Jordan Katz: NFL Mock Draft 3.0- Post Free Agency and Three Rounds

Posted on April 9, 2018 Updated on April 14, 2018

We’ve hit the final stretch of #MockDraftSZN. This has been one of the most eventful offseasons that I can remember. There have been so many big trades, as well as plenty of moving parts in free agency. Now we’re less than 20 days away from the biggest spectacle of the offseason. The ultimate sense of hope and renewal for every team; the NFL Draft.

My rankings and player evaluations have changed a bit since my most recent mock draft. There are some new players that have entered round one for me, as well as some players that have dropped in value. I’ve also expanded this mock draft to three rounds, giving you, the fans, a better insight into what I think each team should do at each selection.

ROUND ONE

1) Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB USC- For the record, Darnold is not my top quarterback according to my grades. However, with the acquisition of Tyrod Taylor, the Browns no longer have to select a starting quarterback for 2018 in this draft. Darnold has the most upside of any quarterback in this draft. He also gets to sit for as long as he needs. Hopefully Darnold can finally be the quarterback to guide the Browns back to NFL notoriety.

2) Buffalo Bills via New York Giants: Josh Rosen, QB UCLA- As you all know by now, I only execute trades when it’s in the best interest of both teams involved. And as you all know by now, I think the Giants should trade down with this pick.

Here’s why Buffalo should trade up though, even if it costs them three first round picks. I only have three quarterbacks with a first round grade, and the Bills have to get one of them. They still have a competitive roster and a good, young defense. Buffalo gives the farm to come up and grab their franchise quarterback.

3) New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts: Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma- Not only is Mayfield my top passer based on his collegiate tape, but he is built for the bright lights of New York City. He will embrace the challenge of playing in front of such a demanding fan base. “Broadway Baker,” is the ideal future quarterback of the Jets.

4) Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State- As I said in Mock Draft 2.0, grabbing a quarterback and Barkley at the top of this draft gives the Browns a legitimate offense for next year and beyond.

5) Denver Broncos: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/FS/SS Alabama- With the three first round quarterbacks off the board, Denver turns to its next primary need. Fitzpatrick has the ability to be a “joker,” on defense, a weapon Denver could use after losing Aqib Talib and moving Bradley Roby to the outside.  

6) Indianapolis Colts via New York Jets: Bradley Chubb, EDGE NC State– I don’t believe the “Chubb is a better prospect than Myles Garrett,” thing that’s going around in the media. What I do believe is that Chubb has been underrated for a large portion of the draft process. Yes, this isn’t a good edge rushing class, but Chubb is an excellent one and worthy of a top ten selection.

7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derwin James, FS/SS Florida State- James tested off the charts at the combine, which reassured my belief that the toxic environment in Tallahassee this past fall was the reason for a diminished year on tape. Tampa needs secondary help, so the fit and value make sense.

8) Chicago Bears: Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame- For anyone in the business of predicting the draft, Nelson to the Bears makes so much sense. Chicago needs to continue to sure up their offensive line and Nelson is going to fall a little bit because he’s a guard. It’s a steal in terms of value, one the Bears should not pass on if given the chance.

9) Los Angeles Chargers via San Francisco 49ers: Connor Williams, OT Texas- The Chargers tackle situation is not good. Joe Barksdale needs to be replaced as soon as possible and Russell Okung is a cap cut option in 2019. Williams has the athleticism and technique to be worthy of a top ten selection this year. Los Angeles jumps the Raiders to snag their left tackle of the future.

10) Oakland Raiders: Carlton Davis, CB Auburn- To me, Davis is being vastly underrated by the mock draft community. He’s physical at the line, he has a great feel for his space and where to lead receivers, and his technique is being wrongfully criticized. He’s not the best at trailing, but it’s not a concern to me because he’s the best press cover corner in this draft. With some NFL coaching, Davis could be a top tier corner.

