NFL Mock Draft 1.0 (2 rd)
The idea is simple, two round NFL mock draft by Marsh and KP with rotating selections. A coin flip will determine the #1 pick, and we will rotate pick by pick and select the players we think the teams SHOULD select (not who we think they WILL select).
KP with the #1 pick so KP will select all odd numbers and Marsh will select the evens.
#1 Cleveland Browns
Josh Rosen QB UCLA
Cleveland needs a QB after Kizer clearly isn’t the answer, and with two picks in the top 4, they still have the ability to get another true play-maker with their 4th pick. Rosen is my top QB on the board, and even in a deep QB draft, the Browns should go get their guy at #1.
#2 New York Giants
Bradley Chubb DE/LB NC State
The last time the Giants were up in the top 5, they returned to the Big Apple with a future 2 time Superbowl winning quarterback. That man is still there and should have his all world receiving option healthy for next season. Chubb has the perfect build to play edge in the NFL and the athleticism to step off the ball. The 3rd down packages would be reminiscent of the NASCAR set, now with JPP, Vernon and Chubb, the Giant’s Dline would be terrifying.
#3 Indianapolis Colts
Saquon Barkley RB Penn St
This is a “best available” pick on a team with many needs. I would like to see them end up with Chubb, but with him off the board Indy needs a play-maker on offense, Saquon gives them a 3 down RB who they can count on. As much as I love Frank Gore, arthritis has to kick in soon right? With Luck coming back (hopefully) this gives the Colts a potential for a high powered offense in the next couple years, and ultimately yes they need players on defense, but it’s hard to pass up on one of the best running backs we’ve seen in the draft in recent years.
#4 Cleveland Browns
Minkah Fitzpatrick S/CB Alabama
The Browns could consider some protection for their 1st pick investment here, but with no tackles rated high enough and my top rated player available, Quinton Nelson, being at a position of strength (guard, Bitonio/Zeitler) the Browns get a defensive play-maker, and arguably the most versatile in the draft. He is S1 and CB1 for me, with the body and experience to make a day one impact in the vein Jalen Ramsey and Landon Collins
#5 Denver Broncos
Sam Darnold QB USC
I’m a huge Baker Mayfield fan. I also believe that Denver is going to end up being the destination for Kirk Cousins, but at this stage of the off season I think Denver goes Darnold. In a tough division with excellent pass rushers you need somebody who can take a hit, Darnold is a big body, he’s mobile, and has an NFL arm. My only knock on him is he definitely needs to clean up decision making.
#6 New York Jets
Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma
The Jets showed last season that their roster was in better shape that many thought after cutting plenty of veteran dead weight in the off-season. Baker Mayfield would be the spark to ignite the J E T S chants and bring in a new era to New York. He has the confidence to play in this market and what he can do on the field is truly special. I view him as a cross between Russel Wilson and Drew Brees, which I’m sure Jets fans would gladly take at 6.
#7 Tampa Bay Bucaneers
Denzel Ward CB Ohio St
With Brent Grimes out the door in Tampa, not to mention TJ Ward, the Bucs are in desperate need of an athlete in the secondary. Denzel Ward has an excellent jump to the ball with great ball skills and fills a need here. A lot of teams are looking for bigger, taller corners now a days but Ward plays physical and bigger than his body.
#8 Chicago Bears
Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame
The Bears could use some skill position help for their budding QB here, but with their RB position decently set and no receivers warranting the choice at 8 I have them going best player available. Drafting Quinton Nelson would be an upgrade at LG, allowing Kyle Long to move back to RT where he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Nelson has the athleticism to get out on the edge with Cohen and would solidify their interior to open up lanes for Howard. This pick improves 2 positions on the OLine and gives their signal caller a chance moving forward.
#9 San Francisco 49ers
Roquan Smith LB Georgia
This makes the 49ers front 7 legitimately terrifying. Reuban Foster is coming off a great rookie season, and with the development of DeForest Buckner they have that side of the ball nearly taken care of. Roquon Smith is an unbelievable athlete who could run in the 4.4 range, plays side line to side line, and when paired with Foster, good luck getting a carry over 4 yards against San Fran.
