2018 NFL Mock Draft – Updated Top 10 Picks after Free Agency: It didn’t take long for free agency to hit high gear, and plenty of big names and impact players have already changed teams. In addition to the usual suspects and expected moves, there were several surprise teams who were very active in signing planyers.
As a result, team needs have changed as we approach the 2018 NFL Draft, and several teams picking in the Top 10 suddenly have different outlooks. With that in mind, here is how I see the draft shaking out following a wave of free-agent signings.
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Top 10 Picks after Free Agency
- Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
I’m not among the group that believes that the Tyrod Taylor signing is going to stop Cleveland from drafting a quarterback. I think it simply means they are targeting someone like Darnold, who will be better served learning for a year. I also think the Carlos Hyde signing rules out Cleveland grabbing Saquon Barkley.
- New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
This pick is going to be on the trading block for all the quarterback-needy teams, but if the Giants pick here, I think they grab Barkley. Eli Manning is still capable, and adding Barkley to a solid receiving corps should jumpstart the offense and put the Giants back in contention.
- Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
I could Indianapolis moving this pick, but Chubb is the easy choice if the Colts stay put. They need playmakers everywhere outside of the quarterback spot, and Chubb is by far the best pass-rusher in this draft.
- Cleveland Browns: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Cleveland was active in free agency, but with Joe Thomas announcing his retirement, they have a hole along the offensive line. Nelson isn’t a left tackle, but he’s the best interior lineman prospect to come along in ages.
- Denver Broncos: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama
I’m not sure Case Keenum is the long-term answer at quarterback, but the Broncos paid him like he is. Denver appears to be trying to win right now, and a do-it-all defensive back like Fitzpatrick will be an immediate help to the secondary.
- New York Jets: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The Jets added a couple of place-holder quarterbacks in free agency, but that won’t stop them from taking a shot at landing the future of the franchise. Rosen is a polished passer, and he has the attitude to handle the bright lights of New York.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derwin James, SS, Florida State
Tampa Bay needs to bolster its pass rush, but reaching for a player this early doesn’t make sense. James is one of the top athletes in this draft, and the hard-hitting safety can help all levels of the Buccaneers’ defense.
- Chicago Bears: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
As I mentioned in my last mock draft, I expected Chicago to go after a receiver in free agency. They landed Allen Robinson, and they also brought back a couple of corners. With those positions addressed, I think the Bears grab Edmunds, a freakish athlete and a potential impact defender at outside linebacker.
- San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
An offensive weapon for Jimmy Garoppolo would be tempting, but a receiver here would be a reach. San Francisco could use a boost at corner, and Ward could develop into a shutdown defender on the outside.
- Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
The Raiders need playmakers to help out Khalil Mack, and Smith is the type of sideline-to-sideline linebacker that can fortify the middle of Oakland’s defense.