NFL Mock Draft 12.0: Final draft day mock for 2018 NFL Draft
9. San Francisco 49ers: LB Roquan Smith, Georgia
The 49ers are being tied to two players in the leadup to the 2018 NFL Draft. They are Minkah Fitzpatrick and Roquan Smith. Right now, it’s tough to tell who they would select if both are available. But, in this circumstance, they will go with Smith.
Smith is an excellent tackler who was all over the field for Georgia. He was terrific during the team’s run to the College Football Playoff in 2018, and he truly was a leader for the team. Right now, it’s unclear whether or not Reuben Foster will play again in the NFL, and the 49ers needed linebacker help anyway. So, getting a top talent at No. 9 makes a lot of sense.
10. Green Bay Packers (via OAK): CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
A second trade in the top 10? Why not. It could happen. The Oakland Raiders have discussed moving down in the leadup to the draft, and the Packers may consider moving up to get a falling talent. With Denzel Ward available at the No. 10 pick, the Packers pounce and move up to help their secondary.
The Packers had a lot of trouble in their secondary last year, and it will only get worse with safety Morgan Burnett gone. The team has some options for potential No. 2 corners, but they need to get an impact player to help shut down one half of the field. Ward is the best corner in this draft, and he has very good athletic ability. He should be able to be a quality starter at the NFL level, and the Packers could use him as a long-term starter across from former second round pick Kevin King.
If the Raiders stay put, they will probably consider Ward, Derwin James, or Vita Vea. But trading down makes more sense for them at this point.
11. Miami Dolphins: NT Vita Vea, Washington
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As the draft draws nearer, the Dolphins have been tied to Vita Vea more and more. And it makes sense. Vea is a monstrous man, checking in at 6-foot-4, 347 pounds, and the team just lost Ndamukong Suh after cutting him. So, they need to add a force to their defensive line.
Vea is certainly going to be an upper level run stuffer at the NFL level, and he produced as a pass rusher in college. He could be a three-down player in Miami, and he will do a lot to eat up blockers thanks to his massive frame. It’s also worth noting that Vea has great athleticism and movement abilities despite his size, so that will do a lot to help him be a top 15 pick.
12. Indianapolis Colts (via BUF): S Derwin James, Florida State
By moving down, the Colts ensure that they can snare the best player on the board while still picking up resources. In this scenario, the player that makes the most sense is Derwin James.
James had a good career at Florida State, and he should be a big, physical strong safety at the NFL level. He’s a very good tackler and he holds up well in coverage too. James would be an ideal fit next to last year’s first round pick Malik Hooker, and they could become one of the more frightening safety duos in the NFL.
It seems that Chris Ballard will spend this pick on the best available player, and other options here will including defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. But, for now, James seems to pair best with the team’s defense and would provide a new element to the team. And some much-needed support behind the linebackers.