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2018 B.E.S.T. NFL MOCK DRAFT

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(Last Updated: 4/24/2018)

Round 1 of the NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 26th. As usual, I’ve spent many March and April hours studying this year’s draft class, analyzing team needs, and researching all kinds of draft-related rumors in order to determine possible first round fits.

That said, it’s important to remember that the NFL Draft, like the NCAA March Madness Tournament, is nearly impossible to forecast accurately. In my opinion a GOOD Mock Draft will correctly nail about 6-7 Player/Team or Player/Pick matches, predict another 6’ish players within 3 picks, and hit on ~27/32 players who go in Round 1. Each year is different, however, and some years are more difficult to assess than others. (See the link below how Mock Expert Accuracy Scores were collectively much lower in 2017, 2014 and 2013 compared to the 2015 and 2016 NFL Drafts).

This year, you can check out my MOCK DRAFT HISTORY AND EXPERT ACCURACY to see how I’ve done over the years, and you can compare the results with the experts in the industry!

The MAIN GOAL of this mock is to provide readers with everything they need to know about each team, in terms of their situation, needs, philosophy and potential prospects, in order to MINIMIZE THE SURPRISES. In other words, the fewer the surprises that occur in the minds of those who have read this draft breakdown, the better I did my job.

This is why I’ve included POSSIBLE TARGETS with each pick, which outline the RUMORS I’m hearing among the industry and in NFL circles that link certain players to certain teams, along with some descriptions of TEAM NEEDS and explanations of why certain players make the most sense with each team.

NOTE: My Mock Draft will be updated and modified daily up until the draft. 

See TheHuddleReport.com and BloggingTheBoys.com for more info on official rules and scores for grading Experts’ Mock Drafts. Both sites are used in the Excel Chart above.

Round 1

  1. CLE BAKER MAYFIELD (QB – Okla.)
    • What I’ve Heard: With Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde, the Browns have too much capital invested in running back to take one with the first overall pick. More than anything, Cleveland needs to FINALLY settle on a franchise quarterback and take him here. New front office personnel director Scot McCloughan is on record for saying Baker Mayfield is his favorite QB in this year’s class and could be the next Brett Favre. Mayfield rumors are heating up during draft week. However, GM John Dorsey has the final say. A few draft insiders have linked Josh Allen with the Browns based on Dorsey’s history. It would be a total Browns move to select such a flawed project-prospect with the #1 overall pick, but alas, should we not expect it from Cleveland at this point? Leading up to this week, mockers seemed to have Allen and Sam Darnold neck-and-neck, and because the league has sent a stern message to teams picking first not to leak the pick prior to the draft, we may not have a genuinely good idea who the favorite is until draft day. This week, I’m starting to get the sense that the Darnold will be the pick; he’s the safest bet for an organization that has struggled to find a legitimate QB for decades.
    • Look Out For: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold… Josh Allen 
    • Positional Needs: QB, RB, RT, DE
  2. NYG SAQUON BARKLEY (RB – Penn. St.)
    • What I’ve Heard: It’s Sam Darnold or no one at quarterback, according to the local G-Men beat. The Giants seem to be praying that the Browns take Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield at 1. Although I believe it would be a mistake not to take a QB here or at least trade down with a team that will select one (BUF, ARI, NYJ, DEN), the Giants may be content on believing in Eli for now if Darnold is unavailable. New GM Dave Gettleman has lengthy history for not trading in Round 1. He likes to build teams from the trenches, and this O-Line needs to be entirely rebuilt. Quenton Nelson could help there, but the Giants would likely be better off trading down for Nelson than spending the #2 overall pick on a guard. The Jason Pierre-Paul trade keeps the draft’s top defensive prospect, Bradley Chubb, squarely in play, but I believe this pick will Saquon Barkley if Darnold is taken… Why Barkley? The Giants haven’t been able to the run the football in years. Gettleman had no issues drafting a RB, Christian McCaffrey, 8th overall last year, and Barkley is a far superior prospect. New HC Pat Shurmur’s offense utilizes a RB’s pass catching abilities, and the Giants’ only RBs right now are Jonathan Stewart and Wayne Gallman. J-Stew could be a perfect short yardage complement to Barkley, who would be the centerpiece of the offense and bring star power in case they the Giants let Odell Beckham leave. The real question, to me, is whether the Giants will try to trade down AND take Barkley, or if they’ll just take him here. If the G-Men move down a few spots, likely targets would be Barkley and Nelson.
    • Look Out For: Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley… TRADE DOWN: Barkley, Bradley Chubb, Quenton Nelson
    • Positional Needs: O-Line, QB, CB, RB, OLB
  3. NYJ SAM DARNOLD (QB – USC)
    • What I’ve Heard: There were rumblings of Saquon Barkley here, but I can’t get behind an NFL team trading UP (not to mention at the price of THREE second round picks) for a running back in today’s game. The move up was a desperate but arguably necessary play for a franchise QB by a GM on the hot seat. Currently, I believe the Jets have Baker Mayfield > Sam Darnold > Josh Rosen > Josh Allen, but this is subject to change. The Jets have been linked to Allen since during the regular season, believe it or not, but there’s been a late swinging of the pendulum toward Mayfield and Rosen, at least according to draft insiders. Things get interesting here if Darnold is not first pick. Then, we would have a coin flip scenario between Darnold and Mayfield.
