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Deputy Nutz
04-10-2018, 09:15 AM
I don't like to factor in trades that haven't happened yet when I do my mock. Obviously I will point out teams that I think should move up or down, but I will mock the selection where teams currently have picks.

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. I still think the best QB prospect in the draft is Josh Allen. Allen struggled in his senior year according to his numbers but his ceiling is the highest in this draft. Browns Select: Josh Allen QB Wyoming. Allen has the best arm in the draft and has the most intangibles.

2. New York Giants: They have a lot of holes. They have a short term fix at running back with Stewart, their offensive line hasn't been good in years, and Manning is pretty much washed up. The have needs on the defensive line. Taking a QB will not help them in 2018 win games, but they need to start building for the future. A trade makes a lot of sense but they need to find the value in trading away the 2nd pick in the draft. I am sure teams would like to move ahead of the Jets to position themselves with their choice of the best QBs available on the board and the Giants could have some trade partners. If the Giants want to build for the long term they take a QB with this pick. If they want to add the best player in the draft they take Chubb. Manning is no longer the answer at quarterback for the Giants, they look for a long term solution, The Giants select: Sam Darnold QB USC. Darnold looked great as a sophomore especially in the Rose Bowl against Penn St. His junior year had a lot to be desired in terms of a player considered to be a top 5 pick in the draft. USC QBs are boom or bust in the NFL.

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: Josh Rosen QB UCLA. Rosen hasn't done much as a college QB. His skill level is at a premium but played on a UCLA team that was never capable of getting the National attention that would allow him to showcase his talent. Some say he is the most ready to start day one.

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 select Saquon Barkley RB Penn St. With the retirement of Joe Thomas the Browns would love to be able to get his replacement, but not at the 4th pick. Could they trade this pick? Absolutely. Teams would trade up to either get the QB they need or for Barkley

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. Broncos select: Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma.

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: Bradley Chubb Edge NC St. Chubb offers the best pass rush in the draft and it isn't really close between him and the next edge rusher in this draft. Colts manage to hang on to the 6th pick in the draft and get the top player in the draft.

7. Tampa Bay Buc: Their defense needs help. Their best option at this point is a defensive back. They can take Fitzpatrick or James. Fitzpatrick offers more flexibility playing either corner or safety. Bucs select: Minkah Fitzpatrick DB Alabama.

8. Bears: they got holes like the rest of these teams. The Bears really wanted to get the hands on Fitzpatrick. D. James is the next best DB on the list but they don't need a safety. They also have needs on the offensive line and although taking a guard is never a high priority it makes the most sense for the Bears. Bears select: Quentin Nelson OL ND. He is the top rated offensive lineman in the draft and he can play right tackle or either guard spots. The Bears would like to add to their defense, but Nelson just makes sense.

9. 49ers: They need sack production. The Niners need to find the best option in this draft to pressure the QB from the edge. The 49ers select Marcus Davenport Edge UTSA. Davenport is the next best pass rusher listed on the big board. He is a small school kid that played against some big Texas schools and held his own. He had a very good combine and finds himself as a top ten player. I don't think he plays as fluid as the combine numbers would say. He is far from a finished player, but he has the raw talent to develop.

10. Raiders: Holes on the defense. Easy fill at this spot is Denzel Ward. Ward is the best corner in the draft, and the Raiders are thrilled that he drops to the 10th pick in the draft. They have options as James is available, Smith is Available, and Edmunds is also available. Raiders select: Denzel Ward CB Ohio St .

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. Buffalo Bills: The Bills really needed to trade up again to get one of the top 4 QBs in this class. The biggest risk reward player is available in Lamar Jackson. The Bills most likely will do everything in their power to move up in this draft, but if their option is Lamar Jackson I have a feeling that the Bills go in a different direction and possibly move back. The Bills select: Calvin Riddley WR Alabama. Riddley had a poor combine, but he is the best route runner in this draft and can probably contribute as a the third wide out at the beginning of the season. This is the worst case scenario for the Bills.

