With Super Bowl LII on the horizon and the 2018 Senior Bowl behind us, general managers can look ahead to a deep NFL Draft class.
The NFL is coming off of a season that produced results that few expected to witness. Elite quarterback play became optional for success, with multiple teams overcoming injuries and inconsistency to emerge as surprising contenders.
With Super Bowl LII on the horizon, 32 teams will finally learn which organization truly was the class of the NFL during the 2017 season.
While the time for reflection will arrive, general managers can’t afford to spend the next three months looking back at what could have been. The 2018 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the 2018 Senior Bowl has already provided insight into what teams can look forward to.
Thus, while the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles prepare for an unexpected Super Bowl encounter, every franchise must be mindful of what’s yet to come.
In some instances, teams will have a chance to make the big splash by taking a chance on a quarterback in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In others, franchises can make the less glamorous moves that will solidify their foundation.
The question is: What would—and, more applicably, should—your favorite NFL team do if the 2018 NFL Draft were held today?
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.
The ideal scenario for the New York Giants would be to trade back and potentially utilize multiple first-round draft picks to address the offensive line. If we’re to assume that no trades will be made, however, then New York needs to find a player who can handle the pressure of going No. 2.
Finding a quarterback may be the top priority with Eli Manning now 37 years old, but New York can afford to take the best talent on the board and wait until Round 2 for a QB.
The Giants finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 26 in rushing yards and No. 28 in rushing touchdowns. It’s run for a grand total of 12 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons combined, and hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2012.
Some of that blame goes to the offensive line, but the Giants have simply lacked adequate talent at the running back position for five painful years.
Saquon Barkley is the type of dynamic playmaker who could help New York turn the offense around in just one season. He can grind his way between the tackles and break outside when the interior collapses, and is one of the most skilled pass-catchers at his position.
I understand the trepidation, but having a talented defense and two dynamic skill players in Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. would immediately change the culture.
The Indianapolis Colts are another team that would benefit greatly from trading down and bolstering the offensive line. In the event that Indianapolis keeps this selection, however, the primary focus should be on improving the defense.
In that scenario, it would behoove the Colts to make the obvious move by fixing one of the very worst pass rushes in the NFL.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is a viable option here, but the Colts need to give opposing quarterbacks less time in the pocket. Indianapolis ranked No. 28 in passing yards allowed in 2017, due in large part to the fact that it ranked No. 31 in the NFL in sacks.
Thankfully for Indianapolis, edge rusher Bradley Chubb is one of the best players that this draft class has to offer—and he’s all but guaranteed to be available at No. 3.
Chubb’s quickness off the line is an invaluable asset, as it’s enabled him to achieve great success against both the run and the pass. Over the course of his final three seasons at North Carolina State, he registered 54.5 tackles for loss and 25 sacks.
Considering the Colts allowed opponents to move the ball at virtual will through the air in 2017, applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks should be a top priority.
If the goal at No. 1 overall was to find someone to improving the passing offense, the No. 4 overall selection must be utilized to improve the passing defense. With Myles Garrett being looked to as a potential anchor along the defensive line, the next step is to shore up the secondary.
The Cleveland Browns takes a significant step in the right direction by adding Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick is widely regarded as a player with the potential to develop into a legitimate shutdown corner. He’s also displayed the versatility to potentially play safety at the highest possible level, which only adds to the appeal of bringing in another dynamic defensive back.
Whether he plays cornerback or safety at the next level, he’d help Garrett anchor what would have the potential to become a vastly improved passing defense as soon as 2018.
For those who doubt how badly the Browns must improve against the pass, just check the numbers. Only five teams allowed more passing touchdowns than Cleveland in 2017, and only one defense came away with fewer interceptions.
With Jason McCourty set to turn 31 years of age in August, the time is now for the Browns to invest their seemingly limitless resources into improving the defense.
The Denver Broncos struggled on defense in 2017, but much of that can be accounted to the dreadful play on offense. With erratic contributions at both quarterback and running back, Denver’s offense failed to provide its defense with time to rest or ideal starting field position.
Saquon Barkley was my original choice for the Broncos, but with him coming off the board at No. 2, it would behoove John Elway to take a chance on Josh Rosen.