    • Look Out For: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen
    • Positional Needs: O-Line, QB, ED, TE
  4. CLE BRADLEY CHUBB (ED – N.C. St.)
    • What I’ve Heard: This pick will be in high demand, especially if the Giants do not take a QB with pick #2. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland moves down a few picks with a QB hungry team. If that happens, I’d expect the Browns to continue to reformat the secondary. Specifically, Cleveland apparently likes OSU CB Denzel Ward a lot… For now, I’ll keep them here to take the BPA (best player available). Having Bradley Chubb line up across from Myles Garrett would be a scary sight for AFC North QBs. If Saquon Barkley is on the board, this pick could come down to Saquon Barkley Bradley Chubb, if Cleveland elects to keep this pick. Barring in mind that I believe there’s a decent chance the Giants take Barkley, I’m mocking Chubb here for now. It is worth noting that the Browns have not had a single visit with Barkley or Chubb, two of the players everyone expects the Browns to take at 4. This doesn’t preclude them from taking one, of course, but it is rare with a pick this high to not have at least one pre-draft visit. Are the Browns more interested in trading down?
    • Look Out For: Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb… TRADE DOWN: Denzel Ward
    • Positional Needs: QB, RB, RT, DE
  5. DEN WILL HERNANDEZ (G – Utep) * TRADE DOWN TO PICK 12  *
    • What I’ve Heard: Baker Mayfield is likely taken by this point, but it’s worth noting that Denver’s coaching staff was one of the two staffs coaching the Senior Bowl, and the Broncos reportedly requested that Mayfield be put on their roster. As a counterpoint, I’ve also heard that the staff’s dealing with Mayfield wasn’t all roses. Case Keenum is an ideal stopgap QB until Mayfield or Rosen are ready for action… On the other hand, Denver may not expect the draft’s only “can’t miss” prospect on the board, and the Broncos could really use the O-Line help in Quenton Nelson… Like most teams in the Top 10, the Broncos could also use this pick to trade down with a QB-needy team like ARI or BUF. Though it seems strange, I keep hearing that Denver is extremely high on CB Denzel Ward and ILB Roquan Smith and OG Will Hernandez. Those three would be the targets if Denver moved down with a team like Buffalo. On the off chance that Bradley Chubb is not taken before this pick, I think the Broncos would hesitate on trading back. As of now, however, Denver’s pick looks more likely to be dealt (again, think BUF/ARI/MIA) than kept. I mock with this scenario in mind, but readers should know that if I was projecting picks based on numbered slot (pick #5), I’d probably slot QB Josh Allen here.
    • Look Out For: Baker Mayfield, Bradley Chubb, Quenton Nelson… TRADE DOWN: Roquan Smith, Denzel Ward, Will Hernandez
    • Positional Needs: QB, OT, CB, LG
  6. IND ROQUAN SMITH (ILB – UGA)
    • What I’ve Heard: – After moving down three spots and acquiring several second round picks from the Jets in the process, the Colts are in a great spot. Almost certainly, the team would be thrilled to select Bradley Chubb if he’s somehow available here. That would be a perfect fit. They may even be tempted if Saquon Barkley or Quenton Nelson make it to pick 6, and I believe at least one will. The Colts have to invest in the O-Line to keep Andrew Luck upright and his ailing shoulder clean. However, savvy GM Chris Ballard may look to move down AGAIN to select a defender. The Colts are pretty barren at CB and they ranked 31st in sack rate last season. The Colts are reportedly extremely high on UGA ILB Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds. I believe this pick comes down to those two, and don’t be surprised if the Colts trade down a few picks and end up with one of them. If they are off the board, look for Minkah Fitzpatrick or Denzel Ward. That would be the best-case scenario.
    • Look Out For: Bradley Chubb, Saquon Barkley, Quenton Nelson, Roquan Smith… TRADE DOWN: Tremaine Edmunds, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Denzel Ward.
    • Positional Needs: CB, LB, O-Line, RB
  7. TB DERWIN JAMES (SS – FSU)
    • What I’ve Heard: Tampa Bay would love to see Saquon Barkley on the board (I believe Barkley lands with Giants or Tampa Bay), and there’s no question the team needs a guard like Quenton Nelson (especially with Ali Marpet entering a contract year), but the overall sentiment here is that Tampa Bay has spent enough capital on the offense. This offseason has been about remodeling an underwhelming defense that ranked 32nd in Football Outsiders’ DVOA (whereas the offense ranked 11th)… The Bucs have worked on the D-Line and the team has a young linebacking core they like. The secondary remains a problem, and versatile talents like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Denzel Ward, or Derwin James would help out a lot in a division they share with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan.
