2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 3.0
By Sean Dyer
LB. Alabama. Rashaan Evans. player. Pick Analysis. 25. 35. Scouting Report
Previous picks: 1.0 – Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama; 2.0 – 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.
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. Adding both Evans and Malcolm Butler will bring plenty of speed to Tennessee.
Pick Analysis. TE. 26. Scouting Report. South Dakota State. Dallas Goedert. player. 44
Previous picks: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan; 2.0 – Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
The Atlanta Falcons lost both wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and tight end Levine Toilolo in free agency, creating a need for added weapons for Matt Ryan and the passing game. Julio Jones is a monster and Mohamed Sanu is a great complementary receiver, but they need more threats.
D.J. Moore and Courtland Sutton are both solid options here but the Falcons have been looking for a pass-catching tight end since Tony Gonzalez. Dallas Goedert is no Tony G but he’s the top tight end prospect in this year’s class. He makes highlight reel catches at all three levels of the field and is a respectable blocker. He just needs to prove he can succeed against top competition after his career at Div. I-AA South Dakota State.
15. Scouting Report. WR. Maryland. D.J. Moore. Pick Analysis. 27. player
Previous picks: 1.0 – Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M; 2.0 – Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The New Orleans Saints may have become a rushing team with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, but they still have Drew Brees and should be adding weapons in the passing game.
The Saints had an unbelievably successful 2017 draft, adding both Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore and Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara as well as Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams, and Trey Hendrickson. New Orleans quickly built up one of the league’s top defenses and a solid offensive line. If they can add playmakers in the passing game, they could make it to the Super Bowl.
D.J. Moore has been flying up draft boards after an impressive performance at the NFL Combine and could be the second wide receiver off the board. Moore has the makings of a solid possession receiver and would pair nicely with Michael Thomas. He could quickly become a favorite target for Brees.
28. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch. player
Previous picks: 1.0 – Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State; 2.0 – Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA (Indianapolis Colts)
Ryan Shazier has been working out again and is determined to make it back to the playing field! That’s incredible and we wish Ryan well in his recovery from a very scary spinal injury, but unfortunately, Shazier has already been ruled out for the 2018 season so the Pittsburgh Steelers have to find a replacement.
Leighton Vander Esch is a very instinctive linebacker who always finds himself around the football. LVE was a one-year starter at Boise State so he still has room to grow but he has a high ceiling. You’ve probably seen him mocked to the Steelers in many of the mock drafts you’ve read because it just seems like the perfect fit.