Version 4.0 of our 2018 NFL mock draft takes a look at realistic options and plenty of trades across the league, including two by the Buffalo Bills.
We are now in our fourth installment of our mock draft with myself and fellow BuffaLowDown contributor Justin Baumann. This past week we have paid attention to pro days around the country, rumors and how free agency has shaped the draft.
With all of that knowledge, we have made some interesting trades and fun picks, extending our mock into two rounds this week. This allows us to take a look at a few different scenarios and with how the top five shakes out, how it could impact where and who the Bills pickup.
The New York Giants hold the key to the draft at No. 2 overall. They could move back or select an impact player that will play right away. Or they could select their quarterback of the future and send the rest of the top 10 into a frenzy.
It will be interesting to see what happens come April 26, but Justin and I will take a peek at what we think will go down come our favorite night of the year.
If you want to see our previous mocks, check out Mock Draft 1.0, Mock Draft 2.0 and Mock Draft 3.0.
The Cleveland Browns are now on the clock.
The number 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.
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.
Cleveland will fall in love with his physical traits and pull the ultimate Cleveland Browns move and take the wrong quarterback. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Sam Darnold
This one hurts.
I have had the Bills trading up here in my head and in previous mocks for weeks. However, with Darnold on the board, they go with their future franchise QB. Darnold is clean on and off the field and could slide right in after Eli Manning is done.
Putting Darnold with Odell Beckham Jr, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard and others can give the team longevity on offense and prepare them for the post-Manning era. Sam can move, throw on the run, operate in the pocket and make every throw. He will need to tighten up on his release and cut back on the turnovers, but he has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Trade back to No.6 with Buffalo; select Quenton Nelson
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 Josh Rosen.
Rosen may be the most pro-ready quarterback in the class, but he will have to compete with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater in year one. I think he wins the job early and becomes a candidate for rookie of the year. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Josh Allen
While finding their franchise quarterback has plagued the Browns for years, they have an opportunity to plague opposing quarterbacks for the next decade. Adding Chubb with 2017 No. 1 pick Myles Garrett gives Cleveland one of the most fearsome one-two pass rushing tandems in football.
After adding their franchise quarterback with the first overall pick, the team has the luxury of selecting any player they want. They could go Saquon Barkley here, but I think the team has a lead back in Carlos Hyde and a capable backup/slot receiver in Duke Johnson. Instead they help the defense and build it into one of the most dangerous units in football. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
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 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: Unchanged
In our last mock draft, I had the Bills moving here and then going even further to No. 2 and take Josh Rosen. However with Sam Darnold available, I don’t think that the Giants would be willing to move back. Josh Rosen also goes to the Jets in this scenario (thanks, Justin) and the Bills can move up and still get their guy.
I think that the team could be enticed to move up to No. 4 to ensure they get who they want, but instead they wait until No. 6 by working with the Colts. I have read more and more this week that the Bills love Baker, and quite frankly I do too. He fits the city like a glove and his skill set could easily match new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s college-themed offense.
Over the last week I have heard more and more reports tying the Bills to Mayfield, and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I still love Josh Rosen, but Baker is my second favorite player in this draft. Adding a guy like Mayfield, his fire, love of football, and leadership abilities could appeal to someone like McDermott despite the bogus character issues.
Brining Mayfield in will signify a new era (pun intended) for the Bills with a guy who can be the guy. He is deadly accurate and can make every throw you need. He will give this team and city everything he has and can help turn the offense into a dynamic, fun and innovative unit. With some additions we will get to later, this offense could be explosive for years to come. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Bills trade up to No.2; select Josh Rosen
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 next need is to protect their franchise quarterback. Drafting a player like Nelson at No. 7 would be a steal in every sense of the word. He is the best guard prospect to come out in quite some time and will make sure Winston stays clean while in the pocket. He will also bolster the run game for whoever the Buccaneers decide to draft later. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Derwin James
This just makes sense. After their spending spree on offense in free agency, the Bears need to address the defense. Edmunds is a large, athletic man who can make play after play. He can matchup in coverage but also come up in run support and rush the passer. With quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Matt Stafford, the Bears need all the help they can get.
Putting him next to Danny Trevathan will create a dangerous and athletic linebacking group, in addition to Leonard Floyd rushing the passer. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
This may be a head scratcher to some…. but hear me out. Reuben Foster had himself a great year on the field. He showed the ability to track the ball carrier sideline to sideline.
