19andOhWait Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 lets hear it haters! #LamarToNYJ 1. CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-16) QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma There will be much debate as to which quarterback should go No. 1 overall, but Mayfield has been the nation’s most productive signal-caller for three years running, and he should be in the mix. Yes, the Oklahoma offense eases his burden compared to his peers, but he’s still shown outstanding accuracy and decision-making, while making enough “NFL throws” that should instill confidence that his game will translate to the next level. Mayfield has posted the top PFF grade in each of the last two seasons. 2. NEW YORK GIANTS (3-13) QB Sam Darnold, USC While 2017 did not go exactly as planned for Darnold, as his 83.6 grade ranked 30th in the nation, he did rank ninth overall last year with an 87.2 grade, and that came as a redshirt freshman. Even in his worst games, Darnold still showed the anticipation and accuracy that make him such an intriguing prospect. He just needs to prove that his turnover-worthy play percentage of 5.0 percent (105th in the nation) was more anomaly than the norm. 3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-12) DI Maurice Hurst, Michigan The Colts can go a number of ways with this pick, but adding difference-makers on the defensive side must be an offseason priority. Hurst fits the bill as an interior disruptor, as he finished 2017 with the top grade at any position at 96.8. He notched 14 sacks, 29 QB hits and 70 hurries on 782 career rushes. He can also create havoc in the run game, as he ranked second in the nation with his run-defense grade of 94.2. 4. CLEVELAND BROWNS – FROM HOUSTON (4-12) CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama Cleveland turns their attention to the defensive side of the ball where the secondary needs impact players, and Fitzpatrick can play multiple roles on the back end. He excelled in the slot at Alabama, ranking sixth among cornerbacks with an 85.2 grade against the run and allowed just 9.3 yards per completion in his three years. The big question is if he can hold up on the outside where he played just 13 snaps this past year, but at worst, he should be a versatile slot/safety hybrid capable of impacting the game in all phases. 5. DENVER BRONCOS (5-11) QB Josh Rosen, UCLA With the quarterback position still an issue for the Broncos, Denver turns to Rosen, who is excellent throwing to the intermediate level and has the zip and touch to attack defenses down the field. He posted the best grade of his career in 2017, finishing at 85.8, though he’s been consistent year-to-year, as he graded at 84.5 in 2015 as a sophomore and 84.9 in 2014 as a freshman. Rosen has some boom-or-bust to his game, but if he can cut down on the poor decisions, he as the talent to become a long-time starter. 6. NEW YORK JETS (5-11) QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville The opinions on Jackson vary around the league, but he’s a capable passer with outstanding, next-level athleticism, as evidenced by his top rushing grade among quarterbacks in each of the last two seasons. While his down-to-down accuracy needs work, he’s capable of making tight-window “NFL throws,” and that skill combined with his running ability should give offensive coordinators more than enough to build around. 7. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5-11) S Derwin James, Florida State Perhaps the best defensive playmaker in the draft, James is the new NFL prototype as a safety capable of producing against the run or in both man and zone coverage. Florida State also used him as a pure edge rusher, where he regularly pressured the quarterback. The nation’s top-graded safety both as a true freshman in 2015 and as a junior in 2017, James is a movable defensive chess piece that can combat tight ends, slot receivers and opposing run games. 8. CHICAGO BEARS (5-11) OT Connor Williams, Texas Williams did not look like himself early in 2017, even before injury limited him to only 332 snaps on the year. At his best, Williams is a smooth pass protector (allowed only 27 career pressures on 986 attempts), and he gets to the second level in the running game and dominates linebackers. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. took a step forward last season, but right tackle Bobby Massie has one year left on his contract and the Bears’ offensive line is very close to potentially having a top-tier unit. 9. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-10) Edge Bradley Chubb, NC State The defensive line has been a consistent theme to recent 49ers’ first rounds, but Chubb brings a different dynamic to the table. He finished No. 6 overall among edge defenders at 89.4, including the No. 3 mark against the run and the No. 11 grade as a pass-rusher. 10. OAKLAND RAIDERS (6-10) RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State Running backs must be able to contribute in the passing game, and that’s just what Barkley can do after leading all college running backs with 632 receiving yards. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands and will add a three-down weapon to the Raiders’ offense as they transition to new head coach Jon Gruden’s scheme. Even if they ‘win’ the coin flip with San Francisco, Barkley would still be in play at pick No. 9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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