We are just under a month away from the 2018 NFL Draft and the moves have begun to happen. It is a talented quarterback class and it is reflected in mock draft 3.0 where there are plenty of deals inside the top 10, including one made by the Buffalo Bills.
Typically, fellow BuffaLowDown contributor Justin Baumann is the author of our mock draft series, but this week I am taking over. We alternate picks with Justin taking odds and myself taking evens.
Each week we take into consideration moves that are being made around the NFL and what teams need. We also project trades that we think may take place, including ones that don’t involve the Buffalo Bills.
This year’s draft is loaded within the top 10. Four quarterbacks could easily go inside the top 10, pushing some of the best talent down even further and thus causing more and more teams to attempt to move up. Quarterback-needy teams will be fighting to get into the top five, especially after the New York Jets jumped from No .6 to No. 3 last weekend.
With the New York Giants trading Jason Pierre-Paul, it creates even more uncertainty at No. 2 overall. They could trade up or take one of several elite players in this class.
This is mock draft 3.0, and you can find mock 1.0 here and mock 2.0 here.
With all of the information in front of us, the Cleveland Browns are now on the clock.
The amount of teams trying to get a top quarterback will scare the Browns into making this selection. I have been placing Barkley in this spot for some time, but I believe Cleveland won’t want to miss out on their QB.
Darnold will have to compete with Tyrod Taylor for the starting position. If Darnold gets the starting nod, he will have quality weapons in Josh Gordon, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku and Carlos Hyde.
He has a chance to end the quarterback drought that has plagued Cleveland for some time. Darnold will be a Pro-Bowl-quality quarterback if his coaching staff doesn’t let him down (looking at you, Hue). (Justin)
Previous Pick: Saquon Barkley
With the Jets trading up to three, the Bills’ hand has been forced for them. In order to ensure they are able to get the guy they want, they have to get as high up as they can. This move to acquire Rosen is not just one move, but two.
Dropping from No. 2 to No. 12 would be a steep drop for the Giants, so the Bills make two moves to get up and entice the Giants further. Buffalo can move from No. 12 to No. 6 with the Colts so Indianapolis can acquire more picks to rebuild their roster, and then take No. 6 to get to No. 2 so the Giants don’t miss out on an immediate impact player.
I have said it time and time again, I love Josh Rosen. I firmly believe he is the best quarterback in this class and can make a major impact for the next decade-plus. I also think he is the Bills’ top target and they will do what it takes to get him. He can be the next great quarterback for this franchise, something they have lacked for decades. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
QB-QB-QB. Are they the best three players in the draft? No. This mock just shows how desperate teams are to find their franchise quarterback.
The Jets traded three second-round picks to move up three spots. The move helps them secure their guy in Josh Allen. Allen has become a hot commodity because of his size, mobility and rifle of an arm. He is being compared to Cam Newton, but I don’t see that. Cam was more accurate and a better runner.
Allen will need time to transition to the NFL where accuracy is a necessity. If Allen can sit behind McCown or Bridgewater, he has the potential to be the best quarterback in the class. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Chubb is an elite pass-rushing talent and the best one in this class. Pairing him with the No. 1 pick from last season in Myles Garrett could create a devastating one-two punch for the Browns on defense.
Locking up their quarterback at No. 1 allows Cleveland to do several things with this pick. They can trade out so a QB-needy team can move up, or they can take the best player available to build up their roster. Saquon Barkley is surely an option here, but the Browns just signed Carlos Hyde and need to help the defensive side of the ball. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Sam Darnold
Cleveland passed on Barkley?!?
If this happens, Denver should be pumped because they get to pick between the best two players in the draft, Saquon Barkley or Quenton Nelson. Picking one of those guys at five would carry tremendous value.
They opt to go with Barkley because he is a once in a generation type of talent. Recently, the Broncos run game has been pedestrian. Barkley will help bring a spark to the offense and make the starting quarterback’s life easier.
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. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Roquan Smith
With this move, the Giants can acquire a great deal of assets that help the team now, and in the future. Nelson is the best offensive lineman in this class and can be plugged in immediately and play for the next 10-years plus. Putting Nelson next to new signing Nate Solder turns a major weakness of the Giants into strength, helping protect Eli Manning and keeping the offense on track.
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The primary need for the Buccaneers this offseason was a pass rusher. They took care of that by trading a third-round pick for Jason Pierre-Paul.
The team should now look to bring in secondary help. Derwin James is a fierce safety that has superhuman athletic abilities. He plays like a combination of Eric Berry and Jamal Adams.
