- Cleveland Browns – USC QB, Sam Darnold – Purportedly several NFL GM’s view Darnold as the number one guy. Daniel Jeremiah began singing Darnold’s praises after his 2016 season. I’m not buying the “Josh Allen at One” narratives that Dorsey loves arm strength more than overall play.
- Buffalo Bills (projected trade) – UCLA QB, Josh Rosen – Bills GM Brandon Beane would have to overspend to get to number two, but trading away Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati and trading up period makes no sense if they don’t get their guy. Rosen’s perceived as being ready to start sooner than other QB prospects in this draft. The name at QB1 for the Bills depth chart is A.J. McCarron, easily the most unproven QB set to start 2018.
- New York Jets (traded with Colts) – Wyoming QB, Josh Allen – Baker Mayfield is a real possibility here. Allen has high upside and plenty of mentorship opportunity from Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater to learn from. Allen had a great combine. Based on who GM Mike Maccagnan has drafted in the past, I think he’ll like Josh Allen better than Baker.
- Cleveland Browns – PSU RB, Saquon Barkley – At one point it was considered possible that Cleveland would take Barkley first overall after they signed Tyrod Taylor. Getting Barkley with their fourth would be the best possible scenario for Cleveland.
- Denver Broncos – OU QB, Baker Mayfield – I can’t buy the Quenton Nelson hot takes here. Bradley Chubb is possible at five. Based on analytics, Baker Mayfield’s the only QB worth drafting in this class. Denver QB Case Keenum was an extremely prolific 6 foot college passer who could get along with Baker until Denver feels comfortable with him. Denver traditionally values defense but I imagine John Elway will drool over the chance to land a QB with the potential of Baker.
- Indianapolis Colts – NCST DE, Bradley Chubb – The Colts get their guy anyway. Chubb fills an enormous need for Indy. They are garbage rushing the passer. Minkah would be a value pick here as well.
- Tampa Bay – FSU SS, Derwin James – James graded extremely well on ProFootballFocus.com and has impressive measurables. The Bucs would like to get Chubb at seven, but will settle for a hometown value defensive back.
- Chicago Bears – Notre Dame OL, Quenton Nelson – Nelson’s a blue chip guard prospect. The Bears have a hole to fill after losing Josh Sitton, one of the league’s top guards in free agency.
- San Francisco 49ers – Va. Tech LB, Tremaine Edmunds – Edmunds has crazy measurables and gives the 49ers leverage with the Reuben Foster situation. I’m a 49ers fan and want them to draft Maurice Hurst here. Hurst is a medical scare and won’t go top ten.
- Raiders – UGA LB Roquan Smith – Smith earned the prestigious Dick Butkus award given to the top linebacker in 2017. The Raiders had a gaping hole at run defense and smith is a top prospect who should be able to start contributing immediately.
- Miami Dolphins – Nick Saban U., Minkah Fitzpatrick – Fitzpatricks’ a top defensive back who can fill in at safety or corner. The ‘Phins struggled at corner last year. This is probably Gase’s last season, but Minkah a stud prospect for the short term and long term. Fitzpatrick was a huge part of Alabama’s championship run in 2017.
- New York Giants – BC OLB/DE, Harold Landry – Tom Coughlin is no longer with the organization, but the Giants personnel will recall how much success Boston College defenders over the years have had in the NFL. The Giants live and die on defense. Landry can start immediately and should form a beast with the other assets on the defensive line (Dalvin Tomlinson, Olivier Vernon).
- Washington Redskins – The Ohio State CB, Denzel Ward – The Redskins lost starting CBs Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland this offseason. The Redskins could also go with DT Vita Vea to assist with their run defense struggles.
- Green Bay Packers – Nick Saban U. WR, Calvin Ridley – Green Bay is in love with the Crimson Tide and are surprisingly light on wide receivers after letting Jordy Nelson walk. Ridley was the focal point of the championship Crimson Tide offense for years. Josh Jackson from Iowa is a possibility here.
- Arizona Cardinals – Louisville QB, Lamar Jackson – Jackson is a project, but the Cardinals are the team that can groom a raw rookie passer. Jackson has a cannon arm and top athleticism. Bradford can mentor Jackson and they have enough weapons on offense that the QB doesn’t have to win the game by himself.
- Baltimore Ravens – Maryland WR, D.J. Moore – ESPN released an analytics report raving about D.J. Moore’s production at Maryland. While not huge or fast, Moore is incredibly sure-handed and productive, two qualities Baltimore desperately needs at wide receiver. Their top wideout is Michael Crabtree.
Seven days and counting; new mock draft (First half)
Posted: April 19, 2018 in Football, New entries, NFL0
Gridiron Seasonal 