With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 18: Offensive lineman Orlando Brown #78 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 18: Offensive lineman Orlando Brown #78 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma Sooners. Orlando Brown. 15. player. 32. . Offensive Tackle

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2018 NFL offseason with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Thus, while adding a quarterback at No. 15 overall may sound appealing on the surface, putting a rookie behind a poor line wouldn’t exactly be ideal.

Thus, the Cardinals instead draft a player who could become an anchor on offense for the next decade: Oklahoma Sooners standout Orlando Brown.

Brown is the son of a former NFL player and one of the most physically imposing offensive tackles in this draft class. He stands at 6’8″ and 345 pounds with long arms and the necessary athleticism to protect a quarterback’s blindside.

Even if he doesn’t play on the left side of the line, Brown should become one of the better offensive tackles—or even guards—in the NFL if his work ethic remains.

Brown was a part of an Oklahoma offensive line that gave Baker Mayfield mountains of time in the pocket. He was also tasked with defending for an unorthodox run game, which may prepare him for blocking for David Johnson.

Brown may need some time before he realizes his potential, but he has the ceiling of an All-Pro offensive tackle—something worth investing in.

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