2018 Mock drafts and top prospects

[mannc]

14 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

I am a draft nerd.  I like looking at the potential fit of young players on our team.  You'll notice that all the players I have chosen in the mock are players that are seniors with experience starting multiple years at the college level.  It is not solely big named schools as this front office showed that they are willing to dip into the less known programs like Zay Jones who's from the East Carolina Pirates.  These players have excelled and gotten better in their time in college.  Some of them could be picked higher than I chose them if they kill the combine and interview process.  I hope you enjoy the read.  

 

1^st                 DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan 6’2” 280

                The senior at the Blue has gotten better each season of his college career yet showing consistent production throughout.  He’s played a lot in more of a rotation role the last three years and wreaked havoc as a pass rusher.  Posting 3 sacks his sophomore year, 5 sacks his junior year and 4 sacks through 9 games so far in his senior year, the smaller defensive tackle relies on his quick burst to reach the quarterback.  His quickness and smaller size draw comparisons to Aaron Donald who came out a few years ago.  The senior has made 40 total tackles through just 9 games proving he can effect more than just the pass.  His quickness closes the holes fast and leave no space for the runner to go.  Averaging 4.4 tackles per game this year is pretty darn good for a defensive tackle.

1^st                 MLB Tegray Scales, Indiana 6’0” 230

                I’m a in love with the potential a Tegray scales would have in the middle of McDermott’s defense.  I think he would be a very productive pick and be a weapon for the defense.  Tegray Scales is a smaller linebacker but is all over the field.  He makes plays in the run game, rushing the passer and can cover downfield and pick off a few passes.  To me, he is a true triple threat defender who is fast, a four year starter and is just a flat out tackling machine.  In 2016, he posted 125 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.  He’s had 7 career interceptions to go along with 16 sacks.  He’s had another solid season so far in his senior year.  I think he could play any linebacker position in McDermott’s system and will shine.

2^nd                 OG/C Billy Price, Ohio State 6'3" 300

With old man time knocking at the door of Incognito and soon Eric Wood, a future replacement is needed.  He could fill in at RG as well.  McDermott loves guys with high character and have experience in college.  The four year senior has seen plenty of time on the OSU offensive line.  I also like the Senior from UTEP Will Hernandez but I personally have him sneaking into the end of the first round to a team like the Seahawks.  Would love him here if he fell.

 

2^{nd                 OG/OT Cody O'connell, Washington State 6'8" 370}

I am giddy by just writing about this guy.  If there was every a comparison you could make between a human and a brick wall, this is your guy.  He excels in pass blocking allowing only one sack in his junior season.  Unsure why he isn't more recognized but I think at the senior bowl and at the combine his stock will rise a lot.  He has played mostly LG in college and I think that could be a good spot for him but I also think he has the mobility and power to play RT.  That turnstile needs to be fixed and fast.  These two selections would make our aging offensive line less of a concern moving forward.  Having 3 youngsters not even including John Miller who seems to be in the doghouse would be exciting for an offensive line that needs an infusion of young talent that can develop next to the aging veterans.

 

3^rd                 RB Royce Freeman, Oregon 6’0” 230

                In a rich running back class, some names will be lost in the shuffle and fall to the middle rounds.  Freeman, a highly productive senior for the Ducks might not last much further than this point though.  He is a deceptive running back with his speed and power.  Would be a nice running partner next to Mccoy and perhaps his eventual replacement. 

4^th                 CB Danny Johnson, Southern 5’9” 185 

I chose Johnson because he's got great closing speed that will help him in the zone defense that we run.  But I think corner will be addressed in the middle rounds, especially if Johnson and Gaines remain on the team moving forward.  Could see some big name corner from a big school drop and be picked by Buffalo here.  Tony Brown for Alabama comes to mind but I expect a corner here in a deep class of defensive backs.  This would give us 4 solid corners including two really young ones.

5^th                 S Siran Neal, Jacksonville State 6’1” 205

Overlooked because he plays at a small school but I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a riser.  Great size for the position.  Think Buffalo will look for safety depth later in the draft.  I also like 

5^th                 LB Keishawn Bierria, Washington, 6’1” 225

The forgotten talent next to Azeem Victor, Keishawn is another smaller linebacker who is fast enough to be a disruptive player.  He's been prodcutive on the loaded Washington defense.  Why not add another young fast linebacker to the depth chart when you have a guy like McDermott as your coach?

 

I also love:

WR Anthony Miller, Memphis 5’11” 190

                Benjamin and Clay are solid weapons for Tyrod along with an aging Mccoy and the improving Zay Jones but the Bills could use a speed threat that can give Tyrod some deep ball tosses that we’ve been missing this year.  Miller with the ball is just a playmaker.  This pick is like a Percy Harvin type pick.  He can be used in a few trick run plays, screens or throwing it down the field.  He could also be the future returner for the Bills.  He could end up rising up into the late first round but if Buffalo were to take him, I think he'd have to make it to the second round as I just see a bigger need at other positions as of now.  His speed, confidence and the sheer competitor in him should make this an easy pick for Buffalo if they decide to go this direction.  

