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.
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.
5. New York Giants (via DEN): DE Bradley Chubb, NC State
Right now, I’m very torn on what to mock to the Giants. Many have Saquon Barkley as the pick here, and that would make a ton of sense. However, Dave Gettleman opts for the best talent on the board, and it’s possible he could think that is Bradley Chubb. And by trading down, he could get Chubb.
Chubb had a great career at NC State and was a pass rushing force for the Wolfpack. The Giants are moving to a 3-4 defense, and they lack another potential rush linebacker in the wake of trading Jason Pierre-Paul. Chubb would come in and start across from Olivier Vernon right away, and that would give the Giants a potent edge duo for James Bettcher’s defense. And if the team doesn’t want Chubb, they will almost certainly take Barkley or trade down, as they are doing here.
6. Buffalo Bills (via IND): QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
Here’s the second projected trade of the final mock. The Bills are desperate to move up for a quarterback, and the Colts wouldn’t mind moving down while still being able to get a solid defensive prospect. If the Colts can get the No. 12 pick and a second rounder, they will probably do this deal.
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For the Bills, they move up and get Josh Allen. While Allen needs to improve his accuracy for the next level, he has excellent athletic ability and one of the strongest arms in the draft.
However, there are some concerns about some offensive tweets from Allen’s past that came to light on draft day. That could cause him to fall out of the top five, but it seems like it’s not a major deal for the team. So, the Bills could opt to get him here and use him as their starter.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
The Bucs get lucky here, as they land one of the best players in this draft class at No. 7. Quenton Nelson is an elite guard prospect, and he had a fantastic college career at Notre Dame. Nelson is a plug-and-play starter, and will be a Pro Bowler from day one if all goes well.
For the Bucs, Nelson would slot in as a starter at left guard and would move Evan Smith into a reserve role. That would bode well for the team, and it would give them a better starting line and more depth. If Nelson is available here, the Bucs should not pass on him.
8. Chicago Bears: LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
The Bears want to get some help at linebacker, and they could use someone to serve as an edge rusher in the 3-4 defense. Tremaine Edmunds has the versatility to play outside linebacker or inside linebacker in the Bears scheme, and that should make him an attractive target.
Edmunds is a great tackler and does very well to square up his opponents in the backfield and bring them down. He would be an ideal complement to Leonard Floyd and could add some much needed versatility to the team’s already strong defense. With Edmunds in the fold, the Bears defense could take the next step towards becoming a top five defense in the NFL. The team could also consider Denzel Ward here, as they reportedly have interest in the cornerback.
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.
13. Washington Redskins: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
It’s looking more and more likely that the Redskins are going to land one of the elite players in this draft. In this scenario, Minkah Fitzpatrick falls into their laps, and they will happily take him here.
Fitzpatrick was a field general at Alabama, and he played all over the secondary. Fitzpatrick has excellent coverage skills, and should fit in as a safety/slot corner hybrid at the NFL level. He would take over the slot position right away for the Redskins and would see a lot of action in the nickel, just as Kendall Fuller did.
If the Redskins don’t want Fitzpatrick, they will probably consider Da’Ron Payne here. But, it’s more likely that they go with the best player available. The four options to watch here are Fitzpatrick, Payne, Vita Vea, and Derwin James.
FanSided
14. Oakland Raiders (via GB): OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
The Raiders have shown an interest in upgrading their tackle position in recent weeks. They have been tied to Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller. By trading down to 14, the team gets the man they want while picking up an extra asset.
The Raiders need to add a tackle, as they had problems on the right side of the line for most of last season. Furthermore, left tackle Donald Penn is turning 35 this offseason and he might not have a lot left in the tank. McGlinchey could start his career at right tackle for the Raiders and then take over at left tackle once Penn decides to call it quits. McGlinchey makes a lot of sense, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Raiders make this type of move.
15. Arizona Cardinals: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
With pick 15, the Cardinals go with a quarterback. They have Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon on their roster, but they need to add somebody who can compete with them and to develop in the future. Lamar Jackson would give them that.
Jackson was a great quarterback at Louisville, and he has a bit of Michael Vick in his game. Jackson has great athletic ability and a quality arm, and he will just need to improve his accuracy for the next level. He seems like a lock for the top 20 picks at this point and should go here.
If the Cardinals decide they don’t like Jackson, they could try to trade the pick to a quarterback-needy team. The New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints are all possible trade partners who could move up into the teens to get a shot at Jackson. So, perhaps the Cardinals will move down if they don’t like Jackson. Or, they could consider a nose tackle like Da’Ron Payne or one of the top receivers.
