Thursday, April 26, 2018

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 7

Well, here it is.  The last round.  This has been fun.  Let's finish it out.

1 (219). New England Patriots- Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane

2 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska

3 (221). Indianapolis Colts- Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College

4 (222). Houston Texans- Brendon Mahon, OG, Penn State

5 (223). San Francisco 49ers- Nantrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin

6 (224). Chicago Bears- Jaryd Jones-Smith, OG, Pittsburgh

7 (225). Denver Broncos- KC McDermott, OG, Miami

8 (226). Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State

9 (227). San Francisco 49ers- Taylor Hearn, OG, Clemson

10 (228). Oakland Raiders- Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami

11 (229). Miami Dolphins- Cody O'Connell, OG, Washington State

12 (230). Jacksonville Jaguars- Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia

13 (231). Washington Redskins- David Bright, OT/G, Stanford

14 (232). Green Bay Packers- James Hearns, OLB, Louisville

15 (233). Kansas City Chiefs- Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State

16 (234). Carolina Panthers- Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State

17 (235). New York Jets- Rick Leonard, OT, Florida State

18 (236). Dallas Cowboys- Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

19 (237). Detroit Lions- Christian Sam, OLB, Arizona State

20 (238). Baltimore Ravens- Coleman Shelton, OC, Washington

21 (239). Green Bay Packers- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, USF

22 (240). San Francisco 49ers- Grant Haley, CB, Penn State

23 (241). Washington Redskins- Dylan Cantrell, WR, Texas Tech

24 (242). Carolina Panthers- Rashard Fant, CB, Indiana

25 (243). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska

26 (244). Atlanta Falcons- Deandre Goolsby, TE, Florida

27 (245). New Orleans Saints- KJ Malone, OG, LSU

28 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Dejon Allen, OT, Hawai'i

29 (247). Jacksonville Jaguars- Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina

30 (248). Seattle Seahawks- Tony Brown, CB, Alabama

31 (249). Cincinnati Bengals- Damon Webb, S, Ohio State

32 (250). Seattle Seahawks- Trey Quinn, WR, SMU

33 (251). Los Angeles Chargers- Chris Worley, ILB, Ohio State

34 (252). Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Gaulden, CB, Tennessee

35 (253). Cincinnati Bengals- Taylor Stallworth, DT, South Carolina

36 (254). Arizona Cardinals- Bradley Bozeman, OC, Alabama

37 (255). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brett Toth, OT, Army

38 (256). Atlanta Falcons- Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque


There you have it.  All 7 rounds.  All 256 picks.  Thank you for following along, especially if you read all of the mock.  It is a passion project of mine.  I love it, I love writing it, and I love sharing it with you.  I hope to get a few of these picks right, and I will have my winners and losers some time on Sunday or Monday, most likely.

Enjoy the Draft.  I hope your team finds the right guy for their biggest need.  Hope springs eternal for the 2018 season, starting tomorrow night.  It is after midnight here on the East Coast.  It is officially Draft Day!

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 6

2 rounds left.  Almost at the end, and the draft is less than 24 hours away from starting!  Keep on rolling!

1 (175). Cleveland Browns- Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia

2 (176). Los Angeles Rams- Shaun Dion Hamilton, ILB, Alabama

3 (177). Houston Texans- David Wells, TE, San Diego State

4 (178). Indianapolis Colts- Andre Smith, ILB, UNC

5 (179). New York Jets- Colby Gossett, OG, Appalachian State

6 (180). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin

7 (181). Chicago Bears- DJ Reed, CB, Kansas State

8 (182). Arizona Cardinals- Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU

9 (183). Los Angeles Rams- Deontay Burnett, WR, USC

10 (184). San Francisco 49ers- J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri

11 (185). Oakland Raiders- Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State

