We’re less than 24 hours away from the start of the 2018 NFL Draft. Once again, the Cleveland Browns have the first overall pick. With a dismal winless season behind them, the question is who do the Browns select?
There are several needs to be met but the quarterback position is arguably the most pertinent one. The Browns also hold pick #4 but rumors are swirling that Cleveland plans to deal the pick away. Could be true; could be smoke and mirrors – we shall see,
Here is the BSO Mock NFL Draft 2.0.
1- Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold, QB
The Browns signed Tyrod Taylor in the offseason; a move that allows Darnold to come along at his own pace instead of being automatically thrust into the starting position. Of the 5 top QBs, Darnold is the most polished.
2- NY Giants – Bradley Chubb, DE
With the departure of Jason Pierre-Paul, Chubb fills a much-needed void at defensive end. Chubb is athletic and can make some noise on all 3 downs immediately. We still like Chubb here.
3- NY Jets – Baker Mayfield, QB
Despite concerns over his focus and size, Mayfield has steadily climbed the Draft board and could contribute right away in a program that has suffered from paltry QB play.
4- Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB
Widely regarded as the top player in the draft, Barkley had a solid Combine and could help resurrect a stagnant Browns team when coupled with Darnold and newly acquired Jarvis Landry. All of this could change should the Browns trade this pick away.
5- Denver Broncos – Josh Rosen, despite former UCLA coach Jim Mora’s insistence that he needs to be “intellectually challenged”, Rosen can contribute right away.
6- Indianapolis Colts – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB
Fitzpatrick is considered to be the top defensive player in the draft and could be the x-factor in Indy.
7- Tampa Bay Bucs – Quenton Nelson, G
If the Bucs go with BPA, look for them to grab Nelson although the need for a defensive end is quite pressing as well.
8- Chicago Bears – Denzel Ward, CB
The Bears need help on both sides of the ball – at wide receiver and at defensive back. This year’s receiver pool is rather shallow which contributes to the decision to take Ward here.
9- San Francisco 49ers – Derwin James, S
The Niners grab a ballhawk in Derwin James. Fast and physical, James can blitz and play run support with the best of them.
10- Oakland Raiders – Roquan Smith, LB
Smith is a great off-ball linebacker and bolsters an Oakland defense that already features Khalil Mack.
11- Miami Dolphins – Josh Allen, QB
Some analysts have Allen going first overall or somewhere in the top 5. His lack of accuracy is a concern which is why he falls out of the Top 10. Completion percentage aside, Allen had a solid Senior Bowl game and Combine which makes him the fourth QB taken.
12- Buffalo Bills – Mike McGlinchey, T
After the Cordy Glenn trade, the Bills need to plug the hole in the offensive line and they do just that with McGlinchey.
13- Washington Redskins – Vita Vea, DT
With size and quickness, Vea is a raw talent that could blossom into a lasting NFL career with good coaching.
14- Green Bay Packers – Calvin Ridley, WR
With Jordy Nelson now in Oakland, Ridley gives Aaron Rodgers a new downfield target. Ridley is physical at the line and creates good separation.
15- Arizona Cardinals – Mike Hughes, CB
Hughes makes up for his lack of size by jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Hughes has quick feet and ball tracking abilities. He can also contribute on special teams as a return man.
16- Baltimore Ravens – Marcus Davenport, DE
Davenport possesses good lateral quickness and inside rip moves that will throw off offensive linemen.
I know, no Lamar Jackson so far; but flip the page for the rest of the first round picks.
