2018 NFL Mock Draft | Round One
1) Cleveland Browns
Selection: Saquon Barkley
Position: Halfback
College: Penn State | Nittany Lions
Size: 5’11” | 223 lbs
Production: 38 GP | 3,843 RUYDs | 43 RUTDs | 1,193 REYDs | 8 RETDs
Prospect Grade: 7.45
Why Here? | With the depth of QB talent in this draft, the Browns could afford to take Barkley with the first overall pick, while still managing to find a talented passer to pair with the every-down back. Barkley is the top-rated prospect in this year’s draft.
2) New York Giants
Selection: Josh Rosen
Position: Quarterback
College: UCLA | Bruins
Size: 6’4” | 218 lbs
Production: 30 GP | 9,340 PAYDs | 59 PATDs | 26 INTs | 60.9% PCT | -154 RUYDs | 6 RUTDs
Prospect Grade: 6.19
Why Here? | Rosen is the best fit for the Giants as the top pure passer in the draft, even with all of the talented arms available at No. 2.
Alternative | If the Giants are comfortable with Davis Webb to replace Eli Manning in the near future, then the Giants could look to trade out of this spot with Barkley off the board. The team could also decide to pick up top defensive end Bradley Chubb, after trading Jason Pierre-Paul to the Buccaneers.
3) New York Jets (Via The Indianapolis Colts)
Selection: Baker Mayfield
Position: Quarterback
College: Texas Tech Red Raiders/Oklahoma Sooners
Size: 6’1” 220 lbs
Production: 48 GP | 14,607 PAYDs | 131 PATDs | 30 INTs | 68.5% PCT | 1,083 RUYDs | 21 RUTDs
Prospect Grade: 6.09
Why Here? | The Jets re-signed 2017 starter Josh McCown to a one-year deal, then used free agency to add Teddy Bridgewater, on a one-year deal. The team’s 2018 depth chart will also include 2016 second-round pick Christian Hackenberg.
Even with some depth at the quarterback position, going into the draft, the Jets felt it necessary to make a deal with the Colts to move from the sixth pick to the third pick, where they’ll more than likely grab who they think could be their quarterback of the future.
Mayfield’s talent is unquestionable, but his off-field issues are unacceptable. If he can keep out of trouble, he should compete for the starting job in his first season.
4) Cleveland Browns (Via The Houston Texans)
Selection: Sam Darnold
Position: Quarterback
College: USC | Trojans
Size: 6’4” | 220 lbs
Production: 27 GP | 7,229 PAYDs | 57 PATDs | 22 INTs | 64.9% PCT | 332 RUYDs | 7 RUTDs
Prospect Grade: 7.10
Why Here? | Darnold has the potential to be a great QB, but a turnover-filled 2017 season showed that he needs more time to develop, before assuming the starting role. Trading for Tyrod Taylor gives the Browns a QB who can get wins now, and bridge the gap while Darnold develops.
5) Denver Broncos
Selection: Quenton Nelson
Position: Offensive Guard
College: Notre Dame | Fighting Irish
Size: 6’5” | 330 lbs
Prospect Grade: 7.4
Why Here? | The Broncos “got their man,” by signing Case Keenum in free agency. Now, they need to give him the kind of protection he had in Minnesota, so that he can thrive the way he did down the stretch in the playoffs.
Nelson is the best player in the draft not named Saquon Barkley and would provide a big boost to the Broncos in both pass protection and the run game.
6) Indianapolis Colts (Via The New York Jets)
Selection: Bradley Chubb
Position: Defensive End
College: NC State | Wolfpack
Size: 6’4” | 275 lbs
Production: 40 GP | 198 TOTs | 54.5 TFL | 25 SKs | 6 FFs
Prospect Grade: 7.25
Why Here? | The Colts need an elite edge rusher, and Chubb is the best there is in the draft. He found success as both a pass rusher and run stopper at the collegiate level, and has the physical gifts to continue to produce at the NFL level. If he remains on the board at six, this is where he’ll likely be taken.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Minkah Fitzpatrick
Position: Defensive Back
College: Alabama | Crimson Tide
Size: 6’1” | 202 lbs
Production: 42 GP | 171 TOTs | 16.5 TFL | 5 SKs | 9 INTs | 24 PD | 2 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.50
Why Here? | The Buccaneers are in desperate need of secondary help, and Fitzpatrick could be their man, with his versatility. He is the top DB in the draft, and shouldn’t fall past the Bucs.
