NFL Mock Draft 12.0: Final draft day mock for 2018 NFL Draft
The 2018 NFL Draft is here. Here’s a look at our final mock draft.
The 2018 NFL Draft is upon us. Later today, the first 32 picks will be made, and the Washington Redskins will have a chance to add a quality player. But first, they have to know what the teams in front of them are doing.
With that said, here’s a look at our final, first-round mock that will be updated throughout the day with any important rumors. Let’s get things started.
LAST UPDATED (7 p.m.). Major changes, including the a trade up for the Broncos.
1. Cleveland Browns: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
The Browns appear to be leaning towards taking Baker Mayfield, and that is a sensible move, contrary to popular belief. Scot McCloughan is a big fan of Mayfield and compared him to Brett Favre. If John Dorsey buys into that comparison, then Mayfield could be the pick.
Mayfield is a bit on the small side, but he has elite ball placement and accuracy, so he should be a quality NFL quarterback. He reminds me a lot of Drew Brees. Mayfield also should be a leader thanks to his fiery attitude and competitiveness on the field. He will want to win, and that will do a lot to help him become a successful pro.
PICK CHANGE: Previously, QB Josh Allen
2. Denver Broncos (via NYG): QB Sam Darnold, USC
UPDATE (7 p.m.): I’m now projecting the Giants to trade down with the Broncos, who will grab Sam Darnold.
The Broncos trade up here to get one of the top quarterbacks in this draft. Sam Darnold is one of the best quarterbacks in this draft, and he could be a trade-up option here.
The Broncos could select Darnold here in hopes of letting him learn for a season behind Case Keenum. Should Keenum struggle, the team could also throw Darnold into the fire and see what he’s made of. John Elway should come out of this draft with a quarterback, and trading up shouldn’t be out of the question.
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With the First Pick
3. New York Jets: QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
The Jets are going to take a quarterback here. It’s just a question of which one. They have been tied to Baker Mayfield for most of the draft process, though there has been some late buzz about Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold. With Mayfield off the board, the team may opt to take Josh Rosen.
Rosen is probably the most talented quarterback in this draft class, but teams appear to be turned off by his attitude and the lack of support he has gotten from previous coaches. These concerns are overblown, in this analyst’s opinion, and Rosen makes up for it in on-field talent.
4. Cleveland Browns: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
I just can’t help feeling that the Browns know something we don’t know. They like three quarterbacks in this draft, and Saquon Barkley is the best player available. So, why wouldn’t they take Barkley with the first pick and then wait to see which quarterback is available at No. 4? It just doesn’t add up.
My theory here is that the Browns expect the Giants to pass on Barkley, so they know they will get him with the No. 4 pick. Maybe all the Barkley to the Giants talk was a smokescreen to help the Giants facilitate a potential trade at the No. 2 spot. Maybe they wanted the Browns to take Barkley No. 1 overall so that a team could trade up and get their top pick at quarterback. And thus, the Giants could get more in a package.
Of course, I could just be crazy. But this is a legitimate possibility. If Barkley is available here, the Browns will certainly select him. He’s one of the best rushers in college football, and he should be a sure-fire success at the professional level.