Off the field he has been in and out of the news with domestic violence issues. I believe Foster’s days in San Francisco are numbered and I wouldn’t be surprised in they grab Smith with the No. 9 overall pick. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Trade back to No. 11; select Minkah Fitzpatrick
With Smith off the board, I think this would be a great pick for the Raiders. Their defense needs as much help as they can get as they transition under Jon Gruden, and getting Khalil Mack help on the defensive line could be huge. Mack is an All-Pro defensive end and outside linebacker and could greatly benefit by putting someone with Vea’s size and speed next to him.
Vea can rush the passer from the middle but is also an incredible run stuffer. His push through the middle can help keep quarterbacks back in the pocket and allow Mack to get around the edge to get the sack. He can also take on blockers and allow linebackers at the second level to make tackles, taking them from average to good. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Roquan Smith
They can go many ways with this pick. Miami would love one of the top quarterbacks to fall to them, but the price may be too high. Lamar Jackson may intrigue them, but I think they opt to wait until the later rounds to take a quarterback.
They will select one of the best defensive players in the draft. Ward offers them a defensive playmaker that will matchup with the opposing team’s best receiver weekly. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Trade up to No.9; select Baker Mayfield
Landry has been rising up draft boards and for good reason. He has the size and speed to be a prototypical outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and get to the passer. He recorded 6.5 sacks his senior season, and the Colts could certainly use some pass rushing skills.
The team added Malik Hooker last year in the secondary and while they could go with Derwin James to pair with Hooker, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or Josh Jackson, they go with the pass rusher that can help make the secondary better than it is. Moving back still allows the Colts to get a player of need and acquire more draft picks.
Previous Pick: Marcus Davenport
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: Denzel Ward
I have had this pick for the Packers for weeks and I continue that trend here. The team could take Minkah Fitzpatrick here since he is on the board, but I think they address their corner need before they take a swing at safety.
Over the past several weeks I have talked about Jackson’s ball skills and recovery speed to match up with some big-time receivers. With quick receivers like Golden Tate and Stefon Diggs in the division, Johnson can stick on the hips of those two guys and make plays. However he has decent enough size and great hands to match up against players like Allen Robinson and Adam Thielen. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Getting a player like Fitzpatrick at pick 15 would offer great value. The Cardinals just cut ties with Tyrann Mathieu, so there is a huge hole currently at the safety position. Not only does he fit a position of need, he is the best player available. That is important because their roster, other than David Johnson, isn’t filled with young talented players.
He will get to learn from Patrick Peterson and become an impactful starter from Week 1 going forward. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Lamar Jackson
I give credit to Justin for this. For months I have heard him about this guy named DJ Moore that was a fourth-round prospect and how he is vastly underrated. He has been dead on with his scouting and analysis of Moore, and now others are starting to catch on.
Moore is similar to Stefon Diggs with a little Steve Smith in him. Smith excelled and was the number one receiver for the Ravens after he was let go from Carolina, and they have been searching for a receiver to replace him for years. While John Brown is a decent addition and Michael Crabtree is an upgrade for sure, Moore can become the team’s top option on the outside and be the guy for years to come. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Calvin Ridley
This seems to be a match made in heaven. Jackson would learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game Drew Brees, without the pressure of playing right away. Sean Payton, one of the best play callers in NFL history, would find ways to accent his strengths once Brees ultimately retires.
The Saints are a deep team that can pull off a move like this without worrying about jeopardizing their immediate future. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Rashaan Evans
Seattle is in the midst of rebuilding their defense. While Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are still there, they are both coming off injuries. Richard Sherman is now on a conference rival and nearly every other cornerback has been traded. But instead of going for a corner like I have had them taking before, I think they could go defensive end here.
Trading Michael Bennett has left a hole despite the reemergence of Dion Jordan. However Davenport is a freak of nature athletically and his ability to get to the pass rusher can help out a rebuilt secondary by rushing quarterback throws and impacting accuracy. Plus with quarterbacks like Jimmy Garappolo and Jared Goff on the rise in the NFC West, getting to them and slowing them down will be key.
Previous Pick: Mike Hughes
It seems like every week there is a Cowboys topic on whether Sean Lee will be able to play. Taking a physical stud like Vander Esch will help cushion the loss Anthony Hitchens and help take some pressure off Lee and Jaylon Smith.
Dallas can’t go offense here because they have neglected the defensive side of the ball for some time now. They will be getting back a healthy offensive line and a non-suspended Ezekiel Elliot, so defense must be the focus. (Justin)
Previous Pick: DJ Moore
This is another pick that I am sticking with. Detroit has developed a very solid offense with Matthew Stafford, Marvin Jones and Golden Tate. Their line is coming along with Taylor Decker and TJ Lang, but it could still use some help.