The NFC South is loaded with star quarterbacks. The Buccaneers need to make sure those quarterbacks struggle for four quarters. James’ presence will force opponents to think twice before forcing a pass. I believe James is one of the most physically gifted talents to come out and the Bucs should call his name with this pick. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Bradley Chubb
Free agency was huge for the Bears. They added big names like Allen Robinson and Trey Burton, giving second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky some major help. The team needs help on defense and Tremaine Edmunds can be that help. Large and athletic, Edmunds can rush, tackle, and drop into coverage to give Chicago a key playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
Previous Pick: Denzel Ward
I believe Baker Mayfield 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. Something that Mayfield ran at Oklahoma and Texas Tech.
That type of offense will allow Baker Mayfield to showcase his talents fully without a typical learning curve. If Tannehill plays poorly, it will be Mayfield’s show. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Lamar Jackson
This seems to be an extremely natural fit for both parties. Oakland desperately needs playmakers on defense and Smith is the best middle linebacker in the class. Cornerback could be another area to address for the Raiders here, but Smith provides another major piece to Jon Gruden’s remade defense. Smith can step in from day one and give Khalil Mack some much-needed help. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Rashaan Evans
I believe they will continue to focus draft assets on the defensive side of the ball. Trading back with the Dolphins allows them to pick up extra picks while getting their guy at 11.
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. 11 overall. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Moving works out well for the Colts as they are able to net the pass-rusher they need. Davenport is an athletic freak with size, speed and power. His only knock is the competition in which he played against, but the same could be said about Ziggy Ansah when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions several years ago.
Indy should be taking talented players to help a roster that is in dire need of it and Davenport can play with a hand on the ground and standing up off the edge. He would be a major upgrade to what they have now. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Denzel Ward sliding down the draft board would be a surprise. It would be welcomed by the Redskins who just traded away Kendall Fuller. Getting the top corner in the draft outside the top ten is rarely done in today’s league.
Ward would lineup opposite Josh Norman and learn from one of the best in the NFL. He will obviously be tested early, but he has the speed and hitting prowess needed to be successful early. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Derwin James
Signing Muhammad Wilkerson in free agency took a major need off the board for the Packers in the draft. They could also use a pass-rusher, but Iowa’s Josh Jackson is one of the most talented corners in the draft. His ball skills and recovery speed stand out and Green Bay could use some help in the secondary after trades and free agency have depleted them there. Jackson could be a huge asset to help the Packers defense against the potent offensives and weapons in the NFC North. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Jackson landing in the desert would be a huge coup for the Cardinals. This franchise has been accustomed to statue-esque quarterbacks with limited mobility (Palmer, Warner). He will help add some excitement that the team desperately needs.
David Johnson have been asked to do everything offensively. Adding a threat like Jackson to the backfield would help David Johnson continue to be one of the best running back in the league.
He will also get time to learn from Sam Bradford. Bradford should start the year as the guy, but don’t be surprised if Jackson wins the job at some point during the season. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Baker Mayfield
Despite signing Michael Crabtree and John Brown in free agency, Baltimore needs some help at receiver. Crabtree is not getting any younger and Brown is only on a one-year deal, so taking Ridley here is the move. Ridley runs good routes and has speed to get behind defenders, so he would be a good pairing with Joe Flacco’s arm and Crabtree’s abilities. Courtland Sutton and DJ Moore could also be targets here, but Ridley fits the Ravens deep ball mentality on offense. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
17
VITA VEA
Defensive Tackle, Washington
The Chargers have built something special along their defensive line. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are elite at getting to the quarterback, 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 No. 17 overall and I believe it is needed.
Philip Rivers will make plays with whoever is with him on offense. Focusing on the defense will allow the organization to build a dominant force that will be around when Rivers retires. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Seahawks are going through a rebuild on the fly. Once the famed Legion of Boom, the secondary in Seattle is progressively falling apart. Richard Sherman is now in San Fran, Jeremy Lane is gone, Earl Thomas is on the trading block and Kam Chancellor is coming off a neck injury. Hughes fits the mold of a Seattle corner as he is tough and a good tackler. He could lead the next wave of young, talented Seahawk defensive backs. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
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.
Moore will bring some juice to a passing game that badly needs it. He can take a short pass the distance and will help add some space to the run game. I believe he is the best receiver in the class and his combine helped showcase his skills.
