Mock Draft 4.0, Our Final One
- Apr 17, 2018
- 11 min read
Here is our final Mock Draft before the actual draft takes place on April 26th. Our final Mock Draft includes teams who we believe are going to trade up or down. Enjoy the read, and for a full detailed evaluation on each prospect, download our Draft Guide which contains evaluations on all Draft Prospects.
Cleveland Browns Select: Josh Allen QB
The Browns are going one of two ways with the first pick. Either they will pick Sam Darnold or they’ll go with the slightly riskier option of Josh Allen. The Josh Allen bandwagon has been rolling for a couple of weeks now so I’m going to jump on it and pick the Wyoming man (I would like to point out that I personally would not make this pick if I were the Browns). Allen may need time to acclimatise to the NFL but he can sit behind Tyrod for a year and get it all worked out. The Browns then hope Barkley drops to number 4.
New York Giants Select: Saquon Barkley RB
The New York Giants must take Saquon Barkley at number 2 if the Browns don’t take the Penn State runner at #1. Barkley is the best player in this 2018 class and cannot be passed upon, when the Best Player Available fills a massive area of need then it should be a no-brainer. He has excellent speed, agility and acceleration which is coupled with insane elusiveness and the ability to break a big run. Barkley is a match-up nightmare for defensive coordinators and will take some of the pressure away from Eli Manning and the passing game.
New York Jets Select: Baker Mayfield QB
The Jets traded up with the sole purpose of taking their QB of the future. The fact that they did this before draft day suggests they would be happy to take at least 2 of the QB who would be available at #3. With Darnold, Rosen and Mayfield still available the choice becomes tougher but the Jets have met with Mayfield a number of times and it’s no secret that they covert the Oklahoma man. Mayfield brings strong leadership to a team that have lacked that in recent years.
Buffalo Bills Select: Sam Darnold QB
The Bills would consider offering the Giants the kitchen sink to move up to #2 so they win here by ONLY giving up both of their first rounders to move up to take their QB of choice in Sam Darnold. The Browns are happy to trade back given that Barkley is off the board. Darnold will challenge AJ McCarron to start week 1 for the Bills. The Bills need to continue adding offensive weapons to give Darnold a chance early on.
Miami Dolphins Select: Josh Rosen QB
I’m betting on Miami making a big move in the draft and, when Rosen falls, they jump up to nab him. Miami would move up for either Rosen or Mayfield and they may well get the better player in this scenario. The difficulty that Rosen poses is that he’s a day 1 starter so how that fits in with Ryan Tannehill still on the roster is anyone’s guess but we all love a good QB battle. If Rosen does start week 1 then he has some useful offensive weapons around him even with Landry departed.
Indianapolis Colts Select: Quenton Nelson OG
The Colts moved back in the trade with the Jets and have a great choice of players here. The final choice comes down to either Nelson or Bradley Chubb. It was such as close call but we’ve gone with Nelson as we feel the protection of Andrew Luck outweighs the need for a pass rusher at this point and there will be plenty of other edge rushers available later on. For me, it’s never too early to pick a great player whatever his position and Nelson will be stellar for many years.
New England Patriots Select: Bradley Chubb DE
Belichick loves defensive linemen and I’m sure Chubb will be very near the top of his draft board. When Chubb drops past the Colts, the Pats can’t resist and use both of their first rounders to pounce. Chubb offers the Patriots an instant upgrade on the edge and a star on a defense that always seem to perform better on the field than on paper. Some have assumed New England will move up to take a QB but I don’t get that feeling myself.
Chicago Bears Select: Denzel Ward CB
With the rush on Quarterbacks beforehand, the Bears are in a strong position to take one of the tp players whom also fills a big need. The Bears need a complementary receiver to recently required Allen Robinson but it’s too early for Calvin Ridley here. The Bears also need an Inside Linebacker so Tremaine Edmunds and Roquan Smith are options. Vita Vea would make sense as a strong fit for Chicago’s 3-4 D. After all that, we’ve gone for Denzel Ward to improve their secondary.
San Francisco 49ers Select: Tremaine Edmunds LB
The 49ers have a number of needs and they have a choice here of players who fit well with their needs and their scheme. Given the uncertainty over Rueben Foster’s future the compulsion to take a Linebacker is stronger for the Niners than it might have been so Edmunds is the choice here. He is a big, physical, well-rounded prospect who will be only 20 in his rookie season and, therefore presents a ton of upside.
Oakland Raiders Select: Minkah Fitzpatrick CB/FS
The Raiders must draft a defensive player and, luckily for them, the top prospects remaining are all on the defensive side of the ball. Given the number of needs Oakland has on defense, we’ve gone for a player who could cover multiple roles in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick could start off at Free Safety but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move to Cornerback fairly early in his career much as Jalen Ramsey did with the Jags.