Daniels is a versatile player that can play guard and center. Adding Daniels will give the Lions stability at either position and while running back could be the pick here, I don’t think it would be wise to add a running back if you can’t block for him. It is a deep running back class and there are several very good offensive lineman that could come off the board in the 20s. The Lions can grab one that will best fit their need and Daniels’ abilities can certainly do that. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
Some may consider this a reach, but before Price tore his pectoral at the combine, he was considered a top-20 talent. He will be back before the start of the regular season, so the impact of the injury should not be too severe.
The Bengals just lost Russell Bodine and will look to the draft to find his replacement. Price will be a plug and start guy that will play for double-digit years. He is one of the cleanest prospects in the draft. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Leighton Vander Esch
Not what you were expecting I’m sure.
While Rashaan Evans is on the board and the Bills can select their middle linebacker, I think it is enticing for Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott to move back again for two reasons: They already got their quarterback and this is an extremely deep draft class.
Enter the Indianapolis Colts. Already working together, the two can help each other out. The Colts can afford to send two seconds the way of the Bills because of the extra seconds they got from the Jets in their trade, and the Bills sent them one earlier. It helps both teams.
As for the player, Indy could certainly use a player with Wynn’s skillset and versatility. He played tackle, guard, and center in college and the Colts desperately need help in the middle of their line. Wynn can step in and start from day one and fill in if there are injuries elsewhere on the line.
Previous Pick: New York Giants pick; select Derrius Guice
The Los Angeles Rams are frightening. Their offense can score from anywhere and their defense is turning into a legendary unit.
The defensive overhaul for the Rams this offseason has been extreme. They completely changed their secondary and added pieces to their defensive line. They haven’t addressed the linebacker position since trading Alec Ogletree to the Giants.
Evans will fit right in with the nasty defensive of unit and clean up all of Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald’s leftovers. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Will Hernandez
The run on offensive lineman continues. Andrew Norwell was one of the best guards in the NFL for the Panthers, but he left in free agency and went to Jacksonville. He needs to be replaced in order to keep Cam Newton upright and help open holes for Christian McCaffrey.
Will Hernandez is a nasty player and is just mean in the trenches. He can help open holes and take on blockers at the second level. He is also a mobile player that can pull and move with Newton as he scrambles. Hernandez can fill an immediate need and be a starter for years to come for the Panthers.
Previous Pick: Isaiah Wynn
Mike Vrabel is a defensive guy. He understands to be successful in the NFL you need to have plenty of pass rushers. Much like Vrabel, Hubbard is a player that is constantly pursuing the ball and doesn’t stop until the whistle.
The Titans will select Hubbard 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 Hubbard along with his development. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Harold Landry
The Falcons defensive line has gone from a strength to a weakness. Losing Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn in free agency will hurt in stopping the run and rushing the passer. In a division with Cam Newton, Drew Brees, Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara and Jameis Winston, the team needs both.
Bryan can offer both. He is strong and agile as a defensive tackle, helping plug the run. However, he can still rush from the middle and disrupt pockets and allow edge rushers like Vic Beasley and Brooks Reed to get to the QB. He would be a great fit for a defense with young pieces and can start from day one. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
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.
The trade back isn’t a costly one because they end up taking a prospect that they would have chosen at pick 17. He could be the plug in the middle that the defense has been looking for. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Vita Vea
Pittsburgh has one of the most talented rosters in the league, but they can afford to move back, acquire more picks and build depth, Plus, moving from No. 28 to No. 34 isn’t that far, so they can still pick up a fringe first rounder.
The Giants elect to move back up into the first and add to the future of their offense. Guice is the second best back in this class and can do everything. Pairing him with Eli Manning this season can help prolong the team’s success as they try to win now, but he can also be there for Sam Darnold whenever he takes over under center.
Guice fills an immediate need and can help fill a void that has been gaping for the Giants for several seasons. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Steelers pick; select Malik Jefferson
The Browns aren’t done yet. The reason a team builds draft capital is so they can pull off moves like this. Since they have several picks in the first couple rounds, Cleveland can manipulate the draft board and take the prospects they covet.
Mike McGlinchey will have the fill the gigantic hole left behind by Joe Thomas’s retirement. He is a solid prospect that could become a Pro-Bowler in a couple of years. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Jacksonville’s pick; select Da’Ron Payne
With no viable guards available here for the team to select, they could move back and pickup picks, but instead they get help on the defensive side of the ball.
Alexander could step in and help in the slot or compete for a starting role on the outside. Xavier Rhodes is one of the best corners in football, but Tre Waynes hasn’t lived up to expectations and Terrance Newman is nearing age 40. Jaire has speed and solid coverage abilities. He could help make the Vikings defense complete and even more fearsome than it currently is. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Billy Price
New England is in a rare position of vulnerability. First, they were overmatched in the Super Bowl against a Nick Foles-led Eagles squad. Then, they lost several key players and coaches during the offseason. This draft is important to keeping that New England Aura.
