How trade alters mock draft
With little more than a month remaining until the first pick, the NFL draft remains in flux.
The Jets’ trade with the Colts for the No. 3 pick (in exchange for the sixth selection and three second rounders) was a harbinger of a potential bidding war for quarterbacks. Even if the deal doesn’t precipitate another major move, it is indicative of the mindset many teams might employ now that the initial wave of free agency has defined their most glaring needs.
1. Browns — Sam Darnold, QB, USC:
Don’t be swayed by Hue Jackson’s declaration that Tyrod Taylor is his 2018 starter. In reality, the ex-Bills passer is at best a bridge.
2. Giants — Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: The Jets’ trade set the GMen up to take home a potential king’s ransom if they can find their own QBhungry trade partner. But if Barkley’s on the board, this might be a no-brainer for new GM Dave Gettleman. Barkley is poised to become the highest running back drafted since Reggie Bush went No. 2 in 2006.
3. Jets (from Colts) — Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming: GM Mike Maccagnan swung the deal to move up after attending pro days for Baker Mayfield and Josh Rosen, but the timing likely isn’t indicative of his intent. Though taking Allen might be seen as Maccagnan failing to learn from the Christian Hackenberg debacle, the raw but strong-armed passer would represent the high-upside investment of the trade.
4. Browns (from Texans) — Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State: An all-QB top three might be the Browns’ dream, as it would pave the way for them to grab the signal-caller of their choice and then get Barkley here. In lieu of that, a defensive prospect seems like the natural fit.
5. Broncos — Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA:
John Elway touted Case Keenum as “our guy” last week, but that didn’t stop him from delaying the veteran’s introduction while he and the rest of Denver’s cavalry attended pro days for Mayfield and Rosen.
6. Colts (from Jets) — Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State: Trading back telegraphed GM Chris Ballard’s commitment to taking a longterm approach to Indianapolis’ rebuild after spending free agency mostly on the sidelines.
7. Buccaneers — Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama: Tampa Bay’s defense is still short on pass rush talent even after adding DE Vinny Curry, but few options beyond Chubb might make the Bucs look to their secondary.
8. Bears — Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame: Chicago’s offseason has been all about aiding second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky. Nelson would continue that theme.
9. 49ers — Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia: Still in need of a talent upgrade at almost every level, San Francisco’s defense could also use someone to set the right example for a young unit. Smith’s leadership would provide the right tone.
10. Raiders — Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech: The 6-5, 253-pounder is the kind of singular physical prospect that Al Davis would have coveted. Oakland needs all the defensive help it can find.
11. Dolphins — Vita Vea, DT, Washington: The release of Ndamukong Suh leaves a massive hole in the middle of Miami’s defense. Enter Vea, a 6-4, 347pound punisher who will command double teams and stonewall opposing running backs.
12. Bills (from Bengals) — Baker
Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: GM Brandon Beane claimed Buffalo might not move up farther or draft a quarterback despite trading up to No. 12, but it feels as though he’s bluffing.
13. Redskins — Derwin James, S, Florida State: He predicted at the combine that some team will take him in the top 10 and might not be off base.
14. Packers — Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida: An unsuccessful bid to pry Kyle Fuller from the rival Bears highlighted Green Bay’s desire to repair a precarious outlook at cornerback.
15. Cardinals — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: While Jackson might need time to address his erratic ball placement, the long-term payoff of a backfield featuring the Heisman Trophy winner and David Johnson might be too tantalizing to pass up.
16. Ravens — Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: Michael Crabtree’s signing aside, Baltimore’s receiving corps is still in shambles. Ridley would provide QB Joe Flacco an immediate deep threat.
17. Chargers — Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama: The Bolts largely stood pat in free agency, which spells trouble for a run defense that gave up a league-worst 4.9 yards a carry last season.
18. Seahawks — Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio: Pete Carroll’s defense is officially in rebuild mode. Davenport (6-6, 264 pounds) offers longterm upside.
19. Cowboys — DJ Moore, WR, Maryland: AA dynamic threat after the catch, Moore could make life easier for Dak Prescott.
20. Lions — Taven Bryan, DT, Florida: DE Ziggy Ansah alone won’t suffice in Detroit.
21. Bengals (from Bills) — Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso: Cincinnati seems intent on kick-starting the running game.
22. Bills (from Chiefs) — Connor Williams, OT, Texas: Losing T Cordy Glenn and C Eric Wood leaves plenty of uncertainty.
23. Rams — Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State: GM Les Snead hasn’t been shy in remaking his defense.
24. Panthers — Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville: Bashaud Breeland’s failed physical leaves Carolina with a vacancy at corner .
25. Titans — Harold Landry, OLB/ DE, Boston College: Despite tying for fifth last season with 43 sacks, Tennessee’s pass rush is middling off the edge.
26. Falcons — Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford: With Dontari Poe gone, DL Grady Jarrett could use a hammer next to him inside.
27. Saints — Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State: The former volleyball and basketball standout’s prowess on jump balls could help solve the third-down woes that occasionally kept the offense in check last season.
28. Steelers — Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama: Ryan Shazier has already been ruled out for next season, leaving a hole in the defense.
29. Jaguars — Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M:
Jacksonville’s receiving corps is somewhat of a hodgepodge after Allen Robinson’s exit. .
30. Vikings — James Daniels, C/G, Iowa: After landing QB Kirk Cousins and DL Sheldon Richardson, Minnesota doesn’t have many weak points.
31. Patriots — Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame: Most of New England’s free agency departures might have been expected, but LT Nate Solder signing with the Giants leaves a worrisome hole.
32. Eagles — Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa: With its core maintained after free agency, Philadelphia has flexibility. Jackson is a ball hawk (eight interceptions in 2017).