My 2018 NFL Mock Draft

The top college players are two weeks away from seeing their life long drams come true. Today I give my mock draft for the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft

After finishing with the second 0-16 season in NFL history, the Cleveland Brown's have a lot of positions to address. Primarily at quarterback, left tackle, and cornerback.

The team traded away all of the quarterbacks on their roster after the disastrous 2017 season. The team signed Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton in the offseason but the Browns have to grab one of the top quarterbacks in this talented draft class. The secondary allowed 28 touchdown passes on the year and only intercepted seven passes. The team needs to add a true shutdown cornerback to help the pass defense. With Joe Thomas choosing to retire after 11 seasons and Spencer Drango struggling to replace him, drafting one of the top tackles wouldn't be a bad idea.

Given the circumstances, drafting USC quarterback Sam Darnold would be the right way to go. Darnold has all the tools to be an elite level quarterback but has to cut down on the turnovers and protect the ball better.

Following a 3-13 season where head coach Ben McAdoo was fired with three game left to play, the Giants hired Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to be their new head coach. With a new GM and coaching staff, New York has to fix problems at offensive lineman, linebacker, and cornerback.

Ereck Flowers has been a major disappointment since day one, The team signed Nate Solder in the offseason, but they could use another body to replace the often injured Justin Pugh. The Giants lost four linebackers to injury last season and desperately need to overhaul the corps with guys with speed and durability. With Eli Apple being viewed as a locker room cancer and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie a cap casualty, the cornerback spot needs more bodies.

That being said, Eli Manning is 37 and not built for the way the league has changed. Therefore, I think it would be smart for the Giants to draft his successor in UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen has the best mechanics of any quarterback in the draft but has an injury history and has to answer for his team's lack of wins in college.

The Jets traded their first-round selection (6th overall), two second-round selections, and a second-round selection in 2019 to Indianapolis in exchange for Indianapolis's first-round selection (3rd overall). With the Jets finishing 5-11 and last in the AFC East, New York has make changes at quarterback, offensive lineman, and edge rusher.

Josh McCown played well despite missing three games with a broken hand, but will be 39 when the season starts. The team signed Teddy Bridgewater in the offseason but he is coming off two seasons of not playing and Bruce Petty and Christian Hackenburg have disappointed thus far. The Jets offensive line gave up 47 sacks on the season. The Jets could afford to add an interior lineman. With Muhammad Wilkerson now in Green Bay, New York has to bolster a pass rush that only managed 28 sacks last season.

Given that Jets traded up three spots with Indianapolis, it shows me they are going with the best available quarterback which I believe will be Wyoming's Josh Allen. Allen has the most arm strength of any quarterback prospect this hear but scouts are concerned with his low career completion percentage.

The Browns acquired Houston's first round pick after the Texans traded up in the 2017 draft to select Deshaun Watson.

Given the level and depth of talent at offensive tackle and cornerback, Cleveland can afford to address those issues with their three second round picks. Therefore with the fourth overall pick, the Browns should draft the best player available. And with Isaiah Crowell now a New York Jet, I believe to be Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley has all the physical and mental traits to be the feature back in an offense, but has a habit of chasing home runs rather than taking what the defense gives him.

With Denver plummeting further in the AFC West with a 5-11 record, they have to improve at key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive lineman.

Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch all struggled last season. The team signed Case Keenum but 2017 may have been the version of him we will ever see. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are both going into their ninth NFL seasons and they've both taken some big hits the last few years. The Broncos started four different guys at right tackle and rookie Garrett Bolles was inconsistent.

Given the talent level of the team, tacking a talented player like Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson makes sense. Nelson is the best downfield blocking guard in this draft, but lacks initial quickness off the snap.

After the Colts finished 2017 with a 4-12 record, the team fired head coach Chuck Pagano after six seasons. After New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels resending the head coach job offer after initially accepting, Indianapolis hired Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator and former NFL Frank Reich as their new head coach. The Colts traded their first-round selection (3rd overall) to the Jets in exchange for the Jets' first-round selection (6th overall), two second-round selections, and the their second-round selection in 2019. The new coaching staff has to make changes at running back and linebacker.

With Frank Gore spending what is likely his final season in Miami and Marlon Mack still a development project, adding an Edgerrin James type back will help the offense a lot. The lack of a pass rush continues to plague this team. Jabaal Shepard led the team with 5.5 sacks and Tarell Basham shows promises but the team needs more production and less promise. Jon Bostic and Antonio Morrison were solid but the team needs a more athletic middle linebackers who can help in pass coverage.