11) Miami Dolphins: Tremaine Edmunds, EDGE/OLB Virginia Tech- Miami seems to think they will be better this year than they were last year.

I think they have one of the worst teams in football and should quickly attempt a full blown rebuild.

So for this pick, I compromised. I gave them an athletic do-it-all linebacker that is only 19 years old. A pick that is both for now, and for the future.

12) New York Giants from Buffalo Bills via Cincinnati Bengals: Roquan Smith, ILB/OLB Georgia- I know, the Giants haven’t drafted a linebacker in round one in over 30 years. Fortunately for me, I run the show in this mock draft. Smith has the ability to play anywhere in a 4-3, and if the Giants go to a 3-4, he can play inside next to Alec Ogletree. Smith is a perfect scheme fit for Big Blue.

13) Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, NT Washington- Eventually I will get Vea into the top ten where he belongs. For now, the Redskins can just continue to reap the benefits of their good fortunes.

14) Green Bay Packers: Braden Smith, OG Auburn- Green Bay needs help on the interior of their offensive line. Keeping Aaron Rodgers healthy and upright is priority number one for a team looking to bounce back in 2018. Smith is a beast in the run game and more athletic than people think.

15) Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis- Miller remains the only wideout with a first round grade on my board. Frankly, I’m confused as to how the mainstream media hasn’t picked up on his talents in a weak wide receiver class. Miller is a terrific route runner with great hands and the ability to beat defensive backs in the air despite his size. 

16) Baltimore Ravens: Leighton Vander Esch, ILB Boise State- I love this pick. Vander Esch gives the Ravens two do-it-all linebackers in the middle of their 3-4 defense (CJ Mosley being the other). Vander Esch is terrific in off-ball coverage and his ability to play downhill versus the run is also very good. Baltimore addressed their wide receiver need during free agency, making them free to address whatever need they desire at the 16th selection.

17) San Francisco 49ers via Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M- Very simple analysis here; the 49ers need pass catchers. Call me crazy, but a receiving core of Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin doesn’t seem like the way to build up Jimmy Garoppolo.

18) Cleveland Browns via Seattle Seahawks: Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State- Yes. this is a heavy price to pay to trade back into round one. However, I have less than a full round of first round grades, or “NFL Starter Grades,” depending on what grading system you choose to use. In fact, if you exclude the running back class, I only have 21 first round grades this year. So for Cleveland to come out of this draft with three impact NFL starters would be terrific.

Ward gives the Browns a true number one cornerback. He does a great job finding the football in the air, his technique is strong, and he’s the best athlete at the cornerback position.

Editor’s Note: This makes sense for Seattle as well because this draft does have a lot of potential starters in rounds 2-4. Seattle needs depth, so they acquire two picks in the top 35.

19) Dallas Cowboys: Da’Ron Payne, DT Alabama- Cowboys fans would throw a party if they could sneak Payne in at 19. His athleticism and strength at the point of attack is something Dallas desperately needs in the middle of their defense.

20) Detroit Lions: Marcus Davenport, EDGE UTSA- Detroit must come away with a pass rusher on day one because they might not be able to on day two. Davenport followed up a terrific senior bowl week with a very impressive combine. Some question how technical he is and if he has a NFL level move set, but his athleticism alone is worthy of a first round call on draft day.

21) Cincinnati Bengals via Buffalo Bills: Billy Price, C/OG Ohio State- Price can provide immediate help to a diminished offensive line on the interior. I like his tape at center more than his tape at guard, but there’s no question that he can do both at the next level.

22) New York Giants via Buffalo Bills: Jaire Alexander, CB Louisville- I can’t imagine that any Giant fan wants to go into the season starting Eli Apple at the second cornerback slot. Alexander can play the outside or nickel spot, a versatility the Giants currently lack in their secondary. He’s the best man cover corner in the draft and he would provide an immediate impact to a defense looking to return to form in 2018.

