As we head into week 12 of the NFL season it’s time to check out another 2018 NFL Mock Draft.
This updated version of my 2018 NFL Mock Draft features an interesting trade between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos. A trade like this looks like a real possibility with all the quarterbacks projected to go early in the 1st round.
1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Sam Darnold has a tough decision to make because he could return to USC or enter the draft and potentially get selected by the Browns. The decision to enter the NFL might be too hard to pass up even if that means playing in Cleveland.
2. TRADE- Denver Broncos (via SF)- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The Denver Broncos need to find their quarterback of the future so trading up with the 49ers who have Jimmy Garoppolo makes sense. Josh Rosen is a better prospect than any of the quarterbacks currently on the Broncos roster.
3. Indianapolis Colts- Saquan Barkley, RB, Penn State
Indianapolis could use more help on the defensive side of the ball, but passing up on a talent like Saquan Barkley would be tough. Barkley would give the Colts a major upgrade over the aging Frank Gore and help take some pressure off of Andrew Luck.
4. New York Giants- Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Josh Allen’s evaluation process is going to be very interesting. He absolutely has all the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL. This year has been a bit of a disaster as far as his production is concerned. However, there are some underlying circumstances such as limited surrounding talent.
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It makes sense for the Giants to grab a young quarterback like Allen to be the eventual replacement for Eli Manning.
5. Miami Dolphins- Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Dolphins could go in a few directions with this pick, but Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best player available at this point. His a difference maker in the secondary who can play either safety or cornerback. In Miami, he will likely play cornerback which is an area of need.
6. TRADE- San Francisco 49ers (via Den)- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
San Francisco will get a nice haul if they decide to trade out of the No. 2 pick. In this scenario they only drop a few spots and still land a top flight talent like Calvin Ridley. This would be a great addition to the roster and provide Garoppolo with a legitimate No. 1 receiving threat.
7. Green Bay Packers- Bradley Chubb, Edge, NC State
The Packers are a candidate to select one of the top-rated offensive tackle prospects, but here grab the best pass rusher on the board. Green Bay’s defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure and may need to start thinking about life after Clay Matthews.
8. Chicago Bears- Arden Key, Edge, LSU
Chicago is in desperate need of a playmaker at the wide receiver position. However, that need shouldn’t force them to overdraft. They can add a dynamic pass rusher in Arden Key to work opposite the emerging Leonard Floyd. This draft has several wide receiver prospects who will be available on the draft’s second day.