2018 NFL Draft: MVP Full 7 Round Mock Draft
WHAT'S UP WHAT'S UP EVERYBODY! Welcome to the madness which is my full seven round mock draft for the 2018 NFL Draft.
In this mock draft, I played general manager for every team. I'm not projecting picks, but making them FOR SEVEN FULL ROUNDS!
Please read the ground rules:
1. For each pick, I make a selection in the best interest of only the team with the pick. I won't pass on a player at No. 3 just because I like the team better at No. 4.
2. No trades unless they're already done. I look to address needs first, but like in the draft, value can supersede need.
3. I'm not projecting picks. It's more a look at where I see value up and down the board.
Without further adieu, lets dive into the fun with is my full seven round 2018 NFL Mock Draft!
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 (1): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Round 1 (4): Saquon Barkley, RB, PSU
Round 2 (33): Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi St.
Round 2 (35): Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Round 2 (64): Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
Round 4 (114): Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (FL)
Round 5 (150): Tyrone Crowder, OG, Clemson
Round 6 (175): Hercules Mata'afa, EDGE, Washington State
Round 6 (188): Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
The Browns are poised to have a big draft in 2018 with 5 picks in the first two rounds. The Browns have two chances at one of the Top 5 quarterbacks in the first round. Josh Allen seems to be the Browns' guy at #1 as he possesses amazing arm strength and possibly the most potential. Saquon Barkley is clearly the top ranked prospect in this entire draft and quarterback needy teams give Cleveland a chance to take him at #4. The Browns can pass on Chubb and Ward because of talent in later rounds. Davis has the size, length, and ball skills of an NFL-caliber corner and Hand and Thomas are solid ends on the outside.
New York Giants
Round 1 (2): Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Round 2 (34): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 3 (66): Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
Round 3: (69): Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Round 4 (108): Mason Cole, C, Michigan
Round 5 (139): Timon Parris, OG, Stony Brook
Expect offense to be the main target for the Giants in this draft. They had the second-worst scoring offense (Browns had worst) last season. Sam Darnold would give New York the future behind Eli and the quarterback they like in this draft. The addition of Jonathan Stewart helps the run game, but Guice would give their rushing attack a big boost. The Giants also need to address the offensive line...all of it. Problem is they only have six total picks in 2018.
New York Jets
Round 1 (3): Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Round 3 (72): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Round 4 (107): Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE, USC
Round 5 (157): Jaryd Jones-Smith, OT, Pitt
Round 6 (179): Kylie Fitts, EDGE, Utah
Round 7 (235): Kalen Ballage, RB, ASU
The Jets made the biggest pre-draft move by trading up to the #3 pick. This means they will select a quarterback with their first pick. Some might take Josh Rosen over Baker Mayfield, but I personally love the "chip on my shoulder" mentality of Mayfield. This attitude might also fit in better with New York than Rosen's overall attitude. Anthony Miller is another "chip on my shoulder" type player who is very competitive. It will be interesting to see if the Jets pull the trigger on one of the running backs early Day 3. However, New York will need to add edge rushers to get into the backfield in 2018.
Denver Broncos
Round 1 (5): Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Round 2 (40): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Round 3 (71): Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
Round 3 (99): Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU
Round 4 (106): Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 4 (113): Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
Round 5 (149): Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
Round 5 (160): Oren Burks, OLB, Vanderbilt
The big question for the Broncos is: "Does this front office believe the words they are saying about newly signed free agent QB Case Keenum?" Is Keenum "the guy"? The "missing piece"? This will be answered when the Broncos select at #5 later this month. Nelson is the "can't miss" O-lineman in this draft class and the Broncos could look for a new starting running back after releasing C.J. Anderson. Defensively, expect the Broncos to draft a cornerback in the early rounds. Also, don't rule out the possibility of the Broncos drafting a project QB like Kyle Lauletta later if the spot is right.