Rosen’s commitment to the sport has been questioned, but he’s as polished a player as you’ll find at his age. Not only is he the prototype in terms of size, mobility, and arm strength, but the accuracy on his throws may put him in a tier above his peers.
Rosen may never develop into a superstar quarterback, but if Denver is looking to win now, he’s the rookie who gives them the best chance of doing so.
In the long-term, Rosen has the tools to become the ideal postseason quarterback. This is all based on projections and the expectation that his work ethic will be sufficient, but he can take care of the ball and alleviate pressure from the defense by simply moving the chains.
With Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders at his disposal, Rosen would have one of the most manageable transitions of any quarterback in this draft class.
The New York Jets may need a quarterback more than any other franchise in the NFL. No quarterback in Jets history has won more than 60 games in the white and green, with no field general exceeding 40 wins since Ken O’Brien concluded his tenure in 1992.
The Jets shouldn’t reach for just any quarterback who looks the part of a quality player, but investing in a dynamic talent who can be more than a game manager should be a risk they’re willing to take.
Josh Allen may not be the safest pick available, but it’s half past time the Jets take a chance on a more than serviceable quarterback. The carousel of career backups has consistently lowered New York’s ceiling, and that approach simply cannot persist.
Thus, while Allen has been exposed as an inaccurate passer, his combination of explosive talent and high character should be enough to intrigue the Jets.
Allen has a big enough arm to make NFL throws, which means improving his accuracy will be a manageable task. What could make him special is that he knows how to evade a pass rush, and can make the type of plays with his legs that contemporary quarterbacks are all but required to.
New York can no longer live and die by the Ryan Fitzpatrick’s and Josh McCown’s of the world. It’s time to take a chance on a dynamic talent in the NFL Draft.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a quarterback they believe in, a borderline elite No. 1 receiving option, and a future that’s as promising as it is concerning. Just when it seemed as though the Bucs were ready to make a leap, it all came crashing down in 2017.
For as vast and appealing as the options may be at other positions, nothing will matter more for Tampa Bay in April than improving the passing defense.
The Buccaneers finished the 2017 regular season ranked dead last in passing yards allowed—an unforgivable truth. That could compel Jason Licht to look for a defensive lineman, but I’m not entirely sure that Arden Key would be the right pick here.
Instead, in-state prospect and decorated safety Derwin James appears to be the player who could do the most to help Tampa Bay in 2018 and beyond.
James has elite size and athleticism for a safety, which enables him to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Whether he’s bringing help over the top or running stride for stride with tight ends and slot receivers, his range and closing speed make him a riveting force.
Coupled with the fact that James is excellent against the run, the only thing to worry about here is his durability—something Tampa Bay can do its homework on ahead of time.
It’s easy to see a popular choice amongst NFL Draft analysts and come to the conclusion that you should go against the grain. In the case of the Chicago Bears, a vast majority of fans and writers agree that Calvin Ridley is the obvious selection.
Tempting as it may be to argue against that belief, it’s hard to think of a player who’s better equipped to help the Bears in both the short-term and the long-term than Ridley.
Mitchell Trubisky was selected at No 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, which all but locks him in as the franchise quarterback. Finding him help will be critical, as running back Jordan Howard can only do so much when opposing defenses routinely stack the box.
Considering Kendall Wright was the only Bears receiver to go over 500 receiving yards in 2017, it’s safe to say that wide receiver is a position of need.
Alabama’s run-heavy offense and erratic quarterback play dampened Ridley’s statistical footprint, but he’s an elite talent. He’s a big play waiting to happen, with outstanding foot speed and an average of 16.2 yards per reception to display his explosiveness.
It’s possible that the Bears will look elsewhere, but for the time being, the Ridley pick makes too much sense to even play devil’s advocate.
A coin toss will occur to determine whether the Oakland Raiders pick at No. 9 or No. 10 in the 2018 NFL Draft. The selections wouldn’t change in this scenario, however, as the projections are at different positions for the Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.
In Oakland’s case, nothing will matter more this offseason than improving what devolved into one of the worst defensive backfields in the NFL.
