The NFL Draft has become a nice appetizer before our main course in September. A mock version of said draft is meant to educate, and even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
What follows is an early attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order according to NFL.com.
Here’s an updated version of my 2018 NFL Mock Draft, now through two rounds:
FIRST ROUND
1. Cleveland (0-16) — Sam Darnold, QB, USC, So.
It’s clear new GM John Dorsey will not favor the analytical approach like the previous regime and likely wants a fresh start at quarterback. Darnold isn’t a flawless prospect — I’m a firm believer he would have benefited from another year of seasoning at USC — but he possesses everything most scouts look for in a franchise quarterback. Top needs: QB, Edge, CB
2. N.Y. Giants (3-13) — Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA, Jr.
If the Giants hold on and secure the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft, it will be their highest selection in 37 years. They took a North Carolina linebacker named Lawrence Taylor with the second overall selection in 1981, not bad. Some believe Rosen has a divisive personality — he’s already made it clear he’d rather not play for a bad organization — and could be injury-prone, but there’s no questioning his polished pro-ready skill-set. Top needs: OT, QB, LB
3. Indianapolis (4-12) — Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State, Sr.
Beyond a variety of moves off the edge, the Nagurski award winner (top defender) has proven capable of impacting games through his run defense and also on special teams (blocking kicks). Top needs: OT, OG, Edge
4. Cleveland from Houston (4-12) — Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama, Jr.
The unanimous All-American is capable of playing both safety and cornerback at a high level, and is such a detail-oriented person, his teammates call him “Coach Saban’s son.” Top needs: QB, Edge, CB
5. Denver (5-11) — Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming, Jr.
I feel like John Elway will answer his immediate quarterback issues during free agency or with a trade, but he can still address the position long-term with this selection. Plenty of people have jumped off the Allen bandwagon. However, his arm strength — check out the tape of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — and athletic ability are still off the charts and you can chalk his poor production this season up to a less-talented supporting cast. Top needs: QB, OT, FS
6. N.Y. Jets (5-11) — Connor Williams, OT, Texas, Jr.
The Jets obviously need a quarterback, but would need to trade up in this scenario. Williams missed seven games with a knee injury, but returned to his normal dominating form late in the season, showcasing top-five talent. Top needs: QB, Edge, OT
7. Tampa Bay (5-11) — Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn St., Jr.
The addition of Barkley would complete a formidable trifecta with Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. He’s a generational talent at running back and the most dynamic player in this draft. Top needs: S, RT, RB
8. Chicago (5-11) — Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU, So.
Sutton is a matchup nightmare in the red zone — he has had at least nine touchdowns for three straight seasons — and has proven physical after the catch. He’s also a willing blocker. If he can develop as a route runner, watch out. Top needs: WR, ILB, CB
9. San Francisco (6-10) — Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame, Sr.
The 49ers can address other needs with their quarterback questions answered. You may think this too high for a guard, but I’d take the unanimous All-American over two-thirds the NFL’s guards right now. In fact, Nelson deserves to go higher. Top needs: WR, Edge, CB
10. Oakland (6-10) — Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia, Jr.
Smith is built more like a strong safety — he’s 6-1, 225 pounds — than a linebacker, one might say. The modern NFL prefers its linebackers speedy and is willing to sacrifice size if the prospect features athleticism, physicality and football intelligence. The Bednarik finalist and Butkus award winner is blessed with all three. Top needs: DT, Edge, CB
11. Miami (6-10) — Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida St., Jr.
McFadden has prototypical size, elite speed and the ball skills to develop into a shutdown corner in the NFL. Top needs: OG, CB, FS
12. Cincinnati (7-9) — Derwin James, SS, Florida St., So.
Much like the Seminoles themselves, James had a disappointing season — he skipped the Independence Bowl — but few defensive backs can match his dynamic combination of speed, size, instincts and hitting ability. I imagine he will ace the combine in Indianapolis and his draft stock will soar from there. Top needs: OG, OT, SS