The Malcolm Butler saga in New England is now over. There is a glaring need at corner and the Patriots opt to take Mike Hughes. Hughes is a prospect that has great potential, but he just needs some experience and coaching. I believe Belichick will take a hands-on approach with Hughes and turn him into a good football player. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Hayden Hurst
Philadelphia is one of the deepest teams in the league. They could choose to upgrade at linebacker or in the secondary, but with Carson Wentz coming off a major injury, they go with giving him some help.
Williams is able to play on the right or left and could be the future replacement for Jason Peters, who is also coming off an injury last season. Lane Johnson is arguably the best right tackle in football, so the team could leave him there and stick Williams on the left side.
Protecting Wentz has to be the Eagles most pressing job this summer. This team is young and should compete for years, so adding Williams can help prolong the team’s success. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Courtland Sutton
Second Round
33.) Jacksonville (TRADE) – Calvin Ridley, Alabama (WR)
34.) Pittsburgh (TRADE) – Justin Reid, Stanford (S)
35.) Cleveland – Maurice Hurst, Michigan (DT)
36.) Buffalo (TRADE) – Christian Kirk, Texas A&M (WR)
The Bills reap the benefits of trading back by picking up a receiver they desperately need. Kirk has deep threat abilities and can immediately slide in and be the team’s slot receiver from day one. His quick release and precise route running in short areas will be great for Mayfield and the new Bills offense. (Stephen)
37.) Indianapolis – Sony Michel, Georgia (RB)
38.) Tampa Bay – Nick Chubb, Georgia (RB)
39.) Chicago – Isaiah Oliver, Colorado (CB)
40.) Denver – Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State (QB)
41.) Oakland – Ronnie Harrison, Alabama (S)
42.) Miami – Hayden Hurst, South Carolina (TE)
43.) New England – Kolton Miller, UCLA (OT)
44.) Washington – Tim Settle, Virginia Tech (DT)
45.) Green Bay – Courtland Sutton, SMU (WR)
46.) Cincinnati – Braden Smith, Auburn (G)
47.) Arizona – Luke Falk, Washington State (QB)
48.) Los Angeles Chargers – Brian O’Neill, Pittsburgh (OT)
49.) Indianapolis – Harrison Phillips, Stanford (DT)
50.) Dallas – Mike Gesicki, Penn State (TE)
51.) Detroit – Ronald Jones, USC (RB)
52.) Baltimore – Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State (TE)
53.) Buffalo – Josey Jewell, Iowa (LB)
A player like Jewell at No. 53 overall would be a great scenario. Josey Jewell is the definition of a hard-nosed football player due to his ability to play fast and make every tackle. He will bring consistency to a linebacking corps that has been average recently. (Justin)
54 .) Kansas City – Donte Jackson, LSU (CB)
55.) Carolina – DJ Chark, LSU (WR)
56.) Buffalo – Kerryon Johnson, Auburn (RB)
Oh yeah, it’s a running back.
Yes the team signed Chris Ivory while bringing back Travaris Cadet and Taiwan Jones, but none of those backs are long-term options for the Bills. LeSean McCoy isn’t getting any younger as well, so the team needs to look to the future in a deep running back class.
Johnson has size, speed, explosiveness, and can catch. He has a similar playing style to David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell and could develop nicely down the road. He can get his carries this year when Shady needs a break but can take over in a few years when McCoy is past his prime.
The Bills could recreate the Saints offense with a short but accurate QB (Mayfield), running back tandem with speed (McCoy) and size (Johnson), a big mismatch at tight end (see next Bills pick), size on the outside at receiver (Jones and Benjamin), and speed in the slot (Kirk). (Stephen)
57.) Tennessee – Malik Jefferson, Texas (LB)
58.) Atlanta – Arden Key, LSU (DE)
59.) San Francisco – Carlton Davis, Auburn (CB)
60.) Pittsburgh – Darius Leonard, South Carolina State (LB)
61.) Jacksonville – Uchenna Nwosu, USC (OLB)
62.) Minnesota – Scott Quessenbury, UCLA (G)
63.) New England – Lorenzo Carter, Georgia (OLB)
64.) Cleveland – Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech (S)
Bonus Pick: Third Round
65.) Buffalo – Mark Andrews, Oklahoma (TE)
Baker and Marky Mark. REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!
Mark Andrews and Baker Mayfield made tons of plays while playing together in college. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if these two end up on the same roster in the NFL.
Next: 2018 QB class rankings one month before the draft
Andrews would be Clay’s replacement down the line, while gaining snaps in two tight end sets.(Justin)