If Josh Rosen does decide to make himself eligible for the 2018 NFL Draft, expect the Cleveland Browns to take him with the first pick overall.
The Cleveland Browns will be picking first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, and it looks like they have their eyes set on a quarterback. New general manager John Dorsey is going to want to make a splash, and there are plenty of arms available in this draft class. A couple of names stands out, including Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen, but there is a long time between now and when Roger Goodell goes to the podium with the first overall pick written on his index card.
As we inch closer to the NFL Playoffs, the draft order is starting to take shape, at least at the top of the draft. The Browns have clinched No. 1, but after that, it is still very much up in the air. With that said, lets take a look at our latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft.
The Cleveland Browns locked up the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft this past weekend, as they fell to 0-15 on the season. With the first pick next April, the Browns have to pick a quarterback, and they need to make sure they get it right. As it stands, Josh Rosen from UCLA would be a solid pick at first overall, but he has expressed that he might not want to play in Cleveland.
The word around Rosen is that he may want to stay in school if the Browns are planning to selection at No. 1, which is such an embarrassing thing for the organization. They have bumbled their quarterbacks throughout the history of the franchise, and have not done a good enough job either drafting the right guy, or helping them develop. Second-round pick DeShone Kizer has been miserable this season, and it is certain he is not the answer moving forward.
If by some chance the Browns are able to change Rosen’s mind, they will be getting a solid player. Rosen has had to deal with really no running game, or consistency on the offensive line during his time at UCLA, and has still been able to produce. He also has the mental fortitude to make it in New York City, as he seems to have the kind of personality of a person who just does not get rattled.
The star quarterback from USC is going to be a top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and the real question is just how high is he going to go. Coming into the 2017 season, nobody would have expected the New York Giants to be picking this early in round one, but here they are, and Darnold is a real possibility. Eli Manning has been the constant professional during his time in New York, but it is starting to look like his run in the Big Apple is coming to an end.
There have been plenty of issues for the Giants this season, including the fact that they have no real talent on the offensive line. Whoever the Giants decide to draft, they need to do a better job putting talent in front of him, or else he is going to be running for his life. New York also does not have much of a running game, which could prove to make life miserable for a rookie quarterback in his first season.
If the Giants were smart, they would make sure Manning comes back next season, and let whoever they draft learn behind him. Manning is the consummate professional at the position, and would be a great mentor for the next franchise quarterback for the team. Whether or not he wants to do that remains to be seen, but throwing a rookie quarterback into the fire with that line in front of him is only going to hurt his development moving forward.
The Indianapolis Colts have had a rough 2017 season, and for a franchise that is used to winning with Andrew Luck at quarterback, this has been hard times. Head coach Chuck Pagano is rumored to be on his way out, and there is still no real conclusion as to what is up with Luck’s golden right shoulder. If the season ended tomorrow, the Colts would be picking with the third overall pick, which is not where anybody expected them to be heading into the season.
With that third overall pick, as long as Luck is actually healthy enough to be a starting quarterback in the league still, the Colts should look to get better on the defensive side of the ball. Their offense still has some playmakers, and rookie Marlon Mack might end up being a solid running back at the NFL level. If they bring in anybody on defense, it should be Bradley Chubb, who should be the first defensive player off the board in April.
Chubb is an explosive defensive end, and will have double-digit sack potential in the NFL. He has an incredible motor, and was one of the better defensive players in the ACC during his time at N.C. State. The Colts need to be able to get after the quarterback in the AFC South, where they will have to play Marcus Mariota and Deshaun Watson twice a year for the foreseeable future.
The Cleveland Browns swung a trade with the Houston Texans during the 2017 NFL Draft, and with that pick, the Texans selected Deshaun Watson. While Watson had to deal with a season-ending injury this season, his future is bright for the Texans, and he should be a good player for a long time. With the pick they got in return, the Browns will likely be picking in the top-5 of the draft, as the Texans continue to lose without Watson under center.