8) Chicago Bears
Selection: Mike McGlinchey
Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Notre Dame | Fighting Irish
Size: 6’8” | 315 lbs
Prospect Grade: 5.89
Why Here? | The Bears took a banner on Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick last year. The team hired Matt Nagy to get the most out of him. Chicago used free agency to grab some targets for its young QB and can use the draft to bolster his protection.
McGlinchey gives the Bears a versatile offensive lineman, who could replace RT Bobby Massie, or move inside to fill the hole left by Josh Sitton, who signed with the Dolphins in free agency.
9) San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Calvin Ridley
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Alabama | Crimson Tide
Size: 6’1” | 190 lbs
Production: 44 GP | 2,781 REYDs | 19 RETDs
Prospect Grade: 6.83
Why Here? | The 49ers found their QB of the future, but now they need to find him a high-quality target. Ridley lacked production in college, due to the run-heavy nature of the Alabama offense, but put on a show whenever he had the ball in his hands. He and Jimmy G could produce a great tandem for a lot of years.
10) Oakland Raiders
Selection: Roquan Smith
Position: Linebacker
College: Georgia | Bulldogs
Size: 6’1” | 225 lbs
Production: 38 GP | 252 TOTs | 20.5 TFL | 6.5 SKs | 3 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.62
Why Here? | The reigning Butkus Award winner won’t wait long to find a home in the NFL. Smith is a bit undersized, but his quickness and intelligence could make him a formidable force on a Raiders defense, that already includes Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack.
11) Miami Dolphins
Selection: Tremaine Edmunds
Position: Linebacker
College: Virginia Tech | Hokies
Size: 6’5” | 250 lbs
Production: 29 GP | 213 TOTs | 33 TFL | 10 SKs | 3 FFs
Prospect Grade: 7.28
Why Here? | Edmunds, 19, is the youngest player in the entire draft and won’t even be turning 20 until after the draft. His youth may bring up questions of maturity and leadership, but after leading the Hokies defense for three seasons with no off-field issues, those questions should be put to rest relatively quickly.
Edmunds is a uniquely gifted talent at the LB position. He’s seen as “oversized,” but carries his frame well and proved his athleticism at the combine. Miami presents many unique challenges for a young player, but if Edmunds can ignore the distractions and stay focused on football, he should find immediate success on the field.
12) Buffalo Bills (Via The Cincinnati Bengals)
Selection: Josh Allen
Position: Quarterback
College: Wyoming | Cowboys
Size: 6’5” | 235 lbs
Production: 27 GP | 5,066 PAYDs | 44 PATDs | 21 INTs | 56.2% PCT | 767 RUYDs | 12 RUTDs
Prospect Grade: 6.01
Why Here? | Tyrod Taylor had his arm strength questioned throughout the season; Allen’s arm strength is unquestionable. Unfortunately, the rest of his game is not.
Taylor got traded to the Browns this offseason, but the Bills managed to land former Bengals QB AJ McCarron. With McCarron as the starter, Allen could take some time to refine his mechanics, and develop as a passer.
13) Washington
Selection: Marcus Davenport
Position: Defensive End
College: UTSA | Roadrunners
Size: 6’6” | 264 lbs
Production: 43 GP | 185 TOTs | 37.5 TFL | 21.5 SKs | 6 FFs
Prospect Grade: 5.99
Why Here? | Washington could use some extra help on the defensive line. Last year, they took Jonathan Allen with their first pick, and could look to pair him with a talented end like Davenport.