S Godwin Igwebuike

He's not the most physically gifted player, but he is a football player first and foremost.  He is the leader of that team as a fifth year senior and plays with a love for the game we all love to see.  I passed on him because I think some team will reach for him and while getting a solid player, we have other pressing needs early in the draft.  Certainly a possibility in my opinion though.  

 

I passed on a QB in this draft because I believe Tyrod with more talent around him in Benjamin, a few new offensive lineman and a runningback in this draft would provide a boost to his play.  I think solidifying the team around him will be the best option to this team's success moving forward.  If he turns in a down year next year, we can draft a QB and throw him into a better situation than we have right now.  

 

To go along with this draft class, I would sign DT Star Lotulelei who is familiar with McDermott's system and produced well in it.  Star next to the rookie Hurst and possibly bringing back Kyle at a reduced contract to rotate in with these guys would turn that group around.  I think Adolphus Washington's play down the stretch will dictate whether or not he is on the team next year.  I have hope for him.  

I completely agree with you

Nice write up.  I’m a huge Royce Freeman fan and I think he’ll be a good pro, but I don’t think he comes off the board that early.  He’s got a lot of mileage and although he’s strong and durable, he’s been getting nicked up the past two years.  And I’m not sure how he’ll run at the combine.

 

Nothing against Hurst, but if they go defense with the first pick, I think it has to be an edge rusher.  

 

I think WR still has to be a priority, despite Benjamin trade, but maybe not the top priority.  

 

And I do think we draft a QB.  No idea what round, though. I suspect it will just depend on how the chips fall.

[The Now Moment]

1 minute ago, mannc said:

Nice write up.  I’m a huge Royce Freeman fan and I think he’ll be a good pro, but I don’t think he comes off the board that early.  He’s got a lot of mileage and although he’s strong and durable, he’s been getting nicked up the past two years.  And I’m not sure how he’ll run at the combine.

 

Nothing against Hurst, but if they go defense with the first pick, I think it has to be an edge rusher.  

 

I think WR still has to be a priority, despite Benjamin trade, but maybe not the top priority.  

 

And I do think we draft a QB.  No idea what round, though. I suspect it will just depend on how the chips fall.

As far as WR goes, if they go that direction, I LOVE Anthony Miller as sort of a utility player. 

 

I think with Kyle Williams age and the trading of Dareus, DT is a much bigger need than DE.  If we get better DT play, I'm sure it will help Hughes/Lawson and whoever else they have next year.  

 

I like Freeman but I actually agree with you.  However, I like him as a bigger back and don't mind him running a little slower.  With shady as the lightning, he could become the thunder.  

 

It will come down to how Tyrod and the rest of the that offense plays the rest of the year with a new toy in Benjamin.  Taylor has played well this year and if they make the playoffs or come really close to it, I could see them passing on one this year.

 

 

[YoloinOhio]

On 11/9/2017 at 5:14 PM, Buffalo30 said:

Before we go throwing names out there, why don't we actually take a look at what this front office looks for and if the players would fit what they are trying to do.  The name Dre'mont Jones has been tossed around yet he's only a redshirt sophmore.  Looking at 2017's draft, this front office values experience and high character as they drafted all seniors in the class.  I don't see them going after a sophomore but who knows.  Senior DT Maurice Hurst seems like a more fitting target as he would provide the quickness and pass rush that McDermott found in a player like Kawonn Short in Carolina.  In Carolina, the majority of the draft picks were on the defensive and offensive lines.  I expect the same to happen here since our lines are aging and have holes everywhere along them.  They value guys with lots of starts in their career so I expect the OG Billy Prices of the college world to be high on their board.  

I have heard Dre’Mont Jones might come back and play DE next year 

[The Now Moment]

30 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I have heard Dre’Mont Jones might come back and play DE next year 

He needs more developing in my opinion before heading to the NFL.  It'd be a mistake if he left. 