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 Packers select: Derwin James S FSU. One of the best athletes in this draft and one of the better defenders in this draft. James can be played all over the field, he can line up in the slot, in center field or in the middle as a nickle linebacker. He might not have an exact fit but he upgrades this defense in a big way. I think his addition will pressure Clinton-Dix in turning around a terrible 2017 season, and forcing Josh Jones to either step up his game or find another seat on the bench.
Deputy Nutz
04-10-2018, 10:53 AM
15. Arizona Cardinals: The have one option left at QB and that is Lamar Jackson. He is a terrific and dynamic athlete that put on a show for Louisville. The question about Jackson is if his decision making ability will get better in the NFL. He can make all the throws and get out of trouble with his feet, but he will force passes and not read the defense. The Cardinals are taking a risk with handing over the keys to the franchise to Jackson but that is what they will do. Cardinals select: Lamar Jackson QB Louisville

16. Baltimore Ravens: Some defensive holes need to be filled and although they strengthened their WR corps through free agency it isn't enough to sustain their passing game long term. The Ravens select Coutland Sutton WR SMU. Sutton is a tall rangy receiver that isn't quite polished but will provide a big target early in his rookie year.

17. Chargers are not going to turn the franchise around with this pick, but they can need to add a talented player to their roster that can contribute in 2018. They need an offensive tackle, but there just doesn't seem to be a good fit at 16 for the position. The next best offensive lineman is Will Hernandez but he is strictly a guard. They will look at improving their defense with this pick and the Chargers select Raquan Smith ILB Georgia. Smith is a dynamic, run to the football type player. He may be a bit undersized but he does a nice job of reading and reacting. He has a quick first step and can escape blocks. He is a side line to side line player.

18. Seattle has a ton of holes on the offensive line, and finally on defense as the Legion of Boom has crumbled. They can use help all over the secondary with losing their top two corners, they also have a need for a pass rusher. They can look at the best available in the secondary and start there. Seattle selects: Joshua Jackson CB Iowa. Speed has never been a big concern when looking at secondary players for the Seahawks. They want physical and tall corners. Jackson is 6-1 and physical. He doesn't have top end speed but he is smart and can use his body to get between the target and the ball. Seattle is now in rebuild mode.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys would like to add a dynamic receiver, but would also like to solidify their defensive line with an interior pass rusher. The Cowboys also have a need at linebacker. The Cowboys select: Maurice Hurst DT Michigan. Hurst's biggest knock is that he has a possible heart condition, at this point it may not be enough to steer the Cowboys away from the agile tackle. Cowboys get some value here, but it might not be the wow pick Jones is constantly looking for.

20. Detroit: The lions still need some help along the the defensive line and putting pressure on the QB. The Lions select:Harold Landry Edge Boston College . In a draft that doesn't have top end talent at the pass rushing position the Lions snag the 3rd best prospect in this draft. They could look to upgrade the TE position or go with an offensive lineman.

21. Cincy Bengals: Offensive line is still a need for the Bengals but they can address that later in the draft if they want to. There are several linemen that the Bengals can take with the 21st pick. The best option would be UTEP guard Will Hernandez, or Georgia guard/tackle Isaiah Wynn. Wynn is a bullish player with good feet. His lack of height will cause issues at tackle but his feet are decent enough for a team to plug him at right tackle. Most likely he will be a guard and be a darn good one. Bengals select: Isaiah Wynn OL Georgia.

22. Buffalo Bills: They missed with their first pick to get a QB and now they have to determine if Mason Rudolph is a guy worth the 22nd pick and if he can be eventually trusted with the keys to the franchise. The Bills could look to improve along their offensive line or at linebacker. Both positions have options at the 22nd pick, but the Bills will reach. Bills select: Mason Rudolph QB OSU.

