Mock Draft 3.0 Analysis
This post is simply an analysis of our mock draft 3.0. We figured it would be a bit easier to put together every team’s haul and make things a bit easier to read. While we alternated pick by pick, the analysis is a bit different. Marsh is analyzing the AFC, and I’m taking the AFC, and please help us out with some feedback, how do you feel about your team?
First, incase you missed the mock:
https://standingroomsports.com/2018/04/25/mock-draft-3-0-5-rounds/
NFC North
Bears
Picks: 1 (8) Tremaine Edmunds LB Virginia Tech, 2 (7) Josh Sweat Edge Florida State, 4 (5) James Washington WR Oklahoma State, 4 (15) Taylor Hearn G Clemson, 5 (8) Nick Nelson CB Wisconsin.
Chicago addressed their biggest need in free agency with the addition of Allen Robinson, not to mention Trey Burton. They desperately needed help for their young QB and nailed it before the draft in a relatively weak WR class. In the draft, they addressed their biggest needs on defense with Tremaine Edmunds, a guy who has drawn Brian Urlacher comparisons for his rare combination of size and athleticism. Josh Sweat is another freaky athlete in the 2nd round who could add to a revamped front 7 in Chicago even though he was relatively unproductive at the college level. Chicago does grab James Washington in the 4th to add to a WR core that still isn’t great even with Robinson in the mix, then goes guard corner to fill out the remaining pressing needs on the roster. Taylor Hearn is a guard who I really like throughout the process and with Sitton out, would have a decent chance to earn some playing time right away.
Lions
Picks: 1 (20) Will Hernandez G UTEP, 2 (19) Ogbonnia Okoronkwu Edge Oklahoma, 3 (18) Rashad Penny RB San Diego State, 4 (17) Tyler Conklin TE Central Michigan, 5 (16) Kameron Kelly CB San Diego State.
I will preface this by saying I am a die-hard Lions fan. That being said this draft would make me incredibly happy. First we address the hole at left guard by adding an absolute mauler in Will Hernandez who checks in at 6’2 327 lbs and would start right away over Travis Swanson, sliding Graham Glasgow to his more natural center position. Hernandez would make an immediate impact, along with ridiculously productive Rashad Penny, on what has been one of the worst rushing attacks in the league ever since the departure of Barry Sanders. In the 2nd round we fill arguably our biggest need on the roster with a very versatile player who should fit the exact mold that Matt Patricia should want in this defense. Okoronkwu is a productive edge rusher who has shown the ability to drop into coverage and cover tight ends/backs in man coverage as well as make plays in a zone. We will the void left by Ebron with Tyler Conklin who is one of my favorite tight ends in the draft, and should have an opportunity to earn snaps right away. Last we grab our second Aztec in Kameron Kelly who is another versatile Patricia fit. He can play safety or corner and with his 6’2 frame and tremendous ball skills, I think he’d have an opportunity to find a way into the defensive rotation in the next couple years.
Packers
Picks: 1 (14) Harold Landry Edge Boston College, 2 (13) Donte Jackson CB LSU, 3 (1) Dante Pettis WR Washington, 4 (1) Armani Watts Safety Texas A&M, 4 (33) Oren Burks LB Vanderbilt, 5 (1) Sean Welsh G Iowa, 5 (35) Will Clapp C/G LSU, 5 (37) Kendrick Norton DT Miami.
The Packers have a lot of picks in the first 5 rounds, and a lot of needs on the roster that’s patched together by Aaron Rodgers. Since the decline of/positional change of Clay Matthews they have lacked a true impact rushing the passer from the edge position and they get the 2nd best pass rusher in the draft in the first round in Harold Landry who had over 16 sacks his junior season. Donte Jackson and Armani Watts add to a secondary that desperately needed help even before losing the versatile Demarious Randall. The Packers also lost their mainstay at the WR position, and found a guy who is extremely different, but ultimately gives Rodgers another true weapon, Dante Pettis is an electric athlete who could find a home working the middle of the field for Rodgers. They also address an aging offensive line without much depth by grabbing a couple solid interior lineman in the later rounds.
Vikings
Picks: 2 (2) James Daniels G/C Iowa, 2 (30) Lorenzo Carter Edge/LB Georgia, 3 (30) Kevin Tolliver CB LSU, 4 (8) Nyheim Hines RB North Carolina St, 5 (30) Deshawn Hand DL Alabama.
