Mock Draft: 3.0

1.  Cleveland Browns: QB/Sam Darnold — USC

“At 20 years old, he's just scratching the surface of what he can do.”

📰 » https://t.co/jfktbtJH80#BrownsDraft pic.twitter.com/tYED7AGjsI

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 15, 2018

Needs: QB, CB, OT, S, WR

It is time for the Browns to find “their guy” at quarterback. Everyone knows the awful history of draft selections that they have made in years past, but with general manager John Dorsey now at the helm and already having a bunch of draft capital in his back pocket, this is the year where he has to select the signal-caller to stamp his early tenure with in Cleveland. Sam Darnold possesses upside, as he already has the intangibles, leadership, and mobility needed to succeed, but he has some mechanical flaws and decision making issues that he needs to correct. Sitting a handful of games behind the already entrenched starter in Tyrod Taylor will help him and his development going forward. Only being 20 years old, he has plenty of time to learn and development his overall game.

2.  New York Giants: RB/Saquon Barkley — Penn State

Giants view Saquon Barkley as a “near perfect prospect”, compare him to Zeke without any character issues, per @NYPost_Schwartz https://t.co/O2FuB3earN pic.twitter.com/D6tdCR4Kd7

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 15, 2018

Needs: QB, OL, RB, EDGE, WR

With a new regime in town, Dave Gettleman and Pat Shurmur are faced with the first big decision of their tenure. They seem like they are all in on Eli Manning and maximizing the last few years of his career, but it is not often that you have a top-5 pick in a draft that’s loaded with quarterbacks. Gettleman has no problems taking a running back early on in the draft, as he just did it just a year ago with Christian McCaffrey. He repeats it again and adds Barkley to the core of Manning, Odell Beckham Jr, Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard.

3.  New York Jets: QB/Baker Mayfield — Oklahoma

Needs: QB, EDGE, OG, OT, WR

The Jets made a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to jump up to the No. 3 overall pick. The trade came surprisingly early, but they wanted to ensure that they got one of the top quarterbacks in this draft. They signed Josh McCown to continue to be the veteran leader and taking a swing on Teddy Bridgewater, who’s still recovering from a knee injury that he suffered prior to the 2016 season. There still isn’t a potential long-term answer at the quarterback spot. Mayfield had the personality, swagger and playing-style that welcomes the limelight and it is easy to see how he could potentially succeed in the bright lights of New York.

4.  Buffalo Bills (Trade w/CLE): QB/Josh Allen — Wyoming

GM Brandon Beane: “We have met with all the quarterbacks on our board at some point in the draft process. They’re all great young men and there’s a reason they’re being talked about.” pic.twitter.com/mb8aBX9rhU

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 16, 2018

*Trade Details: Buffalo trades two first-round picks (No. 12 and 22), a second-round (No. 53) and a fourth-round pick (No. 121) to Cleveland

Needs: QB, OL, WR, S, LB

After signing A.J. McCarron during free agency, there’s still plenty of questions surrounding their situation under-center. It’s no secret that the Bills are targeting a quarterback in this draft. After making an early trade with the Bengals, swapping Cordy Glenn and first-round picks, they previously held the No. 12 overall pick. They elect to make another trade with the Browns and ahead of the Broncos to lock up one of the top choices on their board in Allen. There have been lots of pre-draft talk of Allen landing here and it seems to be the most logical fit for both sides.

5. Denver Broncos: G/Quenton Nelson — Notre Dame

John Elway announced the fifth overall pick is for sale.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2018

Needs: CB, EDGE, OL, TE, WR

Case Keenum is the present and John Elway has already made it clear that the “fifth overall pick is for sale”. After shipping Trevor Siemian to the Vikings, there’s a sense that the organization still believes in Paxton Lynch and his future development going forward. With that being said, Elways opts to provide protection up-front and takes the best offensive lineman in the draft. The Broncos have now invested their last two first-round picks (Garett Bolles) on rebuilding the offensive line.

