NFL Mock Draft 2018: Predicting Where Top Prospects Will Land in 1st Round
NFL auditions ramped up in earnest at the scouting combine, providing more clarity on how the draft might take shape once commissioner Roger Goodell takes to the podium on April 26.
It's hard to tell how much information is gleaned through measurements, physical testing and all kinds of interview questions. But it's perhaps even more difficult to discount the numbers attached to size, strength and speed when so much of the sport seemingly revolves around those three traits.
Without question, players can help or hurt themselves with their performance. But the best evaluations marry that intel with the game film and statistics compiled over their collegiate careers.
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Account for team roster composition, and suddenly you have the right formula for the internet's favorite pastime—mock drafting.
So, let's run through how each of the 32 first-round picks could shake out and take a closer examination of projected landing spots for this draft class' top prospects.
2018 NFL Mock Draft
3. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
5. Denver Broncos: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
6. New York Jets: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
9. San Francisco 49ers: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
10. Oakland Raiders: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
12. Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
13. Washington Redskins: Derwin James, S, Florida State
14. Green Bay Packers: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
15. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
16. Baltimore Ravens: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
19. Dallas Cowboys: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
21. Buffalo Bills: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
23. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
24. Carolina Panthers: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
25. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
26. Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
30. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
31. New England Patriots: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Top Prospect Predictions
Saquon Barkley Leads the Way
It's been 23 years since a running back was selected first in the NFL draft. But Saquon Barkley is ready to follow in the footsteps of fellow Nittany Lion Ki-Jana Carter, the top pick in the 1995 talent grab.
Barkley's case for No. 1 was already compelling when he completed his three-year career at Penn State with 671 carries for 3,843 yards (a 5.7 average), 102 receptions for 1,195 yards (an 11.7 average) and 51 touchdowns from scrimmage.
But it was his spellbinding showing at the combine that sent his hype machine into overdrive. Only a force of nature could snap this position's decades-long drought at the top, and Barkley looked every bit the part.
If you prefer context with your statistics, feast on this—Barkley had more bench-press reps than Luke Kuechly, a faster 40 time than Ezekiel Elliott and a higher vertical jump than Odell Beckam Jr., per SportsCenter.
Could the Browns use a quarterback? Sure, but with two choices in the top four, they're positioned to take the best player available at No. 1, then grab their next signal-caller three picks later.
It's hard to imagine a better boost for a Cleveland offense that finished dead last in scoring (234 points) and ninth from the bottom in yards per game (308.9).
Four QBs Go in Top Six
There isn't a more important position on the gridiron than the one under center. This time of year, that means this position also monopolizes the prospect debates.
Each of the five first-round quarterbacks come with question marks. But with so many cellar-dwelling squads starving for competent QB play, the need is great enough to warrant the risks.
Sam Darnold is the first to go, solidifying the Giants' post-Eli Manning plans. Darnold struggled with ball security at times (13 interceptions and nine lost fumbles in 2017), but he still threw for 7,229 yards and 57 scores over his two seasons as USC's starter.
"I think he caught some backlash this year because of the preseason hype and the interceptions," an AFC executive told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "He's still the most complete quarterback in this draft with the best makeup to be a good pro."
Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is the next passer off our board, revamping Cleveland's offense with Barkley.
Mayfield might be knocked for his attitude and lack of size, but the former Sooner can sling it. His 2017 campaign featured 4,627 yards on 70.5 percent passing and 43 touchdowns against only six picks. He's mobile enough to buy time in the pocket or scramble out of it (893 rushing yards over three seasons at Oklahoma).
The Denver Broncos quickly snatch up Josh Rosen next after trying and failing to make it work with the likes of Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch.
Rosen's mechanics are top-notch, and he showcased them well with 9,340 yards and 59 touchdowns over 30 games in three seasons at UCLA. NFL execs question his coachability, per Zierlein, but no one should doubt the talent.
Finally, the New York Jets gamble on Josh Allen and his wealth of physical abilities. He's a sturdy 6'5", and he has a rocket launcher for a throwing arm.
Assuming New York doesn't solve its quarterback problem in free agency—CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has the Jets and Minnesota Vikings as the finalists for Kirk Cousins—it will hope there's more boom than bust with Allen. His 56.2 career completion percentage is cause for concern, but his upside treats him as a clone of former small-school standout Carson Wentz.
Statistics used courtesy of Sports-Reference.com and NFL.com.
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