2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

The 2018 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most rewarding in recent memory. How is it shaping up before the madness of the Scouting Combine?

The Scouting Combine is an event that’s equal parts valuable and deceiving. Many general managers have fallen in love with how an athlete performs at the Combine, and have thus opened their minds to new targets at the NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, many general managers have also put their blinders on and allowed the Combine to speak louder than full seasons of game film.

Thus, with the 2018 Scouting Combine on the horizon, it’s imperative to make note of where we stand before the event. There will be many who rise up draft boards because of their performances at the Combine, and a similar number of players who fall because of their own.

Rather than allowing one event to completely alter our perception of the top prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft, we must establish a baseline to precede it.

That’s the intention of this mock draft, as there are players whose stock shouldn’t be determined by how they perform in drills. It’s an incredibly valuable event, but it’s also a series of days that doesn’t exactly measure football IQ or acumen.

The question is: How is the 2018 NFL Draft shaping up before the Scouting Combine inevitably alters the landscape?

The Cleveland Browns could go any number of directions at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. There are multiple quarterbacks consider, a generational talent at running back, a premier pass rusher, and a number of outside-the-box options that could be validated.

Considering no Browns quarterback has started at least 10 games in three or more consecutive seasons since 1993, however, a field general becomes the best option.

I went back and forth between Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen here, but I ultimately landed on the quarterback with the higher ceiling. Darnold has Ben Roethlisberger potential as a big-body quarterback who can fit the ball into tight windows and shake off pass rushers.

Darnold could enter an unstable offense, but with Joe Thomas protecting his blindside and a quality offensive line overall, this would actually be an ideal fit.

Cleveland also has the No. 4, No. 33, and No. 35 overall draft picks, meaning it can complement Darnold with high-level skill players and an improved defense. It also has upwards of $100 million in cap space, thus creating another opportunity to give the incoming rookie the help he needs.

Thus, while many have painted the Browns as an undesirable destination, drafting Darnold could be the move that completes a huge offseason—one that results in an almost immediate turnaround.

The New York Giants have a number of viable options here, but this comes down to one of two players. Either the Giants can go with the best talent in this draft class in Saquon Barkley or find an heir apparent to 37-year-old quarterback Eli Manning.

Barkley could transform this offense into a temporary juggernaut, but finding an adequate running back will be easier than finding an even serviceable quarterback.

The Philadelphia Eagles may trick some into thinking quarterback play isn’t as important as it seems, but let’s apply context to what Nick Foles did. He may not be a star by name, but he undeniably played like one throughout the 2018 NFL Playoffs.

Between the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, Foles threw for 725 yards and six touchdowns. In other words: New York needs a quarterback.

Josh Rosen is somewhat polarizing, but he’s a fundamentally impeccable player who wants to win championships. He may be mindful of a life after football, but it’s premature to label him as a player whose heart isn’t in the sport.

Rosen takes too many chances—sound familiar, Giants fans?—but he’s a gifted player who leaves it all on the field whenever he plays.

The Indianapolis Colts desperately need to improve the pass rush, but nothing matters more right now than keeping Andrew Luck healthy. In order to do so, the Colts must find ways to lighten his workload—something that can be achieved with a single selection at No. 3 overall.

With that goal established, it would behoove the Colts to select running back Saquon Barkley and thus enable Luck to split the workload with a potentially elite playmaker.

I wouldn’t normally justify selecting a running back in the top five, but Barkley is the best talent in this draft class. He can run between the tackles, bounce outside the hash marks, line up in the slot, and make his mark in the return game.

With the ability to play all three downs on offense and even contribute on special teams, Barkley would alleviate a significant amount of pressure from Luck.

With Barkley at running back and T.Y. Hilton at wide receiver, Indianapolis’ offense would become significantly less predictable. That would make it more difficult to bring the blitz, as Barkley is just as much of a threat to bounce outside or end up in the flat as he is to split the guard and center.