After trading down with the Giants, the Vikings don’t use their 1st rounder and pick up an extra 4th in the process. For a team without many needs, this is a dynamite draft for Minnesota. If they do have a hole in the roster it’s the interior of the offensive line, where they pick up James Daniels, a versatile athlete who can play anywhere along the interior with very quick feet and good strength. Lorenzo Carter seems like a perfect fit as a “budget Anthony Barr” linebacker who could make an impact right away as a situational player. Trey Waynes has been a consistent starter but has struggled at times, so the pick-up of Kevin Tolliver, a talented corner from a school who routinely puts pro bowl defensive backs into the league, is a potential impact 3rd round pick. Nyheim Hines was a perfect luxury pick for Minnesota, you can’t have too many play makers on the offensive side of the ball and Hines is just that, an explosive athlete with a track background who will definitely find a way on the field from day 1.
NFC South
Buccaneers
Picks: 1 (7) Derwin James Safety Florida State, 2 (6) Nick Chubb RB Georgia, 4 (2) Martinas Rankin OL Mississippi State, 5 (7) Tarverus McFadden CB Florida State
A relatively small, but extremely impactful 5 rounds for Tampa Bay. They land a stud, and one of the best players in the draft in Derwin James, a guy who can play toward the line of scrimmage, excels in man coverage, and absolutely loves to hit. Nick Chubb fills a huge hole at the running back position, and is a guy who has been slept on through the whole draft process. Chubb has the potential to be their day 1 starter at the position. Rankin is a guy who could most likely play pretty much any position on the offensive line, he is a college tackle, who played pretty well at the position, but has the traits to slide inside and play guard if needed. McFadden adds to the Seminole pipeline in Tampa Bay and is a good athlete with a big frame. A 6’2 corner will always be coveted in today’s NFL, and he has the ball skills to add to his size with 8 interceptions his sophomore season where he was a 1st team All-ACC opponent.
Falcons
Picks: 1 (26) Taven Bryan DT Florida, 2 (26) DJ Chark WR LSU, 3 (26) Mark Andrews TE Oklahoma, 4 (26) Timon Parris G Stoney Brook.
The Falcons are a team without too many needs, but interior line, wide receiver, and tight end are certainly among them. Taven Bryan fills the void left by Dontari Poe this off season. He’s a guy who fits the Falcons athletic profile with an explosive first step, but is a raw talent with a lot of work to do. DJ Chark fills the slot receiver spot left open by Taylor Gabriel. Another perfect scheme fit, Chark is a tremendous athlete who fits into a vertical based offense with his 4.3 speed and is a guy who can make an impact right away on the Falcons offense. Mark Andrews is a pass catching tight end who came from a high octane offense at Oklahoma and should slide into the Falcons scheme very well on a team with an average tight end in Austin Hooper and is without a quality 2nd tight end without Levine Toilolo. Timon Parris is a raw talent who can work behind an already solid offensive line.
Panthers
Picks: 1 (16) Denzel Ward CB Ohio State, 2 (23) DJ Moore WR Maryland, 5 (24) Bo Scarbrough.
This is one of our more interesting teams of the mock draft. I definitely haven’t seen a mock with Carolina taking Denzel Ward but yet here we are. With Ward falling all the way to 16 we saw a huge need in the Carolina secondary for years and thought this would be a perfect situation for them to take one of the top talents in the draft, a guy who plays bigger than his size and has speed to spare. DJ Moore is a very good receiver who is tremendous after the catch, and he steps into an offense that desperately needs help for Cam Newton down field. After letting go of Jonathan Stewart in the off season, Carolina could use a bruiser in the backfield next to last year’s first rounder Christian McCaffrey, and Bo Scarbrough fits that bill at 6’1 230 lbs.
Saints
Picks: 1 (27) Dallas Goedert TE San Diego State, 3 (27) RJ McIntosh DT Miami, 4 (27) Matthew Thomas LB Florida State, 5 (10) Siran Neal Safety Jacksonville State, 5 (27) Dane Cruikshank CB Arizona.