13. Washington (7-9) — Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M, Jr.
The comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr. are apt. Kirk is an all-around pass-catcher known for his route-running and punt-return ability. He’s equally dangerous lined up outside or in the slot. Top needs: ILB, WR, C
14. Green Bay (7-9) — Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma, Jr.
Protecting Aaron Rodgers has to be a priority going forward. Brown is a gigantic force — he’s 6-8, 345 pounds — who has proven capable of subduing talented opponents on a weekly basis. There’s a chance he develops into a guard at the next level. Either way, an upgrade for the Packers. Top needs: Edge, OL, TE
15. Arizona (8-8) — Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame, Sr.
The AP first-team All-American is versatile — he has started double-digit games at both right and left tackle — and athletic in a massive package (6-foot-8, 315 pounds). His strength (run blocking) will suit a new-look Cardinals offense. Top needs: QB, OT, C
16. Baltimore (9-7) — Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama, Jr.
The Ravens offense is a mess, and we all know General Manager Ozzie Newsome is mighty fond of Crimson Tide players. Ridley features explosive speed and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better route runner in college football. A rare combination. Top needs: WR, OG, Edge
17. L.A. Chargers (9-7) — Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama, Jr.
The Chargers had the second-worst run defense in the NFL this season. Payne is the anchor in the middle this defense has lacked since the days of Jamal Williams. He’s an immediate upgrade over Corey Liuget. Top needs: OT, ILB, QB
18. Seattle (9-7) — Derrius Guice, RB, LSU, Jr.
Russell Wilson did his best one-man team impression, but he needs help if the Seahawks are going to return to prominence. Guice runs with the rare combination of strength and agility, especially for a 220-pound back. Top needs: Edge, RB, OL
19. Dallas (9-7) — Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson, Jr.
Wilkins is a tremendous run-stopper who is also capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks. He’d fit perfectly in Rod Marinelli’s defense. Top needs: DT, WR, TE
20. Detroit (9-7) — Arden Key, DE, LSU, Jr.
Key has freakish ability, but he also carries significant baggage — Randy Gregory and Tim Williams-level baggage. Top needs: Edge, RB, DT
21. Buffalo (9-7) — Vita Vea, DT, Washington, Jr.
The 6-foot-5, 340-pound Pac-12 defensive player of the year might be the strongest prospect in the entire draft class and would have likely been a first-round selection had he left school a year ago. He’d be a fine replacement for Marcell Dareus. Top needs: Edge, DT, OL
22. Buffalo from Kansas City (10-6) — James Washington, WR, Oklahoma St., Sr.
Washington is the scariest deep threat in college football — he had 1,549 yards on only 74 receptions. His ability to stretch the field is second-to-none in this draft class. Top needs: Edge, DT, OL
23. L.A. Rams (11-5) — Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
The Buckeyes have produced four first-rounders at cornerback the past four years. Ward is likely to make it five-for-five. Top needs: CB, Edge, OG
24. Carolina (11-5) — Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson, So.
The Panthers need some youth off the edge. Ferrell led one of the best defenses in college football in QB pressures and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Top needs: Edge, FS, CB
25. Tennessee (9-7) — Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College, Sr.
Landry plays defensive end for the Eagles, but is athletic enough to stand up and play outside linebacker in the NFL. Like Chubb, he’s capable of being an elite pass rusher and dynamic run defender, but will likely be had at a discount on draft day. Top needs: Edge, SS, OG
26. Jacksonville (10-6) — Billy Price, OG, Ohio St., Sr.
Blake Bortles has proven to be an adequate “game manager” at times, but I’m sure the Jaguars expected much more when they selected him third overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. However, his eventual replacement will likely be found in free agency. Price is capable of playing anywhere on the interior. Top needs: QB, OG, TE
27. Atlanta (10-6) — Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan, Sr.
You can never have enough pass rushers is something Dan Quinn learned in Seattle. Another inside pass rush presence would make Vic Beasley even more effective off of the edge. Hurst has been close to un-blockable at the collegiate level. Top needs: OG, DL, S
