- Apr 28, 2009
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2018 NFL Draft Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by CP1708,
- Start date
- Mar 30, 2007
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Nothing surprises me with the draft anymore.. I could see him lasting to the backend of the first just because
Barkley the only lock for a RB in the top half of the draft.. between QBs, Oline, CBs and pass rushers guys will get pushed down
- Apr 28, 2009
- 33,347
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Clelin Ferrell is officially an idiot
Dude was gonna be lucky this year that it’s a huge down year for pass rushers in this draft. Could have been a top 10 pick most likely.
Dude was gonna be lucky this year that it’s a huge down year for pass rushers in this draft. Could have been a top 10 pick most likely.
- Mar 30, 2007
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DeadsetAce
Supporter
- May 31, 2004
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- Mar 30, 2007
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kinda wish we got that 4 from CLE
He didn't play for bama..
- Dec 27, 2012
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Bryce Love going back to school
- Mar 30, 2007
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Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
The first step for a mock draft is to update player rankings and team needs. Then sit down, go through the draft order and assign the best players at a value or need to those teams. Sounds easy, right?
Only if you accept that you will not make every reader happy. This two-round mock draft will not fill every need on your favorite team's roster; that's reality. There are only so many quarterbacks and left tackles to go around. There is more demand than supply at most positions.
As far as team needs go, this is pre-free agency, and a lot will change, but I've updated my list of how each club needs to get better and filled those needs where there was value.
But, as always, I'll stress that mock drafts are based on what I'm hearing from sources around the league. It's still way too early for any source to know who they're drafting (again, pre-free agency), but we're getting closer to the time when teams have narrowed that focus.
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Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
The Pick: QB Sam Darnold, USC
You're reading this on January 15, which means there is a whole lot of time for things to change. But as of now, this pick has to be a quarterback. And I believe Sam Darnold best fits what new general manager John Dorsey and his chief assistants (Alonzo Highsmith and Eliot Wolf) will want in a quarterback. The Cleveland Browns may throw $30 million a season at Kirk Cousins or trade for Alex Smith when free agency opens and blow this all up, but until then I'll be predicting Darnold to the Browns.
Why Darnold over Rosen? It doesn't have much to do with the on-field results. It's more about personalities.
Darnold fits the Midwest. He's tough, a little quiet, willing to sacrifice his body and has the build to hold up in cold weather and against AFC North defenses. He also has not reportedly made comments saying he doesn't want to play for the Browns.
Dorsey and his team have to nail this pick. Darnold isn't the best quarterback prospect we've ever seen, but he's worthy of being the No. 1 pick and would give the Browns a true franchise-caliber quarterback.
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Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
The Pick: QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
Josh Rosen gets what he wants, and new general manager Dave Gettleman gets his quarterback for the New York Giants' rebuild. Match made in heaven, right?
I could see Gettleman and the Giants ownership being too sentimental with Eli Manning and not making the move to replace him. But Manning isn't Tom Brady, and the Giants must start thinking ahead. Still, it wouldn't surprise me if the Giants roll with Manning and 2017 third-rounder Davis Webb at quarterback.
Rosen should be the pick here. He has the prettiest mechanics and accuracy of any quarterback in this class. Sure, he's a little brash, but he's also a leader and a natural passer with the highest floor of all this year's signal-callers.
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Grant Halverson/Getty Images
The Pick: DE Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State
Bradley Chubb is special. At 6'4 ½", 275 pounds, he plays with a ridiculous amount of energy, agility and burst. As far as pure pass-rushers go, he's not quite on the level of former No. 1 picks Jadeveon Clowney or Myles Garrett, but he's right behind them. The Indianapolis Colts should be all about that.
The Colts don't have a head coach yet so we can't speculate about how Chubb would fit into a scheme, but you can be comfortable in knowing he fits in every scheme. Whether it's as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 defensive end (think Joey Bosa), he's a fit.
Chubb's talent and potential are special enough that he should be the first defensive player off the board.
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Norm Hall/Getty Images
The Pick: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
The best overall player in the 2018 draft class lasts until the No. 4 pick due to his position. For the Browns, this is the best possible scenario. John Dorsey can go to bed after Thursday night of the draft with a new quarterback and the best running back prospect I've ever seen.
