2018 NFL Mock Draft: The final one before the draft gets underway
28. . Linebacker. Georgia. Roquan Smith. 10. player
The best linebacker on the board goes to the team with a huge hole in the middle of their defense. Smith is a physical freak with speed and strength that can make any play on defense. His instincts and sideline-to-sideline playmaking abilities stand out in this class and he can be an immediate starter for the Raiders.
On defense, Oakland needs help for Khalil Mack. Smith will step in from day one and plug a hole from the middle linebacker position. He can provide relief in the run and assist in coverage, fitting into the Gruden Grinder role. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Tremaine Edmunds
59. . Cornerback. Ohio State. Denzel Ward. 11. player
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 teams’ best receiver weekly. (Justin)
Previous Pick: Unchanged
57. <strong>Buffalo Receives</strong>: No. 8 and 105. <p><strong>Chicago Receives:</strong> No. 12 and 53.</p>. Safety. Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick. 12. player
Fitzpatrick would fill an immediate need for the Bears. They spent and spent often on the offense in free agency and they can turn their attention to defense in the draft.
With the ability to play safety and corner, Fitzpatrick is a player that can fit into multiple schemes. The NFL has many teams going to a base defense of the nickel. Fitzpatrick can come into the box and provide run support, matchup one-on-one against receivers or provide coverage over the top.
With the quarterbacks and receivers in the NFC North, the Bears will need all the help they can get to defend and win. (Stephen)
Previous Pick: Giants traded back and selected Harold Landry