    • Look Out For: Saquon Barkley, Denzel Ward, Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Quenton Nelson
    • Positional Needs: CB, RB, OT
  8. CHI QUENTON NELSON (OG – N.D.)
    • What I’ve Heard: Quenton Nelson being available at 8 would be a “run to the podium” scenario, not simply because the Bears badly need an offensive guard after letting LG Josh Sitton walk in free agency, but also because Nelson’s positional coach at Notre Dame, Harry Hiestand, is now the Bears’ new O-line coach. By the way, Notre Dame is only an hour and a half away from Chicago. This is a match that makes too much sense, and it’s possible the Bears may be aggressive enough to move up a spot or two to secure Nelson (see last year’s Trubisky trade and the Leonard Floyd trade the year before that)… If this doesn’t work, look for the Bears to address outside linebacker or edge rusher, with an outside shot at CB simply because they are in the right spot to take one. GM Ryan Pace has shown favoritism toward high ceiling athletes in Round 1. Defensive prospects that fit the freakishly athletic but somewhat raw mold include Tremaine Edmunds and Derwin James… It’s worth mentioning that the Bears were linked to Alabama WR Calvin Ridley early on in the process, and Chicago still does need a WR despite the Allen Robinson signing. Chicago just lost Cam Meredith to the Saints. This is Ridley’s ceiling… I’m also hearing that Denzel Ward is in consideration here. Vic Fangio values inside linebackers more than any defensive coordinator in the league, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Roquan Smith here too.
    • Look Out For: Quenton Nelson, Denzel Ward, Roquan Smith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tremaine Edmunds, Derwin James… TRADE DOWN: Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton, Isaiah Oliver
    • Positional Needs: iOL, ED, LB, LG
  9. SF DENZEL WARD (CB – OSU)
    • What I’ve Heard: It’s too early for OT and WR, two offensive areas of need, in this particular draft class. Furthermore, the Niners’ offense with Jimmy Garoppolo under center and Kyle Shanahan calling plays was the main reason the team went 5-0 down the stretch. Therefore, we can expect this pick to be a defender… The 49ers have invested heavily in the D-Line, spending their last three first round picks on Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead. The team is also in a good spot at the cornerback position. Following NaVorro Bowman’s departure and Reuben Foster’s uncertainty (domestic violence accusation, probable banned substance suspension), the 49ers have a need at linebacker like Tremaine Edmunds or Roquan Smith. Edmunds has been popularly mocked here throughout April. I’ve heard the 49ers are one of the teams most interested to trade down in Round 1. If they do, look out for OT Kolton Miller and LB Leighton Vander Esch. This is the ceiling for both players… I heard very early in the process that the 49ers are high on Derrius Guice, but this seems too early for him here… We must include Minkah Fitzpatrick and Denzel Ward in the list of possibilities based the idea that this pick falls in the middle of their range of outcomes. Almost any team from picks 6-15 could take either defensive back.
    • Look Out For: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Roquan Smith, Denzel Ward, Tremaine Edmunds… TRADE DOWN: Kolton Miller, Leighton Vander Esch
    • Positional Needs: LB, O-Line
  10. OAK MIKE McGLINCHEY (OT – N.D.)
    • What I’ve Heard: Jon Gruden clearly wants to play old school, smash mouth football, which seems archaic. To his credit, he at least is not building around a flawed QB; he knows this roster’s strength is their beefy offensive line (with the exception of the RT spot – this would appear to be OTs Kolton Miller and Mike McGlinchey’s ceiling for those reasons). Oakland is making major moves in the secondary, parting ways with busted CBs David Amerson and Sean Smith, losing NCB T.J. Carrie in free agency, and bringing in CBs Rashaan Melvin, Shareece Wright and SS Marcus Gilchrist. Many forget that the Raiders took OSU CB Gareon Conley in Round 1 last year, so it may not be absolutely necessary to take another here. That said, the WRs in the AFC West are very talented, and based on the way the board falls, there may be a good cornerback or two (Minkah Fitzpatrick and/or Denzel Ward) sitting there when Oakland picks at 10… Alternatively, the Raiders could look for a pass rusher opposite of Khalil Mack or a linebacker to replace NaVorro Bowman. Local beat writers have also popularly mocked nose tackle Vita Vea here, and national writers have constantly mocked Roquan Smith to the Raiders. I believe Vea or Kolton Miller are the fall back picks (we could see Oakland trade down a few picks and take Miller). We could just as likely see Oakland trade UP a few spots and grab Smith.
    • Look Out For: Roquan Smith, Kolton Miller, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Denzel Ward, Mike McGlinchey, Marcus Davenport, Vita Vea
    • Positional Needs: ILB, RT, CB, DT
  11. MIA TREMAINE EDMUNDS – (OLB – V. Tech)
    • What I’ve Heard: Baker Mayfield and Josh Rosen have been linked to Miami on a few occasions, and for good reason: they have both met with the team on four different occasions. I’m not quite sure the Dolphins are ready to give up on Tannehill. In all likelihood, I believe the Dolphins would select Mayfield or Rosen if they were somehow available here, but because they have Tannehill, they probably won’t be too aggressive about moving up to get either QB… Two uniquely athletic prospects that I could envision the Dolphins falling in love with are Derwin James, Tremaine Edmunds, and Vita Vea, the former of which provides a great locker room presence for a team that has spent the offseason ridding distractions, the middle fills a huge hole at linebacker, and the latter would try to be a Suh replacement. I’d guess the Fins like Smith more than Edmunds, but Edmunds is more likely to fall to pick 11… Like most teams from picks 6-15, Denzel Ward or Minkah Fitzpatrick are legitimate options. Miami is reportedly very high on another defensive back, too: Jaire Alexander is a dark horse for Miami in Round 1.