12 (186). Green Bay Packers- Danny Johnson, CB, Southern

13 (187). Buffalo Bills- Brandon Lingen, TE, Minnesota

14 (188). Cleveland Browns- Siran Neal, CB, Jacksonville State

15 (189). New Orleans Saints- Kyle Allen, QB, Houston

16 (190). Baltimore Ravens- Jaylen Samuels, FB/HB, NC State

17 (191). Los Angeles Chargers- Maea Teuhema, OG, LSU

18 (192). Dallas Cowboys- Trevon Young, DE, Louisville

19 (193). Dallas Cowboys- Quin Blanding, S, Virginia

20 (194). Los Angeles Rams- Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin

21 (195). Los Angeles Rams- Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State

22 (196). Kansas City Chiefs- Troy Apke, S, Penn State

23 (197). Carolina Panthers- Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern

24 (198). New England Patriots- Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan

25 (199). Tennessee Titans- Davon Grayson, WR, East Carolina

26 (200). Atlanta Falcons- Dimitri Flowers, FB, Oklahoma

27 (201). New Orleans Saints- Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State

28 (202). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia

29 (203). Jacksonville Jaguars- Chris Campbell, CB, Penn State

30 (204). Minnesota Vikings- Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana

31 (205). Washington Redskins- Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami

32 (206). Philadelphia Eagles- Trayvon Henderson, S, Hawai'i

33 (207). Green Bay Packers- John Atkins, DT, Georgia

34 (208). Dallas Cowboys- Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham

35 (209). Kansas City Chiefs- Jamil Demby, OT, Maine

36 (210). New England Patriots- Chandon Sullivan, CB, Georgia State

37 (211). Houston Texans- Jeremy Reaves, S, South Alabama

38 (212). Oakland Raiders- Michael Dickson, P, Texas
PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT!

39 (213). Minnesota Vikings- Olasunkanmi Adenyi, DE, Toledo

40 (214). Houston Texans- Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh

41 (215). Baltimore Ravens- Chase Litton, QB, Marshall

42 (216). Oakland Raiders- Tegray Scales, OLB, Indiana

43 (217). Oakland Raiders- D'Montre Wade, CB, Murray State

44 (218). Minnesota Vikings- Cole Madison, OT, Washington State.


One. Round. Left.  Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 5

3 rounds left.  Teams still have holes to fill.  Time to find those guys who may not be as hyped, but are just as important to the teams they go to.

1 (138). Green Bay Packers- Jeromy Irwin, OG, Colorado

2 (139). New York Giants- Matt Pryor, OT, TCU

3 (140). Indianapolis Colts- Breeland Speaks, DE, Ole Miss

4 (141). Seattle Seahawks- Toby Weathersby, OT, LSU

5 (142). Washington Redskins- Nick DeLuca, ILB, North Dakota State

6 (143). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan

7 (144). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dorance Armstrong Jr, DE, Kansas

8 (145). Chicago Bears- Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State

9 (146). Seattle Seahawks- Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest

10 (147). New Orleans Saints- Brian Allen, OC, Michigan State

11 (148). Pittsburgh Steelers- Oren Burks, OLB, Vanderbilt

12 (149). Denver Broncos- Mark Walton, RB, Miami

13 (150). Cleveland Browns- RJ McIntosh, DT, Miami

14 (151). Cincinnati Bengals- Timon Parris, OT, Stony Brook

15 (152). Arizona Cardinals- Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers

16 (153). Detroit Lions- Justin Jones, DT, NC State

17 (154). Baltimore Ravens- DeShon Elliot, S, Texas

18 (155). Los Angeles Chargers- Chad Thomas, DE, Miami

19 (156). Philadelphia Eagles- Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State

20 (157). New York Jets- Kentavius Street, DE, NC State

21 (158). Cincinnati Bengals- Will Clapp, OG, LSU

22 (159). Oakland Raiders- Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana

23 (160). Denver Broncos- Mike McCray, ILB, Michigan

24 (161). Carolina Panthers- Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M

25 (162). Tennessee Titans- Folorunso Fatukasi, DT, UConn

26 (163). Washington Redskins- Skyler Phillips, OC/G, Idaho State

27 (164). New Orleans Saints- Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah

28 (165). Pittsburgh Steelers- Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

29 (166). Buffalo Bills- Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State

30 (167). Minnesota Vikings- Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern

31 (168). Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State

32 (169). Philadelphia Eagles- Jack Cichy, ILB, Wisconsin

33 (170). Cincinnati Bengals- Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo

34 (171). Dallas Cowboys- Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame

35 (172). Green Bay Packers- Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame

36 (173). Oakland Raiders- John Kelly, RB, Tennessee

37 (174). Green Bay Packers- Stephen Roberts, S, Auburn


Only 2 rounds left!  Has your favorite player gone yet? If not, check back in Rounds 6 and 7!

