2018 NFL Mock Draft: 4 QBs go in top 6 of post-Super Bowl edition
Every month of the 2017 season, theScore's Dane Belbeck and Mitch Sanderson project the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. With Super Bowl LII wrapped up, the full order has been set, aside from a coin flip between the 49ers and Raiders.
Here's the latest prediction:
1. Cleveland Browns - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
While Josh Rosen may be the better passer, the UCLA product publicizing his desire to avoid the Browns doesn't bode well for his chances of landing in Cleveland. Darnold has the size and style to start as a rookie in Cleveland and sounds willing to accept the challenge. - Sanderson
2. New York Giants - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
While it certainly sounds like the Giants are sticking with Eli Manning at quarterback, New York doesn't get the chance to have a top-three pick very often. They will opt for Manning's eventual replacement out of UCLA, perhaps the readiest passer in the draft. - Belbeck
3. Indianapolis Colts - Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
The Colts can't go wrong addressing a defensive position and Chubb looks to be the most impactful prospect on that side of the ball. Don't be surprised if Indy trades back with a quarterback-needy team at this spot. - Sanderson
4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans) - Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Browns will complete the backfield makeover by adding the electric Penn State star alongside Darnold. Barkley is arguably the most exciting player in the draft and it's tough to see anything but excellence from him at the professional level. - Belbeck
5. Denver Broncos - Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Wyoming product played well at the Senior Bowl after a rocky college career, but if there's one thing we know for sure about John Elway: he likes tall quarterbacks. One thing Allen has is height. - Sanderson
6. New York Jets - Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets have lacked any sort of swagger since Rex Ryan was their head coach and Mayfield will immediately energize the fanbase. He's ready to start right away, something the Jets could use to make them relevant in the AFC. - Belbeck
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Buccaneers have holes to fill at cornerback and safety. Luckily for them, Fitzpatrick can play both. The two-time All-American has been a versatile, consistent playmaker at Alabama for his entire college career. - Sanderson
8. Chicago Bears - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Bears recorded just 13 receiving touchdowns all season, and only four were caught by a wide receiver. That's a number that has to drastically change for Chicago to take the next step. Drafting Ridley is the first move to ensure that happens. - Belbeck
9. San Francisco 49ers* - Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
After landing Reuben Foster in last year's draft, the 49ers are one linebacker away from recreating the magic they had with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman under Jim Harbaugh. Pairing Smith and Foster could create a duo that strikes fear in the rest of the NFC West. - Sanderson
10. Oakland Raiders* - Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Edmunds is among the most athletic players in the draft and offers a ton of upside for Jon Gruden's Raiders. Having him and Khalil Mack on the same defense would be terrifying for any opposing quarterback. - Belbeck
11. Miami Dolphins - Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Adam Gase grew increasingly agitated with his offense throughout last season. Without one position to focus on offensively, taking Nelson - arguably the safest pick in the draft - is an easy selection. - Sanderson
12. Cincinnati Bengals - Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown is one of the biggest players in the draft and his elite size will certainly help the Bengals on the offensive line. Cincinnati looked shaky throughout the season in pass protection, and this pick gives Andy Dalton a much-needed security boost. - Belbeck
13. Washington Redskins - Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Bringing in Alex Smith to replace Kirk Cousins cost the Redskins one of their best defensive backs in Kendall Fuller. With Smith locked up for a few seasons, Washington doesn't have to select a quarterback and can afford to take Ward, the latest in a line of talented Ohio State DBs. - Sanderson
14. Green Bay Packers - Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
The versatile Jackson can play both inside and out and will immediately help one of the worst passing defenses in the league. - Belbeck
15. Arizona Cardinals - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The Cardinals are in need of a new quarterback and they don't have the cap space to go after a coveted free agent. That's not to say they'll take Jackson because they have to, though. The former Heisman Trophy winner has all the ability to become the next Deshaun Watson. - Sanderson