While they should certainly take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, which they have already locked up, expect them to bring in another talented playmaker with their second first rounder. While the Browns could certainly use help in the secondary, the addition of a player like Saquon Barkley would give them a brand new feel on offense. Barkley has been one of the best running backs in college football throughout his Penn State career, and has the body and skill set to be an everydown back in the NFL.
The return of Josh Gordon gives the Browns as true WR1, and if they can add Barkley, they would have three very good, young players at the three main skill positions on offense. You can never guess what kind of player quarterbacks will be when they come into the league, but running backs are having tremendous rookie seasons. Barkley is one of the better running back prospects we have seen in a while, and the Browns need someone they can rely on behind what is likely going to be a rookie quarterback in 2018.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected by many to be a playoff team, but this team has been downright bad this season. Quarterback Jameis Winston has struggled to stay healthy, and in the process, we have actually had a Ryan Fitzpatrick sighting in Tampa. This team needs Winston to be on the field if they hope to be competitive moving forward, and they should take a step in the right direction in 2018.
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, the Buccaneers could use some help up front. One such player who would be a nice addition is Arden Key, who has been an electric edge rusher for the LSU Tigers. Key has had to deal with some injuries this season, and is expected to miss the Tigers bowl game, but that should not affect his draft status.
The NFC South is loaded with solid quarterbacks, and the division just might have three playoff teams in 2017. If the Buccaneers want to be competitive, they have to be better at getting pressure on the edges, and Key can help them do that. There is a rumor that Jon Gruden may return to the lead the team next season, and he would absolutely love a player with Key’s motor getting the edge in his return to coaching.
One of the more terrible teams in the NFL this season has been the Denver Broncos, who shook off a solid start to the season to become one of the worst teams in the AFC. Denver came into the 2017 season with a brand new head coach, as Vance Joseph was making his debut as the main man on the sidelines. Well, through the first 16 weeks of his head coaching career, Joseph is already on the hot seat, and he could be a one-and-done coach before all is said and done.
When it comes to this roster, there are a lot of holes, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The defense is still good enough to play with anybody, but the offense has no real leader at the quarterback position. They have started three different players at the quarterback position this season, and it does not look like any of them are a long term solution at the position.
John Elway is likely to check out free agency for a quarterback this offseason, and with their first round pick, they should look to bring in another offensive lineman. The Broncos drafted a tackle with their first round selection last year, and this year, they should add a guard to the mix. Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame might be the best overall offensive lineman prospect in this draft class, and the Broncos need all the help they can get up front.
The legend of Jimmy Garoppolo continues to grow in the Bay Area, and the San Francisco 49ers need to lock him up fast. Jimmy G has stepped in and won every start he has made, and on Sunday, he beat AFC South division leader Jacksonville pretty soundly. This franchise is finally set at quarterback for the long haul, if they can get him to sign on the dotted line, which is likely going to be the case after the season ends.
When it comes to his targets, Garoppolo does not have many, and the 49ers may want to appease him by bringing in a wide receiver with their first round pick in April. Courtland Sutton has proven to be the best NFL prospect at the wideout position in this draft, and he would be a solid pick for the 49ers this early in round one. Sutton has the ability to stretch the defense, and Jimmy G needs someone who is going to make big plays for him, especially in year two as the starter in San Fran.
Sutton does play for SMU, so he does not get much publicity, but he is a fantastic talent. The 49ers have not had a great wide receiver in quite some time, and if they want to keep Garoppolo around, they need to make sure they are making a commitment to that position. He is getting it done with very little around him, so imagine what a solid offseason is going to do for this franchise in 2018.
The New York Jets took another loss on Sunday, this time falling to the Los Angeles Chargers by the score of 14-7. Bryce Petty got the start for the Jets in this one, as he tries to latch on to whatever future he has with the Jets organization. Second-year second-round pick Christian Hackenberg was active for the first time this season as well, but once again did not sniff the field.
