ROUND 1
01. BROWNS - Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Needs some work, but the kid has an arm like a young John Elway and he made some beautiful touch passes in the Senior Bowl too. Enormous upside.
02. GIANTS - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Darnold had a disappointing 2017, but size and skill are impressive and unlike Rosen, no character or injury issues. Sitting for a year or two behind Eli is ideal.
03. COLTS - Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
There are two ways to protect your QB, a strong O-line and/or an elite RB in the mold of Elliott, Gurley and Fournette. Barkley is the latter. That said, any O-lineman they take in this spot would be a big reach over Barkley.
04. JETS - Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
TRADE: Jets leap Denver, from 6 to 4 to insure they get their man. The Broncos probably would have taken Rosen anyway. Elway prefers the prototype, not someone you might have to tailor a spread offense around, but Mayfield is a plus 70% passer (consecutive seasons), not as a dink & dunk artist, but as a downfield passer. That kind of accuracy (and mobility) doesn't grow on trees. The draft trade value chart is 200 Points. The Jets early 3rd RD Pick is 230 Points. Thats 30 Points over chart value, more than fair to move up two spots, knowing the Browns will still get the player they most likely have targeted at #6, as the Broncos are almost certain to take a QB. Worse case scenario the Broncos take Chubb and the Browns take Davenport, who might be even better.
05. BRONCOS - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
I'm not sure the Broncos will be brokenhearted over getting leaped for Mayfield, thus in no hurry to get into a bidding war if they suspect who the Jets want. Not that Mayfield isn't a terrific QB prospect, but as I said above, Elway prefers the prototype and Rosen is definitely that. If not for some injury and character concerns, he might have been a TOP 2 Pick.
06. BROWNS - Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
TRADE: Every rules change over the past two decades has made this a passing league. Just look at the offensive (record breaking) numbers in the Super Bowl. So the two most important things you need in todays NFL is a franchise QB had a lethal pass rush. Garrett and Chubb could be a lethal pass rushing duo at the bookends for many years to come.
07. BUCS - Marcus Davenport, ER, Taxas San Antonio
This small school product has as much upside as any player in this draft. Some smart draft guys are comparing him to a young Demarcus Ware. The Bucs desperately need an elite edge rusher and this could be their man.
08. BEARS - Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, VaTech
Like Davenport, Edmunds was vastly underrated only a month ago. That seems to have ended for both of them. IMO Edmunds is a serious candidate for DROTY (Defensive Rookie of the Year) in 2018. He's a monster.
09. 49ERS - Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Most people consider Barkley and Nelson the best players in this draft regardless of position. The 49ers stole their young FQB for a 2nd RD Pick and just made him the NFL's highest paid player, now they have to give him every chance to succeed with upgrades at WR and on the O-line.
10. RAIDERS - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
I think he's a big, physical corner, the kind every team is looking for, but either way, corner or safety, he instantly upgrades the Raiders sieve of a pass defense.
11. DOLPHINS - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Some people will call this a reach and it probably is, but here's the deal, unless you have a FQB in this league, or damn close to it, you are nothing on your way to nowhere. That said, Jackson may not be perfect and he's certainly not the prototype, but this kid is dynamic and he loves football, and he's a better passer than he's given credit for too. Not that he doesn't need work, but there is plenty of upside here.
12. BENGALS - Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Bengals get their pick of the litter at OT, a position they desperately need to address. That said, Brown has the size, strength, power and wingspan that you just can't teach. This behemoth protected Mayfield's blindside like the Hope Diamond. I believe he will be the first OT off the board.
13. REDSKINS - Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Monster NT or 3-4 DE. This guy is a force, the kind of player you have to double on every play, and even that might not suffice.
14. PACKERS - Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
This kid is a TOP 10 talent. Potential shutdown corner in a league where shutdown corners are growing extinct. If he falls to the Packers here, I would consider it a steal.
