Here is the (1-10) Mock Draft for the 2018 NFL Draft. Note: This draft follows the belief that no teams will be trading picks in the first round.
1. Cleveland Browns, Sam Darnold, QB USC
Darnold has shown excellent ball skills and IQ as a quarterback at USC. Although I believe Josh Rosen is a better quarterback overall, Darnold fits Hue Jackson’s scheme better than Rosen would.
2. New York Giants, Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State
Barkley is the best athlete in the draft by far. His amazing shifty moves and mobility allow for great upfield bursts. The Giants’ running game has been terrible since Tiki Barber left. Eli Manning still has 1 more year left in the tank.
3. Indianapolis Colts, Bradley Chubb, DE NC State
Chubb has amazing speed and power for an edge rusher. He gets to the quarterback quick and applies more pressure than any other edge rusher in the draft. His high mobility compares him to Myles Garrett, the 1st round pick in the 2017 draft. Expect him to make an immediate impact on the Colts defense under Frank Reich.
4. Cleveland Browns, Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/SS/FS Alabama
Fitzpatrick plays nearly any role in the secondary. After the Browns picked up Jabrill Peppers in the 2017 draft, they released Joe Haden who signed with the Steelers. Fitzpatrick would be a perfect fill for the young and talented defense.
5. Denver Broncos, Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame
Nelson is a big, mean, 328 pound freak. He is an amazing pass blocker and pancake blocks many unprepared defensive lineman. I see the Broncos picking up Kirk Cousins in free agency to draft a lineman that will protect him.
6. New York Jets, Josh Rosen, QB UCLA
Rosen is the best passer in the draft class and has insane tight window accuracy. He is 6″4 and 220 lbs just like Sam Darnold. However, he isn’t as easily coachable and playmaking may be a struggle for the Jets. Expect a rocky road at the start of the season and a great finish from Rosen (if he starts…).
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Marcus Davenport, DE UTSA
Davenport, like Chubb, has great mobility as an edge rusher. He lacks power at times, however, he is a great run stuffer and hurries quarterbacks with his speed. He is an incredible athlete who would be a great fit on Tampa Bay’s defense alongside rising stars Vernon Hargreaves III and LaVonte David.
8. Chicago Bears, Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State
Although the Bears need receivers to support Mitchell Trubisky’s growth, Ryan Pace will probably sign Allen Robinson or Jarvis Landry alongside Kevin White and Cameron Meredith’s recovery. Ward is a Marshon Lattimore esque cornerback. He shows amazing 1-on-1 coverage skills and packs a punch with his big hits. Plus, Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara are heading to Free Agency this offseason.
9. San Francisco 49ers, Tremaine Edmunds, LB Virginia Tech
Edmunds’ athletic frame alongside his mobility allow for great playmaking abilities on and off the ball. He can get to a quarterback fast or stuff a run to the sides or up the gut. He can even cover receivers with his speed. Expect him to make an immediate impact and possibly become the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
10. Oakland Raiders, Joshua Jackson, CB Iowa
The Raiders’ secondary in the 2017-2018 season was terrible. Interceptions were almost non-existent and the only piece that was good was Khalil Mack. The secondary must improve under new head coach Jon Gruden. Joshua Jackson offers great playmaking at his position.
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