Adding a pass rusher like NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb would really help out this defense. Chubb was seen as the top run defending edge rusher in the draft but lacks burst to get around the edge with athleticism alone.

Finishing 5-11 after going 9-7 in 2016, the Buccaneers have to fill needs at running back, defensive end, and cornerback if they hope to return to winning form.

Peyton Barber is the only every down capable running back left on the roster. Tampa needs a balanced, all around back to help Jameis Winston. The Bucs had the fewest sacks in the league with 22. The team traded for Jason Pierre-Paul but Noah Spence is coming off a shoulder injury and Robert Ayers was released after only recording two sacks. Brent Grimes will be 35 on opening day Vernon Hargreaves took a step back in his sophomore season. Tampa Bay has to improve their last ranked defense.

Drafting the top rated defensive player in Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick would help out the defense in more ways than one. Fitzpatrick has all the intangibles to be a playmaker at cornerback or safety, but has to develop a short memory.

After going 5-11 in 2017, Chicago fired after head coach John Fox after three seasons. The team then hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to be the new head coach. With a new coaching staff, the Bears have to make changes at wide receiver, tackle, and cornerback.

Mitch Trubisky needs bigger, faster targets who can make plays downfield. The team signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in free agency, but Kevin White has failed to stay healthy long enough to make an impact. The guards and center are solid, but the tackles struggled in pass protection all year. The team was able to resign Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara, but both have dealt with injuries and inconsistency.

Missing the chance to draft Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore last season, I think it would be wise for Chicago to draft Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward. Ward has the best coverage skills of any cornerback prospect this year, but lacks the ideal height and length to play outside.

After starting 0-9, San Francisco was able to finish strong at 6-10. To get the 49ers, back in playoff contention, the team has to update key positions like wide receiver, middle linebacker, and cornerback.

The passing offensive finished in the top 10 with no name wide receivers so imagine what it could be with an elite level talent. With Reuben Foster's legal trouble this offseason, it might be wise for the team to develop a reliable linebacker to solidify the middle of the defense. The cornerback position needs a quality starter as well as

However, seeing as how the defense only managed to register 30 sacks on the year, drafting a pass rusher like Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport would help out cornerbacks and linebackers. Davenport has the frame to play with his hand in the ground or standing up, but is still very raw in terms of power and technique.

After making the playoffs the year before, Oakland fell to 6-10 and fired head coach Jack Del Rio. The team did then hired former head coach John Gruden to try to get the Raiders back to their early 2000's form. To do that they have to make changes at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and cornerback.

The receivers struggled with drops all season and now Michael Crabtree is in Baltimore. The team was able to sign Jordy Nelson, but they could afford a true possession receiver in the slot. Oakland has lacked an interior pass rusher for the last three years and a big body to push the pocket would help out a lot. The Raiders only had five interceptions last season and their leading interceptor, Sean Smith, is now in prison.

Given the youth of the secondary, adding a versatile defender like Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds would help a lot. Edmunds size and speed combination make him the top pass rushing linebacker in this class but tends to be overly aggressive at times.

2017 saw Miami struggle to a 6-10 record due to many on and off field issues. The Dolphins have to address concerns at running back, tight end, and linebacker if they expect to get back to the playoffs.

The team traded Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia midseason and Kenyan Drake isn't an every down back. The team could afford a well rounded back to pair with Drake. Julius Thomas was a non factor last year and Anthony Fasano might have played his final NFL game, so adding a young tight end would really help this team. Despite having Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons, neither made many impact plays. Miami needs game changers at the linebacker spot.

Seeing as how Ryan Tannehill Is coming off a knee injury, I can see the Dolphins taking a chance on Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield to make amends for them not signing Drew Brees 11 years ago. Mayfield may be the most accurate quarterback entering the draft this year, but his combination of short size, average athleticism, and cocky nature are concerning.

Buffalo traded their first and fifth-round selections (21st overall and 158th overall) and offensive tackle Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati in exchange for Cincinnati's first and sixth-round selections (12th overall and 187th overall). And having two first round picks, the Bills have a chance to draft elite talent at quarterback, defensive tackle, and cornerback.

Tyrod Taylor is now in Cleveland and Nathan Peterman might have had the worst first start in history. Even though they signed AJ McCarron, I wouldn't be surprised if the Bills trade up to take a top quarterback. Kyle Williams will be entering his 13th season and no one has stepped up since Marcell Dareus was traded so a young and willing defensive tackle would help out in the long run. Tre'davious Wright is on the right track to stardom, but Buffalo lost three other corners to free agency.

Buffalo may very well trade up with the Giants or Colts to take one of the quarterbacks but if they stay at 12, they might just take the best player available and I believe that's Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith is seen as the top coverage linebacker in the draft, but lacks the height for the position.

