McShay's 2018 Draft Rankings

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Note: Underclassmen marked with asterisks.

1. Saquon Barkley RB Penn St.*
2. Sam Darnold QB USC*
3. Josh Rosen QB UCLA
4. Bradley Chubb DE North Carolina St.
5. Minkah Fitzpatrick S Alabama*

6. Denzel Ward CB Ohio St.
7. Tremaine Edmunds OLB Virginia Tech*
8. Roquan Smith OLB Georgia*
9. Quenton Nelson G Notre Dame*
10. Vita Vea DT Washington*

11. Derwin James S Florida St.*
12. Rashaan Evans LB Alabama
13. Orlando Brown T Oklahoma*
14. Josh Allen QB Wyoming*
15. Mike McGlinchey T Notre Dame

16. Calvin Ridley WR Alabama
17. Joshua Jackson CB Iowa*
18. Da'Ron Payne DT Alabama*
19. Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma
20. Harold Landry OLB Boston College

21. Marcus Davenport DE UTSA
22. Mike Hughes CB UCF
23. Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M*
24. Maurice Hurst DT Michigan
25. Connor Williams T Texas*

26. Brian O'Neill T Pittsburgh*
27. Sony Michel RB Georgia
28. Rasheem Green DT USC*
29. Derrius Guice RB LSU*
30. Billy Price C Ohio St.
31. Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado*

-

QBs
1. *Sam Darnold, USC
2. *Josh Rosen, UCLA
3. *Josh Allen, Wyoming
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
6. *Lamar Jackson, Louisville
7. Luke Falk, Washington State
8. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
9. Kurt Benkert, Virginia
10. Mike White, Western Kentucky

There is a definite drop-off after the top four QBs here. Rosen is the most NFL-ready QB right now, but I believe Darnold has the higher long-term ceiling.

RBs
1. *Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. *Derrius Guice, LSU
4. *Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
6. Nick Chubb, Georgia
7. *Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
8. Akrum Wadley, Iowa
9. *Josh Adams, Notre Dame
10. Royce Freeman, Oregon

Michel has impressed me lately and was terrific in the College Football Playoff, especially showing his speed against Alabama.

WRs
1. *Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. *Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. *Courtland Sutton, SMU
4. James Washington, Oklahoma State
5. Anthony Miller, Memphis
6. D.J. Chark, LSU
7. *Auden Tate, Florida State
8. *D.J. Moore, Maryland
9. Michael Gallup, Colorado State
10. *Jordan Lasley, UCLA

Ridley is the cream of the 2018 draft wide receiver class crop, but not an Odell Beckham Jr. or Amari Cooper-type of No. 1 NFL wideout.

TEs
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. *Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
3. *Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
4. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
5. *Ryan Izzo, Florida State
6. Ian Thomas, Indiana
7. Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin
8. Jordan Akins, UCF
9. Chris Herndon, Miami (Fla.)
10. Durham Smythe, Notre Dame

Goedert had another big season for South Dakota State, with 72 catches for 1,111 yards and 7 TDs, after 92 catches, 1,293 yards and 11 TDs in 2016.

OT
1. *Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. *Connor Williams, Texas
4. *Brian O'Neill, Pitt
5. *Kolton Miller, UCLA
6. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
7. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan
8. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
9. Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
10. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State

There is a lot of potential in this offensive tackle class, but not a surefire top-10 pick. At least at the moment.

C/G
1. *Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
2. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
3. *James Daniels, C, Iowa
4. Braden Smith, G, Auburn
5. Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
6. *Will Clapp, G, LSU
7. Mason Cole, C, Michigan
8. Scott Quessenberry, G, UCLA
9. Skyler Phillips, G, Idaho State
10. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

Nelson is a plug-and-play starter and exactly what you're looking for in a starting NFL guard.

DEs
1. Bradley Chubb, NC State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. *Arden Key, LSU
4. *Rasheem Green, USC
5. *Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
6. Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State
7. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State
8. Kentavius Street, NC State
9. Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest
10. Dorance Armstrong Jr., Kansas

Davenport has been a hot name and I'll be interested to see him in person in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.

DTs
1. *Vita Vea, Washington
2. *Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. Mo Hurst, Michigan
4. *Taven Bryan, Florida
5. *Harrison Phillips, Stanford
6. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
7. *RJ McIntosh, Miami (Fla.)
8. Deadrin Senat, South Florida
9. *Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
10. *Hercules Mata'afa, Washington State

Vea, the former HS running back, has the potential to put up some silly numbers at the combine.

ILBs
1. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
2. *Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
3. Josey Jewell, Iowa
4. Micah Kiser, Virginia
5. Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State
6. Mike McCray, Michigan
7. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
8. Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
9. Fred Warner, BYU
10. Chris Worley, Ohio State

Evans made great strides this season after moving into the starting role late last year and is a likely top-40 pick.

OLBs
1. *Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. *Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Uchenna Nwosu, USC
5. Obo Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
6. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
7. *Malik Jefferson, Texas
8. Jeff Holland, Auburn
9. *Jerome Baker, Ohio State
10. Skai Moore, South Carolina

I've been hearing more buzz surrounding Edmunds, who has terrific athleticism and should test off the charts at the combine.

CBs
1. *Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. *Josh Jackson, Iowa
3. *Mike Hughes, UCF
4. *Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
5. *Carlton Davis, Auburn
6. *M.J. Stewart, North Carolina
7. Anthony Averett, Alabama
8. *Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
9. Chris Campbell, Penn State
10. *Jaire Alexander, Louisville

Jackson led the nation with 8 INTs, including three against Ohio State.

Safeties
1. *Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. *Derwin James, Florida State
3. *Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Armani Watts, Texas A&M
5. *Justin Reid, Stanford
6. Kyzir White, West Virginia
7. Quin Blanding, Virginia
8. Jeremy Reaves, South Alabama
9. *DeShon Elliott, Texas
10. Marcus Allen, Penn State

Fitzpatrick is a tremendous player who can do a little bit of everything, and could very well go in the top five.
 

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Todd McShay's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Feb 6, 2018
Todd McShay

A lot has changed in the NFL since we published our first 2018 mock draft in mid-December. The deadline for underclassmen to declare has officially passed, and the full draft order is nearly set after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on Sunday.

With NFL evaluators digging more into college tape -- and several players having breakout performances at the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago -- our Mock Draft 2.0 has a very different look.

Here is our second projection of the 32 first-round picks in the 2018 NFL draft.

Note: All underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

** The 49ers and Raiders are tied at Nos. 9 and 10, and the picks will be decided by a coin flip at the combine. For the purposes of this projection, we'll say San Francisco wins the toss.

1. Cleveland Browns
Sam Darnold, QB, USC*

I still believe the Browns need to address the QB position here, and any of the top four quarterbacks are in play now that Darnold and Josh Rosen have officially declared for the draft. This pick obviously changes (or is up for grabs via trade) if Cleveland lands Kirk Cousins in free agency. Between off-field issues for Rosen and his tools and intangibles on the field, Darnold should be the pick. I understand why Kiper went with Josh Allen in his first mock, but Darnold is a little safer. He's the best of the bunch at this point.





2. New York Giants
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*

New coach Pat Shurmur has publicly supported 37-year-old Eli Manning as New York's starting QB next season, so this pick remains the same as my last mock. The Giants could take Rosen as the heir apparent, but I wouldn't be surprised if a team traded with New York to get ahead of the Jets and Broncos in an effort to grab Rosen. Drafting Saquon Barkley to pair with Odell Beckham Jr. could be a possibility as well. The Giants have a lot of options.


3. Indianapolis Colts
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Indianapolis has needs all over the roster but is one of the few teams in the top 10 that should be set at QB, assuming Andrew Luck comes back healthy. One of their needs is an edge rusher, and Chubb is the best one available. He's a grinder with a great motor and has played his way into being a top-10 pick. The Colts will be another potential team looking to trade back if someone wants to move up for a QB.


4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*


The Browns have a lot of needs (CB, WR, DE opposite Myles Garrett among them), but they have a real chance to finish off a home run draft in this scenario. With a new QB at No. 1, running back is also a need. Isaiah Crowell is a pending free agent, and Duke Johnson has one year left on his deal. Barkley is better than both players and is No. 1 on my list of the top 32 prospects. He's the best player in this draft.


