DraftStock.Net

Jordan Katz 2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Pre-Combine

Posted on March 1, 2018

It’s time for round two of #MockDraftSZN! With free agency and the NFL Combine right around the corner, plenty will change from now until the draft. However, that doesn’t stop mock draft aficionados like myself from trying to see how close our value of players are from the start of the draft process to the end of the draft process.

For this draft, I made three key free agent assumptions. I assumed Kirk Cousins signed with the Jets (no this is not a homer move, this is just my observation on where things are at right now), which means the Jets do not need a quarterback. I also assumed the Vikings netted AJ McCarron, which takes them out of the running for a quarterback in 2018. Lastly, I assumed Le’Veon Bell stayed in Pittsburgh, which may appear unlikely right now, but I think it would be a mistake for Bell to go elsewhere.

As always, I made trades when it made sense for both teams, and all selections are based on my evaluation of team needs (I will put out a predictions mock draft after most major free agents have signed).

ROUND ONE

1) Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma- The first change from my original mock draft is at QB1. Mayfield tore up Senior Bowl week, excelling during each of the practices throughout the week. His leadership skills were also on full display. The culture needs to change in Cleveland and I believe Mayfield can be the franchise QB they desperately need.

2) Denver Broncos via New York Giants: Josh Rosen, QB UCLA- Whichever one of the Broncos or New York Jets do not land Kirk Cousins should proceed to pay whatever the Giants ask for to move up and draft their franchise quarterback. As of right now, I believe the Jets are the favorites to land Cousins, so the Broncos move up and select Rosen, the next best QB on my board.

3) Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, EDGE NC State- The Colts need defense. That’s all the analysis needed on this selection.

Editor’s Note: Look for Chubb to impress at the combine. He’s got all the tools to shine in the drills and the athleticism to shine in the workout portion of the combine.

4) Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State- As I said in my initial mock draft, the goal for the Browns on day one should be to walk away with a franchise quarterback and the best player in the draft.

5) New York Giants via Denver Broncos: Connor Williams, OT Texas- I know this isn’t the “sexy draft,” Giants fans may want with the second overall selection, but I think it’s the best way to build this team for the present and the future. Trade down, acquire assets, and select from a loaded offensive line class.

Editor’s Note: The reason the Giants select Williams instead of Quenton Nelson is because Nelson can’t play tackle and the Giants desperately need a left tackle to protect Eli Manning’s blindside.

6) Arizona Cardinals via New York Jets: Sam Darnold, QB USC- Assuming the Jets land Kirk Cousins, I feel it is in their best interest to trade down and acquire more assets in this draft class.

Arizona is desperate for a franchise quarterback. They were 8-8 last year without any semblance of an offense.

This is an ideal landing spot for Darnold because he can go through “growing pains,” in terms of turnovers and not cost Arizona wins because of its stout defense.

7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/FS/SS Alabama- The Bucs need a dominant pass rusher, but they also need help in their secondary as well. Fitzpatrick’s versatility should fit nicely on a defense that has to find their identity in 2018.

8) Chicago Bears: Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame- The Bears have a number of different needs, but best player available isn’t a bad strategy when the number one thing you need is talent. Nelson would quietly give the Bears one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

9) San Francisco 49ers (currently tied with Oakland): Carlton Davis, CB Auburn- I still don’t think a receiver has established themselves as a top ten selection. Therefore the Niners go for an impact corner that can lock down receivers with an in your face style similar to Marshon Lattimore.

10) Oakland Raiders (currently tied with San Francisco): Roquan Smith, ILB Georgia- If you’re looking for my draft strategy for the Oakland Raiders, here it is; Eat. Sleep. Roquan Smith. Repeat.

11) Miami Dolphins: Braden Smith, OT/OG Auburn- Even though they suffered from injuries up front, the Dolphins need to bolster their offensive line this offseason. Smith’s nastiness in the run game would be a big asset to the Dolphins offensive attack.

12) Cincinnati Bengals: Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame- I still like the idea of the Bengals going with an offensive tackle early in this draft. They need to bolster the right side of their offensive line.

13) Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, NT Washington- Vea is an elite nose tackle prospect. His ability to eat blockers as well as his ability to use his hands will be an immediate asset to any team’s defense. Washington needs a stop gap in the middle, so this match works perfectly.

14) Green Bay Packers: Derwin James, FS/SS Florida State- Among the players to watch at the Combine in Indy is Derwin James. He struggled this year, but so did everyone at Florida State. He’s still a freak athlete with impressive ball skills and range. If he shows strength in the drills and tests where he should athletically, he can become a top ten pick again.

15) New York Jets via Arizona Cardinals: Tremaine Edmunds, EDGE/OLB Virginia Tech- I think the obsession over Tremaine Edmunds may be a little premature at this moment, but he’s easily a top 15 selection in this draft. He’s a do-it-all linebacker with elite athleticism.

16) Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis- Miller does have a foot injury, but he is still my top receiver. His tape is terrific, he’s strong in every aspect of his route running and he’s got the best hands in the draft class. If his athleticism tests well at the Combine, there’s no way he should be one the board after day one.

17) Los Angeles Chargers: Orlando Brown, OT Oklahoma- After completing Brown’s tape, he’s risen very high on my personal board. This is still about the range I would expect him to go, but it wouldn’t shock me if he wound up in the top 10-15 picks.

18) Seattle Seahawks: Derrius Guice, RB LSU- Guice would be the top running back in any normal draft year, but this isn’t a normal year. He can do everything Saquon Barkley can, just on a little lesser scale. The Seahawks have missed the running game in their offense the last few years, which has resulted in them taking a step backwards in the NFC. Add Guice, and that changes.

19) Dallas Cowboys: Dante Pettis, WR Washington- I feel like the draft community has cooled on Dante Pettis, but I still like him a lot. He’s a deep threat that high points the ball well. If he runs a strong 40 time and measures well, he should rise back up the draft boards. If he doesn’t, I may have to drop him on my board.

20) Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport, EDGE UTSA- Davenport really shined throughout senior week. His hands and speed were mismatches for offensive linemen all week. If he’s on the board for Detroit at 20, they should take their gift and run away.

21) Buffalo Bills: Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M- Kirk is a dynamic route runner who should shine in Indianapolis. He’s expected to run a strong 40 and he should thrive in the gauntlet drill (which I think is kind of useless, but I digress). Kirk would give the Bills a chains mover, something they haven’t had since Peerless Price and Lee Evans were balling…. well maybe not that long ago.

22) Cleveland Browns from Buffalo Bills via Kansas City Chiefs: Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State- Denzel Ward is a ridiculous athlete with big time man coverage ability. He could fly up draft boards if he measures well in Indy. Cleveland mortgages some picks to move up and add a number one cornerback.

23) Los Angeles Rams: Arden Key, EDGE LSU- This pick is a scary thought, but it might be the best possible fit for Key in the draft. Despite falling on some draft boards, he’s still a tremendous pass rushing talent. Imagine lining him up opposite Robert Quinn with Aaron Donald in the middle? #Sheeeesh.

24) Carolina Panthers: Billy Price, OG/OC Ohio State- Price has gone under the radar so far in this draft season, but don’t be fooled by that. He’s athletic, intelligent, and he dictates defenders at the point of attack. If Carolina loses Andrew Norwell to free agency, they will need to add a lineman in the first few rounds of the draft.

25) Tennessee Titans: Ogbonnio Okoronkwo, OLB Oklahoma- I know some question his size and the fact that he has a tendency to over-run the play, but I love Okoronkwo’s athleticism and range. He’s able to bend and dip around the edge very well, which makes him an ideal and complete 3-4 outside linebacker. I’ll take a guy with a motor over one that’s a step slow any day of the week.

26) Atlanta Falcons: Da’Ron Payne, DT Alabama- Payne is going to be the value pick of this draft. He’s quick off the ball, he’s got a strong lower base when engaged in blocks and his hands are lighting fast with a big punch behind them.