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 4

Day 3 of the Draft is Saturday.  There are some future Hall of Famers that will be taken.  We just may not know them yet.  It all starts with Round 4.

1 (101). Green Bay Packers- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma

2 (102). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kameron Kelly, S, San Diego State

3 (103). Houston Texans- Jordan Atkins, TE, UCF

4 (104). Indianapolis Colts- Will Richardson, OT, NC State

5 (105). Chicago Bears- Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia

6 (106). Denver Broncos- Will Dissly, TE, Washington

7 (107). New York Jets- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame

8 (108). New York Giants- Tre'Quan Smith, WR, UCF

9 (109). Washington Redskins- JC Jackson, CB, Maryland

10 (110). Oakland Raiders- Brandon Parker, OT, NC A&T

11 (111). Miami Dolphins- Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin

12 (112). Cincinnati Bengals- Kevin Toliver, CB, LSU

13 (113). Denver Broncos- Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
There's Elway's QB of the future.  He can learn under Case Keenum.

14 (114). Cleveland Browns- Marcus Allen, S, Penn State

15 (115). Chicago Bears- Hercules Mata'afa, DT, Washington State

16 (116). Dallas Cowboys- Wyatt Teller, OG, Virginia Tech

17 (117). Detroit Lions- Sean Welsh, OG, Iowa

18 (118). Baltimore Ravens- Gerard Avery, ILB, Memphis

19 (119). Los Angeles Chargers- Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky

20 (120). Seattle Seahawks- Shaquem Griffin, OLB/S, UCF
I love this man.  I'd have him going in the 2nd or 3rd round if the Seahawks had a pick there.  He could be reunited with his twin brother Shaquill, and can be an immediate impact player on special teams, throwing downs, and learn to be a Deone Buchanan-like combo safety.  Just ask Auburn how dominant Shaq Griffin can be.  Don't get hung up on the fact that he has one hand (he caught the ball better than most LBs at the Combine anyway).  Pay attention to the havoc he causes offenses.  He is a star.

21 (121). Buffalo Bills- Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn

22 (122). Kansas City Chiefs- Deadrin Senat, DT, USF

23 (123). Miami Dolphins- Dorian O'Daniel, OLB, Clemson

24 (124). Los Angeles Rams- Scott Quessenberry, OC, UCLA

25 (125). Tennessee Titans- Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama

26 (126). Atlanta Falcons- Chris Herndon, TE, Miami

27 (127). New Orleans Saints- Jeff Holland, OLB, Auburn

28 (128). San Francsico 49ers- Kalen Bullage, RB, Arizona State

29 (129). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh

30 (130). Philadelphia Eagles- Cedric Wilson, WR, Boise State

31 (131). Miami Dolphins- Keke Coutce, WR, Texas Tech

32 (132). Philadelphia Eagles- Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State

33 (133). Green Bay Packers- Fred Warner, ILB, BYU

34 (134). Arizona Cardinals- Auden Tate, WR, Florida State

35 (135). Los Angeles Rams- Sam Jones, OG, Arizona State

36 (136). Los Angeles Rams- Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa

37 (137). Dallas Cowboys- Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford


Over halfway done.  3 rounds left!  Thanks for reading!

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 3

Rolling along into Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Mock Draft.  This will mostly be a list of the picks and players, but I will comment if there are interesting selections.  Here we go!

1 (65). Buffalo Bills- Brian O'Neill, OT, Pitt

2 (66). New York Giants- Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
When healthy, he might be the best back in the draft. Mel Kiper thinks he will be like Alvin Kamara.