Barkley can do it all. He's 5'11", 230 pounds but runs in the 4.3-4.4 range. He's a threat to score as a runner, receiver and kick returner. Imagine Barkley as a faster Ezekiel Elliott but without any off-field questions. That might sound like Le'Veon Bell—which is the best comparison for him.
If the Browns can end Round 1 with Darnold and Barkley, fans might throw another parade.
5. Denver Broncos
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Butch Dill/Associated Press
The Pick: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
No quarterback? I fully expect John Elway will address the position in free agency. That could change in the next four months, but as of now all the rumors I'm hearing are that Elway doesn't want to draft another quarterback in Round 1 after missing on Paxton Lynch.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is like Tyrann Mathieu if the Arizona Cardinals safety were 6'0", 203 pounds and ran a high-4.3 in the 40-yard dash. He might be compared by some to Jalen Ramsey—and he does have some experience playing cornerback—but his best spot in the NFL is likely at safety.
One of the cool things about Fitzpatrick is his versatility: He can play slot cornerback, free safety, strong safety and, for some press schemes, he can line up as an outside cornerback. The Denver Broncos can find a way to work him into a secondary that's getting older and needs an infusion of talent.
6. New York Jets
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Otto Kitsinger/Associated Press
The Pick: QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
Josh McCown did a good job in 2017, but he is truly a Band-Aid solution at quarterback if he returns for 2018. It's painfully clear that neither Bryce Petty nor Christian Hackenberg is the New York Jets' quarterback of the future here. Unless the front office is aggressive (and they'll have around $80 million in projected cap space, per Spotrac) and gets Kirk Cousins, there will be a mandate to draft a quarterback.
With Rosen and Darnold off the board, the next-best quarterback is Josh Allen. You'll hear in the next four months about how much potential he has, but the downside is that he is incredibly raw. He is a better prospect than Hackenberg was in 2016 (he's a much better athlete and has better instincts), but fans will undoubtedly be afraid of another developmental quarterback.
The upside is that if the Jets hit, Allen could be a Cam Newton- or Ben Roethlisberger-type starter.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
The Pick: DE Arden Key, LSU
Risk versus reward. That's the conversation every NFL front office will have when it comes to Arden Key's draft stock.
On the upside, he's a naturally gifted pass-rusher with special athleticism and the production (21 career sacks) to back it up. He's built (6'6", 265 lbs) like a young Jason Taylor and rushes the quarterback with a similar burst and balance. The downside is that Key has battled multiple injuries in the last year and left the team in the spring for undisclosed reasons. Teams will send their best scouts to LSU to find out what happened there.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can afford to take a risk if Key hits. The need for a pass-rusher opposite Noah Spence is very real, and Key has the tools to step right in and total double-digit sacks.
8. Chicago Bears
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Tim Warner/Getty Images
The Pick: OT Connor Williams, Texas
On paper, the offensive line might not seem like a huge need for the Chicago Bears. But outside of wide receiver it's the biggest need I have for the team. General manager Ryan Pace and new head coach Matt Nagy must give second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky the type of offensive line that can not only protect him, but that is also athletic enough to run the zone scheme Nagy prefers—which will put pressure on the line to pull and get out in space.
Texas' Connor Williams is the draft's best tackle. He's a natural left tackle with very good athleticism, a high football IQ and the tools to be a Day 1 starter on the blind side. He did struggle against Maryland; but as he told us on the Stick to Football podcast last week, that was the worst game of his career and he battled to make improvements off that tape.
Fans will want a receiver here, but on my board it would be a major reach to go after Calvin Ridley at No. 8. The Bears would be smarter to pay a receiver in free agency and draft a tackle.
9. Oakland Raiders
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David Goldman/Associated Press
The Pick: LB Roquan Smith, Georgia
Roquan Smith is so perfect for the Oakland Raiders that fans should worry about the rest of the NFL catching on and trying to trade ahead of them to steal the Georgia linebacker.
Smith, as you saw in the College Football Playoff, brings the wood as a tackler. He's effective running alleys outside the tackle box and arrives with power at the ball-carrier. He has eye-opening quickness in chasing the ball. He is also athletic enough to be an asset in coverage when matched up against backs and has the hips to be solid in zone drops.