There’s no way to guarantee they’d achieve this status and notoriety, but giving Luck a version of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown would make the game considerably easier to manage.

I was tempted to go all-in on offense here, but the Cleveland Browns should take the best talent on the board. Sam Darnold needs help on offense, but he also needs a defense that won’t require him to put up 30 points on a weekly basis.

By pairing former No. 1 overall draft pick Myles Garrett with another outstanding defensive end, the Browns could become an immediate force to be reckoned with.

Carl Nassib and Emmanuel Ogbah are solid players, but Bradley Chubb has a chance to become a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s not only a ferocious pass rusher, but he excels in defending the run, as well—a rare balance when scouting edge defenders.

Garrett fit that very bill in 2017, but Nassib and Ogbah are both run specialists who struggle to apply consistent pressure to quarterbacks.

Chubb can do it all—see: 44.0 tackles for loss and 20.0 sacks between his junior and senior seasons. His work ethic and motor are his greatest strengths, however, as he plays with violent hands and legs that keep on grinding until after the whistle.

If the Browns are going to make a splash in a deep and star-studded AFC North, then building their own version of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis could be the avenue to success.

This selection is based on the assumption that the Denver Broncos will sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Denver was linked to Cousins well before the Washington Redskins acquired Alex Smith, and it seems even more plausible now.

In the event that the Broncos succeed in acquiring Cousins, shoring up the offensive line should become the top priority for general manager John Elway.

It’s rare that a guard is drafted this high, but Nelson is in the Saquon Barkley category of a generational talent. Not only is he an outstanding player, but those around the Notre Dame program have nothing but positive things to say about his presence as a leader.

Denver will knock this pick out of the park if it succeeds in finding both an anchor for the offensive line and a leader in the locker room for years to come.

Ron Leary is already a high-level guard, but Allen Barbre, Max Garcia, and Connor McGovern all struggled in 2017. Finding a tackle to work opposite Garett Bolles would be ideal, but finding a potentially elite guar to solidify the interior of the offensive line would work just as well.

Denver needs to get back to dominating the war at the line of scrimmage. Nelson would help it keep its quarterback upright and its running game consistent.

On the surface, the fact that Joe Namath holds the New York Jets record for wins as a starting quarterback isn’t terribly concerning. Namath is a Hall of Famer and a former Super Bowl champion who led the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns in 1972.

Considering no Jet has topped Namath’s win total of 60 since he left the organization in 1976, however, it becomes as clear as day that New York needs to invest in a quarterback.

The Jets haven’t won a championship since 1968, and that can be linked directly to the instability under center. Over the past two years alone, the Jets have started four different players: Josh McCown, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty, and Geno Smith.

While there are concerns about his approach to the game, Baker Mayfield could be the player who stops the bleeding for the Jets.

Mayfield measured well at the Senior Bowl, which put to rest some of the hesitation about his size. As for what he does on the field, he can make all of the throws, takes good care of the ball, can tuck it and run when the pocket collapses, and is better under pressure than advertised.

For perspective: Mayfield had the best passer rating under pressure of any FBS quarterback in 2017, 2016, and 2015. The Jets would be getting a promising talent.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have voids to fill on both ends of the ball, but nothing is quite as concerning as the underwhelming pass defense. In a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan, the Buccaneers must put an end to that inconsistency.

For as tempting as being the team to scoop up Marcus Davenport may be, Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best player available—and he fits a need.

No team allowed more passing yards than Tampa Bay during the 2017 NFL regular season. The best cornerback on the roster was 34-year-old Brent Grimes, and safeties Chris Conte and T.J. Ward both took steps in the wrong direction.

One could argue that a primary reason the secondary suffered was the absence of an ideal pass rush, but Fitzpatrick is too grand of a talent to not at least explore drafting.

Fitzpatrick can line up at safety or cornerback, which is invaluable versatility for any team or system. He’ll likely specialize in slot coverage at the next level, but the potential exists for him to line up outside and work opposite Vernon Hargreaves III.

