Happy draft day eve everyone and and welcome from The Padded Cell. With all the information and misinformation passing back and forth through the airwaves, fiber optic communications lines and whatnot, it’s finally time for Bill Wunkle’s final 2018 mock draft. Before we get to the mock, let’s go over the rules of engagement.
- This mock will be only two rounds because (A) the Browns currently don’t have a third round pick, (B) I’m not getting any younger and (C) I’m running out of patience. Don’t worry. I’ll also try to project which players the Browns will select in the latter rounds of the draft.
- Trades ARE allowed in this draft, so expect them when you least expect them. Fasten your seatbelts.
That said, let’s get on with the show.
ROUND ONE
Josh Allen – QB – Wyoming
Browns GM John Dorsey has a history of drafting quarterbacks with huge arm strength. Furthermore, Allen’s pre-draft coach Jordan Palmer said in reference to Allen’s physical ability, “I’ve never seen anything like it”. Regardless of whom the pick ends up being, we know that the Browns need to pick their guy and develop him without allowing any of the other 31 teams to determine that for them. And quite frankly, the way the Browns organization has been virtually leak free, it wouldn’t surprise me, regardless of which of the top four quarterbacks they take first overall, because a case can be made for any of them. In spite of the latest media fury concerning Baker Mayfield, I still think that he’s a longshot at best. I have no evidence to support that statement, it’s just my personal opinion.
Sam Darnold – QB – USC
Trade with NY Giants: Everyone seems to be wondering what the G-men are going to do at number two. Do they draft Eli Manning’s heir apparent? Do they get immediate help at running back, O-line or defensive end? Do they trade down for a boatload of picks? The Giants trade the pick, and in doing so, they get the Bills two first round picks (#12 and #22) plus a second round pick (#53).
Josh Rosen – QB – UCLA
Pre-draft trade with Indianapolis: You don’t give up what the Jets gave up without taking a quarterback. This one happens to be the rookie most likely to start from day one because he’s the purest pocket passer in the draft.
Bradley Chubb – DE – North Carolina State
The Browns stand pat and get the two players they targeted all along. This piece affords them a variety of options on passing downs, and thus, reaping havoc on opposing quarterbacks. If the Giants do keep their pick and take Chubb second overall, then that opens the flood gates for a possible trade down involving the Buffalo Bills. And if that scenario plays out in real life, I would look for the Browns to go defense twice with those picks . . . possibly at cornerback and defensive end. Of course an offensive tackle wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibilities either.
Baker Mayfield – QB – Oklahoma
While they added Case Keenum in the off-season, the Broncos are still looking for their face of the franchise quarterback. And while they might move up to #2 in order to get their QB, it appears that Buffalo was willing to give up more picks in order to do so.
Saquon Barkley – RB – Penn State
Pre-draft trade with the Jets: The Colts make the move down and still get the top running back in the draft.
Minkah Fitzpatrick – CB/S – Alabama
Who says that Christmas comes only once a year? It just came in April for the Bucs. With the rush on quarterbacks, the Bucs are able to stand pat and select the best defensive back without even moving up to get him.
Quenton Nelson – OG – Notre Dame
Chicago becomes the second team that benefits from the quarterback rush of 2018 without making a move. Well, actually, I had Nelson going to ‘Da-Bears in my previous mock; so perhaps not so much.
Tremaine Edmunds – LB – Virginia Tech
The most recent developments with Reuben Foster make this move absolutely necessary. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Roquan Smith – LB – Georgia
BPA in a position of major need is the reasoning behind the selection.
Calvin Ridley – WR – Alabama
The trading away of WR Jarvis Landry to Cleveland pretty much makes this pick a must have for Miami.
Josh Jackson – CB – Iowa
Trade with Buffalo: Jackson has the reputation of being a ball-hawking corner. With one more pick in the first, it’ll be interesting to see which direction they decide to go.
Vita Vea – DT – Washington
I’m staying true to my big board once again.
Derwin James – S – Florida State
The Packers front office is doing cartwheels in their draft room when they see James still on the board. They’ll start him from day one.
Lamar Jackson – QB – Louisville
Although the Cards signed both Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon in the off-season, they need a legitimate face of the franchise quarterback. Bradford has a long history of injuries and Glennon’s best season was average at best.
Ronnie Harrison – S – Alabama
The Rat Birds are still looking for the next Ed Reed.
Rashaan Evans – LB – Alabama
Front seven help would be a big plus.
Denzel Ward – CB – Ohio State
The legion of boom is being torn apart piece by piece as salary cap issues plague the Seahawks. This piece should soften the blow from letting Richard Sherman go.