3 (67). Indianapolis Colts- Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida

4 (68). Houston Texans- Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
The Texans gave Cleveland both of their first picks this year, first to take Brock Osweiler, and then to move up and get DeShaun Watson.  So their first pick of the draft is a big man for the middle of their D-line.  The player comp from NFL.com is former Patriot and Texan Vince Wilfork.

5 (69). New York Giants- Arden Key, DE, LSU

6 (70). San Francisco 49ers- Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

7 (71). Denver Broncos- Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama

8 (72). New York Jets- Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State

9 (73). Miami Dolphins- Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College

10 (74). San Francisco 49ers- Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

11 (75). Oakland Raiders- Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State

12 (76). Green Bay Packers- Desmond Harrison, OT, Western Georgia

13 (77). Cincinnati Bengals- Frank Ragnow, OC, Arkansas
Has been mentioned in the 1st Round in some of the most recent mocks. I don't see it.

14 (78). Washington Redskins- Rashaad Penny, RB, Sand Diego St.
A complete running back who can play every down, or compliment Christ Thompson and Samaje Perine. Fills a big need. Alex Smith is best when he has a good run game.

15 (79). Arizona Cardinals- MJ Stewart, CB, UNC

16 (80). Houston Texans- Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

17 (81). Dallas Cowboys- Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas

18 (82). Detroit Lions- Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana

19 (83). Baltimore Ravens- Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

20 (84). Los Angeles Chargers- Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State

21 (85). Carolina Panthers- Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State

22 (86). Kansas City Chiefs- Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State

23 (87). Los Angeles Rams- Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

24 (88). Carolina Panthers- Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State

25 (89). Tennessee Titans- Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa

26 (90). Atlanta Falcons- Daesean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

27 (91). New Orleans Saints- Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

28 (92). Pittsburgh Steelers- Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
A bit of LeVeon Bell insurance.

29 (93). Jacksonville Jaguars- Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia

30 (94). Minnesota Vikings- Holton Hill, CB, Texas

31 (95). New England Patriots- Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
The Patriots get the next heir-apparent to Tom Brady.

32 (96). Buffalo Bills- Mason Cole, OC, Michigan

33 (97). Arizona Cardinals- Kyzir White, S, West Virginia

34 (98). Houston Texans- Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane

35 (99). Denver Broncos- Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

36 (100). Cincinnati Benglas- Duke Dawson, CB, Florida


Some big names still on the board.  Will they go in Round 4?  Read on and find out!

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 2

The Draft is so close we can almost taste it.  It tastes like Gatorade and loud suits.  Round 1 was posted last night, so we start tonight with Round 2!  There will be some explanation, but not as much as in Round 1.  Also, please remember that I do not project trades.

1 (33). Cleveland Browns-  Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas
Joe Thomas missed the first games of his future Hall of Fame NFL career, and decided that was a good enough run.  They need to add offensive line talent, and Williams (when healthy) has the talent of a Top 10 pick.

2 (34). New York Giants- Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Speaking of needed OL help...  The Giants were awful.  Wynn comes in to replace Justin Pugh, and can be paired with Nate Solder to protect Eli and Darnold going forward.

3 (35). Cleveland Browns- Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Does LSU produce more awesome defensive backs that anyone else?  Possibly.  Jackson adds another strong defender to a talented young defense, and Cleveland continues to run the Draft.

4 (36). Indianapolis Colts- Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Another Bayou Bengal off the board.  The Colts rushing game is not terribly good, and Frank Gore is now in Miami.  A bruising but explosive back like Guice will help Andrew Luck ease back into playing, and means he won't have to throw the ball 60 times a game.

5 (37). Indianapolis Colts- Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Another Indy pick, and now they land a rush player that may be the the next Freeney or Mathis if he can add some muscle and maintain his speed.

6 (38). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Doug Martin is out in Oakland now, so the Bucs need a true starting RB to play alongside Jameis Winston.