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 (6): Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
Round 2 (36): Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Round 2 (37): D.J. Chark, WR, LSU
Round 2 (49): Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
Round 3 (67): Ronald Jones, RB, USC
Round 4 (104): Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia
Round 5 (140): Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan
Round 6 (178): Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
Round 7 (221): Greg Stroman, CB, Virginia Tech
The Colts look like geniuses after trading their #3 pick to the Jets for two 2nd rounders this year and a 2nd rounder next year. Although they could continue to trade back, they could potentially select Bradley Chubb at #6 (who I had mocked to them at #3) to fill their top need on the defensive line. However,they will finally need to help out Andrew Luck in this draft. Chark is a tall, fast receiver who could be the WR2 to T.Y. Hilton, Jones is a big play back who can help fill Frank Gore's production, and Wynn is a boost on the inside in pass protection.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1 (7): Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Round 2 (38): Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Round 4 (102): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
Round 5 (144): Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
Round 6 (180): Tracy Walker, S, Louisville
Round 6 (202): Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana
Round 7 (255): Brad Lundblade, C, Oklahoma State
It will be interesting to see whether or not the Buccaneers get a running back in the first or second rounds. If so, it'd probably need to be the latter. Ward would be an instant starter for the Bucs on the inside with the potential to move outside next year after Brent Grimes is off the team. If Taven Bryan does fall to them at #38, it'd be hard to pass on his athletic ability on the defensive front. Kerryon Johnson would be a steal for the Bucs in the fourth, but will he make it that far?
Chicago Bears
Round 1 (8): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Round 2 (39): Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Round 4 (105): Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Round 4 (115): Tarvarus McFadden, CB, FSU
Round 5 (145): Colby Gossett, OG, Appalachian State
Round 6 (181): John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
Round 7 (224): Elijah Nkansah, OT, Toledo
It'd be pretty difficult for the Bears to mess up their pick at #8. It's a "wait-and-see" mentally to see who falls. Minkah Fitzpatrick isn't a direct need, but could fit many roles for the Bears in coverage and in the backfield. As Chicago freaks out about the loss of Cameron Meredith, getting Mitch Trubisky help on offense should be a must for Ryan Pace. Equanimeous St. Brown fits in to the Bears WR corp perfectly after their offseason moves. He can add size and speed to the offense in the slot, letting Robinson and Gabriel handle the outside.
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 (9): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (59): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 3 (70): Will Richardson, OT, N.C. State
Round 3 (74): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 4 (128): Kevin Toliver, CB, LSU
Round 5 (143): Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, EDGE, Oklahoma
Round 6 (184): Matt Gono, OG, Wesley
Round 7 (223): Phillip Lindsay, CB, Colorado
Round 7 (240): Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, USF
If the Niners do anything this draft, they should get better pass rushers and get Jimmy G some help at receiver and offensive line. Edmunds isn't a pure pass rusher, but he's a physical freak at the LB position. Hubbard and Okoronkwo hopefully can add contributions in the pass rush which finished 26th in the league for sack in 2017. Cain and Noteboom are both positive additions to help Jimmy out. Cain has the speed and physically play to take the top off defenses for SF.
Oakland Raiders
Round 1 (10): Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Round 2 (41): Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Round 3 (75): Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
Round 4 (110): Ike Boettger, OT, Iowa
Round 5 (159): Darren Carrington III, WR, Utah
Round 5 (173): Ade Aruna, EDGE, Tulane
Round 6 (185): Grant Haley, CB, PSU
Round 6 (212): Korey Cunningham, DT Cincinnati
Round 6 (216): Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn
Round 6 (217): JK Scott, P, Alabama
Round 7 (228): Christian DiLauro, OT, Illinois
Oakland has a lot of picks to do some damage this year in the draft. DBs should be their main focus, but Roquan Smith is too much to pass on at #10. There are questions about him being a ILB in the NFL, but he's still an intelligent, athletic leader for any defense. Nick Nelson might have questions about his size and ball skills, but has the work ethic Jon Gruden likes. It'll also be interesting to see when the Raiders decide to target a replacement for Donald Penn (turns 35 during draft weekend).
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 (11): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Round 2 (42): Mike Gesicki, TE, PSU
Round 3 (73): Jerome Baker, OLB, OSU
Round 4 (123): Derrick Nnadi, DT, FSU
Round 4 (131): Breeland Speaks, DT, Mississippi State
Round 6 (209): Nick Deluca, OLB, North Dakota State
Round 7 (227): Chandon Sullivan, CB, Georgia State
Round 7 (229): Eddy Pineiro, K, Florida
Will the Dolphins look for a Ryan Tannehill replacement in this draft? They just might if Josh Rosen falls to them with the 11th overall pick. Rosen might have his "character issues", but could be a nice fit for Adam Gase's offense. Defense will definitely be on Miami's mind especially after releasing Ndamukong Suh. Nnadi and Speaks give the Dolphins plug and play options to find a replacement for Suh. Mike Gesicki is also the perfect guy to become the pass catching tight end Miami wanted when they traded for Julius Thomas.