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Baker Mayfield… Josh Rosen, Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Vita Vea, Denzel Ward, Derwin James… TRADE DOWN: Jaire Alexander
    • Positional Needs: OLB, OG, CB, RB
  12. BUF JOSH ALLEN (QB – Wyom.) * TRADE UP TO PICK 5  *
    • What I’ve Heard: The Bills have been calling possible trade partners in the Top 10, expected to be in pursuit of a top QB. Look out for the Bills to trade up to the range of picks 5-9 to select the franchise QB they covet… If the Bills do not move up, though they should (we cannot realistically expect A.J. McCarron or Nathan Peterman to quarterback this playoff team last year for the entire 2018 season), the team has a plethora of pressing needs in the defensive front seven. That said, I’d be pretty surprised if Buffalo escaped the Top 12 of this draft without a new QB. The Bills have ammo trade up, with an extra first round pick (pick #22). I’d expect Josh Allen to be the apple of their eye.
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield… Lamar Jackson, Mason Rudolph.
    • Positional Needs: QB, DT, DE, LB, C
  13. WAS VITA VEA (DT – Wash.)
    • What I’ve Heard: Washington could not run the ball or stop the run last season. Expect the Redskins to address running back on Day 2 or 3, though the team has met with Derrius Guice. This pick will likely be on the defensive side of the ball, and Vita Vea seems like the best fit to fix the run defense woes. I’ll admit it would be rare for a team to select defensive tackles in Round 1 of consecutive drafts; Jonathan Allen was good but played in six games last season before getting injured. Unless something comes up, I’ll probably be wavering between these three prospects for this pick for the next month, with a slight sprinkle of Da’Ron Payne, Leighton Vander Esch, and Derrius Guice. I’m hearing late that they are high on Minkah Fitzpatrick as well.
    • Look Out For: Vita Vea, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, TRADE DOWN: Derrius Guice, Leighton Vander Esch, Da’Ron Payne
    • Positional Needs: DT, LB, LG
  14. GB MINKAH FITZPATRICK (DB – ‘Bama)
    • What I’ve Heard: Expect Green Bay to address the secondary or pass rush here. In my opinion, cornerback is by far the most pressing need on the roster. Evidence to support this is shown by the Packers’ bold attempt to acquire Kyle Fuller on a transition tag by offering him a long-term deal that the Bears were forced to match. The Packers have a very specific set of measureable standards for positions like cornerback and pass rushers, and Josh Jackson and Jaire Alexander fit the criteria. It’s worth noting that S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is entering the final year of his contract… Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James may land here if they make it this far. Both would help the bolster the secondary… OR, the Packers could elect to go with a pass rusher like Harold Landry or Marcus Davenport. Clay Matthews is also a free agent in 2019, and the Packers spent their first pick last year on a corner, Kevin King, and brought back oldie but goodie Tramon Williams… Lately, I’ve heard that the Packers are really high on Leighton Vander Esch. Could they like him more than Tremaine Edmunds, if he slips? I could see either in Green Bay.
    • Look Out For: Tremaine Edmunds, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Josh Jackson, Harold Landry, Marcus Davenport, Leighton Vander Esch, Jaire
    • Positional Needs: CB, ED, WR, RG
  15. ARI JOSH ROSEN (QB – UCLA)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Cardinals have just begun rebuilding; Carson Palmer has retired, this will be Larry Fitzgerald’s final season, and we have seen the Cardinals let several longtime, key defensive starters (Mathieu, Dansby, Rucker, Branch) move on to greener pastures. Accordingly, we may see Arizona take steps toward developing a QB of the future (don’t expect the Sam Bradford era to last long in the desert) on Day 2 or 3… With so many holes in the roster – depleted O-Line (how about Mike McGlinchey or Kolton Miller?), no receivers behind Fitz (how about Calvin Ridley?), no running backs behind David Johnson, no corners behind Patrick Peterson (how about Josh Jackson?) – to name a few, the Cardinals truly may be in a BPA situation here. A number of picks would be sensible, but grabbing the top-rated WR and allowing him one year to work under Larry Fitzgerald as a mentor seems like a smart idea. Calvin Ridley would be Fitz’s natural successor, both for the team and for the fan support, which can dwindle during rebuilding years. This is his ceiling… Arizona is a sleeper team to move up to draft a QB (think Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen) if one were to slide a little. The next three picks (Cards, Ravens, Chargers) seem like an opening range for Lamar Jackson. I would be surprised if Josh Rosen makes it to pick 15, but I wouldn’t be totally shocked (there is word of a potential draft day slide). Could Arizona have its choice between Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson as its franchise quarterback of the future?
