Joe's 2018 Amateur Mock Draft Special

The NFL Draft is just days away. With all the buzz surrounding mock drafts in today's never-ending news cycle, I thought I'd give a shot at my first ever mock. You probably don't care about the rest of this intro, so let's just get right into it.

Pick 1: Cleveland Browns
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming

The Browns continually challenge the norm, and with new general manager John Dorsey, they select what they see as the #1 overall quarterback. Dorsey has long been known to value physical tools over refined technique, with his selections of Patrick Mahomes and Eric Fisher in Kansas City. Allen won't need to compete for the starting job right away, as the Browns traded for QB Tyrod Taylor earlier this offseason. This is an ideal landing spot for Allen.

Pick 2: TRADE // Buffalo Bills (via New York Giants)
Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC

Buffalo trades up to select their quarterback of the future. Like the Browns, they have a gap-year to allow Darnold to learn the system, with QB AJ McCarron as the projected starter. This is an ideal landing spot for Darnold - he fits the mold of an AFC North big bodied quarterback.

Pick 3: New York Jets
Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA

The Jets have been searching for their franchise quarterback for awhile. They select a great candidate for the job in Josh Rosen, where he should step in right away. Rosen is the most pro-ready quarterback out of the bunch, and the Jets are likely to throw him into the fire right away.

Pick 4: Cleveland Browns
Saquon Barkley, Runningback, Penn State

At pick No. 1 and 4, the Browns have an opportunity to change their franchise over-night. Already selecting their quarterback of the future with Josh Allen, they also grab their running back of the future in Saquon Barkley. A player who I believe is the best overall in the draft, Barkley is one of the most dynamic talents of the past decade. He's been compared to the likes of Barry Sanders and Ladainian Tomlinson.

Pick 5: Denver Broncos
Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma

Quarterback isn't the biggest need for the Broncos after the signing of Case Keenum, but they snag their franchise guy with the 5th overall selection, here. Mayfield would learn from a player who I think is very similar to his play style in Keenum. He has some off-field concerns, but the talent is certainly there.

Pick 6: Indianapolis Colts
Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina State

Ever since the departure of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, the Colts have lacked a consistent pass rush. They nab the top overall EDGE rusher in Bradley Chubb, who has the prototypical size (6-4, 270 lb, 34" arms) for a defensive end. He could be a cornerstone pass rusher for the next decade.

Pick 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derwin James, Safety, Florida State

The Buccaneers need some playmakers on defense. Derwin James fits the mold for that role, and should step in right away as a star safety. Many former teammates and coaches have raved about his leadership qualities and 'alpha dog' mentality, which is something this defense is lacking.

Pick 8: Chicago Bears
Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame

With the departure of Josh Sitton, the Bears take one of the top overall players, regardless of position. Quenton Nelson is a mauler in the run game, which bodes well for what the Bears are trying to build with stud running back Jordan Howard. Nelson would step in and make an immediate impact on the passing game as well, for second year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

Pick 9: San Francisco 49ers
Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech

The 49ers take the player with the highest upside in the entire draft. As Brett Kollman put it, "Edmunds has no idea what the hell he's doing, and he's still the best player on the field." Edmunds is a 6-5, 250 lb freak who runs in the 4.5 second-range (forty yard dash). If he can put it all together, he has the potential to be a future all-pro.

Pick 10: Oakland Raiders
Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia

Like the Buccaneers, the Raiders are in need of playmakers on defense. Roquan Smith is the perfect player for this defense, as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker whose a tackling machine. Smith would easily be one of the best players on defense right away, and adds a nice piece to the front 7.

Pick 11: Miami Dolphins
Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State

What do you know, another star cornerback from Ohio State. From Bradley Roby, to Eli Apple, to Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore - Denzel Ward is just the latest player to come out of what many people consider 'DBU'. Ward would step into a starting role, and could easily challenge for rookie of the year.

Pick 12: TRADE // New York Giants (via Buffalo Bills, from Cincinnati Bengals)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety, Alabama

Two years after taking former teammate Landon Collins, the Giants trade back to gain more picks, while scooping up Minkah Fitzpatrick along the way. Fitzpatrick is a jack of all trades, and many consider him the most complete defensive back in the entire draft. He would solidify the back-end of the Giants' defense for years to come.

