McShay Mock 2.0

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A lot has changed in the NFL since we published our first 2017 mock draftin mid-December. The deadline for underclassmen to declare has officially passed, and the full draft order is nearly set after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on Sunday.

With NFL evaluators digging more into college tape -- and several players having breakout performances at the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago -- our Mock Draft 2.0 looks a little different from version 1.0.

Here is our second projection of the 32 first-round picks in the 2018 NFL draft.

Note: All underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

** The 49ers and Raiders are tied at Nos. 9 and 10, and the picks will be decided by a coin flip at the combine. For the purposes of this projection, we'll say San Francisco won the toss.

Quick links: McShay's Mock 1.0 | McShay's Top 32 | Kiper's Mock 1.0

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1. Cleveland Browns

Sam Darnold, QB, USC*

I still believe the Browns need to address the QB position here, and any of the top four quarterbacks are in play now that Darnold and Josh Rosen have officially declared for the draft. This pick obviously changes (or is up for grabs via trade) if Cleveland lands Kirk Cousins in free agency. Between off-field issues for Rosen and his tools and intangibles on the field, Darnold should be the pick. I understand why Kiper went with Josh Allen in his first mock, but Darnold is a little safer. He's the best of the bunch at this point.

 

2. New York Giants

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*

New head coach Pat Shurmur has publicly supported 37-year old Eli Manning as New York's starting QB next season, so this pick remains the same as my last mock. The Giants could take Rosen as the heir apparent, but I wouldn't be surprised if a team traded with the New York to get ahead of the Jets and Broncos to try to grab Rosen. Drafting Saquon Barkley to pair with Odell Beckham Jr. could be a possibility as well. The Giants have a lot of options.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Indianapolis has needs all over the roster but is one of the few teams in the top 10 that should be set at QB, assuming Andrew Luck comes back healthy. One of their needs is edge rusher, and Chubb is the best one available. He's a grinder with a great motor and has played his way into being a top-10 pick. The Colts will be another potential team looking to trade back if someone wants to move up for a QB.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*

The Browns have a lot of needs (CB, WR, DE opposite Myles Garrett among them), but they have a real chance to finish off a home run draft in this scenario. With a new QB at No. 1, running back is also a need. Isaiah Crowellis a pending free agent, and Duke Johnson has one year left on his deal. Barkley is better than both players and is No. 1 on my top-32 list of prospects. He's the best player in this draft.

5. Denver Broncos

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The Broncos have to accept that they missed on Paxton Lynch (No. 26 overall in 2016) and are still looking for a franchise QB. This is another potential landing spot for Cousins or another free-agent QB, but if Denver doesn't get one in free agency, it will likely use an early pick on a signal-caller. John Elway was at the Senior Bowl and scouted both Mayfield and Josh Allen. This will be a really interesting pick if both are on the board. Mayfield had an impressive week in Mobile and checked the biggest remaining box with his measurements (6 feet, 216 pounds, 9 1/2-inch hand span). He's rising.

6. New York Jets

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*

Yes, it's a running theme -- this is another landing spot for Cousins. If the Jets don't sign him in free agency, Allen makes a lot of sense if Mayfield is off the board. There is a significant drop-off in talent after the first four QBs in this draft, so the Jets need to make sure they grab one here. Allen had an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, showing off his arm and his mobility. There are still concerns about his accuracy and ability to make multidimensional throws consistently, but all the tools are there. And he has the prototypical QB build (6-4 7/8, 237).

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*

The Bucs were dead last in the NFL with 17.0 sacks last season, and the defense was been porous (31st in total points). They still need another edge rusher opposite Noah Spence, but drafting the best possible player is better than reaching for a pass-rusher here. Fitzpatrick is a shutdown cornerback with the versatility to play safety and can be plugged in immediately.