16. Baltimore Ravens: NT Da’Ron Payne, Alabama
On the surface, the Ravens don’t need a nose tackle. But, the team likes Alabama products and they soon could lose Brandon Williams. For that reason, the team may consider grabbing a high-upside guy like Da’Ron Payne here to improve their unit.
Payne is one of the better nose tackles in this draft, and some argue that he’s better that Vea. Payne has superb athletic ability and can play almost any position on a defensive front. He has a quick first step and solid size at 6-foot-2, 311 pounds. He might not have the pass rushing production one looks for in a prospect, but he still has upside in that department and could be a quality player in the NFL. He just has to develop that portion of his skill set a bit.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama
The Chargers want to get some upgrades for their defense, and they have been tied to Rashaan Evans. He had a productive career at Alabama, and he looks like a solid player. It’s also worth noting that Evans can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, so he should have versatility as well.
For the Chargers, Evans would come in and help shore up what is a pretty weak linebacker corps for the Chargers. He would pair well with Denzel Perryman, and the two could focus on helping to stop the run. This may seem a bit high for Evans, but it is quite possible that he could go here. Other options will include Leighton Vander Esch and Isaiah Wynn.
18. Atlanta Falcons (via SEA): DT Taven Bryan, Florida
Here’s another trade, and this is one that I think could be very realistic. The Falcons like Taven Bryan and the Seahawks want to move down. Additionally, the organizations have traded together in the past and Dan Quinn was a member of the Seahawks coaching staff before becoming the Atlanta head coach. So, this well could happen.
Bryan is a very good athlete from Florida, and his tape is very good. He has a very quick first step and should be able to consistently get into the backfield at the NFL level. Provided that he can prove to have a good motor, he should be a high-quality defensive starter for the team that lands him. The Falcons could use him to replace Dontari Poe, so they appear to be a good marriage here.
19. Dallas Cowboys: LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
If Leighton Vander Esch is available here, the Cowboys will take him. They need to replace the departed Anthony Hitchens, and their front office likes Vander Esch. And they have good reason to.
Vander Esch is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career at Boise State. He totaled 141 tackles and excelled in all facets of the game. He has excellent instincts, and if it weren’t for injury concerns, he would probably go higher than this. The Cowboys would immediately have a role for him, and getting him here seems like the best fit.
20. Detroit Lions: DE Marcus Davenport, UTSA
If the Lions have the choice between Marcus Davenport and Harold Landry, it could be tough for them to make. Their new defensive coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni, coached at Boston College before being hired this year. So, the Lions know a lot about Landry and what he’s capable of.
At the same time, Davenport is the more talented prospect. Armed with a 6-foot-7 frame, excellent length, and good athleticism, Davenport should be a solid fit at the end position across from Ezekiel Ansah. Because of his size, he will probably be a better run defender than Landry, who struggled in that aspect in college. For that reason, Davenport holds a slight edge here. But either way, defensive line is probably the area that the Lions will address at this juncture.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: G/C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
I’ve liked Frank Ragnow for quite some time, and it now appears that he might be the first center selected during the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has excellent technique and solid athletic ability. Before being sidelined with an ankle injury, he was one of the best interior linemen in the SEC for multiple years.
The Bengals have a major hole at center. They used to start Russell Bodine, but he left in free agency to join the Bills. Bodine wasn’t great anyway, so getting an upgrade would be sensible. Ragnow would fit into the team’s line as an instant starter, and he could have a lot of success. Add in his positional versatility and his great tape, and he has the makings of the No. 21 pick.
22. Buffalo Bills: OL Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
Though the Bills traded up with the Colts earlier, they were able to hang onto this selection. And it’s a good thing they did. They currently need to add some help to their offensive line, and this is a great opportunity to do so.
As it stands, the Bills are weak at every position on the right side of the line. And it could get worse if Richie Incognito does decide to retire. For that reason, the team will likely try to pick up some help at the position and grabbing Isaiah Wynn here would make sense.
Wynn has the ability to play any position on an offensive line. He played left tackle at Georgia, so he could man the right spot for the Bills. However, he could also move inside to guard where he could be a top caliber player there. That will make him an intriguing option and unless the Bills like James Daniels better, Wynn is the most sensible option here.
23. New England Patriots: DE Harold Landry, Boston College
The Patriots need some extra pass rushing help even after adding Adrian Clayborn in the offseason. Harold Landry is a local prospect who should interest the Patriots. He is an elite pass rusher, and he could play a nice role as a rotational player in the team’s defense. This seems to be his floor at the moment, so going here makes a lot of sense.
24. Carolina Panthers: CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
The Panthers are probably interested in a few players here. Frank Ragnow, Jaire Alexander, and D.J. Moore. Ragnow is already off the board, so they will have to go in a different direction. And at this point, Alexander could be a steal.
