Jordan Katz 2018 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final Mock Draft (Three Rounds)

Posted on April 26, 2018

The day of reckoning is upon us, the three day spectacle that is the NFL Draft. This means it is time for one final Mock Draft from yours truly. #MockDraftSZN may be coming to an end, but the #MockDraftLyfe never stops (credit to Joe Romano for that poetic tagline).

This is my final personal mock draft. As always, this is what I would do at each selection. For my prediction mock draft, aka what I think will happen on draft days one and two, click the link here: https://draftstock.net/2018/04/23/jordan-katz-2018-nfl-prediction-mock-draft-2-0-final/

Some things changed from my most recent mock draft, the biggest of which is the teams that are moving around in this draft. There’s multiple teams without the leverage to trade out of spots in this draft, including one in the top five that has traded in every draft I’ve done thus far.

There’s also slightly less analysis in this mock draft. If you’ve kept up with my mock drafts, you’re well aware of the players I like versus the players I do not.

Thank you to everyone who kept up with my content this year. Enjoy the draft!

ROUND ONE

1) Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB USC- I still believe Darnold should be selected first because he can sit the first year. Baker Mayfield is my top quarterback, but he’s ready to play now and he also has less upside. If the Browns are going to start Tyrod Taylor in 2018, they should pick Darnold.

2) New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State- I mentioned in my predictions mock draft that the Giants no longer have any trade leverage at this selection. David Gettleman didn’t do a good enough job convincing the masses that they would select a quarterback not named Sam Darnold. Therefor the Giants are stuck at this pick, but Saquon Barkley is a nice consolation prize.

3) New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts: Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma- Broadway Baker, nothing changes here.

4) *Buffalo Bills from Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans: Josh Rosen, QB UCLA- The Browns reap the benefits of the Giants inability to trade the second pick. They get multiple first and second round picks to slide down the draft.

The Bills are rewarded as well. They pay less of a price in order to land their franchise quarterback.

5) Denver Broncos: Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame- After much debate, I’ve decided that the Broncos have to take Quenton Nelson if they are unable to trade this pick. Not only is he the best player in the draft, but he’s a legitimate can’t miss prospect. 

6) Indianapolis Colts via New York Jets: Bradley Chubb, EDGE NC State- If Chubb and Barkley are off the board on draft day, look for the Colts to trade out. With Chubb on the board, this pick is easy.

7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/FS/SS Alabama- Fitzpatrick’s versatility in the secondary makes him the selection over Derwin James, who’s a more traditional safety.

8) Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith, OLB/ILB Georgia- Smith can be the anchor in the middle of the Bears 3-4 defense from day one.

9) San Francisco 49ers: Tremaine Edmunds, EDGE/OLB Virginia Tech- Edmunds would give an immediate jolt to the Niners linebacking core, as well as their pass rush.

10) Oakland Raiders: Connor Williams, OT/OG Texas- Oakland is best served to take the best available offensive tackle with their first selection. One of the differences between their playoff team from two years ago and last year’s underachieving squad was the regression of their offensive line.

11) Miami Dolphins: Da’Ron Payne, DT Alabama- Payne’s massive rise up my draft board is largely due to their inability to trade this pick. He’s a better fit for their 4-3 defense than Vita Vea, so Miami takes Payne a little higher than expected.

12) *Cleveland Browns from Buffalo Bills via Cincinnati Bengals: Carlton Davis, CB Auburn- After trading down from the fourth pick, the Browns use their second of three first round picks on a true number one cornerback.

13) Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, DT/NT Washington- Vea still can’t find his way into the top ten where he belongs, but I doubt Washington is complaining.

14) Green Bay Packers: Derwin James, FS/SS Florida State- To compare this selection to the NBA Draft, Derwin James should not make it out of the lottery this year. He’s a perfect fit next to HaHa Clinton-Dix.

15) Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis- Arizona needs a playmaker to alleviate pressure from the ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald. Miller is worthy of this selection for me, he’s my only receiver with a first round grade.

16) Baltimore Ravens: Leighton Vander Esch, ILB Boise State- This remains my favorite selection of the draft. Baltimore’s defense becomes even more elite with Vander Esch and CJ Mosley commanding the middle.

17) Los Angeles Chargers: Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame- McGlinchey is a reach here on my board, but the Chargers desperately need help at the offensive tackle positions.