23. Patriots: They move up to the 23rd pick. They need defensive help in the back end and some pass rushers. The Patriots have options at corner in this draft, Mike Hughes, Jaire Alexander, and Isaiah Oliver. Anyone would deserve the 23rd pick in this draft but the Pats want some one that can play in their defense and keep receivers in front of them. The Patriots select: Mike Hughes CB UCF.

24. Carolina Panthers: They need a playmaker at receiver or in the defensive backfield. They choose to go with receiver and address their needs with the selection of DJ Moore WR Maryland. Moore is a strong receiver with quick first step that runs ok routes and is explosive down field. He will need to work on his route running and getting routes dialed in or he will struggle at the next level.

25. Titans: They need a pass rusher, and they might have to reach to get a player to fill that need. They could use an inside linebacker as well. The Titans look for flexibility and select Leighton Vander Esh LB Boise St. Vander Esh can play inside or outside and depending on the scheme the Titans use they could use him to apply pressure on the QB. His athleticism offers the Titans option on how they would like to use him. He will never be a pure pass rusher, but he can play all linebacker spots.

26. Falcons: The Falcons can improve their defensive line and they are in the right position to do so. They have a lot of players that can help them available in this draft. The Falcons get great value and select Da'Ron Payne DT Alabama. Payne is an agile tackle that can hold up at the point of attack, yet get pressure from the interior.

27. Saints: They need a TE but is there one that offers value in the first round? Sure! Dallas Goedert is a big strong kid that has caught a lot of balls the last two years. He does come from a smaller sandbox but he has managed to demonstrate that he is more than a capable receiver, and has some ability as an inline blocker. The Saints Select: Dallas Goedert TE South Dakota St.

28. The Steelers have wants but not really any needs. They lock up their safety position by signing Morgan Burnett from the Packers. They can look at upgrading the linebacker position with the selection of Rashaan Evans LB Alabama. He isn't the big bruiser type from Alabama is smaller and quicker and could easily fill the role that Shazier played so successfully.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: There are open positions that they need to fill to continue their run. The Jaguars can look to upgrade their offensive line, and their linebacker position. There have been no tackles taken in the first round. The Jaguars select: Mike McGlichey OT ND. McGlichey offers the most all around talent at the tackle position. He may never be a left tackle, but he could be the standard as a right tackle. He is more physical than the other higher ranked tackles in this draft.

30. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings need to upgrade the offensive line with either a guard or a tackle. The Vikings select Kolton Miller OT UCLA. Miller had a great combine demonstrating some athleticism and fluidity. He is a good pass blocker, but doesn't exactly bring a level of nastiness in the run game. He will be a good book end tackle for the newly acquired Kirk Cousins.

31. PATS: The Patriots need work on their defense, and offensive line. They addressed their defense in the first pick of round one and now with the second pick in this round they look to rebuild their depth on the offensive line. Pats select: Connor Williams OT Texas. Williams biggest issue was a left knee his senior year. His arms are a bit short but he has the agility you are looking for as a left tackle in the NFL

32. Eagles: Finally won a Super Bowl! Now they work to fill spots at the end of the first round. Teams like the Eagles can always go best player available and still fill a need. The Eagles could upgrade at the linebacker position and at the WR position. There isn't a linebacker or receiver with the 32nd pick. So they look to TE. The Eagles select: Hayden Hurst TE South Carolina. Hurst a former minor league pitcher offers a combination of downfield speed and can attack defenses at all three levels. Plays with a lot of energy and effort, needs to work on his blocking.
Anti-Polar Bear
04-10-2018, 11:26 AM
The Packers select: Derwin James S FSU. One of the best athletes in this draft and one of the better defenders in this draft. James can be played all over the field, he can line up in the slot, in center field or in the middle as a nickle linebacker.

For all his upsides, downsides, waysides, James is still a mystery as a pro pigskiner. Mike Huff was a champion stud at Texas, but he failed to evolve into an extraordinary machine in the NFL.