Oakland finished the 2017 regular season at No. 27 in passing yards allowed and No. 28 in yards allowed per attempt. Perhaps most importantly, the Raiders came up with a grand total of five interceptions—quite easily the lowest mark in the NFL.
By adding former Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward, the Raiders would add the type of speed that the defense needs in the secondary.
It’s important to look beyond the numbers, but Ward broke up 15 passes during the 2017 season—nearly twice as many as Minkah Fitzpatrick. That number is an accurate illustration of what makes Ward so intriguing: The manner in which he utilizes his athleticism to make plays on the ball.
In Jon Gruden’s first year back with the Raiders, the primary focus should be solidifying a defense that will be the backbone of his tenure.
It was difficult to pass over Tremaine Edmunds at this stage of the 2018 NFL Draft. Finding a another three-down linebacker to pair with Reuben Foster would be true to San Francisco 49ers form, but there’s a new priority in the Bay Area.
With Jimmy Garoppolo establishing himself as the new face of the organization, nothing matters more than finding players who can keep him upright.
One could argue against this pick, and I truthfully wouldn’t have much opposition to the points they raise. But while Edmunds is one of the most compelling linebackers in this class, Garoppolo is a franchise-level talent who needs protection.
Joe Staley and Trent Brown are as solid a duo of tackles as any in the NFL, but with Brandon Fusco soon to come off the books, San Francisco needs a new interior anchor.
Quenton Nelson qualifies as such, with the combination of strength and toughness that San Francisco is going to need moving forward. The 49ers are expected to run a balanced offense with Garoppolo, Matt Breida, and, potentially, Carlos Hyde.
It’s rare that guards come off the board this early, but the 49ers need an interior lineman, and Nelson is the perfect prospect for this franchise.
Of all the areas in which the Miami Dolphins must improve, nothing will matter more than finding better players at linebacker. Miami’s linebacker corps rated amongst the worst in the NFL in 2017, and there aren’t many signs that suggest the results will change any time soon.
Thus, as Chris Grier evaluates his options at No. 11 overall, this is going to come down to Tremaine Edmunds and Roquan Smith—and it’s Smith who wins out.
Smith is a sideline-to-sideline player whom Adam Gase will likely appreciate, but Edmunds has the highest upside of any linebacker in this class. He’s a 6’5″ and 246-pound force of nature with great speed for his size and an uncommon ability to find the ball.
That much is proven by the fact that, over the past two seasons, Edmunds has produced 202 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 10.0 sacks.
One could argue in favor of a defensive back here, but I’m not entirely sold on Josh Jackson being worth the No. 11 pick just yet. Edmunds, on the other hand, is an imposing player whose physicality will be a welcome addition in the AFC East.
Linebackers rarely come off the board this early, but the Dolphins can’t possibly move forward without addressing the glaring flaw that is their atrocious linebacker corps.
The Cincinnati Bengals face no bigger issue than the inconsistency at offensive tackle. Losing Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler was destined to hurt, but the indifference of Cedric Ogbuehi and the health concerns of Jake Fisher have made the issues even more profound.
Baker Mayfield is another option for the Bengals here, but if the organization is willing to give Marvin Lewis an extension, it’s likely to give Andy Dalton the benefit of the doubt, as well.
Cincinnati finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 29 in yards per carry, which was as much a product of its porous offensive line as it was its predictable play-calling. It also allowed 40 sacks, which only begins to scratch the surface of how poor its pass protection was.
The jury is still out on Dalton, but he deserves credit for throwing 25 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions in a year during which he was under constant pressure.
Mike McGlinchey is the safest option here as a versatile player who can step up and lead the charge on both sides of the line. He has experience at both left and right tackle, and graded well against both the pass and the run in 2017.
With three years of starting experience, including two protecting the blindside of a carousel of quarterbacks, experience works in the favor of the best tackle in this draft class.
In a division with Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz, having a young quarterback on a team-friendly contract will be crucial. After trading for Alex Smith, however, the Washington Redskins are clearly in win-now mode—and that makes the offensive line a top priority.
Pro Bowl mainstay Trent Williams is a star of the highest degree, but Washington can solidify the right tackle position with Connor Williams at No. 13.