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield… Lamar Jackson, Josh Rosen, Calvin Ridley, Josh Jackson
    • Positional Needs: QB, WR, O-Line, CB
  16. BAL LAMAR JACKSON (QB – Louisville)
    • What I’ve Heard: If you’re browsing any other mock drafts, you’ll almost inevitably see Calvin Ridley to the Baltimore Ravens on quite a few. GM Ozzie Newsome, an Alabama alumnus who has shown a propensity for taking fellow alumni early in drafts. Newsome will be participating in his final draft before retiring next offseason, so leaving his mark would make sense, especially on a team that desperately needs a wide receiver like Ridley, or like anyone, really… Currently, the most glaring need on this roster other than quarterback (Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, anyone?) is unquestionably offensive tackle. The consensus seems to be that Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller are are at the top of teams’ OT lists. McGlinchey fits their style more. He could slide in the vacancy at RT, bookending LT Ronnie Stanley… From what I’m hearing, Lamar Jackson’s opening range is picks 15-17. He’s a dark horse for this pick… Just recently, SS Derwin James is getting a lot of buzz for this pick. Safety isn’t exactly a pressing need for Baltimore, but if James is high on their board, I won’t argue it. Marcus Davenport is worth mentioning because this pick 16 is squarely within his projected range… Many are reporting the Ravens are high on TE Hayden Hurst. I believe in the interest, but I think this is too high for him. It’s possible the Ravens could trade down for Hurst, or even trade up from Round 2 to acquire the tight end’s services. TE is a major need in Baltimore.
    • Look Out For: Derwin James, Marcus Davenport, Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, TRADE DOWN: Hayden Hurst, Calvin Ridley… Mike McGlinchey, Leighton Vander Esch
    • Positional Needs: WR, O-Line, TE, QB
  17. LAC DA’RON PAYNE (DT – ‘Bama)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Chargers supposedly inquired about trading up to take a quarterback early last year, and they could be a dark horse to make that move this year. Philip Rivers may have 2-3 quality years left in him (it could be more if the team ever fixed its dreadful offensive line). Nevertheless, the Chargers may need to draft a QB of the future in order to generate fan support in Los Angeles. Don’t be surprised if they take a signal caller in Rounds 2-3. Lamar Jackson or Josh Rosen would do the trick… This Chargers regime has put a premium on college production and stardom, shown by their Joey Bosa and Mike Williams selections. This is partly why I believe the Chargers would sprint to the podium if Roquan Smith were available here. History tells us they could move up a few spots to grab him, too. If not, this may be Rashaan Evans’ The Chargers must shore up their run defense, whether by way of drafting a linebacker (maybe Leighton Vander Esch?) or a nose tackle like Vita Vea or Da’Ron Payne. My sense is the Chargers were quite frustrated by the lack of production and reliability of those positions last season.
    • Look Out For: Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson… Vita Vea, Da’Ron Payne, Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans
    • Positional Needs: LB, DT, O-Line, FS, QB
  18. SEA MARCUS DAVENPORT (DE – UTSA)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Seahawks are without several mid-round picks, so I’ve heard they are the most likely team to trade down from this spot… Age has caught up to Seattle’s elite defense, forcing them to rebuild. Gone are stalwarts like Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, and probably Cliff Avril. It appears like the Seahawks are relying on youngins like Frank Clark, Dion Jordan, and even Barkevious Mingo on the D-Line, but they still have been linked to Marcus Davenport..The team could also use an upgrade at cornerback. The Seahawks certainly have a “type” at this position: tall, long-armed, physical, press-man corners. Josh Jackson fits the bill here… Offensively, the team should obviously address perhaps the league’s worst offensive line, which has been straight up offensive in the last few years. Any new blood would probably help, whether it’s Mike McGlinchey or Kolton Miller. Miller is a sleeper here because Seattle liked to work with raw, athletic prospects, a strategy that hasn’t really panned out in the past. OL coach Tom Cable is in Oakland now (and that’s why we see Miller linked to the Raiders)… The team has circled through ineffective RBs for the last few years, and despite the unit’s miserable O-Line, the team needs more skill at RB to take advantage of the running lanes created by Russell Wilson’s duel-threat. Will the team see Derrius Guice as a Marshawn Lynch clone?
    • Look Out For: Josh Jackson, Marcus Davenport, Isaiah Wynn, Kolton Miller, Leighton Vander Esch… TRADE DOWN: Derrius Guice, Josh Sweat, Justin Reid
    • Positional Needs: O-Line, CB, RB, DT
  19. DAL COURTLAND SUTTON (WR – SMU)
    • What I’ve Heard: I believe Dallas was considering WR here long BEFORE Dez Bryant was released. WRs Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton and D.J. Moore are all options. If I had to guess whom, I could see Dallas trading down to the 25-30 range and taking Sutton… Dallas would be wise to help the defense here. We saw this season, once again, that Dallas “D” rides with Sean Lee on the field and dies without him. Specifically, the Cowboys defense allowed 35, 35, 27, 37, 28, and 14 points (29.3 PPG) in the 6 games Lee missed most or all of last season; Dallas was 1-5 in that span. In contrast, the Cowboys went 8-2 in games with Lee, allowing only 15.6 PPG! In addition, the Cowboys allow 3.85 YPC (10th fewest) to opposing runners with Lee and 4.71 (2nd most) without him, per Graham Barfield. These are numbers teams simply cannot ignore. Accordingly, one thing that the Cowboys organization has to be talking about is how to maintain decently competitive in the event Sean Lee gets hurt again (he has not proven to be the most durable player over the years). In sum, Dallas will be looking long and hard at this year’s linebacker class, so keep an eye on Leighton Vander Esch… It’s worth noting Dallas has done MORE than its fair share of homework on O-Line prospects projected to go around their pick. They’ve had MULTIPLE meetings with OG Will Hernandez, OTs Kolton Miller and Connor Williams, and C James Daniels. One of them could be the Travis Frederick surprise of Round 1.
