Sports Al Dente Multi-GM LIVE 2018 NFL Mock Draft

2018 NFL Mock Draft
Photo Credit: The Sports Fan Journal / Sports Al Dente Illustration via Ryan Bertrand.

We are at that point in the NFL offseason where you can scour the internet and find hundreds of Mock Drafts. Anywhere from the useless nonsense that Mel Kiper Jr. continues to get paid for, or the somewhat sane and logical mocks from Mike Mayock or Daniel Jeremiah on NFL.com.

Then you have the blogosphere that spats out mock after mock, more than likely from fanboys still living at home thinking they know it all cause they watch their favorite team, out-of-market, and pay $69.99 a month for NFL Sunday Ticket.

Well, we wanted to do something different at Sports Al Dente.

Now, let’s think logically. The NFL Draft is not done by one person selecting each player for each team. The commissioner may read each name on stage, but he is not the one making the selections. So then why should these “top-notch” mock drafts be done by one person? If 32 teams, 32 owners, 32 GMs, and 32 NFL coaches participate in the draft, then wouldn’t a mock draft have the potential to be more accurate if more than one person was making all of the selections?

Ladies and gentlemen, Sports Al Dente gives you our pre-free agency, multi-GM, LIVE 2018 NFL Mock Draft.

Sports Al Dente Multi-GM LIVE 2018 NFL Mock Draft

1. Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold, QB USC

Darnold is the best quarterback in the draft and he will bring something to the Browns that they need, Leadership. The Browns have drafted many high character guys and now they have that leader on offense who will command the locker room. They have the receivers and still need to find the RB, but you do not pass up on a guy who can shift your culture. Hue Jackson has to show that he can develop talent because another 1 win season will lose him his job.

Tobias Estes, Contributor

2. New York Giants – Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State

Barkley provides the New York Giants with back-field advantage strength. Barkley’s speed and build opens the field up for passing and rushing opportunities, considering a roster that includes WRs like Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard, and hybrid Evan Engram. With a seasoned QB like Eli Manning, Barkley can compliment his work with adding more time and space in the pocket. Barkley is a player that the current New York Giants offense can build around and increase their fluidity overall.

Brauna Marks, Contributor

3. Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE North Carolina State

The three most important things in the NFL are to have a quarterback, protect your quarterback and rush the other team’s quarterback. All signs point to Andrew Luck returning in 2018 and while protecting him is a key priority, there are no offensive linemen at this point in the draft better than Chubb. He has all the attributes that NFL teams look for in a pass rusher and with the Colts finishing the 2017 season ranked 31st in sacks, they need all the help they can get.

Tad Desai, Editor

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Detroit Lions) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, S Alabama

The Buccaneers had some holes to fill in the secondary and they can be fixed quickly by drafting Minkah Fitzpatrick. His versatility to play either Corner or Safety will be advantageous, as they are growing a very young and formidable secondary along with Vernon Hargreaves. Fitzpatrick’s exceptional playmaking ability helps Tampa, it doesn’t matter if he is going up to intercept the ball or blitzing the quarterback, he affects the game in all facets of it. It was worth the extra price to trade up for this generational talent.

Matt Matera, Contributor

5. Arizona Cardinals (via Denver Broncos) – Josh Rosen, QB UCLA

The Arizona Cardinals traded up to get their quarterback. The Cardinals selected Josh Rosen out of UCLA. Rosen could possibly walk in day one and be the starter. The Cardinals desperately needed a franchise quarterback and they get that with Rosen. New coach, new QB… perfect situation.

Danielle Herrera, Contributor

6. New York Jets – Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield has that passion and moxie that you just can’t teach, which is especially perfect for The Big Apple. Baker was a walk-on at Oklahoma, and there’s no doubt he will bring that same intensity that earned him a starting spot in college over to the Jets. With many more NFL offenses adopting college type plays, it won’t be a complete one-eighty transition over here, with a system that will be molded to his strengths. The Jets had an obvious glaring need at quarterback, and Mayfield is the right guy both mentally and physically for it. The Jets get their guy to build around for many years to come.

Matt Matera, Contributor

7. Detroit Lions (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Derwin James, S Florida State

Well, that was eventful. Before breaking down picking James, let me explain why the Lions were all over the place with trades. The initial plan was to aggressively pursue Saquon Barkley as he is a missing piece that could elevate the Lions offense to be one of the best in the league. After the Giants took him, it was time to recoup some of the losses of trading up while still taking advantage of their newfound position. Hence: Derwin James.

