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2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

1. Cleveland (0-13) Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The Browns place the future of their franchise in yet another QB’s hands. Fortunately for them they are making the right decision here. Assuming he declares, Rosen is certainly in play for the number one overall selection. He’s the best passer in the draft and the most ready in my option to start. He’s also got all the tools to succeed in the NFL and could finally be the guy to lead the Browns back to being a respectable franchise.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. New York Giants (2-11) Sam Darnold, QB, USC

What a mess the Giants are in right now. McAdoo has been fired and now the Giants will be in full time re-building mode. However, lucky for them Sam Darnold is still available. He’s young, but supremely talented and very young. Drafting Darnold here will give Giant fans some hope after a horrendous season.

3. Trade: Washington from Indy (3-10) Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn St.

I am going to predict a trade again here and here’s my reasons why. Washington has been disappointing this season; from the huge failure that Terrell Pryor has been (to be fair expectations were way too high), failure to find a featured back, failure to get a long-term deal worked out for Cousins and failure to get into position to secure a playoff berth; Washington fans are frustrated. I would imagine Jon Gruden’s seat is getting a little warm. He may think that this is his last shot to prove he’s the legitimate long-term HC for the Redskins and do something bold this off-season. Well, here it is; he trades up to get a work-horse, special talent RB to take the Redskin’s offense to a new level. An offense with Cousins at QB, Barkley and Chris Thompson at RB, would be scary. It would certainly take a lot of pressure off Cousins and to be honest if they had Barkley this year they would have won 2 to 3 more games. Gruden could only have one more year and drafting Barkley could be his best bet to get back to the post season. Barkley is the most talented player in this draft and would be a huge addition to the Washington offense.

4. San Francisco (3-10) Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

San Francisco has to be disappointed they missed out on Barkley but Fitzpatrick is not a big drop off talent wise in my mind. He’s a versatile, dangerous defensive playmaker that will start immediately. He’s a rare defensive game-changer and a solid addition to a very young and up-coming 49ers team.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Denver (4-9) Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Denver has also had a rough year and Elway is not happy about it. The QB play has been a mess and Lynch may not be the answer in Elway’s mind, despite the fact that he’s still relatively young. Josh Allen’s hype has died down, but I believe he (like Arden Key) was overhyped to begin with; not that I dislike him, he’s got a ton of traits that I am very impressed with. He’s a competitor that doesn’t ever give up. He’s very athletic and has an NFL arm. Sure he’s raw but he’s playing at Wyoming for goodness sakes. I think his skill set and raw potential will intrigue the Broncos.

6. Cleveland - from Houston (4-9) Raquon Smith, LB, Georgia

Cleveland would be thrilled to land Smith here; I certainly would be. Smith has quickly become one of my favorite prospects in this draft and I cannot see a way he escapes the top 10. I think Barkley, Fitzpatrick, Smith, Nelson and Bradley Chubb are elite prospects. Obviously, for the Browns QB position has to be number 1. After that grab one of the elite prospects; and luckily for them with 2 QBs going after they go QB number 1 they have their choice of a large chunk of my elite guys. Smith is a rangy, tough, aggressive and playmaking LB. He’s all over the field and despite the fact the Browns are having a bad season, they have a young, and talented roster. They could be dramatically better next season. Especially with John Dorsey at GM now.

7. Chicago (4-9) Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. St.

Chicago could most definitely use a WR here but they cannot pass on Chubb. Chubb is a fantastic prospect and has been terrific this season. He’s got the NFL size, great production, good toughness and has the ability to come in an immediately contribute. I had either Nelson or Chubb here and I believe the Bears go DE here grabbing the N.C. St. standout.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

8. Tampa Bay (4-9) Arden Key, DE, LSU

The Buccaneers desperately need to upgrade their pass rush and Key is one of the top rated pass rushers in this draft. There are a ton of mixed reviews on Key; I wasn’t overly impressed with Key to begin the season and felt that he was overhyped, but I have actually seen some pretty impressive plays from him this year. I think he’s inconsistent and still has areas of improvement and I am still hesitant to put him high in my mocks. However, he does have first round talent, it’s just a risky selection in my mind.

9. Cincinnati (5-8) Derwin James, S, Florida St.

One of the more popular prospects in this draft; the Bengals grab the playmaking safety from FSU. There are certainly injury concerns here but he’s played well after starting the season rough and there’s no denying his talent. He’s got elite ability that only comes around every so often. There will be some changes in the Bengals organization next season so it will be interesting but for this mock I have the grabbing an exciting safety from FSU.