There are plenty of schools of thought when it comes to the quarterback position in New York. Many believed the team was going to try to tank the season to get one of the bigger named quarterback prospects in this draft class, but this young team has played with a lot of heart. Sure, the Jets could go out and grab a quarterback via free agency, but the odds are they will draft one if they are picking in the top-10.
With that pick, the Jets will likely not be able to get either Josh Rosen or Sam Darnold, but they could grab Mason Rudolph. Rudolph has been an absolute star during his time at Oklahoma State, and has turned them into a very solid football program. He has the perfect mindset to play in New York as well, as he does not take himself too seriously, but is also someone who absolutely commands a locker room, which is something this team has been missing.
Last year, the Chicago Bears went up one spot and drafted University of North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who has played decently during his rookie season. Trubisky has shown some flashes of brilliance in year one, and it is clear the team is going to roll with him as their starting quarterback for the near future. He needs some weapons around him, however, and drafting an elite wide receiver prospect in round one might be the way to go for Chicago in 2018.
Courtland Sutton is likely to be the first wideout off the board, but nobody is sleeping on Calvin Ridley. Ridley has been a tremendous player for the Alabama Crimson Tide throughout his career, putting up solid numbers in a mostly rushing offense. He would be a perfect fit for the big arm of Trubisky, as he has the ability to really stretch the field against the best cornerbacks in college football.
This past offseason, Chicago saw Cameron Meredith and Kevin White go down for the year via injury, and then they lost tight end Zach Miller the same way. This Bears organization needs to add more depth in the passing game, and Ridley could be a game changer for them. Drafting Ridley would not only give them another solid weapon in the passing game, but would also show Trubisky that the organization is committed to putting some solid players around him.
The Cincinnati Bengals were hoping for a solid 2017 campaign, especially considering head coach Marvin Lewis came into the year on the hot seat. Well, the Bengals have been one of the worst teams in the AFC, and it is likely that Smith is gone after the season. This roster is loaded with talent, so it is really amazing that they have been so bad under Lewis, who has never won a playoff game with the team.
When it comes time for the Bengals to draft in April, they will likely be picking in the top-10, and they should add to their offensive line with the pick. While Quenton Nelson might be the best offensive lineman in this draft, his teammate, Mike McGlinchey is likely the best offensive tackle. McGlinchey is going to go high in round one, and he would be a nice fit in Cincinnati.
This roster is going to get blown up if Lewis leaves, and drafting an offensive tackle is definitely a safe play. McGlinchey has the size and footwork to stay on the left side at the next level, which is not something you can say about most of the other tackles in this draft class. Cincinnati needs to rebuild this roster up front on both sides of the ball, and McGlinchey is a nice start.
Not many people expected the Georgia Bulldogs to win the SEC this season, as they had not done so in 12 years. However, second-year head coach Kirby Smart had a tremendous defense, which was led by linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith saved his best for the biggest game of the season, as he was named the MVP of the SEC Championship Game, leading the Bulldogs to a win over Auburn.
With the win, the Bulldogs clinched their spot in the College Football Playoff, and Smith will be on full display next weekend. He has the ability to be the best player on the field, and he should pose some problems for the high-octane offense of the Oklahoma Sooners. Smith is going to be a tremendous player at the next level, and the Dolphins certainly need help in the middle of their defense.
Last season, the Dolphins made it to the AFC Playoffs as a Wildcard team, but they were not as lucky in 2017. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was hurt the entire season, and the team had to pull Jay Cutler from the broadcast booth to play the position. His play was just too inconsistent, and because of that, Miami will draft towards the top of the first round, where they could find Smith still available.
With their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, the Oakland Raiders fell to 6-9 on the season. It has been a very disappointing season for a franchise who was coming off a 12-4 record, and was expected to be a contender in the AFC. Quarterback Derek Carr has taken a bit of a step back, and with one game left on the schedule, there is a real possibility with them finishing up with double-digit losses.