While Minkah Fitzpatrick is getting all the love as the best safety in this year’s draft, James is not too far behind him. He has the perfect combination of physicality, coverage skills and speed to be a top strong safety in the league. While Quandre Diggs played well at safety towards the end of the season, James’ presence in the defensive backfield will allow Diggs to commit to corner full time where he’s the most comfortable.

With A’Shawn Robinson at defensive tackle, Jarrad Davis at linebacker and now James at safety, the Lions have a great corps group of young players to build their defense around to match their offense.

Tad Desai, Editor

8. Cleveland Browns (via Detroit Lions) – Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State

The Browns were atrocious last year against the pass and #1 WRs and they need a guy to rely on. Insert Denzel Ward and you now have a speedy CB that you can place on the outside or in the slot. The Browns need a guy who can cover but is not afraid to hit. Ward does both well.

Tobias Estes, Contributor

9. San Francisco 49ers – Marcus Davenport, DE UTSA

Marcus Davenport is a diamond in the rough. While he did not play for the toughest conference, his statistics climbed over his career. He had 8.5 sacks in 2017 and was a constant presence in the backfield. While he needs to add bulk, his long arms should be an advantage in the pass rush. He has that kind of boom or bust potential, but if he hits, he will be a monster for the Niners for years to come as everyone knows elite pass rushers come at a premium price.

David Hegler, Contributor

10. Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds, LB Virginia Tech

The Raiders have had a hole at the linebacker position for the last decade, and with the possible departure of NaVorro Bowman, this is again a very glaring deficiency. The Raiders will likely add talent at the cornerback position in free agency, which makes the linebacker position their biggest need. Even if Bowman is re-signed, Tremaine Edmunds will bring some consistency to the LB position for the foreseeable future. 

He is only 19 years old with enormous upside that has NFL teams salivating. Edmunds play recognition noticeably increased as the season went on and started to show his ability getting to the QB. He had 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2017 which got him All-ACC First Team honors. 

Edmunds is an elite athlete measuring in at 6’4”, 253lbs and he ran a 4.54 second 40 time at the combine. That is cruising for a 250lb linebacker. It’s no secret the NFL is a passing league, and linebackers need to not only be able to stop the run but cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. He has the athletic ability and talent to do both of these extremely well. This adds a much-needed piece to a rebuilding Raiders defense.

Keaton Ohara, Contributor

11. Miami Dolphins – Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama

With Jarvis Landry’s departure from South Beach all but a foregone conclusion, the ‘Fins are going to need a new way to stretch the field and keep defenses honest and if he falls this far, Calvin Ridley from Alabama may just be the perfect answer. At 6 feet and ½ inches tall, he’s not the height monster that a lot of teams look for in a downfield threat, but his hands, toughness, and route running precision more than makes up for his lack of height. These attributes have kept him relevant to the ‘Bama offense, even in the red zone against taller defenders. 

His stock may have taken a slight hit as his Combine numbers don’t quite reflect his position at the top of most experts’ wide receiver lists, but a 4.43 second 40 time isn’t slow and a 31” vertical isn’t anything to scoff at either—but it’s his on-field intuition and situational awareness that makes Ridley such a potent downfield weapon. The young man knows exactly when to turn on the burners and when to stop on a dime, to let his blockers catch up. No angle is safe if your goal is stopping Ridley.

Grassy Knoll, Contributor

12. Cincinnati Bengals – Quenton Nelson, G Notre Dame

The Bengals offensive line was decimated during free agency last offseason and it showed throughout the year. Not only is the Guard position an immediate need, but Quenton Nelson is simply the best player available at 12. He is an absolute mauler that is mean and nasty in the trenches. He has one goal every play, absolute domination of his opponent. Nelson may be one of the best linemen prospects to come out in a long time, and the Bengals would be absolutely delighted if he is still on the board when they are on the clock.

Ryan Dyrud

13. Washington Redskins – Roquan Smith, LB Georgia

Smith is a stud and will continue to be a stud in the pros. Washington needs a young stud on all three levels of their defense so they can build for the future and Smith is that guy. He is undersized, but linebackers now need to be able to defend running backs and tight ends. That requires athleticism and a ferocity. I think Smith will be the future of the LB position and he reminds me a bit of Deion Jones in Atlanta.

Tobias Estes, Contributor

14. Green Bay Packers – Josh Jackson, CB Iowa

Green Bay has holes to fill across the entire depth chart, but cornerback is at the top of that list as the Packers finished 31st in defending against the pass last year. With Jackson still on the board here, this pick is a no-brainer. He is a tall corner with long arms, great instincts, and insane ball skills evidenced by his NCAA leading 27 pass breakups (8 interceptions.) The University of Iowa product is a converted receiver which speaks volumes to his understanding of route concepts and combinations that allow him to play with tremendous anticipation. Jackson is still a bit raw but has all the tools necessary to be a day one impact player for this defense with a ceiling that is sky-high.

