Mock Draft 1.0

4
The Record Mock Draft 1.0

Author:
Michael Weitzner

1. Cleveland Browns:
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

A running
back at #1? You’ve gotta be crazy! No, I am not crazy and Cleveland wouldn’t be
crazy to make this move. Look at what Zeke did for the Cowboys and Fournette
did for the Jags. An elite running back can change an offense for the better
and push a bad team into the playoffs. There is also a practical reason for
Barkley at #1: there are four good QBs in this draft, that means two of them
will still be there at #4. Winning the draft is about playing the board
masterfully and taking Barkley here gives you more options at #4.

2. NY Giants: Sam
Darnold, QB, USC

Wow did
Darnold dodge a bullet here, almost getting drafted by the Browns but instead
he gets to learn from Eli Manning for a year then takes the reins. Even if he
plays right away, none of the QBs drafted in the first round will be paired
with a better weapon the Odell Beckham Jr. Of course Darnold has his issue
(accuracy concerns) but every QB in this draft has some problems—besides Lamar
Jackson but I’ll get to that. Giants can suck for another year, get another
high pick for next season, and can roll out Darnold with a year in the Giants’
offense under                                                        his belt.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley
Chubb, DE, NC State

Saying
that the Colts have been bad on defense would be an understatement; they
desperately need an infusion of pass rushing talent that can take over a game.
If you haven’t seen Chubb play, there wasn’t a tackle that could hold him back
and faired pretty well against the run. There are concerns about Andrew Luck’s
shoulder but if the Colts truly believe that Luck can play going forward,
gaining talent on defense needs to happen.

4. Cleveland Browns
(via Texans): Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

I told you
there would be a quarterback here! Is Mayfield the second best quarterback in
this draft? No. Does he have the most potential? No. Is he the most likely to
be a bust? Yes. So why would the Browns take him? Because it’s the Browns. I
see Baker Mayfield as a more talented, less crazy version of Johnny Manziel. Even
with the acquisition of Tyrod Taylor, the Browns could fall in love with
Mayfield’s intensity and overlook the size issues.

5. Denver Broncos: Josh Allen, QB,
Wyoming

The
Broncos missed out on Kirk Cousins and are unlikely to trade for a quarterback.
Even though the Broncos whiffed on their last first round QB, it’s time to get
their guy. Allen is the prototype quarterback with great size and arm strength.
Seemingly like every other quarterback this year, Allen has issues with accuracy
that will need to be improved.

6. NY Jets: Lamar Jackson, QB,
Louisville

The Jets
are still technically in the running for Kirk Cousins; however, reports
indicate that Cousins is most likely going to wear purple next season. It’s
been long enough for the Jets to realize they need a real franchise QB and
can’t stay afloat with journeymen like Fitzpatrick and McCown. Jackson is the
most dynamic quarterback in this draft and can give the Jets a much needed
spark on offense.

 7. Tampa Bay
Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

Seemingly
the only team in the top half of the draft that doesn’t need a quarterback, the
Bucs need to drastically improve their defense. Fitzpatrick has been making
plays for Alabama since the first time he took the field for the Crimson Tide. He
is a game changer that has the chance to completely change the perception of
this Bucs defense.

8. Chicago Bears:
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Even
though the Bears have huge holes on defense, the idea of giving Mitch Trubisky
a reliable weapon is going to be attractive. The Bears may have sailed on the
idea that Kevin White (former 1st round pick) is going to be the man in
Chicago. The Bears traded up 1 spot in the draft last season to take Trubisky
and now they will give him a go-to receiver.

9. San Francisco
49ers: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

Who is the
most important/best looking player on the 49ers’ roster? Jimmy Garoppolo. In
order to protect the franchise quarterback, the 49ers take an interior lineman
here. Not a sexy pick but Nelson will immediately improve this offensive line,
giving Jimmy GQ a fighting chance to make the playoffs this season.

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith,
LB, Georgia

One Smith
exits and other takes his place. With the recent domestic violence issues with
Aldon Smith, Oakland (soon to be Las Vegas) Raiders is the perfect landing spot
for Roquan. He is a fast, attacking linebacker who was nothing but impressive
in the National Championship game. Smith is a no-brainer here.

11. Miami Dolphins:
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The era of
Ryan Tannehill in Miami is probably over. After missing some of 2016 and all of
2017, the Dolphins could be looking for a new quarterback to build around.
Jarvis Landry is gone so this could be a good way to move into a new mindset in
Miami. Rosen has as much talent as any other quarterback in this draft and
would be able to grow in Miami.

12. Buffalo Bills:
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

McGlinchey
is the other part of college football’s best offensive line. In order to get
this pick, the Bills had to trade their starting left tackle Cordy Glenn so
finding a new tackle that can fill Glenn’s spot should be obvious. I do not think
the Bills are going to stay at #12 because they need a QB.

13. Washington Redskins: Marcus Davenport,
DE, UTSA

There is
always that one small school defensive lineman that gets picked in the first
round. Davenport is this year’s version. He is more of an edge rusher than a
run stuffer. With the trade for Alex Smith, the Redskins could be looking to
bolster their pass rush to make a playoff run.

14. Green Bay Packers:
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Coming off
the recent firing of their defensive coordinator, the Packers should be looking
for some secondary help. Probably the best corner in the draft, Ward is the
newest OSU cornerback that is gracing the first round of the NFL draft. Instant
starter in Green Bay.

15. Arizona
Cardinals: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Williams has
the potential to an elite offensive tackle who can play on either side.
However, just take make this clear, I do not think the Cardinals are going to
stay put; it is more likely that they will trade up to get a quarterback. However
if they stay, improving the offensive line is always smart to do and Williams
is going to be a starting left tackle for the next 10 years.

