Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2018 20:54:08 GMT -6
Talk about yer draft day shockers this one has quite a few. This old boys player rankings are way out of whack with most.
Genius or idiot?
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Round 1
1. Cleveland Browns (0-16)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - Baker Mayfield
QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
The nation’s highest-graded quarterback for two straight years, Mayfield’s production has been at another level than his peers and every way the numbers are sliced, he comes out at or near the top. The NFL is more than just college production, but Mayfield has shown well in important areas, including his ability to make “NFL Throws” (as outlined in our QB Annual as part of PFF Edge) as well as his accuracy on tight-window throws, as he had the highest percentage in the class at 52.4 percent. Mayfield’s accuracy and decision-making make him the top signal-caller in the class.
2. New York Giants (3-13)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 2 Sam Darnold
QB Sam Darnold, USC
Not far behind Mayfield, Darnold has a few questions to answer after a rough stretch in 2017, but it was still a solid sophomore campaign after an exceptional debut as a redshirt freshman in 2016. He has the special throws in his arsenal, from his middle-of-the-field anticipation, to his ability to throw receivers open in tight windows, to his ability to create big plays outside of structure. The question for Darnold is the turnover-worthy plays that were a problem last year, particularly his ball security in the pocket, but Darnold’s shown efficiency in all aspects of the game and there’s a path to him being the top quarterback in the draft if he can clean up just a few parts of his game. The Giants must take advantage of their positioning at the top of the draft to select their signal-caller of the future.
3. New York Jets (5-11) – from Indianapolis
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 3 Josh Rosen
QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
The Jets moved up to get a quarterback and despite having Rosen third on our quarterback board, he’s still worth a look here at No. 3 overall. He never really dominated at UCLA, always grading between 84.0 and 86.0 in the PFF system, but he’s an excellent intermediate level thrower where he can squeeze the ball into tight windows. Rosen must improve his decision-making as he’s always been on the lower end of the turnover-worthy play spectrum, but even as a high-volatile passer, he adds enough to the offense to win games and the Jets need a young quarterback capable of making those big-time throws.
4. Cleveland Browns – from Houston
DI Maurice Hurst, Michigan
After posting the top season we’ve seen from an interior defensive lineman, Hurst should be one of the first defensive players off the board. His excellent first step, pad level and hand usage make him difficult to block both in the run game and as a pass-rusher, all adding up to one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen to enter the league over the last few years. Add Hurst to the Browns defensive line overhaul and reap the rewards.
5. Denver Broncos (5-11)
S Derwin James, Florida State
While the Broncos would love to take a quarterback, they still have the Case Keenum bridge to hold them over. Instead, they go with the best defensive player on the board in James who is a safety in name only. He’s a versatile playmaker capable of covering tight ends, playing the run or rushing the passer. James posted the top safety grade in the nation in both 2015 and 2017, and his all-around game is perfect for the NFL.
6. Indianapolis Colts (4-12) – from New York Jets
CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
The Colts need help all over the defense, and they start their franchise-altering draft with one of the best ball hawks in the class. Jackson had a breakout 2017 campaign that saw him lead the nation in both interceptions (eight) and pass breakups (17), all while allowing a passer rating of 31.3, fifth-best in the country. Jackson has the skills to excel in any scheme and he’s the first piece in what could be a defensive overhaul for the Colts.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 7 Saquon Barkley
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
While Barkley is receiving top-3 hype, it’s hard to slot him in over potential franchise quarterbacks and blue-chip defensive players. However, he’s a nice fit here to the Bucs who continue to assemble offensive playmakers for quarterback Jameis Winston. Barkley’s receiving ability makes him more valuable than a traditional running back and he led FBS running backs with 632 receiving yards last season. He’s shown the ability to win from multiple alignments and his value will be maximized if used all over the formation and as a check-down option for Winston.
