One of the best days of the year is finally here. The draft is finally happening and teams have the chance to turn around their franchises or get that final piece to make a push for something greater. This mock draft is who I believe each individual team will take not a ranking of players or who I would pick.
1. Cleveland Browns
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Potential is the definition of Josh Allen. He is a prototypical AFC North quarterback but in order to succeed needs a lot of help on the field and in his mechanics. If Clevland does go with Allen they will be banking on his skill set to separate him from the rest of this drafts quarterbacks. He has underwhelming college stats but a big arm that is making people drool over him.
2. New York Giants
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Josh Rosen is the most pro-ready quarterback to come out of college in years. People are concerned over ridiculous things like he asks why, is too intelligent, and likes to share his opinion. All absolutely bogus reasons to pass up on a quarterback that puts on a clinic everytime he steps onto the field. The Giants take Rosen here and do what few teams can go from one hall of fame quarterback to another.
3. New York Jets (Via the Indianapolis Colts)
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Quarterbacks are coming off the board quickly in this mock draft. The other New York team finally gets their first quarterback of the future since Joe Namath. The Jets have to take a quarterback and they take what many consider to be the best in this draft falling right into their lap. Baker Mayfield has been a name that has been floated around here but I believe that if Darnold is available he’ll be too good to pass up.
4. Cleveland Browns (Via the Houston Texans)
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
The Browns are now afforded a luxury that most teams would kill for. Two picks in the top four means they can get two players that have the ability to make an instant impact. Saquan could go here, but I believe that the Browns will value a pass rush and the ability to win in the trenches as a bigger need. Since you build from the inside out and running backs are easy to find adding the top pass rusher two years in a row gives the Browns a young core to build around.
5. Buffalo Bills (Via the Denver Broncos)
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Some People have compared Lamar Jackson to Michael Vick, only thing is Jackson is a better prospect. Vick never won a Heisman and only threw for 21 touchdowns his entire college career. Jackson has 69 passing touchdowns along with 50 rushing to Vicks 17. So why isn’t Jackson getting more hype? Because people can’t see what’s right in front of them. The Bills have been waiting a long time for this moment and they finally get their quarterback.
6. Miami Dolphins (Via the Indianapolis Colts)
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Five quarterbacks going in the top six is a real possibility. Mayfield has a lot of limitations and played in an offense that was friendly to him. Transitioning to the next level won’t be easy for him but going to an offensive mind like Gase should help. The Dolphins better hope they know what they’re getting into because bringing the Mayfield show to Miami could be a disaster. But it could spark hope in one of the most boring franchises in the league.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Bucs may the most fortunate of the teams outside the top six do to the slide of top players because of the demand for quarterbacks. Saquon can do for Winston what Zeke did for Dak. By opening up the run game the Bucs now can dial up for offense and compete with the other high powered scoring teams in their division. This is a perfect fit for both parties and therefore makes a perfect spot for him in this mock draft.
8. Chicago Bears
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
After making such an investment in Trubisky and Robison over the past two seasons the Bears must add to their offensive line. Wide receivers and running backs don’t win championships, the trenches do. Quenton Nelson may be the best overall player in this draft class so watching him slip to number eight is an answered prayer to the Bears.
9. San Fransisco 49ers
Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia
With Reuben Foster looking more and more like he may never play football again the 49ers may want to go ahead and get his replacement since they will be able to take their pick at linebackers. Roquan is a player that can play sideline to sideline and is a proven stud. He has a nastiness about him that you can’t teach which makes him more valuable than other players. This addition to a quickly rising 49ers team could help them get to the playoffs that much quicker.
10. Oakland Raiders
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Ward may be the best cornerback in this draft. His ability to lock onto a receiver and shut him down is one thing that separates him from others. With his great athleticism and ball-hawking skills, he just oozes Raider Nation football. Look for him to be the first DB off the board and able to make an immediate impact on the field.
11. Indianapolis Colts (Via the Miami Dolphins)
Tremaine Edmunds, ILB, Virginia Tech
The Colts spent a first-round pick last year on Malik Hooker and hit on it. In this final mock draft, they hit on another player that will help them again on defense. At only 19 years old Edmunds is the youngest player in this draft and you would have never known it by his playing style. He was dominant at Virginia Tech against top players in the nation and that is something that should translate to the NFL as well.
12. Denver Broncos (Via the Buffalo Bills)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Broncos didn’t end up with a franchise quarterback but they did end up with a brilliant defensive mind. Minkah is a player that has tested off the charts on the whiteboard and on the field. In a secondary that is getting old, the Broncos are going to be able to load up add young pieces to the ATC. There isn’t a better player in this draft that could help fill that void. Not even Elway could mess this one up.
13. Washington Redskins
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Vita Vea finally goes off the board. There are a few spots prior he could land but Washington is where he was always meant to land. He fills a major need and in a division with e=the defending Superbowl champs controlling the line of scrimmage is important. Vea can move all over the interior of the defensive line with the ability to take on multiple blocks. Making him a perfect scheme fit for the Redskins.