Regardless of how it works out, the Buccaneers need talent on the defensive end of the ball—and Fitzpatrick is the easily best player available.

The Chicago Bears have a chance to solidify the future of the organization at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The question, of course, is if the Bears will find Mitchell Trubisky help on offense or build towards elite status on defense.

I’m breaking another personal rule of mine by drafting a wide receiver in the top 10, but when one evaluates Chicago’s roster, there’s no more glaring void than this.

Kendall Wright was the Bears’ leading receiver in 2017 with 59 receptions for 614 yards. No other player on the roster accrued more than 376 receiving yards, and no one on the roster caught more than three touchdowns.

While it’s plausible that Chicago could find a solid wide receiver in the later rounds, Calvin Ridley is widely regarded as the runaway No. 1 player at his position.

Ridley may be more of a true No. 2 than a No. 1 at the next level, but he’s a phenomenal talent. He can get open on just about any route tree he’s asked to run, has the hands to make difficult catches, and has advanced footwork for his age.

Ridley’s production was limited by a run-heavy offense at Alabama, but he’s a versatile talent who can help Trubisky in every phase of the passing game.

In my previous mock draft, we assumed the coin flip at the Scouting Combine would give the Oakland Raiders the No. 9 overall selection. This time around, we give the benefit of the doubt to the San Francisco 49ers—which, again, doesn’t change the pick.

The 49ers should cross their fingers that Quenton Nelson will still be on the board here, but since he isn’t, the pick becomes Tremaine Edmunds.

Edmunds is generally regarded as the linebacker with the highest ceiling in this draft class. He’s an athletic thumper of a player who excels at both stuffing the run and rushing the quarterback. He’s even displayed potential in coverage, albeit as a work in progress.

Over the course of the past two seasons, Edmunds recorded 202 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 10.0 sacks in 26 games played.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, an anonymous NFC scout praised Edmunds by saying: “I don’t think there has ever been a linebacker that has had his size and speed.” Whether or not ever is an accurate word to use, it’s fair praise.

Edmunds has the type of speed, size, strength, and versatility that every coach would covet at linebacker. San Francisco knows as well as anyone how important linebacker play is.

The Oakland Raiders recently learned that cornerback David Amerson has signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. It followed Amerson’s release, but it was a confirmation that the Raiders’ already thin secondary was in even more flux than it seemed.

There are other areas of the game in which Oakland must improve, but with Reggie Nelson now 34 years of age, it can address the void of a defensive playmaker by drafting Derwin James.

James may not fill a pressing need, but he’s a dynamic playmaker who, on talent alone, should be in the top five discussion. There are concerns about his history of injuries, but if he checks out, this pick could push Oakland towards contending status.

Karl Joseph is developing into one of the best strong safeties in the NFL, which means Oakland would have a chance to form their own version of the Legion of Boom.

I understand why Raiders fans may be hesitant to accept this, but James is one of the most gifted playmakers in the country. His ability to make plays on the ball will change the face of a Raiders defense that ranked dead last in the NFL in interceptions.

James is a special talent who could end up being the best safety to emerge from this draft class—high praise considering Minkah Fitzpatrick’s prolific talent.

With all due respect to Ryan Tannehill, the Miami Dolphins need to find a new franchise quarterback. Tannehill has been a productive player during his NFL career, but he bases much of his success on athleticism that could be hampered by the partial ACL tear he suffered in 2017.

According to Adam H. Beasley of The Miami Herald, the Dolphins have already met with a potential replacement: Josh Allen.

Allen is one of the most polarizing players in this draft class, but he’s also one of the most dynamic talents at the quarterback position. He’s a near 6’5″ quarterback with big hands, long arms, and the ability to put some zip behind his throws.

Whether he’s throwing it deep or hitting a receiver in traffic, Allen’s ability to fire in a powerful pass is something that every coach can work with.