6.  Miami Dolphins (Trade w/IND): QB/Josh Rosen — UCLA

*Trade Details: Miami traded a first-round (No. 11), second-round (No. 42), fourth-round (No. 131) and a 2019 third-round pick to Indianapolis

Needs: DL, LB, QB, TE, CB

We have a trade! Miami has moved up to the Colts spot to get their quarterback of the future. There’s lots of reasons why this pick makes sense. Everyone has reported that the Colts are looking to move back again because of the lack of talent and depth on their roster. There’s various rumors about Josh Rosen slipping outside of the top-5 and I believe them. His personality isn’t for everyone and it seems to be rubbing lots of teams the wrong way. He must be paired with a young offensive coordinator who can relate to him. Ryan Tannehill is turning 30 years old this summer, coming off an ACL tear and there isn’t any more guaranteed money left on the 4-year/$77 million extension he signed in 2016. Rosen gives a face-lift to a franchise that has lost lots of talent this off-season and a backup plan for Tannehill just in case things go south.

7.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE/Bradley Chubb — NC State

Needs: RB, CB, EDGE, S, OL

This is a best player available scenario situation for Tampa Bay and a player that they never dreamed would still be on the board at this spot. The Bucs finished last in the NFL in sacks a season ago (22). They have made improving their talent off of the edge an emphasis this off-season, as they acquired Jason Pierre-Paul from the Giants and signing Vinny Curry to a 3-year/$23 million deal, but the contract is essentially for 1-year/$6.5 million. This is why I think Chubb would still be in play here and it continues to strengthen one of the teams biggest weaknesses from a year ago. Loading up on pass rushers is solid for the Bucs, especially being in the NFC South, which is a division that is filled with talented quarterbacks and high powered offenses.

8.  Chicago Bears: LB/Tremaine Edmunds — Virginia Tech

Needs: CB, OL, EDGE, DL, ILB

The Bears have had a terrific off-season adding lots of talent on offense. They have surrounded Mitchell Trubisky with a full arsenal of weapons and they have now positioned themselves to truly take the best player available on their board. Danny Trevathan is a solid piece in the middle of Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense, but I would like to see them upgrade and find some more speed at the spot alongside him. This is a great spot for Edmunds. He would be a nice addition and fits the young, full of potential type of roster and culture that Ryan Pace is piecing together.

9.  San Francisco 49ers: LB/Roquan Smith — Georgia

Needs: EDGE, OG, CB, WR, TE

One of my favorite picks of the entire first-round is this.. The 49ers have arguably had the best off-season of any team and finding their potential franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo has expedited their rebuild process. With the disappointing news about Reuben Foster coming about and still with many other hurdles to clear, it is time for John Lynch to find his replacement. They can’t depend on Foster ever playing for them again even if he is cleared of all charges. They need to prepare as if he won’t return because if it were to happen again, they would already have his replacement in-house. Smith gives them a perfect replacement and a potential face of the franchise type of talent for their defense for the foreseeable future.

10. Oakland Raiders: S/Derwin James — Florida State

Needs: LB, CB, S, OT, DT

When you think of Jon Gruden’s coaching style and team identities from years past, you think of a tough, no nonsense, and gritty type of situation. The Raiders haven’t had an identity on defense for multiple years for many reasons. With James, he immediately brings a physical presence and attitude that’s reminiscent of Gruden’s teams in years past. Their secondary needs an upgrade on the back-end. James brings that and much more as soon as his name is called on draft night.

11. Indianapolis Colts: CB/Denzel Ward — Ohio State

#Colts Ballard: We are open to trading back again, as long as we feel we can get a 'premium' player. Identified four of those before making the trade with the Jets. Have added a couple more since that time.

— Greg Rakestraw (@gregrakestraw) April 20, 2018

Needs: EDGE, LB, OL, WR, DT

After trading back and collecting picks, the Colts are now in firm position to stock their roster with talent and depth. For a roster that is one of the worst in the NFL, hitting on multiple picks is vital. There’s many ways that they could go with this pick, but they opt to add to their secondary and find someone opposite of Quincy Wilson. Adding Ward to the secondary that already includes Wilson and Malik Hooker would have the makings of a very nice and young back-end of the future.

12.  Cleveland Browns (Trade w/BUF): OT/Mike McGlinchey — Notre Dame

*Trade Details: Buffalo traded two first-round picks (No. 12 and 22), a second-round (No. 53) and a fourth-round pick (No. 121) to Cleveland

Needs: QB, CB, OT, S, WR

After collecting multiple picks from the Bills, who traded up for Josh Allen, the franchise is once again in position to make multiple first-round selections. The stalwart, Joe Thomas, announced his retirement, but the team went and signed Chris Hubbard to a 5-year, $37.5 million deal. The teams starter at left tackle is currently Shon Coleman. They need an upgrade there. This would be a great spot for McGlinchey. Landing in a situation where he could immediately be the teams solution at left tackle.

