If one thing is for sure, the 2018 NFL Draft Class certainly flaunts itself as one that could go down in the history books. With a slew of talented signal-callers expected to find new homes, the draft exhibits the same hype as the infamous 1983 Draft, which now features three different Hall of Fame Quarterbacks.
While it’s too soon to tell to if 2018 will play out the same, it remains plausible to assume that greatness will spill out in some form. It could be the first time since 1999 that five signal-callers get picked in the first round.
Full Press Coverage’s Jets team took this potentially consequential draft into their own hands and examined the multitude of scenarios for what they’re worth. With a few shockers, slips and climbs, here’s how our 2018 NFL Mock Draft went down:
Round 1
Cleveland Browns – Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Josh Rosen is projected by many to go number one overall and why wouldn’t he? Rosen is a top tier quarterback who had a fantastic year and since the Browns continue to be quarterback needy, Rosen could be the guy to turn things around in winless Cleveland. However, the same was said for Deshone Kizer and looked what happened.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore Follow @AMS1928
New York Giants – Sam Darnold, QB, USC
If the Browns indeed do pass up on the stud USC quarterback, it would be tough for the Giants to let him slip any further. Some say he may be the most NFL ready QB in the draft, and the Giants days with Eli may be shortsighted.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind Follow @kylehirshkind
Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
The Colts have one of, if not the most atrocious defenses in the league. After being the 30th overall defense in 2017 and only racking up 25 sacks, the Colts will look for a spark up front. Chubb is just what they are looking for.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham Follow @nyjfansnation
Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Browns need more than just a playmaker on offense. They need a leader. If they don’t take Barkley first overall, that would be a huge mistake, but if they don’t grab him while he’s still there at fourth? Then the team deserves another few years of irrelevancy.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez Follow @melendez2015
Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Josh Allen was a stud at the Senior Bowl this year and his playing style is one of a high caliber. With the Broncos continuously changing quarterbacks, they need some stability in that position. Hopefully Allen’s arm and accuracy don’t hurt his career potential. If he’s able to overcome those inefficiencies Denver will significantly improve once he heads to the mile high.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
New York Jets – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets need a QB…bad. Mayfield seems like a great fit due to his versatility and ability to throw the deep ball accurately. If the Jets fall short in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, the Draft seems like the next best option. Mayfield has the poise that could finally point the Jets in the right direction.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Bucs luck out here, landing the best defensive prospect at the seventh overall pick. Tampa Bay was dead last in total defense and passing defense in 2017, and they find a star in Fitzpatrick to improve that number.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Chicago Bears – Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Chicago has made it clear that Trubisky is their man. After letting Alshon Jeffery walk last year in free agency, the team lacks a true number one receiver. Courtland Sutton out of SMU is a reliable receiver that could quickly become Trubisky’s go-to man.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
9. San Francisco 49ers – Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Nelson is a top tier guard in his position who the only comparison to the NFL would be Larry Allen. With Jimmy Garoppolo now under center with his massive NFL contract, someone is going to need to protect his blind side while he slings the ball down field. Nelson can do that and help the run game that has been lacking as of late.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Oakland Raiders – Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The Raiders fell off a cliff in 2017 mostly due to their sluggish performance in the secondary. While they may try and clean some of it up in free agency, the draft seems like the best spot for Oakland to turn things around. Ward may be the best overall corner in this draft, and the Raiders would be silly to pass up on him if he falls to 10.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
11. Miami Dolphins – Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Dolphins were a middle-of-the-pack defensive team in 2017, coming in 16th in pass defense. They look to make the secondary a force to be reckoned with here, and by pairing Derwin James with Reshad Jones, they do just that.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Cincinnati Bengals – Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
In the 2016 offseason, the Bengals saw a few important linemen walk in free agency. Andy Dalton isn’t Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but he’s a reliable quarterback when given time to move around. Mike McGlinchey should be an anchor to help out that line.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Washington Redskins – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Ridley falling this far in the draft is the stuff of miracles. If he does, Washington would pick him up in a heartbeat. The Roll tide senior wideout can help boost the very much talentless wide receiver core that Alex Smith has inherited. His athleticism mixed with the arm of Smith should make him a nice target in the coming season.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Green Bay Packers – Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa
The Green Bay Packers are in need of a No. 1 cornerback as their pass defense struggled once again this season, ranking outside of the top 20. Jackson, who won the Jack Tatum Award as the nation’s top defensive back of 2017, could be just the guy they need.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
Arizona Cardinals – Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Cardinals pass on a quarterback here and try to fix up the offensive line. The Cardinals quarterback room has been plagued by injuries, and they look to end that come 2018.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Baltimore Ravens – James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
With an already reliable defense, the Ravens need to make another postseason run while Flacco still has some time left in him. They need just about all the help they can get in terms of receivers. James Washington would be the best available player, and the Ravens should grab him if he is still there.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Los Angeles Chargers – Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
With Joey Bosa edge rushing and Casey Hayward defending down field, the Chargers are going to need someone protecting the short route. Enter Roquan Smith. Smith proved his worth during the Oklahoma-Georgia game during the college playoffs by stopping the run game short and pressuring the quarterback. This forced Mayfield to deal with the cornerbacks. With Smith on this team he could possibly boost an insanely talented defense.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Seattle Seahawks – Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Hughes is capable of winning a starting job as a rookie. He has had some trouble off the field, but he has proved his worth on the field. Cornerback is certainly an area of need for Seattle with Richard Sherman’s future beginning to look cloudy.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
Dallas Cowboys – Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
The Cowboys receiving corps is the only thing holding back the offense. Dez Bryant is out of his prime and could find a new team this season. The ‘Boys fill a big need here in round one.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Detroit Lions – Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Thanksgiving 2013. That’s the last time somebody on the Lions rushed for 100 yards in a game. Matthew Stafford isn’t getting any younger, and he’s a talent that Detroit can’t afford to waste (again). Drafting a reliable running back should be their top priority.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Buffalo Bills – Rasheen Evans, LB, Alabama
The Bills have little to no key players on defense signed and locked, let alone good. The only position they need a complete makeover is at linebacker. Evans is a linebacker who can command a field and shuffle the players around and stop the run game. Maybe the next Luke Kuechly?