5. Denver Broncos
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The Broncos have to accept that they missed on Paxton Lynch (No. 26 overall in 2016) and are still looking for a franchise QB. This is another potential landing spot for Cousins or another free-agent QB, but if Denver doesn't get one in free agency, it will likely use an early pick on a signal-caller. John Elway was at the Senior Bowl and scouted both Mayfield and Josh Allen. This will be a really interesting pick if both are on the board. Mayfield had an impressive week in Mobile and checked the biggest remaining box with his measurements (6-foot, 216 pounds, 9½-inch hand span). He's rising.


6. New York Jets
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*

Yes, it's a running theme -- this is another landing spot for Cousins. If the Jets don't sign him in free agency, Allen makes a lot of sense if Mayfield is off the board. There is a significant drop-off in talent after the first four QBs in this draft, so the Jets need to make sure they grab one here. Allen had an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, showing off his arm and his mobility. There are still concerns about his accuracy and ability to make multidimensional throws consistently, but all the tools are there. And he has the prototypical QB build (6-4 7/8, 237).


7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*

The Bucs were dead last in the NFL with 17 sacks last season, and the defense was been porous (31st in total points). They still need another edge rusher opposite Noah Spence, but drafting the best possible player is better than reaching for a pass-rusher here. Fitzpatrick is a shutdown cornerback with the versatility to play safety and can be plugged in immediately.


8. Chicago Bears
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Bears desperately need playmakers on the outside for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky and can't count on Kevin White to stay healthy. Ridley is the clear No. 1 wideout in this class, and while I don't think he's a true No. 1 NFL wide receiver, he's much better than his stats in a run-heavy Alabama offense indicate. Denzel Ward would be another consideration here.


9. San Francisco 49ers**
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*

Well, things have changed a bit for the 49ers, haven't they? With Jimmy Garoppolo looking like a franchise QB, all of a sudden it's no longer a position of need for San Francisco. Instead, the 49ers can look to the defensive side of the ball and grab the best man-to-man cover corner in this draft. Ward lacks ideal starting experience at Ohio State but was exceptional this season and quickly rose up my board.


10. Oakland Raiders**
Tremaine Edmunds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech*

The Oakland defense gave up 5.6 yards per play last season (27th), so help is needed. CB Gareon Conley, last year's first-round pick, is still an unknown after playing only two games in 2017, which means the secondary is still a question mark. But the Raiders also have a need at linebacker, and with the top two CBs off the board, they can choose between Edwards and Roquan Smith. Edmunds is a better fit for Oakland, as he can play off the line and rush off the edge. He's an athletic freak who will turn some heads at the combine.


11. Miami Dolphins
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*

Quarterback could be an option if one of the top four QBs is still available here. However, Miami has a glaring need at guard, both in the run game (29th in rushing yards in 2017) and to protect Ryan Tannehill. Dolphins fans won't be excited with this pick, but they would be getting one of the top five players in this draft. Nelson is one of the safer picks.



12. Cincinnati Bengals
Connor Williams, OT, Texas*

Cincinnati had a disappointing season, and the offensive line was a big reason why. Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher (out for the season with an irregular heartbeat) haven't played up to their draft potential, and Cincinnati struggled to protect Andy Dalton and run the ball. The Bengals should take the best offensive lineman available at No. 12. If they are comfortable with Williams' medicals, he's the most gifted left tackle in this class.


13. Washington Redskins
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia*

After trading for Alex Smith and parting ways with Cousins, the QB position will no longer be an issue for the Redskins. Now they must shore up their defense and add weapons for Smith. Derwin James is a possibility here, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Su'a Cravens, but Smith is the best player on the board and would immediately increase the speed and athleticism on Washington's defensive front.


14. Green Bay Packers
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport was one of the clear winners of the Senior Bowl. Not only were his measurements impressive (6-5 7/8, 259), but he was terrific in practice. He's still a work in progress and needs more of a variety of pass-rush moves, but he's already long and powerful. Green Bay needs more difference-makers on defense, and Davenport could be one.


15. Arizona Cardinals
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma*

The Cardinals seem likely to add a quarterback in free agency, but if they don't and one of the top four QBs is available here, they'd have to consider taking him. If QB isn't an option, cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson and offensive line should be the two target areas. Brown would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle for Arizona. He's overpowering and a nasty run-blocker. Plus, it takes a $20 cab ride to get around him as a pass-rusher.


16. Baltimore Ravens
Vita Vea, DT, Washington*

The Ravens are in dire need of offensive playmakers, but there just isn't the value at this point in the draft. What direction will GM Ozzie Newsome go for his final NFL draft? He has usually gone best player available, and that's what I see Baltimore doing here. Vea is a versatile defensive lineman who has drawn comparisons to Haloti Ngata and should put up some big numbers at the combine.


17. Los Angeles Chargers
Derwin James, S, Florida State*

James had a disappointing season at Florida State, but he would fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's scheme. James flies around the field versus the run and is a good matchup piece in the passing game. I think he'll have a better pro career than he did at FSU.


18. Seattle Seahawks
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF*

Hughes is a little smaller (listed at 5-11, 185) than the Seahawks typically like for their corners, but he excels in press-man coverage. An outstanding talent, Hughes is capable of winning a starting job as a rookie. He has had some trouble off the field, but he has matured, and Seattle hasn't shied away from players with troubled pasts before. Cornerback is an area of need with Richard Sherman's future still up in the air.


19. Dallas Cowboys
Mo Hurst, DT, Michigan

I'm higher on Hurst than others, but he's a good value here in the mid-to-late first round. He's highly disruptive in the middle and would be a good fit as a three-technique in Rod Marinelli's scheme. With Jason Witten turning 36 this offseason, TE Dallas Goedert could be an option here as well.


20. Detroit Lions
Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia

An edge rusher would be ideal with Ezekiel Ansah a pending free agent, but I don't see a great value here. Detroit has plenty of needs on defense, but needs to keep Matthew Stafford upright to have any chance. Wynn developed into a dominant OT at Georgia and had a brilliant week of practice at the Senior Bowl when they moved him to guard.


21. Buffalo Bills
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

The big question for the Bills is what they're doing at QB. Will they package this pick and No. 22 to move up for one? Buffalo missed on LB Reggie Ragland (a 2016 second-rounder who was traded to K.C.), but I think they go back to the well here. Evans is much more athletic than Ragland and really came on strong during the 2017 season for Alabama. He has great range in coverage and can play the run.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*

Payne's sack numbers are underwhelming, but he's a disruptive interior player. Just turn on the national championship game film; it seemed like he was in the backfield most plays. I believe he can be an every-down defensive lineman in the NFL and get pressure on QBs frequently. He's also a playmaking run defender.


23. Los Angeles Rams
Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State

A plug-and-play starter, Price will help an improved Rams offense line on the inside. A four-year starter, Price has elite experience at both guard and center. An excellent leader, I would think he'd play guard for Los Angeles.


24. Carolina Panthers
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M*

Kirk had a frustrating 2017 season but showed flashes of why he should be picked this high. The Panthers need to continue to put playmakers around Cam Newton, and Kirk can threaten defenses vertically and create with the ball in his hands.


25. Tennessee Titans
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

It isn't a terrific tight end group this year, but Goedert is the best one in this class. He's still a little underrated and didn't get a chance to shine in the Senior Bowl, as he was injured on the first day of practice. You don't get too many two-way TEs coming out of college, but Goedert fits the bill. He's got a big frame (6-4, 260) with good speed and can play in-line or detached. He's another good, young weapon for Marcus Mariota.


26. Atlanta Falcons
James Daniels, G/C, Iowa*

The Falcons may look to the defensive line with Dontari Poe and Courtney Upshaw both free agents, but they could also upgrade their running game with Daniels. He played mostly at center for Iowa but does have experience at guard. He has very consistent tape.


27. New Orleans Saints
Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College

Wide receiver is a bigger need for New Orleans, but there's no value fit here. The Saints could use another edge rusher to pair with Sheldon Rankins and Cam Jordan. Landry is a bit undersized and battled through an ankle injury this season, but he has shown the ability to get home as a pass-rusher (he led the nation with 16.5 sacks in 2016). A hard worker, he uses his hands well and shows the flexibility to bend the edge.