13.  Washington Redskins: S/Minkah Fitzpatrick — Alabama

Needs: DT, LB, CB, OG, QB

Safeties D.J. Swearinger and Montae Nicholson were surprise positives in the Redskins secondary a season ago, but they still could look to get a higher end talent at those spots. They need help in the middle of their defense, and you could argue that Vita Vea would be a great pick here. Fitzpatrick is just too good to turn down though. There’s mixed opinions, but many evaluators consider him a blue-chip type of talent. The Redskins getting him to replace Kendall Fuller would be a fantastic pick. He provides value as a safety, nickel corner, and blitzer in multiple packages.

14. Green Bay Packers: EDGE/Harold Landry — Boston College

Needs: CB, EDGE, OT, WR, ILB

It is arguable that the team could look to upgrade their secondary, but the player that they really wanted went a pick prior to their selection. Clay Matthews will be 32 years old next season and entering the final year of a 5-year, $66 million extension that he signed in 2014. It would be wise for the team to draft an edge rusher at this spot. Landry fits in perfectly with new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. The talented edge rusher provides most of his value as a pass-rusher. He could come in and be an immediate solution to the teams pass rushing woes of previous seasons.

15. Dallas Cowboys: WR/D.J. Moore — Maryland

*Trade Details: Cowboys traded a 4th-round pick (No. 137) to Arizona

Needs: WR, DT, LB, OG, TE

The Cowboys have lots of holes, but luckily there’s plenty of talent in this class in the spots that they need to fill. Left guard and defensive tackle are two of their positional needs. The Dez Bryant saga has come to a close and it’s believed that they will be in hot pursuit to fill the huge hole that they have at wide receiver. Their love for Courtland Sutton has been well documented, but reports are that they see him as more of a second-round prospect. Similar reports have them keyed on Leighton Vander Esch, Vita Vea, and D.J. Moore with this pick. With all three available, they move up ahead of the Ravens to ensure that they get the top receiver on their board.

16. Baltimore Ravens: WR/Calvin Ridley — Alabama

Needs: WR, TE, ILB, OL, QB

After drafting C.J. Mosely and Marlon Humphrey, Ozzie Newsome’s love for former Alabama players and his alma mater continue. This pick makes a lot of sense because it fills their biggest position of need and gives them talented youth to a part of the depth chart that desperately needs it. Ridley quickly becomes a weapon for Joe Flacco opposite of Michael Crabtree.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: DT/Vita Vea — Washington

Needs: OT, ILB, DT, QB, S

There’s rumors about the Chargers potentially looking for the heir apparent to Philip Rivers, but that is a rumor that we hear every draft and the team has quickly brushed that off with their draft outcomes. With Rivers signed through the 2019 season, the team looks to keep loading up their defense with a huge plugger in the middle. With supremely talented edge rushers in Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, now adding Vea to the mix, it gives the team one of the better defensive fronts in the league.

18.  Seattle Seahawks: G/Isaiah Wynn — Georgia

Needs: OL, CB, DT, TE, S

Acquiring left tackle Duane Brown mid-season from the Texans was a step in the right direction as to finding protection for Russell Wilson. It still seems like a group that needs a lot of help though.  Ethan Pocic is an interior building block for the future and they signed D.J. Fluker this off-season, but he shouldn’t deter them away from looking to upgrade at guard. Adding Wynn would continue to improve one of the biggest weak spots on the roster.

21.  Cincinnati Bengals: C/Frank Ragnow — Arkansas

Needs: OL, LB, CB, DT, QB

The Russell Bodine experiment at center has finally come to a close, as he signed with the Buffalo Bills this off-season. The Bengals now have huge holes on their interior offensive line at center and right guard. Ragnow provides an upgrade from Bodine in every category. Ragnow is very reliable and advanced in his technique and he without question could step in right away and give the Bengals the best center that they have had in a long time.