15. CARDINALS - Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Williams had a down year in 2017 due to injuries, but in 2016 he looked like a TOP 5 Pick. I think thats the player you are getting when healthy. I'm sure they would love to draft a QB here, but IMO there are none left who carry a 1st RD Grade. So they'll have to wait until RD 2 (#47) and hope for Rudolph, Falk or Mike White, maybe even Lauletta who looked like Jimmy Garoppolo in the Senior Bowl, taking home Game MVP honors.
16. RAVENS - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
His numbers at Alabama certainly don't suggest he's a TOP 20 Pick, but WR's are totally dependent on their QB's and Bama' had one of the worst passing QB's in college football. Its a testament to Nick Saban's greatness that he could take a team with that QB to the finals, but there's no way they win it if they didn't make the switch to the Freshman QB at halftime. IOW's I believe Ridley is a lot better than his numbers indicate, and the Ravens need to take that gamble. They have to get Flacco a legit go-to-guy.
17. CHARGERS - Derwin James, S, Florida State
Safety might be their biggest need and a lot of people give James a TOP 10 Grade. If he slides to 17 the Chargers would have to be thrilled.
18. SEAHAWKS - Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Plug & Play Corner who starts from day one. Make no mistake about it, this kid is a big part of the reason why UCF went unbeaten in 2017. Week after week he was the other teams #1 WR's worst nightmare.
19. COWBOYS - Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Massive upgrade over David Irving. Elite inside pass rusher with rare explosiveness for a D-Tackle.
20. LIONS - Roquon Smith, OLB, Georgia
Sideline to sideline playmaker and a great tackler which is becoming a lost art. When he has you in his crosshairs, you are going down. It was impossible to watch a Georgia game last year without noticing this kid. He comes to play every week and always makes his presence felt.
21. BILLS - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
MM fills a big need for Buffalo and the value at 21 is terrific. If MM, Williams or Brown fall to the Bills, their war-room will be doing cartwheels.
22. BILLS - Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Much like the Cardinals, the Bills would love a QB with one of these two picks, and they might reach for a Mason Rudolph, but IMO there are no QB's left who carry a 1st RD Grade and Payne is too good to pass on here. They need to wait till RD 2 for their QB and take the value picks here.
23. RAMS - Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State
They have their young FQB, now its time to upgrade his bodyguards so he doesn't wind up like Andrew Luck. Price reminds me of another Ohio State Center who anchored the Jets O-line for a decade, Nick Mangold, a terrific run blocker and pass protector who plays with a real mean streak.
24. PANTHERS - Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Big Corner (6' 1") and ballhawk (8 INT's in 2017). Its entirely possible that he's drafted much higher than this, but if he's on the board for Carolina at 24, they should run that card to the podium.
25. TITANS - Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Has the size and skill to be a dominant pass rushing 3-4 DE at the next level. A year or two from now people could be asking, how the hell did this guy last until the 25th Pick?
26. FALCONS - Arden Key, ER, LSU
Classic boom or bust prospect. Character concerns and a questionable motor are the reasons for his slide, but skill wise he's a TOP 10 talent. If you get his best you stole an 'elite' edge rusher at 26, as talented as any in this draft including Chubb and Davenport.
27. SAINTS - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Most college DB's could not deal with his size and strength, and the truth is, most NFL DB's will have a hard time dealing with it too, especially with Drew Brees throwing him the football. Awesome red-zone target.
28. STEELERS - Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Plug & Play ILB in the Steelers 3-4, but also an extremely versatile player who can lineup outside or rush off the edge too. If Bell leaves via free agency the pick here would be Guice, but I'm assuming Bell will stay.
29. JAGUARS - Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
If they want to reach for a Mason Rudolph or Luke Falk, near the end of RD 1 is a spot where you can justify it, but IMO Wynn has pro bowl potential at OG and it fills a big need for the Jags.