Ryan LaRock, Contributor

15. Denver Broncos (via Arizona Cardinals) – Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame

The Broncos trading back in the draft is completely dependent on what happens in free agency. GM John Elway is able to use his Midas Touch again and lure Kirk Cousins away from the Vikings and Jets, and can now turn his focus to the next biggest need of his franchise. There is some great offensive line talent in this draft, but with the 5th overall pick, it may be a reach. He trades down to 15 and gets a 3rd rounder this year and a 1st rounder next year, solidifying the future or giving the Broncos extra trade capital.

Connor McGovern finished the year strong for the Broncos leaving them with four formidable starters in the trenches with Garett Bolles, Ronald Leary, Matt Paradis, and McGovern. McGlinchey is the best tackle on my board, and at 6’8″ 312 pounds, he would solidify the right side. If Menelik Watson is still on the roster come training camp the two will battle for the starting spot, but McGlinchey is a great long-term play here.

Ryan Dyrud

16. Baltimore Ravens – Sony Michel, RB Georgia

I know what you’re thinking: John Harbaugh stated that the team was looking at Wide Receivers hard for this upcoming draft; Alex Collins seemed to be very convincing toward the end of last season. The Ravens do lack a playmaker on the outside which has had a part in the fan base suffering for the 3rd year in a row not making it to the postseason. But truth be told, this receiver draft class lacks luster. And that is why the Ravens should address the receiver situation in free agency. There are a few names that the Ravens should and will be looking at in the next couple of weeks as the new league year begins, Jarvis Landry and Sammy Watkins

Now as far as Sony Michel is concerned, this kid can really run the football. A smart and disciplined player, Michel is a North-South runner that can give defenses fits. He’s an above average blocker as a running back, a skill that is underappreciated at times. He’s not the best pass catcher but his size and versatility will make the defense keep tabs on him as they did plenty in 2017. He and Collins could make a similar combo to that of Kamara and Ingram (notice how I said “similar”), but being able to show different looks will parallel with the former.

Ryan Bertrand, Contributor and Graphics Manager

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Vita Vea, DT Washington

Some will emphasize the kicking game being the reason why the Chargers did not make the playoffs in 2017, but a big contributor to their failures was LAC having the worst run defense in the league. Two key losses against the Kansas City Chiefs was the reason why they missed out on a division title and that is due in large part to NFL Rushing Champion, Kareem Hunt, running for 172 yards in his 1st game against the Bolts & 155 yards in a late crucial December game that pretty much decided the fate of the AFC West between the Chargers & Chiefs.

Vita Vea is arguably the best interior defensive lineman in this draft. With him being added to a line that has a Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, there’s no doubt that their pass rush will be one of the best in the NFL in 2018 and Vea’s capability of breaking double teams will be a big help for their run defense. The Chargers were one of the hottest teams to close out the 2017 season going 9-3 after their horrific 0-4 start. Philip Rivers time is coming to an end & they are in a win now situation, Vita Vea will be able to make an immediate impact as a rookie in 2018.

Darius Jackson, Contributor

18. Seattle Seahawks – Connor Williams, OT Texas

Williams is the best prospect remaining at tackle. Unlike the O-lineman Seattle has picked early in previous years, Williams is already a developed prospect. He isn’t a “high upside athlete” and he can effectively block in the run game and pass. He can start from Day 1 and support the line from right tackle, replacing Germain Ifedi. If Duane Brown sticks around, Seattle’s line will be on its way back to where it was when they went to back to back Super Bowls.

Roman Tomashoff, Contributor

19. Dallas Cowboys – Harold Landry, DE Boston College

With a couple of their top targets off the board (Derwin James, Calvin Ridley, Vita Vea), the Cowboys go with the best player available. Harold Landry’s athletic ability was on display at the NFL Scouting Combine and he could step in as an immediate upgrade to the Dallas pass rush. With DeMarcus Lawrence expected to be coming back on the franchise tag on one end and Landry on the other, the Cowboys will terrorize opposing quarterbacks. If the Cowboys don’t go with an edge rusher in the first round, expect them to take long looks at safety Ronnie Harrison and guard Isaiah Wynn as possible selections at #19.