Denver Broncos Select: Derwin James SS
The Broncos move down to #11 after the trade with Miami with a chance to address one of many needs. I don’t think Denver considers a QB here given that only Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph, of the first-round worthy prospects, are still available. They need O-line help and a Tight End but, given there’s not enough value for those positions here, they go with the safe bet of Derwin James to bolster what has traditionally been a strong secondary.
Cleveland Browns Select: Vita Vea NT
The Browns 2nd of now 3 first round picks present a tough choice as there are good players available for all of their top needs as I see them (Tackle, Linebacker, D-Lineman, Running Back). Derrius Guice, Roquan Smith & Mike McGlinchey will get consideration here but I like the thought of Vita Vea taking over from Danny Shelton on that D-Line and instantly improving their run defense. Vea’s combination of power and intelligence is exactly what the upward trending Browns need.
Washington Redskins Select: Roquon Smith LB
Apart from the obvious need for a stronger running game, the Redskins will most likely go Defense in round 1. Again, they have a good choice of players. They may have hoped Vita Vea fell here but they strike lucky with Roquon Smith still being available and they sprint up to make the pick. Smith fits nicely as an inside backer in the Skins 3-4 defense. He brings much needed ability and leadership to the group and will be an instant starter.
Green Bay Packers Select: Josh Jackson CB
The Packers are another team with multiple defensive needs but their two most pressing are at Cornerback and Edge Rusher. Harold Landry or Marcus Davenport will be under strong consideration here but Cornerback seems the most desperate need and with Joshua Jackson still available it seems an easy pick. Jackson would join last year’s 1st rounder, Kevin King, to make a strong outside pairing.
Arizona Cardinals Select: Mason Rudolph QB
The Cardinals will explore all avenues for moving up to take a QB but, in this scenario they can stay put and pick up Mason Rudolph. Other considerations might be Connor Williams or Calvin Ridley. Rudolph is a risk but the Cards already have Sam Bradford and this gives him the chance to learn the offense. The Cardinals could consider Lamar Jackson here but I couldn’t find any link between him and the team and they have met with Rudolph at the combine.
Baltimore Ravens Select: Calvin Ridley WR
Even after the signing of Michael Crabtree, receiver is the Ravens biggest need. Ridley is the best receiver available, as well as one of the top prospects overall available, and will give Joe Flacco a much needed short to intermediate option in the passing game. Ridley’s playmaking potential could be enough to tip a talented Ravens team over the edge and make then a true contender. The pick makes so much sense it’s not worth talking about alternatives.
LA Chargers Select: Mike McGlinchey OT
The Chargers are a team with a good-looking roster so they could go Best Player Available here without much drama. We have them taking Mike McGlinchey to upgrade the offensive line where he could slide in at Right Tackle to start with and then take over from Russell Okung in a year or two on the blindside. The Chargers will consider Lamar Jackson as an eventual replacement for Phil Rivers and they’ll certainly take a long look at Da’Ron Payne who would fit their defensive scheme perfectly.
Seattle Seahawks Select: Da’Ron Payne DT
The Seahawks will look to address the D-line, O-line and secondary in the draft. The Hawks need to find a replacement for Richard Sherman on the outside but there’s probably not a Cornerback with value here that fits their requirements as a tall, press type. O-line could be the pick here with Connor Williams, Will Hernandez and Isaiah Wynn still on the board but they may feel they can address this more easily later in the draft. Payne may be too good to pass up so he’s the pick.
Dallas Cowboys Select: Courtland Sutton WR
Dez Bryant is gone so Sutton comes in as a direct replacement. Sutton is a Texas boy so this pick makes too much sense. The Cowboys need to address their secondary in the draft at some point but, again, there may not be the value here to fit the need. The interior of the D-line also needs attention and Da’Ron Payne would certainly have been in play if he fell. Nevertheless, Dallas gets Dak Prescott a go to guy capable of maintaining the strong redzone threat they had in Bryant.
Detroit Lions Select: Will Hernandez OG
The Lions have a ton of needs and will consider a running back, pass rusher or linebacker here. The Lions struggled in 2017 to establish a run game, and the offensive line was a huge part of that problem. By drafting Will Hernandez, they gain an NFL ready Guard who displays tremendous strength and power as well as surprising athleticism. Hernandez should open up lanes for Detroit’s incumbent runners negating the need to draft one this early.
Cincinnati Bengals Select: Jaire Alexander CB
The Bengals flip-flopped picks with the Bills to add Cordy Glenn to their roster but the O-line, especially on the interior, still needs help. Hernandez may have been the pick here if he was available but the Bengals are forced to look at other needs. Linebacker could be an option given their lack of depth and the issue with Vontaze Burflict but they need to address the Cornerback position and Jaire Alexander is an exciting prospect that would be too good to miss on here.
