2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 2.0
By Sean Dyer
LB. player. 35. Pick Analysis. Alabama. Rashaan Evans. 25. Scouting Report
Previous pick: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
The Tennessee Titans are replacing a key lost free agent here in the first round of the draft. Avery Williamson signed with the New York Jets, leaving the Titans in need of linebacker help, especially one who can defend the run. They could use an edge rusher such as Harold Landry but Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are still around, making inside linebacker a bigger need. Rashaan Evans makes plays all over the field with sideline to sideline speed. He’s a solid tackler and a great blitzer. Mike Vrabel will enjoy having Evans in the middle of his defense.
player. Michigan. Maurice Hurst. 26. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT
Previous pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Maurice Hurst is firmly a first-round prospect after getting cleared to play after a concerning heart condition came up at the NFL Combine. Hurst is one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s class and arguably the best pass rusher of the group. The Atlanta Falcons lost Dontari Poe in free agency, causing a need for a defensive tackle, and also lost Adrian Clayborn, causing a need for pass rushers. Hurst fills two needs with one pick and as long as his heart condition holds up, he could be an immediate contributor on passing downs.
15. QB. Lamar Jackson. 27. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Louisville
Previous pick: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
The New Orleans Saints re-signed Drew Brees but they know he can’t play forever and they need to start looking for his successor. Lamar Jackson is one of the top playmakers in this year’s draft. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 and then put up even better stats in 2017. He’s electric when he tucks the ball and runs and he can really zip the ball downfield through the air. He needs to improve his accuracy and add to his skinny frame but he can do that while learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He’d also have an offensive genius in Sean Payton drawing up plays for him which could be trouble for opposing defensive coordinators.
Scouting Report. OT. UCLA. Kolton Miller. Pick Analysis. 28. player. 46
Previous pick: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Indianapolis Colts missed out on Quenton Nelson at No. 6 so they move back into the first round to address their offensive line troubles here. Indy acquired three second-round picks in their trade with the Jets and they can use one or two of them here to make a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the top linebackers off the board, the Steelers move back and can look to address multiple needs on Day 2. The Colts can use help at both tackle and guard long-term, with tackle being the more premium position. Kolton Miller could play either left or right tackle and has a great combination of size and athleticism. After bringing back Jack Mewhort and signing Matt Slauson to fill both guard spots, Miller would be able to compete at right tackle as soon as 2018.