Memmott’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft
March 27, 2018
The Record’s Zach Memmott releases his predictions for the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, QB USC
They need to stop passing on QB’s with their high draft picks. Jon Dorsey gets his guy right away while still being able to compete with Tyrod Taylor.
- TRADE- Buffalo Bills- Josh Rosen, QB UCLA
I predict the Bills will trade up and get their QB of the future in Rosen. It’ll be a steep price but it’ll pay off in the long run.
- New York Jets- Josh Allen, QB Wyoming
They traded up to No. 3 to get a QB and they get the one with the most upside in Allen. Three QB’s with the first three picks, yup.
- Cleveland Browns- Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State
A trade could be an option here with other quarterback-needy teams maybe wanting to trade up. If they keep the pick, though, you cannot pass up on Barkley who’s being considered as one of the best running back prospects in recent memory.
- Denver Broncos- Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State
After signing Case Keenum and still having hope in Paxton Lynch who knows what the Broncos will do here. For now, they replace Aqib Talib with this guy.
- Indianapolis Colts- Bradley Chubb, DE NC State
They need help everywhere. The offensive line will be in play but a game-changing guy who can rush the opposing QB is a need.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB Alabama
Best player available with this pick, he can help a defense that struggled this past season.
- Chicago Bears- Tremaine Edmunds, LB Virginia Tech
Keep adding to that young defense after addressing the WR position in free agency.
- TRADE- Arizona Cardinals- Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma
Their new head coach was with Cam Newton in Carolina who has an outgoing personality so Mayfield shouldn’t be a problem. They get their guy of the future because Sam Bradford isn’t the answer.
- Oakland Raiders- Derwin James, S Florida State
Best player available for a team that needs help everywhere.
- Miami Dolphins- Quenton Nelson, OL Notre Dame
The best O-line player in the draft falls to the Dolphins.
- TRADE- New York Giants- Roquan Smith, LB Georgia
This guy can be a game-changer for a defense that struggled last season.
- Washington Redskins- Mike Hughes, CB UCF
The loss of Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland’s potential departure has them in the need for a CB opposite Josh Norman.
- Green Bay Packers- Marcus Davenport, DE UTSA
This team needs help everywhere, but you can never have enough guys rushing the passer.
- TRADE- San Francisco 49ers- Vita Vea, DT Washington
They add to a young defensive line with this run stuffer from Washington.
- Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama
They have needed a difference-maker at wide receiver after so many years of below-average play at the position. Let’s get Joe Flacco some help.
- Los Angeles Chargers- Mason Rudolph, QB Oklahoma State
Rudolph probably will be drafted in the second round, but, for this mock we have the Chargers getting the guy of the future with Philip Rivers being 36.
- Seattle Seahawks- Isaiah Wynn, OG Georgia
They need to rebuild that O-line and give Russell Wilson some protection this season.
- Dallas Cowboys- Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame
Tyron Smith has had injuries the past few seasons, this will add depth to an already impressive line.
- Detroit Lions- James Daniel, C Iowa
Help out Matthew Stafford by getting him the guy at one of the most important positions along the line.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Will Hernandez, OG UTEP
Not only will this give Andy Dalton more time, but, give Joe Mixon more room to run.
- TRADE- New York Giants- Kolton Miller, OT UCLA
With their second pick of the first round, they get some help on the line that was just a disaster last year.
- Los Angeles Rams- Rashaan Evans, LB Alabama
They just traded Alec Ogletree because of money, so now they get his replacement.
- Carolina Panthers- Connor Williams, OT Texas
The line struggled last season and they lost their best linemen to the Jaguars.
- Tennessee Titans- Harold Laundry, DE Boston College
Laundry along with Brian Orakpo will be a nightmare for opposing QB’s.
- Atlanta Falcons- Da’Ron Payne, DT Alabama
They have Vic Beasley on the outside so now they get Payne for the interior to replace Poe.
- New Orleans Saints- Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville
Drew Brees has one, maybe two, years left of football. They need to address the future of that position in this draft
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Sam Hubbard, DE Ohio State
The defense is good, but, still needs depth.
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State
Marcedes Lewis was cut and they need to find a difference-maker with Allen Robinson leaving for the Bears.
- Minnesota Vikings- Lorenzo Carter, LB Georgia
Anthony Barr could leave in free agency after this year so they plan for the future here.
- New England Patriots- Leighton Vander Esch, B Boise State
Best player available here.
- Philadelphia Eagles- Taven Bryan- DT Florida
Even with trading for Michael Bennet they still cut Vinny Curry, so, here is his replacement.