2018 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Mid-1st-Round Prospects

As the 2018 NFL draft rapidly approaches, more whispers and a notable roster cut have added more intrigue to first-round projections.

According to MMQB's Peter King, there's a link between the Cleveland Browns and Wyoming prospect Josh Allen: "This friend of Cleveland GM John Dorsey believes he'll go Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen over Sam Darnold with the first overall pick, keep the fourth pick and take Penn State running back Saquon Barkley."

We'll find out on April 26 whether the Browns view Allen as their offensive centerpiece or whether voices close to the situation let out a huge smokescreen. For now, let's see how the first round would pan out if Cleveland chooses the strong-armed quarterback.

The Dallas Cowboys released wideout Dez Bryant on Friday, which opens the discussion for a first-round pick to replace the three-time Pro Bowler. Should the front office select a potential No. 1 wide receiver or address the secondary?

Most would assume Saquon Barkley is the first running back off the board. Who's second at the position? Is it Ronald Jones II or Derrius Guice? Where does that prospect land?

Take a look at the latest first-round projections with an emphasis on prospects set to fall slightly below the top 10.

2018 NFL Mock Draft 1st-Round Projections

1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

2. New York Giants: Sam Darnold, QB, USC 

3. New York Jets: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA  

4. Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

5. Denver Broncos: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

6. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

8. Chicago Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

9. San Francisco 49ers: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia 

11. Miami Dolphins: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

12. Buffalo Bills: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

13. Washington Redskins: Derwin James, S, Florida State

14. Green Bay Packers: Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

15. Arizona Cardinals: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama 

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama 

18. Seattle Seahawks: Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College

19. Dallas Cowboys: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

20. Detroit Lions: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia

22. Buffalo Bills: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State 

23. New England Patriots: Connor Williams, OT, Texas 

24. Carolina Panthers: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

25. Tennessee Titans: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

26. Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

27. New Orleans Saints: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tegray Scales, LB, Indiana

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State 

30. Minnesota Vikings: Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

31. New England Patriots: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC

Arizona Cardinals Select OT Mike McGlinchey at No. 15 

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

The Arizona Cardinals will likely try their best to move up for a quarterback, but it's a tough task with only one first-round pick in the No. 15 slot unless the front office includes an impact player in the package.

Louisville signal-caller Lamar Jackson could fit into this spot, but Arizona may opt to add protection for presumed quarterback starter Sam Bradford. The 30-year-old has an extensive history of injuries. If the Cardinals intend on keeping him under center for most of the upcoming season, it would be best to add a quality offensive tackle.

The Cardinals traded Jared Veldheer to the Denver Broncos for a sixth-round pick in March, which cleared $6.9 million in cap space and opened a spot at right tackle.

Mike McGlinchey lined up at both tackle spots at Notre Dame. He could become an immediate starter and could also provide flexibility in case D.J. Humphries struggles on the left side or goes down with another injury similar to the previous season. 

Dallas Cowboys Select S Ronnie Harrison at No. 19 

Butch Dill/Getty Images

Since the Cowboys cut Bryant, the fanbase has been thinking about options at wide receiver to fill his spot. However, it seems the front office prepared for the move by adding wideouts Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson during the offseason.

Hurns and Thompson don't compare to Bryant at his best, but the Cowboys have multiple No. 2 and No. 3 receivers on the depth chart in an offense that is more reliant on a dominant ground attack, which features running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

It's fair to argue Dallas doesn't need to use its first-round pick on a top-flight wide receiver given its glaring hole at the safety position.

ESPN.com reporter Todd Archer expects defensive back Byron Jones to become a full-time cornerback, which increases the need to fill the void at the safety position. Alabama product Ronnie Harrison could jump right into the starting lineup, bring toughness and some coverage ability on the back end.

Detroit Lions Select RB Derrius Guice at No. 20

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Derrius Guice would become a perfect fit for the Washington Redskins at No. 13, but the temptation to add versatile safety Derwin James to the secondary could push the front office in another direction. 

If Guice slips past the teens, the Detroit Lions should pick him up at No. 20. Running back Ameer Abdullah has been a disappointment in the backfield. General manager Bob Quinn acquired LeGarrette Blount in March, but the physical ball-carrier will turn 32 in December. Clearly, he's not the future at the position.

The Lions should look to complement quarterback Matthew Stafford's strong arm with a young physical running back who can finish near the goal line.

Similar to his stable with the New England Patriots, head coach Matt Patricia would have a plethora of running backs to use in various situations. He could tab Guice as his workhorse ball-carrier. The addition would immediately upgrade Detroit's offense.