#10 Oakland Raiders
Rashaan Evans LB Alabama
The Raiders have one of the most talented defensive players in the league but lack play-makers on that side of the ball overall. Rashaan Evans is a plug and play LB who is tough as nails in the middle and has the athleticism to make plays sideline to sideline and cover more athletic TEs and RBs. Adding natural leader to the middle of this defense should take pressure off Mack and if the Raiders are able to retain Bowman, a glaring need quickly becomes a strength in Oakland/ Las Vegas.
#11 Miami Dolphins
Josh Jackson CB Iowa
Miami addresses a need here with a great cover corner who can play inside or outside. A guy who can do it all in man coverage or zone coverage, tackle at the line of scrimmage, and may be the best overall player available at this spot.
#12 Cincinatti Bengals
Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame
McGlinchey leaves something to be desired athletically, having me question if he will succeed as a LT in the league; however, the Bengals are starved for OLine talent and depth across the board and fundamentally he may be the most ready to play at RT or guard at the next level.
#13 Washington Redskins
Vita Vea DT Washington
Washington was brutal against the run last year and could really use Vea’s body in the interior line. A guy who has stood out since the draft process started, Vea is surprisingly athletic and can also rush the passer better than expected for his 340 lb frame. He fills a great need in the middle of the Washington defense.
#14 Green Bay Packers
Arden Key DE LSU
The Green Bay defense is predicated on creating pressure off the edge, but Clay Matthews has declined in recent years and Nick Perry is no more than an above average starter in the NFL. Arden Key comes with personality and motor questions but his size (6’6/265) and athleticism are undeniable. Key has one of the higher ceilings in the class and if he can realize a majority of that upside, will be a problem for NFL offenses for years to come.
#15 Arizona Cardinals
Josh Allen QB Wyoming
Arizona has a huge need at QB with Carson Palmer retiring, and with an offense that loves chucking the ball down field Allen might actually be a good fit in the desert. I’m not the biggest Josh Allen fan in the world but one thing that’s hard to argue is the kid has an arm. My biggest worry is that Allen might need to start right away with Blaine Gabbert being their only other option.
#16 Baltimore Ravens
Orlando Brown OT Oklahoma
The Ravens offense was terrible last season. They got by running the ball effectively and desperately need a receiver who can separate and catch the football, Brown is too big a boost to pass on here. Brown has a body type that will remind Ravens fans of Jonathan Ogden and while he has work to do on his footwork, he’d be a great compliment to Ronnie Stanley and give the Ravens a towering set of bookend Tackles.
#17 LA Chargers
Connor Williams OT Texas
He has perfect size for the LT position for a team that desperately needs help on the offensive line to protect the blind side of an aging Phillip Rivers. Williams was previously a projected top-5 pick when this process began at the beginning of the season. I’ve already seen reports that some teams have Williams as a guard on their board, and teams wonder why there’s no good tackles left in the league..
#18 Seattle Seahawks
Derwin James S Florida State
The Seahawks run up to the podium for this selection. Early in the process, James was considered a top 5 guy, and while his athleticism is and nose for the football are quite evident he finds himself slipping to 18. He is a very effective player in the box, covering as well as shooting gaps in the run game and blitzing and would be a beautiful compliment to Seattle’s single high safety look.
#19 Dallas Cowboys
Da’Ron Payne DL Alabama
Dallas really needs help on the defensive line, and with the emergence of Damarcus Lawrence, the bigger need is inside. The decision here is Payne vs. Mo Hurst but Jerry Jones loves his big name players. Payne is going to tear up the combine and might be gone by this pick by the end of the process.
#20 Detroit Lions
Tremain Edmunds OLB Virginia Tech
The Lions have not announced what defense they will be running under new coach Patricia, but regardless of look, Edmunds fits a glaring need and is the best player available at this spot. The 19 year old has perfect size (6’5/245) and plus athleticism to be molded into any linebacker spot and could excel in a Jamie Collins type role for the Lions.