Because of all of that, the Raiders find themselves picking towards the top of the first round next April, and they need to bring in some help in the secondary. The Raiders drafted a cornerback in the first round in 2017, but Gareon Conley has done little during his rookie season, and is very injury-prone. The Raiders need to draft a cornerback, and Minkah Fitzpatrick is possibly the best defensive back this draft class has to offer.
Fitzpatrick has been an anchor on a very good Alabama defense for the past couple of seasons, and some believe he may actually be a top-5 pick next April. However, if he is available at the Raiders this late in round one, they have to pounce on him, as he could be a top cover corner in year one. Oakland was bad on defense throughout most of the season, and in the end, it cost defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. his job.
It has been a rough season for the Arizona Cardinals, as they have had to deal with injuries throughout. The biggest blow came at the beginning of the season, when David Johnson was lost for the year. From there, the Cards went on to lose starting quarterback Carson Palmer, who many believe will hang it up after the season is over.
Recently, the Cardinals have had to deal with rumors surrounding their head coach, who is also believed to be leaving town. When it comes to the 2018 NFL Draft, this team needs to bring in a new quarterback, and Josh Allen could be a big pick for them this late in round one. Some believe he may have the most physical gifts of any quarterback in this draft class, but he will need a good pro day, and combine.
Allen played with such heart during Wyoming’s bowl victory that it kind of changed the perception I had in him. Sure, he is a phenomenal physical specimen, but he literally willed his team to win in what is to be his last college game. That is the kind of fire you want from the quarterback of your NFL team, and believe he is going to be a good one at the next level.
The Washington Redskins No. 1 priority this offseason will be to lock up Kirk Cousins, who is expected to feel out the free agent market. The Redskins have used the franchise tag on him the past two seasons, and while it has made him a rich man, it has shown no loyalty to him as a player. He may decide to walk after this season, as the Redskins seem to be moving in the wrong direction.
If the Redskins can lock up Cousins, they can turn their attention to the defense, and specifically the secondary. When it comes to the 2018 NFL Draft class, there are few better defensive backs than Derwin James from Florida State. James is one of the more versatile players in all of college football, and the Redskins need more of those kinds of players on their roster.
James is not only one of the best safeties in the country, but he also has shown that he can be a lock-down cornerback. In addition, he has also been used in the return game, where he has become the most prolific return man in school history. Washington needs to have a huge offseason in 2018, and James could be a nice first piece of the puzzle to get the ball rolling.
Two weeks ago, quarterback Aaron Rodgers made a triumphant return to the Green Bay Packers roster, as he was hoping to help his team make a late run to the playoffs. Well, the Packers lost his return, and in the process it ended their playoff hopes, which essentially ended Rodgers’ season. The team put Rodgers on injured reserve for the second time this season after the game, and looked very bad with Brett Hundley under center this past weekend.
There is a good possibility that the Packers could be drafting even higher in round one come April, but that will depend on if they can get any offense this Sunday. Last season, Rodgers led his team on a magical run towards the playoffs, and even made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. It was there that his team was shredded by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons, and they still need help in the secondary.
With their first round pick in April, the Packers should look to bring in a cornerback, and Denzel Ward is a fine player. Ward is just another in a long line of first round defensive backs that Ohio State continues to produce, as we have seen with Marshon Lattimore during his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints. The Packers need more than just one player to help out in the secondary, but Ward would be tough to pass up this late in round one.
The Los Angeles Chargers started off the season at 0-4, and suddenly first-year head coach Anthony Lynn was on the hot seat. However, the Bolts have won eight of their last 11 games, and find themselves still alive in the AFC Playoff race heading into the final weekend. That is quite the turnaround, and while they do need some help if they hope to get in, it has been a wild ride to say the least.
This past offseason, the Chargers brought in Russell Okung, who has done a nice job at left tackle for the team in 2017. However, this team needs to spend their first round pick on a left tackle they can put into the position for the next ten seasons, and Orlando Brown from Oklahoma could be that guy. Brown has protected Baker Mayfield the last three seasons, and thanks to him, Mayfield has been a Heisman finalist every year.