Williams is a top-10 talent who falls out of that range due to injury concerns. When he’s healthy and at his best, however, he can be a genuinely dominant force in pass protection and a dynamic run protector who can get to the second level.
That’s an appealing truth for a Washington team that’s likely to run the ball on a consistent basis with Smith taking over at quarterback.
Trent Williams is a star, but it must also be noted that he missed a large portion of the 2017 regular season due to a lingering knee injury. It’s likely that he’ll return to 100 percent, but this team needs to build a genuinely elite O-Line if it’s going to win with Smith under center.
Williams is a high-risk, high-reward type of player, but if the injury concerns are proved to be overblown, then this could be the answer for Washington.
The 2018 NFL Draft is an event that could go a long way towards determining the trajectory of the Aaron Rodgers era. Rodgers is a first-ballot Hall of Famer already, but the Packers have failed to complement him with championship-caliber teams.
Keeping Rodgers upright should be a top priority, but Green Bay must also alleviate pressure by requiring the two-time MVP to produce less points.
The area in which Green Bay struggled most in 2017 was all too familiar: Pass defense. Green Bay ranked No. 23 in passing yards allowed, and No. 30 in three prominent categories: passing touchdowns, opponent yards per attempt, and opponent completion percentage.
Josh Jackson will have eyes staring holes through him during the 40-yard dash, but if his speed checks out, he could be the perfect player to help Green Bay’s vaunted defensive line.
Jackson finished 2017 season with eight interceptions and 18 passes defended. That’s a clear sign of his brilliance in man coverage, which should appeal to a Packers team that has the defensive line to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks—pressure that could lead to turnovers with Jackson making plays on the ball.
For what it’s worth: When Green Bay won the Super Bowl during the 2010-11 season, it ranked No. 2 in the NFL in interceptions. Jackson could bring help them back.
The Arizona Cardinals didn’t just lose head coach Bruce Arians following the 2017 regular season. Arizona also lost quarterback Carson Palmer, who retired after a lengthy and productive NFL career that enabled Arizona to remain relevant.
There’s reason to believe that the offensive line should be the primary focus, but if Baker Mayfield is available here, Arizona should pounce.
Mayfield is a polarizing player both on and off the field, due in large part to his brash nature and the comfortable pockets he benefited from at Oklahoma. He has the arm strength to make NFL throws, however, and is nothing if not a gamer.
Out to prove that he’s not the next Johnny Manziel, a motivated and scorned Mayfield could be the perfect fit for the Cardinals in a post-Palmer era.
If nothing else, Mayfield knows how to read a defense. Teams will see how well he performs under pressure in the buildup to the draft, but he threw 119 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions over his final three seasons in college—a ridiculous 5.67 touchdown to interception ratio.
Throw in the fact that Mayfield is a tenacious competitor who can beat you with his legs, and there may not be a better player to replace Carson Palmer than he.
It’s rare that one can actually pinpoint wide receiver as the primary need for a team in the first round of the NFL Draft. In the case of the Baltimore Ravens, however, they’re coming off of a season during which their most productive receivers were Mike Wallace and Benjamin Watson.
Joe Flacco may or may not be a franchise-level player, but whomever the Ravens play at quarterback needs help—and Christian Kirk would provide it.
Despite the fact that Alex Collins provided a solid season on the ground, Baltimore struggled to execute through the air. It ranked No. 29 in passing yards and dead last in yards per attempt, which signals an undeniable need for playmakers at wide receiver.
Derrius Guice could make sense at running back, but the better option for Baltimore would be to give Flacco a player whom he can trust to make plays after the catch.
Courtland Sutton is the more explosive option, but his issues with drops make Kirk the better selection for Baltimore. Kirk may prove to be more of a slot receiver, but being able to get the ball into someone’s hands and trust that they’ll create extra yardage would change the offense.
Kirk has the elusiveness to help move the chains, and the speed to beat a defense over the top—and Baltimore has neither with its current receiving corps.
The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the worst teams in the NFL at defending the run during the 2017 regular season. It was the fatal flaw of a team that otherwise had the talent to make a return to the postseason.