    • Look Out For: Leighton Vander Esch, Courtland Sutton, Calvin Ridley, D.J. Moore… Da’Ron Payne, James Daniels, Will Hernandez, Connor Williams, Kolton Miller
    • Positional Needs: WR, DT, LB, LG, TE
  20. DET HAROLD LANDRY (ED – B.C.)
    • What I’ve Heard: After making some low-key free agency moves at LB and CB, the Lions seem to be diving into the draft’s pass rushing waters. Essentially, we can’t expect the Lions to re-sign Ezekiel Ansah long-term at this point. His contract expires next offseason. Unfortunately for Detroit, this is the first year in a while where only three defensive ends are projected to go in Round 1 (namely Chubb, Marcus Davenport, and Harold Landry). We should see a pass rusher here, and it could even come in the form of a DT. Da’Ron Payne and Taven Bryan make sense for new head coach Matt Patricia… Don’t assume the Lions won’t address RB early in the draft simply because they just signed LeGarrette Blount. After years of struggles, Detroit is fed up with their running game, and Blount is best viewed as a stopgap solution. This may be a potential landing spot for Derrius Guice. It’s possible the Lions even reach for a widely considered second round RB, but I think they’ll ultimately wait until the second day of the draft to address running back.
    • Look Out For: Marcus Davenport, Harold Landry, Leighton Vander Esch, Da’Ron Payne, Taven Bryan
    • Positional Needs: TE, RB, C, D-Line
  21. CIN FRANK RAGNOW (C – Ark.)
    • What I’ve Heard: Expect a “meat and potatoes” draft for Cincinnati this year. That is, the offensive and defensive lines need to be shored up, and very arguably rebuilt entirely. On defense, DT Geno Atkins and both starting DEs Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson are pending free agents next offseason. The Bengals simply cannot afford to keep all three. This is Vita Vea’s floor, and I’ve heard the Bengals are awfully high on him… This offensive line was a total disaster last season, and C, RG, and RT need upgrades. The Bengals should look to Isaiah Wynn, Will Hernandez, Frank Ragnow, or James Daniels as interior plug-and-plays, if OT Mike McGlinchey is unavailable. I’d think McGlinchey would be the pick if he’s on the board. There are question marks at linebacker; Cincinnati doesn’t seem pleased with Vincent Rey’s play, Vontaze Burfict’s off-field issues, and Preston Brown seems like a short-term “fix.”
    • Look Out For: Vita Vea, Mike McGlinchey, Frank Ragnow, James Daniels, Lamar Jackson, Da’Ron Payne, Rashaan Evans
    • Positional Needs: O-Line, D-Line, LB
  22. BUF ISAIAH WYNN (OG – UGA)
    • What I’ve Heard: As stated at Pick #12, the Bills have been calling possible trade partners in the Top 10, expected to be in pursuit of a top QB. This pick would be prime ammo to achieve that end. If the Bills do not move up, the team has a plethora of pressing needs on defense. Just about the only defensive position that can be eliminated from contention is safety, the one spot on “D” where the Bills are currently satisfactory. I’ll be honest here: I’ll be mocking this pick under the impression / strategy that the pick could be dealt, so I believe it’s wise to mock players who are projected to go near this pick, regardless of team, just to try to score a point or two for accuracy contests.
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield… Lamar Jackson, Mason Rudolph… Josh Jackson, Jaire Alexander, Leighton Vander Esch, D.J. Moore
    • Positional Needs: QB, DT, DE, LB, C
  23. NE KOLTON MILLER (OT – UCLA)
    • What I’ve Heard: There are rumors that the Patriots traded Brandin Cooks for this pick in order to package two first rounders in attempt to move up and draft a QB – probably Josh Rosen or Lamar Jackson. As of now, I’m not buying into all of that. Though, if one were to make it past the Chargers at 17, I could see Belichick making a play… The Patriots are more likely to use these picks to upgrade the offensive line and plug some holes on defense. The Pats need to replace Nate Solder, as OT Antonio Garcia would be the next man up, but he missed all of 2017 as a rookie with blood clotting issues. Mike McGlinchey would be a steal at this point… The team also does not have much at linebacker besides Dont’a Hightower, who was limited to a few games last season. This makes Leighton Vander Esch and Rashaan Evans
    • Look Out For: Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, Mike McGlinchey, Rashaan Evans, Leighton Vander Esch, Connor Williams, Justin Reid
    • Positional Needs: LB, OT, TE
  24. CAR D.J. MOORE (WR – Maryland)
    • What I’ve Heard: It’s pretty interesting that the Panthers drafted a running back 8th overall last April and RB is still one of their biggest needs in this draft. Realistically, Carolina needs someone to pound the rock between tackles, complementing Christian McCaffrey’s versatility in the passing game and on sweeps. Carolina is yet another team who could be in play for Derrius Guice… Carolina has not made it a secret that they are looking to add a tight end at some point early in this draft. Greg Olsen has flirted with retirement slash TV contracts, while the Panthers lost Ed Dickson in free agency. This looks like the ceiling TE Hayden Hurst, who is projected to be the first tight end taken in this draft. As of now, I believe Carolina will try to wait until Round 2 to grab a TE…. The offensive line has to be addressed following the significant loss of LG Andrew Norwell. Carolina happens to be in an excellent spot to draft OL, be it OGs Isaiah Wynn or Will Hernandez, OTs Kolton Miller or Connor Williams, or C James Daniels, who could play guard for a year before moving to center next season when Ryan Kalil’s contract expires. Of this bunch, my best bet would be Hernandez… New OC Norv Turner has shown substantial interest in Maryland WR D.J. Moore… If the team elects to address the defense, they will almost assuredly do so with a cornerback. Keep an eye on Josh Jackson and Jaire Alexander Safety Justin Reid could be a darkhorse for this pick as well.