10. New York Jets (5-8) Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

I know, I would hate this....I am not biased though and this proves it. Nelson would be a slam-dunk for the Jets. He’s a terrific prospect that is clean and ready to start. Baker Mayfield has to be tempting here but Nelson is higher on my board and really, it’s who I would pick.

11. Trade: Indianapolis from Washington (5-8) Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

After trading down the Colts still grab a really solid, talented prospect. I would imagine also they could get a lot from a team trading up for the most talented player in the draft. The Colts though in reality, probably should draft Barkley if given the chance, but the offer may be too good to pass on, they could be gun-shy from the last top 3 overall RB on their roster, or simply may believe Barkley is overhyped. Regardless, this is a fake draft and if they get multiple picks and still land a top 10 prospect, they have to be feeling good about themselves. Wilkins is a monster and a proven prospect. I would have issues drafting him in the top 10.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

12. Arizona (6-7) Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Mayfield is your 2017 Heisman winner and in my mind a first round QB. There’s a lot of opinion on him out there and I’ve told you guys before, QB is my hardest position to scout. The Ohio St. film won me over though on Mayfield. He’s got the ‘it’ factor along with an NFL arm and tremendous playmaking ability. Now, for the Cardinals they need to grab a future starter at the QB position and if Mayfield is here, he’s got to be in the conversation.

13. Oakland (6-7) Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Payne has been terrific this year, showing off true force and unbelievable athleticism. He’s truly a force in the middle and will bring toughness and a stout plug along their D-line. I think secondary needs are there too for the Raiders but Payne is one of my top rated guys and the Raiders start improving by adding to their trenches.

14. Trade: Carolina from Miami (6-7) Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Another trade in this edition. Carolina moves up with Miami to grab the best WR in this draft. Ridley is certainly one of the top players on the board and even though San Diego took Mike Williams last year I wouldn’t rule them out taking a top rated playmaker like Ridley. Ridley is a smooth route-runner with skills that remind me of Antonio Brown. Wide-out is a big need for the Panthers and Ridley would be a huge addition to the Panther’s offense.

Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

15. Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) Ken Webster, CB, Ole Miss

Webster is one of the top players available and he fits a need for the Chargers. Webster has some minor off the field issues and a torn ACL in his past but has played very well this year and could end up being a first round pick. The Chargers are playing very well right now but could use some help at CB.

16. Dallas (7-6) Ronnie Harrison, Alabama

Harrison is a hard hitting safety, ultra-talented safety that has been playing at a high level all year. The Cowboys have better then I thought on defense but their secondary still could use some help. Harrison’s coverage skills do need improvement but he’s a top level talent that doesn’t come around every day.

17. Detroit (7-6) Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

The Lions could clearly use a workhorse RB to take some pressure off of Matt Stafford. Guice is a tough runner that is hard to bring down. He’s got a low center of gravity and hits the hole fast. I think in today’s NFL where its all about passing, running the football takes a back seat. However, it’s incredibly important to run the football and I think that has a direct relationship with winning games. Getting a workhorse back for the Lion’s backfield would be a huge burst for them as an organization.

18. Buffalo (7-6) Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio St.

I have Ward rated slightly higher then this so the Bills are getting pretty good value here. QB is an option but with Peterman being so young I am not sold on them definitely taking a QB first round. Ward is a solid all-around cornerback and a potential immediate contributor. I love his instincts and his break on the ball. His stock is rising.

19. Green Bay (7-6) Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

McGlinchey is one of the top players still on the board and the Packer’s are known to go best player available. He just so happens to also fit a need too; protecting Rodgers needs to be a priority so McGlinchey would make a lot of sense here.

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

20. Seattle (8-5) Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

The Seahawks desperately need to upgrade their pass rush and Farrell is one of the top rated pass rushers in this draft. Farrell has enjoyed a great season along a star-studded defensive line. He adds youth and talent the Seahawk’s defensive line.

21. Baltimore (7-6) Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

Anthony Miller is rising up my big board and I got him being selected here. He’s another prospect that wasn’t on my radar at all in May; well I certainly know him know! I have mentioned before I think him and Calvin Ridley both have a deadly quickness and change of direction speed that is natural and unmatched. That trait (not comparing the overall prospect just the trait) reminds me of Antonio Brown. I do think Miller is a little raw but he’s a solid playmaker that is just scratching the surface of his potential. He will be a big boast to the Raven’s offense.