8. Chicago Bears (5-11)
G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
Many analysts are calling Nelson the best player in the draft and it’s hard to argue that point, but he drops to eight due to more valuable positions coming off the board first. Nelson is a dominant run-blocker who improved every year in pass protection at Notre Dame, capping his career with only five pressures allowed on his 430 attempts. He’ll step in nicely into the role vacated by former left guard Josh Sitton who was released this offseason.
9. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
Edge Harold Landry, Boston College
Yes, the 49ers continue to draft defensive linemen in the first round, but Landry brings a body type and skillset not currently on the roster. He has the explosiveness to win on the edge and it showed up in 2016 when he finished with 18 sacks, seven QB hits and 44 hurries on only 322 rushes. He regressed slightly in 2017 while also battling injury, but at his best, he’s the top pass-rusher in the class while adding solid play against the run, and the 49ers have a chance to add another valuable piece to their defensive front.
10. Oakland Raiders (6-10)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 10 Bradley Chubb
Edge Bradley Chubb, NC State
The Raiders are still looking for a viable threat opposite Khalil Mack and Chubb offers a three-down option on the edge. He’s outstanding in the run game where he rarely loses and finished second in the draft class with a run-stop percentage of 11.0. Chubb has continued to improve as a pass-rusher where he has the burst to challenge tackles to go with the power and hand usage to win off the edge.
11. Miami Dolphins (6-10)
LB Roquan Smith, Georgia
Seemingly always in need of a chase-and-run linebacker, the Dolphins add the draft’s best in Smith who is a three-down playmaker. He has excellent range and closing speed in coverage and he always finds the ball in the run game. Most importantly, Smith finishes the play when he gets there as he missed only 18 tackles on 249 career attempts.
12. Buffalo Bills (9-7) – from Cincinnati
CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
The Bills obviously have a major need at quarterback, and they will likely look to move up in the draft in reality, but they’re going to take their chances by grabbing Ward here and banking on one of the next three signal-callers is available at No. 22 overall. Ward has the speed to match up on the outside and the quickness to play in the slot, and he may be the best cornerback in the draft for matching up with good route-running receivers. He allowed a completion percentage of only 35.1 last season.
13. Washington Redskins (7-9)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 13 Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
With the Kendall Fuller trade to the Chiefs, the Redskins have holes to shore up in the secondary. At worst, Fitzpatrick looks like a good slot corner or safety, though his size makes him an intriguing option as an outside cornerback despite playing only 13 snaps there last season. However, keeping Fitzpatrick in the slot, may be the most valuable use of his skillset and he has three strong years of grading under his belt on 2,281 career snaps.
14. Green Bay Packers (7-9)
WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama
The wide receiver class doesn’t have a clear No. 1 this year, but it’s going to be all about slotting skillsets into each offense. The Packers add Ridley who is one of the best vertical threats in the draft and he’s a fine complement to Davante Adams and Randall Cobb. Ridley averaged 45.1 yards per reception on his deep targets, sixth-best in the draft class last
season.
15. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
One of the draft’s biggest QB-needy teams, the Cardinals will turn to Jackson’s big-play ability. He had the nation’s top rushing grade in each of the last two years, and he’s capable of making multiple reads and tight-window throws, though the down-to-down accuracy is lacking for Jackson at this point in his career. Still, there’s an offense to be built around his skillset, and he’s worth a look in the first round.
16. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 16 James Washington
WR James Washington, Oklahoma State
Washington has a second gear downfield and the ability to track the ball in the air, a good combination to try to get QB Joe Flacco’s deep ball back on track. The Ravens have added a few pieces to their receiving corps this offseason, but there is still work to be done and Washington led the nation with 815 yards on deep passes last season.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)
T Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
While the Chargers used some draft capital on the offensive line last season, there’s still work to be done, and McGlinchey can start immediately on the right side with an eye toward playing left tackle in the future (though both positions are of equal value and it doesn’t matter which side he plays). McGlinchey is a powerful run-blocker, leading all tackles with a 95.0 run-blocking grade last year while allowing only 16 pressures.
18. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
T Connor Williams, Texas
It was a disappointing 2017 season for Williams after he struggled early before battling injury, but he was among the best offensive tackles in the nation in 2015 and 2016. He allowed only four pressures in 2016 and his movement skills and power allow him to make any block in the run game. Many evaluators see a future at guard for Williams, but he deserves a shot to stick at tackle, a position where the Seahawks have plenty of room to improve.
19. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
DL Vita Vea, Washington
At 340-plus pounds, Vea is more than just a run-plugger, though he can certainly wreck blocks in the run game. He has the power to push the pocket and his pass-rush productivity of 10.3 ranked eighth in the draft class last season. Vea finished fifth in run-stop percentage at 12.1 while grading at 91.6 against the run, showing that he can disrupt and finish plays. He adds a much-needed big body to the Dallas defensive line rotation.
20. Detroit Lions (9-7)
C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
The nation’s top-graded center for two straight years, Ragnow can play any of the interior offensive line positions and the Lions could slot him in at either left guard or center. Ragnow rarely loses blocks in the run game and he only allowed 15 pressures over the last two seasons.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) – from Buffalo
G Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
With the trade for left tackle Cordy Glenn, the Bengals knocked one thing off the to-do list for the draft. That frees up their options, but they attack the offensive line again with the addition of Wynn who will likely transition from left tackle to guard at the next level. Wynn ranked fifth among draft-class tackles with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.7 and he plays with natural leverage in the run game that translated to an 88.6 grade last season.
22. Buffalo Bills – from Kansas City
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 22 Mason Rudolph
QB Mason Rudolph
The Bills are happy to take a chance on Rudolph at this point in the first round. He is a solid intermediate and downfield passer, especially the vertical route tree outside the numbers, though he must improve his accuracy in the short game. Rudolph is a difficult evaluation as he was strong in key areas, including posting the top third-down grade in the draft class, but he also ranked 34th in PFF grade in the red zone.
23. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
Edge Marcus Davenport
It’s been an excellent offseason for the Rams who have retooled their defense, though edge defender remains a question mark. Davenport adds a powerful presence, capable of setting the edge with his long frame and compressing the pocket with one of the best bull rushes in the class. He still has work to do in order to develop his game, but Davenport has NFL size and outstanding production after posting the No. 4 pass-rush productivity in the draft class at 16.4.
24. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
G Will Hernandez, UTEP
With guard Andrew Norwell gone, it’s a perfect time for the Panthers to re-load at guard and Hernandez is a great fit for their power-running scheme. He moves people at the point of attack and packs a punch as a puller, all leading to back-to-back elite overall grades in both 2016 (95.2) and 2017 (90.3). Hernandez has surrendered only four pressures over the last two years and he had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl.
25. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
While linebackers are tempting for the Titans at this point in the draft, they add another playmaker to the offense in Goedert. He’ll pair with Delanie Walker to form one of the best tight end duos in the league, as he’s capable of creating after the catch (averaged 8.2 YAC/reception last season) while creating mismatches from multiple alignments. Goedert’s presence, paired with last year’s wide receiver overhaul bodes well for QB Marcus Mariota’s future.
26. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
WR Michael Gallup, Colorado State
Gallup projects as an outstanding No. 2 receiver, and that’s exactly the role he’ll fill opposite Julio Jones. Gallup has been one of the nation’s most productive receivers over the last two years, leading the way with a 92.0 overall grade last year and ranking second with 4.34 yards per route in 2016. He can win with his route-running or after the catch, and he adds a perfect complement to Jones as the Falcons reload at wide receiver after the loss Taylor Gabriel this offseason.
27. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
The defensive overhaul continues in New Orleans as Vander Esch adds an athletic presence to the front-seven. He flies to the ball in the run game and has good range in coverage and he led the nation with 76 total stops a year ago.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 28 Tremaine Edmunds
LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
One of the most unique body types in the draft, Edmunds is an oversized linebacker at 6-foot-5, 254 pounds, but he has traditional linebacker skills. He can play all three downs in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense, adding range in coverage and an exceptional lateral movement in the run game. If Edmunds can clean up parts of his game, including a penchant to take on the wrong side of blocks, he could become a steal as an every-down linebacker.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)
WR Courtland Sutton, SMU
With receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns moving on, Sutton is a good fit to step in as a big-bodied receiver capable of winning at all levels of the field. He’s 6-foot-3, but looks extremely nimble on tape, forcing 26 missed tackles on 143 catches the last two years, and that was backed up by a 6.57 3-cone drill at the NFL Combine. Sutton uses his big catch radius well down the field and in the red zone and he’s a good fit for QB Blake Bortles.
30. Minnesota Vikings (13-3)
CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
The Vikings add depth to the defensive backfield with Alexander who is one of the best playmaking corners in the draft. He has the speed and quickness to play on the outside or in the slot, and he’s coming off an outstanding 2016 season (88.3 grade) and a 2017 season that saw him rank second in yards per cover snap (0.26) in an injury-riddled campaign.
31. New England Patriots (13-3)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 31 Isaiah Oliver
CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
New England adds a press corner in Oliver who can step in and compete with newly-acquired CB Jason McCourty on the outside opposite CB Stephon Gilmore. He has good size and ball skills as he’s broken up 23 passes on only 146 targets over the last three years. Oliver plays vertical routes well and he’s allowed a completion percentage of only 45.5 percent on passes into his coverage.
32. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
CB Donte Jackson, LSU
The run on cornerbacks continues with Jackson, who has elite speed and quickness, making him an excellent fit in the slot. With Patrick Robinson moving on in free agency, Jackson can step into the vital slot cornerback role in the Eagles’ secondary, adding even more depth to a position that has gone from weakness to strength over the last two years.
Genius or idiot?
www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pff-nfl-mock-draft-4?utm_source=PFF+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6a62f27db6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_04_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ae3f4210bf-6a62f27db6-191310485
Round 1
1. Cleveland Browns (0-16)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - Baker Mayfield
QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
The nation’s highest-graded quarterback for two straight years, Mayfield’s production has been at another level than his peers and every way the numbers are sliced, he comes out at or near the top. The NFL is more than just college production, but Mayfield has shown well in important areas, including his ability to make “NFL Throws” (as outlined in our QB Annual as part of PFF Edge) as well as his accuracy on tight-window throws, as he had the highest percentage in the class at 52.4 percent. Mayfield’s accuracy and decision-making make him the top signal-caller in the class.
2. New York Giants (3-13)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 2 Sam Darnold
QB Sam Darnold, USC
Not far behind Mayfield, Darnold has a few questions to answer after a rough stretch in 2017, but it was still a solid sophomore campaign after an exceptional debut as a redshirt freshman in 2016. He has the special throws in his arsenal, from his middle-of-the-field anticipation, to his ability to throw receivers open in tight windows, to his ability to create big plays outside of structure. The question for Darnold is the turnover-worthy plays that were a problem last year, particularly his ball security in the pocket, but Darnold’s shown efficiency in all aspects of the game and there’s a path to him being the top quarterback in the draft if he can clean up just a few parts of his game. The Giants must take advantage of their positioning at the top of the draft to select their signal-caller of the future.
3. New York Jets (5-11) – from Indianapolis
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 3 Josh Rosen
QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
The Jets moved up to get a quarterback and despite having Rosen third on our quarterback board, he’s still worth a look here at No. 3 overall. He never really dominated at UCLA, always grading between 84.0 and 86.0 in the PFF system, but he’s an excellent intermediate level thrower where he can squeeze the ball into tight windows. Rosen must improve his decision-making as he’s always been on the lower end of the turnover-worthy play spectrum, but even as a high-volatile passer, he adds enough to the offense to win games and the Jets need a young quarterback capable of making those big-time throws.