28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa*

The Steelers still can use help on the outside, even after using a first-round pick on a CB in 2016 (Artie Burns). Jackson is a long corner and an absolute ball hawk who led the nation with eight INTs. His timed speed at the combine will play a big role in where he gets drafted.


29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*

This may be a bit of a reach for Hurst, but he's a big (6-5, 250), athletic target who can contribute immediately. A former pro baseball player, Hurst has good ball skills and can help stretch the field for Leonard Fournette and Jacksonville's offense.


30. Minnesota Vikings
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Minnesota came up short in the NFC Championship Game, but this is a very solid roster with good depth throughout. The biggest question mark is at QB, but that will be solved one way or another in free agency. Even after investing in the offensive line last offseason (Mike Remmers, Riley Reiff), the Vikings could use some more depth there. McGlinchey is a good player who played left tackle at Notre Dame but will likely be an RT at the next level. He's an experienced starter with great character. Minnesota has had success with Fighting Irish players in the past (Harrison Smith, Kyle Rudolph).


31. New England Patriots
M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

Given his Super Bowl controversy, it certainly appears New England will part ways with Malcolm Butler. Spending an early pick on a CB makes sense, especially with Stephon Gilmore on the other side. Stewart is underrated and an experienced player, with adequate height (5-10) and very good top-end speed. He'll also support the run.


32. Philadelphia Eagles
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida*

After winning a Super Bowl with a backup QB, it's fair to say this is a deep roster. The Eagles have the luxury of drafting for value, and it's never a bad idea to add depth along the defensive line. A twitchy one-gap DT with the tools to continue to develop, Bryan is raw, but he has the athleticism to mold and good get-off quickness. He could work into Philadelphia's defensive line rotation behind Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan.
 

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Todd McShay's updated Top 32: Ranking 2018 NFL draft prospects


Jan 22, 2018
Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer


The deadline for underclassmen to declare has come and gone, and we'll get a look at some of the top talent at this week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, which means it's a good time to reset the prospect picture.

Here are my updated top 32 prospects for the 2018 NFL draft right now, plus my top 10 prospects at each position.

Note: Underclassmen marked with asterisks.


1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*
Grade: 95 | Previous rank: 2

Barkley was the best running back in the nation this season, racking up more than 1,200 yards on 5.9 yards per carry and 18 TDs despite regularly facing eight and nine men in the box. Barkley has a distinctive combination of size, agility and power. There just aren't many 230-plus pound backs with his feet and acceleration. Barkley is also a three-down back with solid hands as a receiver and above-average blocking skills in pass protection. Making it an even easier evaluation is the fact that Barkley is a driven competitor with very good leadership skills and no off-the-field issues. This guy is clean and complete as they come.


2. Sam Darnold, QB, USC*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 3

There's no doubt that Darnold made some questionable decisions throwing the football this season (13 INTs) and picked up some bad habits behind a shaky offensive line (specifically erratic pocket poise and loose handling of the football). But when his base and feet are right, Darnold can be a very accurate passer. His ability to extend and improvise is an important trait, and there's a lot to like about his intangibles and leadership skills. Josh Rosen is more polished as a pocket passer, but I think Darnold's ceiling is higher.



3. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 1


This will remain a close race between Darnold and Rosen for the top QB spot. I think it was obvious to anyone who watched the USC-UCLA game that Rosen is far more NFL ready than Darnold as a pocket passer right now. Rosen is a naturally gifted passer with the touch, anticipation and ball placement that you see in most of the NFL greats. But Rosen has some red flags of his own. His inability to extend some plays with his feet is concerning, and it has led to a lot of poor decisions under fire (26 INTs in 30 starts). Rosen also needs to sell teams during the pre-draft process on his coachability, leadership skills and passion for the game.



4. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 5

A two-year starter and 2016 team captain, Chubb ended the '16 season ranked fourth in the nation with 22 tackles for loss. He isn't an elite pass-rusher, but he has a good first step, bends well for his size and has a nonstop motor. Chubb was very productive this season, with a remarkable 25.0 TFL and 10.0 sacks. He's a great all-around player.


5. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 4

Fitzpatrick played as a true freshman and started in 42 of his 44 collegiate games. He has a unique skill set and has been all over the field this season. He is a true shutdown corner but also can be used as a safety. A solid all-around player, he could be in the mix for the No. 1 pick depending on the team.


6. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 10

Ward wasn't high enough on my radar early in the year, but I went back and watched some tape from this season -- and boy was I impressed. Spending last season behind Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley (all 2017 first-round picks), he didn't get much playing time, but he has elite fluidity, quickness and recovery speed. He has closed the gap with Fitzpatrick and had 15 passes broken up (Fitzpatrick had eight).


7. Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 31

I've been impressed with Edmunds this season. He is a versatile linebacker with a great frame and speed for his size (6-foot-5, 236 pounds). He has been flying around the field, with 102 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Edmunds had 18.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2016. He's rising on boards right now.


8. Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 19

An athletic sideline-to-sideline weakside linebacker, Smith played well on the biggest stage in the College Football Playoff. Even with all of the speed on Georgia's defense, he stands out. He had 6.5 sacks and 14.0 TFL on the season, but his potential far outweighs those numbers.


9. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 17

Nelson is a road-grader with the size (listed at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds), strength, polish and toughness to start immediately in the NFL. He seems like one of the safer prospects at this point.


10. Vita Vea, DT, Washington*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 28

Listed at 6-4, 346, the former high school running back was a space-eater in the middle of Washington's defense. But with 3.5 sacks and 5.5 TFL, he has the ability to split double-teams and wreak havoc in the backfield. He has the potential to put up some silly numbers at the combine.


11. Derwin James, S, Florida State*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6

James is one of the most versatile players we've ever evaluated. A third-year sophomore, James tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee in the second game of 2016 and received a medical redshirt. He played well despite a disappointing overall season for Florida State. James is one of the most talented prospects in this draft and should have a good combine showing.


12. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: NR

Evans came on strong this season, tying Ronnie Harrison with a team-high 74 tackles. He was sensational in the College Football Playoff games, flashing his pass-rushing prowess and versatility as a run defender and coverage linebacker. With the ability to line up inside and outside, Evans has raised his stock considerably and looks to be a first-round pick. Medical results will be key to his draft stock.


13. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 24

The son of the late Orlando "Zeus" Brown, the younger Brown is a better fit at right tackle in the pros, though he has played exclusively at left tackle in a run-heavy Oklahoma scheme. He played well down the stretch.


14. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 15

Outside of scouting circles, Allen was a relative unknown coming into the season. Most of his appearances in the national spotlight (at Iowa, vs. Oregon, at Boise State) didn't go well, but some of that was him and some of it was a poor supporting cast. He is one of the most physically gifted QBs to come out of college in the past five years. He has an elite arm and frame (listed at 6-5, 233) and can make every throw when his feet are right, as he showed in the bowl game against Central Michigan. If he improves his footwork and makes fewer low-percentage throws into heavy coverage, the sky is the limit for Allen.


15. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 14

In 2016, McGlinchey moved from right tackle to the left side vacated by Ravens first-round pick Ronnie Stanley. An above-average zone blocker, McGlinchey plays angles well and gives good effort. He does everything well, but isn't outstanding in any one area. A high-floor prospect.


16. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 13

Ridley didn't get a chance to showcase his full potential in Alabama's run-heavy offense, but he averaged 15.3 yards per catch this season and scored a TD in both playoff games. A player with outstanding foot quickness and a nightmare in the open field, Ridley has good acceleration. He's the clear No. 1 receiver in this class, though I'm not sure if he's a true No. 1 wideout in the NFL.


17. Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 21

Jackson made my Top 32 list after his three-INT game against Ohio State, and he has stayed here since. He's long (6-1) with natural cover skills, and attacks the ball like a wide receiver. He's still developing consistency with his footwork and eyes, but he's one of the top CBs coming out. He led the nation with eight INTs this season.


18. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR

Payne had a good season overall with 53 total tackles and a sack, but I love that he played some of his best football in the playoff. An excellent run-stuffer, he's tough to move off the ball and has the upper-body strength to control blockers and get off blocks. His lacking sack production is concerning and could keep him out of the top 20, but when you study the tape, you see his disruption in that part of the game. The national championship game was a great example; zero sacks on the stat line, but he frequently pushed QB Jake Fromm off the spot and also pressured Fromm into two INTs.


19. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 27

My ninth-ranked QB entering the season, the 2017 Heisman winner has done a ton to improve his draft stock. As good as Mayfield's numbers were this season (4,627 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs), he's even more impressive to me as a team leader. Teammates rally around him. So what will be the pre-draft concerns? First off, his measurables will be scrutinized. Is he 6 feet tall? Does he have 9-inch hands? Does he have the size to hold up physically or will the NFL look more like the second half of the loss to Georgia, where his efficiency dipped after taking a beating? Secondly, I think it will be critically important to study his "pressure drops" on tape. Few QBs in the country were afforded more clean pockets than Mayfield at OU. So teams will want to really focus on his effectiveness when under pressure and look for any concerning tendencies (like his tendency to bail to his right).


20. Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 8

Landry led the nation with 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 2016. I still have concerns about his size (listed at 6-3, 250), but he should develop into an every-down player in the NFL and teams will value his versatility. He had a bit of a disappointing 2017 season, with only 8.5 TFL and 5.0 sacks, but some of that was due to missing four games because of a lingering ankle injury.


21. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR

A fast riser right now, Davenport put up 8.5 sacks and 17.0 TFL. Scouts are excited to see him in person this week in Mobile. He's one of the best pure pass-rushers in the class.


22. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR

A shutdown man-to-man cover corner who will also support the run. He took some high-level WRs out of their games in 2017, holding SMU's Courtland Sutton (possible first-round pick) to 46 receiving yards and Memphis' Anthony Miller (Day 2 prospect) to only three catches in the regular-season matchup (most of Miller's production in the AAC championship game came on the opposite side of the field from Hughes). Hughes is also dangerous in the return game -- averaged 16.6 yards per punt return with a TD and 31.8 yards per kickoff return with two TDs in 2017.


23. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 16

Kirk hasn't been running an NFL route tree at Texas A&M, but he's a speedy slot receiver and dangerous punt returner. He had some focus drops during a frustrating 2017 season, but Kirk has good football character and he's a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands.


24. Mo Hurst, DT, Michigan
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 29

Hurst is a quick and powerful one-gap penetrator who is highly disruptive against the run. He has a powerful upper body and disengages quickly. I think he fits best as a 3-technique in a 4-3 system, where he can get in the backfield and get after the quarterback.


25. Connor Williams, OT, Texas*
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 11

A true junior who started all 23 games in which he appeared coming into this season, Williams is an athletic scheme-versatile blocker with a high ceiling. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained MCL and PCL in his left knee, along with a meniscus tear, against USC and missed most of the season. His medical results will play a big role in where he's selected.


26. Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR

O'Neill actually was a tight end when he came to Pitt in 2014. He's a great athlete who has played both right and left tackle. At 6-6, 290 pounds, he's very agile and light on his feet.


27. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR

Michel wasn't the featured back at Georgia, but I think he'll be the first Bulldogs RB off the board. Michel has an intriguing combination of size and burst, and he's a better pass-catcher than his production would indicate. His acceleration and body control were on display versus Alabama.


29. Rasheem Green, DT, USC*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR

The light really came on for Green in 2017, as he started all 15 games and led the team with 10 sacks. At 6-5, 280, and offering plenty of scheme versatility, he should only continue to improve with more game experience and NFL coaching.


30. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU*
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 12

Guice isn't Leonard Fournette, but he has an impressive combination of size, power and quickness. He also shows the ability to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate upfield. He played very well late in the season after a slow start, racking up more than 1,200 yards and 11 TDs. If he runs as well as I expect him to, Guice will be the second straight LSU running back selected in Round 1.


31. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: NR

An experienced three-year starter at guard heading into his senior year, Price is a plug-and-play NFL starter who should be steady in the league.


32. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado*
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: NR


A two-year starter and three-year player, Oliver has 20 pass breakups and three INTs the past two seasons. He has good length and can develop into a press-man corner in the NFL. I'm interested to see how he runs and tests at the combine. Hugely important at the CB position. Also has some experience in the return game.


Top 10 prospects at each position
QBs
1. *Sam Darnold, USC
2. *Josh Rosen, UCLA
3. *Josh Allen, Wyoming
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
6. *Lamar Jackson, Louisville
7. Luke Falk, Washington State
8. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
9. Kurt Benkert, Virginia
10. Mike White, Western Kentucky

There is a definite drop-off after the top four QBs here. Rosen is the most NFL-ready QB right now, but I believe Darnold has the higher long-term ceiling.

RBs
1. *Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. *Derrius Guice, LSU
4. *Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
6. Nick Chubb, Georgia
7. *Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
8. Akrum Wadley, Iowa
9. *Josh Adams, Notre Dame
10. Royce Freeman, Oregon

Michel has impressed me lately and was terrific in the College Football Playoff, especially showing his speed against Alabama.

WRs
1. *Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. *Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. *Courtland Sutton, SMU
4. James Washington, Oklahoma State
5. Anthony Miller, Memphis
6. D.J. Chark, LSU
7. *Auden Tate, Florida State
8. *D.J. Moore, Maryland
9. Michael Gallup, Colorado State
10. *Jordan Lasley, UCLA

Ridley is the cream of the 2018 draft wide receiver class crop, but not an Odell Beckham Jr. or Amari Cooper-type of No. 1 NFL wideout.

TEs
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. *Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
3. *Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
4. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
5. *Ryan Izzo, Florida State
6. Ian Thomas, Indiana
7. Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin
8. Jordan Akins, UCF
9. Chris Herndon, Miami (Fla.)
10. Durham Smythe, Notre Dame

Goedert had another big season for South Dakota State, with 72 catches for 1,111 yards and 7 TDs, after 92 catches, 1,293 yards and 11 TDs in 2016.

C/G
1. *Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
2. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
3. *James Daniels, C, Iowa
4. Braden Smith, G, Auburn
5. Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
6. *Will Clapp, G, LSU
7. Mason Cole, C, Michigan
8. Scott Quessenberry, G, UCLA
9. Skyler Phillips, G, Idaho State
10. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

Nelson is a plug-and-play starter and exactly what you're looking for in a starting NFL guard.

OT
1. *Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. *Connor Williams, Texas
4. *Brian O'Neill, Pitt
5. *Kolton Miller, UCLA
6. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
7. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan
8. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
9. Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
10. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State

There is a lot of potential in this offensive tackle class, but not a surefire top-10 pick. At least at the moment.

ILBs
1. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
2. *Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
3. Josey Jewell, Iowa
4. Micah Kiser, Virginia
5. Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State
6. Mike McCray, Michigan
7. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
8. Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
9. Fred Warner, BYU
10. Chris Worley, Ohio State

Evans made great strides this season after moving into the starting role late last year and is a likely top-40 pick.

OLBs
1. *Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. *Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Uchenna Nwosu, USC
5. Obo Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
6. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
7. *Malik Jefferson, Texas
8. Jeff Holland, Auburn
9. *Jerome Baker, Ohio State
10. Skai Moore, South Carolina

I've been hearing more buzz surrounding Edmunds, who has terrific athleticism and should test off the charts at the combine.

CBs
1. *Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. *Josh Jackson, Iowa
3. *Mike Hughes, UCF
4. *Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
5. *Carlton Davis, Auburn
6. *M.J. Stewart, North Carolina
7. Anthony Averett, Alabama
8. *Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
9. Chris Campbell, Penn State
10. *Jaire Alexander, Louisville

Jackson led the nation with 8 INTs, including three against Ohio State.

Safeties
1. *Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. *Derwin James, Florida State
3. *Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Armani Watts, Texas A&M
5. *Justin Reid, Stanford
6. Kyzir White, West Virginia
7. Quin Blanding, Virginia
8. Jeremy Reaves, South Alabama
9. *DeShon Elliott, Texas
10. Marcus Allen, Penn State

Fitzpatrick is a tremendous player who can do a little bit of everything, and could very well go in the top five.

DEs
1. Bradley Chubb, NC State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. *Arden Key, LSU
4. *Rasheem Green, USC
5. *Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
6. Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State
7. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State
8. Kentavius Street, NC State
9. Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest
10. Dorance Armstrong Jr., Kansas

Davenport has been a hot name and I'll be interested to see him in person in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.

