NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final projection on draft day

By Cody Williams

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 17
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

9. San Francisco 49ers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Full disclosure, I’ve had the San Francisco 49ers pegged to take a linebacker here for several weeks now given the situation with last year’s first round pick Reuben Foster. However, with the revelation on Wednesday night from Foster’s domestic violence accuser in which she recanted her claims against the Niners linebacker, that changes everything about this pick. The need at linebacker doesn’t become non-existent, but it becomes far less pressing. As such, they address another area of need by taking Minkah Fitzpatrick.

I list Fitzpatrick simply as a defensive back because he is truly that. If the 49ers need him to step in at free safety — the likely option — he has the athletic traits and skills necessary to succeed in that role on the back end. If they want him at cornerback or nickel corner, he’s equally as capable. What’s more, he gives this secondary more leadership back there to help them turn the corner and start to match the excitement created on offense by Jimmy Garoppolo.

10. Arizona Cardinals (via Colts by way of Raiders): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

TRADE: Arizona trades No. 15 and 47 to Indianapolis for No. 10

Surprise, surprise, we have another trade and it’s the Colts making another deal to acquire more picks. This time, Indianapolis gets in touch with the Arizona Cardinals, a team in desperate need of a quarterback for the future, who want to move ahead of the Miami Dolphins at No. 11 in the case that they may take a quarterback. Meanwhile, the Colts are able to pick up another second-round pick and only move back five spots in the first round. For that roster, that’s the type of move they need.

As for the Cardinals, they land the polarizing Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen. Allen has all of the arm strength and measurables in the world. What he doesn’t have is the accuracy and production of the other players at his position that he’s listed with in this class. I’m truthfully not a believer in Allen. But, with him being able to come in behind Sam Bradford, the Cards may offer him a better chance at success than other teams perhaps would.

Home/NFL Draft