5 bold predictions for Day 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft
With the 2018 NFL Draft set to kick off Thursday, April 26, theScore's NFL editors make five bold predictions about what will transpire.
Record-setting 7 QBs drafted in 1st round
The 1983 draft remains the record holder for the most quarterbacks taken in the first round. Six passers went within the first 27 picks and three of them - John Elway (1st), Jim Kelly (14th), and Dan Marino (27th) - became Hall of Famers. A new record will be set this year when seven quarterbacks hear their names called on Day 1. Aided by an early run of four QBs taken in the top five, Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph both find homes halfway through the round, and Luke Falk sneaks into the back half to a team with an aging veteran. - Michael McClymont
Cowboys trade for Thomas moments before draft
The Dallas Cowboys have done an admirable job of keeping eccentric owner Jerry Jones in check during recent drafts, but the dam can only hold the waves of his ego for so long. Desperate to boost the fanbase's hype following the release of Dez Bryant, the Cowboys send a second-rounder to the Seattle Seahawks for Earl Thomas moments before the draft starts, hoping the All-Pro safety can be the defensive difference-maker who sends Dallas back to the postseason after Thomas himself teased the move midseason. - Jack Browne
Rosen takes Rodgers-esque slide to Chargers
It was 13 years ago when a certain future Hall of Fame quarterback had to sit in the green room listening to 23 other names called before he landed in what would eventually become a perfect situation in Green Bay. The two have spent some time together and Josh Rosen exhibits some similarities to Aaron Rodgers, and he will add another similarity to that list on Thursday night. With a shoulder injury and history of concussions in his past, Rosen's medical checks will hurt his stock in the early picks before he lands as Philip Rivers' successor at No. 17 in the city he's called home through his collegiate career. - Mitch Sanderson
Browns double 1st-round picks from 2 to 4
The Cleveland Browns currently hold picks No. 1 and No. 4 in the first round but could be the first team since the New York Jets in 2000 to possess four picks on Day 1. General manager John Dorsey is expected to select a quarterback with the first overall selection, but anything can happen after that. A team with two first-rounders, such as the Buffalo Bills or New England Patriots, will look to use their assets in an effort to trade up to No. 4 to give Cleveland three picks. The Browns will then use their wealth of Day 2 and Day 3 picks to trade into the bottom of the first round if a prospect they love falls into their laps. Four first-round picks could be just what the doctor ordered for the Browns to exit the NFL's basement. - Mike Alessandrini
Patriots trade into top 10, but not for QB
The New England Patriots have the assets to make a surprising move up the draft board with two first- and second-round picks. Instead of going after a passer to succeed Tom Brady, as some have speculated, the Patriots will bolster their roster in an attempt to let Brady lead the team to his sixth Super Bowl championship. Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson offers a tremendous upgrade to an offensive line that lost tackle Nate Solder to free agency. Keeping Brady on his feet and out of harm's way continues to be New England's main key to success. - Esten McLaren
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)