New Orleans totally revamped their offense last season to extend Drew Brees’ championship window for another couple years, and could really use a dynamic tight end like Dallas Goedert to stretch the middle of the field and give Brees another big target in the red zone. I don’t love this tight end class, but I do have a high grade on Goedert who can make a huge impact right away. RJ McIntosh is a guy in the Cameron Jordon mold on the D line, he has a quick first step and can get penetration effortlessly even though he’s slightly undersized. They get more help at all levels of the defense in this draft, Matthew Thomas is a raw athlete with a ton of potential in the 4th round, Dane Cruikshank is another versatile athlete who can play corner or safety, and Siran Neal is truly one of my favorite players in this draft. Neal fits the athletic profile you look for and has a great mentality for the safety position.
NFC East
Cowboys
Picks: 1 (19) Calvin Ridley WR Alabama, 2 (18) Nathan Shepard DT Fort Hays St, 3 (17) Jeff Holland DE Auburn, 4 (16) Jordan Whitehead Safety Pittsburgh, 4 (37) Skyler Phillips G Idaho State, 5 (34) Skai Moore LB South Carolina.
Calvin Ridley has been routinely mocked to Dallas so this pick is nothing new, but does make a ton of sense, he’s a great route runner with good size and is smart enough to make an impact right away. Nathan Shepard is a big dude who really made a splash in the senior bowl practices, showing he can do more than dominate small school talent. Jeff Holland has one of my favorite nicknames in college football in “The Sensei”, and had an extremely productive 2017 season with 13 TFL, 10 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He fills a pass rushing need for the Cowboys who have had the emergence of Demarcus Lawrence, but could use some help on the other side. Dallas addresses some other needs in this draft with a versatile athlete who I love in this draft in Jordan Whitehead, a guy who played some running back, some safety, some linebacker, and some corner when needed for Pitt. Skyler Phillips and Skai Moore are two intriguing day 3 options who definitely have the ability to step in when healthy (Moore).
Eagles
Picks: 1 (32) Josh Jackson CB Iowa, 4 (30) Brandon Parker Tackle North Carolina A&T, 4 (32) Terrell Edmunds Safety Virginia Tech, 5 (32) Deontay Burnett WR USC.
The Eagles are very tough but very fun to draft for because their roster is so stacked at just about every position. With Josh Jackson slipping to 32, the Eagles pick up one of the most productive defensive backs in recent years, and a guy who is very versatile and excels in zone coverage. Brandon Parker has some potential in the 4th round at a position that is starting to age for the Eagles. Terrell Edmunds and Deontay Burnett would be great day 3 pickups, Edmunds looks a bit like Malcolm Jenkins, and can learn behind him for a couple years before potentially taking over the position down the line. Burnett is actually one of my favorite receivers in this class at 6’5 and a good route runner, he burst on the scene in the Rose Bowl victory with 164 yards and 3 TDs, before his 2017 season with 86 catches for 1,114 yards and 9 TDs.
Giants
Picks: 1 (2) Sam Darnold QB USC, 1 (30) Sony Michel RB Georgia, 3 (2) Austin Corbett G Nevada, 3 (5) Chad Thomas Edge Miami, 5 (2) Alex Cappa Tackle Humboldt State.
This is one of my favorite drafts. The Giants grab their QB with Sam Darnold at number two, then trade up with Minnesota to grab Sony Michel at 30. This gives New York a dynamic backfield for the future (when Eli retires) and the present where Sony Michel can step into an NFL backfield today and play at a high level. Then New York turns around and gives those two some help on the offensive line with two guys I really like in Austin Corbett and Alex Cappa. Corbett played his college career at left tackle, but will be a better fit as an athletic guard at the next level, but has started pretty much every game since his red shirt freshman season, becoming a captain as a sophomore. Cappa is a division II all American who is a polished run blocker who turned some heads at the senior bowl with his pass protection as well, some see him sliding inside but I think he could be a very good right tackle. Chad Thomas is a very underrated edge guy in this draft who played on that fantastic Miami defense, was quite productive the last couple years, and plays 9 instruments.
Redskins
Picks: 1 (13) Darrius Guice RB LSU, 2 (12) Tim Settle DT Virginia Tech, 4 (9) Arrion Springs CB Oregon, 5 (5) Keke Coutee WR Texas Tech, 5 (26) Durham Smythe TE Notre Dame.