Washington has gotten progressively worse since their last playoff appearance in 2015. In order for that to change, they have to make changes at quarterback, wide receiver, and middle linebacker.

Even by adding Alex Smith, the Redskins need a true developmental quarterback to succeed him one day. Jamison Crowder is one of the leagues best slot receivers and Josh Doctson shows promise but Terrell Pryor was a bust. The signed Paul Richardson, but Washington could use another receiver to play with Doctson on the outside. Losing Will Compton to free agency hurts, so adding a young linebacker to pair with veterans like Zach Brown and Mason Foster could make it one of the best corps in the league.

But given the level of overall talent of the defense, adding a big body like Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea to plug in the middle would do wonders. Vea is viewed as the top run stopping defensive tackle in the draft but is not as dominant when rushing the passer.

Without Aaron Rodgers for much of the year, the Packers fell to 7-9 on the season. In order to get back to winning, Green Bay has to add help at wide receiver, outside linebacker, and cornerback.

The team cut Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb's numbers have gone down and he can't stay healthy, and Davante Adams was knocked out of two games last year. The offense needs faster receivers. Clay Matthews is reaching the end of his most productive years and Nick Perry has never played a full season. The team can't afford to pass on a TJ Watt like talent this year. After using two first round picks on cornerbacks in 2015, Damarious Randall is now in Cleveland and Quinten Rollins has been injury prone. A true number one corner is needed in this defense.

Green Bay hasn't had a playmaker defensive back since Charles Woodson, so drafting Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson would really help out a lot. Jackson has the best read and react skills of any corner prospect, but wasn't challenged by many fast receivers in the Big Ten.

After finishing 8-8 on the year and missing the playoffs for the second straight season, head coach Bruce Arians announced that he was retiring from coaching after five years in Arizona. He was replaced by Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The team has to rebuild key pieces like quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive lineman.

Carson Palmer retired after 15 seasons. The team signed Sam Bradford, but id wouldn't be surprised if they trade up to take one of the top quarterbacks. Larry Fitzgerald will be entering his 15th season and even with the team signing Brice Butler, they should be searching for Fitzgerald's successor. Other than center AQ Shipley, no one's job is safe on the offensive line. The Cardinals need help at both tackle and guard spots.

If the Cardinals are unable to trade up for one of the top quarterbacks, I see them selecting Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley has the smoothest release of any receiver in this class, but lacks the strength and muscle mass of the ideal pass catcher.

Late season collapses plagued the Ravens yet again in 2017 and they missed the playoffs for the second straight year. In order to get back to playoff form, Baltimore needs to add help at quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end.

Joe Flacco has struggled since his Super Bowl win in the 2012 season. With him on the back end of his career, it would be wise for team to look for his eventual replacement. Mike Wallace was lost to free agency and the team cut Jeremy Maclin. The team signed Michael Crabtree, but the Ravens could use another explosive downfield playmaker. The tight ends have dealt with injuries over the last three years and the offense could use a sure handed tight end on third downs.

Seeing as how Joe Flacco might want to capitalize on this being the final two years of his contract and adding help like Texas offensive tackle Connor Williams might prolong his career. Williams is the best pass protecting tackle prospect this year, but might be forced to move inside dour to lack of length.

In their first year in a new city, the Chargers had their first winning record since 2014, but still missed the playoffs. In order to get back into the postseason, the Chargers should look to add help at defensive tackle, linebacker, and kicker.

The Chargers had the worst run defense in the league, so adding a big man in the middle would help out a lot. The linebackers struggled to fill gaps and make tackles. Denzel Perryman is solid, but he was hampered by injuries. The Chargers used three different kickers on the year and losing four games by three points or less would have made them division champs.

Looking at the talent on the board, adding a talented player like Florida State safety Derwin James wouldn't be a bad idea. James has the best speed of any safety in the draft, but must improve in his technique.

For the first time since 2011, Seattle failed to reach the playoffs. In order to get back on top of the NFC West, the Seahawks have to address concerns at tight end, defensive end, and safety.

Jimmy Graham is now in Green Bay, Luke Willson is in Detroit, and Nick Vannett is unproven. Additional help at tight end is needed. With Cliff Avril coming off a serious neck injury and losing Michael Bennett, the Seahawks have to reload their pass rush. With Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor's futures still an enigma, preparing for life after them would be a wise decision.

However, losing Paul Richardson to free agency as well, taking one of the top wide receivers in Texas A&M's Christian Kirk to replace him makes sense. Kirk is as athletic as any player in this draft, but is shorter than ideal with limited room to grow.