    • Look Out For: J. Moore, Will Hernandez, Josh Jackson, Jaire Alexander, Hayden Hurst, Justin Reid, James Daniels
    • Positional Needs: WR, RB, iOL, TE
  25. TEN LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH (ILB – Boise St.)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Titans were pretty good at defending the run last season, but they lost NT Sylvester Williams, DT Karl Klug, and ILB Avery Williamson in free agency. Placing a prospect like Da’Ron Payne or Taven Bryan next to Jurrell Casey has dirty upside… The Titans don’t seem like they are in a great spot to take a pass rusher without it being a reach, but it must be mentioned that both edge rushers, Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo, are entering the final years of their contracts. The coaching staff has Ohio State connections, making Sam Hubbard a sleeper here… Wide receiver continues to be a need despite drafting Corey Davis early last April. I have it under good authority that Tennessee covets Harold Landry, but I’m not sure Landry makes it past Detroit at 20. We could see a trade up for him, and I’m to the point where I’m torn about mocking Landry here based on interest and fit alone.
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Harold Landry… Josh Jackson, Leighton Vander Esch, Sam Hubbard, Rashaan Evans, Justin Reid
    • Positional Needs: ED, NT, ILB
  26. ATL TAVEN BRYAN (DT – Florida)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Falcons don’t have too many needs on paper, but defensive tackle and offensive guard are two primary ones. Either position would be a plug-and-play starter. The buzz is that Atlanta has been linked to Taven Bryan.
    • Look Out For: Taven Bryan, Da’Ron Payne, Jaire Alexander, Rashaan Evans
    • Positional Needs: DT, SWR, OG
  27. NO CALVIN RIDLEY (WR – ‘Bama)
    • What I’ve Heard: Sean Payton reportedly is a big believer in Baker Mayfield, but in win-now mode and without a second round pick this year, it’s unrealistic for New Orleans to make a major play for Mayfield. I would start thinking about a trade up scenario only if Mayfield fell to pick 10 (to jump ahead of Miami at pick 11). Granted, expectations have changed drastically in a year, it’s worth recalling that the Saints were very high on QB Pat Mahomes and would have considered him at pick 11 had the Chiefs not swooped in and Marshon Lattimore was not available… We are hearing more and more Lamar Jackson to the Saints buzz from the national analysts. New Orleans has not made their interest in Louisville prospects a secret. My initial inclination is that the Saints’ supposed interest in Jackson is a smokescreen, and they are feigning interest in order to get QB-needy teams to move up to this pick to take him. Ideally, the Saints would love to get their second round pick back after [wisely] dealing it in the Kamara trade last year. The Saints under Jeff Ireland’s draft leadership have shown to value draft picks more, probably because they are hitting on more picks… When asked what positions the team needs to improve, Sean Payton CORRECTLY listed three positions as “musts”: edge rusher, wide receiver, and tight end… FSU’s Josh Sweat, UGA’s Lorenzo Carter and OSU’s Sam Hubbard may be reaches here but they fill a need, serving as situational pass rushers in New Orleans. The Saints have shown particular interest in Sweat, but if one were to be the pick at 27, I’d guess Carter… The Saints’ offense needs one more legitimate pass catching threat, whether it’s at WR like Courtland Sutton or Calvin Ridley, or TE. You may be thinking, “we were great without one last season.” However, this season, it’s unlikely that the running game is anywhere near as efficient, especially with a much more difficult schedule on deck, and the Saints passing game will be relied on more once again. Ted Ginn is meant to be a situational deep threat, not a #2 WR. Teams that have one great cornerback can shadow Michael Thomas, and the Saints would lack receivers who get consistently get open. It would be great to add Calvin Ridley to a WR group of Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn. And yes, Ridley really could fall this far! … Drew Brees has always loved to target tight ends, dating back to the days of Antonio Gates when Drew was in San Diego, as well as Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, and Ben Watson in New Orleans. The Saints are doing their homework on Hayden Hurst. Hurst is a former pro baseball player who has only played football for three seasons, and TE for two of them. Hurst could be a part-time player in year 1, with Benjamin Watson showing him the ropes and taking full-time duties off his plate, before Hurst becomes the team’s go-to TE in year 2… With CB Ken Crawley entering a contract year, don’t be surprised if the Saints draft anther cornerback, especially with CB Jaire Alexander possibly on the board. The Saints are high on Mike Hughes, as well… Also, don’t exclude interior O-line from this pick. Unger is getting older and his play has been declining. Drafting O-line in Round 1 is valuable considering the scarcity, rising value and worth, and the 5th year option in for first round picks. Will Hernandez, Frank Ragnow, and James Daniels could be sleepers for this pick.