Why waste a high pick on an unknown commodity when Eric Reid is hard knocking on the streets of Baltimore at this moment in space-time? Reid has proved that he can play "all over the field, he can line up in the slot, in center field or in the middle as a nickle linebacker" - as an NFL playa.
Cheesehead Craig
04-10-2018, 12:58 PM
Hey nutz, could you see the Browns taking Chubb at the #4 pick? That would give then a heck of a young pass-rushing tandem for many years. Given this is such a deep RB draft and they could get a similar RB in round 2 or 3, would that make more sense than Barkley at the #4 spot? Would love to hear your take on that.
Deputy Nutz
04-10-2018, 02:20 PM
50/50 on Chubb vs Barkley. I don't think Cleveland fans would be disappointed in either
mraynrand
04-10-2018, 02:25 PM
50/50 on Chubb vs Barkley. I don't think Cleveland fans would be disappointed in either

There is some talk that Chubb is more likely, especially since there are more than a few people who are disappointed in Garrett.
KYPack
04-10-2018, 04:44 PM
One line of thought is that the NYG take Chubb with the #2. You don't think he's worth it or is Arnold the future for the G-Men?
Deputy Nutz
04-11-2018, 07:41 AM
In my original draft I had them taking Chubb, I just feel like the Giants think they have the opportunity to select Manning's replacement. I wouldn't be surprised if they went with Chubb. He is the number one rated prospect out there in Mock land.
Zool
04-11-2018, 09:08 AM
Hey nutz, could you see the Browns taking Chubb at the #4 pick? That would give then a heck of a young pass-rushing tandem for many years. Given this is such a deep RB draft and they could get a similar RB in round 2 or 3, would that make more sense than Barkley at the #4 spot? Would love to hear your take on that.

I think it could be likely, but the R2 or R3 RBs are not similar to Barkley IMO. He's got the potential to be Marshall Faulk.
KYPack
04-11-2018, 01:02 PM
That Giant pick is really a crossroads for this draft. If they take a QB, that should start the mini run of 4-5 QB's before the GB pick.
red
04-11-2018, 02:34 PM
The browns picking Allen #1 overall would be the most browns move ever

They have their pick from 5 decent QB prospects, and they take the one that needs the most work and has by far the highest bust potential

And yours is not the only mock that has them taking him #1

If Allen is for some reason their target, then I would trade away the #1 pick, and either take him #4 overall, or select whichever one of the better QBs are left there
pbmax
04-12-2018, 09:47 AM
That Giant pick is really a crossroads for this draft. If they take a QB, that should start the mini run of 4-5 QB's before the GB pick.

If 5 come off the board, then one of everyone's favorite defenders might just drop. Assuming a Guard actually goes in the top 13.
call_me_ishmael
04-12-2018, 09:52 AM
Hey nutz, could you see the Browns taking Chubb at the #4 pick? That would give then a heck of a young pass-rushing tandem for many years. Given this is such a deep RB draft and they could get a similar RB in round 2 or 3, would that make more sense than Barkley at the #4 spot? Would love to hear your take on that.

I think this is exactly what they will do because the prospect of stacking two studs nexts to each other will have a greater cumulative affect than one stud on the DL, one at RB. If both Garrett and Chubb develop into what they are projected to be, that could be a nasty D in the same vain as JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.
KYPack
04-12-2018, 10:22 AM
If 5 come off the board, then one of everyone's favorite defenders might just drop. Assuming a Guard actually goes in the top 13.

Lots of mocks list the ND kid as a Tackle. Is he really that big a thing that he will go top 15?
pbmax
04-12-2018, 11:33 AM
Lots of mocks list the ND kid as a Tackle. Is he really that big a thing that he will go top 15?

They have a guard (Sutton) and tackle (McGlinchey) I think. The Guard is supposedly future All-World. The Tackle is a mortal first round type.
Bretsky
04-12-2018, 06:16 PM
That Giant pick is really a crossroads for this draft. If they take a QB, that should start the mini run of 4-5 QB's before the GB pick.


