NFL Draft: Mock 1.0
If you’re not a fan of the Philidelphia Eagles or New England Patriots, it’s officially mock draft season! One of the most exciting times of years as executives, players and fans alike prepare themselves with knowledge of college prospects as they head into the NFL Draft. A chance for your team to add generational talent and bring them to that next level. This is just the beginning.
While this is mock draft 1.0, there will be more as a lot of variables will change our estimates in the coming months. We will witness the senior bowl, NFL Combine, NFL Free agency, player interviews and much more as the value of these players will change over time as well.
So although it is still very early, let’s give it a go.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns snag the Heisman winner at No.1 for him to be their franchise quarterback of the future. One of the biggest knacks to Mayfield has been his height – He just came in at 6 foot at the Senior Bowl practices and that is the same height as Drew Brees.
New York Giants
Eli Manning is heading into his age 37 season and it’s time for them to snag their QB of the future. Who know’s when they will be this high up in the draft again?
Indianapolis Colts
With Josh McDaniels reportedly coming to be the next head coach of the Colts, Barkley will be the perfect weapon to bring this offense to the next level. Often regarded as the best overall player of this draft, the Colts land a great player of need here.
Cleveland Browns (From HOU)
The Browns land a premier DB, who’s been regarded as one of the best in the draft. He adds much-needed value to their young secondary.
Denver Broncos
Many think QB here and with Darnold still on the board, it was hard to not choose him. But, the Broncos biggest woe is their offensive line and Williams would be a fine pick here. It’s too early to give up on Paxton Lynch.
New York Jets
The Jets look to get the quarterback of their future and Darnold lands right into their lap. One of the top prospects in this years draft, the team finally gets younger at the position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs get a chance to add one of the premier draft prospects in Chubb and because of the QB heavy top 6, he lands right into their lap. Adding young pass rush talent is always regarded as a positive.
Chicago Bears
It’s time to give Mithcell Trubisky some weapons. Ridley is a great WR prospect out of Alabama and has the tools to help this offense take the next level.
San Fransisco 49ers (Depending on coin flip with OAK)
Not the sexiest pick but the 49ers get a chance to help that interior offensive line and further protect franchise QB, Jimmy Garoppolo.
Oakland Raiders – (Depending on coin flip with SF)
The Raiders finally land a top-tier prospect at a position that they have struggled with for years. Smith will provide an athletic presence to the second level of their defense.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are able to land the 6’6″ Key who was a prominent pass rusher at LSU. He’ll provide big help on that defensive line at the next level.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals get a chance to finally add some talent to their OL. It helps protect Andy Dalton but also develop a well-rounded run game with Joe Mixon. They need the help.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins get a solid prospect to help develop their young secondary. James athletic presence will help take this defense to the next level.
Green Bay Packers
NFL Scouts are enamored with Davenport’s athletic ability. He stands at 6’6″ and weighs 250 pounds. He brings the presence you need to an NFL defense and he lands right in the hands of the Packers.
Arizona Cardinals
With Carson Palmer and Bruce Arians retiring, it’s time for the Cardinals to get younger. Scouts have been infatuated with Allen’s natural ability to throw the ball. He would be the Cardinal’s hope of being their franchise QB.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens do not have a good track record when it comes to drafting WR’s early but they really do need to add talent for Joe Flacco. Sutton is a name to follow through the draft process as his value may go up or down but, the Ravens really need help here.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers defense was one of the teams many bright spots of 2017 and they look again to add more talent. With Tre Boston and Adrian Phillips set to be FA in March, it’s time for them to get younger.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have not had an efficient OL in what seems like a long time. But, with a new coaching staff in place, it’s time to develop young talent at the OL position and protect their franchise QB.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys land a great talent here in Vea to help with their interior pass rush. Adding a guy like Vea will allow the rest of the defense to get to the QB faster as well. He’d be a huge addition.
Detroit Lions
It’s about time the Lions get a top prospect at RB. Guice would be the perfect downfield runner for this Lions’ offense as he could take control of an RB spot that has been shaky in previous years.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills take a shot at getting their franchise QB here with Jackson. The former Heisman winner, Jackson posted unreal numbers in only 3 years at Lousiville. He threw for 9,043 yards and 69 TD’s but also ran for over 4,000 yards and 50 TDs.
Buffalo Bills (From KC)
Bills long-time DT, Kyle Williams, is getting older and no one is sure his plans for the 2018 season so the Bills grab Maurice Hurst. He provides a dominant interior presence and will help this defense in many ways.
Los Angeles Rams
With Trumaine Johnson and Nickell Robey-Coleman set to be UFA this March, it’s time for them to get younger at this position. Ward had a very decorated career at OSU and would be a great fit here in LA. Expect them to go young for this position.
Carolina Panthers
Landry is a pass-rush specialist and will look to provide young talent here to Carolina. He could be a key piece if this defense wants to take the next step in the future.
Tennesee Titans
The Titans get a chance to add the young athletic LB from Vtech here at No.25. Wesley Woodyard is entering his age 34 seasons and Avery Williamson is headed towards FA so this would be a great spot for him.
Atlanta Falcons
CB is always a premier position on NFL teams. It’s one of the most valuables and has proven to be able to change defenses and that’s why the Falcons take Jackson here. His value would be great this late in the draft and the Falcons would have time to develop him.
New Orleans Saints
Although Bree’s is coming off another strong 2017, one day he will have to hang up the cleats. Rudolph would be given some time to learn amongst one of the all-time greats and provide the Saints with a QB of the future.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Although they recently signed Joe Haden and he played quite well, it’s never a bad idea to get younger at this position group. Oliver would again prove great young value here at No.28 and be their future at the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Goedert is a pass-catching TE and could add a whole new dimension to a young offense that performed quite well. Coming off a very good run in 2017, another pass catcher could help this offense tremendously.
Minnesota Vikings
Price was the recipient of this years’ “Remington Trophy” noticing the best center in the country. He provides more interior offensive line help to a very good Vikings team.
Philidelphia Eagles
The Eagles get a chance to add another weapon to that young and up and coming defense. Evans may be the best pick available at this point in the draft. He’ll add depth and a strong presence behind Jordan Hicks in the middle of their defense as he carves out a role. Ideally, I would think the Eagles target offensive line depth, but at this point in the draft, Evans can’t be overlooked. There is a chance they trade down.
New England Patriots
The Patriots add another offensive weapon as they are coming off another season of being elite. Brady gets another toy to help carve defenses in 2018 and beyond.
Jake Hamilton is a senior at SUNY Geneseo where he is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. He has commissioned a very successful and fun fantasy league for the last seven years. His friends think he has an addiction to mock drafts and it’s true. Recently, Jake finished up a 4-month internship with the Buffalo Bills where he contributed to their team blog and interviewed multiple players. Jake always enjoys good fantasy conversation so, feel free to reach out to him at anytime.
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