2018 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Projection

This updated version of my 2018 NFL Mock Draft is a quick look at how the entire 1st round could shake out.

The Scouting Combine is right around the corner and this 2018 NFL Mock Draft is my final version before that important event. We will see several prospect’s draft stock impacted by how they perform at the combine.

1. Cleveland Browns– Bradley Chubb, Edge, NC State

Pairing Chubb with Myles Garrett would give the Browns two elite pass rushers.

2. New York Giants– Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Darnold is the type of kid who will benefit from sitting behind Eli Manning for a year or two.

3. Indianapolis Colts– Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

The Colts need help on defense, but Barkley is too talented to pass up at this point. He will give the Colts an elite playmaker at running back.

4. Cleveland Browns (Hou)– Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

The Browns pass on a quarterback at No. 1 but still land a high-upside prospect here at No. 4 overall.

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5. Denver Broncos– Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Denver

Denver seems likely to address their quarterback need through free agency. That allows them to land the best player available when they are on the board.

6. New York Jets– Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Rosen may have his question marks, but he is a high-end prospect who can be a day-1 starter for the Jets.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

Nelson is a safe prospect who will immediately help the Buccaneers stagnate running attack.

8. Chicago Bears– Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Brian Urlacher just got into the Hall of Fame and Tremaine Edmunds has a lot of the same skill set.

9. Oakland Raiders– Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

McGlinchey is a technically sound offensive tackle who also features good athleticism. He can fit on either the left or right side.

10. San Francisco 49ers– Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Ridley would give the 49ers a young receiver capable of developing alongside Jimmy Garoppolo.

11. Miami Dolphins– Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The Dolphins are in no-man’s land at the quarterback position. Adding Mayfield would give them a sense of direction and some spark.

12. Cincinnati Bengals– Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Oklahoma

Brown is a massive individual who can play either left or right tackle in the NFL.

13. Washington Redskins– Derwin James, S, Florida State

The Redskins need secondary help at both the cornerback and safety position. James features tons of upside and position versatility.

14. Green Bay Packers– Roquan Smith, LB, Georiga

Green Bay has had inside linebacker issues for the past several years. Smith is a playmaker who can make tackles from sideline to sideline.

15. Arizona Cardinals– Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Williams is an elite athlete with the potential to develop into a franchise left tackle. He is still a bit raw, but the upside is through the roof.

16. Baltimore Ravens– Vita Vea, DT, Washington

The Ravens routinely look to build through the trenches and Vea is a potentially dominant defensive tackle.

17. Los Angeles Chargers– Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

The injury that forced Okorafor to miss the Senior Bowl stopped him from improving his draft stock. However, he’s a top-flight left tackle prospect who could be a day-1 starter for the Chargers.

18. Seattle Seahawks– Marcus Davenport, Edge, UTSA

Seattle needs to start adding some young pieces on defense and landing Davenport would be a great start.

19. Dallas Cowboys– Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Evans is a versatile linebacker who can stuff the run, drop in coverage and rush the passer.

20. Detroit Lions– Arden Key, Edge, LSU

Key has as much talent as anyone in this draft class. However, his production and off-field character are question marks.

21. Buffalo Bills– James Daniels, C, Iowa

Daniels is a day-1 starter at center and would help the Bills replace Eric Wood.

22. Buffalo Bills (via KC)– Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

The Bills need help stuffing the run and that is Payne’s specialty.

23. Los Angeles Rams– Donte Jackson, CB, LSU

Jackson is an elite athlete who does a great job limiting separation. The Rams have a few secondary players set to hit free agency.

24. Carolina Panthers– Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

Miller is still a bit raw, but he is an elite athlete for an offensive lineman. He would immediately improve the Panthers pass protection.

25. Tennessee Titans– Sam Hubbard, Edge, Ohio State

Hubbard is an underrated prospect who knows how to get after the quarterback.

26. Atlanta Falcons– Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

Hernandez is ready to step in and be an immediate starter for the Falcons. He would help re-establish the team’s running game.

27. New Orleans Saints– James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

Washington may not have the greatest measurables, but this is a kid who knows how to get open and produce big plays.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers– Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

Harrison is a two-way safety who can support the run and hold up in coverage.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars– Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

Goedert would give the Jaguars a pass catching tight end to help Blake Bortles.

30. Minnesota Vikings– Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

The Vikings secondary was lit up by the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. Hughes would be a strong addition and take time away from Terrance Newman and Trae Waynes.

31. New England Patriots– Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan

It looks very likely that Malcolm Butler will be on a different roster which will create a need in the secondary.

32. Philadelphia Eagles– Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Many have Ward rated much higher, but his lack of size is a concern. However, he would be a great addition at this point in the draft.