2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final projection on draft day

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: Roger Goodell announces a draft pick during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theater on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: Roger Goodell announces a draft pick during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theater on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

27. New Orleans Saints: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

I love this pick, fit and player more than I can adequately express in words. Lamar Jackson is the most underrated player in this draft class. The concerns about him are exponentially overblown and, though he’s not a perfect prospect, none of the quarterbacks in this class are. Meanwhile, none of the quarterbacks offer the explosive plays that Jackson can provide with his legs while also having the arm to make any throw on the field.

By coming to the Saints, Jackson comes into the best possible situation for him. He gets to hone in his accuracy issues by learning behind one of the most accurate passers in the modern NFL, Drew Brees. What’s more, he also gets time to pick up the NFL speed and offense while also adding to his body to hopefully further dispel any durability concerns. And in turn, the Saints get the heir apparent to Brees.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

It’s ultimately a bit sad that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a pressing need at linebacker. However, that’s the situation following the horrific injury to Ryan Shazier. He’s already been ruled out for 2018 and his football future beyond that is cloudy at best. Thus, a defense that already has holes that need to be addressed now has a former area of strength showing up as a weakness.

Leighton Vander Esch, however, could help turn that back into a strength. The Boise State linebacker has elite athletic ability and simply looks the part of a freak when it comes to his measurables. Meanwhile, he also showed out in his one year as a starter for the Broncos, recording an insane 141 tackles last season. He could be a one-man clean-up crew with Brian Urlacher type potential for Pittsburgh.