Buffalo Bills
Round 1 (12): Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Round 1 (22): Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Round 2 (53): Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
Round 2 (56): Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Round 3 (65): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 3 (96): Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern
Round 4 (121): Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
Round 5 (166): Alex Cappa, OG, Humboldt State
Round 6 (187): Kentavius Street, DE, NC State
Although they signed A.J. McCarron this offseason, the Bills are definitely in the marekt for a Day 1 or 2 QB. The problem is they will most likely need to trade up to get the guy they want. Without trades, Luke Falk would be a nice option for Buffalo. He's a tall, accurate quarterback who can work the outsides. They'll also need to find offensive weapons and guys to protect the QB in the draft as well. Calvin Ridley would be a perfect at wideout late in the first round!
Washington Redskins
Round 1 (13): Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Round 2 (44): Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Round 4 (109): Christian Sam, ILB, ASU
Round 5 (142): Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
Round 5 (163): Foley Fatukasi, DT, UCONN
Round 6 (205): Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami (FL)
Round 7 (231): Rod Taylor, OG, Ole Miss
Round 7 (241):Chase Litton, QB, Marshall
Unlike many teams this draft, the Redskins need to find help on the defensive side of the ball. A run stopper up the middle is the biggest need and Vita Vea is hard to pass because of this! He's raw, but a powerful force in the middle at NT. CB is another big need with the losses of Fuller and Breeland. Donte Jackson might not have the ideal size, but is fast and athletic. Expect Washington to target defense early before looking to get Alex Smith help on offense.
Green Bay Packers
Round 1 (14): Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Round 2 (45): Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Round 3 (76): Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Round 4 (101): Jeff Holland, EDGE, Auburn
Round 4 (133): Shaquem Griffin, OLB, UCF
Round 5 (138): J.C. Jackson, CB, Maryland
Round 5 (172): B.J. Hill, DT, NC State
Round 5 (174): Mark Walton, RB, Miami (FL)
Round 6 (186): Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami (FL)
Round 6 (207): Genard Avery, ILB, Memphis
Round 7 (232): Coleman Shelton, C, Washington
Round 7 (239): Poona Ford, NT, Texas
The Packers will be an interesting team to watch in this year's draft. They current have the most picks of any team with 12 total. This could mean one of two things for the Packers draft: 1) they could package together picks to move up for players they really like or 2) they can take BPA players early and hit their needs later on. Marcus Davenport would definite fit more into the latter. Davenport is quick and would give the Packers a boost rushing the passer. Shaquem Griffin would be a very nice pick up too. His tape doesn't lie. Dude is quick and has the type of attitude you want in a player.
Arizona Cardinals
Round 1 (15): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Round 2 (47): Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
Round 3 (79): Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
Round 3 (97): DaeSean Hamilton, WR, PSU
Round 4 (134): Holton Hill, CB, Texas
Round 5 (152): Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina A&T
Round 6 (182): Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama
Round 7 (254): Mike Ford, CB, Southeast Missouri State
Like many teams, QB should be at the top of the list for the Cardinals. Yes, they signed NFC North leftovers, Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, but they need to take their franchise guy in the 1st round. Although he's 5th on my QB rankings, Lamar Jackson is my favorite QB prospect in this entire draft! He might need some time to develop, but he's a guy who can win games single-handedly. Arizona will also need to beef up their secondary at both CB and S. Receiver could also be a Day 2 option with Larry Fitzgerald being closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1 (16): Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Round 2 (52): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (83): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 4 (118): Fred Warner, OLB, BYU
Round 5 (154): Skyler Phillips, OG, Idaho State
Round 6 (190):Joe Ostman, EDGE, Central Michigan
Round 6 (215): Brian Allen, C, MSU
Round 7 (238): Andre Smith, ILB, UNC
The Ravens need to get Joe Flacco some weapons at WR and TE this year. They could do this in the first round with Courtland Sutton and Calvin Ridley being on the board. However, Evans would be too good to pass up as a sideline-to-sideline ILB in the 3-4. Good thing the receiver pool is deep. Washington isn't the best route runner in this draft, but he can take the top of defenses. This can be magnified with Joe Flacco at QB. Mark Andrew also could give Baltimore's pass offense a boost as a TE with the mentality of a WR.