27) New Orleans Saints: Ronnie Harrison, SS Alabama- New Orleans doesn’t have many needs this offseason, but one of them is replacing Kenny Vaccaro. Harrison is a hard hitting safety with good range and a nose for the football. He’s got some ability as a double high safety as well, making him an ideal fit for the Saints.

28) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaire Alexander, CB Louisville- Alexander is another talented man cover corner in a ridiculously good cornerback class. Pittsburgh needs to continue to turn over their defense, particularly in the secondary. Artie Burns and Sean Davis is a good start, and adding Alexander would help complete a secondary that could thrive as early as next season.

29) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Hernandez, OG UTEP- If you’re looking for an intense, nasty offensive lineman to maul you off the ball in the run game, Will Hernandez is for you. This guy plays with an edge and an intensity that you cannot teach. He’s a perfect fit for Jacksonville’s offensive mentality.

30) Minnesota Vikings: Leighton Vander Esch, ILB Boise State- Vander Esch’s tape is very impressive. He’s one of the best off ball linebackers in the draft. What sticks out to me is that he was used incorrectly on blitz packages, yet he was still a stand out on film. Get ready to see Vander Esch in most first rounds after the Combine.

31) New England Patriots: Joshua Jackson, CB Iowa- The Patriots lack of secondary depth was on full display at the Super Bowl a month ago. Malcolm Butler will be elsewhere in 2018, and Eric Rowe is an impending free agent next year. The Patriots must come away with a corner in their first few picks of this draft.

32) Philadelphia Eagles: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT Western Michigan- The Eagles don’t need much to return to the promised land in 2018, but one of the things to keep an eye on is their offensive line, particularly the tackle position. Jason Peters is on his way out soon, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai was only okay in his role of replacing Peters. Okorafor needs some polishing, but he has a very high upside, in my opinion.

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1- Denver Broncos trade the #5, #40 a 2019 1st and a 2019 3rd to the New York Giants for the #2 overall pick.

2- Arizona Cardinals trade the #15, #47 and a 2019 2nd round pick to the New York Jets for the #6 overall pick

3- Cleveland Browns trade the #33 and the #65 to the Buffalo Bills for the #22 overall pick.

ROUND TWO

33) Buffalo Bills via Cleveland Browns: Taven Bryan, DT Florida- Taven Bryan is athletic and a bull in the trenches. His game needs to be polished a bit but he’s got a terrific motor.

34) New York Giants: Sony Michel, RB Georgia- Michel is the do-it-all running back the Giants are so desperate to add this offseason.

35) Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: DeShon Elliott, FS Texas- The Browns need secondary members that will force turnovers. After grabbing Ward in round one, they take a rangy safety with single high ability in DeShon Elliott.

36) Indianapolis Colts: Martinas Rankin, OT Mississippi State- The Colts need offensive line. The Colts need offensive line. The Colts need offensive line.

37) New York Jets: Isaiah Oliver, CB Colorado- Oliver doesn’t deserve to miss out on being a first round pick, but one of these corners is going to fall. Jets get a steal in round two.

38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sam Hubbard, DE Ohio State- Hubbard is disciplined in his gap assignments, and he has a very good moveset. The Bucs have to get to the passer in 2018 if they want to be a playoff team.

39) Chicago Bears: Michael Gallup, WR Colorado State- Gallup has the upside to be the best receiver in this draft class. He ran a solid route tree in college and catches almost everything thrown in his area code.

40) New York Giants via Denver Broncos: Isaiah Wynn, OG Georgia- Wynn is rising up draft boards, but he needs to improve in pass protection before I give him a first round grade.

41) Oakland Raiders: Holton Hill, CB Texas- The run of talented cover corners continues. Hill is a ballhawk, and the Raiders are in desperate need of turnovers from their secondary.

42) Miami Dolphins: Ronald Jones II, RB USC- I don’t think the Dolphins see Kenyan Drake as the running back of the future, so they capitalize on value at take RoJo in round two.

43) New England Patriots via San Francisco 49ers: Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State- Rob Gronkowski may be returning in 2018, but he has a history of injuries and may be walking away from the game soon. Patriots get a tight end of the future and the present.

