2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

By Ethan Crystal

After the NFL Combine that took place last weekend in Indianapolis, I felt a second version of my mock draft was certainly needed. Mock draft season lives, and many more drafts will be released in between now and April 26^th.

The second version of CST’s official Mock Draft takes into account all the moves NFL teams have made from the release of the first mock draft until now. As well, this mock draft is the first mock draft in the series that will take into account the results of the recent NFL Combine.

Just a reminder that this Mock Draft 2.0 is still subject to a ton of changes, but takes into account all the CURRENT roster and needs of all NFL teams (no hypothetical free agent signings).

1. Cleveland Browns

Pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

(Version 1.0 pick: Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California)

Version 2.0 of Casual Sports Talk’s NFL mock draft comes with a change of the #1 overall pick. I originally had them taking Sam Darnold out of USC, but Saquon Barkley has proven himself to be as sure of a bet as any prospect can be with his combine performance. He’s brought his value from Top-5 prospect to Top-2 prospect and is the #1 prospect in this mock draft.

2. New York Giants

Pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

(Version 1.0 pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA)

Here’s a pick we believe stay constant. In version 1.0, it was explained how I personally feel that the Giants would prefer Rosen to Darnold. He fits extremely well in that system and seems the most pro-ready out of all the QB prospects. With a healthy-roster that made the playoffs 2 seasons ago, Rosen can slot in right away and look to lead New York back to the playoffs.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

(Version 1.0 pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State)

Another pick that hasn’t changed, but why would it if the Colts are still drafting the best defensive player in the draft? Again, they need help in so many places, but getting a difference-maker for your defensive line is a serious start. Chubb’s speed & strength make him a very enticing prospect for Chris Ballard.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)

Pick: Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California

(Version 1.0 pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama)

So any mock draft I make really won’t have the Cleveland Browns screwing up any of their draft picks, unrealistic I know. In this version, Cleveland understood that they could afford to take the best prospect in the draft (Saquon Barkley) @ #1 overall and still get the franchise QB they have been praying to acquire after years of trading away draft picks that QBs were taken at. Since Indy did not need a QB, Cleveland will get the luxury of choosing between 2 of Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen depending on whom the Giants take (if they even take a quarterback).

5. Denver Broncos

Pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

(Version 1.0 pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming)

Once again, this mock draft is in a scenario that the Broncos roster remains the same and they do not sign a Quarterback in free agency. John Elway seems to be a big fan of the Allen kid from Wyoming, amid his inconsistencies with accuracy in the college. Josh has proved on multiple occasions he has the strongest arm in the draft, he looks like a good fit for Denver’s offense & should only improve his completion percentage being surrounded by good receivers (Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas).

6. New York Jets

Pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

(Version 1.0 pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State)

So version 1.0 obviously had the Jets getting lucky landing Saquon, but I no longer see any scenario where Saquon drops past #2 overall. New York has a couple of ways they can go here, I strongly debated whether to take Baker, Minkah Fitzpatrick or Quenton Nelson. Fitzpatrick impressed tremendously with his technique and speed at the combine and Nelson seems like the best guard prospect to come out of college in years, but if New York truly wants to start their rebuild properly they’re going to need to figure out the Quarterback position. Baker is ready to lead any organization and should prove to benefit the Jets sooner rather than later.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State

(Version 1.0 pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State)

It seems that Tampa could go either way here, but I predict that Minkah Fitzpatrick will continue to fall. Derwin only enhanced his draft value at the combine, recording a 40” vertical jump and 4.48 40-yard dash. A leader on the field, Derwin can captain this defense next season with the likes of Kwon Alexander, Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy as other leaders around him. Tampa’s D can benefit extremely from this talent who won’t even have to move out of state, going to university in Tallahassee.