#21 Buffalo Bills
Lamar Jackson QB Louisville
In the same mold as Tyrod Taylor, this doesn’t require a change of scheme for Buffalo in transitioning from Tyrod to Lamar. This kid has special talent, can flick the ball off his wrist a la Mike Vick, and has better decision making ability than most people picture when they think of his game.
#22 Buffalo Bills
Taven Bryan DT Florida
The Bills dismantled their defensive line this season and quickly get a replacement with potentially the most explosive interior lineman in this class. Bryan has a crazy first step and regularly creates disruption in the backfield. While he needs to improve on his consistency and gap integrity he could rack up Aaron Donald type numbers if he continues to hone his skills.
#23 LA Rams
Mike Hughes CB UCF
Great press corner fits well into the aggressive LA defense, he can play inside or outside and excels in man coverage. LA has an elite front seven but can still use some help in the back end to take their team over the top, they were weak at CB last year, and have 3 guys set to hit free agency.
#24 Carolina Panthers
Dallas Goedert TE South Dakota St
Greg Olsen has been an effective player in the league and Cam’s favorite target for a long time. But mounting injuries and increasing age has the Panthers looking for his replacement and have the choice of the litter of TE prospects here. Goedert is 6’5 255lbs and moves with good fluidity. He dominates at the point of the catch with an uncanny ability to high point the ball, using his body to shield defenders and may have the best hands in this class regardless of position.
#25 Tennessee Titans
Harold Landry Edge Boston College
The Titans need a pass rusher here as they have a really solid defense without too many play makers in their front seven. With the way this team is put together, another guy who can get to the QB opposite an aging Brian Orakpo can help take Tennessee to the next level. A really explosive speed rusher around the edge, Landry could use a little added bulk to take his game to the next level, but has the “quick twitch” athleticism you look for on the outside.
#26 Atlanta Falcons
Maurice Hurst DT Michigan
Atlanta is starting to build something on defense and they add another explosive player here. Dontari Poe is a free agent this off-season and even if they can retain him, adding Hurst to that mix along with Grady Jarrett gives the Falcons one of the scarier interior combinations in the league. Hurst has great functional strength and fought through double teams for much of his time at Michigan and still ended up in the backfield combining that strength with a good burst to beat interior lineman consistently.
#27 New Orleans Saints
Calvin Ridley WR Alabama
A team that could really use another playmaker outside of Michael Thomas, New Orleans brings another guy in to help Drew Brees last a few more years and possibly give him one more title push with the emergence of this phenomenal running game. The defense could still use some work, but getting the top receiver on the board at #27 is too enticing for Sean Peyton to pass up.
#28 Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaire Alexander CB Louisville
The Steelers have been looking for secondary help for a while now and having Jaire Alexander available at this spot is an absolute gift. He has good size (5’11/ 195) to matchup on the outside and possesses the quickness to play in the slot. Where he excels is making plays on the ball, having the hands to come away with an interception as well as showing the ability to separate the ball from the receiver.
#29 Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M
It’s a tough call between Christian Kirk and Cortland Sutton here. I take Kirk based on his ability to run a clean route from the inside or outside. With Allen Robinson coming back they have their big red zone threat, and Kirk gives them a guy who can play all over the offense and get much needed separation with Bortles as their QB.
#30 Minnesota Vikings
Donte Jackson CB LSU
The Vikings have an impressive and young defensive unit which they strengthen by grabbing one of the top slot corners in this class. Jackson is an explosive athlete who can help in the return game and give the Vikings CB depth that every team is looking to have. He is a plug and play guy in the slot with enough athleticism to stick with bigger receivers on the outside.
#31 New England Patriots
Derrius Guice RB LSU
Best available, best available, best available. We all know the Patriots love this draft strategy and they get their 1st and 2nd down back with James White coming in on 3rd down. So many guys to choose from for this pick but I think that offense losing Dion Lewis needs another dawg in their backfield with Brady turning 41 this year.
#32 Philidelphia Eagles
Ronnie Harrison S Alabama
Though this isn’t necessarily a need (the Eagles don’t have many in general), Harrison is one of my top players available and is a perfect heir apparent to Malcom Jenkins. At 6’3 and over 200lbs he has coveted size at the Safety position and can help you in man and zone schemes as well as in the running game.