44) Washington Redskins: Rashaan Evans, ILB Alabama- Evans has good sideline to sideline ability and he’s a strong tackler. He will be a big time run stopper in the middle of any team’s defense at the next level.

45) Green Bay Packers: Alex Cappa, OT/OG Humboldt State- The Packers are desperate for offensive line depth this offseason. Cappa’s footwork and intelligence will allow him to be successful at the next level.

46) Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Reid, FS Stanford- If Reid tests well in Indy, he could fly up draft boards. He’s a ballhawk with intelligence and range. The Bengals need a game changer at the safety position this offseason.

47) New York Jets via Arizona Cardinals: Harrison Phillips, DL Stanford- With the lack of true edge rushers in this draft, the Jets are better off signing an edge rusher and replacing Mo Wilkerson through the draft, rather than re-signing Kony Ealy and drafting an edge guy.

48) Los Angeles Chargers: Tegray Scales, OLB/ILB Indiana- Scales will be a big riser if he tests well in Indianapolis. He’s very similar to Haason Redick in terms of his athleticism, but it’s his all-around game that has him at this spot.

49) New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Kerryon Johnson, RB Auburn- Johnson is probably the most underrated running back in this class. He’s a beast between the tackles and he explodes through holes created by his linemen.

50) Dallas Cowboys: Derrick Nnadi, DT Florida State- Nnadi struggled this past season, but he’s still a mismatch when he goes one-on-one with interior linemen.

51) Detroit Lions: Raashan Penny, RB San Diego State- The San Diego State standout will have to test well at the combine. Assuming he does, he has the tape to go in round two.

52) Baltimore Ravens: Mark Andrews, TE Oklahoma- The Ravens need pass catchers. The Ravens need pass catchers. The Ravens need pass catchers.

53) Buffalo Bills: Frank Ragnow, OG/OC Arkansas- Ragnow can be a starter at three different spots on the line in the NFL. As I’ve stated before, I value intelligence more than athleticism for offensive linemen.

54) Kansas City Chiefs: Wyatt Teller, OG Virginia Tech- Despite trading Marcus Peters and appearing to be in need of cornerback depth, I have a feeling the Chiefs like the state of their secondary. They may choose to go elsewhere come draft day, and something that makes sense is grabbing a starting guard with their first pick.

55) Carolina Panthers: Terrell Edmunds, SS Virginia Tech- Edmunds is a multi-dimensional safety that would fit perfectly in the Panthers double high defense.

56) Buffalo Bills via Los Angeles Rams: Mike Hughes, CB Central Florida- Nickel cornerbacks are more valuable than ever, and Mike Hughes has the potential to be an exceptional nickel cornerback.

57) Tennessee Titans: Mason Cole, OL Michigan- Much like Ragnow a few picks ago, Cole has the intelligence to make it in the NFL. He played almost everywhere during his career at Michigan.

58) Atlanta Falcons: Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama- I’m not as high on Ridley as many, but this is a terrific fit for the former Alabama standout.

59) San Francisco 49ers via New Orleans Saints: Hercules Mata’Afa, EDGE Washington State- Mata’Afa is incredibly quick off the edge and he shows the ability to dip and bend past tackles on tape. The Niners need to get more pass rushers this offseason.

60) Pittsburgh Steelers: Fred Warner, OLB/ILB BYU- Warner had an unbelievable senior week and remains one of the best off ball linebackers in the draft. He would be a huge addition to the Steelers 3-4 defense.

61) Jacksonville Jaguars: Mike Gesicki, TE Penn State- Gesicki may not be a blocker…at all… but he goes to a team where he would only catch passes, and that’s something he does unbelievably well.

62) Minnesota Vikings: Breeland Speaks, DT Ole Miss- Speaks replaces Sharrif Floyd and adds more versatility to a ridiculously talented defensive line.

63) New England Patriots: Rasheem Green, DE USC- Green actually deserved to go higher than this. He’s disciplined and very quick off the ball, two qualities the Patriots love to have in their defensive linemen.

64) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: DaeSean Hamilton, WR Penn State- Hamilton is a phenomenal route runner. Assuming he shows better hands than his tape, he could be a day two selection.