Scott Silveri, Editor

20. Chicago Bears (via Detroit Lions) – Courtland Sutton, WR Southern Methodist

After a purely business deal of trading the 8th pick to their division rival Lions, the Bears picked up the 20th pick, along with a 3rd round selection and some future draft picks, and selected a young physical specimen in Courtland Sutton from Southern Methodist University. Sutton doesn’t have elite speed but he has all the physical tools to become the focal point of Chicago’s passing attack next year. Sutton finished his college career with 195 receptions for 3,220 receiving yards, and 31 receiving touchdowns.

He has great size, is a great pass catcher, and is sure-handed. Sutton consistently beats his defender, he can break tackles and make defenders miss with ease, and is tough to take down. The Bears need a young physical wide receiver to bring alongside Dontrelle Inman, Kendall Wright, and Josh Bellamy. More than just being a big physical wide receiver, Sutton is a finisher with the ball.

Bryan Hernandez, Editor

21. Buffalo Bills – Maurice Hurst Jr., DT Michigan

This pick was made prior to the news coming out on Hurst’s heart condition. Hurst is the best 4-3 defensive tackle in the draft and I truly hope he is deemed healthy enough to continue playing football. This revelation may drop him out of the first round but Hurst would be a great fit in Buffalo playing next to Adolphus Washington in the middle.

Talon Graff, Managing Editor

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville

With Josh Allen still on the board, many people were probably expecting the Bills to grab him. However, Lamar Jackson is a faster and more athletic Cam Newton and Buffalo just happens to have a few names familiar with the Panthers.

Talon Graff, Managing Editor

23. Los Angeles Rams – Isaiah Oliver, CB Colorado

Even after trading for Marcus Peters, Oliver was the best possible option for the Rams. Oliver is an excellent press corner who can play man to man as well as anyone in this draft. A young corps of Aaron Donald, John Johnson, Alec Ogletree, Marcus Peters and Oliver would be an excellent group for Wade Phillips to build around and can be dominant for years to come.

Roman Tomashoff, Contributor

24. New Orleans Saints (via Carolina Panthers) – Rashaan Evans, LB Alabama

The New Orleans Saints had a pretty strong group of linebackers entering the 2017 season, but injuries to A.J. Klein and rookie Alex Anzalone put them in a bind. Manti Te’o performed well and had a great season for the team so it is safe to say that the Saints will still have a pretty good linebacker corps. However, that doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t improve going into 2018. Picking up Rashaan Evans in the draft gives the Saints a true three-down linebacker and another potential impact player in the front seven.

Gared Watkins, Contributor

25. Tennessee Titans – Isaiah Wynn, G Georgia

Despite being successful running the ball, the Titans need help along the interior of their line. Mariota took way too many hits last year and the Titans need to protect him. Wynn is versatile enough to play both center and guard. He gives the Titans much needed athleticism and depth as the team moves to a much more uptempo offensive scheme.

Chauncey Telese, Contributor

26. Atlanta Falcons – Da’Ron Payne, DT Alabama

Dontari Poe is going to walk and the Falcons offense is at its peak for at least one more year so Atlanta has to focus on improving its defense. Most draft analysts agree it is between Taven Bryan and Payne for the second-best defensive tackle in the draft behind Vita Vea so this is a steal for the Falcons at 26. Payne’s greatest strength is his freak athleticism, particularly his speed which is impressive given his 319 lb frame.

Payne can be a young anchor for the Falcons to build around in the coming years and is exactly the type of player who helps elevate an already successful team and will allow the Falcons to help collapse the pocket. This is especially important in a division that features Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Jameis Winston.

Tad Desai, Editor

27. Indianapolis Colts (via New Orleans Saints) – Derrius Guice, RB LSU

This may seem like a knee-jerk reaction but the Colts recently announced they are moving on from Frank Gore and while Marlon Mack didn’t disappoint as a rookie, it’s clear he isn’t a number one back. With the Browns still ahead of Indianapolis in the second round and Michel off the board, the possibility of them taking Guice makes this trade worth it alone.

Hankins has been serviceable for the Colts but with this year’s draft class deep at defensive tackle and the possibility of Taven Bryan still being available, the Colts can address that hole while still filling one of their biggest needs on offense.

Guice battled injuries throughout 2017 but the thing that makes him particularly enticing is his clear-cut vision which is the most important thing in a successful transfer from college to the pros. He’s a physical back with some drawing comparisons to Marshawn Lynch which is important for early success with the Colts as they work to rebuild their offensive line.