16. Baltimore Ravens - Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Ravens' offense has needs all over the field, but the main ingredient to their success is keeping Joe Flacco clean in the pocket. The hulking tackle from Texas will immediately improve their line and should help the struggling passing attack. - Belbeck
17. Los Angeles Chargers - Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Chargers were heavily linked to safety prospect Malik Hooker last season but opted to improve the offense with Mike Williams. Now, they have the chance to bring in another elite talent in James, who may not be as flashy as Hooker, but is one of the most dependable defenders available. - Sanderson
18. Seattle Seahawks - Billy Price, C, Ohio State
He may not be the sexiest pick on the board, but don't be shocked if Price ends up being one of the smartest. It's no secret the Seahawks offensive line has been among the worst in the league for years, and getting the best center in the draft will be a huge addition. - Belbeck
19. Dallas Cowboys - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
With the Cowboys passing game struggling throughout the 2017 season, a 6-foot-4 receiver who grew up in Texas and is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons is too good for Jerry Jones to pass up. - Sanderson
20. Detroit Lions - Vita Vea, DT, Washington
The Lions had a middle-of-the-pack run defense last season, and adding Vea should immediately take them to the next level. The 340-pounder had exceptional lateral quickness for his size and is a threat in the pass rush. - Belbeck
21. Buffalo Bills - Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
The first of the Bills' back-to-back opening-round picks, Hughes could team up with last year's top selection Tre'Davious White and form a lockdown duo to lead Buffalo's defense to another playoff trip. - Sanderson
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs) - James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
There wasn't a better big-play receiver in the country last year, and the Bills desperately need that game-breaking potential on their offense. - Belbeck
23. Los Angeles Rams - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Andrew Whitworth was a blessing for the Rams' offense last season, but the 36-year-old can't play at an All-Pro level forever. McGlinchey could slide in at right tackle from Day 1 and move to left when Whitworth begins to fade. - Sanderson
24. Carolina Panthers - Arden Key, DE, LSU
Key is one of the biggest wildcards in the draft as he possesses elite size and athleticism, but has lacked consistency during his time at LSU. The Panthers will bet on upside here and take the talented pass-rusher. - Belbeck
25. Tennessee Titans - Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Jurell Casey has been a one-man wrecking crew on the Titans' defensive line without much help around him. Payne has the potential to be an elite nose tackle. Imagine what Casey could do without facing double teams every snap. - Sanderson
26. Atlanta Falcons - Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Hurst may be undersized at the defensive tackle position, but his quickness and ability to read the game make up for that. Adding him to an explosive defense in Atlanta is a scary thought for the rest of the NFC. - Belbeck
27. New Orleans Saints - Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Davenport is a raw talent who didn't get much recognition at UTSA, but performed well at the Senior Bowl. The Saints have been dying for a pass-rusher to pair with Cam Jordan for years. - Sanderson
28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Harrison moved all over the Alabama defense and was a dominant force throughout his time in the SEC. His ability to play all over the field will be a huge benefit to a Steelers defense that allowed 7.2 yards per pass last season. - Belbeck
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
A tight end who can burn defenses over the middle on play action can be a deadly weapon for a run-first offense. Hurst, a native of Jacksonville, can be a formidable blocker and productive receiver with the Jaguars. - Sanderson
30. Minnesota Vikings - Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Wynn played tackle for Georgia last season but is likely better suited to line up at guard in the NFL. The Vikings have one of the deepest rosters in the league, but adding an excellent offensive line piece is never a bad idea. - Belbeck
31. New England Patriots - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
It is tough to argue the Patriots need to address any one position, however, they still lack a receiver with the type of "get off me" strength that Kirk possesses. - Sanderson
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
The Eagles cornerbacks were caught being overly aggressive often this season in an effort to make up for their overall lack of size. At 6-foot-1, Oliver could provide a different type of matchup defender for a team equipped to defend their Super Bowl title. - Sanderson
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)