ROUND 2
#33 Cleveland Browns
Sam Hubbard DE Ohio State
Cleveland has the luxury of being loaded with high draft picks and can afford a luxury draft pick at the top of the 2nd round. A player of Hubbard’s caliber being available is a dream situation here, as they already have their future pass-rusher in Myles Garrett, Hubbard gives them a more versatile player at the other end of the line (Sam was recruited as a safety to Ohio State).
#34 New York Giants
Sony Michel RB Georgia
With the top 5 Quarterbacks gone at this point, the Giants draft a cornerstone RB they desperately need. I am a fan of Orleans Darkwa and think Gallman can have a role going forward, but if the G-men continue to hand the starting role to Paul Perkins, their offense will continue to struggle. Michel blends his good size with plus speed and explosion in a slashing running style that allows him to be effective in short yardage and bust big plays.
#35 Cleveland Browns
Ronald Jones II RB USC
Isiah Crowell leaving in free agency leaves a void at the RB position for Cleveland. I’ve heard Ronald Jones II compared to Jamaal Charles, and I don’t think the comp is too far off. He explodes to the line of scrimmage with little regard for his body similar to Devonta Freeman, and has elite speed once he gets in the open.
#36 Indianapolis Colts
Will Hernandez OG UTEP
After picking up Barkley in RD1, the Colts’ need to improve their OLine is paramount. Hernandez is built like a boulder at 6’2”, 345lbs and is quite impressive with his short area quickness. He has a great anchor in the pass game and has no problem getting out to the second level. He may be the second most pro ready offensive lineman in this class (Nelson) and would fill a huge need in Indianapolis.
#37 New York Jets
Brian O’Neill OT Pittsburgh
Having gotten their QB, now they need some help protecting him. A great 2nd round prospect, O’neill is a former tight end in a 6’6 300 lb frame. He needs to bulk up in an NFL strength program, but once he can handle NFL power rushers, he has special ability as he’s very athletic for his position.
#38 Tampa Bay Bucs
Marcus Davenport DE UTSA
Tampa Bay’s pass rush last season was sad. In the first round they grab a fluid cover corner and hope that in tandem with Davenport will improve their league worst mark of 22 sacks on the season. Davenport is lengthy and athletic which has allowed him to get by using his bull and speed rush exclusively. He will need to develop a repertoire of moves at the next level but has the measurables and ceiling that I believe stop him from sliding much further than an early day 2 pick.
#39 Chicago Bears
Courtland Sutton WR SMU
Trubiski really needs some help, that receiving core is an absolute joke and Sutton steps in immediately as their most talented pass catcher, giving him a big body for 3rd down and red zone situations.
#40 Denver Broncos
Billy Price C/OG Ohio State
Denver still has an upper echelon, albeit aging, defense so they continue to build their offensive line with young talent. Last year’s first round pick Garett Bolles struggled but showed promise as a blind side protector and adding Price would be an improvement at either their Guard or Center position. Price is a mauler, with heavy hands in both the pass and run game; he would be a welcome addition, especially after drafting their future signal caller.
#41 Oakland Raiders
Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado
Oakland has a border line pathetic secondary, and really needs some guys who can back up a talented front-7 that now includes Rashaad Evans. Oliver has tremendous size at 6’1 190 lbs, and is very physical at the line of scrimmage. I don’t think he’s somebody you can rely on as somebody who can shut down #1 receivers at the next level, but he’s a guy who loves playing down hill against the run and somebody you want on your team.
#42 Miami Dolphins
Leighton Vander Esch LB Boise St
The Dolphins’ defense has potential, but has left much to be desired in recent years, especially at the LB position. They currently employ veterans Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons on the outside and find an athletic middle to complete the second level. Vander Esch is a great athlete for his size (6’4/240) and excels in man and zone coverage. He needs work in the run game. He has room to improve his strength and pad level to help his ability to take on blockers, but has the potential to be a 10 year starter.
