MOCK DRAFT

News’ Manish Mehta breaks down 1st Rnd.

1 BROWNS SAM DARNOLD USC QB

John Dorsey resists the temptation of taking physical specimen Josh Allen and his bazooka arm for the safer and smarter choice. Darnold’s leadership and innate ability to sense and escape pressure are undeniable. Will the Cleveland coaching staff be able to cultivate his massive talent?

17 CHARGERS DERWIN JAMES FLORIDA STATE S

A physical terror who will be an immediate leader for Gus Bradley’s defense. The big question: Will he be the player that he used to be before tearing up his knee as a sophomore? If so, L.A. just got a steal.

2 GIANTS SAQUON BARKLEY PENN STATE RB

Dave Gettleman could make a killing by trading down, but his conservative nature (no trade-downs in five drafts with the Panthers) prompts him to take another dynamic offensive weapon. He wants a Gold Jacket player with this pick. Barkley has the tools to deliver, but it’s fair to wonder whether this was a wise decision given a RB’s relatively short shelf life.

18 SEAHAWKS MARCUS DAVENPORT UTSA DE

Pete Carroll needs an edge-passing presence in the worst way as he rebuilds his defense. Davenport is raw, but the tools are there to become a difference maker. Besides, this guy loves to write poetry. How can you not root for him?

3 JETS BAKER MAYFIELD OKLAHOMA QB

There are folks on One Jets Drive who love Josh Rosen, but Mayfield’s toughness, fiery leadership and accuracy are appealing… height be damned. Will it be a mistake to pass on Rosen, who’s far and away the best pure pocket passer in the draft? Rosen’s durability (shoulder surgery and concussions) is a fair concern, but I was told this week to keep an eye on him because he just might be holding up a green-and-white jersey Thursday night.

19 COWBOYS CALVIN RIDLEY ALABAMA WR

With Dez Bryant out of the picture, Jerry Jones will consider Maryland’s D.J. Moore and local prospect Courtland Sutton (SMU) before opting for the safer Ridley.

4 BROWNS BRADLEY CHUBB N.C. STATE DE

The Factory of Sadness walks away from the first hour of the draft with a potential franchise quarterback and edge pass rusher whom they can pair with Myles Garrett. Dorsey entertains offers to trade down to collect more draft capital, but the thought of two edge rushing nightmares was too good to pass up.

20 LIONS HAROLD LANDRY BOSTON COLLEGE OLB

Matt Patricia gets an immediate threat off the edge with plenty of untapped potential. Landry reunites with new Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who was his position coach in college. Landry might be best suited to be a situational pass rusher as a rookie.

5 BRONCOS DENZEL WARD OHIO STATE CB

Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson is a serious consideration before John Elway pulls the trigger on the best cover corner in the draft. Ward might not be the longest corner out there, but it’s hard to argue with his production. Keep an eye on a possible trade with the Bills, who could part with the Nos. 12 and 22 picks to move up to take Wyoming QB Josh Allen in this spot.

21 BENGALS ISAIAH WYNN GEORGIA OL

Cincinnati needs offensive line upgrades on the right side. Wynn, who was Steady Eddie for the national runner ups, provides position flexibility (guard and tackle). With Cordy Glenn and Clint Boling anchoring the left side and Wynn on the right, maybe Joe Mixon will finally get some decent running lanes.

6 COLTS ROQUAN SMITH GEORGIA LB

Indy considered dropping down a few spots, but opted to grab this ultra-talented leader, who will be the centerpiece of a defense in dire need of help. Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was enticing, but Chris Ballard ultimately went with the more polished player at the position.

22 BILLS D.J. MOORE MARYLAND WR

Brandon Beane considers UTEP guard Will Hernandez before helping a punch-less receiving corps that includes Kelvin Benjamin (set for free agency in 2019) and the mercurial Zay Jones. SMU’s Courtland Sutton is a younger version of Benjamin, but Buffalo opts for Moore, who has terrific short-area quickness and yards-after-thecatch ability.

7 BUCS MINKAH FITZPATRICK ALABAMA DB

Tampa desperately needs secondary help. The versatile Fitzpatrick, who is more safety than corner, provides more value. Jameis Winston’s likely efforts to lobby for Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson fall on deaf ears.

23 PATRIOTS RASHAAN EVANS ALABAMA LB

A versatile toy for Bill Belichick as he transitions to a new defensive coordinator. Pal Nick Saban gave Lord Vader his blessing.

8 BEARS QUENTON NELSON NOTRE DAME G

It’s hard to complain about getting this rock-solid interior lineman. Nelson would be a mainstay in the trenches for the next decade. Somewhere Mitchell Trubisky is smiling. (Denzel Ward was a target before the Broncos grabbed him).

24 PANTHERS WILL HERNANDEZ UTEP OG

A no-brainer replacement for Andrew Norwell who will bring a tough and physical attitude in the trenches. This couldn’t have worked out any better for Ron Rivera.