18) *Carolina Panthers via Seattle Seahawks: Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State- With only one selection in the first 100 picks, Seattle is desperate to trade out of this selection. This allows Carolina to trade up for a number one cornerback.

19) *Minnesota Vikings via Dallas Cowboys: Braden Smith, OT/OG Auburn- Minnesota trades up to bolster its offensive line, which is exactly what I had them do in my predictions mock.

20) Detroit Lions: Rasheem Green, DE USC- Green continuously rose up my board throughout the draft process, and this is now the peak. His athleticism and length make him the second edge rusher taken.

21) Cincinnati Bengals via Buffalo Bills: Billy Price, OG/C Ohio State- I think Price is easily the best center in this draft and very worthy of the 21st selection.

22) *Cleveland Browns via Buffalo Bills: Derrius Guice, RB LSU- The Browns did sign Carlos Hyde this offseason, but I doubt that deters them from selecting a running back in this draft.

23) New England Patriots via Los Angeles Rams: Jaire Alexander, CB Louisville- This is a scary good selection for New England. Alexander’s ability in man coverage would be a big time weapon for Bill Belichick’s defense.

24) *Seattle Seahawks via Carolina Panthers: Will Hernandez, OG UTEP- Seattle has a number of needs, which is why trading down from 18 is imperative. Hernandez is a mauler in the run game and a perfect fit for the Seahawks.

25) Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wynn, OG Georgia- The Titans also need help at guard, so the run on interior linemen concludes with Wynn to Tennessee.

Editor’s note: In case Vikings fans were curious as to why they would move up, this is why. First round offensive linemen will fly off the board late.

26) Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DT Florida- Bryan’s athleticism and effort will make him beloved by the Atlanta coaching staff very quickly.

27) New Orleans Saints: Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State- Goedert would become one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets very quickly.

Editor’s Note: New Orleans tried to trade down here to acquire an extra pick in the first three rounds, but they were unsuccessful.

28) *Oakland Raiders via Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Oliver, CB Colorado- Oakland trades back into round one to land a starting cornerback.

29) Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M- My personal feeling is that Jacksonville’s receiving core needs a lot of work. Kirk would be a perfect fit because he would help Jacksonville as a chains mover on third down.

30) *Dallas Cowboys via Minnesota Vikings: DeShon Elliott, FS Texas- With Byron Jones moving back to corner, a hole has been created at free safety. Chidobe Awuzie played some safety last year, but I think the Cowboys are better off trying to select a ball hawk like Elliott or Justin Reid in this draft.

31) New England Patriots: Marcus Davenport, EDGE UTSA- I know the Patriots would like to trade back with one of their two first rounders, but they can’t pass on Davenport at 31.

32) *Cincinnati Bengals via Philadelphia Eagles: Ronnie Harrison, SS Alabama- Cincinnati needs to reload at safety and this is the perfect draft to do it. They trade up to land Harrison, a true throwback strong safety.

TRADES IN ROUND ONE

1) Buffalo Bills trade the #12, #22, #53 and a 2019 2nd round pick to the Cleveland Browns for the #4.

2) Carolina Panthers trade the #24 and #88 to the Seattle Seahawks for the #18.

3) Minnesota Vikings trade the #30 and #62 to the Dallas Cowboys for the #19 and #171.

4) Oakland Raiders trade the #41 and #75 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #28, #148 and a 2019 5th round pick.

5) Cincinnati Bengals trade the #46 and #77 to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #42 and #130.

ROUND TWO

33) Cleveland Browns: Sam Hubbard, EDGE Ohio State: Hubbard is the perfect player to go opposite Myles Garrett. He’s a disciplined edge rusher with an underrated move-set.

34) New York Giants: Joshua Jackson, CB Iowa- I know the Giants need offensive line, but they can’t pass on Jackson here. They need a true number two cornerback opposite Janoris Jenkins.

35) *Los Angeles Chargers from Cleveland Browns via Indianapolis Colts: Justin Reid, FS Stanford- Cleveland doesn’t have an immediate need at this spot, so they trade down once again for assets to use later. Los Angeles moves up to land a ball hawking free safety.

36) Indianapolis Colts: Sony Michel, RB Georgia- If the Colts aren’t sold on Marlon Mack being a “bell cow,” then a running back in the second round should be a lock.

37) Indianapolis Colts via New York Jets: Mike Hughes, CB UCF- This is an easy pick as well. The Colts have to find a cornerback in this draft class to play opposite Quincy Wilson.

