Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen rises up thanks to his high potential in this three-round 2018 NFL Mock Draft one day away from the real thing.
With the 2018 NFL Draft just days way now, the rumors are starting to fly around at an unmanageable pace. The majority of that continues to center on what the Cleveland Browns will do at the No. 1 overall choice.
Many want them to go with USC quarterback Sam Darnold. He’s been the favorite since before the 2017 season and even a shaky year didn’t slow down the love. Other names being thrown out there for them include Wyoming’s Josh Allen and running back Saquon Barkley from Penn State.
Let’s jump right in and see how the Browns kick off my final 2018 three-round NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Allen, Wyoming, QB
It seems this may be the least popular pick for Cleveland fans, but Josh Allen has scouts enamored. He’s got great size, throws it 90 yards and could be special. He needs to work on touch and accuracy, but the rest of what he brings can’t be taught.
2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, Penn State, RB
The Giants gave Saquon Barkley some swag recently. He’s going to bring some back to an offense that desperately needs it.
3. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): Sam Darnold, USC, QB
Sam Darnold finds a home with the Jets. Not his ideal landing spot, but he can make it work.
4. Cleveland Browns (via the Houston Texans): Bradley Chubb, NC State, EDGE
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
It’s so tough to choose between Denzel Ward and Bradley Chubb at this spot. If the Browns let need decide, it’s Ward. Pure talent? It’s Chubb. Let’s roll with Chubb here.
5. Denver Broncos: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, QB
The Broncos feel like they should be the home for Josh Allen, but he’s gone. They go with Baker Mayfield instead. He’s arguably the most pro-ready, but he’s got some character concerns.
6. Indianapolis Colts (via New York Jets): Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame, OG
Quenton Nelson is a guard who has some great film to watch. You don’t hear that often about guards. He can be special.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Denzel Ward, Ohio State, CB
Tampa Bay fixes a struggling defense by adding a potentially great corner in Denzel Ward.
8. Chicago Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama, S
He can play safety. He can play corner. Doesn’t matter where Minkah Fitzpatrick lines up, he will be a difference maker.
9. San Francisco 49ers: Roquan Smith, Georgia, ILB
The 49ers need to move on from Reuben Foster. Bringing in Roquan Smith helps them do that. He will be a stud in the middle of their defense.
10. Oakland Raiders: Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech, OLB
Tremaine Edmunds is a better linebacker prospect than Smith, but is probably best suited as an outside linebacker. That’s why the 49ers went for a middle linebacker and the Raiders are happy because they land Edmunds.
11. Miami Dolphins: Derwin James, Florida State, S
Derwin James gets to stay in Florida and play for the Dolphins. They need a new attitude on the field and James can bring that.
12. Buffalo Bills (via the Kansas City Chiefs): Josh Rosen, UCLA, QB
Buffalo probably trades up to get their quarterback, but in this mock they land Josh Rosen at 12. It’s anyone’s guess how all these guys pan out, but Rosen slides some due to durability concerns.
13. Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, Washington, DT
One of the more underrated positions in the NFL is the run-stuffing nose tackle. You don’t realize you need one until someone is pounding the ball on you. Already having to face Ezekiel Elliott and now Saquon Barkley twice a season, the Redskins counter with the massive Vita Vea.
14. Green Bay Packers: Harold Landry, Boston College, EDGE
All the hype about edge rushers seems to focus on Marcus Davenport. That’s fine by the Packers because they’ll just kindly take Harold Landry and be perfectly fine.
15. Arizona Cardinals: Calvin Ridley, Alabama, WR
Larry Fitzgerald may play until he’s 80. Calvin Ridley comes in to learn from one of the best ever.