2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

By Ethan Crystal


So a lot has happened since our last mock draft… Free agency signings and trades galore have altered many teams draft needs and even draft position. With that being said, here’s CST’s official Mock Draft version 3.0.

Make sure to go check out Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 of our mock drafts to compare and contrast the differences.

Special surprise: it’s a FULL 2 ROUND Mock Draft, enjoy!

1. Cleveland Browns

Pick: Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California

I am flip-flopping a lot on this pick, but I am still convinced that Saquon Barkley SHOULD be taken 1^st.  That being said, the Tyrod Taylor trade convinces me that they will pick Darnold at 1. Tyrod is being looked at as a ‘bridge QB’ in this scenario and Cleveland looks to want their franchise QB for years to come. Yes, I do believe Saquon is a once-in-a-generation running back and that they should take him here… but I can realistically see them going QB at 1 to ensure they get the guy they want.

2. New York Giants

Pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

I still believe Josh Rosen will be the 2^nd overall pick whether or not Darnold goes #1. In terms of franchise fit, Rosen works very well for New York and I can see Rosen suiting up in Giants blue or white next season. The only thing that would confuse me about this pick is that Rosen seems the most NFL ready… but Eli Manning openly wants to play for another year or two. Guess it’s going to be a problem for Dave Gettleman to deal with.

3. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)

Pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

A sub 6-foot QB finally cracks in the first round. Here’s a pick based more on a system fit, with Baker’s quick fire ability complementing the speed of Robby Anderson (and/or another quick wide receiver they draft) rather well. Baker may actually flourish in New York and prove to be another successful quarterback not affected by height (like Drew Brees or Russell Wilson)

4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)

Pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

The way this mock draft works out, Cleveland gets their #1 QB target and their #1 overall target. Some truly hope it works out that way for the franchise, but does anything ever really work out like that in the NFL? We’ll have to wait and see until draft day.

5. Denver Broncos

Pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

This #5 pick is a trade-bait pick for other teams who need quarterbacks. Teams like Buffalo and/or Arizona are very active in the QB market and could trade up. For the sake of this mock, lets stick with Denver at 5. John Elway seemed to be very confident in their signing of Case Keenum, pronouncing that they got their guy and Keenum was their #1 all long. Addressing a need at #5, the Broncos pick Denzel Ward over the likes of Minkah Fitzpatrick because they truly need a corner back, and Fitzpatrick is looking less-and-less like a full-time corner. Ward is shooting up draft boards and should be a huge asset to Denver’s secondary (especially after the loss of Aqib Talib).

6. Indianapolis Colts (via New York Jets)

Pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Great piece of business here by the Colts trading down 3 picks, getting some extra 2^nd round picks and also drafting the guy they wanted all along. Chubb is still the best defender in the draft; nothing has changed in my eyes. Hopefully he can be the centerpiece of their defensive rebuild.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB/S, Alabama

In versions 1 and 2, Tampa stuck with the Tallahassee boy, Derwin James, just because he was the best player available. Version 3 has Minkah Fitzpatrick falling all the way down here and Tampa is most definitely not complaining! Minkah is a very versatile ball hawk who can have an impact as primarily a safety but also as a corner.

8. Chicago Bears

Pick: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

With this pick, the Chicago Bears will cement themselves as the winners of this offseason. They surrounded their future QB with pass catchers and now grab the best, and most pro ready, offensive linemen in the draft to provide Trubisky the protection he needs. Without a need for a receiver anyone, the guy who I had them taking the first 2 mock drafts, Calvin Ridley, now falls out of the top 10.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Tremaine Edmunds, ILB/OLB, Virginia Tech

Here’s the biggest mover in this mock draft, moving all the way from #20 to #9. I originally had Edmunds going #20 overall, and I love the fit with Detroit, but I also can see him absolutely dominating in San Francisco.  Edmunds versatility and freakish athletic ability sets him apart from a ton of prospects and should translate to instant success in that up-and-coming San Fran defense.

10. Oakland Raiders

Pick: Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia

Can’t you guys just picture this? 3 times I have Oakland taking Smith and I’m more set then ever that this pick will take place. His leadership ability is second-to-none and should captain this defense for years to come. Smith and Khalil Mack should strike fears into offensive coordinators around the league.

11. Miami Dolphins

Pick: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

Vita Vea is another player who just keeps moving up draft boards. A lot of mock drafts I’ve seen have them take a QB with this 11^th overall pick, but I truly question why. Ryan Tannehill does have injury concerns, but he’s still 29 and has 3 years left on his contract. In my opinion, they can very well wait and draft a project-type quarterback (Luke Falk, Kyle Lauletta, etc.) later in the draft and address bigger needs first. The release of Ndamukong Suh opens up a hole at d-tackle in their scheme, a hole that Vita Vea will fill and flourish in. Vita has set himself apart as the clear #1 DT prospect in this draft and should bring fantastic production to that Dolphins defense.