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Buffalo Bills – Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
There a lot of QB needy teams this offseason, and the Bills may add their name to that list. With Tyrod Taylor’s future up in the air, it may make sense for the Bills to start planning for the future. Rudolph is a solid prospect who, with some good coaching, could eventually find success in the NFL.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
Los Angeles Rams – Arden Key, DE, LSU
The Rams’ only true need is receiver. With no receivers that are worthy of a first round pick left, they look to make their defensive front even scarier by adding Arden Key.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Carolina Panthers – Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The Panthers returned to the playoffs following the Superbowl Hangover of 2016. They do need a wide receiver, but they need to clear some running room for Christian McCaffrey if he is to truly flourish as a running back. Orlando Brown can help solidify a line that is in need of some help.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Tennessee Titans – Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Hurst was the number two WR at South Carolina… and he is a tight end. He was Jake Bentley’s go to guy to move the chains. Mariota can use him likewise in order to bring them back to the playoffs again. Move over Delanie Walker, a new TE is here.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Atlanta Falcons – Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Atlanta already has a talented group of linebackers, but if Edmunds is still on the board, it wouldn’t hurt to go best player available. With freakish talent, Edmunds can play both inside and outside. His great length could make that front seven the best in the NFL.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
New Orleans Saints – Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
The Saints defense has been improving, especially in the secondary. They look to find the centerpiece of their defense in Jefferson.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Pittsburgh Steelers – Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
The Steelers have a stellar offense, a dominant defensive line, but lack a secondary. Obtaining Browns corner Joe Haden certainly helped them, but they’re not complete yet. Look for them to target Carlton Davis to solidify the second levels.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Jacksonville Jaguars – Harold Landry, LB, Boston College
Since almost beating the Pats in the AFC Championship game, the Jags have what could be a stellar defense. With a linebacker like Landry, they could be the next dynasty. While at BC, Landry was that blockage in the road you had to get through and move. With Ramsey and Bouye covering deep, Landry could cover short and stop plays dead in their tracks.
Pick Made By: Alessandro Senatore
Minnesota Vikings – Billy Price, OL, Ohio State
Price could offer a ton of versatility to the Vikings’ O-Line. He is an exceptional talent in that he can play both guard and center. Minnesota began strengthing that group last year with their profound center in Pat Elflein, also from Ohio State. Reuniting the two would make a ton of sense for a lagging Vikings’ O-Line.
Pick Made By: Kyle Hirshkind
New England Patriots – Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
Tom Brady was sacked 35 times this season, and those add up when it comes to 40 year-old quarterbacks. With Nate Solder not under contract for 2018, they look to Okorafor to protect his blind side.
Pick Made By: James Cunningham
Philadelphia Eagles – Isaiah Wynn, OT, Georgia
After finally being crowned Superbowl champions, the Eagles looked like a solid team top to bottom. They didn’t allow a sack the entire game, but moving forward, the lack of Jason Peters will become an issue. With Peters turning 36, returning from an ACL injury may not be an easy task. Isaiah Wynn could be the replacement Philly needs.
Pick Made By: Adam Melendez
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns – Darius Leonard, OLB, SC State
34. New York Giants – Ronald Jones, RB, USC
35. Cleveland Browns – Maruice Hurst, DT, Michigan
36. Indianapolis Colts – Kolton Miller, OL, UCLA
37. New York Jets – Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
39. Chicago Bears – Marcus Davenport, LB, UTEP
40. Denver Broncos – Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
41. Oakland Raiders – Will Richardson, OT, NCSU
42. Miami Dolphins – Brian O’Neill, OT, Pitt
43. New England Patriots – Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
44. Washington Redskins – Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State
45. Green Bay Packers – Dallas Goesdert, TE, S. Dakota State
46. Cincinatti Bengals – Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
47. Arizona Cardinals – Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
48. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Reid, SS, Stanford
49. New York Jets – Detrez Newsome, RB, WCU
50. Dallas Cowboys – DeaSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
51. Detroit Lions – Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
52. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
53. Buffalo Bills – Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
54. Kansas City Chiefs – Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
55. Carolina Panthers – D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
56. Buffalo Bills – Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
57. Tennessee Titans – Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (FL)
58. Atlanta Falcons – Duke Ejofor, DE, Wake Forest
59. San Francisco 49ers – Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
60. Pittsburgh Steelers – Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
61. Jacksonville Jaguar – Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
