BILL WUNKLE’S 2018 NFL MOCK DRAFT VERSION 2.0

Greetings once again from “The Padded Cell”. The news around the NFL has been nothing short of fast and furious since the end of the combine. With so many free agents changing teams and with a number of significant trades taking place, it’s kind of hard to fathom that the draft is just over a month away. Nevertheless, it’s true. Silly season is in full bloom and the combination of information and misinformation is bound to reach an all new high come draft day.

With the developments that have transpired post combine, a second mock draft is most certainly in order; and as such, here are the rules for version 2.0 . . .

*The draft will be one round in length with the addition of subsequent Browns picks.

*Trades are allowed in this mock, so you know there will be at least one. Don’t worry, Browns fans; Cleveland will use the first overall pick. So, without any further delay . . . ON WITH THE MOCK!!!!!

Josh Rosen – QB – UCLA

Rosen’s ability to grasp an offense quickly and operate that offense within structure and timing makes the purest passer in this year’s draft the Browns pick to be their quarterback of the future. The only way that this is not the pick is if the Browns think that the ceiling for Wyoming QB Josh Allen is worth having him sit a couple of years.

Saquon Barkley – RB – Penn State

After the previous administration’s debacle in handling Eli Manning, the new front office looks to surround Manning with weapons and protection in an attempt to make another Super Bowl run before the 37 year-old quarterback hangs up his cleats.

Sam Darnold – QB – USC

Pre-Draft trade with Colts: The consensus top quarterback – AKA Bo Callahan – arrives in the Big Apple. Hopefully for Darnold, he’ll not be the flash in the pan that Mark Sanchez was.

Josh Allen – QB – Wyoming

Trade with Cleveland: Broncos GM John Elway secures himself of getting a quarterback by making sure that no one else trades with Cleveland for the #4 selection. In moving up one slot in the draft, Denver gives up their second round pick this year (40th overall) plus a second round selection in 2019. That price is a bit high, you say? Well, things can really change when you move up to get what you think is a franchise quarterback.

Tremaine Edmunds – LB – Virginia Tech

Trade with Denver: To those of you who think the Browns should take Saquon Barkley first overall and THEN get a quarterback, I have one thing to say. GET OVER IT BECAUSE IT’S NOT HAPPENING! Edmunds is exactly the type of player Browns defensive coordinator “Come Get Some” loves to have on his side of the football. Edmunds is literally a sideline to sideline type of player with an exceptional motor and is a great tackler. The current Browns linebacker group has good starters, but no depth. This selection would generate competition amongst the group and raise its overall talent level.

  Bradley Chubb – DE – North Carolina State

The Colts move down three slots, acquire additional draft capital and still manage to get the player their defense so desperately needs.

Miknah Fitzpatrick – DB – Alabama

His ability to play either corner or safety at a high level makes this an excellent pick for the Bucs.

Quenton Nelson – OG – Notre Dame

Da-Bears solidify their O-line with this pick.

Roquan Smith – LB – Georgia

I could go a number of directions here, but Smith is the pick.

Calvin Ridley – WR – Alabama

After letting Michael Crabtree escape via free agency, The Raiders need to bolster the WR group.

Baker Mayfield – QB – Oklahoma

Trade with Miami: Arizona gives up their second round pick this year (47th overall) to move up four slots and take their franchise quarterback of the future.

Lamar Jackson – QB – Louisville

Pre-draft trade with Cincinnati: The Bills trade away a dual threat quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, then get shut out of the more traditional drop back quarterbacks because none of the other teams wanted to move down to 12th overall. With Jackson the Bills get perhaps the most electrifying quarterback in this draft.

Vita Vea – DT – Washington

D-line is a primary need for the Skins, and Vea is the best on the draft.

Derwin James – S – Florida State

Secondary help always seems to be a need for the Packers. Had there been a WR worthy of taking here, I might have gone in that direction.

  Da’Ron Payne – DT – Alabama

Trade with Arizona: DT is a huge hole they need to fill. Luckily for them, they get a good one in Payne.

Leighton Vander Esch – ILB – Boise

Long agile and rangy, Vander Esch will be an excellent fit in Baltimore.

Rashaan Evans – LB – Alabama

The Chargers front seven needs some help.

Denzel Ward – CB – Ohio State

Free agency and salary cap cuts have left the Seahawks secondary wanting. This selection should help.

Will Hernandez – OG – UTEP

The selection of this road grater will be a popular move in the eyes of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.

Derrius Guice – RB – LSU

Yes, there are other needs; but Guice is the highest rated player in an area of need.

Taven Bryan – DT – Florida

Pre-draft trade with Buffalo: Sure, they still need to bolster the O-line; but that can come later.

  Orlando Brown – OT – Oklahoma

In spite of his poor combine numbers, the Bills will go back to the tape and realize that this kid can be a LT in the NFL.

  Harold Landry – DE – Boston College

The Rams always like to take D-linemen early.

Isaiah Wynn – OG – Georgia

Bolstering the O-line is critical for the Carolina offense to have success.

Tim Settle – DT – Virginia Tech

The Titans are settling for anything with this pick.

Rasheem Green – DE – USC

Atlanta’s pass rush needed to be addressed.

 Mike Gesicki – TE – Penn State

Well, they need a TE; so there you go.

Justin Reid – S – Stanford

The Steelers seem to always need secondary help.

Deon Cain – WR – Clemson

Losing targets in free agency almost makes this selection a must.

Carlton Davis – CB – Auburn

Yes, they need O-line help; but Davis is higher rated on the board.

Connor Williams – OT – Texas

The loss of Nate Solder to free agency made this pick a necessity.

Jordan Lasley – WR – UCLA

Get Carson Wentz another target.

ADDITIONAL BROWNS PICKS . . .

33: Marcus Davenport – DE – Texas San Antonio

35: (from Houston) Mike McGlinchey – OT – Notre Dame

64: (from Philadelphia) DJ Clark – WR – LSU

114: (from Green Bay) Royce Freeman – RB – Oregon

150: (from Green Bay) Tre’Quan Smith – WR – Central Florida

175: Tony Brown – CB – Alabama

205: (from New England) Sean Welsh – OC – Iowa

That wraps it up for another mock draft. This is Bill Wunkle signing off from “The Padded Cell”. Have a good night, Everybody!