[Watkins101]

Well, the one positive from watching this game  is realizing that we should have a better draft pick

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Good thing we have all these picks, we are going to need them.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

1. QB Sam Darnold - USC

1. OT Trey Adams - Washington

2. OG Quenton Nelson - ND

2. TE Mark Andrews - OK

3. DE Chad Thomas - Miami

4. DT Olive  Sagapolu - Wisconsin

5. RB LJ Scott - Michigan St

6. DE Porter Huston - USC

6. DT Greg Gaines - Washington

[The Now Moment]

1 hour ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

1. QB Sam Darnold - USC

1. OT Trey Adams - Washington

2. OG Quenton Nelson - ND

2. TE Mark Andrews - OK

3. DE Chad Thomas - Miami

4. DT Olive  Sagapolu - Wisconsin

5. RB LJ Scott - Michigan St

6. DE Porter Huston - USC

6. DT Greg Gaines - Washington

The first 4 guys I see being drafted ahead of where you have them.  I would pass on a tight end unless you see them freeing themselves from Clay's contract.  Nick Leary is a nice complement to a number 1 tight end.  I'd expect a little more balance in the first 4 picks.  A DT needs to be taken earlier than the 4th if they don't address that in FA but I like that you added youth to the lines.  We need to go heavy on the lines.  One thing I am scratching my head about is the absence of a linebacker.  He took two last year and could see him doing the same this year.  I expect one early, I like Tegray Scales.  Darnold I would think would be taken earlier if he even comes out. 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

14 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

The first 4 guys I see being drafted ahead of where you have them.  I would pass on a tight end unless you see them freeing themselves from Clay's contract.  Nick Leary is a nice complement to a number 1 tight end.  I'd expect a little more balance in the first 4 picks.  A DT needs to be taken earlier than the 4th if they don't address that in FA but I like that you added youth to the lines.  We need to go heavy on the lines.  One thing I am scratching my head about is the absence of a linebacker.  He took two last year and could see him doing the same this year.  I expect one early, I like Tegray Scales.  Darnold I would think would be taken earlier if he even comes out. 

 

I don't think Darnold will be there ,just hoping.

I used draftek rankings, so blame them.

 

Andrews is a great pass catcher, and  basically a big WR. Clay oft injured and O'leary is solid but we need more.

 

I went heavy on the lines hoping we can a dress the other issues in FA.

 

Edited November 13, 2017 by Buffalo Barbarian

[The Now Moment]

39 minutes ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

 

I don't think Darnold will be there ,just hoping.

I used draftek rankings, so blame them.

 

Andrews is a great pass catcher, and  basically a big WR. Clay oft injured and O'leary is solid but we need more.

 

I went heavy on the lines hoping we can a dress the other issues in FA.

 

I just think linebacker is too important to McDermott to pass on.  That whole unit needs to be upgraded.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

48 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

I just think linebacker is too important to McDermott to pass on.  That whole unit needs to be upgraded.

 

Maybe , but I think the LBs have been solid (at least when Milano was in there) but since Marcy got traded we can't stop the run. Having two 340 pounders (from my draft) will go along way to giving us "better" LBs.

[thenorthremembers]

4 hours ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

 

Maybe , but I think the LBs have been solid (at least when Milano was in there) but since Marcy got traded we can't stop the run. Having two 340 pounders (from my draft) will go along way to giving us "better" LBs.

 

The linebackers have been below average at best.  Preston Brown is ungodly slow and makes very few impact plays.  They need a new ILB and OLB for next year to move Zo back to a situational pass rusher only.  They may as well not have played with linebackers yesterday.  Through the line and directly to the third level. 

[The Now Moment]

8 hours ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

 

Maybe , but I think the LBs have been solid (at least when Milano was in there) but since Marcy got traded we can't stop the run. Having two 340 pounders (from my draft) will go along way to giving us "better" LBs.

I don't think he wants two 340 pound guys in the middle.  Carolina drafted Kawonn Short when McDermott was there and he produced high sack numbers.  On of those guys in the middle has to be able to penetrate and get of the line quickly.  I'm not saying we don't need a pair of new fat boys but the linebackers aren't even close to what he prefers in his scheme.  The front seven as a whole is what made his defense work so well in Carolina.  The linebackers do much more than just stop the run in his scheme, they blitz and cover down the field.  The players we have are very limited and slow.  Two starters are on the wrong side of 30 and Brown doesn't fit the fast linebacker mold.  I think they need to be replaced just as bad as the two DT spots.  They have a lot of cap space and draft picks and will have even more cap space once the offseason comes and they decide to cut some players.  If Tyrod doesn't stick around, that's a large chunk of salary that will free them to fill a lot of these holes.  We shall see...just saying, I wouldn't overlook the linebacker position.  Carolina drafted two linebackers in the first round while he and Beane were in Carolina...