Da’Ron Payne – DT – Alabama
While wide receiver is a big need, the Cowboys also need to get better at stopping the run between the tackles.
Darrius Guice – RB – LSU
A feature running back is something that’s been lacking in Detroit since Barry Sanders retired.
Leighton Vander Esch – LB – Boise State
Pre-draft trade with Buffalo: Linebacker is just one of Cincinnati’s many needs, and this kid can play the Mike position very well.
Marcus Davenport – DE – UTSA
Trade with Buffalo: The ability to put pressure on the opposing quarterback is a big need for the Giants defense, especially after trading away Jason Pierre-Paul. This kid is a developmental project in terms of his technique, but he has some near freakish physical ability.
Tim Settle – DT – Virginia Tech
Pre-draft trade with LA Rams: The Pats defense needs a run-stopper at the nose tackle position. Another thought is that, if the Patriots have a player they want who won’t last until they’re on the clock, the Hoodie might break tradition and trade up to get him. Stay tuned, folks.
Harold Landry – DE – Boston College
The Panthers land another pass rusher.
Will Hernandez – OG – UTEP
It’s time to solidify the O-line to help Marcus Mariota as well as the Tennessee running game.
Taven Bryan – DT – Florida
Unable or unwilling to make a trade, the Falcons decide to take the BPA that’s not a running back.
Connor Williams – OT – Texas
Williams provides instant help to a team that needs to give Drew Brees some added protection.
Justin Reid – S – Stanford
It seems like the Steelers are always looking for help in the defensive secondary. This kid may not be the second coming of Troy Polamalu, but he’s pretty good.
Mike McGlinchey – OT – Notre Dame
Solidifying the O-line will be a key to the Jaguars’ continued success.
Isaiah Wynn – OG – Georgia
The Vikings just backed up the Brinks truck to land quarterback Kirk Cousins. Now it’s time to solidify the O-line that’s paid to protect their investment.
Carlton Davis – CB – Auburn
Help for the defensive secondary is another must have in New England. The Hoodie gets the third rated corner in the draft.
Dallas Goedert – TE – South Dakota State
Carson Wentz needs a TE that can both block and catch the football.
ROUND TWO
James Daniels – OC – Iowa
With future Hall of Fame tackle Joe Thomas retiring, a lot of people might look for the Browns to draft an OT early. And while they still may do so, this is not a draft that’s rich at the position; and I think that Daniels is a much more finished product than any of the tackles in this draft. This is a first round talent that slides to the top of the second. If the Browns do trade back up into the first round, I think that offensive tackle is a position they could target. I would suspect that New England, Carolina, Tennessee or Atlanta might be teams to look at for trading down.
Ronald Jones – RB – USC
They’ve already gotten a cornerback and a pass rusher. Now they get Eli Manning some help.
Isaiah Oliver – CB – Colorado
2017 draft trade with Houston: Even with the off-season acquisitions to improve the defensive secondary, I think the Browns will go after a cornerback relatively early in the draft. If Oliver is the selection here, then it’s a solid value pick in an area that needs competition and depth.
Deion Cain – WR – Clemson
It’s time to give the offense a boost.
Orlando Brown – OT Oklahoma
Pre-draft trade with NY Jets: A lackluster combine performance drops Brown into the second round.
Sony Michel – RB – Georgia
The Bucs need help at running back. Enter Sony Michel.
Rasheem Green – DE – USC
Another pass rusher for ‘Da-Bears.
Billy Price – OC – Ohio State
The O-line needs some help.
Mike Hughes – CB – Central Florida
Four of the top five needs for the Raiders are on the defensive side of the football.
Kyle Allen – QB – Houston
The Dolphins spoil the hopes of the Patriots to take Kyle Allen with the very next pick. This Allen has been the 2018 NFL draft’s best kept secret.
Jamarco Jones – OT – Ohio State
Pre-draft trade with San Francisco: The Patriots need to fill the gap at left tackle that Nate Solder made when he left Foxboro for the Big Apple.
Mike Gesicki – TE – Penn State
It’s time to give Alex Smith another pass catching tight end.
Jordan Lasley – WR – UCLA
The loss of Jordy Nelson in the off-season make the acquisition of his replacement imperative.
Maurice Hurst – DT – TSUN
While the offense has had its share of issues, Hurst is the BPA regardless of position at this point.
Jaire Alexander – CB – Louisville
This is an excellent acquisition for the defensive secondary. I’d initially thought that Alexander would go much sooner than 47th overall.
Harrison Phillips – DT – Stanford
The overhaul on the defensive side of the football continues as there’s no offensive tackle worthy of the pick.
