NFL Round 1 Mock Draft #1: Picks 1-16.. (1 Viewer)

[HogsNSaints]

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!

http://saintsreport.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7068519#post7068519

 

[SweetT]

The Browns have another shot at getting their franchise QB, they have the pick of the litter.
They have to go QB with that first pick. There will be stud RBs in the 2nd rd to tickle their fancy

 

[HogsNSaints]

The Browns have another shot at getting their franchise QB, they have the pick of the litter.
They have to go QB with that first pick. There will be stud RBs in the 2nd rd to tickle their fancy

I definitely see that side.. BUT marginally speaking Barkley vs Guice (#2 RB) is drastically more significant than the QB race IMO. If reports are true and the Browns are extremely drawn to both Allen and Mayfield, I think they'll reasonably expect one to be around at 4. It's a tough evaluation. On one hand you'd always say take the QB #1, but recently I can't remember a team having two top 4 picks to make this kind of call.

 

[SuJaguar00]

The Browns have another shot at getting their franchise QB, they have the pick of the litter.
They have to go QB with that first pick. There will be stud RBs in the 2nd rd to tickle their fancy

I agree. I think the Browns go QB 1st (unless they sign Cousins) and circle back to Barkley at 4. NY goes QB as well and Indy goes DL (Chubb) or OL (Nelson).


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[SweetT]

I definitely see that side.. BUT marginally speaking Barkley vs Guice (#2 RB) is drastically more significant than the QB race IMO. If reports are true and the Browns are extremely drawn to both Allen and Mayfield, I think they'll reasonably expect one to be around at 4. It's a tough evaluation. On one hand you'd always say take the QB #1, but recently I can't remember a team having two top 4 picks to make this kind of call.

Let’s just say your draft plays out, Sam becomes the best QB in this class by far (for the Giants). The Browns will once again be the team that passes on their franchise QB. I’m not sure that they are willing to have that wth moment again. And for what it’s worth, I don’t there is a big drop off from Barkley to Guice. Guice was clearly affected by his injury all season. Not to mention that Canada offense was meh

 

[Taker597]

Let’s just say your draft plays out, Sam becomes the best QB in this class by far (for the Giants). The Browns will once again be the team that passes on their franchise QB. I’m not sure that they are willing to have that wth moment again. And for what it’s worth, I don’t there is a big drop off from Barkley to Guice. Guice was clearly affected by his injury all season. Not to mention that Canada offense was meh

Wentz
Goff
Dak
Watson
Mahomes

LOL

 

[HogsNSaints]

I agree. I think the Browns go QB 1st (unless they sign Cousins) and circle back to Barkley at 4. NY goes QB as well and Indy goes DL (Chubb) or OL (Nelson).

I think there's a 0% chance Barkley gets to pick 4.

Let’s just say your draft plays out, Sam becomes the best QB in this class by far (for the Giants). The Browns will once again be the team that passes on their franchise QB. I’m not sure that they are willing to have that wth moment again. And for what it’s worth, I don’t there is a big drop off from Barkley to Guice. Guice was clearly affected by his injury all season. Not to mention that Canada offense was meh

I think fear of the mistake has to be out of their minds. It's just as likely they take the wrong guy #1 as it is they miss the guy once more. If the margin is thin, as it appears to be right now, I think Barkley's talent should win them over. Guice will be in my first round, but I personally consider Barkley the best RB since AP. He was made for present day NFL. The margin is guaranteed to be greater between he and Guice. The question will be if one QB can create a noticeable margin at all, at which point I'll agree with you 100%. Rosen is my favorite of the bunch.

 

[HogsNSaints]

Wentz
Goff
Dak
Watson
Mahomes

LOL

Also took Johnny Manziel over Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Teddy Bridgewater.

 

[Slaw]

I think there's a 0% chance Barkley gets to pick 4.

I wouldn't go that far. Browns and Giants could draft their QBs at 1 and 2. Colts could go with Chubb at 3. Barkley is on the board at 4 in that scenario.

 

[HogsNSaints]

I wouldn't go that far. Browns and Giants could draft their QBs at 1 and 2. Colts could go with Chubb at 3. Barkley is on the board at 4 in that scenario.

I'm not totally sold on the Giants taking the QB though. Shurmur is a fantastic QB's coach, I wouldn't rule out him:

A) Getting a few good years out of Eli.
B) Liking what he sees from Davis Webb.
C) Bringing in Keenum to be the guy.

If that's the case, I think they could use a talent like Barkley. I also think there's no way the Colts would pass on him.

 

[SuJaguar00]

I think there's a 0% chance Barkley gets to pick 4.

Really? The Giants are almost certain to take Eli's successor and with the injury history of Luck, Nelson makes a ton of sense for the Colts.

Are you thinking someone trades up for him or that those two lines of thinking are inaccurate?



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[HogsNSaints]

Really? The Giants are almost certain to take Eli's successor and with the injury history of Luck, Nelson makes a ton of sense for the Colts.

Are you thinking someone trades up for him or that those two lines of thinking are inaccurate?



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The Colts have spent a ton of picks on OL. I think it came together a bit last season, and the really did a pretty decent job protecting Brissett. I'd be surprised if Nelson went to them. My thoughts would be Fitzpatrick or Chubb.. I comped Chubb to Bosa, but I don't consider him that polished coming out. Again, my thoughts on Barkley may not fall in line with NFL FOs. But I'll legitimately be shocked if Barkley makes it to 4.

 

[dutar76]

Awesome take... Heck, I'm throwing my list out and using yours. Most convincing mock I've read since ever.

I'm all in this.. eating it up. Hanging on your every word... then you get to Mayfield... Flutie

Flutie

Flutie?

Baker Mayfield ~ Doug Floutie

Beer all over my keyboard and my nose burns.

thanks

 

[SweetT]

I think there's a 0% chance Barkley gets to pick 4.




I think fear of the mistake has to be out of their minds. It's just as likely they take the wrong guy #1 as it is they miss the guy once more. If the margin is thin, as it appears to be right now, I think Barkley's talent should win them over. Guice will be in my first round, but I personally consider Barkley the best RB since AP. He was made for present day NFL. The margin is guaranteed to be greater between he and Guice. The question will be if one QB can create a noticeable margin at all, at which point I'll agree with you 100%. Rosen is my favorite of the bunch.

Wouldn’t the fear be greater? Wentz was an MVP candidate until his injury. I think the pressure of them getting their guy is at an all time high. These dudes literally didn’t win one game this past year. They have the ammunition to get good skill position players after that #1 pick.

 

[HogsNSaints]

Awesome take... Heck, I'm throwing my list out and using yours. Most convincing mock I've read since ever.

I'm all in this.. eating it up. Hanging on your every word... then you get to Mayfield... Flutie

Flutie

Flutie?

Baker Mayfield ~ Doug Floutie

Beer all over my keyboard and my nose burns.

thanks

LOL you should've seen the response to my Tyrod Taylor comp for Mayfield.

Basically no ones fits his mold that you I'm comfortable comping him to. Fran Tarkenton and Russell Wilson are the success stories with his profile, but they're too good to comp such a low floor skill set to.