    • What to Root For: From a personal standpoint as a fan, I’d be very happy with Hernandez or Ridley from a value perspective. Hurst, and the pass rushers mentioned fill immediate needs but I think they are reaches in Round 1. Again, we don’t have a second round pick, so we may have to take a chance.
    • Look Out For: TRADE UP: Lamar Jackson… Jaire Alexander, Mike Hughes, Hayden Hurst, Will Hernandez, Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton… TRADE DOWN: Lorenzo Carter, Josh Sweat, Sam Hubbard
    • Positional Needs: DE, TE, WR
  28. PIT RASHAAN EVANS (ILB – ‘Bama)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Steelers are likely approaching this draft with three concerns: 1) Who is going to replace Ryan Shazier? 2) Who is our running back going to be if Le’Veon Bell holds out? 3) Who is our QB going to be once Big Ben retires, possibly this year? First, the Steelers have shown interest in ILBs Leighton Vander Esch and Rashaan Evans, athletic sideline-to-sideline options… Second, no one should be surprised if the Steelers draft a RB relatively early in this draft, though I would be somewhat surprised if it’s with this pick. The Steelers have shown a ton of interest in Derrius Guice, I’ve been told that Guice will not make it past this pick… Third, I’ve also heard rumblings of the Steelers being one of a few teams near the end of Round 1 who are studying up on OKST QB Mason Rudolph. Could be very interesting… The Steelers’ biggest need is at safety, and they will address the position at some point. It could be Justin Reid with this pick. The team released Mike Mitchell and signed Morgan Burnett, but there’s a vacancy across from him.
    • Look Out For: Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans, Justin Reid, Derrius Guice, Lamar Jackson, Mason Rudolph
    • Positional Needs: S, ILB, QB
  29. JAX HAYDEN HURST (TE – S.C.)
    • What I’ve Heard: Outside of QB, the Jaguars are a very strong team on paper, and because they are picking so late in Round 1, this may use this opportunity to draft some competition for Blake Bortles. From what I understand, Mason Rudolph – and not Lamar Jackson – is the player that a few teams are eyeing late in Round 1 / early in Round 2… If not, expect the Jaguars to draft BPA, and that could very well be another RB to complement Leonard Fournette in the passing game. Jacksonville is a run-centered team with an old school GM and HC that may do whatever it takes to keep the ball out of the hands of Blake Bortles, and protecting their most recent investment – lightening Fournette’s workload could keep him fresher and healthier… The Jags have shown interest in several pass catchers, including Hayden Hurst, as of late. I’m also hearing a lot of noise about WR Christian Kirk Another sleeper for this pick is OT Tyrell Crosby.
    • Look Out For: Mason Rudolph, Hayden Hurst, Christian Kirk, Will Hernandez, Tyrell Crosby
    • Positional Needs: QB, ILB, RB
  30. MIN BILLY PRICE (C – OSU)
    • What I’ve Heard: The Vikings have shown interest in Billy Price, meeting with him multiple times. The need for interior offensive line is substantial compared to how great of shape the rest of the roster is in. A guard-tackle hybrid like Connor Williams or Will Hernandez makes a lot of sense, too. By all indications, this pick should be an offensive lineman, but Minnesota has also visited with Justin Reid and Lorenzo Carter multiple times.
    • Look Out For: Frank Ragnow, Billy Price, Mike McGlinchey, Connor Williams, Justin Reid, Lorenzo Carter, Will Hernandez
    • Positional Needs: O-Line, CB, LB
  31. NE JUSTIN REID (S – Stanford)
    • What I’ve Heard: There are rumors that the Patriots traded Brandin Cooks for this pick in order to package two first rounders in attempt to move up and draft a QB – probably Josh Rosen or Lamar Jackson. As of now, I’m not buying into all of that. Though, if one were to make it past the Chargers at 17, I could see Belichick making a play… The Patriots are more likely to use these picks to upgrade the offensive line and plug some holes on defense. The Pats need to replace Nate Solder, as OT Antonio Garcia would be the next man up, but he missed all of 2017 as a rookie with blood clotting issues. Mike McGlinchey would be a steal at this point… The team also does not have much at linebacker besides Dont’a Hightower, who was limited to a few games last season. This makes Leighton Vander Esch and Rashaan Evans
    • Look Out For: Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, Mike McGlinchey, Rashaan Evans, Leighton Vander Esch, Connor Williams, Justin Reid, Josh Sweat
    • Positional Needs: LB, OT, TE
  32. PHI DERRIUS GUICE (RB – LSU)
    • What I’ve Heard: As you would expect with a Super Bowl winning team, there aren’t many glaring needs to address here. The Eagles take a true BPA approach, or they could look to the future, knowing that long-time LT Jason Peters will likely retire next offseason and try to groom a blindside protector as his successor. The Eagles need to be sure to protect Carson Wentz, especially a year after tearing his ACL… The word is that the Eagles are trying to trade out of this pick, moving down a few spots into the second Round. Philadelphia has been linked to Derrius Guice (whom they have visted with several times) and UGA RB Sony Michel.
    • Look Out For: Derrius Guice, Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans, Mike McGlinchey, Sony Michel, Justin Reid, D.J. Moore, Courtland Sutton, James Daniels
    • Positional Needs: OT, TE
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