Due to suspensions and injuries, Dallas fell to 9-7 and out of the playoffs. If the Cowboys expect to return to their 2016 form, they have to make changes at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and linebacker.

Dez Bryant is on the decline and may not be on the roster by opening day. The team needs a true number one receiver to bring life back into the passing attack. Tyrone Crawford has shown a lot of effort, but has made little impact. The defensive line needs a player who can provide both. Sean Lee will always miss games due to injuries and Anthony Hitchens left via free agency. Dallas has add talent and depth to this position.

If the Cowboys added a player like Alabama defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne could make there's the most talented defensive line in the league. Payne might be the strongest defensive tackle in this draft, but lacks acceleration to chase downfield.

After starting the year 3-1, Detroit lost six of their next 12 to miss the playoffs and head coach Jim Caldwell Was fired. The Lions then hired New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to be the new head coach. To get back into play contention, Detroit has to add help at running back, defensive end, and defensive tackle.

The Lions finished last in the league in rushing last season. The team signed LeGarrette Blount, but he's not an every down back at this stage of his career. Ziggy Ansah is a productive pass rusher, but the team still needs more help getting after the quarterback. When Haloti Ngata went down, the run defense suffered. Detroit needs a big body that won't be pushed around.

Drafting a guy like Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst would help out a lot. Hurst is the best pass rushing defensive tackle prospect this year but, he was diagnosed with a heart condition at the NFL Combine.

After swapping first round picks with Buffalo in exchange for Cordy Glenn, Cincinnati has to be smart in the draft by adding a quarterback, tight end, or offensive lineman.

Andy Dalton isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but AJ McCarron was granted his free agent status and the Bengals need a solid backup. Tyler Eifert has never played a full season. Tyler Kraft has been solid, but more depth is needed. Losing Andrew Whitworth And Kevin Zeitler hurt more than Cincinnati realized and recent draft picks haven't produced.

With Cordy Glenn helping with at tackle, drafting someone like Texas- El Paso guard Will Hernández will help the team forget about Kevin Zeitler. Hernández is the best run blocking prospect this year, but must improve his hand placement.

The Bills traded their first-round selection in 2017 to Kansas City so that they could select Patrick Mahomes in exchange for the Chiefs 2018 first round pick.

Assuming the Bills go with defense with their first, first round pick, they should go offense with the second. Given Zay Jones' struggles in his rookie season as well as his offseason arrest this year, drafting another receiver like Southern Methodist's Courtland Sutton to pair with Kelvin Benjamin would make this receiving corps dangerous. Sutton has the size of the prototype possession receiver, but lacks great quickness off the snap.

The Patriots traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks and their 2018 fourth-round selection to the Los Angeles Rams for their first-round and sixth-round picks. Having two first round picks, New England has an opportunity to get talent at much needed positions like quarterback, defensive end, and cornerback.

After trading away Jimmy Garapolo and Jacoby Brissett, finding a future successor to 41 year old Tom Brady has to be a priority. Even after drafting two defensive ends last year, it remains a big concern. Drafting a top talent to set the edge and rush the passer would be perfect. Given the Malcolm Butler fiasco and Cyrus Jones future unclear, drafting a corner would be a wish investment.

That being said, losing Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming free agency hurts so drafting someone like Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey wouldn't be a bad idea. McGlinchey is the top run blocking tackle prospect this season, but has struggled against faster edge rushers.

After losing in the wildcard round of the playoffs, Carolina has to make some changes if they expect to make a deep playoff run. Primarily at wide receiver, defensive end, and defensive back.

Devin Funchess is a talented player but he may not have what it takes to be the go to receiver. Signing Torrey Smith helps, but the offense needs skill and depth around the two of them. Julius Peppers won't be around forever and the defensive line has to remain a strength of this team. Kurt Coleman is now with rival New Orleans and its time to add more talent to this young secondary.

Given the depth of the rest of the defense, drafting a versatile player like Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes makes sense. Hughes is seen as the top playmaking cornerback this year and offers value as a return man, but only has one season as a starter at FBS level.

Even after advancing farther in the playoffs than anyone expected them to, the Titans fired head coach Mike Mularky and replaced him with Houston Texans defensive coordinator and former Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Vrabel. In order for Tennessee to be taken seriously in 2018, they have to address problems at wide receiver, guard, and linebacker.

The wide receivers need to be more consistent. Adding another could help production. The guards were the reason the offensive line took a step back in 2017. Josh Kline signed a four year extension but drafting another wouldn't hurt. Father time is starting to catch up to the linebackers and Kevin Dodd has panned out. Picking up a productive backer would really help out the defense.