Pick 13: Washington Redskins
Derrius Guice, Runningback, LSU

The Redskins are in a weird situation. They just let go of Kirk Cousins, while simultaneously trading for one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league, in Alex Smith. Some view them as being in a 'mini rebuild', which is why giving Smith a chain mover in Derrius Guice is a great acquisition. Guice is viewed by some as the best running back in the draft, and would be a great weapon out of the backfield for Washington's new franchise quarterback.

Pick 14: Green Bay Packers
Harold Landry, Defensive End, Boston College

The Packers are also in somewhat of a mini rebuild. With Aaron Rodgers' injury last season, they have their highest draft pick since 2009, where they selected 9th overall. A team in need of a consistent pass rush, the Packers take Harold Landry, one of the top EDGE prospects on the board. Although he had a better 2016 season, Landry would step into the rotation and make a huge impact on day one - which is exactly what the Packers need.

Pick 15: Arizona Cardinals
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Louisville

The Cardinals stay put at No. 15 and get their quarterback of the future. Lamar Jackson was one of the most electrifying players in college football for the past two seasons, and would have the opportunity to sit behind Sam Bradford and learn a few things. Jackson would need time to learn, but his upside is tremendous.

Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens
Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

The Ravens cut ties with right tackle Austin Howard this offseason, and are in need of a new protector on that side. They draft Mike McGlinchey, a reliable left tackle who would complete the book-end duo of fellow Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley.

Pick 17: Los Angeles Chargers
Vita Vea, Defensive Tackle, Washington

Touted as the second coming of Haloti Ngata, the Chargers select the best available player in Vita Vea. At 6-4 and nearly 350 lbs, Vea is surprisingly athletic for someone his size. He ran a 5.10 forty yard dash, and pumped out 41 bench press reps. Vea would fill in nicely in the middle for the Chargers.


Pick 18: Seattle Seahawks
Joshua Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa

With the best hands in the class, Josh Jackson adds a great option for the Seahawks to replace star corner Richard Sherman, whose off to the 49ers next season. Jackson would fit well into the Seahawks' cover 3 zone scheme. Jackson is a long, rangy corner, and had eight interceptions last season (most in the NCAA). He was also Pro Football Focus' highest rated corner in their history, with a grade of 96.2 out of 100.

Pick 19: Dallas Cowboys
Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, Southern Methodist University

The Cowboys recently cut their all-time leader in touchdown receptions, Dez Bryant. They'll certainly be looking for his replacement early in the draft, and Courtland Sutton fits the mold for a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver. At 6-3, 220, Sutton ran a 4.54 forty yard dash, and compares favorably to Dez Bryant as far as size and speed goes. He'd step in as an immediate weapon for Dak Prescott.

Pick 20: Detroit Lions
Marcus Davenport, Defensive End, University of Texas at San Antonio

The Lions draft Marcus Davenport as an insurance policy for when/if Ezekial Ansah hits free agency next season. Davenport is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He has a 6-6, 265 lb frame, but is very raw as a pass rusher. Nonetheless, his athletic profile alone is warrant enough for spending a high draft pick. The sky is the limit for Davenport.

Pick 21: Cincinnati Bengals
Isaiah Wynn, Guard, Georgia

The Bengals are in need of offensive line help, and select one of the top interior protectors on the board. Isaiah Wynn is really an undersized tackle, who should project well as a guard in the NFL. He was rated as the #2 guard in the draft by Pro Football Focus, with a grade of 88.0.

Pick 22: TRADE // New York Giants (via Buffalo Bills)
James Daniels, Center, Iowa

With fellow center Billy Price tearing his pec earlier this offseason, James Daniels becomes the de-facto No. 1 center prospect. The Giants take him with the 22nd pick, acquired from the Bills from the earlier trade, and shore up their offensive line. Center Weston Richburg was signed by the 49ers this offseason, so center is an immediate need.