Allen, like Tannehill, is also capable of making plays with his legs when the pocket collapses and a first down is within reach. For head coach Adam Gase, having a player cut from Allen’s cloth would be nothing short of ideal.

Allen may have the strongest arm in this draft, and the only reason one would say maybe is a false attempt at modesty. There’s talent to explore here.

I’m likely going to go back and forth between the offensive tackle options here until the week of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals need nothing more than help along the offensive line, and every offensive tackle in this class is still available.

Others may have more upside, but for this specific team, there’s no offensive tackle who makes more sense than Mike McGlinchey.

Whether you love or hate this pick,, what’s undeniable is that McGlinchey has a pure and unfiltered passion for football. That may not seem like much, but for a Bengals organization that’s experienced its share of internal turmoil, that trait breathes one word: Leadership.

Even if McGlinchey fails to become an All-Pro level blocker, he should be a high-quality starter who helps the Bengals change the culture.

As for what transpires on the field, McGlinchey is a 6’8″ athlete who moves his feet well and knows how to get to the second level. He’s likely to be a better fit at right tackle than on the left side, but his work ethic off the field and motor on it are impeccable.

The Bengals need to protect Andy Dalton, improve their run blocking, and change the culture. McGlinchey would check all three boxes.

The Washington Redskins acquired the quarterback on offense by trading for former Kansas City Chiefs star Alex Smith. Next on the agenda is acquiring the quarterback on defense, as Washington has one of the worst linebacker corps in the NFL.

I have Rashaan Evans rated higher than most, but he’s the perfect player to fill Washington’s most glaring void at the 2018 NFL Draft.

Evans has the combination of size, strength, and range that coaches are looking for in contemporary linebackers. He has supreme speed and agility, as well as the explosiveness to lay into a ball carrier at the line of scrimmage.

Beyond the athletic gifts, Evans has the patience and football IQ to see a play through and ensure that he makes the right play at the right time.

If Washington continues to run its 3-4 defense, Evans will fit in wonderfully as an inside linebacker. If the team were to  go to a 4-3 set, he could still thrive as a weakside linebacker who can help fortify one side of the field.

One might argue that this is a bit of a reach, but finding an inside linebacker to anchor your defense for the next 10 seasons is paramount in any era.

The Green Bay Packers have one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and thus, one of the best passing attacks in the game. The issue that Green Bay has experienced, however, is that it struggles to prevent the opposition from executing a high-powered passing offense of its own.

Thankfully, the best player available is the best cornerback on the board: Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Denzel Ward.

Green Bay finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 23 in passing yards allowed, No. 29 in passing touchdowns allowed, and No. 30 in passing yards allowed per attempt. With a solid front seven, that speaks to a need for improvement in the secondary.

Ward would be an instant upgrade due to his compelling combination of elite athleticism, outstanding footwork, and a remarkable eye for the ball.

Opposing quarterbacks completed roughly 32 percent of their passes against Ward over the past two seasons. He recorded just two interceptions over the past two seasons, but also tallied 24 passes defended and shut down a number of high-quality receivers.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Ward to Denver Broncos star Chris Harris Jr., and it’s a fair upside projection—reason enough to be intrigued..

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.

The Baltimore Ravens have a chance to select Marcus Davenport at No. 16 overall and solidify a pass rush that will someday soon lose 35-year-old Terrell Suggs to retirement. Nothing matters more than getting help for Joe Flacco, however, which leads to this selection.

While acquiring a wide receiver could be the path to follow, the best receiving option on the board happens to be tight end Dallas Goedert.

Goedert may be listed at tight end, but confining him to a position would be insincere to his versatility. He often lines up in the slot, where he’s nothing short of a matchup nightmare for cornerbacks and safeties with his size, strength, and athleticism.

Put a linebacker on Goedert and his speed will become a deciding factor, as he leaves a vast majority of players in the dust and exploits openings over the middle.

Considering no Raven recorded more than 748 receiving yards in 2017, it’s safe to say that a target like this could help. Goedert is built in the mold of Zach Ertz, who helped anchor the passing attack that erupted to win Super Bowl LII.