DTs
1. *Vita Vea, Washington
2. *Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. Mo Hurst, Michigan
4. *Taven Bryan, Florida
5. *Harrison Phillips, Stanford
6. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
7. *RJ McIntosh, Miami (Fla.)
8. Deadrin Senat, South Florida
9. *Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
10. *Hercules Mata'afa, Washington State

Vea, the former HS running back, has the potential to put up some silly numbers at the combine.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
McShay is easily the most volatile of the draftniks.

He is quite possibly the last guy I look to for a reliable assessment of a prospect.
 

Cowboysrock55

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
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Messages
52,453
McShay is easily the most volatile of the draftniks.

He is quite possibly the last guy I look to for a reliable assessment of a prospect.
I don't disagree with you, but out of curiosity what was jumping out at you on the latest rankings?
 

Cowboysrock55

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
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Messages
52,453
Todd McShay's updated Top 32: Ranking 2018 NFL draft prospects
play
USC's Sam Darnold and UCLA's Josh Rosen have shown tremendous potential, but which L.A. QB will flourish faster? (0:53)

Mar 27, 2018
Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer

With the Senior Bowl and NFL combine in the rearview mirror, our prospect evaluations are starting to take shape.

We'll continue to update our board as we get closer to the 2018 NFL draft and complete our evaluations. Although some players will move into the rankings and others will drop out, this provides a good snapshot of which players currently have the most NFL potential, based on our evaluations.

Here are the top 32 prospects right now, along with a ranking of the top 10 prospects by position:

Note: Underclassmen marked with asterisks.


1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*
Grade: 97 | Previous rank: 1

Barkley was the best running back in the nation last season, racking up more than 1,200 yards on 5.9 yards per carry and 18 rushing touchdowns despite regularly facing eight and nine men in the box. Barkley has a distinctive combination of size, agility and power; there just aren't many 233-pound backs with his feet and acceleration. Barkley is also a three-down back, with solid hands as a receiver and above-average blocking skills in pass protection. Making it an even easier evaluation is the fact that Barkley is a driven competitor with very good leadership skills and no off-the-field issues. He checked all the boxes at the combine, as well.


2. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*
Grade: 95 | Previous rank: 9

Nelson is a road grader with the size (6-foot-5, 325 pounds), strength, polish and toughness to start immediately in the NFL. He seems like one of the safer prospects at this point and appears a lock to go in the top 10.





3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 2

There's no doubt Darnold made some questionable decisions throwing the football last season (13 interceptions) and picked up some bad habits behind a shaky offensive line (specifically erratic pocket poise and loose handling of the football). But when his base and feet are right, Darnold can be a very accurate passer. His ability to extend and improvise is an important trait, and there's a lot to like about his intangibles and leadership skills. He also was able to show off his arm, throwing in the rain at his recent pro day at USC.


4. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 4

A three-year starter and two-time team captain, Chubb ended the 2016 season ranked fourth in the nation with 22 tackles for loss. He isn't an elite pass-rusher, but he has a good first step, bends well for his size and has a nonstop motor. Chubb was very productive in 2017, with a remarkable 25.0 TFLs and 10.0 sacks. A great all-around player.


5. Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 7

I was impressed with Edmunds last season. A versatile linebacker with a great frame and speed (4.54 40) for his size (6-4, 253 pounds), he flew around the field, amassing 109 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Edmunds had 18.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2016. He had a terrific combine and continues to be a riser.


6. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 5

Fitzpatrick played as a true freshman and started in 42 of his 44 collegiate games. He has a unique skill set and was all over the field last season. He is a true shutdown corner but also can be used as a safety. A good all-around player, he had a strong combine, and his 4.46 40 helped to check another box.


7. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6

Ward wasn't high enough on my radar early in the year, but I went back and watched some tape from last season -- and boy was I impressed. Spending 2016 behind Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley (all 2017 first-round picks), he didn't get much playing time, but he has elite fluidity, quickness and recovery speed (a blazing 4.32 40 at the combine). He has closed the gap with Fitzpatrick and had 15 passes broken up (Fitzpatrick had eight).


8. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 14

Outside of scouting circles, Allen was a relative unknown coming into the 2017 season. Most of his appearances in the national spotlight (at Iowa, versus Oregon, at Boise State) didn't go well, but some of that was him and some of it was a poor supporting cast. He is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to come out of college in the past five years. He has an elite arm and frame (6-5, 233 pounds) and can make every throw when his feet are right, as he showed in the bowl game against Central Michigan. He has had a good postseason process (Senior Bowl, combine, pro day) and should be gone in the first 11 picks.


9. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 3

I think it was obvious to anyone who watched the USC-UCLA game that Rosen is far more NFL-ready than Darnold as a pocket passer. Rosen is a naturally gifted passer with the touch, anticipation and ball placement you see in most of the NFL greats. But Rosen has some red flags of his own. His inability to extend some plays with his feet is concerning, and it has led to a lot of poor decisions under fire (26 INTs in 30 starts). Time will tell how teams feel about his coachability, leadership skills and passion for the game.


10. Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 8

An athletic, sideline-to-sideline weakside linebacker, Smith played well on the biggest stage in the College Football Playoff. Even with all of the speed on Georgia's defense, he managed to stand out. He had 6.5 sacks and 14.0 TFL on the season, but his potential far outweighs those numbers. A 4.51 40 at the combine confirmed his playing speed on tape.


11. Derwin James, S, Florida State*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 11

James is one of the most versatile players we've ever evaluated. A third-year sophomore, he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee in the second game of 2016 and received a medical redshirt. He played well despite a disappointing overall season for Florida State in 2017. James is one of the most talented prospects in this draft, and his terrific combine showing (4.47 40, 40-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump) has helped his stock.


12. Vita Vea, DT, Washington*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 10

At 6-4 and 347 pounds, the former high school running back was a space-eater in the middle of Washington's defense. With 3.5 sacks and 5.5 TFLs, he has the ability to split double-teams and wreak havoc in the backfield. A hamstring strain kept Vea from doing on-field drills at the combine, but he showed off his strength (41 bench-press reps) and speed (5.11 40 at 347 pounds).


13. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 19

My ninth-ranked QB entering the season, the 2017 Heisman winner has done a ton to improve his draft stock. As good as Mayfield's numbers were this season (4,627 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs), he's even more impressive to me as a team leader. Mayfield measured 6 feet tall with 9¼-inch hands at the combine, so he checked two of those boxes. I've got him as the No. 4 QB in the class right now. He has handled the postseason process well, starting by showing up and performing at the Senior Bowl.


14. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 22

A shutdown man-to-man cover corner who also will support the run. He took some high-level WRs out of their games in 2017, holding SMU's Courtland Sutton (possible first-round pick) to 46 receiving yards and Memphis' Anthony Miller (Day 2 prospect) to only three catches in the regular-season matchup (most of Miller's production in the American conference championship game came on the opposite side of the field from Hughes). Hughes is also dangerous in the return game; he averaged 16.6 yards per punt return with a touchdown and 31.8 yards per kickoff return with two TDs in 2017.


15. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 18

Payne had a good season overall with 53 total tackles and a sack, but I love that he played some of his best football in the playoff. An excellent run-stuffer, he's tough to move off the ball and has the upper-body strength to control blockers and get off blocks. His lack of sack production is a concern and could keep him out of the top 20, but when you study the tape, you see his disruption in that part of the game. A 4.95 40-yard dash at 6-2 and 311 pounds during the combine has only helped his stock.


16. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 12

Evans came on strong last season, tying Ronnie Harrison with a team-high 74 tackles. He was sensational in the College Football Playoff games, flashing his pass-rushing prowess and versatility as a run defender and coverage linebacker. With the ability to line up inside and outside, Evans has raised his stock considerably, and an excellent combine workout (including a 6.95-second three-cone drill) only helped. Medical results will be key for him.


17. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 21

A fast riser right now, Davenport put up 8.5 sacks and 17.0 TFLs in 2017. There's no question that he's raw, but he's one of the best pure pass-rushers -- and athletes -- in this class. He was impressive in practice at the Senior Bowl, and his silly 4.58 40 and a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump at the combine have helped solidify his stock.


18. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 16

Ridley didn't get a chance to showcase his full potential in Alabama's run-heavy offense, but he averaged 15.3 yards per catch last season and scored a TD in both playoff games. A player with outstanding foot quickness and a nightmare in the open field, Ridley has good acceleration. He's the clear No. 1 receiver in this class, though I'm not sure if he's a true No. 1 wideout in the NFL. His 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump (worst among WRs) and 31-inch vertical jump (tied for third-worst) at the combine raised some concerns.


19. Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 17

Jackson made my Top 32 list after his three-interception game against Ohio State, and he has stayed here since. He's long (6 feet) with natural cover skills and attacks the ball like a wide receiver. He's still developing consistency with his footwork and eyes, but he's one of the top CBs coming out. He led the nation with eight INTs last season, and his 4.56 40 and 38-inch vertical at the combine helped confirm his long speed.


20. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: NR

The clear top tight end in this class, Goedert put up big numbers again this past season at South Dakota State. A hamstring injury hurt his ability to show off at the Senior Bowl and combine, but he's a rare two-way tight end who should be able to contribute in the NFL immediately.


21. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR

Bryan had a breakout season in 2017, finishing with 40 tackles, 6.0 TFLs and 4.0 sacks in 11 starts. He has elite first-step quickness, which he showed off at the combine (1.68 10-yard split). His explosiveness stands out on tape, and his workout matched it. The top two drills that correlate to NFL success for defensive tackles are vertical jump (38 inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.48), and Bryan had elite results in both drills.


22. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR

Hernandez is a mauler in the running game at 6-2 and 327 pounds, and showed off his strength at the combine with 37 reps on the bench press. He has been a steady riser after a terrific Senior Bowl.


23. Connor Williams, OT, Texas*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 25

A true junior who had started all 23 games in which he appeared entering 2017, Williams is an athletic, scheme-versatile blocker with a high ceiling. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained MCL and PCL in his left knee, along with a meniscus tear, against USC and missed most of the season. We still don't know exactly how healthy that knee is, but he crushed his combine workout, putting up a 34-inch vertical and a 5.05-second 40.


24. James Daniels, C, Iowa*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR

Daniels solidified himself as the top center in the class, but that's mostly because Billy Price tore his left pectoral muscle on the bench press at the combine. An athletic player, he topped all linemen with a 7.29-second three-cone drill and should be a first-rounder come April.


25. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR

Alexander missed six games because of injury last season, but he had five interceptions in 2016 and clearly has playmaking instincts. He's a little small (5-10, 196 pounds) for an elite outside CB, but his blazing 4.38 40 certainly raised his stock. A competitive corner who can play outside or in the slot, he has worked his way into the Round 1 conversation.


26. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR

Hurst was a very versatile player at South Carolina, where he walked on in 2015 after being in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system. He will be a 25-year-old rookie when the season starts. A solid prospect with good hands who can stretch the seam, he's the clear No. 2 TE in the class right now.


27. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 30

Guice isn't Leonard Fournette, but he has an impressive combination of size, power and quickness. He also shows the ability to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate upfield. He played very well late in the season after a slow start, racking up more than 1,200 yards and 11 TDs. After a strong 4.49 in the 40 at the combine, he is my No. 2-ranked RB.


28. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR

A prototypical left tackle at Notre Dame (6-8, 309 pounds), McGlinchey has risen on the back of a good showing at the combine. An above-average zone blocker, he plays angles well and gives good effort.


29. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 27

Michel wasn't the featured back at Georgia, but I think he'll be the first Bulldogs RB off the board. Michel has an intriguing combination of size and burst, and he's a better pass-catcher than his production would indicate. His acceleration and body control were on display versus Alabama.


30. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 31

After starting 55 games and twice earning All-America honors, Price is a plug-and-play NFL starter who should be steady in the league. A torn left pectoral at the combine will likely hurt his stock, but early signs indicate he'll be ready for training camp.


31. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: NR

A three-year starter at left guard and left tackle for Georgia, Wynn, finished with 51 games played and 41 starts during his four-year career. Wynn stood out as one of the premier players at this year's Senior Bowl despite dealing with a torn labrum. He had surgery in late January and is expected to be ready for training camp. He is a complete player with a high-level blend of agility, balance, power and technique.


32. Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 20

Landry had a disappointing 2017 campaign after leading the nation with 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 2016. He's an explosive edge rusher with terrific burst, bend and closing speed coming off the edge. I have slight concerns about his length and frame -- he's listed at 6-2, 252 pounds -- but he should be an effective NFL defender and projects as an every-down player.


Top 10 prospects at each position
QBs
1. *Sam Darnold, USC
2. *Josh Allen, Wyoming
3. *Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
5. *Lamar Jackson, Louisville
6. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
7. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
8. Luke Falk, Washington State
9. Mike White, Western Kentucky
10. Logan Woodside, Toledo

Darnold is the clear No. 1 QB in this class in my eyes, but all of the top five QBs have flaws. It's a fascinating group.

RBs
1. *Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. *Derrius Guice, LSU
3. Sony Michel, Georgia
4. *Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Nick Chubb, Georgia
6. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
7. *Bo Scarbrough, Alabama
8. Kalen Ballage, Arizona State
9. Royce Freeman, Oregon
10. *Kerryon Johnson, Auburn

This group is Barkley and everyone else, but that said it's a really deep class. Scarbrough moves up after a really strong combine performance.

WRs
1. *Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. *Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. *D.J. Moore, Maryland
4. *Courtland Sutton, SMU
5. D.J. Chark, LSU
6. *Jordan Lasley, UCLA
7. Anthony Miller, Memphis
8. Antonio Callaway, Florida
9. James Washington, Oklahoma State
10. DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

Moore is the big riser in this group, after a 4.42 40 at the combine. Chark has had a strong postseason at the Senior Bowl and in Indy.

TEs
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. *Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
3. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
4. *Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
5. Jordan Akins, UCF
6. Ian Thomas, Indiana
7. Will Dissly, Washington
8. Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin
9. *Ryan Izzo, Florida State
10. Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan

Hurst is the big mover here, and has worked himself into the first-round conversation.

C/G
1. *Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
2. *James Daniels, C, Iowa
3. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
4. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
5. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
6. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
7. Austin Corbett, G, Nevada
8. Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
9. Braden Smith, G, Auburn
10. Mason Cole, C, Michigan

Nelson is my No. 2 prospect and is rock solid as a player. This is a strong group of interior linemen at the top.

OT
1. *Connor Williams, Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
4. Geron Christian, Louisville
5. *Brian O'Neill, Pitt
6. *Kolton Miller, UCLA
7. *Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
8. Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
9. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State
10. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan

This tackle class is weaker than it has been in recent years. Not a good draft if you're a team looking to fill a serious need on the edge of the offensive line.

DEs
1. Bradley Chubb, NC State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. *Rasheem Green, USC
4. *Arden Key, LSU
5. *Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
6. Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State
7. *Josh Sweat, Florida State
8. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State
9. Andrew Brown, Virginia
10. Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama

There is a definite drop-off in this group after Chubb and Davenport.

DTs
1. *Vita Vea, Washington
2. *Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. *Taven Bryan, Florida
4. *Harrison Phillips, Stanford
5. Mo Hurst, Michigan
7. B.J. Hill, NC State
8. Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State
9. *RJ McIntosh, Miami (Fla.)
10. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State

Hurst's heart condition that forced him out of the combine will be worth monitoring going forward.

OLBs
1. *Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. *Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
5. *Jerome Baker, Ohio State
6. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
7. Uchenna Nwosu, USC
8. *Malik Jefferson, Texas
9. Obo Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
10. Jeff Holland, Auburn

Edmunds and Smith are the cream of the crop here, and both could go in the top 10.

ILBs
1. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
2. *Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
3. Josey Jewell, Iowa
4. Micah Kiser, Virginia
5. Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State
6. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
7. Mike McCray, Michigan
8. Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
9. Fred Warner, BYU
10. Chris Worley, Ohio State

Evans made great strides this season after moving into the starting role late last year and is a likely first-round pick. Vander Esch might end up playing on the outside.