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1 (17): Derwin James, S, FSU
Round 2 (48): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (84): Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Round 4 (119): P.J. Hall, NT, Sam Houston State
Round 5 (155): Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
Round 6 (191): Peter Kalambayi, EDGE, Stanford
Round 7 (251): Kameron Kelly, S, SMU
Rumor has it that the Chargers could be looking for a QB in the second round. One of the guys that they are looking at is Mason Rudolph. Rudolph is a tall, downfield, play-action passer who could fit in nicely with Keenan Allen, Melvin, Gordon, and Hunter Henry. LA needs help on the offensive line, but the draft could dictate them to go heavy on defensive picks.
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 (18): Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Round 4 (120): Rashaan Gaulden, CB, Tenn
Round 5 (141): Jaylen Samuels, TE, N.C. State
Round 5 (146): Marcell Frazier, DE, Missouri
Round 5 (156): Davontae Harris, CB, Illinois State
Round 5 (168): Taylor Hearn, OG, Clemson
Round 7 (226): Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State
Round 7 (148): Dane Cruikshank, S, Arizona
It's true the Seahawks have eight picks in this year's draft, but six of them are in the fifth and seventh rounds. Seattle is without a second or third round pick this year because of trades they made with the Jets and Texans. Both of which haven't panned out as Sheldon Richardson is now a Viking and Duane Brown hasn't been exactly what was expected on offense. Replacing Richard Sherman is a must, but adding Miller to beef up the O-line might be the better pick in the first round. Due to the lack of picks in the second and third, the Seahawks are going to have to draft smart and hit on almost every pick in this draft.
Dallas Cowboys
Round 1 (19): Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Round 2 (50): James Daniels, C, Iowa
Round 3 (81): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (116): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 4 (137): Ryan Izzo, TE, FSU
Round 5 (171): Toby Weathersby, OG, LSU
Round 6 (192): Matthews Thomas, OLB, FSU
Round 6 (193): Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
Round 6 (208): Michael Dickson, P, Texas
Round 7 (236): Justin Lawler, DE, SMU
Dallas has a few options it could target with their first round pick. DT, LB, and WR are all needs and could have some really nice choices available for the Cowboys. Sutton would be an absolute steal at #19. He's the perfect combination of both height and speed teams love. Harrison Phillips contains the tools to help out against both the run and pass games on defense. Finding a replacement for Jason Witten also could be a must, but the pickings might be slim in the later rounds.
Detroit Lions
Round 1 (20): Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
Round 2 (51): Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Round 3 (82): Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Round 4 (117): Tyquan Lewis, DE, OSU
Round 5 (153): Scott Quessenberry, C, UCLA
Round 7 (237): Jamarcus King, CB, South Carolina
When will the Lions draft a running back? This is the biggest question for me when it comes to Detroit's draft. I expect them to make this decision with one of their first 3 picks. Nick Chubb is a NFL starting caliber back who could have been a first round pick if he didn't get injured during college. He could grow in to the starter with someone taking on 3rd-down roles. Hayden Hurst could become Matt Stafford's safety blanket in the passing game after the team let go of Eric Ebron.
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1 (21): Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Round 2 (46): Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
Round 3 (77): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 3 (100): Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Round 4 (112): Wyatt Teller, OG, Virginia Tech
Round 5 (151): Leon Jacobs, EDGE, Wisconsin
Round 5 (158): John Franklin-Myers, DE, Stephen F. Austin
Round 5 (170): Cole Madison, OG, Washington State
Round 7 (249): J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Round 7 (252): Austin Golson, C, Auburn
Round 7 (253): Quenton Meeks, S, Stanford
Cincinnati could fill any of their needs with their first round pick. They need O-line help even after signing Cody Glenn, they need to draft a CB for their secondary, and they need a speeedy LB. Now, he's not speedy, but Vander Esch has really good instincts and can defend against the run or the pass. Most of the Bengals picks should be all across the offensive line to protect Dalton. Geron Christian is an athletic tackle with quick feet. He also has the versatility to play at either tackle position. The Bengals could also look for a very late QB option to truly develop under Andy Dalton as well. J.T. Barrett is a tremendous leader to sit behind Dalton as he develops.
New England Patriots
Round 1 (23): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Round 1 (31): Connor Williams, OL, Texas
Round 2 (43): Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Round 2 (63): Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
Round 3 (95): Terrell Edmunds, S, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (198): Riley Ferguson, QB, Memphis
Round 6 (210): Javon Wims, WR, Georgia
Round 7 (219): Bilal Nichols, DT, Delaware
There are rumors floating around about the Patriots moving up in the first round to draft the replacement for Tom Brady. Let's be honest though...that's NOT the "Patriot way." I expect CB and OT to be the first two position tackled with both first round picks. With Butler gone, Jaire Alexander is a quick CB to help out in nickel packages early on. Connor Williams is a solid O-line prospect who is a tackle, but can play at the guard position if needed. Terrell Edmunds would be a nice pick for the Pats in the defensive backfield. His former experience at CB fits the type of safeties Belichick likes who can cover both duties to some degree.
