2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 3.0
By Sean Dyer
Scouting Report. Da'Ron Payne. 13. player. Pick Analysis. DT. Alabama. 58
Previous picks: 1.0 – Vita Vea, DT, Washington; 2.0 – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
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 reunite with college teammate Jonathan Allen, Washington’s 2017 first-round pick.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. player. Iowa. Josh Jackson. 14. 49
Previous picks: 1.0 – Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa; 2.0 – 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.
Louisville. Lamar Jackson. 15. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 32. QB. player
Previous picks: 1.0 – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama; 2.0 – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Lamar Jackson has been rising up draft boards lately and he’s now expected to be drafted in the top 20. The Arizona Cardinals signed Sam Bradford to a one-year, proving he’s not a long-term solution and he’s been hurt his entire NFL career anyway. Even former head coach Bruce Arians thinks the Cardinals should draft Jackson.
New head coach Steve Wilks saw what it’s like to have a mobile quarterback with Cam Newton in Carolina. Jackson is not nearly as thick as Newton, but Jackson has the wheels and can really spin the football. Accuracy is a concern, but Jackson could work on that, as well as bulking up, while sitting behind Bradford (until Bradford lands on injured reserve).
EDGE. UTSA. Marcus Davenport. 16. player. Pick Analysis. 26. Scouting Report
Previous picks: 1.0 – Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA; 2.0 – Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
With Calvin Ridley still on the board, drafting the top wide receiver will be tempting for the Baltimore Ravens. However, after adding Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead in free agency, the Ravens may be satisfied with their receiver depth. They could use a playmaking tight end as well but 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.