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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 2.0

By Sean Dyer

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Quenton Nelson. 5. 45. Notre Dame. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OG

Previous pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Do I believe that Case Keenum is the quarterback of the future for the Denver Broncos? No, I do not. However, I think he buys them time and they don’t have to draft a quarterback this year if they don’t love their options. It’s certainly possible that John Elway falls in love with Baker Mayfield and makes him the No. 5 overall pick. However, with a talent like Quenton Nelson on the board, I think Denver holds off on a quarterback. Regardless of who’s under center, the Broncos must protect them and no one does that better than Nelson. He’s also one of the best run blockers to come out of college in quite some time. With Nelson, Ronald Leary, and Garett Bolles in place, the Broncos will be in good shape up front.

46. Bradley Chubb. 6. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DE. NC State. player

Previous pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

The Indianapolis Colts have three options with their first-round pick. 1. Draft Quenton Nelson, 2. draft Bradley Chubb, and 3. trade back. Nelson is off the board and with three of the top quarterbacks off the board, Indy’s phone may not be ringing quite as much. Instead, the Colts add the draft’s top pass rusher. Chubb wreaks havoc with plus athleticism, a great motor, and good leadership skills. Adding him to a defense that’s been just miserable over the last few years is a big win for Indianapolis.

Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick. player. 48. Scouting Report. DB. 7. Pick Analysis

Previous pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help in their secondary whether it’s at cornerback or safety. This makes Minkah Fitzpatrick the perfect pick because he can play both. Fitzpatrick started as a corner at Alabama before moving to safety and he excelled in both roles. The Bucs brought Brent Grimes back on a one-year deal to line up opposite Vernon Hargreaves making safety more of an immediate need. However, long-term Tampa could use Fitzpatrick at corner. One thing that’s for sure is that the Bucs will find playing time for Fitzpatrick early and often. He could play deep safety and move to the slot in sub packages, similar to what Tyrann Mathieu did in Arizona.

QB. player. 47. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 8. Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield

Previous pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State (Chicago Bears)

Many may have expected a team to trade up for Baker Mayfield, but few likely saw the New England Patriots being the team to do it. However, the Pats reportedly have an “affinity” for Mayfield and after trading Brandin Cooks to the Rams for the No. 23 pick, they have the firepower to make a move. The Pats send the No. 23 and No. 31 picks this year as well as a future mid-round pick to the Chicago Bears to secure the No. 8 pick. Bill Belichick was apprehensive about trading Jimmy Garoppolo, believing he was New England’s future after Tom Brady. Now that Jimmy G is counting his stacks in San Francisco, the Pats move up to grab another gunslinger. Mayfield can make all the NFL throws and can extend plays with his legs. There are concerns about his attitude and whether he’s cocky or confident. Leave it to Belichick to get that straightened out.

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