#43 New England Patriots
Malik Jefferson LB Texas
Versatility is the name of the game in New England and Jefferson is a guy who can definitely do it all. Jefferson might be the best open field tackler in this draft, he can rush the passer, and is a better cover guy than he gets credit for. Getting my 2018 draft crush in the 2nd round is a great value pick for Belichick (shocker).
#44 Washington Redskins
Auden Tate WR Florida State
Last off-season, the Redskins lost their top 2 outside threats and replacing them with Terrell Pryor did not work. Doctson started to break out as a player and adding the big bodied Tate to Doctson on the outside with Crowder and Reed working the seams makes for a formidable set of toys for the newly acquired and signed Alex Smith. Tate needs refining but has a higher ceiling than Kelvin Benjamin in a very similar mold.
#45 Green Bay Packers
Mark Andrews TE Oklahoma
Martellus Bennett didn’t do anything for them last year and Aaron Rodgers loves using his tight ends. Not much for blocking, but how many guys in today’s NFL are? He has the size and athleticism to really help Rodgers make another title push.
#46 Cincinatti Bengals
Duke Ejiofor DE Wake Forest
Ejiofor is one of my favorite players in this draft and fits a need for Cincinnati. Michael Johnson is aging and while Carlos Dunlap has been a consistent performer, adding Ejiofor would allow him to bump inside in passing situations and create problems for opposing offensive lines. Ejofor is not the best athlete in this class but has one of the highest motors and a defined set of moves he uses to beat tackles on the edge.
#47 Arizona Cardinals
Michael Gallup WR Colorado State
Josh Allen is going to need some help to succeed at a high level right away in the NFL, and Larry Fitzgerald’s clock is ticking. Gallup finished his final season at Colorado St with 100 catches for over 1,400 yards, production that will definitely translate to the next level with elite speed and a good body at 6’1 200 lbs.
#48 LA Chargers
Darius Leonard LB South Carolina St
The LA SuperChargers are building something special on defense. With Bosa and Ingram on the outside, improving the LB corps with a multi-talented player like Leonard. With the athleticism and toughness to play in the middle of a 3-4 and his ability to get after the passer and explode through a gap, the multitude of looks this front 7 could offer would be hard to handle.
#49 New York Jets
Nick Chubb RB Georgia
Chubb is an intelligent runner who unfortunately ran into some injury issues which lost some of his explosiveness, but he fits well into the Jets system and would be a great 2nd round pick for this team. I love saying that Chubb reminds me of Curtis Martin in NY, somebody who isn’t ‘special’ in any single category but is good enough at everything to quietly put together many 1,000 yard seasons next to Baker Mayfield.
#50 Dallas Cowboys
Carlton Davis CB Auburn
The Cowboys doubled down drafting 2 CBs on the second day in last years draft and both Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis had solid rookie campaigns. Davis has ideal size (6’1/205) and uses it well in press coverage. Adding him to this mix would give them an eventual improvement over an aging Orlando Scandrick and allow Lewis to play in the slot where he can use his quickness to smother receivers.
#51 Detroit Lions
Rashaad Penny RB San Diego St
Lions fill a HUGE need here with a big physical back who can run between the tackles, someone we haven’t had for a long time here in Detroit. Another big time draft crush, Penny exploded onto the scene after running behind Donnel Pumphrey with over 2,200 yards and 19 TDs averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He has 8 career return TDs, and checks in at 5’11 220 lbs with speed to spare, the perfect size for what Detroit fans are looking for to fix this awful running game.
#52 Baltimore Ravens
James Daniels C Iowa
The Ravens go back to the offensive lineman well and come up with an almost opposite prospect than the one they got in the first round. James Daniels is a great athlete with long arms for his position and can succeed at Center or Guard at the next level. Regardless, he needs to add to his 295lbs frame, but is natural moving around the football field and has a high ceiling.
#53 Buffalo Bills
Jerome Baker OLB Ohio State
Buffalo needs to fill in a linebacker and Jerome Baker is an athlete. A bit undersized and can over pursue in the run game, but he could be the best cover linebacker in this draft. Bills are a bit thin at the position and could use Baker’s athleticism to cover and rush the passer.