38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerard Avery, OLB Memphis- Avery was another late riser for me. I love his move-set and motor from the strong side. Tampa Bay takes a strong side linebacker here, adding another dimension to their much improved front seven from a year ago.

39) Chicago Bears: Frank Ragnow, OG/C Arkansas- Ragnow is exactly the kind of player the Bears should target if they miss Quenton Nelson in round one. His versatility allows the Bears to judge whether he or current center Cody Whitehair is better off transitioning to guard.

40) Denver Broncos: Ronald Jones II, RB USC- Much like my predictions mock draft, Denver takes a starting running back at the top of round two.

41) *Pittsburgh Steelers via Oakland Raiders: Rashaan Evans, OLB/ILB Alabama- Pittsburgh trades down, acquires assets in this draft, and selects a guy they would’ve reached for at 28.

42) Miami Dolphins: Kerryon Johnson, RB Auburn- The signing of Frank Gore combined with the emergence of Kenyan Drake is still not deterring me from giving the Dolphins a true “bell cow,” in the backfield

43) New England Patriots via San Francisco 49ers: Mike Gesicki, TE Penn State- Gesicki to New England is still my layup of round two. He gives the Patriots insurance if they opt to deal Rob Gronkowski, or he is just another big body pass catcher that safeties will be unable to defend one-on-one.

44) Washington Redskins: Mason Cole, OL Michigan- I like the idea of Washington taking a center to replace Spencer Long, but I go with Cole instead of James Daniels. I value Cole’s intelligence and versatility over the athleticism of Daniels.

45) Green Bay Packers: Holton Hill, CB Texas- Green Bay is a team that can take someone like Hill and get the best out of him. If Hill stays out of trouble, he could be the steal of this draft.

46) *Philadelphia Eagles via Cincinnati Bengals: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT/OG Western Michigan- Philadelphia needs a tackle of the future in this draft. Okorafor is my favorite developmental pick this year.

47) Arizona Cardinals: Jessie Bates III, FS Wake Forest- Bates is not the best tackler, but he has ridiculous range and ball skills from the free safety position.

48) *Cleveland Browns via Los Angeles Chargers: Harrison Phillips, DT Stanford- The Browns need consistency at the defensive tackle position. While some feel that their roster is deep enough at that spot, I think they need a starter next to Larry Ogunjobi.

49) Indianapolis Colts from New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Dante Pettis, WR Washington- Pettis has the ability to be a number two wide receiver out of the gate. He would take pressure off of T.Y Hilton as well.

50) Dallas Cowboys: DJ Moore, WR Maryland- Moore’s athleticism is off the charts. He would be a perfect number one target for Dak Prescott.

51) Detroit Lions: Austin Corbett, OG/C Nevada- Corbett can start at left guard from day one for Detroit and he can kick inside to center in the future if Graham Glasgow doesn’t perform.

52) Baltimore Ravens: James Daniels, OC Iowa- Baltimore needs to replace Ryan Jensen and Daniels slid down the draft right into their lap. Easy pick.

53) *Cleveland Browns via Buffalo Bills: Michael Gallup, WR Colorado State– The run on wide receivers caps off with Gallup to Cleveland. I don’t trust Josh Gordon to stay on the field, nor do I trust Corey Coleman to stay healthy.

54) Kansas City Chiefs: Martinas Rankin, OL Mississippi State- Slight reach pick, but the Chiefs need to find offensive line depth and potential starters up front in this draft.

55) Carolina Panthers: Terrell Edmunds, SS Virginia Tech- Edmunds is a steal here for Carolina. He can be a traditional in the box strong safety and he’s also a decent safety from a cover two spot.

56) Buffalo Bills via Los Angeles Rams: Brian O’Neill, OT Pittsburgh- Buffalo is so desperate for offensive line that they have to reach, albeit slightly, for a starting tackle late in round two.

57) Tennessee Titans: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB Oklahoma- Tennessee needs to get younger and quicker on the edge. Okoronkwo plays downhill with poise and he’s got a solid move-set off the edge.

58) *New York Jets via Atlanta Falcons: Josh Sweat, EDGE Florida State- If you can’t tell by now, I’m all in on Baker Mayfield and trading up for Josh Sweat as the Jets draft strategy.

59) San Francisco 49ers via New Orleans Saints: Mark Andrews, TE Oklahoma- Getting Jimmy Garoppolo a middle of the field target is more important than selecting a wide receiver at this spot.

60) Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Allen, QB Wyoming- The most ideal fit for Josh Allen is Pittsburgh. Allen would get to sit and learn behind a hall of fame quarterback like Roethlisberger (who one could argue Allen resembles with his size and “escapability”) while he perfects the finer points of his game like footwork and clearing his hip when throwing to a target.

61) Jacksonville Jaguars: Fred Warner, OLB/ILB BYU- I think Warner would be a terrific replacement for Paul Posluszny. He’s terrific in off ball coverage, just like the rest of the Jaguars linebacking core.

62) *Dallas Cowboys via Minnesota Vikings: Breeland Speaks, DT Ole Miss- Speaks is one of the most underrated players in this draft. He may not have the strengths of the other tackles, but he’s a complete player. Speaks can start right away for any team that drafts him.

63) *Arizona Cardinals via New England Patriots: Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville- Arizona has to find a quarterback for the future in this draft. With Allen going a few picks earlier, they trade up to ensure they land Jackson.

64) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Kolton Miller, OT UCLA- The tackle class is not great, but if the team picking Miller is right, they could have a starting left tackle on their hands.

TRADES IN ROUND TWO

1) Los Angeles Chargers trade the #48, #84 and #155 to the Cleveland Browns for the #35 and #114.

2) New York Jets trade the #72, #107 and #179 to the Atlanta Falcons for the #58 and #200.

3) Arizona Cardinals trade the #79 and #97 to the New England Patriots for the #62 and a 2019 4th round pick.

ROUND THREE

65) Buffalo Bills via Cleveland Browns: Wyatt Teller, OG Virginia Tech

66) New York Giants: Orlando Brown, OT Oklahoma

67) Indianapolis Colts: Uchenna Nwosu, OLB USC

68) Houston Texans: Derrick Nnadi, DT/NT Florida State

69) New York Giants via Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tegray Scales, OLB/ILB Indiana

70) San Francisco 49ers via Chicago Bears: Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE Kansas

71) Denver Broncos: MJ Stewart, CB North Carolina

72) *Atlanta Falcons via New York Jets: Colby Gossett, OG Appalachian State

73) Miami Dolphins: Harold Landry, EDGE Boston College

74) San Francisco 49ers: DaeSean Hamilton, WR Penn State

75) *Pittsburgh Steelers via Oakland Raiders: Arden Key, EDGE LSU

76) Green Bay Packers: Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama

77) *Philadelphia Eagles via Cincinnati Bengals: Rashaad Penny, RB San Diego State

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

79) *New England Patriots via Arizona Cardinals: Tyrell Crosby, OT/OG Oregon

80) Houston Texans via Seattle Seahawks: Hayden Hurst, TE South Carolina

81) Dallas Cowboys: Darius Leonard, OLB South Carolina State

82) Detroit Lions: Nathan Shepard, DT Fort Hays State

83) Baltimore Ravens: Ian Thomas, TE Indiana

84) *Cleveland Browns via Los Angeles Chargers: Godwin Igwebuike, FS/SS Northwestern

85) Carolina Panthers via Buffalo Bills: Nick Chubb, RB Georgia

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

87) Los Angeles Rams: Hercules Mata’Afa, EDGE Washington State

88) *Seattle Seahawks via Carolina Panthers: Duke Ejiofor, DE  Wake Forest

89) Tennessee Titans: Equanimeous St. Brown, WR Notre Dame

90) Atlanta Falcons: Tre’Quan Smith, WR UCF

91) New Orleans Saints: PJ Hall, DT Sam Houston State

92) Pittsburgh Steelers: Gereon Christian, OL Louisville

93) *Green Bay Packers via Jacksonville Jaguars: Josey Jewell, ILB Iowa

94) Minnesota Vikings: JC Jackson, CB Maryland

95) New England Patriots: Foley Fatukasi, DT UCONN

96) *Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Buffalo Bills via Philadelphia Eagles: Kalen Ballage, RB Arizona State

97) *New England Patriots via Arizona Cardinals (compensatory): Kyle Lauletta, QB Richmond

98) Houston Texans (compensatory): Alex Cappa, OL Humboldt State

99) Denver Broncos (compensatory): Courtland Sutton, WR SMU

100) Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Shaquem Griffin, LB UCF

TRADES IN ROUND THREE

1) Green Bay Packers trade the #101 and #138 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #93

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #102 and #144 to the Buffalo Bills for the #96