Deputy Nutz
04-17-2018, 09:10 AM
The draft is just weeks away folks, and the NFL brass is spinning! Prospects are rising and falling and I am doing my best to keep up. I think there are going to be some movers and shakers in this draft and you are going to see a few more trades come down the pipe. I am adding trades to this draft. If I do a 4.0 after this I will or will not include trades. Teams like the Bills and the Cardinals seem desperate to get their hands on a QB. This draft will have up to 6 QBs taken in the first round but yet not one of them is considered a lock. There seems to be a lot of risk when bringing up the quarterback position.
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. Allen is without a doubt the biggest risk at this point for any team drafting a quarterback #1 overall. The Browns are in a position where they simply can't miss. Tyrod Taylor is a hold over and if this pick doesn't pan out the Browns will continue to struggle. Browns Select: Sam Darnold QB USC. Allen has the best arm in the draft and has the most intangibles but Darnold just seems to be less risk. Darnold isn't a solid pick either as he has struggled during his college career. Darnold is athletic enough, smart enough, and has a good enough arm to play consistently at the next level. I can't pretend though that he is good enough to be a top ten QB in the league and get the Browns to the playoffs consistently.
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, QB, and running back and they have the best options with the second pick. 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 or Barkley. Can Manning regain any of his Hall of Fame career and play consistently enough for the Giants to take the best player available? The Giants select: Saquon Barkley RB Penn St. Manning will have to get it done during the rebuild. The Giants want Barkley to be the focal point of their offense and take the pressure off of Manning. Barkley seems not only the safest pick but filling a position of need with the BPA strategy.
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. This means that Allen will drop, teams are demonstrating their concern over his 2017 statistics and his accuracy.
4. Browns: They have the option to take the best ranked player in the draft with Chubb. He could make a a big difference on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns still have a very shallow roster and they take the opportunity to add another first round pick by trading with the Bills. The Browns get the 12th pick, the 22nd pick. Bills Select: Josh Allen QB Wyoming. Allen can wait a year or two behind AJ McCarron if all goes to plan. Allen needs to mature at the next level before teams can depend on him to win football games. The tools are their for Allen to be great, all he hopefully needs is time.
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: Bake Mayfield QB Oklahoma. Mayfield could be the gem of this QB class as he has all the intangibles but lack of height could hold teams back from making him the top pick in the draft.
6. Colts: They traded down and they miss on Barkley. They have holes on the defense and also need help on the offensive line. The Colts have a selection of talented players to choose from both on offense and defense. Their best option might be to trade back in this draft to team like Buffalo and acquire more picks. The Colts select: Bradley Chubb Edge NC St. The Colts are only going to go as far as an up right Andrew Luck is going to take them, but Bradley Chubb is still the best player available and is the perfect fit for their new 4-3 defense
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. Quentin Nelson OL ND. Nelson is just too good of a prospect for the Bears to pass up. If he was a left tackle teams would trade up to get him in the top 5.
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. The 49ers might want to trade up when they see that Chubb is falling. They could make a deal with the Colts.
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. Browns: They trade back to fill more spots on their roster. The Browns 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.
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: Raquon Smith LB Georgia. Linebacker has never exactly been a priority for the Packers especially in the middle. The Packers have had some success with Blake Martinez in the middle and the combination of Martinez and Smith could be the strongest duo at inside linebacker in the NFL.
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. Allen is without a doubt the biggest risk at this point for any team drafting a quarterback #1 overall. The Browns are in a position where they simply can't miss. Tyrod Taylor is a hold over and if this pick doesn't pan out the Browns will continue to struggle. Browns Select: Sam Darnold QB USC. Allen has the best arm in the draft and has the most intangibles but Darnold just seems to be less risk. Darnold isn't a solid pick either as he has struggled during his college career. Darnold is athletic enough, smart enough, and has a good enough arm to play consistently at the next level. I can't pretend though that he is good enough to be a top ten QB in the league and get the Browns to the playoffs consistently.
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, QB, and running back and they have the best options with the second pick. 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 or Barkley. Can Manning regain any of his Hall of Fame career and play consistently enough for the Giants to take the best player available? The Giants select: Saquon Barkley RB Penn St. Manning will have to get it done during the rebuild. The Giants want Barkley to be the focal point of their offense and take the pressure off of Manning. Barkley seems not only the safest pick but filling a position of need with the BPA strategy.
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. This means that Allen will drop, teams are demonstrating their concern over his 2017 statistics and his accuracy.
4. Browns: They have the option to take the best ranked player in the draft with Chubb. He could make a a big difference on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns still have a very shallow roster and they take the opportunity to add another first round pick by trading with the Bills. The Browns get the 12th pick, the 22nd pick. Bills Select: Josh Allen QB Wyoming. Allen can wait a year or two behind AJ McCarron if all goes to plan. Allen needs to mature at the next level before teams can depend on him to win football games. The tools are their for Allen to be great, all he hopefully needs is time.
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: Bake Mayfield QB Oklahoma. Mayfield could be the gem of this QB class as he has all the intangibles but lack of height could hold teams back from making him the top pick in the draft.
6. Colts: They traded down and they miss on Barkley. They have holes on the defense and also need help on the offensive line. The Colts have a selection of talented players to choose from both on offense and defense. Their best option might be to trade back in this draft to team like Buffalo and acquire more picks. The Colts select: Bradley Chubb Edge NC St. The Colts are only going to go as far as an up right Andrew Luck is going to take them, but Bradley Chubb is still the best player available and is the perfect fit for their new 4-3 defense
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. Quentin Nelson OL ND. Nelson is just too good of a prospect for the Bears to pass up. If he was a left tackle teams would trade up to get him in the top 5.
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. The 49ers might want to trade up when they see that Chubb is falling. They could make a deal with the Colts.
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. Browns: They trade back to fill more spots on their roster. The Browns 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.
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: Raquon Smith LB Georgia. Linebacker has never exactly been a priority for the Packers especially in the middle. The Packers have had some success with Blake Martinez in the middle and the combination of Martinez and Smith could be the strongest duo at inside linebacker in the NFL.