NFL mock draft: Browns will make USC’S Darnold top pick
Quarterback visited by Cleveland owner Haslam on Pro Day
The following is Review-journal NFL writer Gilbert Manzano’s first NFL mock draft (the draft will be held April 26-28):
1. Browns: Sam Darnold, QB,USC
Owner Jimmy Haslam attended Darnold’s Pro Day last month. That appearance says it all.
2. Giants: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
New York doesn’t go for need and instead looks to the future. Rosen can handle the big city lights.
3. Jets: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Jets traded up hoping to land Rosen, but they’ll be fine with taking the big-arm QB.
4. Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Browns get their dream scenario. A potential franchise altering draft for Cleveland.
5. Broncos: Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Denver doesn’t reach for a QB and gets the best defensive player in the draft to pair with Von Miller.
6. Colts: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The Colts could move out of this spot if the Bills get desperate for a QB. If they stay put, they get much-needed help in the secondary.
7. Buccaneers: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Jameis Winston needs more time to operate and he gets it with Nelson, who can contribute right away.
8. Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Chicago addressed the offense during free agency. Now they get a versatile defensive back.
9. 49ers: Derwin James, S, Florida State
General manager John Lynch knows safeties. He gets the best one in this year’s draft.
10. Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Jon Gruden loves grinders. Smith’s high motor will make the new coach happy.
11. Dolphins: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Miami gets a replacement for Ndamukong Suh on the defensive line.
12. Bills: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Staying put paid off, but will Mayfield be just as good as the first three quarterbacks taken?
13. Redskins: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Washington gets a very athletic playmaker in the middle of the defense.
14. Packers: Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-san Antonio
Davenport has plenty of upside to be an enforcer on the defensive line.
15. Cardinals: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Larry Fitzgerald can’t keep carrying the offense. Ridley will instantly help.
16. Ravens: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
The Ravens gave Joe Flacco weapons in free agency and now gets protection.
17. Chargers: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
Los Angeles continues to add to its strong defense.
18. Seahawks: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Seattle desperately needs help at corner after cutting Richard Sherman.
19. Cowboys: Da’ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Dallas gets a big body to stop the run.
20. Lions: Harold Landry, DE, Boston College
Defensive guru Matt Patricia selects a talented edge rusher.
21. Bengals: Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-el Paso
Hernandez will provide holes for running back Joe Mixon.
22. Bills: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Buffalo shipped Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati. They fill that need.
23. Rams: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
The trade of Alec Ogletree opened a spot at linebacker.
24. Panthers: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Camnewtongetsaquickand reliable wide receiver.
25. Titans: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Marcus Mariota loves feeding his tight ends.
26. Falcons: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
With Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn gone, Atlanta needed help up front.
27. Saints: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Drew Brees gets another weapon to go with Michael Thomas.
28. Steelers: Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
The Steelers fill a need at linebacker.
29. Jaguars: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Jacksonville gave Blake Bortles an extension. He now gets a new TE to throw to.
30. Vikings: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Minnesota gets depth at offensive line to help Kirk Cousins.
31. Patriots: Mike Mcglinchey, OT, Notre Dame
New England lands a solid tackle to replace Nate Solder.
32. Eagles: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The defending champions add a talented cornerback to end the first round.
Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Gmanzano24 on Twitter.