NOTE Draft order is based on an aggregate
of 2018 NFL record predictions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
Jameis Winston is a controversy-a-minute, and with the Bucs
struggling in 2018, it’s unlikely they will want to invest in
Winston long-term. There are plenty of question marks
surrounding Stidham’s game as he heads into his second
season at Auburn, but if he alleviates some of his inconsistency,
Stidham has the arm strength to play well at the NFL level. He
will need to prove to NFL scouts that he can get past the first
read and understand defenses. Brian Lewerke, QB, at Michigan
State is another option for the Buccaneers.
Arizona Cardinals – Trey Adams, OT, Washington
The Cardinals are one of those teams that could go from a top
ten pick to a playoff team in a year. They’re not that far off from
a good team, but if Sam Bradford gets hurt, and Chosen Rosen
goes through typical rookie ups and downs, the Cardinals could
find themselves in a spot to pick up a key piece. The offensive
line needs work, and Adams has the talent to fill in and play
right away. He is 6’8 with long arms and enough mobility to
block NFL edge rushers. As long as Adams does not lean out
over his hands, he’s a mountain-of-a-man to get around.
Seattle Seahawks – Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
The Seahawks need to re-tool their offensive line and prove that
they can once again run the ball like during the Beast Mode
days. Russell Wilson can only scramble around and make so
many plays for this offense. While picking seventh seems a little
pessimistic about the Hawks 2018 record, they could greatly use
an anchor on the o-line.
Indianapolis Colts – Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
The Colts might be the worst team in the league if Andrew Luck
doesn’t play well. Lawrence is nearly 350 pounds, and he can
manhandle offensive linemen in a Jurrell Casey-like fashion.
Lawrence is the best along the Clemson defensive line, and his
first step is what sets him apart.
Dallas Cowboys – N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
The Cowboys need help on the outside even if Michael Gallup
plays well as a rookie. Harry hauled in nearly 1200 yards worth
of passes as a sophomore, and he has ideal size for an NFL receiver.
At 6’4, 210 pounds, he has the ability to high-point tough
catches. Rashan Gary, the defensive lineman from Michigan,
is another option for the Cowboys here if they feel like their
defense needs more help than their offense.
San Francisco 49ers – Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
A defensive line of Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner and
Davis would give the 49ers one of the best pass rushing units in
the league. San Fran could also look to address cornerback at
this spot, and in this mock draft, the best cornerbacks are still
on the board. Both Greedy Williams and Devin White from
LSU would fill a need with Richard Sherman getting older and
Ahkello Witherspoon largely untested.
New York Jets – Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Is Baby Bosa better than his older brother Joey Bosa, playing
for the Chargers? Some scouts think he could be because he is
a lengthy, instinctive edge rusher who plays with great leverage
on the defensive line. The New York Jets believe they have their
quarterback of the future in Sam Darnold, and Bosa would be a
defensive centerpiece to build around.
Buffalo Bills – Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
The Bills have a lot of holes, but if QB Josh Allen is ever going to
develop, he will need a strong offensive line. Williams is the best
offensive line prospect in the class, and without Cordy Glenn or
Richie Incognito, the Bills became thin along the offensive line very
quickly. The Jets might also be a potential landing spot for Williams.
Cincinnati Bengals – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Coming into 2018, Herbert did not receive a great deal of
national attention, but with a solid senior season, he could be
the strongest quarterback prospect in what is a weaker-
than-usual crop. At 6’6, Herbert has the size that scouts will
crave, and his touch, timing and anticipation look like that of an
NFL quarterback. Andy Dalton has been stuck in Marvin Lewis’
system for too long, so the Bengals may look to make a change.
However, Dalton can still have success as an NFL starter elsewhere.
Miami Dolphins – Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver reminds us of Aaron Donald coming out of college. His
athleticism to fire off after the snap is insane, and he works off of
blocks very well for such a big man. Without Ndamukong Suh,
the Dolphins need an elite defensive lineman. Will Adam Gase
be the coach to make this pick? It’s likely the Dolphins could
move in a new direction if they’re in line for the fourth pick at
season’s end.
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