Alexander was the best corner at the Combine and could go as high as the No. 11 pick. But, corners fell in this version of the mock, so he’s still on the board here. Alexander is a great athlete and would pair well long-term with James Bradberry. This seems to be the lowest he will fall before hearing his name called Thursday night.
25. Tennessee Titans: DE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
The Titans are interested in getting a linebacker or edge rusher, and they want to get a player who should be a sure-fire success. Sam Hubbard may not seem like that option on the surface, but he has a lot of talent and could be a great NFL player.
Hubbard is a very good athlete who had some moments of brilliance at Ohio State. He never was able to put everything together, and he should have to improve his motor for the next level. Still, he would be a good fit as a rotational edge rusher for the Titans in 2018 and then could take over as a starter after Brian Orakpo hits free agency. At this point, he seems like the team’s top option. Unless a better player becomes available, expect Hubbard to be the pick.
26. Seattle Seahawks (via ATL): DL Maurice Hurst, Michigan
The Seahawks trade down and still get a stellar defensive lineman. Hurst is a bit undersized, but he’s a great player and could have climbed into the top 20 had he not been diagnosed with a heart issue at the Combine. The medical rechecks seem to have gone well for Hurst, so he could sneak into the late first round.
The Seahawks need to star replacing Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril as they look to rebuild their defense. While Hurst is an interior rusher, he would still help and be an upgrade to the team’s current starting rotation at defensive tackle. So, that could make him a nice target, especially if the team elects to trade down as I have them doing in this mock.
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27. New Orleans Saints: WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama
The Saints are a team with few needs, so they can take the best player available. And Calvin Ridley would be a great fit in their offense.
Last season, the team missed Brandin Cooks’ ability to draw attention away from Michael Thomas, who had a couple of mediocre performances after a consistently good rookie year. Ridley is a great route runner who should be a natural No. 2 receiver to start his NFL career. He may have trouble gaining separation via his speed alone, but his route running combined with his athleticism should make him a candidate to have a break-out year with Drew Brees at the helm.
The Saints could also opt to trade up for Lamar Jackson or they could take a tight end too. Ridley is still the best option here though, so he would be the most sensible pick.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
This is quite a tumble for Josh Jackson, who I had mocked at No. 14 earlier this week. It just seems that the corner position is getting devalued a bit, solely because of some of the other talented players available, so Jackson could end up falling a bit further than expected.
The Steelers will jump to get Jackson is he’s on the board. They could use a ballhawk to pair across from Artie Burns after Joe Haden eventually retires. Jackson has receiver skills and can anticipate routes with the best of them. So, he could be a big playmaker for the Steelers defense and they will be happy to add that at this point in the draft.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
The Jaguars need a No. 1 tight end. They have been tied to Hayden Hurst for quite some time, and I expect that they will take him with this pick.
30. Minnesota Vikings: G/C James Daniels, Iowa
The Vikings get lucky here as they get a prospect who could have gone in the early 20s. James Daniels is arguably the best center in this class, but he slips as Frank Ragnow overtakes him in this mock. The Vikings lost their combination guard/center Joe Berger to retirement and they need to replace him. Daniels could be a perfect fit.
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Daniels has great movement skills and should have the ability to be a good pulling guard in the NFL. Additionally, he could move to center in the event that Pat Elflein gets hurt, so that will help make him a solid option too. Daniels will help to protect Kirk Cousins, so adding him here makes a lot of sense.
31. New England Patriots: OT Kolton Miller, UCLA
The Patriots are in desperate need of a left tackle after letting Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming walk in free agency. Kolton Miller has great, 6-foot-9 size and solid athletic ability. He has been compared by some to Solder, so he could be an ideal plug-and-play starter there for the Pats.
Tom Brady isn’t getting any younger. If the Patriots don’t invest in protection for him, they could find themselves in trouble. Of course, the team may also opt to trade up for a quarterback. So, one way or another, look for the team to get offensive help at some point in Round 1.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: WR D.J. Moore, Maryland
The Eagles have been tied to running backs here, but with Sony Michel’s injury issues and Derrius Guice’s story about being asked inappropriate questions at the Combine being debunked, neither is a great option at the No. 32 pick. The Eagles could opt for a receiver instead, and D.J. Moore could be the pick.
Moore had a great career at Maryland and possesses great athleticism, solid route running ability, and very good hands. He could become a No. 2 receiver in his rookie year and would be a great replacement for the departed Torrey Smith.
Next: Redskins 7-Round mock with options for each pick
That wraps up the final mock. This will be updated throughout the day as more rumors come in, so keep checking back to see what’s changed!