Greetings from the padded cell and welcome to the “silly season”, where all kinds of information and misinformation finds its way to the electronic media. Let’s set the ground rules for this first mock. Firstly, we cannot assume free agents sign with their new teams, particularly at the QB position. Because of that, this mock will be top heavy at QB. Things will work themselves out in the process of time, but not yet. Secondly, trades are not allowed. With that said, let’s get started . . .

Saquon Barkley – RB – Penn State

The Browns take the best player available regardless of position, much like they did last year when they selected Myles Garrett. Don’t worry, Browns fans. They’ll get their quarterback very soon. This pick was all about making an immediate impact, and what an impact Barkley will make!

Josh Rosen – QB – UCLA

With Barkley off the board, the G-men look to find an heir apparent to Eli Manning. Rosen gets his wish by going to the Big Apple and the Giants get arguably the best true passer of the draft. Then Rosen could retire the season before his rookie contract expires due to lack of interest.

Bradley Chubb – DE – North Carolina State

By taking the top rated defensive player in this draft, the Colts land an anchor for their defensive front seven in Chubb; Insomuch that I almost gave him to Cleveland first overall. When draft day comes around, this is a potential spot for a trade with a team that wants to get ahead of Cleveland, depending upon how far down the Colts would be willing to go.

Josh Allen – QB – Wyoming

From Houston: With this pick the Browns select the quarterback with the highest up-side potential, and commit to giving him a year or so to hold a clipboard while taking in the game on the sideline. Allen immediately becomes the third string QB behind free agent QB to be named later and DeShone Kizer.

Sam Darnold – QB – USC 

Until the free agent quarterbacks sign, I have to give Denver one of them in the mock draft. I can’t go on any assumption of whom I think they might sigh, though. Darnold’s lack of ball security in the pocket could possibly cause him to slide even further than 5th overall.

Baker Mayfield – QB – Oklahoma

The Jets are in search of a quarterback, like so many other teams, so this selection is no surprise. Maybe they’ll land a free agent, maybe they won’t. Rumor has it that they’re willing to guarantee Kirk Cousins 100 million dollars, but that has yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned, folks.

Minkah Fitzpatrick – S/CB – Alabama

This is simply a BPA pick, and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Quenton Nelson – OG – Notre Dame

Da’ Bears need O-line help in a major way. This is a kid that can start in Chicago for the next ten years or more.

Calvin Ridley – WR – Alabama

The Niners’ 3 top needs are WR, O-Line and CB. Enough said.

Tremaine Edmunds – LB – Virginia Tech

Another BPA fills an area of need. Go figure.

Roquan Smith – LB – Georgia

There’s not an O-lineman or RB worthy of the pic, so the Fins take the best LB available.

Vita Vea – DT – Washington

O-line help will need to come later in the draft.

James Derwin – S – Florida State

The Skins need to replenish their defensive backfield.

Josh Jackson – CB – Iowa

This is a pick where the Packers might want to consider moving down a few slots.

Lamar Jackson – QB – Louisville

Until the dust settles with all the free agent quarterbacks, I need to give Arizona one here.

Derrius Geiss – RB – LSU

It’s high time the Ravens had a feature back to take the pressure off Joe Flacco.

Rashaan Evans – LB – Alabama

The front seven needs some help, and they just got some.

Orlando Brown – OT – Oklahoma

Even after the addition of Duane Brown, the O-line still needs help.

Da’Ron Payne – DT – Alabama

Yeah, I know they need a TE and DB help; but DT is a big need too.

Harold Landry – DE – Boston College

DE is Detroit’s biggest need.

Taven Bryan – DT – Florida

The Bills spend their first of back-to-back picks in an effort to fortify the D-line.

Leighton Vander Esch – ILB – Boise State

From Kansas City: Another pick to bolster the front seven.

Will Hernandez – OG – Texas-El Paso

Here’s a road grater for the running game.

Isaiah Wynn – OG – Georgia

Guards going back-to-back in the first round. That’s something different.

Denzel Ward – CB – Ohio State

Not a primary need, but he is the BPA.

Ronnie Harrison – S – Alabama

The BPA fills a need.

Deon Cain – WR – Clemson

Drew Brees needs another weapon.

Tim Settle – DT – Virginia Tech

Yes, another BPA.

Mike Gesicki – TE – Penn State

Well, I had to give someone a TE. Why not Jacksonville?

Rasheem Green – DE – USC

The Vikings are known for their pass rush. Here’s another one for the rotation.

Carlton Davis – CB – Auburn

The Hoodie now has a doorman.

Connor Williams – OT – Texas

We finish up with an O-lineman.

Well, that wraps up the first round. I’m sure that things will change between now and my next mock, so stay tuned. Until we meet again, have a good night, everybody!