22. Cleveland Browns (Trade w/BUF): CB/Jaire Alexander — Louisville

*Trade Details: Buffalo traded two first-round picks (No. 12 and 22), a second-round (No. 53) and a fourth-round pick (No. 121) to Cleveland

Needs: QB, CB, OT, S, WR

After trading back with the Bills and picking up another first-round pick, the Browns make three first-round selections for the second consecutive year. They continue to stockpile talent at multiple positions. After inking cornerback T.J. Carrie to a 4-year/$31 million deal, he was signed to obviously be a starter, but opposite of him there remains a huge question mark. Reports have already surfaced that the team is prepared to move on from Jamar Taylor if they find an upgrade through the draft. That is exactly what they find here. Alexander brings swagger and confidence to a franchise and secondary that needs it.

23. New England Patriots: OT/Kolton Miller — UCLA

Needs: CB, OT, QB, LB, S

This is one of those picks that just seems like it’s bound to happen. With Nate Solder now moving on to the New York Giants, the team now has a big hole at left tackle. After spending a third-round pick on Antonio Garcia a year ago, he didn’t see any action in his rookie season. Miller is a huge project, but his stellar performance at the Combine and due to the lack of depth in this tackle class, teams will be running to the podium to select the former UCLA offensive tackle because of his potential and upside.

24.Carolina Panthers: WR/Mike Hughes — UCF

Needs: WR, CB, EDGE, OL, S

After the whole Bashaud Breeland failed physical mishap, the Panthers are in need of an upgrade at either cornerback spots. James Bradberry and Kevon Seymour are currently projected to be their starters. Hughes brings a high end talent that neither one of the projected starters brings to the table. He’s scheme versatile and fully capable of playing on the outside or in the slot, which gives them insurance in case the Captain Munnerlyn experiment takes a downturn. The former UCF standout also brings value as a return specialist, which is an added asset.

25. Tennessee Titans: LB/Leighton Vander Esch — Boise State

Needs: EDGE, ILB, WR, DL, OG

The Titans made a surprising coaching change, firing head coach Mike Mularkey and bringing in Mike Vrabel, who has been known for his defensive prowess and ability to relate to players. After the departure of Avery Williamson to the Jets, the team has a huge hole right in the middle of their defense. With Vrabel being a defensive head coach, he’s going to want to replenish that side of the ball. Vander Esch brings a much needed presence to the middle of the Tennessee defense.

26. Atlanta Falcons: DT/Taven Bryan — Florida

Needs: DT, WR, TE, DE

The Falcons defense is filled with young stars on all three levels. Grady Jarrett, Deion Jones and Keanu Neal all seem to be franchise cornerstones for years to come, but Dan Quinn’s defense needs to find another penetrating interior defensive lineman opposite of Jarrett. With Dontari Poe moving on to the Panthers, they need someone that has the flexibility to play bothone and three-technique. Bryan fits their athletic profile and is exactly what they covet.

27. New Orleans Saints: TE/Dallas Goedert — South Dakota State

Needs: TE, WR, OL, EDGE, QB

A heartbreaking 29-24 loss to the Vikings ended the Saints season abruptly. Their offense is loaded and the 2017 draft class set the bar extremely high entering this offseason. With Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas in place as building blocks for the future, there remains a huge hole at tight end. Goedert is a much needed upgrade there and would give Drew Brees yet another weapon.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB/Rashaan Evans — Alabama

Needs: ILB, WR, RB, S, OL

With Ryan Shazier’s career in question, the Steelers have huge shoes to fill in the middle of their defense. Evans is one of those prospects that epitomizes what it means and looks like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. He’s hard-nosed and plays extremely physical. The former Alabama standout would be a plug and play option. Evans would bring the attitude and mentality to that side of the ball, which needs it badly.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: G/Will Hernandez — UTEP

Needs: OT, LB, WR, QB, CB

Tom Coughlin has copied the blueprint that helped him win multiple Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Developing a suffocating defense and a dominant running game. It has made the Jaguars roster quarterback proof and they are on their well to a very successful future after suffering a disappointing 24-20 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. They have a lot of money invested in center Brandon Linder and signing guard Andrew Norwell to a hefty 5-year/$66.5 million deal this offseason. Coughlin firmly believes that the teams running game could be even better. Adding Hernandez would be a perfect fit here in their man blocking scheme and it gives them an upgrade from right guard A.J. Cann.

30. Minnesota Vikings: OT/Connor Williams — Texas

Vikings GM Rick Spielman confirms what has long been speculated — if the team drafts a tackle, Mike Remmers will move to guard; if they draft a guard, Remmers can stay at tackle.