4. Cleveland Browns – from Houston
DI Maurice Hurst, Michigan
After posting the top season we’ve seen from an interior defensive lineman, Hurst should be one of the first defensive players off the board. His excellent first step, pad level and hand usage make him difficult to block both in the run game and as a pass-rusher, all adding up to one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen to enter the league over the last few years. Add Hurst to the Browns defensive line overhaul and reap the rewards.
5. Denver Broncos (5-11)
S Derwin James, Florida State
While the Broncos would love to take a quarterback, they still have the Case Keenum bridge to hold them over. Instead, they go with the best defensive player on the board in James who is a safety in name only. He’s a versatile playmaker capable of covering tight ends, playing the run or rushing the passer. James posted the top safety grade in the nation in both 2015 and 2017, and his all-around game is perfect for the NFL.
6. Indianapolis Colts (4-12) – from New York Jets
CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
The Colts need help all over the defense, and they start their franchise-altering draft with one of the best ball hawks in the class. Jackson had a breakout 2017 campaign that saw him lead the nation in both interceptions (eight) and pass breakups (17), all while allowing a passer rating of 31.3, fifth-best in the country. Jackson has the skills to excel in any scheme and he’s the first piece in what could be a defensive overhaul for the Colts.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 7 Saquon Barkley
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
While Barkley is receiving top-3 hype, it’s hard to slot him in over potential franchise quarterbacks and blue-chip defensive players. However, he’s a nice fit here to the Bucs who continue to assemble offensive playmakers for quarterback Jameis Winston. Barkley’s receiving ability makes him more valuable than a traditional running back and he led FBS running backs with 632 receiving yards last season. He’s shown the ability to win from multiple alignments and his value will be maximized if used all over the formation and as a check-down option for Winston.
8. Chicago Bears (5-11)
G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
Many analysts are calling Nelson the best player in the draft and it’s hard to argue that point, but he drops to eight due to more valuable positions coming off the board first. Nelson is a dominant run-blocker who improved every year in pass protection at Notre Dame, capping his career with only five pressures allowed on his 430 attempts. He’ll step in nicely into the role vacated by former left guard Josh Sitton who was released this offseason.
9. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
Edge Harold Landry, Boston College
Yes, the 49ers continue to draft defensive linemen in the first round, but Landry brings a body type and skillset not currently on the roster. He has the explosiveness to win on the edge and it showed up in 2016 when he finished with 18 sacks, seven QB hits and 44 hurries on only 322 rushes. He regressed slightly in 2017 while also battling injury, but at his best, he’s the top pass-rusher in the class while adding solid play against the run, and the 49ers have a chance to add another valuable piece to their defensive front.
10. Oakland Raiders (6-10)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 10 Bradley Chubb
Edge Bradley Chubb, NC State
The Raiders are still looking for a viable threat opposite Khalil Mack and Chubb offers a three-down option on the edge. He’s outstanding in the run game where he rarely loses and finished second in the draft class with a run-stop percentage of 11.0. Chubb has continued to improve as a pass-rusher where he has the burst to challenge tackles to go with the power and hand usage to win off the edge.
11. Miami Dolphins (6-10)
LB Roquan Smith, Georgia
Seemingly always in need of a chase-and-run linebacker, the Dolphins add the draft’s best in Smith who is a three-down playmaker. He has excellent range and closing speed in coverage and he always finds the ball in the run game. Most importantly, Smith finishes the play when he gets there as he missed only 18 tackles on 249 career attempts.
12. Buffalo Bills (9-7) – from Cincinnati
CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
The Bills obviously have a major need at quarterback, and they will likely look to move up in the draft in reality, but they’re going to take their chances by grabbing Ward here and banking on one of the next three signal-callers is available at No. 22 overall. Ward has the speed to match up on the outside and the quickness to play in the slot, and he may be the best cornerback in the draft for matching up with good route-running receivers. He allowed a completion percentage of only 35.1 last season.