Pick 23: New England Patriots
Kolton Miller, Offensive Tackle, UCLA

Nate Solder got paid this offseason, so with the 23rd overall pick the Patriots select offensive tackle Kolton Miller. He's still raw as a player, but his upside is unlimited. At 6-8, 310 lb, Miller has the athletic ability to become a top 10 left tackle. The only problem is he's still an unfinished product, so he may struggle early-on.

Pick 24: Carolina Panthers
Jaire Alexander, Cornerback, Louisville

The Panthers have a few needs, but select the best overall player available in Jaire Alexander. He's a shutdown corner who can lock-down receivers in man to man coverage. Ever since Josh Norman's departure, the Panthers have been missing a reliable No. 1 corner to shut down the opposing team's No. 1 receiver, and Alexander is their guy.

Pick 25: Tennessee Titans
Leighton Vander Esch, Linebacker, Boise State

The Titans are in need of a new tackling magnet with Avery Williamson signing with the Jets this offseason. After careful consideration, they elect to select Leighton Vander Esch, an athletic 6-4, 255 lb sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Vander Esch would be a great asset no matter where he goes, and has similar measurables to Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Pick 26: Atlanta Falcons
Da'ron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

The Falcons are in need of a defensive playmaker up front with the departure of Dontari Poe this offseason. Enter Da'ron Payne, a menace in the middle who can also provide the ability to rush the quarterback in certain situations. He may not be a starter right away, but he'd have considerable playing time as the season progresses.

Pick 27: New Orleans Saints
Hayden Hurst, Tight End, South Carolina

Former big ticket free agent Coby Fleener hasn't been the replacement for Jimmy Graham that the Saints probably envisioned. They take Hayden Hurst, considered by many the best tight end in this draft. At 6-5, 250 lb, Hurst is a much better receiver than a blocker, which suits the Saints' passing scheme well. With Drew Brees tossing the ball, it's almost impossible not to succeed.

Pick 28: Pittsburgh Steelers
Rashaan Evans, Linebacker, Alabama

This pick just screams Pittsburgh Steelers. After the terrible tragedy involving linebacker Ryan Shazier, they draft his replacement in Rashaan Evans. At inside linebacker, Evans also has the potential to rush the passer, and fits the hard-nosed identity the Steelers like in their defensive players.

Pick 29: Jacksonville Jaguars
Calvin Ridley, Wide Receiver, Alabama

This may be considered a steal, depending on who you ask. With the 29th overall selection, the Jaguars select Calvin Ridley to be their new star wide receiver. They lost Allen Robinson to free agency and decided to release Allen Hurns, so they're clearly looking in a new direction to pair with fellow receivers Dede Westbrook and Marquise Lee.

Pick 30: Minnesota Vikings
Will Hernandez, Guard, University of Texas at El Paso

The Vikings are probably the most complete roster from bottom to top. They have no glaring weaknesses, so they elect to take guard Will Hernandez. Former lineman Joe Berger retired this offseason, so it's always good to have more depth. Hernandez may even challenge for a starting spot in week 1.

Pick 31: New England Patriots
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State

Maybe the most interesting pick in the draft, the Patriots select a new backup/possible quarterback of the future in Mason Rudolph. Because he came from an air-raid system (where stats are seen as inflated) some scouts are skeptical in Rudolph's true abilities. Regardless, he has the pleasure of learning from the greatest quarterback of all time, which could unlock his full potential.

Pick 32: Philadelphia Eagles
Sony Michel, Runningback, Georgia

A rising prospect in recent weeks, Sony Michel is the last pick of the first round. The Eagles parted ways with Lagarrete Blount in free agency, and Michel would add a nice asset as a 3rd down back. He's been compared to Alvin Kamara, last year's rookie star from the Saints.

Packers Round 2 and 3 Selections

Round 2, Pick 45: Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado

Oliver is a sizable corner at 6-1, 190 lb, with rare arm length at 33.5". He has the ability to cover man to man, and would fit nicely in the Packers lineup.

Round 3, Pick 76: Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver, Colorado State

Gallup is a do it all, jack of all trades receiver. There isn't necessarily one particular thing he excels at, but he does everything right. He would fill in nicely as a No. 2 receiver, opposite Davante Adams.