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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 – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

42. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Ohio State. Denzel Ward. player. CB. 9

Previous pick: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

The San Francisco 49ers may have signed Richard Sherman to a three-year deal, but they still need help in their secondary. The Niners’ biggest focus should be getting Jimmy G weapons but with Saquon Barkley off the board, there isn’t value in any of the available playmakers. San Fran has spent their last three first-round picks on defensive linemen so it’s time to address the back end. With Minkah Fitzpatrick listed as a safety, Denzel Ward is the consensus top cornerback prospect. He lacks ideal size (5’10) but he’s the latest corner to come out of Ohio State who has been an NFL cornerback factory. Ward can play in the slot or outside but will have to be ready for plenty of balls to be thrown his way playing opposite Sherman.

Pick Analysis. LB. 28. 10. player. Scouting Report. Georgia. Roquan Smith

Previous pick: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

The Oakland Raiders have needed help in the middle of their defense for quite some time and Roquan Smith could be the answer. Smith has sideline to sideline speed, is a sure tackler, and what really separates him from other linebackers is his instincts. Smith always seems to be at the right place at the right time and makes plays all over the field. NaVorro Bowman was a band-aid at middle linebacker for Oakland last season. They can now let him walk in free agency and add a young player who could remind them of Bowman in his prime.

Washington. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT. Vita Vea. 11. 59

Previous pick: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Ndamukong Suh is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams. Meet his replacement in Miami. Vita Vea is a great athlete in the middle of the defense and can be a run stuffer and provide a pass rush. The Miami Dolphins could use help at linebacker and Tremaine Edmunds was considered but with Raekwon McMillan returning from a torn ACL, the Phins hold off on linebacker help. Replacing Suh with Vea saves Miami a ton of money and might not be a huge drop off in production considering where the two players are in their respective careers.

Scouting Report. LB. Tremaine Edmunds. player. Pick Analysis. Virginia Tech. 12. 31

Previous pick: Josh Allen, QB Wyoming (Buffalo Bills)

After trading back from No. 2, the New York Giants miss out on all of the top quarterbacks, Saquon Barkley, Quenton Nelson, and Bradley Chubb. Despite missing out on so much talent, Big Blue can still come away with a top prospect in Tremaine Edmunds. Some scouts rank Edmunds higher than Roquan Smith and everyone knows the Giants need help at linebacker. Edmunds could play inside linebacker next to Alec Ogletree in James Bettcher’s new 3-4 scheme or line up at outside linebacker. Edmunds is a speedy playmaker who the blitz-happy Bettcher would love to get his hand on.

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