[The Now Moment]

Harrison Phillips DT Stanford is should be a riser as we approach the draft.  I think his lack of outstanding athleticism will hurt him from rising too high.  The 6'3" 290 defensive tackle reminds me of a young Kyle Williams having the ability to burst through the line with a quick first step.  He can hold his own in the run game.  This year he has recorded 65 tackles, 10.5 for loss and 5 sacks.  That's a solid statline for a college DT not through a full season yet.  He had 46 tackles, 10 for loss and 7 sacks in his junior season.  I think he is perfect for this scheme.  He might make his way into the tail end of the first round but will may fall to the second.  He has the upstanding character, high production over a few years in college profile that McDermott likes.  And he goes to Stanford...he's gotta be smart to go there.  I think he should be on the radar

[Augie]

I’m all for loading up on DL and OL, then build out. We need a QB to fall far enough to be affordable, but win the friggin’ LOS! 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

17 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

I don't think he wants two 340 pound guys in the middle.  Carolina drafted Kawonn Short when McDermott was there and he produced high sack numbers.  On of those guys in the middle has to be able to penetrate and get of the line quickly.  I'm not saying we don't need a pair of new fat boys but the linebackers aren't even close to what he prefers in his scheme.  The front seven as a whole is what made his defense work so well in Carolina.  The linebackers do much more than just stop the run in his scheme, they blitz and cover down the field.  The players we have are very limited and slow.  Two starters are on the wrong side of 30 and Brown doesn't fit the fast linebacker mold.  I think they need to be replaced just as bad as the two DT spots.  They have a lot of cap space and draft picks and will have even more cap space once the offseason comes and they decide to cut some players.  If Tyrod doesn't stick around, that's a large chunk of salary that will free them to fill a lot of these holes.  We shall see...just saying, I wouldn't overlook the linebacker position.  Carolina drafted two linebackers in the first round while he and Beane were in Carolina...

 

I'm not against drafting LBs I just didn't in this mock, I like Malik Jefferson and Josey Jewell.

 

( Carolina's DTs go from about 310-330)

14 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

Harrison Phillips DT Stanford is should be a riser as we approach the draft.  I think his lack of outstanding athleticism will hurt him from rising too high.  The 6'3" 290 defensive tackle reminds me of a young Kyle Williams having the ability to burst through the line with a quick first step.  He can hold his own in the run game.  This year he has recorded 65 tackles, 10.5 for loss and 5 sacks.  That's a solid statline for a college DT not through a full season yet.  He had 46 tackles, 10 for loss and 7 sacks in his junior season.  I think he is perfect for this scheme.  He might make his way into the tail end of the first round but will may fall to the second.  He has the upstanding character, high production over a few years in college profile that McDermott likes.  And he goes to Stanford...he's gotta be smart to go there.  I think he should be on the radar

 

Greg Gaines reminds me of Kyle and so does LSU alum Christian LaCouture.

[ALF]

Tennessee State football player expelled after reportedly punching coach on sideline

 

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/11/14/tennessee-state-football-player-expelled-after-reportedly-punching-coach-on-sideline.html

 

ouch

[The Now Moment]

If this team switches QBs next year and starts to pass more or at least more efficiently, a guy like WR Anthony Miller from Memphis could be a weapon they add.  He'll likely wind up between the end of the first round and the middle of the second.  He's a huge playmaker with the ball in his hands.  Can run routes well or take a screen or handoff.  He can also return kicks.  He's very fast and could be extremely productive in the slot.  To me, he's the missing offensive weapon for a QB.  He's a potential direction, especially if we grab a QB high but we do have a lot of other holes on the team that need to be filled.  We will see how they prioritize those needs soon enough.

[Dkollidas]

I think they end up with Rudolph or Allen. Neither Darnold (of he comes out) or Rosen, will be available when we pick, and there's too many needs going forward to move all those picks to move up for a guy that's a bit a "sure thing". 

 

I think they'll look at Jackson and feel that he's a guy that has to move outside the pocket too much, whereas they want a guy who will be a 3-step & throw kind of player. 

 

I believe they'll be worried about Mayfield's height. If he was actually 6'2", I don't think they'd be as worried, but if he's 6'0 or 6'1 I think they want a guy who has better vision over the line of scrimmage. Kind of irritates me because I think he'll be a good quarterback, but it's all a guessing game. 

 

I believe they might even see Allen as possibly the best/most talented guy in the draft that just hasn't had his talent properly developed... 

 

Rudolph could be another option. Stands tall in the pocket, decent accuracy on the short to medium stuff, but the question with him is how much has the system at Oklahoma St. helped them. 

 

 

 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

6 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

If this team switches QBs next year and starts to pass more or at least more efficiently, a guy like WR Anthony Miller from Memphis could be a weapon they add.  He'll likely wind up between the end of the first round and the middle of the second.  He's a huge playmaker with the ball in his hands.  Can run routes well or take a screen or handoff.  He can also return kicks.  He's very fast and could be extremely productive in the slot.  To me, he's the missing offensive weapon for a QB.  He's a potential direction, especially if we grab a QB high but we do have a lot of other holes on the team that need to be filled.  We will see how they prioritize those needs soon enough.

 

What do you think about Magnifico?