 

8. Chicago Bears

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Bears desperately need playmakers on the outside for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky and can't count on Kevin White to stay healthy. Ridley is the clear No. 1 wideout in this class, and while I don't think he's a true No. 1 NFL wide receiver, he's much better than his stats in a run-heavy Alabama offense indicate. Denzel Ward would be another consideration here.

9. San Francisco 49ers**

Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*

Well, things have changed a bit for the 49ers, haven't they? With Jimmy Garoppolo looking like a franchise QB, all of a sudden it's no longer a position of need for San Francisco. Instead, the 49ers can look to the defensive side of the ball and grab the best man-to-man cover corner in this draft. Ward lacks ideal starting experience at Ohio State but was exceptional this season and rose quickly up my board.

10. Oakland Raiders**

Tremaine Edmunds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech*

The Oakland defense gave up 5.6 yards per play last season (27th), so help is needed. CB Gareon Conley, last year's first-round pick, is still an unknown after playing only two games in 2017, which means the secondary is still a question mark. But the Raiders also have a need at linebacker, and with the top two CBs off the board, they can choose between Edwards and Roquan Smith. Edmunds is a better fit for Oakland, as he can play off the line and rush off the edge. He's an athletic freak who will turn some heads at the combine.

11. Miami Dolphins

Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*

Quarterback could be an option if one of the top four QBs is still available here. However, Miami has a glaring need at guard, both in the run game (29th in rushing yards in 2017) and to protect Ryan Tannehill. Dolphins fans won't be excited with this pick, but they would be getting one of the top five football players in this draft. Nelson is one of the safer picks.

 

12. Cincinnati Bengals

Connor Williams, OT, Texas*

Cincinnati had a disappointing season and the offensive line was a big reason why. Cedric Ogbuehiand Jake Fisher (out for the season with an irregular heartbeat) haven't played up to their draft potential, and Cincinnati both struggled to protect Andy Dalton and run the ball. The Bengals should take the best offensive lineman available at No. 12. If they are comfortable with Williams' medicals, he's the most gifted left tackle in this class.

13. Washington Redskins

Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia*

After trading for Alex Smith and moving on from Cousins, the QB position is no longer an issue for the Redskins. Now they must shore up their defense and add weapons for Smith. Derwin James is a possibility here, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Su'a Cravens, but Smith is the best player the board and would immediately increase the speed and athleticism on Washington's defensive front.

14. Green Bay Packers

Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport was one of the clear winners of the Senior Bowl. Not only were his measurements impressive (6 5 7/8, 259), but he was terrific in practice. He's still a work in progress and needs more of a variety of pass-rush moves, but he's already long and powerful. Green Bay needs more difference-makers on defense, and Davenport could be one.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma*

The Cardinals seem likely to add a quarterback in free agency, but if they don't and one of the top four QBs is available here, they'd have to consider taking him. If QB isn't an option, cornerback opposite Patrick Petersonand offensive line should be the two target areas. Brown would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle for Arizona. He's overpowering and a nasty run-blocker. Plus, it takes a $20 cab ride to get around him as a pass-rusher.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Vita Vea, DT, Washington*

The Ravens are in dire need of offensive playmakers, but there just isn't the value at this point in the draft. What direction will GM Ozzie Newsome go for his final NFL draft? He has usually gone best player available, and that's what I see Baltimore doing here. Vea is a versatile defensive lineman who has drawn comparisons to Haloti Ngata and should put up some big numbers at the combine.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James, S, Florida State*

James had a disappointing season at Florida State, but he would fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's scheme. James flies around the field versus the run and is a good matchup piece in the passing game. I think he'll have a better pro career than he did at FSU.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Mike Hughes, CB, UCF*

Hughes is a little smaller (listed at 5-11, 185) than the Seahawks typically like for their corners, but he excels in press-man coverage. An outstanding talent, Hughes is capable of winning a starting job as a rookie. He has had some trouble off the field, but he has matured, and Seattle hasn't shied away from players with troubled pasts before. Cornerback is an area of need with Richard Sherman's future still up in the air.

