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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold replaces Eli Manning

By Brad Weiss

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) points to the sidelines during a college football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans on November 4, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) points to the sidelines during a college football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans on November 4, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Derwin James

Defensive Back, Florida State

The Cleveland Browns have to be ecstatic every time the Houston Texans lose, as they currently own their first round pick in 2017. The Browns traded with the Texans during the 2017 NFL Draft, in a pick that ended up being Deshaun Watson. Watson has shown this season that he is a legitimate franchise quarterback, and for the Browns, they are once again left wondering what could have been.

Having two picks in the top-10 will likely land them not only a quarterback, but also a player who can help them on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns spent a first round pick on a safety last year, picking Jabrill Peppers from Michigan, but they could use more help back in the secondary. With their second pick in the first round in 2018, they should draft Derwin James, who is going to be a solid player at the next level.

James is one of the more versatile defensive backs in this draft class, and can also be used in the return game. He has tremendous hands for a defensive back, and the Browns need players with his kind of athleticism, especially in their secondary. In James, they would have a solid, young player to team with Peppers, giving them a solid tandem at the safety position for years to come. With two top picks, they have to get this draft right.

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