30. VIKINGS - James Danials, C/G, Iowa
Daniel Jeremiah called Daniels one of the best Center prospects he's graded in the past five years. The Vikings don't need a C, but can plug him in at OG.
31. PATRIOTS - Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
James White is okay, but Guice is on a whole nother level.
32. EAGLES - James Washington, WR Oklahoma State
A legit deep threat for Wentz will make the Eagles offense even more explosive than the one that hung 40+ on the Pats in the Super Bowl. Washington was uncoverable at the Senior Bowl practices, and his numbers at Oklahoma State were terrific, particularly his yards per catch.
ROUND 2
33. BROWNS - Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
34. GIANTS - Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
35. BROWNS - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
36. COLTS - Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
37. JETS - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Hurst and Goedert are splitting hairs. Both have all-pro potential as playmaking TE's. Either one would be terrific value here.
38. BUCS - Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
39. BEARS - DJ Chark, WR, LSU
40. BRONCOS - Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State
41. RAIDERS - Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
42. DOLPHINS - Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
43. PATRIOTS - Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
44. REDSKINS - Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
45. PACKERS - Sam Hubbard, ER, Ohio State
46. BENGALS - Harold Landry, ER, Boston College
47. CARDINALS - Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
48. CHARGERS - Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
49. JETS - Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
This kid broke Marshall Faulk's rushing records at SDSU, rushed for over 2200 Yards in 2017 and still people paid little attention. Then he went and tore it up at the Senior Bowl too. He's no smurf either, we're talking about a rock solid 5' 11"/220 feature back here. Terrific receiver too.
50. COWBOYS - Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
51. LIONS - Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
52. RAVENS - Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
53. BILLS - Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
54. CHIEFS - Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
55. PANTHERS - Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
56. BILLS - Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
57. TITANS - Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
58. FALCONS - Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
59. 49ERS - Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
60. STEELERS - Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
61. JAGUARS - Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
62. VIKINGS - Tim Settle, DT, VaTech
63. PATRIOTS - Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State
64. BROWNS - Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
01. BROWNS - Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Needs some work, but the kid has an arm like a young John Elway and he made some beautiful touch passes in the Senior Bowl too. Enormous upside.
02. GIANTS - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Darnold had a disappointing 2017, but size and skill are impressive and unlike Rosen, no character or injury issues. Sitting for a year or two behind Eli is ideal.
03. COLTS - Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
There are two ways to protect your QB, a strong O-line and/or an elite RB in the mold of Elliott, Gurley and Fournette. Barkley is the latter. That said, any O-lineman they take in this spot would be a big reach over Barkley.
04. JETS - Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
TRADE: Jets leap Denver, from 6 to 4 to insure they get their man. The Broncos probably would have taken Rosen anyway. Elway prefers the prototype, not someone you might have to tailor a spread offense around, but Mayfield is a plus 70% passer (consecutive seasons), not as a dink & dunk artist, but as a downfield passer. That kind of accuracy (and mobility) doesn't grow on trees. The draft trade value chart is 200 Points. The Jets early 3rd RD Pick is 230 Points. Thats 30 Points over chart value, more than fair to move up two spots, knowing the Browns will still get the player they most likely have targeted at #6, as the Broncos are almost certain to take a QB. Worse case scenario the Broncos take Chubb and the Browns take Davenport, who might be even better.
05. BRONCOS - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
I'm not sure the Broncos will be brokenhearted over getting leaped for Mayfield, thus in no hurry to get into a bidding war if they suspect who the Jets want. Not that Mayfield isn't a terrific QB prospect, but as I said above, Elway prefers the prototype and Rosen is definitely that. If not for some injury and character concerns, he might have been a TOP 2 Pick.
06. BROWNS - Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
TRADE: Every rules change over the past two decades has made this a passing league. Just look at the offensive (record breaking) numbers in the Super Bowl. So the two most important things you need in todays NFL is a franchise QB had a lethal pass rush. Garrett and Chubb could be a lethal pass rushing duo at the bookends for many years to come.