Departing with Hankins wasn’t an easy choice but the possibility of a cheaper and potentially better fit being taken in the second round and a dire need for a running back, it was a trade that had to be made and leaves the Colts with a solid base to build on heading into the season.

Tad Desai, Editor

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Hughes, CB UCF

The Steelers should be eyeing two keys needs: a replacement for Ryan Shazier and a replacement for Ike Taylor. With a spot late in the first, it really came down to the most talented player left on the board. As middle linebacker talent continued to go to other teams, Hughes was an obvious choice. On an otherwise stacked roster, the pass defense is still an obvious weakness for the black and gold.

It’s worth mentioning that Josh Allen was a serious temptation. However, the Steelers have too much talent to spend a first round pick on such a gamble. The window of Super Bowl opportunity is going to slam shut in a few years, and a plug and play defensive back like Mike Hughes provides athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and will likely get immediate playing time.

Charlie Cairone, Contributor

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State

Dallas Goedert is a strong, talented tight end with the tools to succeed in the NFL. Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis has seen better days; and after 12 years in Jacksonville, the former All-Pro is reaching the end of his career.  Goedert’s body control and soft hands will make him an immediate contributor on an offense stacked with talent. Couple that with an All-World defense, and the Jaguars look to be contenders once again in 2018.

Danny Rendon, Editor

30. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Allen, QB Wyoming

The Minnesota Vikings were in need of a quarterback or an offensive lineman. While there were a few great options available for them at pick 30, they couldn’t pass on the opportunity to draft the big-armed kid from Wyoming, Josh Allen. Some had him ranked as high as first overall, so to get him this late was something the franchise couldn’t pass up, even if it proves to be a swing and a miss.

Josh Moeschl, Contributor

31. Buffalo Bills (via New England Patriots) – James Washington, WR Oklahoma State

The Bills trade back up to the first round and grab the best hands in the draft. James Washington will be a nice weapon for the Bills new quarterback and form a dangerous corps with Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones.

Talon Graff, Managing Editor

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Kolton Miller, OT UCLA

What do you get for the team that has everything—or at least the team that just won their first Super Bowl in franchise history on the strength of their backup quarterback’s arm? You get them a top-tier offensive tackle to protect their starting quarterback’s blind side better and set the edge for their running game, which is going to need a big-time overhaul before they begin their title defense. 

The first draft after winning the Super Bowl is the best possible time to reinforce your foundation because your fans are less likely to boo the pick of an offensive lineman over flashy receivers and quarterbacks. Kolton Miller, the 6’8” 209 lb. offensive tackle might just be the perfect piece to reinforce the Eagles’ foundation. A lot of people have them picking a back here, with the possible departure of LeGarrette Blount and Darren Sproles, but they would be much better off reinforcing the O-line to maximize the return they can get from Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and most of all Jay Ajayi who has the capability to be an every-down back. 

Miller was one of only four O-linemen to run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds and set a new Combine record for the broad jump at his position (10’1”), not bad for a big guy. If they have the opportunity, the Eagles could cement themselves as a powerhouse for years to come by adding Miller to their line.

Grassy Knoll, Contributor

Live In-Draft Trades:

Trade 1:

  • Denver Broncos Receive:

2018 15th Overall Pick

2018 3rd Round Pick

2019 1st Round Pick

  • Arizona Cardinals Receive:

2018 5th Overall Pick

Trade 2:

  • Detroit Lions Receive:

2018 8th Overall pick

2018 5th round pick

  • Chicago Bears Receive:

2018 20th Overall pick

2018 3rd round pick

2019 3rd round pick

2019 4th round pick

Trade 3:

  • Detroit Lions Receive:

2018 4th Overall pick

  • Cleveland Browns Receive:

2018 8th Overall pick

2018 2nd round pick

2018 5th round pick

2019 2nd round pick

Trade 4:

  • Detroit Lions Receive:

2018 7th Overall Pick

2018 Third Round

2019 Third Round

2019 Fourth Round

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receive:

2018 4th Overall Pick

Trade 5:

  • Carolina Panthers Receive:

2018 3rd Rounder

2019 2nd Rounder

2019 4th Rounder

CB Delvin Breaux

  • New Orleans Saints Receive:

2018 24th Overall Pick

Trade 6:

  • Indianapolis Colts Receive:

2018 27th Overall Pick

  • New Orleans Saints Receive:

2018 3rd Rounder

2018 6th Rounder

2019 5th Rounder

DT Jonathan Hankins

Trade 7:

  • Buffalo Bills Receive:

2018 31st Overall Pick

  • New England Patriots Receive:

2018 2nd rounder

2019 3rd rounder