Los Angeles has some incredible talent on the defensive line, and now they need to start thinking about the other side of the ball. Quarterback Philip Rivers is not getting any younger, and the team needs to make a concerted effort to protect him for as many years as he has left. Brown can help them do that, while giving them the anchor they have been lacking at left tackle for most of Rivers career with the Chargers.
The Buffalo Bills looked to be a playoff team for most of the season, but they have really struggled to play consistent football throughout. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has been solid at the position since going to Buffalo, was actually benched for Nathan Peterman earlier this season, and that started their descent. Since then, Buffalo has been a bit of a disappointment, and will likely find themselves on the outside looking in at the playoffs this January.
When it comes time for them to draft in April, they will likely be picking towards the middle of round one, and they should look to bring in a quarterback. It is pretty clear that Taylor is no longer the long-term solution at the position, and it is time to turn the page. First-year head coach Sean McDermott is going to want to bring in his own guy and Lamar Jackson could be available this late in round one.
Coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season, Jackson was even better in 2017. While he lost the award to Baker Mayfield, which does not minimize all the good he did for the Louisville Cardinals in his junior campaign. He is headed for the NFL, and should be a first round pick, although not many people agree with me in that respect. He would be a great in Buffalo, and they could get him in round one.
The Detroit Lions were officially eliminated from playoff contention this past weekend, as they failed to make the postseason for a second year in a row. Last season, they rode the right arm of Matthew Stafford to a Wildcard spot, though they were in the driver’s seat in the NFC North for most of the season. The Lions were thrashed in the playoffs by Seattle, and while they made Stafford the highest paid player in the NFL this offseason, it did not help them get back to the big dance.
When it comes time for them to draft in 2018, they need to make sure they make some moves to improve their defense. The defensive line is getting up there in age, and they need to bring in a player who is going to help them get some push on the edges, That player could be Clelin Ferrell, who currently has his Clemson Tigers teammates in the College Football Playoff.
The best thing about Ferrell is that he is an incredible hybrid player, and is going to be a big-time player at the next level. Ferrell cannot only get the edge, but he also can cause havoc in the middle of the line, making him very hard to handle. He has gotten better every season for Clemson, and is only going to be better once he gets to the next level.
The Dallas Cowboys have been a bit of a disappointment this season, but one huge reason for that is out of their control. Star running back Ezekiel Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie last season, and was expected to lead his Cowboys teammates back to the playoffs. However, he decided to wait to serve his six-game suspension, and the Cowboys were really not a contender by the time he made it back.
Due to that, the Cowboys will be missing the playoffs, only one year after being the No. 1 seed in the NFC. With their first pick in the first round next April, look for the Cowboys to get better up front on defense, as their young secondary has really stepped up in 2017. Christian Wilkins has helped lead the Clemson Tigers to the College Football Playoff, and is one of the more exciting defensive tackles in the country.
Wilkins is a very special player, as he can disrupt the game in so many ways. The tackle can get great push up front, and is known for wreaking havoc in the middle of the line. In addition, he has an incredible nose for the ball, and has no problem making plays in the backfield. The Cowboys have the stars they need on offense, and Wilkins would give them another young player to be the backbone of the defense moving forward.
The Seattle Seahawks have struggled this season, and whether it has been inconsistent play, or injuries, they just have not been able to get it going. They can clinch another ten-win season if they can take care of business this weekend, but they will likely find themselves out of the playoffs. The expectations for Seattle are always through the roof, but they need help on both sides of the ball moving forward.
On defense, the Legion of Boom has taken a ton of hits, and finds themselves very vulnerable at times. On the offensive side of the ball, the line has been a real issue, even though they filled the left tackle position with a short-term answer in Duane Brown during the trade deadline. The Seahawks need a long-term solution at the position, and Connor Williams from Texans could be their man.
