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

Previous pick: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

After ranking dead last in the league in run defense last season, the Washington Redskins’ top need is somewhat obvious. They need a run stuffer in the middle of their defense. Da’Ron Payne is just that. The Alabama product also has the potential to provide a pass rush in the NFL. With Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith rushing the passer from the outside, adding Payne in the middle could solidify Washington’s defensive front. Payne would also line back up with college teammate Jonathan Allen.

Previous pick: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

The Green Bay Packers have drafted a defensive back with their top pick in the three of the last four years, but it’s still a huge need. General manager Brian Gutekunst is also in his first year at the position after taking over for Ted Thompson so he may want to bring in his own cornerbacks. Josh Jackson led the FBS in interceptions last season with eight and would be an instant starter for Green Bay. After trading Damarious Randall to the Browns, the Packers add Jackson to go along with Kevin King and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in their young secondary.

Previous pick: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Arizona Cardinals are trying to make one last playoff push with Larry Fitzgerald but also have to prepare for when he finally hangs them up. Drafting Calvin Ridley helps Arizona do both. Despite signing Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, the Cardinals still need a long-term option at quarterback but all of the top signal callers are gone. As they roll with Bradford, they need to surround him with weapons. John and Jaron Brown both left in free agency, creating a hole next to Fitzgerald on the wide receiver depth chart. Ridley is the top receiver in the class. He was a little underutilized at Alabama but still put up solid stats. He will help form a solid duo with Fitzgerald this year and replace Fitz as the No. 1 wideout when the future Hall of Famer retires.

Previous pick: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

Despite adding Michael Crabtree and John Brown in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens need more help at wide receiver and would’ve loved to see Calvin Ridley fall one more pick. As things stand, they add one of the top pass rushers in the class. The Ravens are built on defense and you can never have too many pass rushers. Baltimore has Terrell Suggs, Za’Darius Smith, and Matt Judon in place, but Suggs is nearing the end of his career. Marcus Davenport is still a bit raw and faced lesser competition in Conference USA but he can really get after the quarterback. He’s also a solid run defender. This will be Ozzie Newsome’s last NFL Draft as Ravens general manager so he leaves his mark by giving Baltimore their future Suggs.