Baltimore needs to find Suggs’ replacement and provide Flacco with better wide receivers, but Goedert can become what Dennis Pitta could’ve been if not for the injuries—if not better.

The Los Angeles Chargers have a need for a long-term replacement to Philip Rivers. With the top four quarterbacks off the board, however, the Chargers instead prepare for the future by addressing a need that will transcend the present.

Los Angeles has one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, which makes improving the play at guard and tackle the top priority.

There’s a concern that Williams is more of a guard than a tackle, but that shouldn’t bother the Chargers too much. The entire offensive line was downright unstable during the 2017 regular season, meaning a high-level guard would be of great value.

Thus, rather than viewing Williams’ somewhat short arms as a reason to be discouraged, it should instead be viewed as an opportunity for versatility.

Williams is a workhorse who commands the respect of his teammates and leads by example in the weight room and on the practice field. Once he gets his hands on an end, tackle, or linebacker, they tend to be out of the picture.

Williams specializes more in run blocking than pass protection, but with Melvin Gordon at running back, that may actually make him a more ideal fit.

Russell Wilson may have a tendency to hold the ball too long, but he also has a horrendous offensive line. His time in the pocket has been minimal, at best, in recent seasons, and the Seattle Seahawks have done little to correct that flaw.

At the 2018 NFL Draft, the Seahawks can make significant progress towards addressing the issue by drafting Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn.

Wynn is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the 2018 NFL Draft. He lined up at both tackle and guard during his collegiate career. Most project him as a player who would be better along the interior of an offensive line.

Even if that proves to be the case, both Wilson and the Seahawks’ running backs would benefit from improving the integrity of the offensive line.

Wynn has the ability to create running lanes for a revamped Seattle running game, which could be formed in one of the later rounds. He was a responsible as anyone on Georgia’s line for the lanes available to Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Seattle has other options, but Wynn is the best offensive lineman available and nothing matters more for this franchise than protecting the quarterback.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to either franchise or re-sign star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. It makes unequivocal sense to do, as Lawrence is 25 years old and racked up 14.5 sacks during his breakout season in 2017.

In an attempt to both create insurance and build what can be viewed as a championship-caliber defense, however, the Cowboys select Marcus Davenport at No. 19 overall.

Davenport could go much earlier than this, but he stays in the state of Texas with a franchise in need. If Lawrence comes back, he would face less of a learning curve and could conceivably make an immediate impact for a team that needs to find its identity on defense.

With Lawrence, Davenport, and David Irving all rushing the passer, the Cowboys could make a significant leap towards elite status.

Davenport bull rushes far too often, but he’s 6’7″, has long arms, and possesses the raw athleticism to make an impact in every game he plays. If Dallas teaches him the proper fundamentals, it could have a Pro Bowl level player on its hands.

Most importantly, it could learn from its division rivals and build what worked for both the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles in the pursuit of a championship: An elite pass rush.

Marcus Davenport would’ve been ideal for the Detroit Lions, but instead, the team fills the void at linebacker. It does so with a player who could potentially develop into a Pro Bowl level player in Georgia Bulldogs star Roquan Smith.

The Lions have other voids worth considering at this stage of the NFL Draft, but the opportunity to find a premier linebacker is one that shouldn’t be passed on.

Smith is somewhat undersized, but he plays bigger than he is. He’s an explosive athlete who knows how to slip blocks, get after ball-carriers, and even apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the linebacker position.

That much was proven in 2017, when he recorded 137 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks, as well as a fumble forced and two fumbles recovered.

Beyond the numbers, Detroit needs to get faster on defense in order to round the corner in this era. Smith would enable it to do so, as he can be a thumping tackler and versatile pass-rusher who has compelling potential in coverage.

By pairing Smith with Tahir Whitehead, the Lions would have an opportunity to build a high-quality linebacker corps overnight.