#54 Kansas City Chiefs
Hercules Mata’afa DE Washington State
The Chiefs need to start improving their aging linebacking corps Justin Houston cannot do it alone. They have attempted to address this need in Dee Ford and Tanoh Kpassagnon but the position could use more young talent. Mata’afa was a force to be reckoned with, even while playing out of position, largely as a 3 technique at WSU. He seemed to live in the backfield and has a motor that you can build a high level pass rusher around.
#55 Carolina Panthers
Chuckwuma Okorafor OT Western Michigan
Could project as a right tackle depending on who drafts him, Okorafor is a big body, a great run blocking LT for Western Michigan, and finished up his 2nd straight year as a 1st team All-MAC performer. He was a finalist for the outland trophy this year and fills a need on the Carolina OL.
#56 Buffalo Bills
Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State
The Bills got their QB and a versatile defensive lineman in RD1 and continue to build the trenches with a versatile offensive lineman in RD2. Rankin is a very good athlete at 6’5/310 with the reach to play LT but also has the quickness and strength to play inside at the next level. Buffalo needs OLine help and wherever Rankin plays best, he would be a welcome addition.
#57 Tennessee Titans
Braden Smith OG Auburn
Great fit for Tennessee here, Braden Smith is a mauling run blocker paving the way for a great Auburn running game last year. Tennessee has their tackles booked (assuming Conklin comes back healthy) but could still use some help inside. Flip on the Georgia tape and tell me this guy can’t be a top run blocker at the next level.
#58 Atlanta Falcons
Isaiah Wynn OG Georgia
Wynn played LT for the Bulldogs last season and held up quite well. At 6’2/305lbs he projects as a guard at the next level and has a great blend of athleticism and strength to be a great one. Adding him next to Alex Mack would be a formidable combination that will just help this dynamic offense.
#59 San Francisco 49ers
D.J Moore WR Maryland
Jimmy G just got paid, now he needs some help. D.J Moore has often been compared to former Terp Stefan Diggs, and while I hate the lazy same-school comps, this one is legit. Moore has the speed to stretch the field on go routes, and is savvy enough to run a clean route and get a 1st down across the middle when you need it.
#60 Pittsburgh Steelers
Kerryon Johnson RB Auburn
Whether or not Le’Veon Bell is on the roster doesn’t change the need for Pittsburgh. If you pay Bell, you need someone to spell him touches and extend his career. If he’s gone, Johnson has the skills to be a patient slashing runner that is so effective in the Steelers scheme.
#61 Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma State
Bortles may not be the answer (hint hint, he isn’t). Another QB out of a pass heavy system at Oklahoma State, Rudolph has proved he has the arm talent to make all the throws. The question will always be, can he make the proper adjustments to be an effective NFL quarterback when you need to make multiple reads on the fly?
#62 Minnesota Vikings
Tim Settle DT Virginia Tech
Another one of my favorite players in this draft, and someone who I think could end up being a day 1 pick, the Vikings get a steal in Settle. He is an explosive athlete for his 6’3, 330lbs frame and regularly creates disruption in pass and running situations. Has the size to be a prototypical nose and 1tech and athleticism to play the 3tech on early downs and still get after the passer.
#63 New England Patriots
M.J Stewart CB North Carolina
Malcolm Butler is out of town, and while M.J Stewart is not in the same mold, he’s a guy the Pats would love to have. An above average cover guy, Stewart holds the UNC record for pass break-ups in his career. My favorite aspect of his game is that this dude loves playing at the line of scrimmage. He’s a guy you can count on to shed a block and stick a running back behind the line of scrimmage, a great blitzing CB, and ended last season with 5 TFL and 2 sacks.
#64 Cleveland Browns
Equanimeous St. Brown WR Notre Dame
The 5th Browns selection and the closing pick of this 2 round mock is a big bodied receiver who has a great understanding of how to use his frame to box out DBs throughout his routes and at the catch point. He has a good set of hands which were not properly utilized due to poor QB play this last season. Cleveland could get an immediate impact player here at the end of round 2 at a position they greatly need to improve.