Cleveland Browns Select: Derrius Guice RB
The Browns 3rd and final pick of the 1st round offers a lot of choice but, after missing out on Saquon Barkley earlier, the Browns get a top end running back to compliment their offense. Guice presents great value at this pick and he’ll slide in to Cleveland’s offense as an early down runner. Looking at the Browns’ top needs, they’ll still need to address the gaping hole left by Joe Thomas’ retirement but maybe they could look at Kolton Miller early in the 2nd (if he’s still available)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select: Connor Williams OT
The Buccs finally get a pick after their trade with the Pats. The Buccs need to improve their secondary and will consider a cornerback here, possibly Isaiah Oliver. Running back is a big need after the departure of Doug Martin but they will feel they can add one with greater value at their #31 pick. The O-line needs help and Connor Williams would provide an upgrade at Right Tackle and the versatility to provide depth on the inside and on the left.
Carolina Panthers Select: Christian Kirk WR
The Panthers will feel they’re in a good position at #24 to grab a top prospect that fills a need on their team. They will take a long, hard look at pass rushers Marcus Davenport and Harold Landry and they would both represent good value here. Corner, Guard and Safety must also be considered but we’ve chosen to give Cam Newton another offensive weapon in Christian Kirk. Kirk will upgrade a poor receiving corps and join Christian McCaffrey as an underneath passing option.
Tennessee Titans Select: Leighton Vander Esch LB
The Titans find themselves in a good position at #25 with only a few needs and the pick of many top prospects. Receiver is an option but they went receiver in the 1st round last year and could just add another in rounds 2 or 3. Defensively, the Titans need to bring in a younger pass rusher so Landry and Davenport will again be options. Ultimately, the need to upgrade the linebacking corps is too great and they snatch one of the highest rising prospects in Leighton Vander Esch.
Atlanta Falcons Select: Isaiah Wynn OG/OT
The Falcons are only a couple of players away from getting back to the Superbowl so that will focus their draft strategy. The Falcons may consider a Tight End here and a Receiver would also make sense with someone like DJ Moore getting strong consideration. The O-line is good but an upgrade at guard would be welcomed and Isaiah Wynn will provide that. Wynn’s versatility will appeal as he could slide to Tackle should injuries occur.
New Orleans Saints Select: Lamar Jackson QB
The Saints can afford to look to the future and, if he’s still available, Lamar Jackson should be the pick here to eventually take over from Drew Brees. Jackson could spend 1 or 2 years learning under Brees before he retires. Jackson is a modern QB whom Sean Payton, assuming he’s still in New Orleans in 2 years’ time, would love to get to work with. If there is no QB option here, the Saints may look to add another defensive weapon. Someone like Harold Landry would make a lot of sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Select: Isaiah Oliver CB
For one of the better teams in the NFL, the Steelers have a surprising number of needs. Defensively, the Steelers will consider all the remaining Linebacker options and Rashaan Evans will certainly be a in their thoughts. We take Isaiah Oliver here to improve the secondary. Oliver is a great athlete and he’ll be a day 1 starter in Pittsburgh. The wild card here, if one was available, would be for Pitt to take a QB to be Big Ben’s successor.
Jacksonville Jaguars Select: Rashaan Evans LB
With Evans being passed on by other Linebacker needy teams, he falls in to the Jags laps and they rush through their selection. Evans would provide an instant replacement for the retired Paul Posluszny and improve an already stellar defense. The Jags may consider adding offensive weapons to help Blake Bortles and receiver would be the other sensible choice here with DJ Moore and James Washington giving them slight pause for thought.
Minnesota Vikings Select: Billy Price C
The Vikings are primed to make a run for the Superbowl in 2018 so this pick is going to be important (as they all are of course). Last season the Vikings O-Line was not where it needed to be. With the signing of Kirk Cousins, the Vikings will want to ensure they can protect their expensive asset. Drafting Price adds a much-needed piece to the O-Line. Price is a tough, aggressive interior lineman who is versatile enough to be able to play guard.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select: Ronald Jones RB
The Buccs 2nd pick of the first round and, as they would have hoped, they get to address the running back position. The options are: Sony Michel and Nick Chubb from Georgia or Ronald Jones from USC. Jones is a great fit for Tampa and he gets his name called here. Jones is a calm and patient runner who has great acceleration and elusiveness. If the runner they want isn’t available, the Buccs could go defense with someone like Mike Hughes being high up the list.
Philadelphia Eagles Select: James Washington WR
As Superbowl champs, the Eagles don’t have a massive amount of needs. Cornerback is in play especially after the recent release of Daryl Worley but receiver appears to be their biggest requirement. James Washington is a physical and versatile receiver with the ability to play outside or in the slot and he would fit the Eagles perfectly. Alternatively, the Eagles could consider one of the top tight ends to compliment Zach Ertz.
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