23) New England Patriots via Los Angeles Rams (LA Rams Trade for Brandin Cooks): Isaiah Oliver, CB Colorado- When I had the rough draft of this mock draft complete last week, I had the exact trade that went down last Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, not only did I have Rob Gronkowski in instead of Cooks, and the Patriots and Rams also beat me to it. I’m not bitter, I’m fine… I’m fine…

Now to the trade itself. First off, the Patriots can survive without Cooks. The Patriot Way is to be willing to part with superstars a year early rather than a year late. Brandin Cooks was never going to re-up with New England. So to get a first round pick for someone you were never keeping is impressive.

From the Rams perspective, Los Angeles has gone all in this season. They traded for Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib to anchor their secondary. They added Ndamukong Suh on a one year deal to pair with Aaron Donald up front (good luck blocking that duo). Acquiring Brandin Cooks replaces the loss of Sammy Watkins and make them the favorite to win the championship next year. It’s a gamble, but it’s calculated.

In terms of the pick itself, Oliver is a long, athletic cover corner with the ability to excel out of multiple coverages. New England did trade for Jason McCourty, but he’s a quick fix at best. Oliver gives them a true number two cornerback for next year and beyond.

24) Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Wynn, OG Georgia- Carolina is in a very good position in this draft. They need secondary and interior offensive line play, two things that this draft class has in abundance. Wynn is a terrific scheme fit for the Panthers. He’s athletic, he’s a terrific pulling guard in the run game, and he’s got a quick and powerful first punch off the ball. This is a great pick here.

25) Tennessee Titans: Rasheem Green, DE/EDGE USC- Green was incredibly productive at USC, posting 10 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in his junior year. What made him jump up my draft board was the athleticism he showed throughout the draft process. In a year where edge rushers are in short supply, Green’s tape and versatility could get him to jump into the back end of round one.

26) Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DT Florida- Bryan’s athleticism makes him attractive to many scouts and GM’s. Putting him in a system where he can be a rotational rusher while he refines his technique, like I did here, is ideal for him.

27) New York Giants via New Orleans Saints: Derrius Guice, RB LSU- Trading down and then trading up in the first two rounds is incredibly rare for a team to do. However, the Giants draft is a home-run if they were to come out of this draft with three first round caliber players and a future first round pick.

Guice is one of the best pure runners in the draft. In terms of running between the tackles, he’s just as good as Saquon Barkley.

This draft scenario is why trading down from number two is what makes the most sense for the Giants.

Editor’s Note: New Orleans doesn’t have an immediate need at this spot and they can get a future asset or two if they trade down. 

28) Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashaan Evans, ILB Alabama- This is a second selection that doesn’t necessarily fit with my draft grades, but team needs dictate a different direction. If Ryan Shazier cannot go next season, the Steelers would be starting Jon Bostic and Vince Williams on the interior of their 3-4 defense. Yuck.

29) Jacksonville Jaguars: Genard Avery, OLB/ILB Memphis- I watched Avery late in the draft process and I was blown away by his athleticism. He’s technical as well; he plays downhill off the edge and can drop from a more traditional off ball position. Not to mention that he’s a strong rusher off the edge, showing NFL caliber moves. Jacksonville lost Paul Posluzney this offseason, so they kick Myles Jack inside and play Avery at strong side linebacker.

30) Minnesota Vikings: Will Hernandez, OG UTEP- The Vikings offensive line still needs improvement on the interior. Hernandez is a mauler in the run game, and his footwork is much better than he gets credit for. Easy pick here.

31) New England Patriots: Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame- “Mr. Plug and Play Right Tackle,” could start from day one if the Patriots needed him to, or he can develop his footwork under the tutelage of offensive line guru Dante Scarnecchia. This is a perfect match.