Carolina Panthers
Round 1 (24): Rasheem Green, DE, USC
Round 2 (55): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Round 3 (85): Braden Smith, OG, Auburn
Round 3 (88): Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas
Round 5 (161): D.J. Reed, CB, Kansas State
Round 6 (197): Skal Moore, OLB, South Carolina
Round 7 (234): Trey Quinn, WR, SMU
Round 7 (242): Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
D.J. Moore could be the pick for the Panthers in the first round. However, will the Panthers war room see it as a bit of a reach? It doesn't matter because Carolina needs more of a slot receiver, and Christian Kirk is perfect for that role. Kirk has said he's the best WR in this draft (but who hasn't said that at some point about themselves?). Kirk can also help out in the return game as well. How early will Carolina prioritize the CB position this draft? They couldn't sign Bashaud Breeland after his failed physical. Reed isn't anything special in the fifth round, but could be a tough coverage slot corner for the Panthers.
Tennesse Titans
Round 1 (25): Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Round 2 (57): Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Round 3 (89): J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
Round 4 (125): Dorance Armstrong, EDGE, Kansas
Round 5 (162): Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
Round 6 (199): Will Clapp, C, LSU
Tennessee needs help all across the defensive line. Da"Ron Payne gives them strength in the middle of their defensive line. Mainly, he's a run stopper, but has pass rush skills as well. Marcus Mariota also needs help on offense. Grabbing Corey Davis in the first round last year makes receiver a lesser need, but grabbing one at the end of Day 2 or during Day 3 wouldn't hurt. Guard is a bigger offensive need. Hernandez is a left guard who can block well for both the rush and pass games. He also has the potential to become a Pro-Bowler on the offensive line.
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 (26): Mo Hurst, DL, Michigan
Round 2 (58): Arden Key, DE, LSU
Round 3 (90): Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
Round 4 (126): Tre'Quan Smith, WR, UCF
Round 6 (200): Deadrin Senat, DT, USF
Round 7 (244): Jack Cichy, ILB, Wisconsin
The Falcons are one of the only teams this year to not have numerous amounts of pressing needs. Their DL isn't amazing, but adding friend of the show Mo Hurst and Arden Key will give them a major boost in that department. It will also be interesting to see when they will take a stab at a TE. Schultz has the ability to be a nice underneath target for Matt Ryan in the pass game, but will really help the team out with his attitude towards blocking, especially in the run game.
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 (27): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Round 3 (91): Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
Round 4 (127): Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
Round 5 (147): Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
Round 5 (164): R.J. McIntosh, DT, Miami (FL)
Round 6 (189): Stephen Roberts, S, Auburn
Round 6 (201): Will Dissly, TE, Washington
Round 7 (245):Dalton Keene, DE, Illinois State
In the same boat as the Lions, Bengals, and Patriots, some might be wondering if the Saints will use an early round pick on a guy to groom behind Drew Brees. The lack of a second round pick makes that hard for them to do and might make it a Day 3 task. I expect the Saints to take more than one chance on a tight end this draft as Colby Fleener hasn't been what they've wanted. Saints might choose to help Brees out rather than finding his replacement early on.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 (28): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 2 (60): Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Round 3 (92): Tegray Scales, ILB, Indiana
Round 5 (148): Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
Round 5 (165): Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (220): Brendan Mahon, OG, PSU
Round 7 (246): Nic Shimonek, QB, Texas Tech
Le'Veon Bell definitely throws a wrench into the draft plans of Steelers' GM Kevin Colbert. Bell's contract problems might force Colbert to think running back early on in Day 2 of the draft to grab one of the Top 5 backs. Penny is a guy who can carry the load for the Steelers if Bell sits out. He also could swing the leverage into Pittsburgh's favor in the contract talks. Safety and ILB will be the major needs for them though. Reid has the size and speed teams want in their safeties and has ball hawk skills too. Scales has the football intelligence and production to be a successful player for Pittsburgh on defense as the linebacker position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1 (29): DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
Round 2 (61): Brian O'Neill, OT, Pitt
Round 3 (93): Keke Coutee, WR, Texas Tech
Round 4 (129): Mike McCray, ILB, Michigan
Round 6 (203): Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia
Round 7 (230): David Wells, TE, San Diego State
Round 7 (247): Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
To no surprise, offense will be on the mind of the Jaguars this draft. Losing two starting receivers means Blake Bortles will need new guys to throw to. Moore and Coutee would be nice pick ups as they specialize in different areas. D.J. Moore would be more of the slot receiver behind Lee, and Moncrief. Whereas, KeKe Coutee could become the receiver in Jacksonville to take the top off the defense. Brian O'Neill could play tackle for the Jaguars, but also has the ability to swing inside to guard if they need him to.
