With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl LII and Senior Bowl Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese's Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the North team throws the ball during the first half of the Reese's Senior Bowl against the the South team at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

1. player. 53. . Quarterback. USC. Sam Darnold

The Cleveland Browns have plenty of options at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. That much is obvious and inherent, but the fact that the Browns will pick again just three spots later creates a different level of flexibility.

John Dorsey has made it clear that he will pick the best available talent, and no quarterback has a higher ceiling in this draft class than Sam Darnold.

Josh Rosen is the more NFL-ready player, but Darnold has more upside—and that’s something Cleveland can afford to invest in. This isn’t about finding a player who will make the Browns better in 2018, but landing the field general of the next decade-plus.

In that scenario, Darnold’s inconsistencies are worth overlooking in favor of the fact that he can do just about everything you’d like him to do.

Darnold has the arm strength and accuracy to make all of the NFL throws and progressions. He isn’t exactly Lamar Jackson on the ground, but he can evade the rush, is tough to bring down, and isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty for a first down.

Darnold needs to improve his footwork and decision-making, but behind a solid offensive line, he could be the long-awaited franchise quarterback whom Cleveland needs.

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