Williams has been a beast during his time with the Longhorns, and has helped paved the way for some of the better running backs in the Big 12. However, he has dealt with some knee injuries this season, and that could hurt him during the draft season. Still, whoever gets him is getting a natural at the left tackle position, and someone who can stay on the left side of the line for the next ten seasons.
The Tennessee Titans are limping into the playoffs, though they will have to hang on one more week if they hope to get in. Marcus Mariota has struggled in 2017, which is to be expected, as he was coming off a season-ending injury. The Titans are likely going to be one of the 12 teams to enter the playoffs, but nobody is really expecting them to do much damage once they get there.
When it comes time for the Titans to draft in round one, they need to make sure they get better on the defensive side of the ball. The AFC South has some of the better offenses in the conference, and being able to get pressure on the edge has got to be a priority. Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry is going to be a great player at the next level, and the Titans need someone with his skill set.
In college, Landry has been used all over the field, but he may end up being an outside linebacker at the next level. Landry could have been a first round pick in 2017, but instead decided to return to Boston College to work on his game. That has certainly worked out for him, and when he gets to the NFL, he could be someone who racked up double-digit sacks each year.
The Baltimore Ravens are a playoff team once again, and despite the fact that they have been pretty inconsistent, they should at least be competitive in the postseason. Quarterback Joe Flacco has not resembled the player who led this team to a Super Bowl win only five years ago, though he has shown some flashes this season. Baltimore is getting great production from running back Alex Collins, who was left out in the cold by the Seahawks.
When it comes to the offensive side of the ball, the team has to be happy with the production they are getting from Collins. However, they need to add more playmakers to the wide receiving corps, and James Washington from Oklahoma State is going to be a good one at the next level. He has teamed with Mason Rudolph to make the Cowboys a legitimate program at the collegiate level, and is one of those rare players who can really take the lid off a defense.
Flacco has a huge arm, but he does not get to use it nearly enough. While players like Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace are good at what they do, they are getting up there in age, and neither is true WR1. Washington would give Flacco a solid top option in the passing game for the rest of his career, and when it comes to the old signal-caller, you never know what kind of magic he has up his sleeve once it comes time for the playoffs.
Last year, the Atlanta Falcons were the class of the NFC, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. However, the Falcons suffered the worst collapse in Super Bowl history in February, and it took a good 12 weeks for this team to get back on the right track. Heading into Week 17, they have a chance to actually win the NFC South, which is incredible to think based on where they looked to be headed early on.
The offense was a juggernaut last season, but the team did lose offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to a head coaching gig in San Francisco. Steve Sarkasian took over for Shanahan, and the offense sputtered to start with the new OC. However, they have taken off in recent weeks, and do not be surprised if they make it back to the Super Bowl if they can get hot over the next month.
When it comes time for the Falcons to pick in round one next April, they could be picking late, and that could mean in the 30s. However, as of now, they will be picking in the 20s, and they could bolster their defensive line with the pick. Atlanta needs help at the defensive tackle position, and Maurice Hurst could be available, and boy would he be a nice addition to a defensive line that already includes Vic Beasley Jr.
The Carolina Panthers are back in the playoffs, and it only took one season for them to get back there. Two years ago, the Panthers represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, though they were beaten pretty badly by the Denver Broncos. Last season, the team had to deal with too many injuries, including to star quarterback Cam Newton, who suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder.
During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Panthers spent a pick on Christian McCaffrey, who has proven to be quite the player at the NFL level. Everybody knew he was a stud during his time at Stanford, but even his biggest supporters have to be shocked at how good he has been in year one. He has taken a lot of the pressure off of Newton on the offense, and with their first pick in 2018; the Panthers should look to add to the offensive line.