Darrius Guice is one of my favorite players in this draft, and I truly believe he could have the best NFL career in this RB class. He fills a need in Washington who has a great 3rd down back in Thompson but not much else. Tim Settle could be a very good interior lineman with a good first step for his size. Arrion Springs is a very good corner who has a lot of work to do to excel in at the next level but has the size and twitch to give him a good shot. Then Washington picks up a couple guys on offense to give their new QB a little more help. Keke Coutee isn’t a polished product by any stretch of the imagination, but can absolutely fly and can be a gadget guy right away. Durham Smythe can be a great tight end, he’s a better blocker than most tight ends coming out of college nowadays, and can catch the ball when you need him to, but is a good fit next to Jordan Reed who is more of a slot receiver than a tight end.
NFC West
49ers
Picks: 1 (9) Minkah Fitzpatrick Safety Alabama, 2 (27) Deon Cain WR Clemson, 3 (6) Genard Avery LB Memphis, 3 (10) Brian O’Neill, 4 (28) Parry Nickerson CB Tulane, 5 (6) Marquis Haynes Edge Ole Miss.
49ers pick up a few impact players who should start day 1 in the first three rounds. Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best players in the draft, can play either safety position, slot corner, and even has the traits to play outside if you really need him to. Deon Cain had some drop issues in college but is a big body, runs good routes, wins 50/50 balls, and showed better athleticism than I thought at his combine highlighted by a 4.43 40. Genard Avery is one of my favorite linebackers in this class, he’s an athletic guy with good size and great production at every linebacker spot, and should be a great fit in San Francisco who could have a huge need on their hands depending on Reuben Foster. Also in the 3rd round, they grab Brian O’Neill who is a project at left tackle, but doesn’t have to play right away, and is a great athlete who came to Pitt as a wide receiver. Parry Nickerson and Marquis Haynes are two potential impact players on the defense, Haynes is a productive pass rusher with some great traits, and Nickerson is another productive player who is a little undersized but has great ball skills that should translate to the next level.
Cardinals
Picks: 1 (15) Lamar Jackson QB Louisville, 2 (15) Michael Gallup WR Colorado State, 3 (15) Jerome Baker LB Ohio State, 3 (33) Tyrell Crosby Tackle Oregon, 4 (34) Leon Jacobs Edge Wisconsin, 5 (15) Bilal Nichols DT Delaware.
The Cardinals start the draft with a splash taking the explosive Lamar Jackson, a guy who doesn’t have to start right away (until Bradford gets hurt before week 3), Jackson can learn the system a bit before potentially lighting the NFL on fire. Arizona then turns around and grabs some help for him in Michael Gallup, who doesn’t have any special traits, but does everything at a high level and can be a solid 800 yard a year receiver. Jerome Baker wouldn’t have a chance in the league 10 years ago, but he’s perfect for today’s league. He’s not very big, but is really athletic and is the best cover linebacker in the draft by far. Tyrell Crosby is a versatile offensive lineman, who fits in on a terrible offensive line in the desert, Crosby can play either tackle spot or slide inside if needed. The Cardinals grab a couple guys on the defensive line with Leon Jacobs, who comes from a great Wisconsin system, and Bilal Nichols who is a very productive small school guy with a lot of potential.
Rams
Picks: 3 (23) Tegray Scales LB Indiana, 4 (11) Cedrick Wilson WR Boise State, 4 (35) Ito Smith RB Southern Mississippi, 4 (36) Kemoko Turay Edge Rutgers.
The Rams don’t have a ton of resources in this draft, but have a young roster loaded with talent, and actually get a pretty good haul in the middle of this draft. Tegray Scales is an athletic linebacker in the same mold as recently departed Alec Ogletree who should make an impact his rookie year. Cedrick Wilson is a highly intelligent route runner, who is a plus athlete and should be a good fit in Sean McVae’s passing attack. Ito Smith gives the Rams a different look out of the backfield, he’s a small, shifty running back who would be ideal on 3rd downs with 140 catches in his college career. LA rounds out their draft with Kemoko Turay out of Rutgers, an edge rusher with all the traits you would ever want out of the position (one of few positions of need for the Rams). He is a big, explosive athlete who wasn’t very productive because of a few injuries suffered in his college career keeping him off the field for most of the 2016 season, and part of last year as well.
AFC East
Bills
Picks: 1 (5) Josh Allen QB Wyoming, 1 (22) Rashaan Evans LB Alabama, 2 (24) Kolten Miller OT UCLA, 3 (32) Quinten Meeks CB Stanford, 4 (21) Auden Tate WR Florida State, 5 (29) Desmond Harrison OG West Georgia.