7 (39). Chicago Bears- Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The tape says that Brown is a 1st round prospect.  The workouts say he will be lucky to go by Round 4.  I think the Bears roll the dice that the player on tape is the real guy, and he can protect Mitchell Trubisky for years.

8 (40). Denver Broncos- Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
They already have Demariyus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but both are getting up there in age, and will be free agents after the 2019 season.  The Broncos could let Kirk learn for a year or two from them, and then take over as the #1 guy.

9 (41). Oakland Raiders- Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
The Raiders defense slipped big time last year.  Adding a talented corner along with Tremaine Edmunds will instantly improve that side of the ball.

10 (42). Miami Dolphins- Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Yes, I said that Ryan Tannehill shouldn't be rushed out of town.  But the Dolphins seem to have soured on him.  This way, they get Vea in Round 1, and still get a prolific passer in Rudolph to groom for the future.

11 (43).  New England Patriots- Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC
The Patriots didn't sack Nick Foles once in the Super Bowl.  Belichick and co. want to change that for the next big game.

12 (44). Washington Redskins- Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
With Su'a Cravens in Denver, the Skins have a big hole at safety.  Harrison can be that strong thumper from the secondary that will help with run defense and to intimidate WRs going over the middle.

13 (45). Green Bay Packers- DJ Chark, WR, LSU
The Packers cut Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb isn't what he used to be, and Davante Adams needs help.  DJ Chark wowed the combine, is a burner down field, but also has excellent height at 6'3.

14 (46). Cincinnati Bengals- Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
You have to be able to stop the run in a division with the LeVeon Bell and possibly Saquon Barkley.  Phillips gives the Bengals talent and depth on that DL.

15 (47). Arizona Cardinals- Billy Price, OC, Ohio State
Doctors informed teams that Price is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from a torn pectoral suffered at the Combine.  This is great news for the young man, who may actually sneak into Round 1.  The Cardinals have a need, and he fits well here.

16 (48). Los Angeles Chargers- Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Phillip Rivers may not have that many more years left.  The Chargers would be smart to invest in the OL to keep him upright.

17 (49). Indianapolis Colts- BJ Hill, DT, NC State
More defense for the Colts, who need to address a ton of needs.

18 (50). Dallas Cowboys- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Hurst was cleared by doctors after a possible heart issue.  Now, he will reunite with Taco Charlton to sure up the D line in Big D.

19 (51). Detroit Lions- Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
The Lions last 100-yard rusher was Reggie Bush on November 28th, 2013.  I know folks say running backs are devalued now, but this is ridiculous.  Michel is a big play waiting to happen, and should FINALLY end that drought.

20 (52). Baltimore Ravens- Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
The Ravens have a hole at right tackle.  Christian can play Day 1, or kick inside to guard if needed.

21 (53). Buffalo Bills- Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest
The Bill's defense carries them.  Adding a playmaking safety only makes it better.

22 (54). Kansas City Chiefs- Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Marcus Peters got traded away, so the Chiefs need another corner.  Davis is the best on the board.

23 (55). Carolina Panthers- Cortland Sutton, WR, SMU
Cam Newton is a great QB, but he has a tendency to throw the ball a bit high.  No issue for Sutton, who is big, physical, and can jump out of the building.

24 (56). Buffalo Bills- James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
The Bills will need weapons for their new QB.  Washington made a bunch of huge plays in OK State's spread offense, even if his route running is still a bit raw.

25 (57). Tennessee Titans- Austin Corbett, OG/C, Nevada
The Titans are set at tackle, but could use more talent on the interior of their line.

26 (58). Atlanta Falcons- Rasheem Green, DE, USC
More pass rush for Dan Quinn, who can never have enough edge rushers.

27 (59). San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Jimmy G needs more weapons on offense.  Miller is a great deep threat, who could develop into Garoppolo's favorite target.

28 (60). Pittsburgh Steelers- Terrell Edmunds, S, Virginia Tech
Tremaine's brother goes to help the Steelers' secondary, which was exposed in the playoffs by none other than Blake Bortles.

