With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Defensive End. North Carolina State Wolfpack. Bradley Chubb. 1. player. 53.

The Cleveland Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor for a third-round draft pick, thus implying he’ll be something of a bridge quarterback in 2018. Cleveland then went on to sign Carlos Hyde to a three-year deal worth $15 million, which could rule out the possibility of drafting Saquon Barkley.

I’m not yet ready to proclaim that Cleveland will undoubtedly pass on Barkley, but it stands to reason that it has other plans at No. 1 overall after the Hyde move.

One may want to see a quarterback here, but Bradley Chubb is the best player available if Barkley is a no-go and the guard position is viewed as too much of a reach at No. 1. He’s the complete package in terms of fundamentals and athleticism, which makes him both safe and promising.

With Chubb and Myles Garrett working from the two end positions, the Browns would have a chance to fortify their defense with two All-Pro talents.

This may not be the sexiest pick, but applying consistent pressure to opposing quarterbacks is a proven way to win games. The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles built Super Bowl champions on the foundation of a deep defensive line, while the Indianapolis Colts were a constant contender with a Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis pairing.

A quarterback is an option here, and Barkley should at least be considered, but the Browns instead go Chubb at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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