Davenport has great size and strength, but his speed is what makes him a special player. At the combine, he had a better 40-time than the rest of the defensive linemen, and with his size, that is simply incredible.
14) Green Bay Packers
Selection: Denzel Ward
Position: Cornerback
College: Ohio State | Buckeyes
Size: 5’10” | 191 lbs
Production: 26 GP | 67 TOTs | 2 TFL | 2 INTs | 24 PDs
Prospect Grade: 6.13
Why Here? | The Packers need secondary help. They could use another corner to pair with second-year DB Kevin King. Ward is a bit undersized, but at 6’3”, an “oversized” King can handle larger receivers, while Ward takes advantage of his own matchups.
15) Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Lamar Jackson
Position: Quarterback
College: Louisville | Cardinals
Size: 6’3” 200 lbs
Production: 38 GP | 9,043 PAYDs | 69 PATDs | 27 INTs | 57% PCT | 4,132 RUYDs | 50 RUTDs
Prospect Grade: 5.95
Why Here? | Jackson is arguably the best athlete in the entire draft. At Louisville, he was an electrifying talent and a true leader. His combination of athleticism and arm talent is rare for a quarterback, and his overall play has improved every year.
The Cardinals signed Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, but neither looks like the long-term answer behind center. Jackson would be a great add, for a team that needs an offensive spark.
16) Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Harold Landry
Position: Linebacker/Defensive End
College: Boston College | Eagles
Size: 6’3” | 252 lbs
Production: 38 GP | 158 TOTs | 48 TFL | 25 SKs | 10 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.18
Why Here? | Terrell Suggs will be 36 before the end of next season. The Ravens should prepare for his inevitable departure and take one of the top edge rushers in the draft.
Landry has good quickness and arm length, but needs to add better pass-rush moves to his repertoire. Suggs could help mold this young talent into a dangerous defensive force.
17) Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Vita Vea
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Washington | Huskies
Size: 6’4” | 347 lbs
Production: 37 GP | 99 TOTs | 15 TFL | 9.5 SKs | 2 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.5
Why Here? | Throughout his collegiate career, Vea showed the ability to get after the quarterback, make stops in the backfield, close rushing lanes, and even make open-field tackles.
Starting DT Brandon Mebane will be a 34-year-old free agent after next season, and Vea could provide insurance for the future.
18) Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Derwin James
Position: Safety
College: FSU | Seminoles
Size: 6’3” | 215 lbs
Production: 26 GP | 186 TOTs | 15 TFL | 5.5 SKs | 3 INTs | 15 PD | 2 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.44
Why Here? | With Earl Thomas III on the trade block, Richard Sherman on the chopping block, and Kam Chancellor’s future in football in question, the “Legion of Boom” is no more.
Seattle is in desperate need of secondary help, and James is a top level safety prospect. After a strong showing at the Combine, there is speculation that teams could use him as a cornerback, which is exactly the kind of versatility the Seahawks are looking for.
19) Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Maurice Hurst Jr.
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Michigan | Wolverines
Size: 6’2” | 280 lbs
Production: 41 GP | 130 TOTs | 32 TFL | 13.5 SKs | 2 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.03
Why Here? | Hurst was sent home early from the combine after failing his physical with an irregular electrocardiogram. In the weeks since, Hurst has been medically cleared to play, and put on an exceptional performance at Michigan’s pro day.
The Cowboys need help with their interior defensive line, and the addition of Hurst should also help former Michigan teammate DE Taco Charlton to reach his potential.
20) Detroit Lions
Selection: Da’Ron Payne
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Alabama | Crimson Tide
Size: 6’2” | 311 lbs
Production: 35 GP | 102 TOTs | 5 TFL | 3 SKs | 1 FF
Prospect Grade: 6.51
Why Here? | The Lions need help on both their offensive and defensive lines. Matt Patricia was a defensive coordinator, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him bolster the D-Line with his first pick as Detroit’s head coach.