19. Dallas Cowboys

Mo Hurst, DT, Michigan

I'm higher on Hurst than others, but he's a good value here in the mid-to-late first round. He's highly disruptive in the middle and would be a good fit as a three-technique in Rod Marinelli's scheme. With Jason Wittenturning 36 this offseason, TE Dallas Goedert could be an option here as well.

20. Detroit Lions

Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia

An edge rusher would be ideal with Ezekiel Ansah a pending free agent, but I don't see a great value here. Detroit has plenty of needs on defense, but needs to keep Matthew Stafford upright to have any chance. Wynn developed into a dominant OT at Georgia and had a brilliant week of practice at the Senior Bowl when they moved him to guard.

21. Buffalo Bills

Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

The big question for the Bills is what they're doing at QB. Will they package this pick and No. 22 to move up for one? Buffalo missed on LB Reggie Ragland (second rounder, 2016, traded to KC), but I think they go back to the well here. Evans is much more athletic than Ragland and really came on strong during the 2017 season for Alabama. He has great range in coverage and can play the run.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)

Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*

Payne's sack numbers are underwhelming, but he's a disruptive interior player. Just turn on the national championship game film; he seemed like he was in the backfield most plays. I believe he can be an every-down defensive lineman in the NFL and get pressure on QBs frequently. He's also a playmaking run defender.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State

A plug-and-play starter, Price will help an improved Rams offense line on the inside. A four-year starter, Price has elite experience at both guard and center. An excellent leader, I would think he'd play guard for Los Angeles.

24. Carolina Panthers

Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M*

Kirk had a frustrating 2017 season but showed flashes of why he should be picked this high. The Panthers need to continue to put playmakers around Cam Newton, and Kirk can threaten defenses vertically and create with the ball in his hands.

25. Tennessee Titans

Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

It isn't a terrific tight end group this year, but Goedert is the best one in this class. He's still a little underrated and didn't get a chance to shine in the Senior Bowl, as he was injured on the first day of practice. You don't get too many two-way TEs coming out of college, but Goedert fits the bill. He's got a big frame (6-4, 260) with good speed and can play in-line or detached. He's another good, young weapon for Marcus Mariota.

26. Atlanta Falcons

James Daniels, G/C, Iowa*

Atlanta may look to the defensive line with Dontari Poe and Courtney Upshaw both free agents, but the Falcons could also upgrade their running game with Daniels. He played mostly at center for Iowa but does have experience at guard. He has very consistent tape.

27. New Orleans Saints

Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College

Wide receiver is a bigger need for New Orleans, but there's no value fit here. The Saints could use another edge rusher to pair with Sheldon Rankins and Cam Jordan. Landry is a bit undersized and battled through injury this season, but he has shown the ability to get home as a pass-rusher (led nation with 16.5 sacks in 2016). A hard worker, he uses his hands well and shows the flexibility to bend the edge.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa*

The Steelers still can use help on the outside, even after using a first-round pick on a CB in 2016 (Artie Burns). Jackson is a long corner and an absolute ball hawk who led the nation with eight INTs. His timed speed at the combine will play a big role in where he gets drafted.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*

This may be a bit of a reach for Hurst, but he's a big (6-5, 250), athletic target who can contribute immediately. A former pro baseball player, Hurst has good ball skills and can help stretch the field for Leonard Fournette and Jacksonville'soffense.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

 

Minnesota came up short in the NFC Championship Game, but this is a very solid roster with good depth throughout. The biggest question mark is at QB, but that will be solved one way or another in free agency. Even after investing in the offensive line last offseason (Mike Remmers, Riley Reiff), they could use some more depth there. McGlinchey is a good player who played left tackle at Notre Dame but will likely be an RT at the next level. He's an experienced starter with great character. Minnesota has had success with Fighting Irish players in the past (Harrison Smith, Kyle Rudolph).

