Danny Amendola, while already having Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker, likely means they are going to a spread offense.
That type of offense will allow Lamar Jackson to showcase his talents fully. If Tannehill plays poorly, it will be Jackson’s show. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Denzel Ward
The Colts trade back from No. 3 to help fill several holes on the team, and they start with one of the best athletes in the draft. Marcus Davenport is a freak of nature that is 6-foot-6, 264 pounds, and he ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Indy needs talent everywhere, and since the days of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis they have been barren at pass rusher. Davenport can play with his hand on the ground or stand up and rush from the edge in a 3-4. His immense potential and talent could certainly help a Colts defense that needs it badly. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Bradley Chubb
Washington gets a top five talent at No. 13. His inconsistency at Florida State will scare some teams off, but Dan Snyder will take a chance on him.
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 tandem of Josh Norman and Derwin James will be fun to watch in Washington.
He will be compared to Sean Taylor often and I believe it is fair. He will be a big time hitter and make a ton of plays in the stacked NFC East. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Vita Vea
This one stays the same. As the Packers add offensive help with Jimmy Graham and add Muhammad Wilkerson on defense, they need to pay attention to the secondary as well.
Mike Pettine is the new defensive coordinator in Green Bay and he likes his corners to press. Pettine will put them on an island and Jackson can certainly handle those responsibilities.
His ball skills on the outside and recovery speed will be huge for the team, especially when the competition includes Kirk Cousins, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Matt Stafford, Mitchell Trubisky, and Allen Robinson. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
After missing out on Roquan Smith, Oakland trades back and is able to still pick up some much-needed defensive help. Evans comes from a long line of Alabama linebackers that possess sure tackling abilities and the greatly elevate a defense.
The Raiders greatly need help for Khalil Mack, and Evans can come in at middle linebacker to uplift the run defense and help out in coverage if need be. Head coach Jon Gruden will love the thumping style of Evans. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Roquan Smith
The Ravens signed John Brown and Ryan Grant on the opening day of free agency, but neither are true number one receivers. Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins, and other high-profile receivers were on the market, but Baltimore had to settle for Brown and Grant.
By missing out, the Ravens turn to the draft where they can have their pick of the litter, and they go with Ridley. Blessed with speed and the ability to take the top off a defense, Ridley can step into the Mike Wallace role and help the strong armed Joe Flacco extend his career. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Courtland Sutton
The Chargers have built something special along their defensive front seven. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are sack specialists, while Denzel Perryman has demonstrated the ability to fly to the ball.
Vita Vea will be the plug in the middle that the Chargers are missing. Vea will be a luxury pick at 17 and I believe it is needed.
Philip Rivers will make plays with whoever is on the offensive side of the ball. Focusing on the defense will allow the organization to build a dominant force that will be around when Rivers retires. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Lamar Jackson
Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane are no longer with Seattle, leaving a major hole in the team’s secondary. Mike Hughes had an effective final year with UCF in their undefeated season, picking off four passes and recording 44 tackles.
Shorter than the typical Seahawk corner, Hughes tands at 5-foot-10 but has strong athletic ability with a 35.5 vertical leap and plenty of power. His attitude fits the former “Legion of Boom” and he could be a welcomed addition to a depleted secondary. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Marcus Davenport
Dez Bryant isn’t the same guy. His salary and lack of production will force the Cowboys to look for a replacement in the draft.
Sutton will slide in as the new number one receiver in a run-first offense. He can use his body to gain separation and act as the new Dez.
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will make most of the plays for Dallas, so pressure will be minimal. Sutton will be a force in the redzone and form a new version of the triplets in Dallas. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Derwin James
Ever since the retirement of Barry Sanders, the Lions have struggled to find a lead back. Enter Derrius Guice, future lead back. Guice can step in day one and be the perfect complement to Theo Riddick, more of a pass catching back.
Detroit has a very good passing attack without a run game with Matt Stafford, Marvin Jones Jr., Golden Tate, and Kenny Golladay. Adding a leading back with Guice’s talents can certainly help open up the team’s passing attack even more while providing the Lions with their first 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013 and before that, Kevin Jones in 2004. (Steve)
Previous Pick: James Daniels
The Bengals linebacking corps leaves a lot to be desired. Other that Vontaze Burfict, when he is not suspended, the group is average at best.
Vander Esch would step in day one and be the new middle backer. He will help bring stability to position that has been a revolving door as of late.