At No. 17 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, this is the perfect time for Tom Telesco to find the inside linebacker who can help round the Chargers into form.
An offensive tackle who even tries to block for the run is an attractive option here, but Los Angeles had the worst run defense in the NFL in 2017. It allowed a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry, and ranked No. 31 in rushing yards allowed—the proven cause of losing close games.
With one of the best defensive lines in all of football, this falls directly on the shoulders of one of the worst linebacker corps in the game.
Thankfully for Los Angeles, the next great Alabama inside linebacker turned NFL thumper has arrived in 2018: Rashaan Evans. He’s not only outstanding against the run, but does an excellent job of rushing the passer—a scary thought with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa already present.
Los Angeles needs to improve its run blocking, as well, but in the first round, the top priority should be stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage.
Regardless of how they do it, the Seattle Seahawks need to make the game simpler for Russell Wilson. Wilson admittedly has a tendency to hold the ball for too long, but he’s under constant pressure in the pocket, and is taking far too many hits.
Finding a reliable running back should be a top priority, but first things first: Seattle needs to improve the quality and consistency of its offensive line.
Duane Brown did a solid job in 2017, but his well-rounded play is where the praise ends. Whether it was a passing play, a run outside, or an attempt to pound the ball between the tackles, Seattle’s offensive line was out of its depth.
In order to address that issue, the Seahawks look to 6’8″ offensive tackle Orlando Brown—an individual whose past experience makes him a perfect fit.
Baker Mayfield may not reach Wilson’s level in the NFL, but the way he played in college is comparable to how Wilson plays in Seattle. That gives Brown first-hand knowledge of how to block for a quarterback who’s slightly undersized, likes to scramble, and can hold on to the ball for too long.
With experience at both right and left tackle, Brown has proven to be proficient in blocking for both the run and pass—a combination of skills that Seattle desperately needs.
The polarizing reality of what happened to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017 is that Jason Garrett had one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL. Dallas seemed to have quality or high-quality contributors at every position, but a combination of injuries and suspensions derailed its season.
The question is: Should the Cowboys focus more on giving Dak Prescott a better receiving corps? Or should it continue to do what made it relevant again?
Upgrading at wide receiver and tight end will be crucial, but the drop-off between No. 19 and the second round shouldn’t be terribly significant. Thus, the Cowboys select a defensive lineman with perhaps the highest ceiling at his position.
Washington Huskies standout Vita Vea is an absolute Goliath who could be the player who anchors Dallas’ defensive line for years to come.
At 6’4″ and 346 pounds, Vea is just as likely to swallow up two blockers as he is to split them and get into the backfield. He’s garnered comparisons to Haloti Ngata, due in large part to his unique combination of size, power, and quickness off the line.
Dallas became relevant again by dominating the line of scrimmage on offense. It’s time it learns to do so on defense, as well.
The internal debate for the Detroit Lions pertains to which line needs more improvement. While Detroit consistently struggles to get a sufficient push up the gut, it also plays in an NFL that’s overrun with high-quality quarterbacks.
If Marcus Davenport slides to No. 20 in the 2018 NFL Draft—and chances are, he won’t—then it would be difficult to justify Detroit passing on him.
After enduring a down year in 2016, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah bounced back with 12.0 sacks in 2017. With Ansah entering free agency, however, the Lions may need to utilize the 2018 NFL Draft to address what’s become a position of need.
Even if Ansah were to re-sign with Detroit, having two high-ceiling pass rushers would go a long way towards legitimizing the Lions’ defense in a rugged NFC North.
Davenport stands at 6’7″ and 255 pounds, and has a rare blend of power and agility when coming off the line. The 2017 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year justified the hype at the Senior Bowl, where he sacked Baker Mayfield and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Davenport has as much upside as any player in this draft class, and the Lions have have proven they aren’t afraid to take a chance on potential.
The Buffalo Bills appear to have expressed a desire to move away from Tyrod Taylor as the franchise quarterback. Even if Buffalo wants to build around Taylor, the coaching staff may have alienated him to the point of no return with his seemingly unjustified benching.
For as intriguing as drafting a quarterback would be, the Bills have to be mindful of the fact that their defense is nowhere near where it should be.