The middle of the field was a massive problem for the Raiders under the Jack Del Rio/Ken Norton reign—which is impressive given both played middle linebacker. Drafting Smith won't be the sexy Jon Gruden pick many are expecting, but it's the right move.
Note: The Raiders and San Francisco 49ers will flip a coin at the scouting combine to determine which team will pick No. 9 and which will pick No. 10. My coin flip resulted in the Raiders picking ninth.
10. San Francisco 49ers
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Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Pick: CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
Denzel Ward was a starter for just one year at Ohio State, so it's OK if you aren't super familiar with him yet or are a little confused about listing him as the No. 10 overall pick. Trust me on this—you will be hearing a lot more about him from now until the draft.
Ward is a touch undersized at 5'11", 190 pounds, but he's insanely quick, aggressive and athletic. Playing at the line of scrimmage, he's able to use his length and toughness well in press coverage. You can't watch Ohio State film without marveling at his recovery speed and instincts.
The 49ers have the quarterback position locked up now and can use this pick to find a star defender to continue rounding out Robert Saleh's defense. Given the team's projected $114 million to use in cap space, per Spotrac, a lot of the existing needs are going to soon disappear. The smart move would be saving on some cash and drafting the class's best cornerback.
11. Miami Dolphins
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The Pick: LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
Who?
If you're not a Virginia Tech fan you probably aren't familiar with Tremaine Edmunds. He's a 6'5", 240-pound linebacker with the skills to play inside or outside at the next level and the athleticism to blow up once the NFL Scouting Combine gets here.
As a player, Edmunds is somewhere between Telvin Smith and Anthony Barr. He is a taller, leaner linebacker, but his quickness is his best asset. He has the ability to get around blockers to find the ball either against the run or as a pass-rusher. The biggest question will be how new defensive coordinator Matt Burke plans to unleash him.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Raekwon McMillan last year, and they have Kiko Alonso on the roster, but there's no one like Edmunds on their depth chart. There's not even anyone like Edmunds in the AFC East.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Pick: OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
It's criminal that Quenton Nelson—one of the five best players in the entire draft class—is still on the board here. But playing guard, combined with the run on quarterbacks and linebackers in the top 11, pushes him right into the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals. And oh, boy, does he fill a need.
The Bengals offensive line was (and I'm being nice) trash this year. Both young tackles (Cedric Ogbuehi, Jake Fisher) struggled, and the team sorely missed Kevin Zeitler who left for Cleveland in free agency. Quenton Nelson can't fix the problems at tackle, but he can step right in and be a dominant left guard.
Nelson is the rare lineman who plays like a junkyard dog but is also athletic and powerful at the same time. He's more Kelechi Osemele than Zack Martin if you're comparing prospects.
13. Washington
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The Pick: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback comes off the board and lands in a situation where he can play right away if Kirk Cousins is elsewhere next season.
NFL teams will have to debate where to slot Mayfield in this draft class. He's unconventional in terms of playing style and size as a sub-6'2" quarterback. But you can't ignore his playmaking ability and his accurate, on-time passing. Some believe he could be drafted in the top handful of picks, which is possible, but my intel says he's more likely off the board between picks No. 12 and 20.
Washington would be a great fit for Mayfield. He doesn't go to a city with an intense media market (New York) or a city with a long history of losing and a ton of pressure on a rookie quarterback (Cleveland). And with Jay Gruden as the head coach, Mayfield lands in a place where he'll be coached up and a scheme can be built around him.
14. Green Bay Packers
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The Pick: CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
The Green Bay Packers have undergone a massive change so far this offseason with a new general manager and a new defensive coordinator. As the changes continue, the front office must continue to load up the roster with young talent on the outside of both the offense and defense. A receiver here wouldn't be a shock given the decline of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, but cornerback is the best fit and value.
Josh Jackson was all over the field this year for Iowa, grabbing eight interceptions and being a physical stud at the line of scrimmage. He has the size (6'1") to match up well against NFL receivers but has also shown the instincts, technique and athleticism to be a true No. 1 cornerback.
The depth at wide receiver this year is better than the top end, while the opposite is true for the cornerbacks. Going corner here and receiver in the second round is the way to go.