Hayden Hurst – TE – South Carolina
From Jets via Seattle: Once Andrew Luck is healthy, he’ll need a TE that can catch the football.
Dante Pettis – WR – Washington
The release of Dez Bryant makes an addition to the receiver group extremely important.
Kemoko Turay – LB – Rutgers
The front seven also needs help.
Rashaad Penny – RB – San Diego State
Baltimore hasn’t had a feature running back since Jamal Lewis.
Christian Kirk – WR – Texas A&M
Trade with Buffalo: With Odell Beckham Jr. still on the mend, the Giants may want to add another threat at the wide receiver position.
Kyzir White – S – West Virginia
The back end of the defense gets some help.
Darius Leonard – LB – South Carolina State
This kid will help the front seven.
Arden Key – DE – LSU
Pre-draft trade with LA Rams: The Bills also need help on the D-line.
Lorenzo Carter – LB – Georgia
He has the flexibility to play either inside or outside.
Courtland Sutton – WR – SMU
Matt Ryan gets another target, and this one is a size mismatch.
Dorance Armstrong – DE – Kansas
Pre-draft trade from New Orleans: More help for the defensive front seven.
Anthony Averett – CB – Alabama
BPA in a position of need.
DJ Clark – WR – LSU
Free agency caused this group to take a hit.
Donte Jackson – CB – LSU
A couple bayou bengals go back-to-back.
Ian Thomas – TE – Indiana
With all the uncertainty surrounding Rob Gronkowski and his injury history, perhaps it’s time for the Hoodie to start looking for a successor at the position.
DJ Moore – WR – Maryland
2016 draft trade with Philadelphia: The final piece from the Carson Wentz trade suddenly makes the wide receiver group meeting room a little crowded, and I kind of like that idea. I’ve heard pundits like Mel Kiper say that Moore could co as high as the middle of round one. That all remains to be seen, as does the rest of the draft.
ADDITIONAL PROJECTED CLEVELAND BROWNS PICKS
114: Mike White – QB – Western Kentucky
From Green Bay: This is an ideal situation for White, with two established veterans and the first overall pick ahead of him on the depth chart. This kid can go through camp as the fourth QB and then spend the entire season on their practice squad.
150: Siran Neal – S – Jacksonville State
From Green Bay: Good size/speed/strength combination for the position. Sure, he played FCS football, but this kid can play.
175: Tony Brown – CB – Alabama
Brown has a nice size/speed ratio, but he does need to get stronger to battle the bigger receivers. This is a solid pick, though.
188: Shaquem Griffin – LB – Central Florida
From Washington: At the very least, this kid can come in and contribute on special teams as a gunner his rookie season. After that, who knows what his ceiling could be? This kid is ALWAYS around the football, which could cause him to go off the board long before this. Some will automatically discount this kid because he’s missing a hand, but that would be a mistake.
So here’s how the Browns mock draft breaks down by position:
2 quarterbacks, 2 cornerbacks, 1 defensive end, 1 offensive lineman, 1 wide receiver, 1 safety and 1 linebacker. Four offensive players and five defensive.
As far as the proposed trades go . . . The Giants really hold the key to the top end of the draft. If they decide that they cannot do without Bradley Chubb, then I suspect that the Browns will be more willing to trade down farther; and thus a projected trade with Buffalo would make more sense. If the Giants trade down, the Browns could either stand pat and take Chubb or trade down with another team that needs a quarterback. What would my preference be in that scenario? Take Chubb because he won’t last past five, unless the Broncos want to swap picks so they can get a quarterback. Then you trade down one slot and still get the bookend pass rusher to go with Myles Garrett.
Why the second quarterback? They’ll need a fourth arm come training camp. And while they could just pick up some street free agent, I think the Browns would be far better off by taking White in the fourth and developing him so that he’s at least a reliable backup or possibly a valuable trade piece in the future.
POSSIBLE ROOKE FREE AGENTS
Josh Adams – RB – Notre Dame: Good size and good production while playing for a major college program.
David Bright – OT – Stanford: Good (not great) size, big hands and long arms. Might develop better as a guard at the next level.
Davontae Harris – CB – Illinois State: Particularly good size/speed/strength ratio for the position.
Azeem Victor – ILB Washington: Good measurements. Maybe they can catch lightning in a bottle here.
Lowell Lotulelei – DT – Utah: (Pronounced Low-TOO-la lay) good measurements and strength.
So . . . what do you guys think? You can give us your feedback one our website’s discussion thread, e-mail me at billwunkle@att.net or tweet me on twitter @billwunkle. This is Bill Wunkle signing off for now. Have a good night, everybody!