2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post Trade Deadline Update

There were several NFL trades that had a major impact on my latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft.

We are at the half-way point of the NFL season with the trade deadline also just passing. This means we have a better idea of each team’s talent and where they may finish the season. It also gives us more information to develop a 2018 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Despite his struggles, Sam Darnold remains a top-flight quarterback prospect. He has the combination of size, arm strength and athleticism evaluators look for in a quarterback. His decision making it typically sound but has suffered some lapses this year.

Cleveland can’t pass on another opportunity to land a potential franchise quarterback.

2. San Francisco 49ers- Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

With Jimmy Garoppolo in the mix the San Francisco 49ers can use this pick to bloster another area of their roster. Saquon Barkley is a special talent who has a chance to be dominant at the next level. He is someone who can make an impact even if he’s shut down as a runner.

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3. Indianapolis Colts- Arden Key, Edge, LSU

Arden Key is arguably the top pass rushing prospect in this draft class. He features a rare combination of length, athleticism and hustle. Key would provide the Indianapolis Colts with a potentially dominant edge rusher.

4. Arizona Cardinals- Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Josh Allen is having his share of issues this season. However, there’s no deny his raw skills and high upside. This past year’s draft was a great example of how teams will overlook production when someone has such eye-popping talent. Arizona needs to find a long-term replacement for Carson Palmer and Allen would be a perfect fit.

5. New York Giants- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The Giants are trending towards having a top-5 pick which could give them a shot at finding Eli Manning’s long-term replacement. Picking someone like Josh Rosen won’t help the Giants next season, but it’s a big picture type of move.

6. Chicago Bears- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Chicago needs to start surrounding Mitch Trubisky with actual NFL talent at the wide receiver position. He will have a hard time developing without playmakers on the outside. Calvin Ridley has the size, speed and catching ability to provide the Bears with a No. 1 receiver.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Minkah Fitzpatrick is a dynamic playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. He is someone who can lineup at either cornerback or safety and make a major impact. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a talent boost at either position.

8. Miami Dolphins- Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

The Miami Dolphins just traded away Jay Ajayi and will need to find another option at the running back position. Adam Gase likes to employ a balanced attack so finding a talented runner is very important. LSU’s Derrius Guice has the potential to be an every-down back and the focal point of an offense.