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) April 24, 2018

Needs: OL, DT, CB, TE, S

From top to bottom, there aren’t many needs on the Vikings roster. General manager Rick Spielman has done a solid job of drafting and filling the teams roster with talent throughout his tenure. One of the most glaring holes is at interior offensive line though. Luckily this is a very strong interior offensive line class. Minnesota takes Williams here in hopes of him playing at right tackle or right guard. Considered one of the best offensive lineman prospects in the draft, but he has some questions as to which position would be the best fit. Regardless, getting Williams here would be tremendous value at a clear position of need.

32.  Philadelphia Eagles: RB/Derrius Guice — LSU

After an investigation that included formal reviews and reports from every team that interviewed LSU running back Derrius Guice, the league did not confirm that any club made the reported controversial inquiries to him, a source told ESPN. Investigation now concluded.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2018

Needs: TE, LB, RB, OL, WR

Guice has had a bit of an unfair and tumultuous pre-draft processes. There have been lots of false off-the-field rumors that have come up about him, but there hasn’t been one to be proven true. His story is phenomenal and slipping this far in the draft will only be another added chapter to it. Adding him to the trio of Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement gives the Eagles yet another three-headed monster in the backfield.

Six-Pack of Final Thoughts

1. Cool Announcement: KFAN Radio Appearance with Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic)

A huge accomplishment for me in my short career is that I will be making an appearance with one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business in Paul Allen. He has given me the opportunity to join his radio show (KFAN 1003) today at 12 pm noon ET to discuss the Minnesota Vikings upcoming draft plans. It’s surreal being on a radio station that you use to listen to everyday for years.

2. Favorite Pre-Draft and Draft Day Rituals

Yesterday, I put up a question asking my Twitter followers what was their favorite draft day rituals. This one by Jake Johnson stood out the most and I thought it was unique, interactive and fantastic.

https://twitter.com/JakeJohnsonJO/status/989139249743171584

My favorite draft day rituals include watching Kevin Costner in the movie “Draft Day”. There’s mixed opinions about that movie, but I personally love it. Once the draft begins, I have two laptops in front of me. One is used for tracking the turned in picks and my big board, while another is used to start working on a post-draft article for all teams involved.

Exciting times!

3. “All or Nothing” series with the Dallas Cowboys

The folks at NFL Films knocked it out of the park with their new documentary: "All or Nothing: The Dallas Cowboys" It's available on Amazon beginning April 27. I binge-watched all 8 episodes. Here are some of my favorite highlights …

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 18, 2018

Back in 2016 when this series first aired with the Arizona Cardinals, it quickly caught my attention. Viewers get behind the scenes looks that we aren’t accustomed to and we get to see the ins and outs of every day life in the NFL throughout the duration of the season and into the post-season. The Cowboys never disappoint in the drama department and I can’t wait to watch this series. From some of the previews, it already looks as if it will be very entertaining.

4. My 2018 NFL Draft Guide 

My 2018 NFL Draft Guide is still available for purchase. For only $5, you get 175+ scouting reports, positional rankings, grades, and schemes, but most importantly your money is donated to charity.

All of the proceeds from this project will be donated to the Raleigh Rise Against Hunger Organization in Raleigh, North Carolina. This was designed to benefit both sides. You’re getting a wealth of draft information, but also donating to a great cause to fight the war against poverty and hunger.

5. Thank You

As another draft season comes to a close, there have been so many people that have helped me pursue my passion and get to this point. There’s multiple people that I could thank, including the people who constantly support my work. I genuinely thank you and everything that has transpired this draft season was great. The 2018 draft class was an awesome experience, but there obviously is plenty of work to be done and of course, there’s many special things planned for 2019 as well.

6. Weekly Podcast Links

Climbing the Pocket: Episode 88

Ep. 88
• What is “winnning” the draft?
• Favorite Prospect/Team Fits
• First-Round Bold Predictions
• Over/Under Bets
• CBs/WRs drafted on Day 1?
• What happens at No. 30 overall?
• Wings Debate: Drums or Flats?
• Ranch or Bleu Cheese?https://t.co/on78EFbK4D

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) April 26, 2018

For more NFL Draft news and analysis, follow J.R. on Twitter @JReidDraftScout