14. Green Bay Packers
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
The Packers can’t waste the great talent of Aaron Rodgers forever. Most teams have never had a quarterback with the skill level of Rodgers and if they did they would probably get him some help. Their defense has been poor ever since they won their Superbowl and adding Jackson gives them something they haven’t had in a while. Jackson is a big bodied, shut down corner that will help keep the Packers in games.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Cardinals have dug themselves a deep hole this offseason. They have needs at virtually every position offensive and defensive. Adding Calvin Ridley is a safe pick that has a good chance of working out. He did really good things at Bama with Jalen Hurts throwing him a football which isn’t easy to do. Unfortunately for Ridley, he’s going to a team that has Sam Bradford as their starter. Which means he’s going to have 8 games of Mike Glennon throwing to him.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Ravens and Ozzie Newsome are looking for a player that can come in and make an immediate impact, McGlinchey can do that. He’ll be able to play opposite of former teammate in Ronnie Stanley and hopefully, help keep Flaco upright. Baltimore has swung and missed on a lot of draft picks lately and really need to hit on this one.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Chargers have hit on two draft classes in a row if they can make it three they have a real shot at making a deep playoff run before Rivers gets too old. The first step in that run is protecting Rivers. Adding Willimas and last years second round pick Forest Lamp can make an impact that will be seen immediately in wins. This is the final piece in a large puzzle that is finally bringing success to the L.A. Chargers.
18.Seattle Seahawks
Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
The Seahawks may not want to admit it but they are definitely in rebuild mode. They need to add on to lost pieces on defense and add a few pieces on offense. At this point, I think they will take the player that has the most upside for one of their positions of need. They need a pass rush and Landry just has that natural bend and speed that isn’t teachable. Landing him the number 18 spot on this NFL mock draft.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
I know the Cowboys added a lot of wide receivers over the past year, but they also got rid of an overrated Dez Bryant. There is no way that Jerry Jones will be able to pass on an offensive weapon in this draft and why not stay in state and get Courtland Sutton. With Sutton, they will have a possession receiver to combine with Switzer in the slot and Hurns on the other side.
20. Detroit Lions
Taven Bryan, DT/DE, Florida
The Lions need a few pieces on each side of the ball to make them a playoff contender. This draft is weak in pass rushing and Taven is probably the best natural pass rusher in this years draft class. With Ziggy coming off the edge and Taven taking on double teams in the middle could be a potent duo.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (Via the Buffalo Bills)
Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Cinncy has made a few offensive line additions this offseason in a recent push to keep Andy Dalton upright. Isaiah Wynn is the best interior lineman and will come in and start from day one. Cinncy had a decent season last year even though they caught the injury bug. With healthy players and hitting on a few drafts picks they could find themselves in a wild-card spot.
22. Denver Broncos (Via the Buffalo Bills)
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma St
Well, we get to see John Elway blow another pick on a mediocre quarterback. Mason Rudolph is a player that has benefited from an RPO offense and I’m not sure how he will translate at the next level. He doesn’t do anything just great and may end up being a solid backup in the future but he isn’t the answer for the Broncos.
23. New England Patriots (Via Los Angeles Rams)
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
New England has traded away and lost a lot of their pass rushers over the past few seasons and it came back to bite them in the Superbowl. Marcus Davenport has an elite skill set that would greatly help the Patriots get back to the Superbowl.
24. Carolina Panthers
Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Panthers could take a multitude of players here, but I think they end up taking the best player available. Due to the rush of quarterbacks at the top Derwin James is pushed down. Derwin is the best Safty in this class and will come to a team that can use some serious help in the secondary.
25. Tennessee Titans
Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
The Titans have had a recent departure of the linebackers and have a major need in the middle of their defense. With the ability to pass the quarterback, drop in coverage, and stuff the run, Rashaan makes a ton of sense for the Titans. He would come in and learn under Woodyard and start immediately.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Billy Price, G, Ohio State
Atlanta is still in their Superbowl window and adding more offensive line help. With a young defense that will be together for the foreseeable future, Billy price will bring that same nastiness to the O-line. He is a versatile player that can slide along the interior line makes him a smart pick for the Falcons.
27. New Orleans Saints
Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State
The Saints are one of the three best teams in the NFL this season. With the addition of Vander Esch they will round out their team. They had a big draft class last year, if they hit on a few more picks in this year’s draft they will become one of the Superbowl favorites.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
The Steelers are just adding depth at this point. Adding a rotational piece on the defensive line is probably whats going to help them out the most. Some people believe that they could take a running back here because of the Le’veon Bell situation. I just believe that the Steelers organization is smarter than that and knows a premium is put on the pass rush and you can get a quality running back in later rounds.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Well if you can’t trade up and get a quarterback you might as well help out the one you have now. Bortles is not the answer but with a historically great defense and the addition of Goedert maybe they can make that final push. They only lost to the Patriots by four in the Superbowl and adding higher quality pass catchers could be what gets them to the final game.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
The Vikings are in the same boat as the Saints. They now have their own franchise quarterback and are going to build around him. He already has a stud defense and great skill position guys. Now, let’s add an offensive lineman to that group and give Cousins all that he needs to succeed.
31. New England Patriots
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
This is the first time the Patriots have had two first round picks in a long time and they’re going to use it to improve both the defensive and offensive line. With this pick, they get their replacement for Nate Solder. Keeping an aging Tom Brady from getting sacked is of major importance and they need to do everything possible to make that happen. He may be old but he still threw for 500 yards in a Superbowl so he has a little left in the tank.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
The defending Superbowl champions finally finish the first round. They don’t have any real position of need, but they gave up 500 passing yards to a 40-year-old in the Superbowl. So common knowledge tells me that they are going to try and fix that problem and take the best cornerback still on their draft board in Mike Hughes. He is a big bodied corner that can come in and be a rotational piece for this Philly team.