16. Baltimore Ravens:
Derwin James, S, FSU

James is a
complete athletic freak. At Florida State, he played safety, corner,
linebacker, and even spent some time rushing as a defensive end! James is a
hard hitting DB that is likely to play strong safety or weak side linebacker.
Ravens will be attracted to James’ versatility.

17. LA Chargers: Vita
Vea, DT, Washington

Vea is a
highly skilled, relatively quick defensive tackle that would fit perfectly
alongside Joey Bosa. With no quarterbacks left to take as Rivers’ heir
apparent, improving the defensive line is the best option. The Chargers could
be making one last run with Rivers and having a dominate defense will make that
run easier.

18. Seattle Seahawks:
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

With the
legion of boom falling apart, the Seahawks could be moving to an offense
focused mindset. Protecting Wilson will be priority #1; improving the run game
would be nice too. Brown helps solve both of those problems. He will definitely
play left tackle in the NFL and he only needs to stay healthy to excel in the
league.

19. Dallas Cowboys:
Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Just another
Alabama defensive player who is ready to play from day one. Though Payne isn’t
the best pass rusher, he is a reliable run stopper at defensive tackle. After
franchise tagging Demarcus Lawrence, there is still time and room for Payne to
improve his pass rushing ability. This pick is more about the future than the
right now.

20. Detroit Lions: Tremaine
Edmunds, LB, VT

This may
come as a shock to most people but Tremaine Edmunds is only 19 years old.
Having the opportunity to literally mold a player with the potential of Edmunds
is something that the Bengals won’t be able to pass up. He’s had some off the
field issues but this can be overlooked when you consider Edmunds potential.
Edmunds would fit perfectly next to Jarrad Davis (last year’s 1st round pick).

21. Cincinnati
Bengals: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

The first
time I saw Jefferson play, the only thing I said was “that’s an NFL player!”
That happened during his sophomore year. Jefferson is only of the most
underrated players in this year’s draft and the Bengals need help bolstering
their linebackers corps. Jefferson is the type of player you plug in next to
Vontaze Burfict and stop worrying about it.

22. Buffalo Bills:
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Before I
get into my explanation, I believe the Bills will use one (if not both) first
round pick to trade up to take one of the high profile quarterbacks. But if
they stay put, the Bills still need a quarterback. It is clear that the Bills
no longer wanted Tyrod Taylor and will move towards a more “traditional”
quarterback. Have fun with Rudolph… Taylor will tear up the Bills defense when
he plays them next season.

23. LA Rams: Harold
Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College

The Rams
recently traded Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins so there is a spot open at
defensive end/pass rusher. Landry has elite speed that a fast, attacking
defense like the Rams would love. Adding Landry next to Aaron Donald will
create a pass rush that every quarterback will fear.

24. Carolina Panthers:
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Ever since
Josh Norman was traded to the Redskins, the Panthers have been struggling to
find that their next franchise cornerback. Jackson solves this problem. Very
similar to Norman, Jackson’s speed is not elite but he is a playmaker.

25. Tennessee Titans:
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Titans
were so close to getting Josh Jackson! Still, Mike Hughes stood out at a “small
school” and hasn’t looked back since. Very different from Jackson, Hughes does
have elite speed. Additionally, Hughes is very aggressive when the ball is in
the air. He might run into a few pass interference penalties but his playmaking
will make up for it.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Will
Hernandez, OG, UTEP

As the
Falcons currently stand, the only thing holding them back is giving Matt Ryan a
clean pocket. As we’ve seen, when Ryan has time, him and Jones are an elite
combination that can offensively dominate their way to the Super Bowl. Drafting
Hernandez is the first step to bringing them back there.

 

27. New Orleans
Saints: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

These next
few years are Drew Brees’ last hurrah. The Saints have the best running back
duo in the NFL, a good offensive line, and a young, talented defense. The
Saints only need one more weapon on offense to make a run. It has been reported
that Jimmy Graham might be making a return so wide receiver is the way to go.

28. Pittsburg Steelers: Derrius
Guice, RB, LSU

With all
of the controversy around Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers could be looking for the
running back of the future. Guice is a powerful running that resembles his
predecessor at LSU (Fournette). Even if Bell comes back for this season, it’s
clear that his time in Pittsburg is coming to an end.

29. Jacksonville
Jaguars: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

The
Jaguars have a collective of wide receivers that got the job done last season.
However, tight end has been lacking ever since Blake Bortles arrived. Giving
him a quality tight end may push the Jags over the hump. Hurst is ready to play
and doesn’t have to develop a pro frame.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Kolton
Miller, OT, UCLA

The
Vikings have arguably the second best defense in the NFL. So it’s clear that
the offense will be addressed in the draft. Running backs, tight end, and wide
receivers are all set up for next season. Kirk Cousins is also reportedly
leaning towards Minnesota so an offensive tackle is getting taken here.

31. New England
Patriots: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

If the
Super Bowl wasn’t a strong indication, Butler’s time in New England is up; a
cornerback spot has opened. Oliver is over 6-foot and has great speed for his
size. And let’s be real, any player that Bill Belichick gets his hands on is
going to be maximized.

32. Philadelphia
Eagles: Leighton Vander Esch, DE/LB, Boise State

The SUPER
BOWL CHAMPION Eagles don’t have many holes. But there is something you can
never get enough of, linebacker depth and pass rushers. Vander Esch could play
linebacker now (replacing free agent Nigel Bradham) and—once he gains
mass—could move to defensive end to be the starter there in the long term.

Sources:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000855915/article/2018-nfl-draft-order-and-team-needs-nos-2132

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/07/nfl-draft-top-prospects-big-board-top-100