15. Arizona Cardinals
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The Pick: WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama
When Bruce Arians was running the show as Cardinals head coach, the general consensus was that he hated rookies and wouldn't draft wide receivers early. Now that Arians has retired, general manager Steve Keim should look at his roster and have a panic attack about the receiver position.
Larry Fitzgerald has to be close to done. Jaron Brown and John Brown have not developed as expected. There is nothing on the receiver depth chart to get excited about. And while the biggest need on the whole roster is quarterback, there isn't one worth drafting here.
Draft the receiver, sign or trade for a quarterback (hello, Alex Smith) and start building this offense for the future after investing in the defense in the 2018 draft.
16. Baltimore Ravens
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The Pick: WR Courtland Sutton, SMU
The run on wide receivers has started, and the Baltimore Ravens are in perfect position to add the young, potential No. 1 they so badly need.
Courtland Sutton could be a top-10 pick by April. He's the biggest (6'3", 215 lbs) receiver among the top tier of prospects and is by far the best jump-ball receiver. If Sutton can prove to scouts that he has the speed to run past premier cornerbacks—something we didn't get to see at SMU—then he could be the first receiver picked.
The Ravens are in a spot where something has to give. The team is routinely good enough to fight for a playoff spot but can't overcome the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Adding a receiver that can stretch the field and make physical plays can take the offense over the top.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
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The Pick: OT Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
This is a pick where I'm going far away from my own rankings to match what I'm hearing from NFL sources. Oklahoma tackle Orlando Brown is ranked in the mid-second round on my big board, but it would be a surprise, as of now, if he's not selected on the first night.
The Los Angeles Chargers did a great job in the 2017 draft by going after guards Forrest Lamp (Round 2) and Dan Feeney (Round 3), but the job of rebuilding this line is far from done. The age and talent at offensive tackle isn't ideal, and the team should be focused on throwing assets at the line in an effort to extend Philip Rivers' career and to give Melvin Gordon what he deserves.
Brown is a massive man at 6'8", 340 pounds but has issues in his technique—like a narrow stance and poor leverage—that concern me. If the Chargers can coach him up, he could be a steal here.
18. Seattle Seahawks
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The Pick: RB Derrius Guice, LSU
A top-10 player on my board, former LSU running back Derrius Guice falls a bit but winds up in a perfect situation with the Seattle Seahawks. And maybe, hopefully, he can be the piece that rejuvenates an offense that relies far too much on Russell Wilson to make magic happen.
Guice is truly the ideal running back for Seattle. He's powerful with speed and agility and has the skills to run inside or outside the tackles. And even though he wasn't always a receiving threat at LSU, he's shown the ability to make an impact as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Drafting a running back can't solve the Seahawks' offensive line problems, but the last time this offense was dominant they had a former first-round back with power and speed named Marshawn Lynch. Guice helps them get back to that.
19. Dallas Cowboys
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Sam Craft/Associated Press
The Pick: WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Another receiver comes off the board in the teens—and this one can fly.
If you watched the Dallas Cowboys down the stretch, you saw how badly they need speed on the outside of the formation. Dez Bryant is on his last legs and might not even be back in Dallas next season. Brice Butler and Terrance Williams are not top options. That makes the selection of at least one receiver a priority in this draft.
Christian Kirk isn't the tallest (5'11", 200 lbs) but he's a compact, exciting, fast receiver who can play in the slot or split out wide. He would give the Cowboys offense an immediate jolt of speed and playmaking ability if he can adapt to the Dallas scheme coming out of Texas A&M.
20. Detroit Lions
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The Pick: EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College
We don't know what scheme the Detroit Lions will run on defense, but one thing is for certain—there is a massive need for better edge-rushers. Ezekiel Ansah is a free agent, and while he did show improved play once healthy this season, he's a question mark moving forward.
General manager Bob Quinn has roots in New England, where the defensive line was a priority for the franchise. In the 2016 offseason, Quinn invested in fixing the offensive line. He should spend his 2018 offseason looking hard at the makeup of the defensive line and investigating how to best turn over that unit.
Harold Landry was the top-ranked senior on my draft board when the season began but did fall off this year due to injury down the stretch. He's a natural pass-rusher who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense and be an asset off the right edge.
