2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Allen has reached the top
By Randy Gurzi
65. Buffalo Bills (via Cleveland): Christian Sam, Arizona State, ILB
Another player who racked up a ton of tackles while in college hears his name called. ASU’s Christian Sam fills the void left by Preston Brown’s release.
66. New York Giants: J.C. Jackson, Maryland, CB
Eli Apple has been a bust. He could very well lose his job to a third-round pick in J.C. Jackson out of Maryland.
67. Indianapolis Colts: Carlton Davis, Auburn, CB
The Colts get a steal here. Carlton Davis played well for Auburn, but has been lost among several talented corners in the 2018 NFL Draft.
68. Houston Texans: Orlando Brown, Oklahoma, OT
One of the worst workouts in Scouting Combine history happened when Orlando Brown took the field in Indy. His tape suggests he’s better, but there’s no way he doesn’t fall after that showing.
69. New York Giants (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Braden Smith, Auburn, OG
The Giants get a big guard who can clear holes for Barkley — who they drafted in Round 1. Mahon was a big part of the Tigers good 2017 season as they were a force on the ground.
70. San Francisco 49ers (via Chicago): Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh, S
Another player with questions off the field is Jordan Whitehead out of Pitt. He can replace Eric Reid, who doesn’t seem to be coming back.
71. Denver Broncos: Micah Kiser, Virginia, ILB
Virginia’s Micah Kiser doesn’t really do any one thing special, but he can do it all. Technically sound and doesn’t miss many tackles. Solid player at this point.
72. New York Jets: Royce Freeman, Oregon, RB
Oregon’s Royce Freeman should be a day one starter, He will have to beat out Isaiah Corewll in New York, but he probably will.
73. Miami Dolphins: Malik Jefferson, Texas, OLB
There are questions about Malik Jefferson’s love for the game. There aren’t questions about his skill.
74. San Francisco 49ers: Brendan Mahon, Penn St, OG
Jimmy G gets some more help on the offense. Brendan Mahon helped clear paths for Saquon Barkley and can provide some decent depth while being a potential starter down the road.
75. Oakland Raiders: Tyrell Crosby, Oregon, OT
The Raiders have a good line, but need a right tackle. Tyrell Crosby is a big guy who could fight for that job as a rookie.
76. Green Bay Packers: Jamarco Jones, Ohio State, OT
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the only injury that cost the Pack in 2017. Here they build some offensive line depth to make sure they’re stronger there should one of their starters go down again.
77. Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Miller, Memphis, WR
John Ross was drafted high because he ran a fast 40-yard dash. Anthony Miller can be what Ross never will.
78. Kansas City Chiefs (Washington): Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State, CB
McFadden at one point looked like a first-round pick. A poor season hurt his stock, but he has skills.
79. Arizona Cardinals: Ian Thomas, Indiana, TE
A strong pass catching tight end lands in the desert as the Cards select Indiana’s Ian Thomas.
80. Houston Texans (Seattle Seahawks): Sean Welsh, Iowa, OG
More o-line help for the Texans. They simply cannot lose Deshaun Watson. He needs as many blockers as he can get.
81. Dallas Cowboys: Tim Settle, VA Tech, DT
All the talk of the Cowboys needing a one-technique can finally end should they land Tim Settle. He was great when he kept his weight down.
82. Detroit Lions: Kerryon Johnson, Auburn, RB
The Lions may finally have a running game. Kerryon Johnson is better than anyone else on their roster outside of LeGarrette Blount.
83. Baltimore Ravens: Dante Pettis, Washington, WR
The Ravens are adding wide outs this offseason. No reason to stop now.
84. Los Angeles Chargers: Kyzir White, West Virginia, S
His brother has been a bust for the Bears, but maybe Kyzir White can find his niche with Los Angeles.
85. Carolina Panthers (via Buffalo): Josh Sweat, Florida State, EDGE
Some see Josh Sweat as just a rotational guy. The teams that feel that way will be upset when he becomes a player for the Panthers.
86. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorance Armstrong, Kansas, EDGE
Dorance Armstrong suffered last season after seeing offenses put more attention on him, but he’ll be a big injection of life on the edge in Kansas City.
87. Los Angeles Rams: Azeem Victor, Washington, ILB
Wade Phillips is going to love his new defense with the Rams. He gets just another weapon here.
88. Carolina Panthers: Tegray Scales, Indiana, OLB
The Panthers get another strong defensive weapon here in arguably the most criminally underrated defender in the draft. Tegray Scales out of Indiana was great, but gets only minimal love.
89. Tennessee Titans: DeShon Elliott, Texas, S
It’s a strong safety class and the Titans could very well have found a starter at safety late in the third.
90. Atlanta Falcons: Da’Shawn Hand, Alabama, DT
Atlanta adds another defensive tackle. Da’Sahawn Hand plays a different role than Bryan though and could be a great find here.
91. New Orleans Saints: Jaylon Ferguson, LA Tech, EDGE
Jaylon Ferguson stays in-state as the New Orleans Saints go for an edge rusher to play opposite Cameron Jordan.
92. Pittsburgh Steelers: Armani Watts, Texas A&M, S
Just like with DeShon Elliott earlier, Armani Watts is a potential starter late.
93. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Nnadi, Florida State, DT
The Jaguars have a fantastic defensive line. They make sure it stays that way by adding even more talent.
94. Minnesota Vikings: Allen Lazard, Iowa State, WR
Allen Lazard is a big-bodied receiver. Should Laquon Treadwell never take the next step, Lazard could steal some snaps.
95. New England Patriots: DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State, WR
A high character guy, DaeSean Hamilton is moving up the charts.
96. Buffalo Bills (via Philadelphia): Deon Cain, Clemson, WR
Deon Cain has a ton of potential, but never took that next step. He could find a role in Buffalo though.
97. Arizona Cardinals (Compensatory): Shaquem Griffin, UCF, OLB
The biggest inspiration in the 2018 NFL Draft lands with the Arizona Cardinals. Shaquem Griffin will play his twin brother twice a season if this mock holds true.
98. Houston Texans (Compensatory): Holton Hill, Texas, CB
The Texans now add to their secondary — a unit that could use some re-tooling.
Next: NFL Schedule 2018: Top game from each week
99. Denver Broncos (Compensatory): Marcell Ateman, Oklahoma State, WR
The other Oklahoma State wide receiver lands with the Broncos. He could be a weapon in the red zone.
100. Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory): Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State, DT
The third-round ends with the Bengals adding a strong defensive lineman. Jalyn Holmes can play end and defensive tackle for them.