07. BUCS - Marcus Davenport, ER, Taxas San Antonio
This small school product has as much upside as any player in this draft. Some smart draft guys are comparing him to a young Demarcus Ware. The Bucs desperately need an elite edge rusher and this could be their man.
08. BEARS - Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, VaTech
Like Davenport, Edmunds was vastly underrated only a month ago. That seems to have ended for both of them. IMO Edmunds is a serious candidate for DROTY (Defensive Rookie of the Year) in 2018. He's a monster.
09. 49ERS - Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Most people consider Barkley and Nelson the best players in this draft regardless of position. The 49ers stole their young FQB for a 2nd RD Pick and just made him the NFL's highest paid player, now they have to give him every chance to succeed with upgrades at WR and on the O-line.
10. RAIDERS - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
I think he's a big, physical corner, the kind every team is looking for, but either way, corner or safety, he instantly upgrades the Raiders sieve of a pass defense.
11. DOLPHINS - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Some people will call this a reach and it probably is, but here's the deal, unless you have a FQB in this league, or damn close to it, you are nothing on your way to nowhere. That said, Jackson may not be perfect and he's certainly not the prototype, but this kid is dynamic and he loves football, and he's a better passer than he's given credit for too. Not that he doesn't need work, but there is plenty of upside here.
12. BENGALS - Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Bengals get their pick of the litter at OT, a position they desperately need to address. That said, Brown has the size, strength, power and wingspan that you just can't teach. This behemoth protected Mayfield's blindside like the Hope Diamond. I believe he will be the first OT off the board.
13. REDSKINS - Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Monster NT or 3-4 DE. This guy is a force, the kind of player you have to double on every play, and even that might not suffice.
14. PACKERS - Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
This kid is a TOP 10 talent. Potential shutdown corner in a league where shutdown corners are growing extinct. If he falls to the Packers here, I would consider it a steal.
15. CARDINALS - Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Williams had a down year in 2017 due to injuries, but in 2016 he looked like a TOP 5 Pick. I think thats the player you are getting when healthy. I'm sure they would love to draft a QB here, but IMO there are none left who carry a 1st RD Grade. So they'll have to wait until RD 2 (#47) and hope for Rudolph, Falk or Mike White, maybe even Lauletta who looked like Jimmy Garoppolo in the Senior Bowl, taking home Game MVP honors.
16. RAVENS - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
His numbers at Alabama certainly don't suggest he's a TOP 20 Pick, but WR's are totally dependent on their QB's and Bama' had one of the worst passing QB's in college football. Its a testament to Nick Saban's greatness that he could take a team with that QB to the finals, but there's no way they win it if they didn't make the switch to the Freshman QB at halftime. IOW's I believe Ridley is a lot better than his numbers indicate, and the Ravens need to take that gamble. They have to get Flacco a legit go-to-guy.
17. CHARGERS - Derwin James, S, Florida State
Safety might be their biggest need and a lot of people give James a TOP 10 Grade. If he slides to 17 the Chargers would have to be thrilled.
18. SEAHAWKS - Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Plug & Play Corner who starts from day one. Make no mistake about it, this kid is a big part of the reason why UCF went unbeaten in 2017. Week after week he was the other teams #1 WR's worst nightmare.
19. COWBOYS - Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Massive upgrade over David Irving. Elite inside pass rusher with rare explosiveness for a D-Tackle.
20. LIONS - Roquon Smith, OLB, Georgia
Sideline to sideline playmaker and a great tackler which is becoming a lost art. When he has you in his crosshairs, you are going down. It was impossible to watch a Georgia game last year without noticing this kid. He comes to play every week and always makes his presence felt.
21. BILLS - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
MM fills a big need for Buffalo and the value at 21 is terrific. If MM, Williams or Brown fall to the Bills, their war-room will be doing cartwheels.