21. Buffalo Bills; 22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)
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Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images
The Picks: LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama; OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
Thanks to last year's draft-day trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills own back-to-back picks in the first round. The Bills could package the two selections (and others) to move up and grab the franchise quarterback they so badly need. In this mock draft—with no trades predicted—here's what makes sense.
The offensive line needs to be addressed. Rookie left tackle Dion Dawkins did a solid job, but the right side needs an upgrade. Notre Dame's Mike McGlinchey played left tackle for the last two seasons but has the athleticism of a right tackle and the experience to play there. He would be a rookie starter.
The Bills linebacker corps is solid, but it's missing a true middle linebacker with range and the ability to make major stops against the run. Rashaan Evans has the football IQ, athleticism and instincts to be a game-changer on defense.
23. Los Angeles Rams
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Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
The Pick: CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
Why a cornerback? It's pretty simple. Trumaine Johnson will be a free agent, and the opposite cornerback spot is wide open. Regardless of what happens in free agency, corner is the Los Angeles Rams' top need.
Isaiah Oliver is a little under the radar compared to Denzel Ward or Josh Jackson, but he should be recognized as a first-round talent after how well he played for Colorado in 2017. Oliver has size (6'0", 190 lbs) and runs exceptionally well. Watch his tape against UCLA's Josh Rosen, and you'll see an NFL playmaker who reminds me of Desmond Trufant.
24. Carolina Panthers
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Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Pick: EDGE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Now that Dave Gettleman is gone as general manager, Marty Hurney and his scouts must look at fixing the age issues and lack of talent on both lines. The Carolina Panthers would love to find an offensive tackle on the board here, but no one is available at a value. Instead, the team can and should try to get younger on the defensive line.
Sam Hubbard is a standout defensive end who has owned the right edge for Ohio State the last three years. He's incredibly instinctive and has the athleticism and power to compete with tackles who use both speed and strength. Hubbard is a plug-and-play player who might not ever hit 10 sacks in a season but will be a rock-solid three-down defender.
25. Tennessee Titans
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The Pick: DL Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
Da'Ron Payne may have put himself into the first round during the national championship game with his dominance of the Georgia offensive line. Teams that liked Payne's athleticism and potential before the title game no doubt saw him realize that potential and show flashes of what he can be. For the Tennessee Titans, that should make them invest a late first-round pick.
The Titans front seven did a solid job this season but must start to get younger, more athletic and build for the future. The ideal pick here would be an edge-rusher, but a big defensive lineman who can play multiple techniques along the line would also fill a need.
Given the depth at edge-rusher in this class, the Titans can go defensive lineman here and then come back in Round 2 to get a stand-up pass-rusher.
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Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Pick: DL Maurice Hurst, Michigan
Can the Atlanta Falcons draft an offensive coordinator?
Since they can't, the front office has to find a way to shore up some of the problems on defense. This is a fast unit that did improve against the run this season, but adding more talent to the middle of the defense isn't a bad idea. It's also worth pointing out that Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli love drafting defensive linemen.
Maurice Hurst is a little undersized (6'2", 285 lbs), but he has an incredible first step and is great against the run thanks to his quickness and motor. He doesn't give up on plays and is often the guy you'll see running down screens and making tackles from behind when you watch Michigan film.
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Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The Pick: RB Ronald Jones II, USC
This pick is made with the idea that Le'Veon Bell is threatening to not play or retire if the Steelers use the franchise tag on him. If the front office is tired of Bell's act or decides paying top money for a running back isn't in the cards, this is the way to go.
Ronald Jones is more Jamaal Charles than Bell, but he's the type of back who could succeed immediately in this offense. Jones is electric, fast and a threat as an outside runner and receiver. His burst in the open field and vision would be a dream fit for an offense that's all about being aggressive and taking shots.
Of course, the Steelers might realize Bell is the NFL's most valuable running back and pay to keep him around for another four seasons; that would change this pick and the direction of their offseason. With Bell back, look for a linebacker to fill the hole in the middle of the defense to be the likely selection.
28. New Orleans Saints
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Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
The Pick: LB Malik Jefferson, Texas
It would have been perfect if somehow Baker Mayfield was still on the board here and the New Orleans Saints could draft their quarterback of the future. But he's not, and they can't do so without reaching. Instead, continuing the theme of fixing their defense should be the focus.