28. New Orleans (11-5) — Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma, Sr.
The Saints will eventually need a replacement for future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Mayfield shares many of the same traits that makes Brees so successful and Sean Payton’s system would be the ideal landing spot for the Heisman winner. He could go much higher than this. Top needs: OG, WR, Edge
29. Pittsburgh (13-3) — Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE, Oklahoma, Sr.
Okoronkwo’s speed and explosiveness make him almost un-blockable off the edge, but his size — he’s 6-1, 245 pounds — could make him a hybrid inside-outside linebacker at the next level. Top needs: ILB, OT, FS
30. Philadelphia (13-3) — Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi St., Sr.
Rankin was likely a second round selection had he left school last season. He’s definitely improved while helping his stock. He could make a push into the middle of the first round if he performs well in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. Top needs: ILB, OT, DB
31. New England (13-3) — Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa, Jr.
There’s a solid chance Malcolm Butler leaves as an unrestricted free agent. Jackson isn’t quite the size-speed prospect Alabama’s Fitzpatrick is, but his ball skills are second-to-none and his technique is flawless. Top needs: CB, Edge, QB
32. Minnesota (13-3) — Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan, Sr.
There aren’t very many holes on this roster. Okorafor is a technician who features good size, athleticism and long arms. He’s equally adept in pass protection and run-blocking. Top needs: OG, QB, DL
SECOND ROUND
33. Cleveland (0-16) — Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson, Jr.
34. N.Y. Giants (3-13) — Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA, Jr.
35. Cleveland from Houston (4-12) — Dante Pettis, WR, Washington, Sr.
36. Indianapolis (4-12) — Will Hernandez, OG, Texas El Paso, Sr.
37. N.Y. Jets (5-11) — Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio, Sr.
38. Tampa Bay (5-11) — Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama, Jr.
39. Chicago (5-11) — Rashaan Evans, OLB, Alabama, Sr.
40. Denver (5-11) — Justin Reid, FS, Stanford, Jr.
41. Oakland (6-10) — Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn, Jr.
42. Miami (6-10) — Armani Watts, FS, Texas A&M, Sr.
43. New England from San Francisco (6-10) — Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio St., Jr.
44. Washington (7-9) — Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio St., Jr.
45. Green Bay (7-9) — Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma, Jr.
46. Cincinnati (7-9) — Martez Ivey, OT, Florida, Jr.
47. Arizona (8-8) — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville, Jr.
48. L.A. Chargers (9-7) — Malik Jefferson, ILB, Texas, Jr.
The co-Big 12 defensive player of the year was also named first-team All-Big 12, second-team All-American and a semifinalist for the 2017 Butkus Award recognizing the nation’s best linebacker. Top needs: OT, ILB, QB
49. N.Y. Jets from Seattle (9-7) — Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma St., Sr.
50. Dallas (9-7) — Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis, Sr.
51. Detroit (9-7) — Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego St., Sr.
52. Baltimore (9-7) — Taven Bryan, DT, Florida, Jr.
53. Buffalo (9-7) — Bryce Love, RB, Stanford, Jr.
54. Kansas City (10-6) — Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville, Jr.
A knee injury helped limit Alexander’s season to six games, but before the injury many considered him the top cornerback in the nation. Top needs: DB, WR, OL
55. Carolina (11-5) — Marcus Allen, FS, Penn St., Sr.
56. Buffalo from L.A. Rams (11-5) — Hercules Mata’afa, OLB, Washington St., Jr.
57. Tennessee (9-7) — DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas, Jr.
58. Atlanta (10-6) — K.J. Malone, OG, LSU, Sr.
59. Jacksonville (10-6) — Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota St., Sr.
60. San Francisco from New Orleans (11-5) — Kameron Kelly, CB, San Diego St., Sr.
61. Minnesota (13-3) — Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford, Sr.
62. Pittsburgh (13-3) — Braden Smith, OT, Auburn, Sr.
63. Cleveland from Philadelphia (13-3) — Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson, Jr.
64. New England (13-3) — Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech, Jr.