8. Chicago Bears

Pick: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

(Version 1.0 pick: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama)

Here’s another pick that I haven’t changed, but that’s just because Chicago still REALLY needs a receiver. Calvin proved at the combine what receiver he was, a shifty-speedy route runner that will find space and can be relied on to catch the ball. Chicago needs a receiver like this to build chemistry with Mitchell Trubisky, should be a very beneficial pick towards them and should yield instant results next season.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB/S, Alabama

(Version 1.0 pick: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame)

San Francisco is another team that needs help in multiple places. Thankfully, they have the Quarterback situation figured out at least, so they have some pieces to build around. In version 1.0, I had them going Quenton Nelson, arguable the best interior linemen in this years draft class, and I debated them still picking him here because of their need to protect Jimmy. Instead, I decided that John Lynch wouldn’t let such a talented played like Minkah Fitzpatrick fall further when they do have a need in their secondary. Fitzpatrick could play corner and safety and showed how his talent to scouts this weekend. While he may not fall as far in the actual draft, San Francisco got lucky here to scoop him up.

10. Oakland Raiders

Pick: Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia

(Version 1.0 pick: Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia)

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can seriously see Roquan Smith in an Oakland Raiders jersey. He only boosted his value with his combine performance with 4.51 40-yard dash, solidifying his value as a top-10 prospect. Another pick that doesn’t change for a reason, Oakland is looking for somebody to truly captain their defense and that’s what Roquan provides them. A Jon Gruden defense needs that anchor, as I’ve previously mentioned, and it’s looking more and more likely that that anchor is going to be Roquan Smith.

11. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

(Version 1.0 pick: Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU)

Miami did a great job when acquiring Robert Quinn, only giving up a mid-round pick and swapping late-round picks in order to acquire the two time pro bowler. Instead of drafting another DE/OLB in the first round, Miami has solved that need and can look elsewhere with the #11 overall pick. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quenton Nelson is probably the best interior lineman in this draft.  It’s very possible that Nelson could be a top-5 pick but the way the dominos fell here, Miami got another steal in an o-line talent dropping to them (Laremy Tunsil).

12. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

(Version 1.0 pick: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma)

Orlando Brown really screwed himself over here. His performance at the combine completely destroyed his value for me, and I’ve completely dropped him out of the first round at this point. Orlando Brown is the holder of the worst 40-yard draft, the least reps on the bench press, the lowest vertical jump and the shortest broad jump in the 2018 NFL Combine and no longer holds a top-15 1^st round grade in my mind. Instead, Cincinnati grabs the NEW best OT prospect to help stabilize their offensive line.

13. Washington Redskins

Pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

(Version 1.0 pick: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU)

Out of all the mock draft’s I’ve seen so far, maybe one of them has Washington selecting a defensive back. Given, Washington does has Josh Norman in their secondary, but trading away Kendall Fuller seriously opens up a need that Denzel Ward will come in and fill right away. A first-team All-American in 2017, Ward showcased his speed and athleticism at the combine, running a 4.32 40-yard dash and having the best broad jump of the group (136 inches).

14. Green Bay Packers

Pick: Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU

(Version 1.0 pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State)

I would have kept Ward going to the Packers, as I feel that’s a good franchise fit, except for the fact that Washington grabbed Denzel with the previous pick. I could have picked another DB like Josh Jackson here, but Arden Key still being on the board may have been to enticing for Green Bay to pass up. His versatility and athleticism truly make him a great talent you can rotate and move anywhere on the outside of the front 7.  He can sit behind and learn from Nick Perry and Clay Matthews, become the heir to the position and eventually replace them.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

(Version 1.0 pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma)

Since Baker has been already taken, Arizona may not want to draft a Quarterback like Lamar Jackson or reach on a quarterback like Mason Rudolph/Luke Falk who may be available in later rounds. For here, I see them following their trend from last year and adding another freakish-athlete to rejuvenate their defence. Davenport could find himself playing D-end or outside linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Marcus drastically improved his draft stock with his standout performances in the Senior Bowl and in the NFL Combine. I believe he’s established himself as the 2^nd best edge rusher in the class, behind Bradley Chubb, and should be rising up a ton of scout’s draft boards.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

(Version 1.0 pick: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State)

So you’re probably reading this right now and thinking, James Washington hasn’t been drafted so why are you throwing Christian Kirk in there now? I have the simple answer really; Kirk is going to be the heir and replacement of Jeremy Maclin. Baltimore needs a receiver everyone can agree on that, drafting Kirk can allow him to step in right away AND learn from a receiver very similar to himself. Maclin entered the league at 6’0”, weighing 198 points and running a 4.48 40-yard dash. Kirk enters the league at 5’10”, weighing 200 pounts and just ran a 4.47 40-yard dash. Both are great athletes who use quickness and explosion as key elements of their game and the addition of Kirk to that Baltimore offense will give Joe Flacco another weapon to work with.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Mike McGlinchy, OT, Notre Dame

