2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold goes to Browns

By Brad Weiss | Apr 25, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Sam Darnold (14) of the USC Trojans during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (38) attempts to tackle Oregon running back Tony Brooks-James (20) during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. The Boise State Broncos would defeat the Oregon Ducks 38-28. (Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Leighton Vander Esch. 28. player. 55. . Linebacker. Boise State

The Pittsburgh Steelers were shocked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs last season, as they lost to the Jags at home in the Divisional Round. Many were expecting a rematch between the Steelers and the New England Patriots for the AFC title, but those dreams ended on Heinz Field. However, the Steelers will be locked and loaded again in 2018, as all of their top weapons will be back for another shot at the title.

When it comes to this roster, one of the more exciting things about last season was the progression of their young defense. First rounder T.J. Watt played like a first rounder, and will be counted on to be even more of a leader in 2018. With their first round pick on Thursday, Pittsburgh should bring in an inside linebacker, and Leighton Vander Esch could be available this late in round one.

Vander Esch got a late start to his football career, but he is an absolute beast of a linebacker. He is one of the hardest hitters in this draft class, and has one of the better football IQs of any player in his position group, or the overall class. Some mocks have him going a lot earlier than No. 28 to the Steelers, but he would be a perfect fit on their defense, as it continues to get younger, and faster.

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