2018 NFL Mock Draft: Offense comes first in 3rd-quarter edition
Every month for the remainder of the 2017 season, theScore's Dane Belbeck and Mitch Sanderson will project the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft using the current standings to predict the order. Strength of schedule will be used as the first tiebreaker and theScore's weekly power rankings will be used as the second.
1. Cleveland Browns - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The Browns missed out on the Carson Wentzs and Deshaun Watsons of the world. It's time to pull the trigger on their man. Rosen has already shown he can have success with limited talent around him in college, and has the intangibles to be a leader in the pros. - Sanderson
2. San Francisco 49ers - Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
It was a meaningless touchdown pass at the end of a blowout, but Jimmy Garoppolo's first scoring play as a 49er offered hope to the fanbase. Adding Barkley to that offense would cause borderline hysteria among the San Francisco faithful. Seeing how a player of Barkley's immense talent would fit with offensive guru Kyle Shanahan would be incredibly fun. - Belbeck
3. New York Giants - Connor Williams, OT, Texas
It is unclear what the Giants will want to do with their roster come spring as a new head coach and general manager will likely be in place, but one thing is for certain - the offensive line needs help. Williams, who recently declared for the draft, is projected to be the best blocker. Whoever is playing quarterback for the Giants in the future will be happy to have him protecting. - Sanderson
4. Denver Broncos - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Anyone who has watched a Broncos game this season knows the club desperately needs a quarterback. John Elway will jump at the chance to draft the next Broncos star in Darnold. There are questions surrounding Darnold's high turnover numbers this season, but his talent is too good to pass up. - Belbeck
5. Indianapolis Colts - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Colts found a stud safety in Malik Hooker in last year's draft. Pairing him with Fitzpatrick and cornerback Quincy Wilson will provide a versatile secondary to anchor down Indianapolis' backend as Chris Ballard continues to clean up Ryan Grigson's mess. - Sanderson
6. Chicago Bears - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Bears receiving corps is as thin as any in the league, something that is likely stunting Mitch Trubisky's growth in his rookie season. Gaining a game-breaker like Ridley will immediately help the Bears' young quarterback and the passing game. - Belbeck
7. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans) - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
If the Browns can find their quarterback of the future with their first pick, they'll want to make sure he can stay healthy, using their second selection of the opening round for protection. McGlinchey can play right or left tackle, and with Joe Thomas potentially retiring in the next few years, the Notre Dame product may need to do both. - Sanderson
8. New York Jets - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Most didn't think it was possible, but the reigning Heisman trophy winner's stats are actually better this season than last. Jackson is set for stardom in the NFL, and the Jets will love the instant draw he will bring to the club. Todd Bowles is a defensive coach, and when he sees how difficult Jackson is to game plan for on tape, he will leap at the chance to take him. - Belbeck
9. Miami Dolphins - Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
The Dolphins' pass rush has the potential to be dominant if someone like Chubb or 2017 first-rounder Charles Harris can keep Cameron Wake fresh. Chubb has flown up the boards this season with his consistently disruptive effort. Handling him and Ndamukong Suh would be a tall task for any opponent. - Sanderson
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Derwin James, S, Florida State
Florida State's star safety won't be traveling far to play his professional games, staying local by joining the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay desperately needs a playmaker in the backend, and the rangy junior is as dominant a defensive player as there is in the country. - Belbeck
(Photos Courtesy - Getty Images)