The Buffalo Bills made the playoffs in 2017 despite splitting time between run-first quarterback Tyrod Taylor and pass-first quarterback Nathan Peterman. Taylor is a high-quality player, but neither exactly check the box of a star-caliber performer.

With back-to-back first-round draft picks, the Buffalo Bills shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a chance on the most dynamic talent at the quarterback position: Lamar Jackson.

Jackson has his weaknesses, but it’s rare that a player combined arm strength and athleticism in the manner he does. He can make something out of nothing with his legs, and can fire a ball down the field with borderline absurd power.

Improving his accuracy and decision-making as a passer will be crucial developments, but Jackson shouldn’t be written off so quickly.

In a backfield with LeSean McCoy, Jackson would have a chance to take what Taylor has achieved to another level. That’s no slight against Taylor, but instead a comment on the fact that Jackson is younger, taller, and has a higher ceiling.

Jackson may be polarizing, but there may not be a better organization to tap into his potential than the Bills at No. 21 or No. 22 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With the second of two first-round draft picks, the Buffalo Bills could potentially select an offensive lineman or a wide receiver to complement Lamar Jackson. With the opportunity to select the best defensive tackle in this draft class, however, Buffalo would be hard-pressed to do otherwise.

Kyle Williams is in his mid 30s and Marcell Dareus is no longer with the Bills, which makes Vita Vea the perfect target at No. 22 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Vea can be somewhat frustrating on film, but his ceiling is that of an All-Pro type of player. He’s a powerhouse at 6’4″ and 344 pounds, with an upper body that moves guards and centers off the line, and the agility to catch even the best of linemen off guard.

Vea is the very definition of a nose tackle, in that he can consume multiple blockers, create penetration up front, and open lanes for his linebackers.

In Buffalo, Vea would potentially work under the guidance and leadership of Williams—a proven and respected veteran. It’s possible that he could retire or sign elsewhere, but that’s just another reason to go all-in on Vea.

With or without Lamar Jackson, the Bills live and die by the quality of their defense. Vea is the type of player who can anchor it for years to come.

The Los Angeles Rams have a lot going well for them, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues to address. The group of wide receivers is still rather underwhelming, the linebacker corps fits that same bill, and the cornerback position is approaching instability.

While selecting a linebacker is certainly a possibility at this point in the 2018 NFL Draft, the best move for Los Angeles would be to select the best player available.

Josh Jackson is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in this draft class, and he’s earned that reputation. Between his eight interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and 18 passes defended, the 2017 numbers certainly show why.

Jackson is an elite ball hawk who, at 6’1″, could be the impact player whom Los Angeles needs to make the next step towards contending status.

Furthermore, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson is expected to walk in free agency. Thus, Los Angeles doesn’t only need to improve in the secondary; it sounds as though it will need to replace a player who received 1,005 snaps in 2017.

Thankfully, Jackson is both the best cornerback and the best overall player left on the board—making this a rather easy decision for the Rams.

I was tempted to list a wide receiver here, but keeping Cam Newton on his feet must be the top priority. The Carolina Panthers could conceivably go with Christian Kirk, Courtland Sutton, or James Washington, but significant losses are on the horizon.

With Ryan Kalil announcing that 2018 will be his final season and Andrew Norwell entering free agency, the Panthers address the offensive line by taking center Billy Price.

Norwell could be re-signed, but the All-Pro is expected to be paid beyond Carolina’s budget. Fellow guard Trai Turner is already signed to a four-year deal worth $45 million, meaning the Panthers could end up paying their guards upwards of $100 million.

Without an offensive tackle who’s worth selecting at No. 24 overall, Carolina instead turns its attention to Price—a lineman who has experience blocking for running quarterbacks.

Price doesn’t necessarily blow you away, but he’s a ferocious competitor who leads by example. He can play guard during Kalil’s final season, and shift over to center to help anchor the offensive line for years to come.

Wide receiver and offensive tackle are both options here, but Price would fit the bill of what the Panthers need: Stability along the offensive line.