12. Buffalo Bills (via Cincinnati Bengals)

Pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Buffalo is very likely to trade up once more, but this mock draft predicts no trades so here they are at 12. Trading away Tyrod has opened up a need at QB, a need that Josh Allen can step-in and fill. There’s a choice here to be made between Allen and former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, but Jackson seems very similar to Tyrod Taylor in terms of size and play style. That being said, it would confuse me tremendously if Buffalo didn’t pick Allen because he fits the mold of the QB they want. Allen will compete with AJ McCarron to see who starts but should be at the helm of that Bills offense by seasons end.

13. Washington Redskins

Pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State

Washington gets an absolute gift here with Derwin James falling out of the top-10 right in their laps. After trading Su’a Cravens to Denver, Washington now has an even bigger need at the safety position. At the same time, Washington does have a need at edge rusher, but with the depth of this edge rusher class, Washington can afford to pick the best player available at this point. I could also see Washington going running back here, with Derrius Guice still available and looking like a good fit for the system, but again Derwin is who I see them going with.

14. Green Bay Packers

Pick: Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU

Some picks do not change! It was between Arden Key and Marcus Davenport here, but giving Arden the edge on this one. Green Bay desperately still needs a pass rusher, even with the addition of Muhammed Wilkerson. Key’s versatility allows you to play him anywhere along the outside of that front 7 and he should bring the youth back to that front 7.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon will both be gone from this roster in 2 years, Lamar Jackson will not. Long term, this is the best pick for Arizona at #15 and a pick they should make. This offseason has been certainly interesting for Arizona, probably one of the worst offseasons overall, and this draft pick can bring redemption to the Cardinals fans. Lamar Jackson has some questions surrounding him and his ability to translate his game from the college to the NFL level, but he should silence his doubters (at least I hope).

16. Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

With Chicago no longer in need of a receiver, the top-rated receiver in this draft falls all the way into Baltimore’s hand. Ridley should flourish in Baltimore, taking the place of Jeremy Maclin/Mike Wallace as Baltimore’s #1 receiving option (even if they need to take another one later on in the draft). Ridley should do well against the pedestrian AFC North pass defenses they come up against 6 times a year and make an immediate impact as a Raven.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Another top player that falls because of team needs, but Los Angeles gets the best of both worlds here. Connor Williams is my favorite tackle coming out of this draft class and the Chargers need a tackle. Williams has shown durability during his time at Texas, a necessity for a first round investment. So many people have preached that left tackle is one of the top 3 most important positions in football, so solidifying that position will give Los Angeles a great advantage compared to other teams.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

Seattle has a lot of needs to address here if they want to keep their window of success open. Probably the most important in the early rounds is to solidify that offensive line. For years now, Seattle has had a makeshift offensive line that’s cost them many games. Russell Wilson doesn’t have enough time in the pocket and fixing the offensive line will change that. Hernandez has strength and a surprising amount of speed, he should provide an instant boost to Seattle.

19. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

This pick has stayed constant through 3 mock drafts, might as well just write it in sharpie at this point. Hurst impressed at Michigan’s pro day and assured teams he’s worth a first round pick. Him and Taco on the same D-line should create chemistry in that locker room.

20. Detroit Lions

Pick: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Detroit is truly on the up and up. Personally, I think they’re a piece or two away from being one of the top NFC teams. Originally they had a need for linebacker, but the additions of Devon Kennard and Christian Jones has put that need in the backseat. While some may wonder why I have Detroit selecting a running back with them having a plethora of RBs (Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington) and them just signing LeGarrette Blount, recognize that the new trend in the NFL is to have multiple running backs who all play a specific role. Just look at the championship winning Eagles roster and how many running backs they used. Guice can be that impactful feature runner that Ameer Abdullah hasn’t proven to be yet and should push their offence to another level.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (via Buffalo Bills)

Pick: James Daniels, C, Iowa

Cincinnati traded down to 21 from 12, acquiring left tackle Cody Glenn at the same time to protect Andy Dalton. No longer needing a tackle, Cincy should focus on the interior of their offensive line after losing Russell Bodine. Daniels is one of the best centers in this years draft and could step in to instantly help boost this offensive line and protect both Andy Dalton and create running lanes for Joe Mixon/Giovani Bernard.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)

Pick: Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State

Buffalo addressed a major need at QB and now shift their attention to another position of need. In free agency, they’ve addressed holes on both the offensive and defensive lines and should shift their attention their middle linebacker in this draft. Leighton Vander Esch is an excellent off-the-ball linebacker and will be a leader on any defense you put him on. They may need to address the slot linebacker spot with Lorenzo Alexander getting up there in age, but that as well isn’t a primary need. Go Vander Esch here and watch him become the force that Buffalo expected Reggie Ragland to be just a few years back.

23. New England Patriots (via Los Angeles Rams)

Pick: Mike McGlinchy, OT, Notre Dame

New England rarely trades up in the draft, so this trade must be for a reason. After losing Nate Solder to the Giants, a hole as opened up at left tackle. That hole is about to be filled by Mike McGlinchy. McGlinchy is a product of Offensive Line U (Notre Dame) and should slot in instantly at left tackle for the team everyone loves to hate. Far from perfect, McGlinchy has an opportunity to learn from an excellent supporting cast and grow as a future star left tackle for that organization.

