NFL Round 1 Mock Draft #1: Picks 1-16..

1. Browns - Saquon Barkley, Penn State

Why: Today the Browns "love" Baker Mayfield. Yesterday they "loved" Josh Allen. Tomorrow they'll "love" Darnold or Rosen.. The point is, the clear-cut QB in 2018 does not exist at the moment, and rocking two top 4 picks, I half expect the Browns to feel safe in waiting a few picks to get their guy. In my first mock, the Browns take another glaring need that just happens to be the top overall player in the class.

My Comparison: David Johnson

2. Giants - Sam Darnold, USC

Why: Eli is returning for at least one more hoorah, which buys Pat Shurmur time to draft and develop the QB of the future before throwing him into the fire. The greatest raw profile amongst the QB class this season belongs to Sam Darnold. Early expectation for me is that NY gets their pick of QBs and look to rebuild.

My Comparison: Jameis Winston

3. Colts - Bradley Chubb, NC State

Why: The Colts have the pieces on offense to compete, with a new coaching staff and a returning Andrew Luck. Adding talent on defense is a must in order to get this franchise back to where it was. In this case, they get the top defensive player on most boards, and a game altering pass rusher.

My Comparison: Joey Bosa

4. Browns - Josh Allen, Wyoming

Why: Several options on the table for the Browns to get their QB. Mayfield and Rosen offer elite upside, but for now I'm leaning towards the Browns going with Allen. Though personally I'm very low on Allen, with his big arm and experience against the elements, he's a good fit for this franchise to pair with an elite rookie RB.

My Comparison: Blake Bortles

5. Broncos - Quentin Nelson, Notre Dame

Why: Early assumption for me is that Denver ends up being the team to win the golden ticket that is Kirk Cousins. They have the outside weapons to ease the transition, and a defense to compete with the right QB at the helm. Part of the allure should be a promise to upgrade the OL. Nelson is widely regarded as the best OG prospect in years.

My Comparison: Kelechi Osemele

6. Jets - Josh Rosen, UCLA

Why: The Jets are yet another franchise in the market for a new face of the franchise, and IMO Rosen fits the bill. All in all, Rosen fits the organization to me and is the more natural fit in the offense, over Baker Mayfield. I'd expect McCown to keep the reins for a bit before ultimately conceding to the rookie in 2018.

My Comparison: Jared Goff

7. Bucs - Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Why: After a run on offensive players, Tampa lucks into arguably a top 3 talent in the class. Needing help in an undermanned secondary, they'll be happy to stop Fitzpatrick's fall. He gives the Bucs a dynamic puzzle piece in the secondary, capable of doing whatever you need of him.

My Comparison: Harrison Smith

8. Bears - Calvin Ridley, Alabama

Why: After another stagnant offensive season, new HC Matt Nagy and the Bears have to keep doing what it takes to add playmakers. The franchise QB is on the roster and the running game is competent. Adding the classes' top pass catcher seems like the wise move at this point, and currently Ridley fits that billing.

My Comparison: Amari Cooper

9. 49ers - Derwin James, Florida State

Why: With Eric Reid expected to walk in free agency, SF has to be looking for answers in the secondary. A bit of a tweener, James appears to be a divisive talent in many draft circles, but those that love him will bang the table. Great scheme pick for San Fran IMO, adding to a young, talented front 7.

My Comparison: Mark Barron

10. Raiders - Roquan Smith, Georgia

Why: We all know new Oakland HC Jon Gruden is a fan of his grinders, and Roquan Smith embodies that word on every snap. Up to the challenge of covering incredible space, he's a great get to compliment the trio of Mack, Irvin, and Bowman.

My Comparison: Lavonte David

11. Dolphins - Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Why: Mayfield brings too much to the table and too much collegiate film to fall too, too far in this draft. Gase has always struck me as the temperamental type and seems like a coach that would love Mayfield's flare. The tweet to Stills doesn't hurt. Solid fit to maximize big bodied WRs Parker & Stills after Landry is likely to depart.

My Comparison: Doug Flutie

12. Bengals - Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame

Why: The Bengals had one of the most disastrous offensive lines in the NFL in 2017 after losing Whitworth & Zeitler in FA. Expect them to prioritize keeping Dalton upright in the offseason. Fortune is on their side in this case, as the #1 OT on most boards remains available.

My Comparison: Taylor Lewan

13. Redskins - Harold Landry, Boston College

Why: The Redskins have been a franchise never hesitant to completely redefine their personnel on both sides of the ball. This is a difficult pick to predict, given the organizations track record. My own personal bias towards Landry, as well as Washington's need for a blue chip edge presence leads me this direction.

My Comparison: Vic Beasley

14. Packers - Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Why: In my first mock, the franchise ever-searching for the inside compliment to Clay Matthews dynamic edge presence finally gets the guy. Top notch blend of size and pursuit, Edmunds represents possibly the BPA as well as biggest need for GB, and I believe they'd be stoked at the chance with him.

My Comparison: Dont'a Hightower

15. Cardinals - Joshua Jackson, Iowa

Why: In spite of owning three pro bowl talents in the secondary, the Cardinals have fallen short of fielding a pass defense worthy of fear. Reasoning behind that stems from an inconsistent pass rusher, but most importantly a glaring hole opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson. Arguably the best CB in the class, Jackson brings Year 1 starter potential to a talented defense.

My Comparison: Casey Hayward

16. Ravens - Courtland Sutton, Southern Methodist

Why: Baltimore's passing offense has been borderline non-existent at times in the last couple years. Partially to blame is the fact they've yet to find a true X WR to fill the #1 role. Courtland Sutton offers value and need at pick 16 and brings the big frame the Ravens have lacked for years.

My Comparison: Alshon Jeffery


Put quite a bit of work into this.. I'm excited to discuss, and look forward to picks 17-32 tomorrow. Let me know what picks you agree/disagree with and let's discuss!

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