Payne would join former Crimson Tide teammate A’Shawn Robinson to create a formidable front line, something the Lions have been missing since the “Silver Crush” days of Cliff Avril, Nick Fairley, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh.
21) Cincinnati Bengals (Via The Buffalo Bills)
Selection: Orlando Brown Jr.
Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Oklahoma | Sooners
Size: 6’8” | 360 lbs
Prospect Grade: 6.12
Why Here? | The Bengals offensive line struggled in both pass protection and in the running game, allowing 40 sacks and paving the way for the 31st ranked rushing attack last season.
In 2017, Brown was named first-team All-Big 12 for the second time in his collegiate career, and was a unanimous All-American as a blind-side blocker for QB Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma. He has great size, length, strength, and footwork.
Brown may drop after a weak showing at the combine, but his tape speaks for itself. The Bengals would be in good shape with an upgrade on their O-line.
#Facts: Brown’s father, Orlando “Zeus” Brown, played in the NFL from 1993-2005, but missed three seasons of his NFL career (2000-2002) after referee Jeff Tripplette hit him in the eye with a weighted penalty flag.
22) Buffalo Bills (Via The Kansas City Chiefs)
Selection: Josh Jackson
Position: Cornerback
College: Iowa | Hawkeyes
Size: 6’1” | 192 lbs
Production: 29 GP | 66 TOTs | 1.5 TFL | 8 INTs | 24 PD | 1 FF
Prospect Grade: 6.06
Why Here? | The Bills struck gold with their selection of CB Tre’Davious White last year, and adding Jackson would give he and S Micah Hyde some more help on the back end of the Buffalo D.
Jackson was a turnover machine for the Hawkeyes last season, tallying eight interceptions. The Bills’ secondary is becoming a force, and Jackson’s presence would only make it stronger.
23) New England Patriots (Via The Los Angeles Rams)
Selection: Kolton Miller
Position: Offensive Lineman
College: UCLA | Bruins
Size: 6’9” | 320 lbs
Prospect Grade: 5.67
Why Here? | The Patriots long-time LT Nate Solder left for the New York Giants in free agency, leaving a huge hole on Tom Brady’s blind side. New England cannot afford to leave arguably the greatest quarterback of all time open to easy sacks, which has led the team to trade its top WR in 2017, Brandin Cooks, for the opportunity to draft a top-tier tackle in Kolton Miller.
Miller is a solid pass protector, and a very aggressive run blocker. Although he was originally projected as a 2nd-3rd round pick, his size and strength combined with an impressive showing at the combine has many analysts projecting Miller to go in the first. His sudden shift in draft stock may have pushed the Patriots to trade into this spot, and the Rams were more than happy to make the move for a top playmaker at the receiver position, after losing Sammy Watkins to the Chiefs, in free agency.
#Facts: 24-year-old Brandin Cooks, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints, with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, will be playing for his third team in three seasons. He has been worth a total of three first-round picks, as well as a third, fourth and sixth-round pick. He has totaled 280 catches for 3,943 yards and 27 touchdowns in four seasons, and is coming off three-straight 1,000 yard seasons.
24) Carolina Panthers
Selection: Ronnie Harrison
Position: Safety
College: Alabama | Crimson Tide
Size: 6’3” | 214 lbs
Production: 42 GP | 174 TOTs | 7 TFL | 3.5 SKs | 7 INTs | 17 PDs | 1 FF
Prospect Grade: 6.0
Why Here? | The Panthers lost Kurt Coleman to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and SS Mike Adams will be 37 before the start of the season. Carolina is looking to rebuild its secondary, and Harrison would be a great place to start.
25) Tennessee Titans
Selection: Christian Kirk
Position: Wide Receiver
College: TAMU | Aggies
Size: 5’10” | 200 lbs
Production: 39 GP | 234 RECs | 2,856 REYDs | 26 RETDs | 120 RUYDs
Prospect Grade: 5.83
Why Here? | If Tennessee wants Marcus Mariota to be successful, it needs to pick up the pace. Mariota is at his best in an up-tempo offense, and adding a faster target opposite Corey Davis would be a positive for the advancement of Mariota’s development.