31. New England Patriots

M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

Given his Super Bowl controversy, it certainly seems as if New England will move on from Malcolm Butler. Spending an early pick on a CB makes sense, especially with Stephon Gilmore on the other side. Stewart is underrated and an experienced player, with adequate height (5-10) and very good top-end speed. He'll also support the run.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Taven Bryan, DT, Florida*

After winning a Super Bowl with a backup QB, it's fair to say this is a deep roster. The Eagles have the luxury of drafting for value, and it's never a bad idea to add depth along the defensive line. A twitchy one-gap DT with the tools to continue to develop, Bryan is raw, but he has the athleticism to mold and good get-off quickness. He could work into Philadelphia's defensive line rotation behind Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan.

 

[Sarge4Tide]

I'll take it

[Stark]

If we knew that Darnold, Rosen, and even Mayfield will be gone by our 6th pick, I think I would rather just sign Cousins and draft either:

Connor Williams or Orlando Brown

 

and then draft a QB later... Jackson/Falk or Lauletta

 

Allen is going to overwhelmingly disappoint 

[BurnleyJet]

My worst Nightmare at 6, Allen is the worst pick of the QB's. This pick will get Bowles and Macc fired, and will set us back a long time. I'd sooner trade out. 

I'd pick Lauletta, (not at 6) defo the QB sleeper of this class for me. 

[JustInFudge]

Hands down worst case scenario for the Jets.  In this scenario, Allen and Hack will be on the coast trying to hit the ocean while Josh McCown leads the Jets to a miraculous 5 win season. 

Anyone else catch him mocking Hayden Hurst in the 1st to the Jags?  That's the first time I've seen him that high but man would the be a great pick up for the Jags.  That dude can play.  Reminds me of Greg Olsen.

And he's got McGlinchey going 30th? 

Bryan to the Eagles would make the line even scarier than it already is.  Yikes! 

[UntouchableCrew]

This is pretty much the "realistic" worst case scenario. We whiff on Cousins, Mac doesn't have the stones to trade up, Denver takes Mayfield and we end up with Allen, the prototype talent who sucks at football. I'd be beside myself it it played out like this.

[Lupz27]

Todd McShay has Geno Smith going 8th overall in his 2013 2.0 mock draft, let’s not get crazy here, both Allen, and Mayfield could easily fall down the board (I bet Mayfield does), and I still don’t get how he has no Lamar Jackson even in the first round, kid is Mike Vick with a head on his shoulders, and 2 inches taller, some team, and rightfully so will fall in Love picking early in the draft.  

[Gen X Jet]

I'd be shocked if the Giants draft a QB.  They don't want to ruffle Saint Eli's feathers.

[nycdan]

32 minutes ago, UntouchableCrew said:

This is pretty much the "realistic" worst case scenario. We whiff on Cousins, Mac doesn't have the stones to trade up, Denver takes Mayfield and we end up with Allen, the prototype talent who sucks at football. I'd be beside myself it it played out like this.

I would argue that an even worse 'worst case' would be if he decides Allen is too risky and just 'plays it safe' with Minkah.  

I can't pretend to know how each of the 'big 5' QBs (including Jackson) will turn out.  But knowing how hard it is to predict, even for so-called experts, it wouldn't surprise me if Allen was NOT ultimately worse than Darnold, Rosen and Mayfield, if not Jackson.  In fact, he *could* turn out to be one of the best of the group.  So if they do draft him, I will be optimistic, because at least we have a young guy, drafted high, that has potential to be great.  This isn't Hack 2.0.  Hack was overdrafted in the 2nd round.  Allen is considered by almost everyone to be a top-10 pick.  Think of him more like Sanchez 2.0 if you must.  He has high ceiling and low floor.  But at least there is some hope.  If we draft Minkah and resign McCown, there is no hope.

I'll sip the Kool-Aid if I must.  Because the alternative is to slowly die of thirst.