CBs
1. *Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. *Mike Hughes, UCF
3. *Josh Jackson, Iowa
4. *Jaire Alexander, Louisville
5. *Donte Jackson, LSU
6. *M.J. Stewart, North Carolina
7. *Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
8. *Carlton Davis, Auburn
9. Anthony Averett, Alabama
10. Chris Campbell, Penn State

A really deep crop of cornerbacks, this is a strong class.

Safeties
1. *Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. *Derwin James, Florida State
3. *Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
4. *Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
5. *Justin Reid, Stanford
6. Armani Watts, Texas A&M
7. Kyzir White, West Virginia
8. Quin Blanding, Virginia
9. Marcus Allen, Penn State
10. *Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Bates III has been a big riser. James is back in the top half of the first round conversation after a terrific combine workout.
 

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Todd McShay's tier rankings for 2018 NFL draft


8:30 AM CT
Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer

As the 2018 NFL draft nears, it's time to run through our draft tier rankings, which use our grades to separate prospects into different groups. This is helpful when comparing players who are close to each other in the rankings. It also helps in predicting where players will come off the board during the first three rounds of the draft.

Here are our draft tiers for 2018, covering every prospect with a first-, second- or third-round grade. (I've put each player's grade in parentheses next to his name.) I have 108 total prospects here:

Tier 1
Elite prospects. Should be Day 1 starters and project as perennial All Pro players.

2018: three players | 2017 (at this point in the process): one player


1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State* (Grade: 97)
2. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame* (95)
3. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State (95)

Barkley is a special running back and a cut above everyone else in this class. Chubb is a terrific all-around player and has the same grade as I had on Myles Garrett last year. From 2007 to 2016, my highest-rated offensive lineman was ranked, on average, fourth overall. Last year, it was Forrest Lamp at No. 15. This year, Nelson is a rock-solid prospect at guard.

Tier 2
A notch below the elite class but still considered a plug-and-play starter with high-level potential. Worthy of a top-15 pick most years.

2018: seven players | 2017: eight players


4. Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California* (94)
5. Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia* (94)
6. Denzel Ward, DC, Ohio State* (93)
7. Derwin James, DS, Florida State* (93)
8. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DS, Alabama* (93)
9. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA* (92)
10. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming* (92)

Darnold has been my top QB through this process, although I think there's a good chance Allen goes No. 1 to the Browns. Ward is the best cover corner in the draft and Smith has been a hot name recently when I've spoken with scouts. Smith is the best off-the-line linebacker of the past few drafts.

Tier 3
These prospects grade out as good starters and are considered good values in the bottom half of Round 1 in any given draft class.

2018: 10 players | 2017: 10 players


11. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma (91)
12. Vita Vea, DT, Washington* (91)
13. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama* (91)
14. Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech* (91)
15. Jaire Alexander, DC, Louisville* (90)
16. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama* (90)
17. Mike Hughes, DC, Central Florida* (90)
18. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida* (90)
19. Josh Jackson, DC, Iowa* (90)
20. Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama (90)

Mayfield's height bothers some but he's instinctive and accurate, and he's also the most experienced QB in this class. And despite that grade, I'll be shocked if he doesn't go in the top 11. Edmunds is an athletic freak and only 19 years old. Ridley is the clear top wideout in this class, but poor athletic testing at the combine could drop him. I don't think he's a true No. 1 NFL wide receiver.


Tier 4
Grade out as future good NFL starters. Second-round value.

2018: 19 players | 2017: 27 players

21. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA (89)
22. James Daniels, OC, Iowa* (89)
23. D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland* (89)
24. Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP (89)
25. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State (89)
26. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina* (89)
27. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (88)
28. Justin Reid, DS, Stanford* (88)
29. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia (88)
30. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia (88)
31. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU* (87)
32. Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College (87)
33. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville* (86)
34. Connor Williams, OG, Texas* (85)
35. Ronnie Harrison, DS, Alabama* (85)
36. Donte Jackson, DC, LSU* (85)
37. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan (85)
38. Billy Price, OC, Ohio State (85)
39. Ronald Jones II, RB, Southern California* (85)

I know Kiper will get on me, but I did like D.J. Moore's tape, and he's a likely 1 or early 2. Goedert and Hurst are both solid tight ends; Goedert has more potential to be a star. Lamar Jackson is an intriguing prospect, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go late in the first. His progress as a QB will depend on if he goes to the right fit.

Tier 5
Grade out as future solid-to-good NFL starters but might need to serve in sub-package/situational role early in career. Mid-to-late-second-round value.

2018: 26 players | 2017: 16 players



40. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford (84)
41. Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia (84)
42. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon (84)
43. Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA* (84)
44. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M* (84)
45. D.J. Chark, WR, LSU (83)
46. Jessie Bates III, DS, Wake Forest* (83)
47. Geron Christian, OT, Louisville* (83)
48. Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh* (82)
49. Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State (82)
50. Isaiah Oliver, DC, Colorado* (82)
51. B.J. Hill, DT, NC State (82)
52. Rasheem Green, DE, Southern California* (82)
53. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia (82)
54. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU* (82)
55. Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis (81)
56. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State (81)
57. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State (81)
58. Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State* (81)
59. Arden Key, DE, LSU* (81)
60. Martinas Rankin, OC, Mississippi State (81)
61. Carlton Davis, DC, Auburn* (81)
62. Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State* (81)
63. Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech* (81)
64. Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada (80)
65. Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA* (80)

Chark has been a riser after his Senior Bowl and combine performances. Same with Bates and Chubb, who turned heads in Indy. Key has first-round ability but has fallen due to off-field issues.


Tier 6
Project as future solid starters but they need time to develop, have limited upside or come with baggage. Third-round value.

2018: 43 players | 2017: 49 players


66. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma* (79)
67. Anthony Averett, DC, Alabama (79)
68. Frank Ragnow, OC, Arkansas (79)
69. Isaac Yiadom, DC, Boston College (78)
70. Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida* (78)
71. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State (78)
72. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State* (78)
73. Braden Smith, OG, Auburn (78)
74. Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia (78)
75. M.J. Stewart, DC, North Carolina (77)
76. Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State (77)
77. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State (77)
78. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State (77)
79. Terrell Edmunds, DS, Virginia Tech* (77)
80. Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State* (76)
81. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State (75)
82. Holton Hill, DC, Texas* (75)
83. Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana (74)
84. Parry Nickerson, DC, Tulane (74)
85. Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond (74)
86. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama* (74)
87. Duke Dawson, DC, Florida (73)
88. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, Southern California (73)
89. Michael Dickson, P, Texas* (73)
90. Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State (73)
91. Mason Cole, OC, Michigan (72)
92. Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia (72)
93. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State (72)
94. Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State (72)
95. Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas* (72)
96. Kameron Kelly, DS, San Diego State (72)
97. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon (71)
98. Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State (71)
99. Deon Cain, WR, Clemson* (71)
100. Hercules Mata'afa, DT, Washington State* (71)
101. Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa (71)
102. Avonte Maddox, CB, Pitt (71)
103. Kyzir White, S, West Virginia (71)
104. Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida (70)
105. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn* (70)
106. Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan (70)
107. Dante Pettis, WR, Washington (70)
108. Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE, Kansas* (70)

Orlando Brown had a horrific combine, which is the only reason he's a Tier 6 player. Don't be surprised if Lauletta goes higher than people think; he processes information quickly and had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Scarbrough has risen up my ranks after a terrific combine.
 

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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay's picks for 1-32

ESPN Illustration
6:58 AM CT
Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer

The 2018 NFL draft is finally here.

I've had so many mock drafts I've lost count, but below is my final projection of what all 32 teams will do Thursday night. Remember, this is what I'm hearing teams will do, not what I would do if I were the GM.

And yes, I'm making a trade this year -- two, in fact. They are both denoted by asterisks.


1. Cleveland Browns
Sam Darnold, QB, USC

I've had Darnold here in every mock I've done, dating back to my Way-Too-Early mock in May 2017, so why waver now? In my opinion, he's the best QB in this draft. We'll find out if John Dorsey agrees tonight.



2. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State


This is going to be a tough choice for the Giants, but Barkley is the top player in this draft and a generational talent. Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Barkley are an explosive set of weapons for QB Eli Manning.


3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Mayfield is the most experienced QB in this class, and we know he won't shy away from the spotlight of the Big Apple. This has been between Mayfield and Josh Rosen all along. I'm going with my gut here.


