2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 1.0
By Sean Dyer
Picks 27-29
player. Pick Analysis. Texas A&M. Christian Kirk. 27. Scouting Report. WR. 15
The New Orleans Saints may have become a rushing team with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, but they still have Drew Brees and should be adding weapons in the passing game.
The Saints had an unbelievably successful 2017 draft, adding both Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore and Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara as well as Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams, and Trey Hendrickson. New Orleans quickly built up one of the league’s top defenses and a solid offensive line. If they can add playmakers in the passing game, they could make it to the Super Bowl.
Christian Kirk has good hands and finds ways to get open with his footwork and timing. He could work the slot for the Saints and Brees could get him 100+ catches. Kirk, Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Ingram, and Kamara would be plenty of weapons for Brees to work with.
Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch. player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. 28
Ryan Shazier is working out again! That’s incredible news and we wish Ryan well in his recovery from a very scary spinal injury. Unfortunately, Shazier has already been ruled out for the 2018 season so the Pittsburgh Steelers have to find a replacement.
Leighton Vander Esch is a very instinctive linebacker who always finds himself around the football. LVE was a one-year starter at Boise State so he still has room to grow but he has a high ceiling. You’ve probably seen him mocked to the Steelers in almost every mock draft you’ve read because it just seems like the perfect fit.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 29. player. 52. QB. Louisville. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson’s less-than-stellar NFL Combine may benefit the Jacksonville Jaguars. There may be a team that trades up to draft Jackson but as things stand, he’s available for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville signed Blake Bortles to a three-year extension after he led them to the AFC Championship Game. On the surface, it appears the Jaguars are committing to Bortles long term, but it’s really a two-year prove it deal. If Bortles reverts back to his early career turnover ways, the Jags will need to find another quarterback.
The Jaguars also don’t have many immediate needs, aside from replacing Paul Posluszny at middle linebacker, who recently retired. They can add Jackson and have him sit behind Bortles while he works on his accuracy and adds to his lanky frame. The former Heisman Trophy winner has a big-time arm and is electric when he tucks the ball and runs. If given the time to adjust to the NFL, Jackson could be a very good quarterback.