32) Philadelphia Eagles: Ronnie Harrison, SS Alabama- Philadelphia is going to have some tough cuts to make in the next few years. One of them could be Rodney McLeod, who’s in the middle of a five year, 35 million dollar deal. Harrison is more of a traditional in the box safety, but he’s incredibly talented. Taking “BPA,” in Harrison, as well as insurance for McLeod, seems like a win-win for Philly.

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) Buffalo Bills trade the #12, #22, #96, a 2019 1st and a 2019 2nd to the New York Giants for the #2 and a 2019 6th.

2) Los Angeles Chargers trade the #17 and the #48 to the San Francisco 49ers for the #9 and #184.

3) Cleveland Browns trade the #33 and #35 to the Seattle Seahawks for the #18, a 2019 3rd and #146

4* (*trade happened on 4/3)) New England Patriots trade Brandin Cooks and #136 to the Los Angeles Rams for the #23 and #198.

5) New York Giants trade the #34 and the #96 acquired from Buffalo to the New Orleans Saints for the #27.

ROUND TWO

33) Seattle Seahawks via Cleveland Browns: Joshua Jackson, CB Iowa- Seattle continues to revamp their defense by taking a corner that’s perfect for their cover three defense.

34) New Orleans Saints via New York Giants: Harrison Phillips, DT Stanford- The Saints are in a situation to draft the best player available whether they stay at 27 or trade down. In this scenario, Phillips gives them another run stopper on the interior.

35) Seattle Seahawks from Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: Ronald Jones II, RB USC: Russell Wilson was the entire Seahawks offense last year. They need a “bell cow,” in the backfield to open up their offense again.

36) Indianapolis Colts: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB/ILB Oklahoma- Even though he didn’t test well at the combine, I still love Okoronkwo’s game tape. He can give the Colts a pass rusher from the LEO position.

37) Indianapolis Colts via New York Jets: Holton Hill, CB Texas- Hill has some off the field baggage, but he’s a solid press man corner with good trail technique. If a team gets his mind focused on football, the sky is the limit.

38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sony Michel, RB Georgia- Despite splitting carries at Georgia, Michel can be a three down back at the next level with ease. He would bring another dimension to the Buccaneers offense from day one.

39) Chicago Bears: Orlando Brown, OT Oklahoma- The Bears go back to back on offensive lineman to help create a strong unit to protect the franchise, Mitchell Trubisky.

40) Baltimore Ravens via Denver Broncos: Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State- The Ravens addressed their weak receiving core in free agency, but they still lack a tight end that can open up the middle of the field. Goedert had a massive pro day, leaving all who attended with the consensus that he is the top tight end this year. Baltimore jumps up a few spots to get a game changer in the middle of the field.

41) Oakland Raiders: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT Western Michigan- Oakland’s offensive line has gone from a strength to a weakness in a little over a year and a half. Okorafor can be a right tackle for years if his technique continues to improve.

42) Miami Dolphins: Kerryon Johnson, RB Auburn- I’m not sure Kenyan Drake is a guy that can carry the ball 250 times in a season, despite how solid he looked at the end of this past year.

I know that Kerryon Johnson can be that guy. Johnson and Drake would be a strong 1-2 punch for Miami.

43) New England Patriots via San Francisco 49ers: Mike Gesicki, WR/TE Penn State- Having dealt Brandin Cooks a short while ago, New England is in the market for a pass catcher.

However, it doesn’t have to be a traditional receiver. Gesicki can line up anywhere on the field adding a second big, athletic target to Tom Brady’s arsenal.

44) Washington Redskins: Austin Corbett, OG/C Nevada- Corbett’s versatility is something Washington’s offensive line desperately needs. I think he’s a day two guard because of how quick his power step is.

45) Green Bay Packers: Terrell Edmunds, SS Virginia Tech- Edmunds can line up in the box, as well as in double high. His versatility would compliment HaHa Clinton-Dix very well in the secondary.

46) Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Nnadi, DT/NT Florida State- Nnadi is a perfect scheme fit for the Bengals. He can play the zero tech next to Geno Atkins, and he’s also athletic enough to go to a three tech in a more traditional 4-3 look.

