2018 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-August Update
By Jon Dove
5. Chicago Bears- Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
The Chicago Bears believe they have their franchise quarterback in place with Mitch Trubisky. They also have a top-flight running back in the mix with Jordan Howard. Now, they need to land a difference maker at the wide receiver position.
Chicago needs to realize that Kevin White will likely never live up to expectations. However, Christian Kirk could be the type of receiver to take his place. Kirk is an excellent route runner who wins with a combination of speed and balance.
His ability to easily generate separation will provide Trubisky with a reliable target.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
If the Jacksonville Jaguars are picking inside the top-10 again it means that Blake Bortles struggled yet again. The Jaguars have done a great job adding talent across the roster, but can’t take that next step until they figure out the quarterback position.
Josh Rosen is a great NFL prospect who has all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level. However, there are some legitimate questions surrounding his durability and maturity. The Jaguars would need to spend a lot of time with Rosen in order to determine his overall demeanor.
However, talent often wins out and the Jaguars are a prime candidate to take a risk.
7. Buffalo Bills- Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
The same rings true for the Buffalo Bills who will be looking to replace Tyrod Taylor if they land a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Seeing how this mock draft played out the Bills would have a tough decision to make.
Many don’t see Mason Rudolph as a top-10 talent and maybe not even a 1st round quarterback. However, my evaluations have him in this range and rate him as someone with plenty of upside. Rudolph has the size, arm strength and poise needed to be an NFL quarterback.
Despite Oklahoma State’s spread attack, he has shown the ability to make NFL style throws. Rudolph features an excellent deep ball, great zip on all passes and solid accuracy. He is definitely an underrated player at this point in the process.
8. Los Angeles Chargers- Orlando Brown JR., OT, Oklahoma
The Los Angeles Chargers have had issues at the left tackle position for a long time. They are hoping that Russell Okung can stay healthy and solve the problem, but that would be going against his career trend. Their best option would be to target a long-term option in the draft.
Orlando Brown Jr. is a massive individual who also has the athleticism needed to hold up in pass protection. He projects as a franchise left tackle and should be able to contribute immediately.