Kirk is a scrappy, undersized speedster with good hands and would be a welcomed addition to the Titans’ offense.
26) Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Taven Bryan
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Florida | Gators
Size: 6’4” | 291 lbs
Production: 30 GP | 62 TOTs | 10.5 TFL | 5.5 SKs | 1 FF
Prospect Grade: 6.35
Why Here? | Dontari Poe departed the Falcons for the Panthers this off-season, so Bryan would help fill the void on the interior line.
Bryan is athletically gifted, but struggles with the mental side of the game. He’s still raw, but the potential is there.
27) New Orleans Saints
Selection: Rasheem Green
Position: Defensive End
College: USC | Trojans
Size: 6’5” | 275 lbs
Production: 32 GP | 115 TOTs | 20 TFL | 16.5 SKs | 3 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.0
Why Here? | Green proved to be a dominant edge-bending threat in his final season with the Trojans. He’s a big player, and would add both depth and talent to a Saints front four that already features Cameron Jordan and Sheldon Rankins.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Rashaan Evans
Position: Linebacker
College: Alabama | Crimson Tide
Size: 6’3” | 234 lbs
Production: 42 GP | 150 TOTs | 23.5 TFL | 15 SKs
Prospect Grade: 6.1
Why Here? | Ryan Shazier has been ruled out for the entire 2018 season, and may never play again.
Evans is a rangy linebacker who showed his game-changing speed at Alabama. He has the potential to develop into a capable leader in the middle of the defense, which could lessen the blow from the loss of Shazier.
29) Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Leighton Vander Esch
Position: Linebacker
College: Boise State | Broncos
Size: 6’4” 256 lbs
Production: 28 GP | 188 TOTs | 13 TFL | 5 SKs | 4 INTs | 4 FFs
Prospect Grade: 6.2
Why Here? | Paul Posluszny retired this off-season, and his loss leaves a gaping hole in the NFL’s top defensive unit.
Vander Esch is an intelligent player with great size, and may be one of the best cover linebackers to enter the draft in the past few years. Though he started just one season for the Broncos, he was able to demonstrate his sky-high NFL potential.
30) Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Connor Williams
Position: Offensive Lineman
College: Texas | Longhorns
Size: 6’5” | 320 lbs
Prospect Grade: 5.86
Why Here? | Williams struggled to stay healthy last season, but could’ve been a top pick based off of his play in 2016.
Despite some durability concerns, Williams would still be an upgrade for the Vikings offensive line, as the team looks to contend again next season, with Kirk Cousins under center. Williams was a standout tackle in college, but may move inside as a pro.
31) New England Patriots
Selection: Mike Hughes
Position: Cornerback
College: UCF | Knights
Size: 5’11” | 191 lbs
Production: 23 GP | 60 TOTs | 4 INTs | 14 PDs | 1 FF
Prospect Grade: 5.93
Why Here? | Hughes was a key contributor as a DB and special teamer for the UCF National Champion team. He’s athletically gifted, and puts himself in position to make big plays.
Malcolm Butler will not be with the Patriots next season, and Hughes looks like he could be a decent replacement, with added value as returner.
32) Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: D.J. Moore
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Maryland | Terrapins
Size: 6’0” | 210 lbs
Production: 36 GP | 146 RECs | 2,027 REYDs | 17 RETDs | 125 RUYDs | 1 RUTD
Prospect Grade: 5.83
Why Here? | The Eagles lost two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith to the Panthers this off-season, and need to fill the vacancy opposite Alshon Jeffrey.
Moore is the reigning Big Ten Receiver of the Year. He’s a speedy receiver with dependable hands and decent size. Moore could make an immediate impact with the defending champs.
#Facts: The New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns all have two picks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs have no picks in the first round. The Patriots also own two second-round picks (the 43rd [via San Francisco] and 63rd overall picks).