(Version 1.0 pick: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State)

Just because I’m no longer taking a quarterback here, doesn’t mean I don’t believe LA should find Phillip Rivers’ replacement this year’s draft. I’m such a fan of this QB class that I truly believe that Tom Telesco can afford to wait on a quarterback and address other needs. While you look at the Chargers o-line a think it’s one of the better ones, they do have both a hole at right tackle and center that must be filled. Mike McGlinchy, coming from Offensive Lineman U apparently, can come in and make an instant impact on a very young offensive line that should clear the path for both Melvin Gordon and Phillip Rivers next season.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

(Version 1.0 pick: Connor Willams, OT, Texas)

While offensive line seems like it’s a need for Seattle every year, the top tackles are all off the board at this time and any offensive linemen Seattle may take would be considered a reach at this point, other than Isaiah Wynn. Perhaps a more pressing need has become the defensive line, with Sheldon Richardson unlikely to return and Michael Bennett likely to get traded. Vita Vea has solidified himself as the best defensive tackle in this draft and should fit extremely well in Seattle’s 4-3 defensive scheme, replacing Richardson. Vea combines size, strength and quickness to cause interior linemen an absolute nightmare.

19. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

(Version 1.0 pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan)

As long as a heart specialist medically clears Hurst to continue playing football, he would make a fine addition to this Cowboys defense. He gets in the backfield quick and disrupts both the passing and running game of the opposition. He knows how to attack weak offensive linemen and find the proper gap thanks to his quickness. As I said in version 1.0, pairing him with former Michigan Wolverine teammate Taco Charlton will bring more chemistry to the D-line room and translate to more on-field success for a defense that needs to get to the quarterback and stop the pass game.

20. Detroit Lions

Pick: Tremaine Edmunds, ILB/OLB, Virginia Tech

(Version 1.0 pick: Tremaine Edmunds, ILB/OLB, Virginia Tech)

When Lance Zierlein compares you to HOF linebacker Brian Urlacher, you must be doing something right. I’ve seen mock drafts where Edmunds has been going in the Top-10 and in my opinion it’s warranted. Lucky for Matt Patricia, this particular mock draft keeps Edmunds going to Detroit and helping out on that defense. He has a ton of explosion and his versatility means he will produce from anywhere in the linebacker box you put him. Don’t be surprised if Edmunds does get drafted in the Top-10, and definitely don’t get surprised when he flourishes at the NFL level.

21. Buffalo Bills

Pick: Isaiah Wynn, OT/OG/C, Georgia

(Version 1.0 pick: Vita Vea, DT, Washington)

With 4 picks in the first 2 rounds of this years draft, the Bills find themselves in a position to completely refresh the Bills roster that is in desperate need to get younger. The first of their back-to-back picks brings an extremely well rounded and skillful lineman that is extremely versatile. I originally had them selecting Billy Price as their guard/center hybrid, Price recently suffered an injury and that should bring down his stock, making Wynn a 1^st round pick.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)

Pick: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

(Version 1.0 pick: Billy Price, OG/C, Ohio State)

Personally, I feel like Buffalo is doing fine with Tyrod Taylor and should try to keep him and build around him. That being said, its been made obviously Buffalo isn’t sold on Tyrod and is looking elsewhere for a new signal caller, going as far to have benched Tyrod for Nathan Peterman. I’ll admit, Lamar Jackson looks like a good fit for Sean McDermott’s offense and would bring a ton more athleticism. Proving he’s not a wide receiver, Jackson threw well at the combine, solidifying himself as the likely 5^th quarterback to be taken round 1.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

(Version 1.0 pick: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa)

Another pick that stays the same, Jackson seems more and more likely to be the replacement to Trumaine Johnson, who is headed to free agency. The acquisition of pro bowler Marcus Peters via trade plus drafting Josh Jackson will give LA another tremendous secondary, which will strike fear into opponents. Jackson did not have the best combine, albeit certainly not a bad performance, yet his performance last season speaks volumes for itself.

24. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

(Version 1.0 pick: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU)

Get Cam Newton another weapon and you will succeed. Throw a big body like Sutton on that offense and it adds another dimension that opponents have to prepare for. Not only do they have to prepare for shifty weapons like Christian McCaffrey & Curtis Samuel, but also now they’ll have to prepare for a guy that can go over-the-top of any cornerback and haul in a deep ball. An extremely dangerous red zone target, Sutton has the capability to beat any corner back using his speed, size and strength.

25. Tennessee Titans

Pick: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

(Version 1.0 pick: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA)

With Davenport off the board, Tennessee will have to turn to their second option at Edge rusher. Honestly, Harold Landry isn’t that big of a drop off from Davenport. With a high vertical, long broad jump and speedy 40-yard dash time, Landry completely dominated the combine and solidified himself as a 1^st round prospect. He’ll bring quality and depth to this defense; watch him flourish at the next level.

26. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

(Version 1.0 pick: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP)

I asked and he delivered. Will Hernandez had a great Senior Bowl & Combine. He showed strength, with 37 reps at the bench press, and surprising speed for a 330lbs lineman, running a 5.15 40-yard dash. You can never have too much depth at both O-line and D-line, Hernandez brings much needed competition towards the Falcons’ starting guards and should get the starting job by the time next season rolls around.

27. New Orleans Saints

Pick: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

(Version 1.0 pick: Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis)

While somebody on the front 7 may be a more immediate need, the Saints need to start looking for Drew Brees’ replacement. Find a quarterback with some raw talent, a great arm and willing to sit for a couple years and learn the game. While I can’t confirm that the 3^rd need is true, Mason Rudolph has raw talent and a great arm. He threw for tons of yards at the collegiate level and could only benefit sitting behind a future Hall of Famer like Drew Brees for a year or two. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dropping Anthony Miller’s value here, but Rudolph being available at this pick makes to much logical sense to pass up.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama

(Version 1.0 pick: Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama)

With the confirmed news that Ryan Shazier will at least miss the entire 2018 NFL season, the Steelers need at inside linebacker becomes all too real. His impressive skill set makes him probably the best player available at this point of the first draft. At the same time, the Steelers have developed a need for a new inside linebacker, with Vince Williams and Tyler Matakevich used to having that 3^rd linebacker to captain this defense.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota St.

(Version 1.0 pick: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma)

Dallas Goedert was a name I’ve heard of before this whole process, but he’s firmly planted onto my radar now. For his size, being 6’4”, he catches the ball extremely well and uses a rare combination of strength and speed to create space and haul in reception after reception, as a tight end.  A very talented pass catcher, Goedert is drawing pro comparisons to the likes of Zach Ertz and should be Marcades Lewis’ replacement in Jacksonville.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Billy Price, OG/C, Ohio State

(Version 1.0 pick: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville)

So Price’s injury did hurt his draft stock, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Minnesota took him here with the hopes he’s back for training camp and can make an impact sooner or later. With only 5 picks this entire draft, Minnesota is going to have to do the best with what they have, often-addressing areas of concern and need. Price played with current Viking Pat Eiflein in college and that chemistry should translate well to the NFL-level, especially with Elflein having a year of experience under his belt.

31. New England Patriots

Pick: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

(Version 1.0 pick: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn)

Mike Hughes has drawn rave reviews from NFL scouts and draft analysts. I’ve seen a plethora of mock draft having him going top-15 or top-10. Here he goes 31^st overall to a Patriots team that desperately needs to stop the pass if they want to win another Super Bowl or two before the Brady-Belichick Era is over in Foxboro. Playing on that undefeated UCF team from this past season, Hughes has used his physically to disrupt passes and his ball hawking skills to keep UCF undefeated.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

(Version 1.0 pick: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan)

Yes, the Eagles have a future need at tackle, with Jason Peters and Lane Johnson both getting up there in age, but not drafting in rounds 2 & 3 should make Philly more likely to take a position of need. With Patrick Robinson realistically on his way out, Philadelphia could replace Robinson by a fantastic scheme fit in Isaiah Oliver.

Well that does it! Casual Sports Talk’s 2^nd official mock draft is in the books! Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on both Soundcloud and iTunes so you can get the latest and greatest from the Casual Sports Talk crew!