Martinas Rankin was an all-conference player this season for Mississippi State, and has seen himself turn into a first round prospect. He has incredible size, and while he may not stay on the left side at the next level, that does not mean he does not have the potential to be a Pro Bowl player. Mississippi State played some good football this season, and Rankin was a main reason why they nearly knocked off then-No. 1 Alabama during a matchup in November. Newton needs protection, and he can give it to him.
Thanks to the trade they made with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2017 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills will pick twice in round one next April. The pick they traded away turned out to be Patrick Mahomes II, who has yet to see the field for the Chiefs this season. Buffalo will likely take a quarterback with their first selection in round one, but look for them to go defense with pick two later.
That pick could wind up being Rashaan Evans, who is by far one of the better linebackers in this draft class. Evans is a tremendous anchor for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who has helped the team back to their third College Football Playoff in as many years. He has the ability to play sideline to sideline, and is one of those rare breeds of players who have a true nose for the ball.
Buffalo played some pretty inconsistent football this season, but you can see that the talent is there for them to finally be a playoff team in the near future. They have a solid young coach in Sean McDermott, who would like nothing more than to add some good young talent to the defense. Evans is going to be a stud at the next level, and the Bills need to start building up that side of the ball even more, after their secondary make big steps in 2017.
Incredibly, the Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South this past weekend, though you never would have guessed it by what was going on on their sideline. The Jaguars players were actually fighting against each other, and you know Tom Coughlin is not going to stand for that. The truth is, this Jaguars team is actually loaded on both sides of the ball, but there is one glaring weakness that reared its ugly head this past weekend.
Quarterback Blake Bortles is bad, and there is no way this franchise can continue with him at the helm. There, I said it, and it is not like it should come as a surprise to anybody. This team is winning despite the fact that Bortles has been very inconsistent this season, although it seemed he had turned a corner. He hit a dead end in the worst way this past Sunday, and Jaguars fans have got to be nervous heading into the playoffs.
When it comes time for the team to draft next season, they will likely bring in a quarterback, and Baker Mayfield could end up being their guy. Mayfield is one of the more exciting quarterbacks we have seen in college football in recent memory, and has that rare ability to rally men. The Jaguars need a leader, as shown on the sidelines this past Sunday, and it is possible that Mayfield could be the perfect fit on a Jacksonville team ready to be a consistent winner in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams won the NFC West title this past weekend, and we will let you all take a second to take that all in. During the 2016 NFL campaign, the Rams were an absolute joke, and it was not until the team fired Jeff Fisher that they began to move in the right direction. Now, Fisher is trying to take credit for the Rams success, but everybody in the organization knows it has been first-year head coach Sean McVay which has turned this team around.
Well, McVay cannot take all the credit, as former No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff has turned his career around in one season. Many labeled Goff as a bust after a round first season in 2016, but he has become the face of this franchise in 2017. Not to mention the Rams have one of the best running backs in the league in Todd Gurley II, and this franchise finally has some staying power in a tough NFC conference.
When it comes time for them to pick in round one next April, look for the Rams to add to their already stellar defense. We all know how good this team is up front on defense, led by Aaron Donald, but the secondary could use some help. Josh Jackson from Iowa led the nation in interceptions this past season, and has the talent to be a shut-down cornerback at the next level.
The New Orleans Saints have changed the way they do business this season, and it is paying off big time. New Orleans has finished with seven wins in each of the last three seasons, as they have solely relied on the right arm of Drew Brees. In 2017, the Saints made an effort to get better on the defensive side of the ball, and their haul in the 2017 NFL Draft has proven to be a stroke of genius.
Last year, the Saints made Marshon Lattimore their first round pick, and boy has he paid them off handsomely. Lattimore has become one of the better shut down cornerbacks in the NFC, and is well on his way to being an All-Pro player at some point in his career. With their first pick in 2018, the Saints should look to add more young talent to that defense, and Malik Jefferson from Texas could find himself in the first round.
Bringing on linebackers in the first round can be tricky, but they can pay off in the long run. Jefferson is a rare blend of size and speed, so he could be used on the inside, as well as on the outside. He has incredible tackling ability as well, and as the Saints look to move towards being a team who can actually rely on their defense, adding a player like Jefferson is only going to make them better at the second level.