He will be aided by the stellar play of Geno Atkins and make 100+ tackles a year. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Connor Williams
The second of the two first-round picks acquired in the trade with the Bills, the Colts continue to build up their defense. Indy drafted Malik Hooker last season to improve the safety position, and their first pick in this year’s draft was to help the defensive front.
With this pick, the Colts can help bolster their linebacker position with Edmunds, a fast riser in the draft process. His ability to go sideline-to-sideline will be a welcomed addition to a weak defense and his nose for the ball will help the Colts hold a lead as they blew numerous second half leads last season. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Bradley Chubb
This would be a match made in heaven. Sean McVay is building a bully of a football team in Los Angeles and Hernandez would fit right in.
Hernandez is a nasty football player whom plays through the whistle. His play would help Todd Gurley be recognized as the best back in football.
The Rams have been aggressive on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. They should use the draft to get aggressive on offense. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Tremaine Edmunds
Guard Andrew Norwell was one of the best in the league this year, and now he plays for Jacksonville. Wynn can step right into Norwell’s spot and pick up where he left off in helping block for Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey.
Wynn is versatile where he can play both guard and center in case the Panthers see his better position there. He has experience playing tackle at Georgia, but due to his height he will most likely stay on the inside when he reaches the NFL. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Titans have secure offensive playmakers to make Mariota’s life easier. It’s time to focus on defense.
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. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Dontari Poe signed with the rival Carolina Panthers once free agency opened up and Poe will leave a large void in the middle of the Falcon’s defense. In steps Bryan who can fill that void. Bryan is big, strong and able to get a good push from the inside of the line.
Once he gets through the line he is able to chase down players with surprising speed and burst. Putting Bryan with a young core players such as Dion Jones, Vic Beasley, and Desmond Trufant could help Atlanta have a stable defense at all levels. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Da’Ron Payne
The Saints are a team that doesn’t have many needs. Drew Brees continues to play at a high level and the defense is much improved.
They will choose the best player on the board or look to trade back. In this situation, New Orleans decides to beef up their defensive line by selecting Da’Ron Payne.
Payne was a force for Nick Saban last year at Alabama. He has a great blend of run stopping ability along with pass rushing skills.
The Saints get a great player late in the first round. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Leighton Vander Esch
The Steelers have a major hole to fill with Ryan Shazier’s potential career-ending back injury. Jefferson is a gifted linebacker with size and speed. He ran a 4.52 at the combine to showcase his speed and bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times, displaying his power.
His speed would replace Shazier’s extremely well. Pittsburgh is in win-now mode because all of their talent on offense is in their prime and Big Ben isn’t getting any younger, so adding a player like Jefferson to the middle of the defense can certainly help the team reach the next level. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Rashaan Evans
The Broncos opt to trade back into round one and take the best tackle available. It’s a decision that is made to protect their investment in Case Keenum.
McGlinchey did everything he could to help Notre Dame win big games during his years on campus. He routinely blocked the opposing team’s best pass rusher and did a great job. In a weak tackle class, McGlinchey stands out as one of the best.
This move is an indication that the Broncos are all in on a championship within the next couple of years. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Ronald Jones and Will Hernandez
Kirk Cousins’ arrival in Minnesota is huge for the Vikings. After guaranteeing his entire contract, the team needs to protect their investment and the team’s best chance of reaching the Super Bowl.
Williams is one of the better tackles in this class and can be plugged in on either side of the line. The Vikings have had trouble protecting the quarterback in the past, and by adding WIlliams they are showing they are committed to establishing one of the better offenses in the league and how much they need to protect their major investment. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Billy Price
The Patriots are in a different situation than they are used to. There seems to light at the end of the tunnel. They are losing players in free agency (Dion Lewis, Nate Solder, Danny Amendola) and will look to the draft to replenish their roster.
They must first bolster their interior offensive line. Daniels is arguably the best center in the draft class and would bring great value at pick No. 31. Daniels will work with Tom Brady during his last years as the Patriots starting quarterback and make life for the next guy easier. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Trade out
Philadelphia has talent throughout their roster. Their offensive line is one of the best in football, they have a franchise QB and weapons at each position to surround him with.
The defensive line got even deeper this offseason and they recently re-signed Nigel Bradham to lock down their linebackers.
Perhaps the weakest position for the Eagles is their secondary. In the Super Bowl, their corners were beat regularity, including former Buffalo Bill Ronald Darby. (Steve)
Previous Pick: Trade out
Next: Potential trade packages to move up in the 2018 NFL Draft
The offseason has just begun and it is officially draft season. Pro-days are underway for the prospects while front offices are working on their draft boards. There will be changes made every week and we will be there to forecast it for you.