29 (61). Jacksonville Jaguars- Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
The Jags lost Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson to free agency.  They need to add another weapon, in the off chance Doug Marrone lets his team throw the ball.

30 (62). Minnesota Vikings- Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Kirk Cousins loves to throw to tight ends.  They add another pass catcher to pair with Kyle Rudolph in 2 TE sets.

31 (63). New England Patriots- Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State
More rushers, more defense.  Tom Brady will make the offense run, so they need to add weapons on D.

32 (64). Cleveland Browns- Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
The Browns receivers aren't awful, but they could always use another solid option for their new QB.


2 down, 5 to go!  Thanks for reading!

JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 1

It is here!  Draft week is upon us.  The set is all done in Jerry World.  The analysts have all finished their mocks.  The agents have made their pitches, the players their visits, and the teams their Big Boards.  Now, it is my turn.  After an intense few days, which followed months of research, I present to you my 2018 Mock Draft.  As always, I do not project trades, and this is a combination of what I think teams will do and what I think they should do.  Thank you in advance for reading, and please let me know any critiques or comments you may have.  Here we go!  With the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...



1. Cleveland Browns- Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Browns finally get their QB of the future on the big man from the small school.  While Darnold or Rosen may be the safer picks, I think that the Browns love what Allen can be.  He has been compared to Carson Wentz and Big Ben.  That's pretty good company.  New Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley had Ben in Pittsburgh, so could do wonders with that kind of potential.  He can sit behind Tyrod Taylor for a year, learn the game and the offense, and then start in 2019.

2. New York Giants- Sam Darnold, QB, USC
If Darnold had gone #1, this wouldn't be a QB.  However, with possibly the safest and most talented QB in the draft there, I think the Giants pull the trigger on him.  He will be able to sit behind Eli Manning, a similar-style QB, and step in right away when Eli retires or leaves NY.  Darnold is better than Davis Webb, and the Giants simply can't pass up on this prospect.

3. New York Jets- Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets traded up to get a QB, and they pick the biggest name and the biggest personality.  They may have to give him a babysitter whenever he isn't on the field, but his love of the game, competitive fire, accuracy, and winning pedigree cannot be questioned.  He will light the fire in the Jets that they haven't had for a while.  With that talented defense, even slightly above average QB play could make them a contender.

4. Cleveland Browns- Saquon Barkely, RB, Penn State
The Browns win the draft!  Barkely might be the best player in the entire draft, and the Browns are able to secure both him and their QB in the first 4 picks.  He is too good to pass up on here, and the Browns fans would immediately love him.  He would be the face of the franchise over the QB, because he will come in right away with the potential to be a top 10 running back in the league as a rookie.  Gil Brandt called him the next Mashall Faulk.  You have to take him here.

5. Denver Broncos- Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Well, the Broncos are a little disappointed that none of their top 3 QBs fell to them.  They will take a good hard look at Josh Rosen, but in the end, John Elway will remember he won a Super Bowl with a sub-par Peyton Manning being carried by an epic defense.  Taking the best defensive player available to pair with Von Miller will give AFC West QBs nightmares.  Plus, Case Keenum was a Pro Bowl QB last year, and is an instant upgrade to the Broncos previous QBs. 

6. Indianapolis Colts- Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Assuming Andrew Luck still has arms, can still throw a football, and will actually take the field this year (all big assumptions), the Colts would do well to protect their $150 million franchise QB.  Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the draft.  Much like a Zack Martin or Brandon Scherff, he is good enough on the inside that he will make the rest of the line better.  The Colts will actually be able to protect their QB, run the ball, and compete in games now.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Brent Grimes isn't exactly a young man, so corner is a big need area for the Bucs.  Denzel Ward is the latest excellent corner prospect from Ohio State, and would be able to come in and play immediately if needed.  Pairing him with Vernon Hargreaves would give the Bucs one of the best young corner combos in the league.

8. Chicago Bears- Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
This is the Bears.  The Monsters of the Midway.  They play defense.  They have linebackers like Butkus, Urlacher, and Singletary.  This pick would be the Bears getting back to their true identity.  Smith is that thumper in the middle of the defense that can do it all, or move outside to pass rush with his exceptional speed.  He will come in and immediately be the best player on the defense.