The Tennessee Titans run a 3-4 defense that’s led, in some part, by edge defenders Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. Morgan and Orakpo are entering the final season of their respective contracts, however, which calls for a long-term replacement.

Harold Landry may prove to be raw in the short-term, but that makes the Titans the perfect organization to help him develop into the Pro Bowler he’s capable of becoming.

Landry is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has long arms and explosive athleticism, which is a combination of traits that a team like Tennessee can mold into something special as far as getting after the quarterback is concerned.

Landry is somewhat undersized at 6’3″, but arm length and athleticism remains a compelling combination that will intrigue general managers.

Landry displayed how dominant he can be with a 2016 campaign to remember. He tallied 22.0 tackles for loss and led the NCAA in both sacks (16.5) and fumbles forced (7)—numbers that speak for themselves.

Landry missed time in 2017 due to an ankle injury, but if his health checks out, his upside will be known by every team in the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons will have options at No. 26, with the interior of both the offensive and defensive lines being priorities. Dontari Poe is eligible for free agency and guard play was an issue for Atlanta during the 2017 regular season.

No position was more of a weakness for the Falcons in 2017 than tight end, however, which is why the Falcons select one of the best playmakers in this class: Mike Gesicki.

I’m much higher on Gesicki than most, but he’s the type of player who can transform an offense. Standing at 6’6″ and 252 pounds with remarkably fluid athleticism and reliable hands, he could be the player who diversifies what’s becoming a predictable offense.

With all due respect to Mohamed Sanu, who has developed into a fine young receiver, defenses are catching on to the Julio Jones or bust postseason mentality.

Gesicki would be a perfect addition to alleviate pressure from Jones. He’s willing to go up and fight for the ball, moves the chains well on intermediate routes, and would create a great deal of space for the running game with his unpredictable ability to run any assortment of routes.

Stacking the box becomes significantly more difficult with a tight end who can make the type of plays that Gesicki consistently made at Penn State.

The New Orleans Saints have a young and hungry defense that’s already playing at a borderline elite level. It also has a multifaceted running game, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and a superstar—yes, superstar—wide receiver in Michael Thomas.

New Orleans desperately needs a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver to complement Thomas, however, which is why Christian Kirk is the pick.

Kirk is quicker than he is fast, but he plays with an excellent tempo and internal clock. He knows where to be and when to be there, and does an excellent job of making plays after the catch by anticipating angles and making quick decisions.

His presence could either extend Drew Brees’ career or help his heir apparent, as he can make the plays when the pocket collapses or a play simply breaks down.

The other form of appeal is that Kirk is a dangerous threat in the return game. He returned six punts for touchdowns during his collegiate career, as well as one kickoff—the type of numbers that should open even the most jaded of eyes.

New Orleans should be a sustainably strong team, but only if they plug the remaining holes and remain mindful of the future. This pick would achieve exactly that.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a short list of weaknesses, but the safety position should sit at the very top. Mike Mitchell is likely on his way out and there isn’t a replacement to be found on the active roster—thus turning the attention to the 2018 NFL Draft.

With a big frame and tremendous speed, former Alabama Crimson Tide star Ronnie Harrison has a chance to fill that void for the Steelers.

Harrison stands at 6’3″ and 214 pounds with the type of athleticism that scouts search far and wide for in a contemporary safety. He’s capable of thriving in both man and zone coverage, and quickly sheds blockers with his hands and quickness.

Whether he’s blitzing or dropping back in coverage, Harrison has the tools to be a three-down player who, at the very least, plays at an high-quality level in multiple phases.

Size and athleticism are appealing on both sides of the ball, but for Pittsburgh, this makes the most sense. Harrison would be joining one of the most promising young cornerback duos in the NFL in Mike Hilton and Artie Burns.