Buffalo is able to make a move into the top 5 for Josh Allen while keeping their second first round pick. This allows the Bills to bring in a signal caller on the other side of the ball in Rashaan Evans and improve the second level of their defense. Kolten Miller is a massive and impressively athletic offensive Tackle prospect that can probably play on the right side right away with the traits to move over to the left side in time. Adding Desmond Harris in the late 5th as a swing Tackle with high upside is a nice move for much needed depth. Third round pick Quinten Meeks should compete for a starting spot on the outside or in the nickel right away and fourth rounder Auden Tate gives the Bills a towering set of outside receivers for first year starter McCarron and eventually Allen.
Dolphins
Picks: 1 (11) Vita Vea DT Washington, 2 (10) Anthony Miller WR Memphis, 3 (9) Fred Warner LB BYU, 4 (23) Greg Stroman CB Virginia Tech, 4 (31) Poona Ford DT Texas.
Miami has been working to revamp their roster this past season and have a ton of options at the top end of this draft. With Quinten Nelson and Lamar Jackson on the board at 11, Miami opts for a rare 3 down nose tackle in Vita Vea to create disruption in the run and pass game. Second round pick Anthony Miller from Memphis is one of the most exciting prospects in this draft with the ball in his hands and is a magician creating separation. Rounds 3 and 4 the Dolphins focus back on defense adding rangy linebacker Fred Warner from BYU who has the athleticism to make an impact from day one. In the 4th, they add Greg Stroman, a versatile DB from VT who is experienced as a returner and Poona Ford DT Texas who uses his quickness and lower body strength to make plays in the backfield and block 3 kicks in his career.
Patriots
Picks: 1 (23) Jaire Alexander CB Louisville, 1 (31) Sam Hubbard Edge OSU, 2 (11) Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma St, 2 (31) Harrison Phillips DT Stanford, 3 (31) Royce Freeman RB Oregon.
In this completely unlikely scenario, New England makes no trades through 5 rounds in this mock, but address most of their major needs in the first 3. Jaire Alexander could be the best CB in this draft and would fit well in the Patriots’ press man system. Another massive need is creating pressure off the edge where Sam Hubbard can slide right in with his high motor and functional athleticism to get after the quarterback while staying effective in the run game. Mason Rudolph may not be available in the second round but is a great developmental backup. He throws the deep ball as well as anybody in this draft and has the prototypical size for the NFL. Adding Harrison Phillips could be a steal at the end of round 2. He is an explosive interior defender but his technique keeps him on the board and allows him to go to New England where he would be a great fit along their multiple front. Their last pick in this mock, Royce Freeman is quick, fast and physical but didn’t have to demonstrate great vision too often in Oregon’s offense; but, if anyone can maximize his skillset it will be the Patriots.
Jets
Picks: 1 (3) Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma, 3 (16) Braden Smith OG Auburn, 3 (34) MJ Stewart CB UNC, 5 (20) Rashaan Gaulden CB Tennessee.
The Jets made their move and got their guy. Baker Mayfield is the type of player to transform a locker room and could find himself competing for a starting spot before season’s end. Trading back with their next pick works out nicely as they are able to take an extremely capable interior lineman in Braden Smith from Auburn and are able to add potential lock down slot guy in MJ Stewart with potential on the outside with the second 3rd rounder received. With their last pick in this mock the Jets draft another versatile piece in the secondary. Rashaan Gaulden can give depth as a corner but has the most playmaking upside as a safety.
AFC SOUTH
Texans
Picks: 3 (4) Mike Gesicki TE Penn St, 3 (8) Ronald Jones RB USC, 4 (3) Jamarco Jones OT OSU.
The Texans are light on draft picks after moving up to draft Deshaun Watson and make their goal in this draft helping him as much as possible. Their first selection, number 68 overall, they add Mike Gesicki who will probably be more comfortable flexed out in the slot and even has the athleticism of an outside receiver. Gesicki would be able to create matchup problems for years and there are not enough back 7 players in goal line sets to cover both Gesicki and Hopkins. Five picks later, they trade up to snag Ronald Jones. Lamar Miller has been decent in Houston and while Jones is cut from the same cloth, he could be a major improvement over Miller. Neither excels in the pass game but Jones has plus explosiveness and good vision which helps him run between the tackles. With their last pick in this mock, the selection of Jamarco Jones adds another medium floor, high ceiling player who can make an impact early on as a right tackle where he can use his athleticism and grit to make a name for himself.