22. Buffalo - from Kansas City (7-6) Vita Vea, DT, Washington

The Bill’s defense has not been good and since getting rid of Dareus they have a hole in the middle of their defense. Vea has been phenomenal this year; dominating at times and having big impacts on games. I think he’s a solid first round pick and a safe selection here for the Bills.

23. Atlanta (8-5) Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

This pick is all about protecting Matt Ryan. Brown has played well this season but I think he’s got the potential to become a lot better. He’s got elite frame, good strength and pretty good production. I think he needs to learn to move a little bit better and control his big body but once he gets his basics and details of his game down he could be an All-Pro LT.

24. Trade: Miami from Carolina (9-4) Billy Price, C, Ohio St.

The Dolphins finally make a selection here and I have them taking Billy Price, the versatile interior lineman from Ohio St. I do not know what will happen to Mike Pouncey this offseason. I am not sure if we will try to get Isiata into a starting role; there’s a lot of uncertainly. This is certain though, we could use a stud center/guard. Price can play both. He’s most definitely a better pass protector then run blocker and has techniques he needs to clean up on, but I think he could compete and potentially win a starting job and hopefully bring some stability to our offensive line.

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

25. Tennessee (8-5) Taven Bryan, DE, Florida

Bryan recently declared for the draft and I think he made the right decision. He’s coming off a breakout season and his stock is soaring now. Tennessee’s defense has been so-so and adding Bryan; a player who has unbelievable potential and talent, is going to take their defense in the right direction.

26. Jacksonville (9-4) Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Jacksonville is enjoying a tremendous season. Their defense has been phenomenal and while they are elite at defending the pass they actually could use some help along the D-line. Hurst would be a perfect fit learning behind Calias Campbell and Malik Jackson and bring good depth and talent to a already great defense.

27. Los Angeles Rams (9-4) Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

Joshua Jackson has had as good a season any prospect could ask for. He’s been a playmaker and a game-changer from the defensive side of the ball. His tape is very, very good. I know there’s concern for his frame but he’s got first round talent and could very easily be drafted around this range. The Rams could use some help at CB and Jackson fits the bill.

28. New Orleans (9-4) Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

The Saints are having a great season mainly thanks to their stud RBs but even though this offense is clicking on all cylinders I still think WR isn’t out of the question here. Especially when it’s such great value with Sutton. Sutton is a big bodied WR that has been very productive at SMU and has even been rated as the number 1 WR by some scouts. I think he’s riskier then selection Ridley or even Miller but I have a late first round grade on him and the Saints could snatch him up here.

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

29. Minnesota (10-3) Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Connor Williams is a tough one for me. His injury concerns scare me badly. He’s got high first round talent but this season was so up and down for him. It’s all going to come down to his medical which obvious I do not know. I do know Minnesota could use some offensive line help and assuming he can come back 100% Williams would be a great pick here.

30. New England (10-3) Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson

The Patriot’s defense has not been good this year. So, with Bryant still on the board, I think this pick makes a lot of sense. Bryant is a guy who’s quick off the ball, has a high motor, and can get after the QB. He’s a little stiff and I don’t see a great bend but he’s definitely got NFL talent and the Patriots could sure use him.

31. Philadelphia (11-2) Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

First off, what a shame for Carson Wentz and I truly wish him a speedy recovery. Secondly, what a blow to the Eagles. I can’t imagine their team being anywhere near as good without Wentz. As for this mock I have them taking Carlton Davis. I have a lot of film on these corners of this draft that I need to go through because I think there’s a lot of good ones. The Eagles could go many different ways here but Davis could make sense. He’s a good size, athletic guy who could end up being a first round pick.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

32. Pittsburgh (11-2) Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

First off here, I am wishing Ryan Shazier a speedy recovery and prayers are certainly being sent your way; what a scary, scary situation. Secondly, it’s very possible Shazier may be done with football. Even if he is able to come back they still could use some inside LB help. Plus, the Steelers love to draft LBs. Evans is a very good, athletic sideline to sideline LB. I think he’s underrated and I have a late first round grade on him. I think he’s solid in the run game, has the ability to cover and he can get to where the ball is going fast. He’s also very aggressive and plays with technique. This would be a solid pick here and a potential immediate starter for the Steelers.



This post first appeared on The Phinsider, A Miami Dolphins Community, please read the originial post: here

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2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

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