47) Arizona Cardinals: DeShon Elliott, FS Texas- Elliot’s single high, ball hawking nature would be a phenomenal compliment to Budda Baker, who will be playing the “joker role,” of the Cardinals defense this year.

48) San Francisco 49ers via Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Hughes, CB Central Florida- The Niners adding a traditional nickel corner might seem a bit out of the box this early in the draft, but it’s worth it. Hughes is so good in man coverage from the slot, a weapon every corner needs to have in their arsenal in the modern day NFL.

49) Indianapolis Colts from New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Dante Pettis, WR Washington- The Colts receiving core lacks a true number two receiver. Pettis is a home run threat with the ability to win jump balls in red zone situations. He’s also a better route runner than people think.

50) Dallas Cowboys: Fred Warner, OLB/ILB BYU- By adding Payne in round one and a do-it-all linebacker like Warner in round two, the Cowboys front seven would be one of the most underrated units in the NFL next season.

51) New England Patriots via Detroit Lions: Sam Hubbard, EDGE Ohio State- Hubbard has a solid move set and he has a great sense of gap control. That’s got Patriots edge rusher written all over it. New England trades up to land an edge rusher that they desperately need.

52) Denver Broncos via Baltimore Ravens: Josh Allen, QB Wyoming- This is a little early for Allen on my board, but because Denver is desperate for a quarterback of the future, they reach for the man who can see eye to eye with the heavens above.

53) Buffalo Bills: Mason Cole, OL Michigan- I don’t love the interior line situation of the Bills as it currently stands. Adding someone with versatility like Cole (started at every line position in college) makes a lot of sense to me.

54) Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Reid, FS Stanford- To get back to the defense they had a few years ago, the Chiefs need to revamp what was once an elite secondary. Reid is technically sound and he’s an underrated athlete. Pairing him with Eric Berry could be a fantastic duo as early as next season.

55) Carolina Panthers: Jessie Bates III, FS/SS Wake Forest- The run on safeties closes out with Bates to Carolina. Bates isn’t the best tackler, but tackling is easy to teach. Something not as easily taught is his nose for the ball and his recognition of plays from the back.

56) Buffalo Bills via Los Angeles Rams: Tegray Scales, OLB/ILB Indiana- All Scales did in college was produce, and I see no reason to expect anything less in the NFL. He plays downhill, but with poise, and he can drop in coverage as well.

57) Tennessee Titans: Michael Gallup, WR Colorado State- Tennessee is still searching for a true number two receiver to compliment Corey Davis. Gallup is a good fit, he wins 50/50 balls and he’s an underrated playmaker when he has the ball in his hands.

58) Atlanta Falcons: Wyatt Teller, OG Virginia Tech- Andy Levitre took a step backward last year, meaning he will most likely be let go at the end of the year. Teller gets to sit for a year and then learn next to Alex Mack and Jake Matthews. This is a perfect developmental fit.

59) San Francisco 49ers via New Orleans Saints: Mark Andrews, TE Oklahoma- Getting Jimmy Garoppolo a true receiving threat in the middle of the field should be priority number one for the Niners at this selection. The tight end class isn’t great, but the top guys, like Andrews and Goedert, can play.

60) Pittsburgh Steelers: Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville- Pittsburgh needs to find an heir to Ben Roethlisberger’s throne sooner rather than later. Taking a guy with the upside of being an actual starter, like Jackson, could allow them to re-sign Le’Veon Bell if they wanted to.

61) Jacksonville Jaguars: DJ Moore, WR Maryland- I doubt Jacksonville goes receiver in this draft, but they really should. Donte Moncrief has never had a year that’s matched his talent, DeDe Westbrook is a headcase, and Keelan Cole is better off as a number three target.

Moore was the standout of the draft process, showing some elite athleticism at every turn. He’s got good hands as well, and that combination has made him a favorite of many mock draft experts.

