Feb 2, 20183 min read

NFL: Mock Draft Vol. 2

1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold QB/USC: Because Josh Rosen has been quite outspoken about not wanting to play for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland would have to settle for Sam Darnold at the top of the draft, which still isn’t too bad of a consolation prize. He threw for 4,143 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 picks in his sophomore season for the Trojans.

2. New York Giants: Josh Rosen QB/UCLA: The Rosen One heads to New York instead of Cleveland as the Eli Manning era there is pretty much over after 2017. Josh Rosen spent the last three seasons as part of the underwhelming UCLA teams, but it wasn't his fault they weren't contending in the Pac-12. Rosen threw for 3,756 yards and 26 touchdowns last year.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Saquon Barkley HB/Penn State: Andrew Luck and Saquon Barkley in the same backfield? I feel bad for AFC South defenses. Barkley really broke onto the scene that last two seasons, being one of the best running backs in the nation. After winning 10+ games two years in a row, he compiled 1,271 yards on 217 attempts for 18 scores in 2017-18.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans): Bradley Chubb DE/NC State: Last year the Browns drafted Myles Garrett, why not draft another stud pass rusher to go along with him? Hopefully this time it would turn into at least one victory for the Browns. Although Bradley Chubb didn't play in the Sun Bowl, a win over Arizona State, he finished the year with 70 tackles.

5. Denver Broncos: Minkah Fitzpatrick CB/Alabama: With the Alex Smith trade to the Washington Redskins, the Denver Broncos now become the front runners for Kirk Cousins, thus they can afford to find Aqib Talib’s heir apparent with this pick. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best option. He had 16 tackles in the last three games, including five in the national title victory over Georgia.

6. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield QB/Oklahoma: After a really good Senior Bowl week, Baker Mayfield helped improved his stock quite a bit, enough for the New York Jets to take the Heisman winner here. He would be the third quarterback taken in the first six selections. And his statistics show why he's wanted, as he threw for an incredible 4,627 yards and 43 scores to just six interceptions.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quentin Nelson G/Notre Dame: Nelson seems to be the consensus best offensive lineman in this draft, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get a steal with him at No. 7. He would be tasked with helping to protect franchise QB Jameis Winston going forward. The highest pick out of Notre Dame last year was Deshone Kizer at No. 52, so this would be a big jump for the school.

8. Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith LB/Georgia: Over the years there’s a formula for success Da Bears have used to win games: Find a franchise QB, and a franchise LB. Chicago drafted Mitchell Trubisky last year, now they hope Roquan Smith can fill that LB role with this selection. Smith had an outstanding showing in the College Football Playoff, totaling 24 tackles and one sack in the two games.

9. San Francisco 49ers: Calvin Ridley WR/Alabama: The 49ers have found their franchise QB, now they need to get him some weapons to throw to. Calvin Ridley is widely regarded as the best wideout in this class and he would be the second Crimson Tide player taken in the first nine picks. He caught 63 passes last season, with 967 yards and five touchdowns for Nick Saban's team.

10. Oakland Raiders: Derwin James S/Florida State: Pairing James with Karl Joseph in this secondary would be quite dangerous. Plus the Raiders have Jon Gruden coming into become the head coach, and this team could get back to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. Derwin James decided not to play in the bowl game, too, but in his final collegiate game, he showed out with 12 tackles.