Malik Jefferson will test off the charts when he takes the field at the scouting combine. At 6'2" and around 240 pounds, he'll likely run in the low 4.4s and should have the best three-cone time of any linebacker. That athleticism pops when you watch him play, but Jefferson is still on the board here because he struggled with instincts at middle linebacker. The Saints should free him up to make plays and go after quarterbacks and running backs in a scheme in which he can use his speed.
29. Minnesota Vikings
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Norm Hall/Getty Images
The Pick: DL Vita Vea, Washington
The biggest question for the Minnesota Vikings is at quarterback, but it's unlikely they'll draft one in the first round unless somehow all three soon-to-be free-agent quarterbacks on their roster leave this offseason. Given that reality, we should expect to see Minnesota draft a passer, but not early on.
The Vikings' needs are also hard to identify. The offensive line was better this year but could still use upgrades, though there is no lineman of value on the board here. Similarly, the defensive line could use upgrades and an infusion of youth. That's where I have them going.
Vita Vea is built like a nose tackle (6'4", 332 lbs) but has rare movement skills for a man that size. He is not another Danny Shelton-type prospect with limited mobility but a potential three-down tackle who can be the replacement for Linval Joseph.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Pick: S Derwin James, Florida State
This is not the biggest need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but looking at their needs and available talent on the board, it's where I'm going. It's also not one of those "based on what I'm hearing" picks because when a team is selecting this late in Round 1, it doesn't often have a clear vision of what the board will look like. Instead, think of this as a "best player available at a future need" pick.
Derwin James is a special athlete with the body to play down in the box or in center field. He was slow to return to full speed after coming back from an injury that cost him almost all of last season but closed the year with an awesome stretch of games that highlighted what he can do as a versatile safety.
James might not last this long in April once teams get a look at his football character—things like leadership, intelligence, work ethic and how he'll be received in a locker room—and athleticism, but in Jacksonville, he'd be a perfect fit for an aggressive defense and a future replacement for Barry Church.
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Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press
The Pick: EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr., Kansas
The defensive front seven should be priority No. 1 as the New England Patriots head into the offseason. With that in mind and two picks in the top 45 thanks to the Jimmy Garoppolo trade, the Patriots can be aggressive.
Kansas' Dorance Armstrong Jr. is more athlete than football player, but he has untapped potential to be great as an edge-rusher. His size (6'4", 245 lbs), length and ability to add weight to his lean frame should make him a potential Chandler Jones-type rusher.
Quarterback is the elephant in the room, but there is depth in Round 2, and New England can address the position then.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
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Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Pick: G/C Billy Price, Ohio State
What direction should the Philadelphia Eagles go in the first round? It's not an easy answer. They have a depth chart without many holes on it. And even the areas that might be considered weak have young players who could develop into quality starters.
One area of need may be the interior offensive line where offensive guard stands out as a position of need. The weakness of the line rests on the men flanking the center. Speaking of center, Jason Kelce is a two-time Pro Bowler, but he's also 30 years old. That's not overage for an offensive lineman, but it's always something to think about once a non-quarterback hits 30.
Billy Price has been a star at guard and center for Ohio State. If it weren't for Quenton Nelson, he'd rank as the toughest, meanest and nastiest lineman in the draft. Price isn't just a mauler, though. He's smart, patient and scheme-versatile enough to be a fit in any blocking system.
Round 2
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Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press
33. Browns: CB Carlton Davis, Auburn
34. Giants: OT Kolton Miller, UCLA
35. Browns (from Texans): S Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
36. Colts: RB Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
37. Jets: CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
38. Buccaneers: OG Braden Smith, Auburn
39. Bears: WR DJ Moore, Maryland
40. Broncos: OT Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan
41. Raiders: RB Sony Michel, Georgia
42. Dolphins: TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
43. Patriots (from 49ers): QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
44. Washington: DL Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
45. Packers: LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
46. Bengals: LB Jerome Baker, Ohio State
47. Cardinals: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
48. Chargers: S Marcus Allen, Penn State
49. Jets (from Seahawks): EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, USC
50. Cowboys: DL Christian Wilkins, Clemson
51. Lions: DL Harrison Phillips, Stanford
52. Ravens: OT Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
53. Bills: DL Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
54. Chiefs: CB Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
55. Panthers: OT Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
56. Bills (from Rams): TE Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
57. Titans: EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA
58. Falcons: TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
59. Steelers: LB Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
60. 49ers (from Saints): RB Mark Walton, Miami
61. Vikings: OG Will Hernandez, UTEP
62. Jaguars: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
63. Patriots: OT Jamarco Jones, Ohio State
64. Browns (from Eagles): DL Taven Bryan, Florida
D
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Read this yesterday, absolutely hated the Dolphins picks.