62) New York Jets via Minnesota Vikings: Josh Sweat, EDGE Florida State- Sweat is another incredibly talented FSU defender that had a down 2017 on tape. Like Derwin James, he also answered a lot of questions about him by having a strong draft process. He’s one of the few edge rushers in this class that has the ability to dip and bend past tackles on command. The Jets trade up out of desperation for a true pass rusher.

63) Detroit Lions via New England Patriots: James Daniels, C/OG Iowa- Daniels can be used at either spot because of his athleticism and quick feet. Detroit still needs a starting left guard, so they either move Daniels or current center Graham Glasnow into that position.

64) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Martinas Rankin, OT Mississippi State- Having lost Joe Thomas this offseason, Cleveland is desperate for a left tackle. Rankin can start as a right tackle and transition to the left side.

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) Baltimore Ravens trade the #52, #83 and #154 to the Denver Broncos for the #40 and #106.

2) New England Patriots trade the #63, #95 and #198 to the Detroit Lions for the #51.

3) New York Jets trade the #72, #179 and a 2019 4th to the Minnesota Vikings for the #62 and #204.

ROUND THREE

65) Buffalo Bills via Cleveland Browns: DaeSean Hamilton, WR Penn State

66) New York Giants: Frank Ragnow, OG/C Arkansas

67) Indianapolis Colts: Brian O’Neill, OT Pittsburgh

68) Houston Texans: Hayden Hurst, TE South Carolina

69) New York Giants via Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kolton Miller, OT UCLA

70) San Francisco 49ers via Chicago Bears: Colby Gossett, OG Appalachian State

71) Denver Broncos: Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama

72) Minnesota Vikings via New York Jets: Darius Leonard, OLB South Carolina State

73) Miami Dolphins: Breeland Speaks, DT Ole Miss

74) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Chubb, RB Georgia

75) Oakland Raiders: Arden Key, EDGE LSU

76) Green Bay Packers: Harold Landry, EDGE Boston College

77) Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremy Reaves, FS/SS South Alabama

78) Kansas City Chiefs via Washington Redskins: Quenton Meeks, CB Stanford

79) Arizona Cardinals: Nathan Shepherd, DL Fort Wayne State

80) Houston Texans via Seattle Seahawks: Alex Cappa, OL Humboldt State

81) Dallas Cowboys: James Washington, WR Oklahoma State

82) Detroit Lions: MJ Stewart, CB North Carolina

83) Detroit Lions via Baltimore Ravens: Rashaad Penny, RB San Diego State

84) Los Angeles Chargers: Jack Cichy, ILB Wisconsin

85) Carolina Panthers via Buffalo Bills: Donte Jackson, CB LSU

86) Kansas City Chiefs: BJ Hill, DT/NT NC State

87) Los Angeles Rams: Lorenzo Carter, OLB/ILB Georgia

88) Carolina Panthers: Duke Ejiofor, DE Wake Forest

89) Tennessee Titans: Desmond Harrison, OL West Georgia

90) Atlanta Falcons: Equanimeous St. Brown, WR Notre Dame

91) New Orleans Saints: Kyle Lauletta, QB Richmond

92) Pittsburgh Steelers: Duke Dawson, CB Florida

93) Jacksonville Jaguars: Joseph Noteboom, OT/OG TCU

94) Minnesota Vikings: Poona Ford, DT Texas

95) Detroit Lions via New England Patriots: Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE Kansas

96) New Orleans Saints via New York Giants from Buffalo Bills via Philadelphia Eagles: Uchenna Nwosu, OLB USC

97) Arizona Cardinals (compensatory): Mikey White, QB Western Kentucky

98) Houston Texans (compensatory): Trenton Thompson, NT Georgia

99) Denver Broncos (compensatory): Kalen Ballage, RB Arizona State

100) Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Tyrell Crosby, OT/OG Oregon