Some may target a different position at No. 28 overall, but the Steelers have a rare opportunity to draft for both need and upside with Harrison.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a position to select a quarterback at No. 29 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Mason Rudolph can put the ball on the money at all three levels, which should appeal to a team that’s still uncertain about Blake Bortles.

Due to the concerns about the fact that Rudolph played in a spread offense, however, the Jaguars instead go with his teammate: wide receiver James Washington.

Only one player on the Jaguars recorded more than 50 receptions in 2017: Marqise Lee, who will be a free agent in March. Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson both have 1,000-yard seasons on their resume, but they’ve both been tasked with overcoming injuries.

Undrafted rookie Keelan Cole was a big play waiting to happen in 2017—see: 17.8 yards per reception—but Washington could round this unit into form.

Washington is an outstanding deep threat who uses his speed to get behind the safeties and find the end zone. He’s also better in the short and intermediate games than he’s given credit for, primarily off of the bubble screens that are becoming more prevalent in the NFL.

Washington can go up and get the ball or simply outrun most cornerbacks, and has the tools to become a key cog in Jacksonville’s offense.

The Minnesota Vikings have built arguably the best defense in the NFL—and there isn’t much of an argument to oppose that belief. Minnesota ranked No. 1 in the league in total yards allowed and points allowed during the 2017 regular season.

With Terence Newman now 39 years of age, sustaining that success will require drafting a cornerback who can work opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Fortunately for Minnesota, Central Florida Knights cornerback Mike Hughes has the potential to be a Pro Bowl level player. He’s still rough around the edges, but if Mike Zimmer makes it a point to help him realize his potential, this pick should play off.

With Rhodes stepping up as a high-level cornerback and Trae Waynes specializing against the run, Minnesota would have an elite cornerback trio if Hughes pans out.

Hughes’ specialty is playing physically, as he’s willing and able to jam players at the line of scrimmage. In the open field, his speed enables him to both stay with his assignment and recover on the off chance that he blows an assignment.

Hughes is somewhat undersized at 5’11”, but he’ll likely stay outside and complement Rhodes in what has the potential to be an even more dynamic secondary than it already is.

The New England Patriots are the epitome of consistency, but even the greatest franchise of the past 20 years has holes to plug. That’s no more true than at linebacker, where the Patriots have troubling inconsistency to address.

Thankfully, the Patriots have an opportunity to select one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft: Boise State Broncos inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

Vander Esch is coming off of one of the most statistically impressive seasons in recent memory. He produced 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions, five passes defended, and four fumbles forced in 14 games played.

Beyond the numbers, Vander Esch is a 6’4″ and 240-pound inside linebacker with the athleticism to play from sideline to sideline and good enough hands to drop back in coverage.

In terms of defending the run, Vander Esch’s size, fundamentals, and closing speed make him deserving of a Round 1 grade. There are concerns about a lack of experience, but the upside here is of a future All-Pro player.

New England may be the ultimate plug-and-play organization, but Vander Esch is the type of player who could join Dont’a Hightower in anchoring the defense for years to come.

The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t expected to be able to re-sign cornerback Patrick Robinson. That could be a devastating loss for the defending Super Bowl champions, as Robinson was arguably the best slot corner in the NFL and Philadelphia’s top cornerback during the 2017 regular season.

Knowing that the 30-year-old will be a free agent in March, the Eagles turn to former Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

Oliver stands at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, which gives him intriguing size for the position. What makes him so compelling is that he has elite speed for a cornerback, as well, which matters far more on film than whatever transpires at the Scouting Combine.

For the Eagles, adding a player who has prototypical size and speed would mean adding the type of talent and prospect who can help make 2017 more of a sign of things to come.

Being big and fast helps, but what makes Oliver special is that he brings it all together with the instincts of a shutdown corner. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he has long arms and explosive makeup speed, but his football IQ has improved with every season he’s played.

The defending Super Bowl champions should be sustainably strong, but creating a dynasty requires acing picks like this at the end of the first round.

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The question is: How will the Scouting Combine change the way we look at the 2018 NFL Draft?