Dan Patrick show keeps noting many around the NFL really think the Browns love Allen

AND if the Browns take him the Giants will draft the guy they crave at QB and that is Darnold

That would be heavenly for GB
red
04-12-2018, 08:34 PM
They have a guard (Sutton) and tackle (McGlinchey) I think. The Guard is supposedly future All-World. The Tackle is a mortal first round type.

i read somewhere that the guard is probably the best player in the draft
Bretsky
04-12-2018, 08:39 PM
i read somewhere that the guard is probably the best player in the draft

Tony Mandarich
Fritz
04-16-2018, 12:03 PM
Dan Patrick show keeps noting many around the NFL really think the Browns love Allen

AND if the Browns take him the Giants will draft the guy they crave at QB and that is Darnold

That would be heavenly for GB


Wouldn't it though? Specially if someone took the all-world guard prior to GB's pick. Maybe one of those top-notch defenders will drop.
woodbuck27
04-16-2018, 12:49 PM
The Pick at NO. 27 and the New Orleans Saints in our Mock is turning out to be difficult. Your direction of going to a TE is a certain ned but my issue with it is that it's a Reach unless you Rank TE Mike Gesicki higher than TE Gavin Hurst who's Ranked at about NO. 31 OVERALL.

TE Mike Gesicki certainly upgrades the Saints at the TE spot and he's a potential, ready to go difference maker, in an Offense such as the Saints have.

The Saints also have needs on both Lines and at WR.

Taven Bryan, DT, Florida just went off the Board.

DT-3T Maurice Hurst - Michigan is solid Value if you want to take a risk and his heart being OK !? He checked out very well at his PRO Day on March 31, 2018.

If a solid CB falls to them that would assist their outstanding Rookie CB form 2017, Marshon Lattimore.

How to pick there with CB Joshua Jackson - Iowa 6'0" - 196 lbs and ** his 'weeney' Combine numbers **.

** He participated in all the tests (except the 60-yard shuttle) at the NFL scouting combine and bettered most of his numbers at Iowa’s pro day.

After him is it CB and Mike Hughes UCF and 5'10" and 189 lbs. ( *** Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.Com *** actually Ranks CB Mike Hughes @ NO. 16 (today Typ.) and Josh Jackson @ NO. 18 ) or Isaiah Oliver - Colorado - 6'0" - 201 @ NO. 36 today.

or next Jaire Alexander - Louisville - 5' 10" 196 lbs. Daniel Jeremiah's NO. 23 Ranked Prospect.

This is a challenging decision and Pick.

Note on CB Joshua Jackson:

Upside: Nice height, weight and athletic build. Athletic testing numbers were mostly very good, including:

A strong vertical jump (38 inches at combine, 40 at pro day)

His short shuttle (4.03 seconds at combine, 3.95 at pro day) ... and bench press (18 reps). Other numbers, such as broad jump (123 inches) and 3-cone drill (6.86 second), were well within good range for his size.

CB Joshua Jackson improved his 40 time from combine (4.56 seconds) to pro day (4.52). Yes there are quicker CB's but are they overall more talented and disciplined football players?

I love what I see and film for CB Mike Hughes; but will that translate to the NFL as success? It's all about limiting RISK in Round One.
woodbuck27
04-16-2018, 02:58 PM
I just went over the Option of TE Mike Gesicki Pen State to the NO Saints at Pik NO. 27...and nope.

I want a TE that can block in and Aaron Rodgers Offense (see the ridiculous money The Packers are paying TE Jimmy Graham) and I would hope that Drew Brees would want the same in his starting every down TE.

Otherwise Mike Gesicki is ridiculously and athletically gifted. A real specimen but will he play T and block as well as GRONK does and thus be a legit Round One Pick? I don't see it.

I have TE Prospect Mike Gesicki going legitimately in Round Two and to either Denver, San Fran, Miami or Baltimore.

Back to the best Pick at NO. 27 and New Orleans?