Even before he broke out under the bright lights of the College Football Playoff, Roquan Smith had the reputation of being a sure tackler. He wraps players up, drives hard with his hips, and focuses more on making the smart play than finding himself on the highlight reel.
That may not make him the most attractive of options for a team that seemingly needs a quarterback, but Buffalo needs to improve on defense.
The Bills finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 29 in both rushing yards allowed and sacks recorded. By selecting Smith, Sean McDermott would be equipped with a thumping linebacker who has proven capable of both stuffing the run and getting after the quarterback.
In a zone-heavy defense, Smith’s combination of speed and physicality could be what rounds the Bills into form in 2018 and beyond.
Kyle Williams has done an excellent job of providing stability to the defensive tackle position during his time with the Buffalo Bills. Now 34 years of age, however, Williams is going to need some combination of help and an heir apparent.
Selecting a defensive tackle is a realistic option here, but Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds would be a genuine steal at No. 22.
Hurst is a player who could go significantly earlier or later than this, but in this scenario, he falls into Buffalo’s lap. He has the potential to fill an important void for the Bills as a penetrating 3-technique, which is exactly what this struggling pass rush needs.
Hurst finished the 2017 season with 5.5 sacks over his final eight games, which should convey how dynamic he can be in both the short-term and the long-term.
As previously alluded to, Buffalo ranked No. 29 in both rushing yards allowed and sacks in 2017. Hurst would help address that issue by providing Williams and Jerry Hughes with an athletic presence who will draw attention from them.
Buffalo has other options here, but if it manages to find a penetrating defensive lineman and an athletic linebacker who can start as soon as 2018, that would be a win.
The Los Angeles Rams have a one-man pass rush in perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aaron Donald. In order to adequately complement the most dominant (active) defensive force in the NFL, the Rams must provide support in the secondary.
That brings the focus to cornerback, where the Rams would benefit from transforming the solid corps into one with genuinely elite potential.
The term shutdown corner is one that can be thrown around loosely, but it’s beginning to surface with consistency when describing Mike Hughes. He was a key contributor to UCF’s undefeated season with his uncanny ability to take a No. 1 wide receiver out of games.
Hughes held projected first-round draft pick Courtland Sutton to 46 receiving yards, and Day 2 prospect Anthony Miller had three total catches in his first meeting with UCF.
For the Rams, adding a player who’s willing to get physical in the secondary and take on the challenge of containing No. 1 receivers should be a priority. Hughes is rising meteorically, but if he’s still available at No. 23, he should be the pick.
The Rams have the tools to contend for years to come, but addressing flaws like this will be the key to achieving sustainability.
The question for the Carolina Panthers is whether it’s more important to give Cam Newton more time in the pocket or better targets in the passing game. Devin Funchess and Christian McCaffrey are dynamic young talents, and Greg Olsen is a star, but Newton needs stability.
For as intriguing as the addition of a second viable wide receiver would be—Funchess is currently the only reliable threat on the roster—Newton needs to be protected.
Having more time in the pocket means having more time to make the right decisions. That enables wide receivers to break off of their routes to get open, thus keeping the quarterback upright and ensuring that the ball will move.
Thankfully for Carolina, former Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Brian O’Neill is the athletic powerhouse whom a player like Newton needs.
Blocking for Newton requires offensive linemen to be athletic enough to react to his spur of the moment decisions to run. Newton is capable of hurting teams from the pocket, but he’s at his best outside of the numbers, which can make life difficult for his linemen.
O’Neill has the athleticism to potentially be the missing piece opposite Daryl Williams, thus giving Newton and McCaffrey the space they need to operate in 2018.
The Tennessee Titans are coming off of their first postseason appearance since 2008. In order to ensure that this return to prominence isn’t short-lived, the Titans must fortify the pass rush and accept that Brian Orakpo is now 31 years of age.
Thankfully, Harold Landry has the potential to be the perfect fit as an edge-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker in Tennessee’s aging scheme.
Landry is an explosive athlete who excels at defending the run, and has the potential to give quarterbacks fits. His pass coverage skills must improve, but he’s the type of athlete whom teams covet in this situation.