9. San Francisco 49ers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama
Is he a corner?  Is he a safety?  Well, all the 49ers need to know is that he is a fantastic football player who will immediately help their secondary.  I think he will primarily play safety, but is so talented and versatile that he will never need to be subbed out.  Even better, Richard Sherman will be able to teach him everything he knows.

10. Oakland Raiders- Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech
The Raiders need to give Khalil Mack a little help on defense, and Edmunds is the kind of physical freak that Al Davis would have loved.  He is still just 19, and is still learning how good he can be.  NFL.com says his player comp is Brian Urlacher.  Who wouldn't want to draft that?  Plug him in on the defense for the next decade and be happy with the results.

11. Miami Dolphins- Vita Vea, DT, Washington
I don't buy the "Dolphins taking a QB" talk.  They got to the playoffs with a healthy Ryan Tannehill.  Instead, I think they have to address that Suh-sized hole in the middle of their defensive line.  Vea is a super-athletic nose tackle who will be able to help with both the pass rush and stopping the run.

12. Buffalo Bills- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
So, I don't project trades.  That said, I think that the Bills will get Rosen, but somewhere in the Top 10.  They have the capital to move up and get their man.  AJ McCarron isn't their long term solution, based on what they paid him.  Rosen's commitment to football has been questioned (not sure why), but his ability and talent never has been.  He may be the most pro-ready QB in the draft, and could compete for the starting job right away.

13. Washington Redskins- Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The player comp is Ndamukong Suh.  Payne took over the National Championship game, essentially shutting down Georgia's offense by himself.  He would be paired with former teammate Jonathan Allen in Washington, and help the worst rush defense in the league, finally solving one of the longest lingering issues for the Skins.

14. Green Bay Packers- Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Packers need help in the secondary, and Jaire Alexander is super-talented.  He put on a show at the combine, running a 4.38 40 and excelling in all the drills.  He could be an upgrade over both Tramon Williams or Kevin King.  A shut down corner is needed in a division that now has both Matt Stafford and Kirk Cousins.

15. Arizona Cardinals- Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
From one team of Cardinals to another.  Arizona needs to finally address their QB of the future question, and the Heisman-winning QB is the best QB available.  He is a dynamic playmaker with his feet, and throws a great deep ball.  He can potentially be a new Mike Vick, and the team could build their offense towards what he does best.  The idea of running a read option with Jackson and David Johnson would give defensive coordinators fits.

16. Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Ravens just signed Willie Snead, but he isn't the answer.  DJ Moore may be the better WR in the long run, but I think the Ravens and their fans have fallen in love with Ridley.  He can come in and immediately be the #1 option for Joe Flacco.  He has explosive speed, is a crisp route runner, and has great hands.  It is a no-brainer pick for a team that needs all the help it can get on offense.

17. Los Angeles Chargers- Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Chargers will be over the moon to get this guy at 17.  With comps to Eric Berry, he would be able to come in and fill that void at safety that has existed for the Chargers since Eric Weddle left.  He would be the best player in the secondary the first day he shows up for practice.

18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
A tall corner with a ton of ability?  That sounds like Seahawks football to me.  The Legion of Boom lost Richard Sherman, and Jackson could come in and start opposite Shaq Griffin.  The Hawks could also trade back, since they don't pick again until Round 4, but I think that Jackson would be the best fit for their franchise. 

19. Dallas Cowboys- DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
Did you hear the Cowboys cut Dez Bryant?  That hasn't been major news or anything.  They now have a group of also-rans at receiver, and need to replace their best playmaker.  Cue DJ Moore, who has the size, speed, and ability to come in and be that #1 guy for Dak Prescott and company.  At worst, he is a great WR2.