24. Carolina Panthers

Pick: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

Even thought Christian Kirk is still available at this point of the round, I still think the Panthers go Sutton at this point. Sutton and Kirk both have different games and Sutton works better for what Cam Newton needs. Sutton is a great compliment to the weapons Carolina already has (McCaffrey & Samuel) and should bring another dimension to the offence.

25. Tennessee Titans

Pick: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

Davenport should be climbing up peoples boards, but for some reason here he’s falling. If Arizona doesn’t take him at 15 (assuming no trades are made), no other team between them and Tennessee has a real need for an edge rusher in their system. This pick does not decrease my value of Davenport what so ever, it just makes him one of the biggest steals of the first round.

26. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

The loss of Dontari Poe has opened up a need at DT, a need that Taven Bryan is about to fill. Given, Atlanta has multiple needs to address but they should start up front on the defensive line. Taven Bryan is a quick athlete who can be a great interior pass rusher. For a late first round pick, he has a ton of upside to turn into a very productive pass rusher for years to come.

27. New Orleans Saints

Pick: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

New Orleans roster seems extremely complete at this time; they do not have many holes to fill. At pick 27 without many primary needs, this is the perfect opportunity for them to address their future, specifically at quarterback. I think Mason Rudolph has a tremendous arm and, after sitting behind Drew Brees for a couple of years, has the potential to be the future signal caller of the Saints organization. Grab Rudolph at 27 and address some secondary needs, like tight end and defensive end in the later rounds.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama

Another pick that has stayed consistent, this one can truly happen (as long as Evans does not get taken before). Pittsburgh has 2 big needs, inside linebacker and safety, but the lack of back-end inside linebacker talent forces them to take Evans in the 1^st round and look to get a safety in the 2^nd round (or any later rounds).

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Losing Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns to free agency, Jacksonville has an immediate need for receivers. They’re pass game is successful when they surround Blake Bortles with multiple options to spread the ball too, making Kirk a necessity for this team to draft to keep Blake playing well. Throw Christian Kirk into the slot and let his solid hands and quality route running separate him from other receivers Jacksonville could have gone with (whether through the draft of FA). Another plus is that Kirk is a very solid return man, just an extra thing he can offer the reining AFC South champions.

30. Minnesota Vikings

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

You’re not spending $84 million on a guy if you have no plan to protect him. Both guard spots for Minnesota are not the most solid options, so here comes Isaiah Wynn to solve that. An extremely versatile linemen, Wynn’s skill can translate anywhere on the O-line and he should bring instant help to Kirk Cousins and the rest of the Vikings offense.

31. New England Patriots

Pick: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Losing Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan has opened up a huge hole in the Patriots secondary. With their first 1^st round pick they addressed left tackle and now its time for them to address that missing cornerback. Mike Hughes is a ball hawk and should translate his game extremely well from college to the pros. Look for Hughes to fight for that starting cornerback spot day 1 and bring New England’s secondary to the next level.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

Not often do you see a team who just won the Super Bowl add talent in the offseason, but the Eagles have somehow managed to make their team even scarier with their moves. Adding depth in almost every position, the last immediate need for Philly is to get another safety. Maybe a bit of a shock he goes this early in the draft, Reid is going to be the depth behind Jenkins and McLeod and eventually take over for McLeod when his contract runs out at the end of next season.

Round 2

33. Cleveland Browns - Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

34. New York Giants – Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

35. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans) – Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

36. Indianapolis Colts – DJ Moore, WR, Maryland

37. Indianapolis Colts (via New York Jets) – Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

39. Chicago Bears – Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

40. Denver Broncos – Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

41. Oakland Raiders – Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

42. Miami Dolphins – Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State

43. New England Patriots (via San Francisco 49ers) – Malik Jefferson, ILB, Texas

44. Washington Redskins – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

45. Green Bay Packers – DJ Chark, WR, LSU

46. Cincinnati Bengals – Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia

47. Arizona Cardinals – Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas

48. Los Angeles Chargers – Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

49. Indianapolis Colts (via Seattle Seahawks) – Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

50. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

51. Detroit Lions – Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

52. Baltimore Ravens – Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC

53. Buffalo Bills – Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

54. Kansas City Chiefs – Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

55. Carolina Panthers – Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

56. Buffalo Bills (via Los Angeles Rams) – Billy Price, OG/C, Ohio State

57. Tennessee Titans – Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

58. Atlanta Falcons – James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

59. San Francisco 49ers (via New Orleans Saints) – Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

60. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kyzir White, S, West Virginia

61. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

62. Minnesota Vikings – Donte Jackson, CB, LSU

63. New England Patriots – Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

64. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles) – Da’Shawn Hand, DT, Alabama

We hope you enjoyed a special 2-round mock draft!
Click to check out Version 1.0 and Version 2.0

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