[varjet]

2 minutes ago, Gen X Jet said:

I'd be shocked if the Giants draft a QB.  They don't want to ruffle Saint Eli's feathers.

I think the Giants split the baby.  They give Eli a last year with Beckham under contract to see what he can do.  Just like the Jets in 2015, when you are trying to sell tickets it is hard to start a total rebuild when you have at least a playoff team in house (although, if your goal is Super Bowl, the Giants could be better off trading Manning to a Jax and moving forward).  But because their OL will still stink and it will be hard to rebuild it, that effort will likely still fail.  

[Ken Schroy]

I don't see the Giants drafting a QB there either. They have so many holes to fill. I think they trade back.

[prime21]

6 minutes ago, Ken Shroy said:

I don't see the Giants drafting a QB there either. They have so many holes to fill. I think they trade back.

I think they go Barkley and address the line in the later rounds and free agency.

[UntouchableCrew]

33 minutes ago, nycdan said:

I would argue that an even worse 'worst case' would be if he decides Allen is too risky and just 'plays it safe' with Minkah.  

I can't pretend to know how each of the 'big 5' QBs (including Jackson) will turn out.  But knowing how hard it is to predict, even for so-called experts, it wouldn't surprise me if Allen was NOT ultimately worse than Darnold, Rosen and Mayfield, if not Jackson.  In fact, he *could* turn out to be one of the best of the group.  So if they do draft him, I will be optimistic, because at least we have a young guy, drafted high, that has potential to be great.  This isn't Hack 2.0.  Hack was overdrafted in the 2nd round.  Allen is considered by almost everyone to be a top-10 pick.  Think of him more like Sanchez 2.0 if you must.  He has high ceiling and low floor.  But at least there is some hope.  If we draft Minkah and resign McCown, there is no hope.

I'll sip the Kool-Aid if I must.  Because the alternative is to slowly die of thirst.

I have no hope for Allen and I'm assuming they go QB in round one. If he drafts another safety at 6 he should be fired on the spot.

[UnitedWhofans]

In my terms this could be the worst case scenario. But even that is not at doomsday level

[varjet]

10 minutes ago, nycdan said:

I would argue that an even worse 'worst case' would be if he decides Allen is too risky and just 'plays it safe' with Minkah.  

I can't pretend to know how each of the 'big 5' QBs (including Jackson) will turn out.  But knowing how hard it is to predict, even for so-called experts, it wouldn't surprise me if Allen was NOT ultimately worse than Darnold, Rosen and Mayfield, if not Jackson.  In fact, he *could* turn out to be one of the best of the group.  So if they do draft him, I will be optimistic, because at least we have a young guy, drafted high, that has potential to be great.  This isn't Hack 2.0.  Hack was overdrafted in the 2nd round.  Allen is considered by almost everyone to be a top-10 pick.  Think of him more like Sanchez 2.0 if you must.  He has high ceiling and low floor.  But at least there is some hope.  If we draft Minkah and resign McCown, there is no hope.

I'll sip the Kool-Aid if I must.  Because the alternative is to slowly die of thirst.

I don't think you can underestimate system fit.  Although the Eagles supposedly do run a WCO, Allen would appear to me to be a Qb who would fit in a Ravens/Steelers/Patriots like system.   I am not quite sure Allen fits in the Bates system.  Mayfield would appear to fit into that.  

[RichardTodd27]

25 minutes ago, Ken Shroy said:

I don't see the Giants drafting a QB there either. They have so many holes to fill. I think they trade back.

I disagree. Can't see the Giants passing on a franchise QB at #2 with a 37 year old Eli on his last legs.

Very few teams have the opportunity to pick this high at #2. Giants aint going to blow it.

[jetsons]

2 hours ago, Stark said:

If we knew that Darnold, Rosen, and even Mayfield will be gone by our 6th pick, I think I would rather just sign Cousins and draft either:

Connor Williams or Orlando Brown

 

and then draft a QB later... Jackson/Falk or Lauletta

 

Allen is going to overwhelmingly disappoint 

I'd rather sign Foles or Keenum... the rest I'll take... except for jackson.