20. Detroit Lions- Marcus Davenport, DE, UT-San Antonio
Raw and from a small school, Davenport nevertheless wowed scouts with his play and ability.  The Lions could pair him with Ziggy Ansah and wreck havoc on the NFC.  Davenport would play DE for the Lions, but has the agility and ability to drop into space as a 3-4 OLB if they switch their base.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Vontaze Burfict will miss the first month of the season, and isn't exactly a spring chicken.  Bringing a thumper like Evans into the mix will allow that defense to keep their intensity and swagger.  He can run sideline to sideline, and does well in both run-stopping and the pass rush.

22. Buffalo Bills- Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
It sounds like Richie Incognito doesn't want to come back to Buffalo, so O-line help becomes an immediate need.  Hernandez is a great pass-blocker, but an elite run blocker.  He would be able to give Shady McCoy massive holes to run through, and will help keep Josh Rosen upright as he takes the reigns in Buffalo.

23. New England Patriots- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Patriots manage to get the best tackle in the draft all the way at 23.  They lost Nate Solder to the Giants, so they need to be able to find his replacement.  McGlinchey can play left or right tackle, and can help keep the ageless wonder Tom Brady upright for yet another playoff run.

24. Carolina Panthers- Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
The first player from the real National Champions is off the board.  Mike Hughes fits an immediate need.  The Panthers secondary hasn't looked the same since Josh Norman took his talents to DC.  Hughes is a playmaker, as was evident by how well he played in the Peach Bowl vs Auburn.  He can also return kicks if Christian McCaffery doesn't want to.

25. Tennessee Titans- Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
The Titans are set on offense, with their QB, RB, OL all solid, and spending last year's first round pick on a wide out.  Adding a strong pass rush would help bring their team to the next level, not just making the playoffs, but competing realistically for an AFC Championship.  Harold Landry can get after the QB with a huge burst.  If he hones his technique a little, he can be a monster edge rusher.

26. Atlanta Falcons- Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons lost Dontari Poe to free agency, so they need help in the middle of that defensive line.  Bryan, much like Poe, is an amazing athlete for a big guy.  He has the ability to not just stop the run, but pursue a player downfield if need be.  He would be a Day 1 starter for the Falcons as they look to return to the Super Bowl.

27. New Orleans Saints- Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Drew Brees has running backs, wide outs, a decent defense, and a good OL.  The thing he has been missing in recent years was a standout tight end.  Coby Fleener was a disappointment, and Ben Watson is older.  Goedert is a superb pass-catching tight end, who would instantly become Brees' favorite red zone target.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
The Steelers love linebackers.  They lost Ryan Shazier to a scary injury, and may never get him back.  Vander Esch can be that kind of dynamic defensive stopper that the Steelers love.  He can play both inside and out, can cover, and can rush the passer.  He would be a great fit in black and yellow.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
What a difference a year makes.  The Jaguars are picking very late in the first round thanks to their incredible defense, a stellar running game, and Blake Bortles not messing up too much.  As a run-first team, they need to keep that OL as strong as possible.  Miller is an excellent run-blocking tackle, who will help Leonard Fournette guide the Jags back to the playoffs.

30. Minnesota Vikings- James Daniels, OG/C, Iowa
You don't sign a QB to a massive contract if you can't protect him.  While Kirk Cousins has some mobility, he would rather be able to work out of a clean pocket.  Daniels, playing at guard, would be an immediate upgrade.  He also has the versatility to play center if needed.

31. New England Patriots- Justin Reid, S, Stanford
The Patriots secondary was exposed in the Super Bowl by Nick Foles.  They need to add more play makers and smart defenders.  Justin, younger brother of All-Pro safety Eric Reid, is better in coverage than his older brother, and can help shore up that secondary for the future.

32. Philadelphia Eagles- Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
The Super Bowl champions don't have that many holes on their roster.  However, they did lose Trey Burton to Chicago, and Zach Ertz seems to miss time every year.  Hurst isn't the best blocker, but he is an excellent weapon in the passing game.  Line him up in the slot vs a safety or a linebacker, and he could school them all day with his size and leaping ability.


So there you go!  Round 1 in the books!  Look for Rounds 2-7 to come tomorrow night, and as always, enjoy the Draft!