Colts
Picks: 1 (6) Saquon Barkley RB Penn St, 2 (4) Deron Payne DT Alabama, 2 (5) Malik Jefferson LB Texas, 2 (17) Courtland Sutton WR SMU, 3 (3) Orlando Brown OT Oklahoma, 4 (4) Ken Webster CB Ole Miss, 5 (3) Jaylen Holmes Edge OSU.
The Colts enter this draft with one of the worst rosters in the league but have managed to acquire a good amount of draft capital and are in a good position to trade back again from 6 overall. In this mock they stand pat and draft the best player available for many people in Saquon Barkley. He is a true homerun threat and would add a dimension that this offense has really never had. The next two picks in the second round go to strengthening the middle of their defense. The combination of Deron Payne and Malik Jefferson is a major upgrade over the incumbent defenders and should lead to many more tackles for loss in the coming years. Courtland Sutton would be a great compliment to T.Y. Hilton and would flesh out their receiving corps next to the TE duo of Ebron and Jack Doyle. Brown was once a surefire first round pick and adding him in the third is good value. At this point he can spend a year refining his skills and serving as a swing tackle before filling in as a full time starter. Late round picks Ken Webster and Jaylen Holmes are effective depth pieces. Webster played only 8 games last season but has the physicality and athleticism to succeed at the corner position in the NFL. Jaylen Holmes was buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Bosa, Bosa, and Sam Hubbard but still has functional strength for setting the edge in the run game and can get after the passer.
Jaguars
Picks: 1 (29) Connor Williams OT Texas, 2 (29) Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M, 3 (29) Duke Dawson CB Florida, 4 (29) Joseph Notebloom OT TCU.
The Jaguars come into this draft with less needs than most teams in the league. Late in the first round they address one of their only starting positions that is open and add former top offensive lineman Connor Williams. Williams could play tackle in the league but projects as a dominant guard and can make a day one impact. On day two is where they make the biggest splash; adding two outside playmakers who are electric with the ball in their hands. Christian Kirk has the body and game to be an elite slot receiver and Duke Dawson is already a better player than DJ Hayden will ever be. Fourth round selection Joseph Notebloom is a developmental tackle who I don’t believe has starting potential but shows promise to be able to be a solid backup for a long time.
Titans
Picks: 1 (25) Marcus Davenport Edge UTSA, 2 (25) Darius Leonard LB South Carolina St, 3 (25) Wyatt Teller OG Virginia Tech, 4 (25) Simmie Cobbs WR Indiana, 5 (25) Dalton Schultz TE Stanford.
Tennessee takes a couple homerun swings early on in this draft. In round 1 and 2 they come away with a small school defender with tremendous upside. Leonard is probably more suited to start right away and can make plays sideline to sideline as well as in the pass game. He could develop into a true 3 down linebacker which is coveted in today’s NFL. Davenport is the defensive equivalent of Josh Allen. He has all the measurables and traits but needs to dive into learning the position; but you can’t teach 6’6 265 around the edge. Wyatt Teller is a solid prospect in the middle rounds who can challenge for a starting position at guard and adding Dalton Schultz later greatly improves the run blocking potential of this offensive line. Simmie Cobbs is a tall and athletic outside option who can get on the field once he’s ready as long as Corey Davis is healthy for this season and can develop into a big play number 2 option on the outside in coming years.
AFC North
Ravens
Picks: 1 (24) Billy PriceOG/C OSU, 2 (20) Equinimeous St. Brown WR Notre Dame, 3 (19) Hayden Hurst TE South Carolina, 3 (21) Hercules Mata’afa Edge Washington St, 3 (24) Kyzir White S West Virginia, 4 (18) Trey Quinn WR SMU, 5 (17) Brandon Facyson CB Virginia Tech.