[harts724]

14 minutes ago, RichardTodd27 said:

I disagree. Can't see the Giants passing on a franchise QB at #2 with a 37 year old Eli on his last legs.

Very few teams have the opportunity to pick this high at #2. Giants aint going to blow it.

It all depends what they think of Webb

[prime21]

13 minutes ago, RichardTodd27 said:

I disagree. Can't see the Giants passing on a franchise QB at #2 with a 37 year old Eli on his last legs.

Very few teams have the opportunity to pick this high at #2. Giants aint going to blow it.

Shumer may be very confident in his ability to run an offense without a top QB.  He got good production from his QB's in Minnesota.  If they can address the line then a combo of Barkley, OBJ, Sheppard and  Everett can succeed with  a Keenum type QB. 

[T0mShane]

19 minutes ago, RichardTodd27 said:

I disagree. Can't see the Giants passing on a franchise QB at #2 with a 37 year old Eli on his last legs.

Very few teams have the opportunity to pick this high at #2. Giants aint going to blow it.

Perfect spot for either Rosen or Darnold, IMO. Rosen, because he needs a year or two to mature, and Darnold because he’s talented, but has a persisting deer in the headlights look that, I think, Eli can sympathize with. 

[T0mShane]

Two things about this mock: 1. Broncos are going to end up with Cousins, come hell or high water (it sounds like), and the Colts are likely to trade out of three if some dipsh*t team decides they NEED Allen. I think the Jets are praying to Sweet Christ right now that someone gives them an excuse to not draft a QB, and they’ll be better able to explain why they didn’t take Mayfield than they will Allen, only because no one in NY has ever really seen Allen play, so most of the base will get snowed into thinking he’s Carson Wentz by the time the draft rolls around.

[Stark]

12 minutes ago, jetsons said:

I'd rather sign Foles or Keenum... the rest I'll take... except for jackson.

lol... okay, I am not signing either Foles or Keenum...

Todd Bowles will not uses Foles in the same way Pederson did the last few games. Pederson called plays from the 2013 Chip Kelly system because those were the plays Foles executed well. Bowles is not that smart and will not want to throw that many times (see the firing of Morton). Foles has never won a starting job and already has considered retirement. No Thanks... It was a great run and story for him I don't see him working here. 

Keenum. Are you serious here? So it just took him 3 teams and 5 seasons to show that he is a good QB. He had a good year, yes. But this to me screams that it is the outlier. Not interested in Keenum either. I don't trust him and I don't see him playing that well even if he stays in Minnesota, Shurmur is gone... Keenum makes me think of TJ Yates. No thanks. Not blowing a bunch of money on this guy to watch him be Kellen Clemmens.

 

[ChuckkieB]

1 hour ago, UntouchableCrew said:

This is pretty much the "realistic" worst case scenario. We whiff on Cousins, Mac doesn't have the stones to trade up, Denver takes Mayfield and we end up with Allen, the prototype talent who sucks at football. I'd be beside myself it it played out like this.

I personally think this is exactly how it plays out and even though I'm not sold on Allen, I would be happy that The Jets at least took a shot at a QB.  On the other hand, I would be extremely disappointed that in the year that the Jets were finally backed into a corner to draft a QB, they end up getting the #4 QB on the board while drafting at #6.

I would like to see Mac get super aggressive and somehow trade up to get Darnold or Rosen, but it would just be too much of a break from his previous draft approaches.  We'll see.

 

[varjet]

53 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

Two things about this mock: 1. Broncos are going to end up with Cousins, come hell or high water (it sounds like), and the Colts are likely to trade out of three if some dipsh*t team decides they NEED Allen. I think the Jets are praying to Sweet Christ right now that someone gives them an excuse to not draft a QB, and they’ll be better able to explain why they didn’t take Mayfield than they will Allen, only because no one in NY has ever really seen Allen play, so most of the base will get snowed into thinking he’s Carson Wentz by the time the draft rolls around.