Landry also has a history of explosive production against the run and the pass, accumulating 46.5 tackles for loss and 25.0 sacks over the course of his past 32 games.
With Orakpo in his 30s, the Titans need to solidify the outside linebacker position with a player who can be the long-term answer. The appeal with Landry is that he can temporarily play inside if Orakpo still has another high-level year in him.
Tennessee has options to explore here, but getting younger and faster on defense will be crucial if it’s going to remain in the postseason picture.
The Atlanta Falcons have the luxury of being able to select the best player available in the 2018 NFL Draft. Atlanta doesn’t have any glaring flaws or weaknesses, which means it can take the best talent on the board and plug them in accordingly.
Under those circumstances, the best player on the board is Alabama Crimson Tide defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne—a player who conveniently fills a void.
Dontari Poe is a high-quality contributor and a leader in the locker room, but he’s also a free agent. Staring down the possibility of losing Poe to the open market, it works out perfectly that the best player at No. 26 overall is one who can be plugged in as soon as 2018.
Payne has been a consistent contributor throughout his Alabama career, but it was his success during the College Football Playoff that boosted his draft stock.
Payne doesn’t have gaudy numbers, but he’s the kind of player whom the Falcons faced in the 2018 NFL Playoffs. He collapses a pocket with his sheer size and physicality, which makes him a perfect fit alongside Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett.
It’s possible that the Falcons will re-sign Poe, but if they fail to do so, then Payne would be an ideal replacement at defensive tackle.
A quarterback is a viable option here, but the New Orleans Saints have a championship window that’s currently open. Drew Brees is pushing 40, but New Orleans has balance on both ends of the ball, and youth at multiple positions.
New Orleans needs to improve the interior of its offensive line, but without an ideal fit at No. 27, it finds another wide receiver to prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box.
Courtland Sutton has flaws that some are willingly overlooking, but there’s no better situation for him to enter than this. The Saints have a Hall of Fame quarterback who puts the ball in places where only the receiver can get it, and a running game to alleviate pressure.
By adding the 6’4″ Sutton to the mix, the Saints would have a second player who can take the top off of a defense and thus create openings for the running backs.
Sutton is built more like a tight end than a wide receiver, with a big body that he isn’t afraid to throw into smaller defenders. He goes too much for the big play than the smart play, at times, but working opposite Michael Thomas, he may have the freedom to do so in New Orleans.
There are other options here, but the Saints have an opportunity to build a more dynamic offense by adding Sutton to the fold.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could attempt to find the heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger at No. 28 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. With a secondary that desperately needs improvement, however, it’s difficult to view anything but safety as the top priority.
Thankfully, a second of two Alabama Crimson Tide safeties with first-round grades is still available in the 6’3″ and 214-pound Ronnie Harrison.
Harrison may never be an All-Pro level player, but the Steelers need a starting-caliber player, and he has the potential to qualify as such. He’s solid in coverage, brings strong run support, and has even displayed the ability to get to the quarterback.
Harrison may not be the star of the Steelers’ defense, but alongside Artie Burns and Mike Hilton, he can help round this promising unit into form.
With Mike Mitchell soon to turn 31 years of age and instability alongside him, this pick ends up taking precedence over the need for a quarterback. Any field general selected at this point would be a bit of a reach, especially if they’re going to spend at least one season behind Roethlisberger.
Harrison isn’t the flashiest selection imaginable, but he’s a solid player who should be able to start and provide well-rounded contributions for years to come.
The Jacksonville Jaguars came within a perennial Tom Brady comeback of reaching the Super Bowl. Yet, entering the 2018 offseason, the working theory around the NFL remains that Blake Bortles hasn’t done enough to solidify his place as the franchise quarterback.
It’s possible that the Jaguars will take a quarterback in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but for now, the team looks to improve its offense in a different way.
Injuries ravaged Jacksonville’s offensive line in 2017, but that isn’t a good enough excuse to ignore this glaring issue. Leonard Fournette is a franchise cornerstone, and while he managed to run at a borderline elite level as a rookie, the offensive line needs stability.
With Patrick Omameh headed for free agency, it only makes sense for the Jaguars to invest a draft pick in one of the fastest rising players on the board: Isaiah Wynn.