13. Washington Redskins (7-9)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 13 Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
With the Kendall Fuller trade to the Chiefs, the Redskins have holes to shore up in the secondary. At worst, Fitzpatrick looks like a good slot corner or safety, though his size makes him an intriguing option as an outside cornerback despite playing only 13 snaps there last season. However, keeping Fitzpatrick in the slot, may be the most valuable use of his skillset and he has three strong years of grading under his belt on 2,281 career snaps.
14. Green Bay Packers (7-9)
WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama
The wide receiver class doesn’t have a clear No. 1 this year, but it’s going to be all about slotting skillsets into each offense. The Packers add Ridley who is one of the best vertical threats in the draft and he’s a fine complement to Davante Adams and Randall Cobb. Ridley averaged 45.1 yards per reception on his deep targets, sixth-best in the draft class last
season.
15. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
One of the draft’s biggest QB-needy teams, the Cardinals will turn to Jackson’s big-play ability. He had the nation’s top rushing grade in each of the last two years, and he’s capable of making multiple reads and tight-window throws, though the down-to-down accuracy is lacking for Jackson at this point in his career. Still, there’s an offense to be built around his skillset, and he’s worth a look in the first round.
16. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 16 James Washington
WR James Washington, Oklahoma State
Washington has a second gear downfield and the ability to track the ball in the air, a good combination to try to get QB Joe Flacco’s deep ball back on track. The Ravens have added a few pieces to their receiving corps this offseason, but there is still work to be done and Washington led the nation with 815 yards on deep passes last season.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)
T Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
While the Chargers used some draft capital on the offensive line last season, there’s still work to be done, and McGlinchey can start immediately on the right side with an eye toward playing left tackle in the future (though both positions are of equal value and it doesn’t matter which side he plays). McGlinchey is a powerful run-blocker, leading all tackles with a 95.0 run-blocking grade last year while allowing only 16 pressures.
18. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
T Connor Williams, Texas
It was a disappointing 2017 season for Williams after he struggled early before battling injury, but he was among the best offensive tackles in the nation in 2015 and 2016. He allowed only four pressures in 2016 and his movement skills and power allow him to make any block in the run game. Many evaluators see a future at guard for Williams, but he deserves a shot to stick at tackle, a position where the Seahawks have plenty of room to improve.
19. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
DL Vita Vea, Washington
At 340-plus pounds, Vea is more than just a run-plugger, though he can certainly wreck blocks in the run game. He has the power to push the pocket and his pass-rush productivity of 10.3 ranked eighth in the draft class last season. Vea finished fifth in run-stop percentage at 12.1 while grading at 91.6 against the run, showing that he can disrupt and finish plays. He adds a much-needed big body to the Dallas defensive line rotation.
20. Detroit Lions (9-7)
C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
The nation’s top-graded center for two straight years, Ragnow can play any of the interior offensive line positions and the Lions could slot him in at either left guard or center. Ragnow rarely loses blocks in the run game and he only allowed 15 pressures over the last two seasons.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) – from Buffalo
G Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
With the trade for left tackle Cordy Glenn, the Bengals knocked one thing off the to-do list for the draft. That frees up their options, but they attack the offensive line again with the addition of Wynn who will likely transition from left tackle to guard at the next level. Wynn ranked fifth among draft-class tackles with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.7 and he plays with natural leverage in the run game that translated to an 88.6 grade last season.
22. Buffalo Bills – from Kansas City
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 22 Mason Rudolph
QB Mason Rudolph
The Bills are happy to take a chance on Rudolph at this point in the first round. He is a solid intermediate and downfield passer, especially the vertical route tree outside the numbers, though he must improve his accuracy in the short game. Rudolph is a difficult evaluation as he was strong in key areas, including posting the top third-down grade in the draft class, but he also ranked 34th in PFF grade in the red zone.
23. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
Edge Marcus Davenport
It’s been an excellent offseason for the Rams who have retooled their defense, though edge defender remains a question mark. Davenport adds a powerful presence, capable of setting the edge with his long frame and compressing the pocket with one of the best bull rushes in the class. He still has work to do in order to develop his game, but Davenport has NFL size and outstanding production after posting the No. 4 pass-rush productivity in the draft class at 16.4.
24. Carolina Panthers (11-5)
G Will Hernandez, UTEP
With guard Andrew Norwell gone, it’s a perfect time for the Panthers to re-load at guard and Hernandez is a great fit for their power-running scheme. He moves people at the point of attack and packs a punch as a puller, all leading to back-to-back elite overall grades in both 2016 (95.2) and 2017 (90.3). Hernandez has surrendered only four pressures over the last two years and he had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl.
25. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
While linebackers are tempting for the Titans at this point in the draft, they add another playmaker to the offense in Goedert. He’ll pair with Delanie Walker to form one of the best tight end duos in the league, as he’s capable of creating after the catch (averaged 8.2 YAC/reception last season) while creating mismatches from multiple alignments. Goedert’s presence, paired with last year’s wide receiver overhaul bodes well for QB Marcus Mariota’s future.
26. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
WR Michael Gallup, Colorado State
Gallup projects as an outstanding No. 2 receiver, and that’s exactly the role he’ll fill opposite Julio Jones. Gallup has been one of the nation’s most productive receivers over the last two years, leading the way with a 92.0 overall grade last year and ranking second with 4.34 yards per route in 2016. He can win with his route-running or after the catch, and he adds a perfect complement to Jones as the Falcons reload at wide receiver after the loss Taylor Gabriel this offseason.
27. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
The defensive overhaul continues in New Orleans as Vander Esch adds an athletic presence to the front-seven. He flies to the ball in the run game and has good range in coverage and he led the nation with 76 total stops a year ago.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 28 Tremaine Edmunds
LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
One of the most unique body types in the draft, Edmunds is an oversized linebacker at 6-foot-5, 254 pounds, but he has traditional linebacker skills. He can play all three downs in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense, adding range in coverage and an exceptional lateral movement in the run game. If Edmunds can clean up parts of his game, including a penchant to take on the wrong side of blocks, he could become a steal as an every-down linebacker.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)
WR Courtland Sutton, SMU
With receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns moving on, Sutton is a good fit to step in as a big-bodied receiver capable of winning at all levels of the field. He’s 6-foot-3, but looks extremely nimble on tape, forcing 26 missed tackles on 143 catches the last two years, and that was backed up by a 6.57 3-cone drill at the NFL Combine. Sutton uses his big catch radius well down the field and in the red zone and he’s a good fit for QB Blake Bortles.
30. Minnesota Vikings (13-3)
CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
The Vikings add depth to the defensive backfield with Alexander who is one of the best playmaking corners in the draft. He has the speed and quickness to play on the outside or in the slot, and he’s coming off an outstanding 2016 season (88.3 grade) and a 2017 season that saw him rank second in yards per cover snap (0.26) in an injury-riddled campaign.
31. New England Patriots (13-3)
2018 PFF NFL Mock Draft 4 - No. 31 Isaiah Oliver
CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
New England adds a press corner in Oliver who can step in and compete with newly-acquired CB Jason McCourty on the outside opposite CB Stephon Gilmore. He has good size and ball skills as he’s broken up 23 passes on only 146 targets over the last three years. Oliver plays vertical routes well and he’s allowed a completion percentage of only 45.5 percent on passes into his coverage.
32. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
CB Donte Jackson, LSU
The run on cornerbacks continues with Jackson, who has elite speed and quickness, making him an excellent fit in the slot. With Patrick Robinson moving on in free agency, Jackson can step into the vital slot cornerback role in the Eagles’ secondary, adding even more depth to a position that has gone from weakness to strength over the last two years.
