Nutz's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 Final

[Deputy Nutz]

All right here it is, trades and trades and trades. Just kidding just a few.

1. Cleveland Browns: The Browns want a long term solution QB after trading Deshone Kizer their 2nd round pick from 2017 to the Packers. The Browns traded for former Buffalo QB Tyrod Taylor to start for 2018 but I don't think the Browns see him as their long term solution. They have the number one pick in the draft and they have 5-6 QBs with first round grades to choose from. So none of the above has changed. The Browns need a QB but as of early today they still haven't decided and all names seem to be floating around. Browns Select: Sam Darnold QB USC. He has the pedigree, the arm, and the attributes to be the number one guy selected but his will to win leaves question marks.

2. New York Giants: They have a lot of holes, They can have the option of taking one of the three top players in the draft in Chubb, Barkley, or Nelson. They really want a QB to replace Manning but they are hesitant to pull the trigger. Arizona and Buffalo want options in this draft at QB both will be willing trade partners. The Bills make the big move and trade up with the Giants keeping the second pick in New York State. The Bills select: Josh Allen QB Wyoming. Allen has everything you want in QB and the Bills are hoping the accuracy will come along as well, they paid a hefty sum to get the signal caller they hope will lead the Bills for years to come.

3. New York Jets: The Jets need and want a QB. That is why they traded up in the first place Lucky for them they don't have the option on taking another USC QB. The Mark Sanchez era still probably looms large in the fandom of the Jets. The Jets select: Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma. The Jets are not phased by Buffalo moving up. They get the guy they want. Mayfield plays with a chip on his shoulder and along with that chip he has the mindset and the physical tools to play a long time in the NFL. The only down side is his height.

4. Browns: They have the option of selecting Saquon Barkley the best offensive player in the draft. Personally I wasn't all that impressed with 2017 season, but he tested off the chart at the combine and he is a heck of a football player. The Browns as always have needs all over the field, so they could take a linemen, or corner. The Browns have taken running backs high in past drafts and it has not worked in their favor, and they spent a high pick in last years draft on an edge rusher. The Browns make the decision to trade the pick. Tampa Bay needs a running back and they trade up to get Barkley. Tampa Bay selects: Saquon Barkley RB Penn St. Tampa Bay needs help in other places but they want to get Winston a back that can take the pressure off of him and give him an option with play action. Tampa gives up the 7th pick and their second round round pick to move up.

5. Denver Broncos: Is Case Keenum really the answer? I can't hold my breath that Keenum is going to be able to lead the Broncos to the playoffs. He is smart and tough, but his skills at the position are still questionable. They could go a couple of different ways though with picking up Keenum. Keenum provides options. If the QB that they want is their I think they will pick him, if not they go with the best player that fits their needs. The Broncos are going to roll with Keenum and thank their lucky stars and select: Bradley Chubb Edge NCSt. He is prospect that can be compared to some of the best pass rushers in the game. They now have the best edge tandem in football.

6. Colts: They traded down and they miss on Barkley. I don't think their feelings are too hurt but they need an edge player and their isn't one on the board that deserves the 6th pick in the draft. They have holes on the defense and also need help on the offensive line. The Colts go with the best player available, the Colts select: Quentin Nelson OL Notre Dame. He is a fantastic option at #6 as they get the best lineman in the draft.

7. Cleveland: Their defense needs help. Their best option at this point is a defensive back. They can take Fitzpatrick, James, Ward. Fitzpatrick offers more flexibility playing either corner or safety and James might be the best athlete in the draft. Browns select: Denzel Ward. They need a cover corner more than a safety and they get the best one in the draft and acquire picks as well.

8. Bears: they got holes like the rest of these teams. The Bears play it safe and they get their guy. Bears select: Roquan Smith LB Georgia. They have been looking to replace Urlacher for years and they get their sideline to sideline player that can drop into coverage.

9. 49ers: They are looking to upgrade their defense with this pick. They have options and they take the best player available in Derwin James. He is a big safety that can play anywhere in the back 7. He has great awareness and football IQ to go with a dynamic locker room presence. 49ers Select: Derwin James S FSU

10. Raiders: Holes on the defense. Easy fill at this spot with Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick can play corner or safety in the NFL. Raiders select: Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Raider wait it out and get one of the top flight players in the draft.

11. Dolphins: They have spots that need to be filled but they get their choice of the four remaining QBs with 1st round grades. The Dolphins can take a QB or they can upgrade their defense. The Dolphins select: Vita Vea DL Washington. This kid is a monster in the middle and can take on and beat the double team block. If all goes right he is a guy in the middle that opposing offenses will have to account for.

12. New York Giants: The Giants have gained two first round picks this year along with a 2nd round pick in 2019 to move back. They still have two options at QB with Rosen and Jackson on the board. Rosen is the most ready and prostyle QB available. The Giants select: Josh Rosen QB UCLA. Manning will now have to look over his shoulder for at least a year. As Rosen will be groomed by the Giants coaching staff Manning will have to play well or lose his job.

13. Washington Racists: Alex Smith isn't the long time solution to the needs of the racists. The Redskins can groom a QB behind Smith for at least a year. Washington can reach on a QB, or they can fill holes on their defense. Right now they have Smith for the 2018 season with Hogan backing him up. They move in the direction of defense and the Racists select: Tremaine Edmunds LB Virgina Tech. Edmunds had a terrific combine and his film is consistent. He has good size and can play in the middle or on the outside.

14. Green Bay Packers: Packers have holes all over their defense but their defensive backfield is bad with losing Randall in a trade to the Browns and losing Morgan Burnett in free agency. The Packers lack depth at linebacker and their offensive line is incomplete at the moment. Wide receiver is now an issue with the Packers cutting Jordy Nelson. If not for Aaron Rodgers this team is not a playoff team, not even close. The roster has been mismanaged for several years and it is finally showing. The Packers have options at this spot. They could trade up and get a corner, or if Chubb is there they could really move up and give up future top picks to get the best pass rusher in the draft. They could move back in the draft and look to draft offense at wide receiver or offensive line. The Packer elect to trade back with the New England Patriots. In an unlikely move for both franchises the Patriots want Lamar Jackson. New England Selects: Lamar Jackson QB Louisville. Green Bay gives up the 14th pick in return for the Patriots two 1st round picks.