The Ravens are able to trade back and still improve the interior of the offensive line by adding Billy Price. The Ohio State product has the versatility and athleticism to play center or guard and has the attitude to fit right in and Baltimore should love him. Even though they have reshuffled the deck at the receiver position Equinimeous St. Brown offers a higher upside than anyone on their roster and Hayden Hurst offers great 2 way ability at the tight end position and great value in the third round. With the two picks acquired by trading back, Baltimore takes a chance on Hercules Mata’afa who played out of position at WSU but was an extremely effective 250lb defensive tackle but could be a force off the edge and Kyzir White who is more NFL ready and a do it all strong safety who could take the torch of great Baltimore Safeties. Trey Quinn in the fourth adds a slot option with reliable hands and the ability to create space with his routes. Facyson is a corner built much like Jimmy Smith and has good athletic ability as well. Corner is one of the harder positions to develop in the NFL but Facyson would be in a perfect position to excel with the Ravens.
Bengals
Picks: 1 (21) Isaiah Wynn OG Georgia, 2 (14) Arden Key Edge LSU, 3 (13) Josey Jewell LB Iowa, 3 (36) BJ Hill DT NC St, 4 (12) Antonio Callaway WR Florida, 5 (14) Luke Falk QB Washington St, 5 (21) Tony Brown CB Alabama, 5 (33) Sam Jones OG Arizona St.
Cincinnati has plenty of needs but their most glaring is on the offensive line. The bookend this mock by drafting Isaiah Wynn in the first, equipped to play tackle or guard and one of the best lineman in the draft and Sam Jones who is athletic and smart but not the strongest guy. Their picks in the second and third round go towards their next biggest need, the front 7 where they add high upside guys in Arden Key and BJ Hill to the defensive line and Josey Jewell who can plug the middle of the second level. Key could be one of the best defensive players in this draft or he could be out of the league in 3 years, but the upside is worth the selection in the second. In round 4 they select another athlete with personal problems with Antonio Callaway but is an elite level playmaker when he is on the field. Their first two picks in the 5th they select a quarterback in Luke Falk who has plenty of work to do but could be a solid backup in this league and Tony Brown who has the mentality what you love to see on special teams and the skills to develop into a slot role.
Browns
Picks: 1 (1) Josh Rosen QB UCLA, 1 (4) Bradley Chubb Edge NC St, 1 (18) Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame, 2 (3) Ronnie Harrison S Alabama, 5 (9) Anthony Averett CB Alabama, 5 (15) Darren Carrington WR Utah.
This is my favorite haul from this mock draft. Cleveland comes away with the top player at the most vital positions and put themselves in a great position moving forward. Rosen has the ability to start right away but with Tyrod in place he has time to learn the system and get himself acclimated. Chubb and McGlinchey would have to play right away but both have the traits to succeed early on and the combination of Chubb and Garrett off the edge would terrorize the AFC north. Being able to trade up for their LT in McGlinchey and retain a pick at the top of the second allows Cleveland to take Ronnie Harrison who is just a gamer. He can cover and is a sure tackler and has good size for the safety position. They moved on from their other 2 second round picks and their fourth so with their last pick in this mock former Oregon and Utah WR Darren Carrington offers great playmaking ability and someone with better hands than most of the current roster.
Steelers
Picks: 1 (28) Leighton Vander Esch LB Boise St, 2 (28) Jessie Bates III S Wake Forest, 3 (28) Kerryon Johnson RB Auburn, 5 (11) Isaac Yiadom CB Boston College, 5 (28) Devin Bellamy Edge Georgia.
This is a very effective draft for the Steelers and potentially give them the building blocks for their next Super Bowl run. Vander Esch is a crazy athletic linebacker who would have to play right away but could take some time to develop. Jessie Bates has the instincts to play single high safety and plug a need the Steelers have had for years now. Adding Kerryon Johnson in the third gives the Steelers a backup with very similar traits to LeVeon Bell in case things don’t work out with the tag. With their two picks in the fifth, Isaac Yiadom adds depth and toughness to the cornerback room and Devin Bellamy adds another bullet in the chamber off the edge for their attacking defense.
AFC WEST
Broncos
Picks: 1 (12) Quinten Nelson OG Notre Dame, 2 (8) Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado, 2 (21) Uchenna Nwosu Edge USC, 3 (1) Kyle Lauletta QB Richmond, 3 (7) Deshon Elliot S Texas, 3 (35) Ian Thomas TE Indiana, 4 (6) Derrick Nnadi DT Florida St, 4 (13) Josh Adams RB Notre Dame, 5 (12) Daeshawn Hamilton WR Penn St, 5 (23) Sean Dion Hamilton LB Alabama.