4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Chubb is my No. 2-ranked prospect and the best all-around defensive player in the draft. Line him up opposite Myles Garrett (along with Emmanuel Ogbah) and Cleveland all of a sudden has arguably the most talented young pass rush in the NFL. This would be a dream start for the Browns.


5. Buffalo Bills (projected trade with Denver)*
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

This is pretty simple from Buffalo's side: The Bills have been looking to move up and two QBs went in the top three picks. The Bills can't afford to be left out when the music stops and no top-tier QBs are left. Denver squeezes two second-round picks (53, 56) and a third-rounder (65) out of the Bills, but Buffalo gets a sturdy, big-handed QB with a huge arm -- a perfect fit for the AFC East.

Denver's thought process is a bit more complex. At this point, its top two targets -- Mayfield and Chubb -- are gone. Left guard is a significant area of need and Quenton Nelson is an elite prospect, but John Elway hasn't used a first- or second-round pick on a guard in the past seven draft classes. And Elway's six first- or second-round offensive picks in his seven-year tenure have been busts. Elway has crushed early-round defensive picks in his tenure and CB Denzel Ward is an elite prospect -- though a notch below Nelson. I keep being told Denver will ask too much from Buffalo, but I think they find a way to get this deal done.

As far as Allen's tweets that he apologized for, it's a very sensitive subject. But I have a hard time believing teams that were seriously considering drafting him didn't have that information at their disposal already. If I'm wrong and teams are just finding out about this, now they have less than 24 hours to figure out if they're comfortable with the pick.


6. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets)
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

If the Colts can't get a deal done to move out, I think it's Nelson or Roquan Smith here. I'll lean Nelson to give Andrew Luck some much-needed protection on the offensive line. Nelson is a plug-and-play starter.


7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derwin James, S, Florida State

This pick seems like the worst-kept secret in the NFL. James is extremely versatile and would give a huge boost to a porous Tampa Bay secondary.


8. Chicago Bears
Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia

Nelson would fit as well if he's here, but Smith is a priority. A true sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Smith has tremendous instincts and can do it all.


9. San Francisco 49ers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

Fitzpatrick doesn't fit one defined position, but he's a heck of a football player and could take Eric Reid's spot. Ward and Tremaine Edmunds are also considerations here.

10. Arizona Cardinals** (projected trade with Oakland)
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Another trade! Arizona doesn't have to give up nearly as much to move up five spots and get ahead of Miami for a QB. Rosen is the most natural thrower of the football in this class and gives the Cardinals a QB to build around.


11. Miami Dolphins
Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech

The Dolphins haven't been able to cover at the linebacker position for years. Edmunds provides some relief and has excellent physical tools. Vita Vea is another option here.


12. Denver Broncos (from Cincinnati Bengals via Buffalo)*
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

In this trade scenario, the Broncos now have seven picks in the first three rounds (12, 40, 53, 56, 65, 71 and 99). If Denver trades back and still gets Ward, that would be a hell of a pull.


13. Washington Redskins
Vita Vea, DT, Washington

I feel like I've been mocking Vea to Washington for a year now, but the NFL's worst run defense (134.1 rushing yards per game) needs help. Putting Vea next to 2017 first-rounder Jonathan Allen should help to fix that problem.


14. Green Bay Packers
Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

Alexander has been a fast riser through the process and played well when he was on the field. Green Bay needs help at cornerback and edge.


15. Oakland Raiders** (projected trade with Arizona)
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Roquan Smith was the top priority, but he's gone in this scenario. There has been buzz all week about McGlinchey moving up boards, and Oakland can grab him here in front of Baltimore, which also needs tackle help. McGlinchey can take over at right tackle, where he played best early in his Fighting Irish career. O-linemen are going to go fast because teams don't want to be left out in a thin year. If Oakland stays at 10, Vea and Edmunds are in play.


16. Baltimore Ravens
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Ravens desperately need playmakers on the outside, and Ridley is the best receiver and route runner in this class. This also could be a spot for Lamar Jackson or a trade down.


17. Los Angeles Chargers
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Brandon Mebane is 33 and Corey Liuget will start the season with a four-game suspension. The Chargers have a strong defense but need help inside on the defensive line. Payne would help immediately.


18. Seattle Seahawks
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Seattle will likely try to trade back, as there are no offensive tackles worth picking and corner is a bit of a reach. With Michael Bennett traded to Philadelphia and Cliff Avril's status uncertain because of a neck injury, pass rush is a big need. Davenport is raw, but he's the best available pass-rusher at this point.


19. Dallas Cowboys
D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

With Dez Bryant cut, Dallas definitely has a need at wide receiver. Moore's 4.34 40 at the combine helped turn some heads, and he's a good route runner and great after the catch. Leighton Vander Esch has been rumored here, but there are some concerns about a neck injury. Seems to be a team-by-team deal on their comfort level.



20. Detroit Lions
Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama

The Lions need more playmakers on defense and pass-rushing help to take pressure off Ezekiel Ansah. Evans is a very good pass-rusher and doesn't need to come off the field in passing situations.


21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo Bills)
James Daniels, C, Iowa

Cincinnati has a glaring need at center, and Daniels is the best one in this draft. This makes too much sense for an offensive line that was disastrous last season.


22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

Buffalo's second-biggest need is at guard, so now that the Bills have their QB of the future, they need to protect him. If Wynn's medicals check out, he's a very solid player here.


23. New England Patriots
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

This would be something. Jackson needs to go to a team where he can develop behind a veteran QB (Tom Brady, check) and innovative offensive mind (Josh McDaniels, check). While he's being groomed to be Brady's successor, I'm sure the Patriots will find some clever ways to get him the ball in space.


24. Carolina Panthers
Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

With star guard Andrew Norwell now in Jacksonville, Carolina has a big hole at the position. Hernandez is a mauler and terrific run-blocker.


25. Tennessee Titans
Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College

Tennessee needs pass-rush help desperately and is banking here that it gets the 2016 version of Landry -- the one that led the nation with 16.5 sacks. Landry needs to expand his stable of pass-rushing moves, but he has a lot of potential.


26. Atlanta Falcons
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

Atlanta needs a player to help replace the departed Dontari Poe, and Bryan is a good fit. Bryan has elite first-step quickness, is extremely disruptive for offenses and looks like he's shot out of a cannon sometimes on film. He'll need time to develop his technique and instincts, but there's some Fletcher Cox in his game.


27. New Orleans Saints
Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

Hurst will be a 25-year-old rookie (he played minor league baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization), but he's a very versatile player. My top-ranked tight end, Hurst has enough speed to threaten the seam and would give Drew Brees another weapon.


28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Even with Joe Haden and Artie Burns, the Steelers need more help in the secondary. Hughes plays much bigger than his size (5-foot-10, 189 pounds) and is physical at the line. He'd fit Pittsburgh's press-man scheme well.


29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

Another option here could be TE Dallas Goedert, but it's a little early. Sutton is a big-bodied (6-3, 218) receiver with good traits, but he needs to refine his route-running abilities. Guard could be another possibility here.


30. Minnesota Vikings
Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas


My second-ranked center, Ragnow has been a fast riser the past couple of weeks. A three-year starter at Arkansas, he has versatility and the toughness to start right away. The Vikings could plug him in at center or guard and check off one of their needs.



31. New England Patriots
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

This is one of Mel's guys, but there is no denying his traits. You don't find a lot of tackles who are 6-9, 309 with 34-inch arms. The Patriots would hope he solves their left tackle issue (with Nate Solder gone to the Giants) down the road.


32. Philadelphia Eagles
Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

This pick could go a lot of different ways. I expect Philadelphia to trade back and recoup some picks, especially given the strength of its roster and other teams' desire to move up potentially for a QB or another player. If not, I think the Eagles will go best available player, which was Michel on my board. Durability issues could bump Michel down.

____________________________

How is this guy getting first round pub now? I've seen video of him. Not impressive at all.
 

Simpleton

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I believe Ragnow was considered a possible 1st rounder before he was injured and missed a good part of the season. He wasn't able to participate in the Senior Bowl/Combine stuff so I think he flew under the radar and the media types are just now getting caught up through their sources.

I haven't watched him though so who knows?
 
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