ARMS STRONG
QBs dominate early picks in Serby’s latest mock draft
THE SERBY Mock 3.0, selections 1-20, operates on the theory that the Vikings will beat the Jets and Broncos to prospective $30 million man Kirk Cousins.
This will be the last mock before the start of free agency.
1. BROWNS Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Draft day. Can’t afford to pick a Bo Callahan. No Mistake By the Lake this time. Hue Jackson is the right man to develop him behind, say, A.J. McCarron ... as long as he can win a damn game by Halloween this time.
2. GIANTS Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
With the Giants on the clock, GM Dave Gettleman answers a war-room call from an old friend.
“I learned real early that, number one, you have to get the quarterback when you have a chance,” Ernie Accorsi reminds him.
Missiles at the Meadowlands. Big hands, big arm. He’ll sit behind Eli Manning (and Davis Webb) while Pat Shurmur and Mike Shula develop him.
3. BRONCOS (FROM COLTS) Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
A trade based on two possibilities: 1) John Elway is fearful of the Jets trading up for this quarterback; 2) Colts GM Chris Ballard has Saquon Barkley and Bradley Chubb rated equally.
4. BROWNS Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
GM John Dorsey thought about making this game-changing thoroughbred the first overall pick, and the great Jim Brown is ecstatic.
5. COLTS
Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
If anyone ever needed an elite 6-foot-4, 285-pound pass rusher to chase Deshaun Watson and Marcus Mariota (Blake Bortles, not so much), it’s new coach Frank Reich.
6. JETS Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
A heated war-room debate over whether to draft Lamar Jackson instead is solved by Christopher Johnson, who frantically summons Christian Hackenberg from the cold tub to flip a coin — heads for Broadway Baker, tails for Broadway Lamar. Heads it is. Bill Polian pans the pick, believing Broadway Baker is shorter than Doug Flutie. Moxie in the Meadowlands. Let him learn how to be a pro under Josh McCown.
7. BUCCANEERS Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Doug Martin only can wish he could have run behind this 6-foot-5, 325-pound road grader who may be able to play tackle, too. A nasty plug-and-play bodyguard for Jameis Winston. “Good golly,” Gettleman tells reporters, “that is one fine Hog Mollie.”
8. BEARS Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama
Prince Amukamara is a free agent, and Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford — and possibly Cousins — will be on the schedule twice.
9. 49ERS Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
A big corner is needed opposite Ahkello Witherspoon if Trumaine Johnson signs with the Raiders. Denzel Ward is barely taller than Bill Polian.
10. RAIDERS Derwin James, S, Florida State
A Gruden Grinder who can match up with Travis Kelce and Hunter Henry.
11. DOLPHINS Tremaine Edmunds LB, Virginia Tech
Adam Gase might need this freakish 6-foot-5, 250-pound replacement for Lawrence Timmons.
12. BENGALS Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Marvin Lewis buys himself another decade of job security.
13. REDSKINS Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Kendall Fuller was dispatched to the Chiefs in the Alex Smith trade, Josh Norman is 30 and Odell Beckham Jr. will be returning.
14. PACKERS Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
New GM Brian Gutekunst stays true to the board with an infusion of new blood for thirtysomething linebackers Clay Matthews and Ahmad Brooks.
15. COWBOYS (FROM CARDINALS) Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
With uncertainty surrounding Dez Bryant, Jerry Jones leapfrogs the Ravens for the draft’s best wideout.
16. RAVENS Mike McGlinchey OT, Notre Dame
Ozzie Newsome plugs a hole on the right side instead of reaching for a wide receiver.
17. CHARGERS Vita Vea, DT, Washington
A 340-pound dancing bear to discourage Marshawn Lynch and Kareem Hunt.
18. SEAHAWKS Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson could be goners.
19. CARDINALS Mason Rudolph QB, Oklahoma State
Rookie coach Steve Wilks hass a desperate need with Carson Palmer retired.
20. LIONS Isaiah Wynn, G/T, Georgia
Rookie coach Matt Patricia stalks a running back next.