9 49ERS TREMAINE EDMUNDS VIRGINIA TECH, LB

This raw versatile athlete has the makings of a superstar. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was on Seattle’s staff during the birth of The Legion of Boom, will know exactly how to use Edmunds. The best part: He hasn’t even turned 20 yet. Besides, who knows what Reuben Foster’s future holds?

25 TITANS LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH BOISE STATE LB

Rookie coach (and former linebacker) Mike Vrabel will have a field day using the versatile Vander Esch.

10 RAIDERS 11 DOLPHINS VITA VEA WASHINGTON DT

Ward is tempting, but Jon Gruden fortifies a weak inside rush by grabbing a potential cornerstone piece. Maybe Vea and Khalil Mack can turn into the latterday Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside. Either way, Chuckie has to be pleased with upgrading a defense that was leaking oil last year.

26 FALCONS DA’RON PAYNE ALABAMA DT

Dan Quinn & Co. consider Taven Bryan and Maurice Hurst before going with the ultratalented Alabama run-stuffer, who will be a menace for the next decade.

JOSH ROSEN UCLA QB

Adam Gase’s new franchise quarterback falls right into his lap. The third signal caller off the board might wind up being the best… if he can stay healthy. Rosen has the makings of being a star if he can stay in one piece in the pocket.

27 SAINTS JOSH JACKSON IOWA CB

The converted wide receiver was an incredible ball hawk (nation-high eight INTs and 27 passes defensed last season), but there are fair questions about his long speed. His Combine results didn’t assuage that fear. Sean Payton & Co. better hope the rangy Jackson wasn’t a one-year fluke.

12 BILLS JOSH ALLEN WYOMING QB

You didn’t actually think that Sean McDermott would depend on A.J. McCarron or Nathan Peterman under center? Odds are that Buffalo would have to part with the No. 22 pick or their second-rounders to move up and grab Josh Allen. But it’s an absolute no-brainer to take the 6-5, 238-pound signal caller. Three of the Big Four QBs wind up in the AFC East.

28 STEELERS JAIRE ALEXANDER LOUISVILLE CB

Mike Tomlin would have loved to add a linebacker in this spot, but the value isn’t there with Evans and Vander Esch off the board. Alexander has the athleticism and quickness to thrive in any corner spot. The big question: Can the 5-9, 196-pounder stay healthy?

13 WASHINGTON JAMES DANIELS IOWA C/G

Jay Gruden could use upgrades in his front seven, but the offensive line is also in disrepair. This might be a bit early for Daniels, who isn’t the most imposing offensive lineman left on the board, but he’s an athletic plugand-play interior presence that Alex Smith & Co. could use.

29 JAGUARS TAVEN BRYAN FLORIDA DL

The Jags could have used Will Hernandez to fortify the interior OL, but there’s no reason to reach for need. So, Doug Marrone and Co. take the smart long-term approach of adding depth at an area of strength right now. Tom Coughlin and Dave Caldwell snatch up the versatile ultra-athletic Bryan, who will need some seasoning.

14 PACKERS MIKE HUGHES CENTRAL FLORIDA CB

Edge rusher Marcus Davenport is tempting, but Hughes fits the description of the press-man cover corners needed in Green Bay’s new scheme. You win and lose games fastest at quarterback and cornerback. Green Bay already has the quarterback part covered.

30 VIKINGS CONNOR WILLIAMS TEXAS OL

It wasn’t that long ago that Minnesota’s OL was viewed as a bottom 10 unit. Mike Zimmer’s big eaters overachieved last year, but upgrades are needed. Williams will be a plug-andplay interior lineman with the hope that he can transition to tackle.

15 CARDS MIKE MCGLINCHEY NOTRE DAME OT

Steve Wilks could use a corner to pair with Patrick Peterson, but the offensive line must be upgraded to protect the everbrittle Sam Bradford. McGlinchey is a smart plug-andplay option.

31 PATRIOTS KOLTON MILLER UCLA OT

Someone needs to replace Nate Solder, right? The 6-9, 310-pound former blindside protector for Josh Rosen will have the daunting task of making sure a 41-year-old GOAT stays upright.

16 RAVENS LAMAR JACKSON LOUISVILLE QB

Former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco is limping to the finish line. OC Marty Mornhinweg, who had success with Michael Vick in Philly, will have to tailor his offense to the uber-talented Jackson’s skill-set, but the payoff could be huge. There will be no middle ground for the former Heisman Trophy winner. He’ll be a star… or quickly disappear.

32 EAGLES DALLAS GOEDERT SOUTH DAKOTA ST. TE

It’s a fair bet that the Super Bowl champions will trade out of the first round to collect more draft capital. (Remember: They don’t have a second-round pick). If Howie Roseman stays put, he’ll consider upgrades at running back and offensive line, but Goedert will be a welcomed versatile pass-catching piece for Doug Pederson.