Wynn played tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs, but he would be more effective inside. He proved as much at the Senior Bowl, where he earned rave reviews for his ability to pick up blitzes and stuff linemen with his strong hands and fluid hips.
By investing a first-round draft pick in a talent like Wynn, the Jaguars would commit to protecting Fournette and Bortles from the pressure they’re going to face in 2017.
Case Keenum did great things for the Minnesota Vikings, but he’s now a free agent with questionable market value. The most likely scenario is that Minnesota will either overpay Keenum, give Teddy Bridgewater a chance to reclaim his future, or build through the 2018 NFL Draft.
Without a remaining quarterback who checks the box of a franchise player, however, Minnesota should utilize its first-round draft pick to ensure that its league-best defense is sustainably elite.
In order to achieve that stability, the Vikings must add another cornerback to round a solid unit into elite form. Former North Carolina Tar Heels star M.J. Stewart would enable them to do so, as he possesses the versatility that Mike Zimmer covets in a defensive back.
Not only does Stewart excel in coverage, but he’s one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class at bringing support to defend the run.
Xavier Rhodes is locked in as a franchise cornerstone, and Trae Waynes ranks amongst the league’s better cornerbacks as far as run defense is concerned. 39-year-old Terence Newman will face father time at some point, however, and Zimmer needs another reliable corner on the outside.
Stewart can be that dynamic and multifaceted talent. His performance at the Senior Bowl is merely evidence of what those who watched him already knew.
I’ve had 3 Thorpe Award Winners on my defenses. MJ is as good as any of the 3. He is a first round pick if the NFL teams truly do their homework. Absolutely loves ball and has a relentless work ethic. Flat BALLER!
— Gene Chizik (@CoachGeneChizik) January 23, 2018
Stewart deserves a Round 1 grade. Minnesota is the best team to reward his underrated brilliance.
The Philadelphia Eagles rank amongst the most unlikely Super Bowl participants in recent memory. Despite losing starting quarterback and MVP candidate Carson Wentz in Week 14, the Eagles won two games to reach Super Bowl LII—and they’ve done so with a pass-heavy offense.
With Nick Foles likely to move on to a starting situation, the Eagles must take this opportunity to provide Carson Wentz with the necessary support to build upon this team success.
While some may want an offensive player, the best way to help Wentz is to keep the defense in top form. Pro Football Focus rated Patrick Robinson as the No. 4 cornerback in the NFL, but now 30 years old and a free agent, his future in Philadelphia is in question.
It would be unfair to place the burden that Robinson carried on an incoming rookie, but in the long-term, Isaiah Oliver could help Philadelphia achieve sustainability.
Oliver’s speed is still a question mark, but he has the size, length, and physicality to fit the Eagles’ defense. He’s at his best in press man coverage, as his strong hands enable him to jam wide receivers directly at the line of scrimmage.
That type of physical presence could be exactly what the Eagles need to ensure that, with or without Robinson, this defense remains elite.
The New England Patriots are one of the most stable organizations in the history of professional sports. As they approach the 2018 NFL Draft, one can’t help but feel as though the key to the Patriots sustaining that success will be to complete the construction of the defensive line
The Patriots have an opportunity to do exactly that by adding USC Trojans defensive lineman and meteoric draft riser Rasheem Green.
Green has a big body that can be shifted around the defensive line at 6’5″ and 280 pounds with compelling athleticism. That alone will appeal to the Patriots, as he can beat offensive tackles with his speed and active hands, or shift inside and create penetration.
The ideal scenario here would be for Green to achieve such a level of success that the Patriots can have less of a rotation of linemen and develop a more concrete set of options.
With Green on one side and Trey Flowers on the other, Bill Belichick would have two quality young ends to build his pass rush around. With Malcolm Brown at defensive tackle, the Patriots would have three 24-and-under players to build the front seven around.
Versatility is the name of the game with the Patriots, and Green has it in spades—thus making him the perfect fit at No. 32.
Must Read: Baker Mayfield turned heads at the Senior Bowl
Much could change between now and April, but if the 2018 NFL Draft shapes up like this, the future of the sport will be in good hands.