Drafting a talented player like Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry might be the right choice. Landry was extremely productive in college but may be too small to play defensive end and may not be athletic enough to be an outside linebacker.

Atlanta got back to the postseason in 2017, but were by no means the team they were the year before when they made the Super Bowl. In order to get back to the big game, the Falcons need to bring depth at wide receiver, guard, and defensive tackle.

The offense needs a fast receiver who can play the slot or opposite Julio Jones. The offensive line used four different starting combinations due to injuries. Atlanta needs to bring some toughness back into their zone blocking scheme protect the inside of the pocket. With Dontari Por now in Carolina, adding more beef to the defensive line rotation would go a long way.

Looking at the bodies they have on the defensive line, drafting a skillful guy like Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips would help in more ways than one. Phillips put impressive numbers for a defensive tackle in college, but is a bit undersized for the position.

After their season ended on a heartbreaking note, the Saints will look to reload to get back into playoff form. To do that, New Orleans has to make changes at tight end, defensive end, and defensive tackle.

Coby Fleener hasn't panned out the way the Saints had hoped. The offense needs a playmaker at tight end to make it dangerous. Alex Okafor was brought a boost to the pass rush but he's coming off a Achilles injury. The defense could use another edge rusher to play opposite Cameron Jordan. With Nick Fairley's playing career likely done, adding another playmaker next to Sheldon Rankins would do wonders.

By adding someone like South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst, it will hive Drew Brees a target he hasn't had since Jimmy Graham left three years ago. Hurst looks the part of the prototype tight end but he will be 25 when the season starts.

After two embarrassing losses at home against Jacksonville, Pittsburgh was the only divisional home team to lose in the playoffs. If the Steelers are to be taken seriously, they have to make changes at defensive lineman, middle linebacker, and safety.

The defense had trouble stopping the run against power running teams. A physical lineman is needed on the 3-4 line. With Ryan Shazier's future up in the air due to his spinal cord injury, the Steelers need a linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline. Mike Mitchell was released after the season in which he was the oldest player on the defense. The secondary needs a young, physical playmaker at safety.

Even if Ryan Shazier is able to return, he may never be the player he was. Therefore adding Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans would be the best fit. Evans is the top tackling linebacker in the draft, but can be overly aggressive at times.

Having their best season in a decade, Jacksonville finished one game short of the Super Bowl. In order to get over the hump, the Jaguars have to add talent at tight end, guard, and linebacker.

Mercedes Lewis is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, but the team really could use a pass catcher. One guard spot is fine with Andrew Norwell, but its still unknown if AJ Cann or Patrick Omameh are capable starters. With Paul Posluszny retired, depth might be needed at linebacker.

That being said, losing the Allen Brothers at wide receiver and the uncertainty of whether or not Blake Bortles can play at a high level consistently, drafting a dynamic playmaker like Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson could make Jacksonville's offensive really exciting. Jackson is easily the best mobile quarterback prospect this year, but is still very raw as a passer.

Going farther than expected all things considered, Minnesota boasted one of the better rosters in he league. In order for the Vikings to reach the big game, they have to add help at offensive lineman, defensive tackle, and cornerback.

With Joe Berger now retired, help on the inside of the line is needed. Tom Johnson is now in Seattle and the line could use another tackle alongside Linval Joseph. With Terrance Newman gone, the cornerback spot lacks depth behind Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.

With Pat Elflein looking like a fixture at center for the next decade, drafting his former teammate in Ohio State center Billy Price makes sense. Price is the best pulling center in the draft and has experience playing at guard, but he tore his peck muscle during NFL Combine workouts.

By losing in Super Bowl LII, New England became the second franchise in league history to lose five Super Bowls.

Assuming New England goes offense with their first, first round pick, I can see them addressing their pass rush by selecting Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard. Hubbard has the work ethic and tenacity to out perform almost anyone, but needs to a better job at trusting his instincts.

By winning their first championship since 1960, Philadelphia has the ability to get back to the big game in 2019 by adding talent at wide receiver, tackle, and linebacker.

Alshon Jeffrey signed his extension, but the team lost Torrey Smith to Carolina and Mack Hollins is still a little raw. Jason Peters is 36 and coming off an torn ACL. Lane Johnson is capable of playing left tackle, but a capable starter is needed at right tackle. Jordan Hicks tore his Achilles last year and Mychal Kendricks has an injury history.

Assuming Jason Peters isn't at 100% to start the season, drafting a big man like Oklahoma offensive tackle Orlando Brown would fill the void. Brown has a massive frame for an offensive lineman, but his draft stock fell after a poor combine performance.