The Pittsburgh Steelers probably should be the top seed in the AFC Playoffs, as a controversial call stopped them from beating the New England Patriots a couple of weeks back. Still, they have at least a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and they will certainly need it. Star wide receiver Antonio Brown tore a calf muscle and is expected to miss the first week of the playoffs, and he could be out for even more.
Last year, the Steelers selected outside linebacker T.J. Watt in the first round, and he has had a tremendous rookie season. With their first selection in 2018, the Steelers should look to continue to add young bodies to their defense, and Ronnie Harrison would be a solid pick this late in round one. Harrison might be the best pure safety in this draft class, and the Steelers need help in the secondary.
The Steelers offense has a ton of playmakers, as Le’Veon Bell might be the best running back in the AFC. Ben Roethlisberger has shook off a roughs tart to the season to be one of the top arms in the conference, and Brown might be the best overall player in the game. If they can continue to stockpile talent on the defensive side of the ball, they are going to be hard to stop over the next couple of seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings have been an incredible story this season, as they are currently winning with a guy slated to be their third string quarterback. Case Keenum has filled in beautifully for the injured Sam Bradford, and the organization has got to start thinking about locking him up long-term. The Vikings are loaded on both sides of the ball, and could make a serious run through the playoffs with how their roster is set up right now.
If the Vikings do make a big run, they will be picking late in round one, where they could get some help filling a void. Vita Vea from Washington is one of the better defensive tackles in this draft class, and that is an area of need for the Vikings at this point. Vea has the size and strength to move offensive lineman with ease, and the Vikings are building up quite the defense in the Twin Cities.
Head coach Mike Zimmer is a tremendous defensive mind, and he would love a player like Vea. Not only can Vea push the middle of the pile, but he has great feet as well, and can get after the quarterback if he finds a seam. This Vikings teams could be good for a long time, and Vea could go a long way in making sure they are solid up front for the next ten seasons.
The New England Patriots will likely wrap up the No. 1 seed in the AFC this weekend, and will have the AFC Playoffs go through Foxboro. When it comes time for them to draft next April, it will likely be at the bottom of the first round, and it could be the last pick in the round. However, the Patriots like to move their picks, especially early ones, as they did not draft until the third round last year, and this pick was traded for.
If they do hang on to the pick, they need to bring in some help on the outside on the defense. Earlier this week, the team signed former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison for depth, and that is the position they should look to draft in April. Sam Hubbard from Ohio State would be a nice selection this late in round one, and he has the ability to play standing up, or with his hand in the dirt.
During his time at Ohio State, Hubbard has played on some great defenses, and he is big reason why. If he goes to the Patriots, he will have the luxury of playing for one of the best defensive minded head coaches in Bill Belichick. He is going to help some team at the next level next season, and the Patriots seem like a perfect landing spot for him this late in round one.
The Philadelphia Eagles clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs on Monday, as they took care of business against the Oakland Raiders. With the win, the Eagles stay perfect at home this season, though it was a pretty ugly affair. It remains to be seen as to whether this team can win with Nick Foles under center in the playoffs, but at least they have a week off before the Divisional Round, and they do not have to travel.
During the 2017 season, the Eagles have had their fair share of injuries, but none is bigger than when Carson Wentz tore up his knee against the Los Angeles Rams. Earlier in the season, the man who protects Wentz’s blindside also blew out his knee, and the team will need to replace him moving forward. Jason Peters is getting up there in age, and it is time for them to start thinking about life after him.
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When it comes time to draft in April, the Eagles will be picking late in round one, although it is not likely they will be picking last. With that pick, they should look to bring in an offensive tackle, and Kolton Miller from UCLA is a great prospect. He has done a nice job protecting Josh Rosen during his collegiate career, and could go on to protect a star in Wentz at the next level.