We must not forget that the Colts are in the Jets club of dysfunctional organizations, and cheap too, but one thing they have had for the last 20 years was a good QB.

If you have a good QB and some good receivers, you will actually win some games against teams with bad defenses, and you will seldom draft that high.  That is one reason that the Colts have not been as good post-Polian.  

So although the Colts could think they would like Chubb or Barkley at 3, I could see them instead choosing to trade that pick and its high guarantees to another needy team.  The team the pays alot for that pick wants a QB.  That is the Mayfield pick.  In fact, the Colts could trade with the Broncos and probably get at least Chubb 2 picks cheaper.  

[T0mShane]

6 minutes ago, varjet said:

We must not forget that the Colts are in the Jets club of dysfunctional organizations, and cheap too, but one thing they have had for the last 20 years was a good QB.

If you have a good QB and some good receivers, you will actually win some games against teams with bad defenses, and you will seldom draft that high.  That is one reason that the Colts have not been as good post-Polian.  

So although the Colts could think they would like Chubb or Barkley at 3, I could see them instead choosing to trade that pick and its high guarantees to another needy team.  The team the pays alot for that pick wants a QB.  That is the Mayfield pick.  In fact, the Colts could trade with the Broncos and probably get at least Chubb 2 picks cheaper.  

I am of the belief that a lot of teams will talk themselves into Allen and talk themselves out of Mayfield, because most personnel groups are fairly dumb that way. 

[BurnleyJet]

1 hour ago, UnitedWhofans said:

In my terms this could be the worst case scenario. But even that is not at doomsday level

Really, he will be terrible, and the goons won't play him until year two.  It will taken even long before the Team admits they have to start again.

Absolute Dooms day pick for me. They need to have the balls to move up, if the Cousins thing falls through? - The perfect scenario is if the Giants are stupid enough not to take Rosen. Eli is 37 and looks terrible, it's time they moved on,

[BurnleyJet]

15 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

I am of the belief that a lot of teams will talk themselves into Allen and talk themselves out of Mayfield, because most personnel groups are fairly dumb that way. 

I so hope your right.

[T0mShane]

Just now, BurnleyJet said:

I so hope your right.

We’d still pass on Mayfield.

[Paradis]

In this scenario - if we're going QB, I want to hear Lamar Jackson's name called, not the "other" athletic QB.

Bold prediction, when we get through Combine, interviews, prodays, etc. Jackson's stock is going to heat up to the point where media will start playing with him at spots like this one - and on draft day, goes ahead of Allen.

Josh Allen has no right being drafted ahead of Lamar Jackson. 

[freestater]

[RedBeardedSavage]

I would take any of the players he has going top five.  

I'd hate to come away with the fourth quarterback taken at pick six.  Desperation is a stinky cologne.  

[pdxgreen]

We need to trade up to 3 if Denver is going to take Mayfield.  Just no to Allen.

[Larz]

Drafting a QB with accuracy issues is like a WR that can't catch, a RB that can't run or a Charlie in the box 

[adb280z]

59 minutes ago, pdxgreen said:

We need to trade up to 3 if Denver is going to take Mayfield.  Just no to Allen.

I don't want Mayfield, yes to Allen!

[Greensleeves]

8 hours ago, varjet said:

I don't think you can underestimate system fit.  Although the Eagles supposedly do run a WCO, Allen would appear to me to be a Qb who would fit in a Ravens/Steelers/Patriots like system.   I am not quite sure Allen fits in the Bates system.  Mayfield would appear to fit into that.  

I would hope if they pick Josh Allen that Bates would be smart enough to tailor their offense to the QB. I'm tired of certain coaches having to run THEIR system. Does that mean they don't know that much outside of their system or they are so full of themselves they don't care about the team?