Minnesota Vikings
Round 1 (30): Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2 (62): M.J. Stewart, CB, UNC
Round 3 (94): Jamil Demby, OG, Maine
Round 5 (167): Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas State
Round 6 (204): Dimitri Flowers, RB, Oklahoma
Round 6 (213): Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
Round 6 (218): Sean Welsh, C, Iowa
Round 7 (225): Jake Martin, EDGE, Temple
The Vikings went out and signed the biggest free agent this offseason. Now they have to protect him! Some (Sean Anderson) question Orlando Brown, but he'd be a solid pick up for Minnesota. If any coach can work with players and whip them into shape, it's Coach Zimmer! Demby is a college tackle who projects to guard with both run and pass blocking skills. M.J. Stewart is a built, physical corner who can work as the nickel CB before potentially becoming a starter.
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1 (32): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 4 (130): Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Round 4 (132): Auden Tate, WR, FSU
Round 5 (169): Dorian O'Daniel, OLB, Clemson
Round 6 (206): James Looney, DE, California
Round 7 (250): Salesi Uhatafe, OG, Utah
There are rumors that the Eagles could be thinking about moving up in the first round to grab a playmaking wide receiver. If they don't move up, Dallas Goedert gives them a pass catching tight end who can attack all three levels. It will be interesting what types of players Philly adds in Day 3 (no picks during Day 2). They are really going to need to make there picks count because of this.
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 2 (54): Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
Round 3 (78): Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (86): Jalyn Holmes, DE, OSU
Round 4 (122): Siran Neal, S, JSU
Round 4 (124): Josh Sweat, EDGE, FSU
Round 6 (196): Zach Crabtree, OT, Oklahoma State
Round 7 (233): Aaron Evans, OG, UCF
Round 7 (243): Sam Jones, C, ASU
Kansas City is without its first round pick after giving it to Buffalo last year to draft their new starting QB Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs needs are easy. They need defense and offensive line. Averett adds athleticism to the KC secondary and he can help in return coverage too. Holmes would give this defense a boost in the rushing department after the departure of Tamba Hali. I expect Andy Reid and company to stock up on defense while adding pieces to all parts of the offensive line.
Houston Texans
Round 3 (68): Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
Round 3 (80): Marcus Allen, S, PSU
Round 3 (98): Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (103): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 6 (177): Matt Pryor, OT, TCU
Round 6 (211): Levi Wallace, CB, Alabama
Round 6 (214): Brett Toth, OT, Army
Round 7 (222): Richie James, WR, Middle Tennessee State
Same story. New Team. The Texans are also without their first round pick because they gave it to Cleveland in order to draft Deshaun Watson. Protecting him is a must, and Austin Corbett is a solid player on the inside at guard or even center (if needed). This secondary also needs a boost after their bad showing in 2017. Allen is an aggressive safety who plays the position with a linebacker's mentality. Parry Nickerson is undersized for most corners. However, he makes up for it with his impressive ball skills.
Los Angeles Rams
Round 3 (87): Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
Round 4 (111): Marquis Haynes, EDGE, Mississippi State
Round 4 (135): Deontay Burnett, WR, USC
Round 4 (136): Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
Round 6 (176): Aaron Stinnie, OG, James Madison
Round 6 (183): Andrew Brown, DT, Virginia
Round 6 (194): Daurice Fountain, WR, Noerthern Iowa
Round 6 (195): Deshon Elliott, S, Texas
The Rams did have a first round pick this year, but recently sent it to New England for Brandin Cooks. LA doesn't have too many serious holes. However, they could stand to improve nonetheless. Darius Leonard is an interesting OLB prospect with high upside. Akrum Wadley is a fantastic runner from Iowa who could take some pressure off of Todd Gurley in the run game.