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will make most of the plays for Dallas, so pressure will be minimal. Moore will be a threat to score from anywhere and form a new version of the triplet in Dallas. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Courtland Sutton
With several holes on offense, the Lions elect to help the defensive line. This is a deep running back class, so Detroit could pick up one in the second or third rounds. Daniels is a day-one starter and could greatly improve the Detroit offensive line and help keep Matthew Stafford upright. With good strength and sound technique, Daniels would be a great addition to an improving Lions team. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Derrius Guice
The Bengals linebacking core leaves a lot to be desired.
Other than Vontaze Burfict (when he is not suspended) the group is average at best. Now with the news of Burfict being shopped, this pick seems destined to happen.
Vander Esch will step in day 1 as the starting middle linebacker. He will help bring stability to a 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: Unchanged
Trading back and picking up an additional first-round pick works out in the end for the Giants. They may miss out on Barkley, but Guice is no slouch. He is big, fast, powerful and agile and can be a feature back in the Giants offense or be used as a tandem back with Jonathan Stewart.
With Nelson and Guice, New York is able to get two impact players and two positions that they would have had to pick between at No. 2 to give a team that is ready to win now some help. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Indianapolis – Tremaine Edmunds
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 who 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. It doesn’t get more aggressive than Will Hernandez. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Andrew Norwell left in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he leaves a massive hole on the offensive line. Wynn would be a great pickup for the Panthers not only because it fills a need, but because Wynn has experience all along the offensive line. While at Georgia, Wynn played tackle, guard and center and played well at each position. His best position appears to be guard, which will fit nicely into Carolina’s need at the position. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Titans have secured 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 team secures one of the best in the class at No. 25.
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 left Atlanta to sign with division rival Carolina in free agency, so taking Bryan will help fill an immediate need. The Falcons are clearly in win-now mode, so adding a pro-ready talent like Bryan will go a long way in keeping the Falcons in contention. His size and strength will be important in attempt to bring down Cam Newton and Drew Brees and stopping the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
The Saints would love to grab their quarterback of the future, but there wouldn’t be any value at this time. They opt to grab their future quarterback of the defense.
Rashaan Evans falling to No. 27 would be a surprise, but with the run on quarterbacks, players are destined to drop. Evans would offer a major upgrade to the linebacker position. He will be a force in the middle that the Saints have been missing since Jon Vilma. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Da’Ron Payne
The Steelers defense relief heavily on Ryan Shazier and were in big trouble once he went down. Shazier has elite speed for a middle linebacker and is one of the best in the NFL, but with his uncertainty after a devastating back injury late in the season, Pittsburgh needs to find his replacement.
Jefferson can help fill that void as he is large but has outstanding sideline-to-sideline speed. He would fit nicely with several young pieces on a defense that can help a potent offense win now.
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Oh. Man.
The Jaguars are an interesting team heading into the draft. They have great depth throughout the roster that is made up of young stars.
Coughlin will continue to build in the trenches and add Payne to an already stacked defensive line. The Jaguars get a great player that has learned from Nick Saban at the end of round one. Big win for the Jags.
Related Story: Potential draft haul if Bills opt to keep picks
Payne will be used to being surrounded by talented teammates and will slide in as a rotational guy. Jacksonville is scary good and this pick makes them even better. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Trade out
I believe that Billy Price would be the top center taken in the draft if he didn’t tear his pectoral muscle at the combine. However, his injury is Minnesota’s gain. The Vikings need help on the interior of the offensive line, especially to help block for franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Price can play both guard and center and play each of them at an extremely high level. He can be a major piece of an offensive unit with one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, two No. 1 receivers, a young running back, and a top level tight end. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Connor Williams
New England is always a candidate to move up and down the draft board. They opt to stay here and take a player that will have great impact in the future.
The Patriots have the greatest tight end of all time in Rob Gronkowski. His time may be coming to an end soon, with his ambitions to be a WWE wrestler/actor becoming more and more public. The Patriots must look for his replacement ASAP.
Hayden Hurst can run, catch and block well enough to play right away. The team runs many two-tight-end sets, so he will get a chance to shine early. (Justin)
Previous Pick: James Daniels
Torrey Smith was traded to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason and Nelson Agholor is more of a slot receiver. Picking up Sutton is a luxury pick for the Eagles due to their strength at many positions, but he can also be another big weapon for one of the league’s best offenses.
At 6-foot-4, Sutton can be another big threat on the outside opposite of Alshon Jeffery, giving Carson Wentz a wealth of dangerous options.
Next: How the team can still get to the top of the draft
Previous Pick: Jaire Alexander