- Jun 6, 2016
- 615
- 77
"The biggest question for the Minnesota Vikings is at quarterback"
Is it though?..
Is it though?..
- Mar 30, 2007
- 151,177
- 202,619
^
all 3 dudes are FAs.. gotta assume they want to keep keenum.. but at what price?
internally?
all 3 dudes are FAs.. gotta assume they want to keep keenum.. but at what price?
- Jun 6, 2016
- 615
- 77
Well that you admitted they're certainly going to be signing 1 or even 2 means that QB, no matter who they pick, isn't a need right? And none of their three options, whatever the choice, would be considered older players. Early 30s, a couple like Bridgewater/Keenum aren't there yet (though Keenum will be on Feb. 17).
So a little short of a decade timeline remains potentially in a QB's career with those ages of the players considered, and with these dieticians on staff 24-7, hydration/strength monitoring, etc.
Regardless just don't see how it's a need.
So a little short of a decade timeline remains potentially in a QB's career with those ages of the players considered, and with these dieticians on staff 24-7, hydration/strength monitoring, etc.
Regardless just don't see how it's a need.
- Mar 30, 2007
- 151,177
- 202,619
DeadsetAce
Supporter
- May 31, 2004
- 107,231
- 53,413
Mason Rudolph, huh?
- Apr 28, 2009
- 33,347
- 15,147
I remember seeing a few OSU fans on here not even liking him as an NFL prospect
- Mar 30, 2007
- 151,177
- 202,619
I didn't admit anything, other than stating all 3 QBs currently on the roster are going to be FAs, which is simply stating a fact.. I use the word "assume" regarding the resigning of keenum given how far the team has gone with him, but how much will they now have to pay him to keep him?
It is something that needs to be addressed by the team.. and is kinda an important position in the sport of football.. there is a reason the team traded for Bradford when teddy went down
I am not sure the team will be able to (or want to) bring back 2 out of the 3 players.. what will each demand on the open market? would any of them be willing to resign to be a backup?
If teddy or Bradford are the choices, a reliable backup seems to be needed given their previous injuries.. also what role does shurmer going to the Giants play (since he clearly had an impact on trading for Bradford)?
Anyways, here is another site for you to get defensive about the word "need"
- Mar 30, 2007
- 151,177
- 202,619
- May 2, 2012
- 37,127
- 14,107
I need the Jets taking Michel somehow 
I'm curious why the Giants don't just take Barkley at 2, and get OL in rounds 2-3.
They have OBJ and Shep, they have Engram, adding Barkley and trying to improve the OL would open up the run game AND protect Eli better, and their defense is already suitable enough, right?
They have OBJ and Shep, they have Engram, adding Barkley and trying to improve the OL would open up the run game AND protect Eli better, and their defense is already suitable enough, right?
- Apr 28, 2009
- 33,347
- 15,147
That dude Quenton Nelson better be an absolute monster on the OL for us to draft a guard with the #7 pick.
- Mar 30, 2007
- 151,177
- 202,619
i mean they could go Oline first 3 picks and i dont think anyone would see a problem.. hell maybe trade back from 2, but stay high enough to take the NT guard (nelson)
then maybe trade back into the top of the first and go billy price or stay put and take whatever tackle drops.. then use whatever they got for trading back from 2 along with their 3rd to try and trade up for a tackle (say crosby out of oregon or if someone falls)
but they could wait to the 3rd for a TB and get a solid player
- Nov 5, 2015
- 10,609
- 9,129
No way Derwin goes passed 20
I’m handing out L’s to whoever takes a qb in the first round this year.
I’m handing out L’s to whoever takes a qb in the first round this year.
- Dec 27, 2012
- 73,560
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