22. BILLS - Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Much like the Cardinals, the Bills would love a QB with one of these two picks, and they might reach for a Mason Rudolph, but IMO there are no QB's left who carry a 1st RD Grade and Payne is too good to pass on here. They need to wait till RD 2 for their QB and take the value picks here.
23. RAMS - Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State
They have their young FQB, now its time to upgrade his bodyguards so he doesn't wind up like Andrew Luck. Price reminds me of another Ohio State Center who anchored the Jets O-line for a decade, Nick Mangold, a terrific run blocker and pass protector who plays with a real mean streak.
24. PANTHERS - Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
Big Corner (6' 1") and ballhawk (8 INT's in 2017). Its entirely possible that he's drafted much higher than this, but if he's on the board for Carolina at 24, they should run that card to the podium.
25. TITANS - Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Has the size and skill to be a dominant pass rushing 3-4 DE at the next level. A year or two from now people could be asking, how the hell did this guy last until the 25th Pick?
26. FALCONS - Arden Key, ER, LSU
Classic boom or bust prospect. Character concerns and a questionable motor are the reasons for his slide, but skill wise he's a TOP 10 talent. If you get his best you stole an 'elite' edge rusher at 26, as talented as any in this draft including Chubb and Davenport.
27. SAINTS - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Most college DB's could not deal with his size and strength, and the truth is, most NFL DB's will have a hard time dealing with it too, especially with Drew Brees throwing him the football. Awesome red-zone target.
28. STEELERS - Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Plug & Play ILB in the Steelers 3-4, but also an extremely versatile player who can lineup outside or rush off the edge too. If Bell leaves via free agency the pick here would be Guice, but I'm assuming Bell will stay.
29. JAGUARS - Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
If they want to reach for a Mason Rudolph or Luke Falk, near the end of RD 1 is a spot where you can justify it, but IMO Wynn has pro bowl potential at OG and it fills a big need for the Jags.
30. VIKINGS - James Danials, C/G, Iowa
Daniel Jeremiah called Daniels one of the best Center prospects he's graded in the past five years. The Vikings don't need a C, but can plug him in at OG.
31. PATRIOTS - Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
James White is okay, but Guice is on a whole nother level.
32. EAGLES - James Washington, WR Oklahoma State
A legit deep threat for Wentz will make the Eagles offense even more explosive than the one that hung 40+ on the Pats in the Super Bowl. Washington was uncoverable at the Senior Bowl practices, and his numbers at Oklahoma State were terrific, particularly his yards per catch.
ROUND 2
33. BROWNS - Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
34. GIANTS - Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
35. BROWNS - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
36. COLTS - Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
37. JETS - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Hurst and Goedert are splitting hairs. Both have all-pro potential as playmaking TE's. Either one would be terrific value here.
38. BUCS - Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
39. BEARS - DJ Chark, WR, LSU
40. BRONCOS - Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State
41. RAIDERS - Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
42. DOLPHINS - Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
43. PATRIOTS - Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
44. REDSKINS - Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
45. PACKERS - Sam Hubbard, ER, Ohio State
46. BENGALS - Harold Landry, ER, Boston College
47. CARDINALS - Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
48. CHARGERS - Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
49. JETS - Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
This kid broke Marshall Faulk's rushing records at SDSU, rushed for over 2200 Yards in 2017 and still people paid little attention. Then he went and tore it up at the Senior Bowl too. He's no smurf either, we're talking about a rock solid 5' 11"/220 feature back here. Terrific receiver too.
50. COWBOYS - Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
51. LIONS - Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
52. RAVENS - Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
53. BILLS - Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
54. CHIEFS - Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
55. PANTHERS - Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
56. BILLS - Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
57. TITANS - Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
58. FALCONS - Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
59. 49ERS - Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
60. STEELERS - Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
61. JAGUARS - Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
62. VIKINGS - Tim Settle, DT, VaTech
63. PATRIOTS - Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State
64. BROWNS - Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
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