With my second favorite haul only to Cleveland, Denver has made all of their picks by the conclusion of this mock draft. They select my highest rated player in the draft at 12 after trading back and add an impact piece to their offensive line which should help improve their running game which has been searching for an identity the past few seasons. Three of their five day 2 picks go to rebuilding the defensive side of the ball and Isaish Oliver and Uchenna Nwosu especially can step in right away and take the role of Demarcus Ware and Talib with some development. Deshon Elliot can offer some depth and dime/dollar potential early on while having the upside of a starting safety. The offensive selections of Kyle Lauletta and Ian Thomas gives them a Quarterback for the future with better deep ball ability than people give him credit for along with really good accuracy and decision making and an athletic play making TE this offense has been missing. On Day 3 they add more potential difference makers to the defense in the disruptive DT/nose Derrick Nnadi and Sean Dion Hamilton who when healthy is a rangy linebacker with a mean streak. On the offensive side they select Josh Adams in the fourth which gives them a complete back to compete with Booker after the release of C.J. Anderson.
Chiefs
Picks: 2 (22) Carlton Davis CB Auburn, 3 (14) Deadrin Senat DT USF, 3 (22) Dorance Armstrong Edge Kansas, 4 (22) Jalen Samuels H-Back NC St, 4 (24) Quin Blanding S Virginia.
Kansas City has been active this offseason and one thing they did was trade away one of the league’s top outside cornerbacks. They brought in Fuller from Washington to lock down the slot but Carlton Davis slipping to them in the second is an ideal situation. Davis is physical at the line of scrimmage, rerouting receivers and possesses decent straight line speed to chase. In round 3 they add to their front 7 selecting Deadrin Senat, one of my favorite players in this draft who seems to live in the backfield and Dorance Armstrong who has an explosive first step and could develop into a strong edge guy. In the fourth the Chiefs add another versatile piece to their offense in Jalen Samuels, freeing up Kelce to play more slot and make plays downfield. With their last pick in this mock Quin Blanding is selected to add some youth to the safety position and a player who sees the field very well and can make plays from a variety of positions.
Chargers
Picks: 1 (17) Maurice Hurst DT Michigan, 2 (16) Justin Reid S Stanford, 3 (20) Shaqueem Griffen Edge UCF, 4 (19) Will Richardson OT NC St, 5 (18) Christian Sam LB Arizona St.
There has been talk of Maurice Hurst being available on day three because of health concerns, but he has been cleared from his issues at the combine and the Chargers should be ecstatic to add him at 17 overall. I believe he is a top 3 defensive line prospect in this draft and plays a lot like Aaron Donald, which every team is looking for. Justin Reid and Shaq Griffin in rounds 2 and 3 add a lot of athleticism and attitude to the defense. Both of these guys seem to be always around the ball and can be played in multiple positions. Will Richardson is a developmental Tackle but has size at 6’6’’ 322 and is a great run blocker but has some character concerns which slid him down to this point in the draft. Christian Sam has good size but average athleticism and short arms for the inside linebacker position which could lead to him struggling getting off blocks at the next level, but was very effective in the run game at ASU.
Raiders
Picks: 1 (10) Roquan Smith LB Georgia, 2 (9) Mike Hughes CB UCF, 3 (11) Duke Ejiofor Edge Wake Forest, 4 (10) Cole Madison OG Washington St, 5 (22) Justin Crawford RB West Virginia, 5 (36) Ray Ray McCloud WR Clemson.
John Gruden knows how to make an offense work, and the talent is there for an improvement in 2018, so this draft is centered on finding defensive playmakers. Roquan Smith is a top flight prospect who jets around the field often beating the ball carrier to the line of scrimmage on the edge and would be a great addition to the second level. In the second and third the Raiders address the rest of their defense with Mike Hughes from UCF and Duke Ejiofor from Wake Forest. Hughes has the traits to be a high level number 2 corner and him and Conley could grow together on the outside and Ejiofor is one of the most pro ready defensive lineman with a great repertoire of moves to beat offensive lineman and get after the quarterback. On day 3, focus shifts to the offensive side where they select Cole Madison who can play tackle or guard at the next level and add a playmaker to the running back room in Justin Crawford and Ray Ray McCloud who can play some RB, some slot and would add to the return game.