x
Breaking News
More () »

2018 NFL Mock Draft, Take 1: Jaguars upgrade offense early on

With the selection process less than three weeks away, it's a good time for predictions.

As the days inch closer to the 2018 NFL Draft, speculation is at an all-time high. With the selection process less than three weeks away, it's a good time for predictions.

With that in mind, here's our first attempt at a first-round mock draft for the entire league. We have also provided our first guesses for each of the Jaguars' seven draft picks.

DOWNLOAD: The free First Coast Football App for Jaguars stats, scores, analysis, stories and more

1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

While the Browns hedged their bets at quarterback with Tyrod Taylor, Darnold seems to be destined for big things in Cleveland. Darnold still needs time to develop, so Taylor's presence is a positive for the 20-year-old heir apparent.

2. New York Giants: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

The Giants seem to be in prime position for a trade down at No. 2. If New York decides to stick with the pick, they could look to add a future star at quarterback. However, after dealing Jason Pierre-Paul to Tampa Bay, the Giants should add Chubb to revitalize their pass rush.

3. New York Jets (via Colts): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Rosen seems to be the most NFL-ready quarterback in the class. He has a big market feel and the ability to play relatively soon. The Jets traded up into the Top 3 to presumably nab a quarterback and I think Rosen makes a ton of sense here.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans): Saquan Barkley, RB, Penn State

Barkley is a do-everything back who could serve as an immediate impact rookie for the Browns. Barkley will lead the Cleveland rookie group as Darnold matures on the sideline. The running back will probably serve as the early favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

5. Denver Broncos: Derwin James, S, FSU

The Broncos have endured several changes in their secondary over the last two years. James is a dynamic defensive back with the ability to play all five secondary positions. He should fit in well with Bradley Roby and Chris Harris for years to come.

6. Indianapolis Colts (via Jets): Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

The Colts have failed to protect quarterback Andrew Luck for years. Now that the former Pro Bowl passer is set to return to the lineup, it is important to help him in the trenches. Nelson is one of the best guard prospects of the last decade and he should make a major difference for the Colts in both areas of the offense.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Alabama

The Buccaneers missed out on Barkley and James, so they should go with the best remaining option. Fitzpatrick projects as an upgrade over Keith Tandy.

8. Chicago Bears: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The Bears locked up Kyle Fuller this offseason but still need to pair him with a long-term cornerback partner. Former Jaguars cornerback Prince Amukamara has hovered around average production for years, so searching for an upgrade makes sense.

9. San Francisco 49ers: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The 49ers added Jimmy Garoppolo last season. San Francisco should now be looking to surround him with weapons. Ridley should be the long-term No. 1 option for the former Patriots quarterback.

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Smith is the top linebacker in this class and he should be able to help the Raiders with their run stopping woes of the past. Smith is a long-term middle linebacker for Jon Gruden's new crew.

11. Miami Dolphins: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Ryan Tannehill is a question mark coming off a prolonged ACL injury. While Brock Osweiler was a logical addition due to his background with Adam Gase, Mayfield just seems like the perfect long-term disciple for the Dolphins' young head coach. Gase will use Mayfield's accuracy and mobility to improve Miami's lowly offense.

12. Buffalo Bills (via Bengals): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Allen is a polarizing prospect, as his tape is significantly uneven. While he can make incredible throws, his inaccuracy at the college level was very evident. The Bills won't have force to Allen into action early with A.J. McCarron in house, which is probably ideal.

13. Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

The Redskins tried to reshape their defensive line with Jonathan Allen last season. They will continue to build in the trenches with Vea, who should be an immediate upgrade over former Jaguars defensive tackle Ziggy Hood.

14. Green Bay Packers: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

The Packers dealt Damarious Randall to Cleveland earlier this offseason. Alexander can fill his void long-term, as he has the ability to play outside and in the slot.

15. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The Cardinals signed Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon earlier this offseason, which means they don't have to rush Jackson into action as a rookie. Bradford is playing on a one-year deal, so Jackson can start by Year 2 in Arizona. Jackson also gets to keep a cardinal on his helmet.

16. Baltimore Ravens: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

The last time the Ravens selected a Maryland wide receiver early, they were rewarded with strong play from Torrey Smith. Moore is a more versatile weapon than Smith was as a prospect. With Michael Crabtree currently at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, Moore could ascend up the ranks relatively quickly.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

With Gus Bradley now entrenched in Los Angeles, he has to find his new Telvin Smith. Edmunds fits that bill well as a speedy weak-side linebacker. Edmunds could potentially go in the Top 10 picks, so some may consider this to be a major steal.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

The Seahawks' defensive exodus this offseason has left the trenches empty in Seattle. Pete Carroll needs to find his replacement for Sheldon Richardson. Hurst was flagged with a heart condition early in the draft process but has been cleared to play by NFL doctors.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli went to Gainesville to work out Bryan during his pro day. Bryan would be a solid fit for Marinelli's defense as an interior pass rusher. The Gators didn't see a ton of production from Bryan but his potential seems limitless due to his raw athleticism and strength.

20. Detroit Lions: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

The Lions have struggled in the running game for years and Guice seems to be the solution to their problems. A strong dual-threat runner, Guice should take a lot of pressure off Matt Stafford and the passing game.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills): James Daniels, C, Iowa

The Bengals' offensive line has gone through a lot of transition over the last two years. Daniels is considered one of the best interior linemen in the draft and he should be able to slide in at center as a rookie.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs): Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

The Bills traded Cordy Glenn to the Bengals earlier this offseason and they need a new starting left tackle. Crosby has the ability to play both tackle spots and could potentially play guard as well. After selecting their future quarterback earlier on in the first round, the Bills invest in protecting him down the road.

23. New England Patriots (via Rams): Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

While Rob Gronkowski looks to be safe in New England, the Patriots could use more talent in two-tight end sets. Hurst could replace Danny Amendola's production across the middle, while also serving as insurance for the oft-injured Gronkowski. Hurst just seems like Patriots playmaker, right?

24. Carolina Panthers: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

The Panthers seem to constantly need upgrades on offense. This year, Carolina should focus on the wide receiver position.

25. Tennessee Titans: Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College

With Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan getting older, the Titans should look to bring in a future replacement soon. Landry can serve in a rotation with the two veterans early on and then take over for one member of the duo.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Grady Jarrett badly needs a tag team partner in the middle of the Falcons' defense. Payne was a force up the middle for Alabama and he should offer similar impact in Atlanta.

27. New Orleans Saints: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

The Saints looked into reacquiring Jimmy Graham this offseason and Goedert offers similar attributes. He will be Drew Brees' new favorite weapon in the Saints offense. His presence should open things up for Michael Thomas and the rest of the Saints' wide receivers.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

The Steelers see the tight end run starting to begin and claim their guy. Andrews is a big target across the middle and he should be able to fill the long-term Heath Miller void for Pittsburgh.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Kirk is a dynamic playmaker who could enhance the Jaguars' passing game immediately. A talented receiver with the ability to score from anywhere on the field, Kirk could be a special bulk-target weapon for quarterback Blake Bortles.

The Jaguars failed to find consistent success at the slot receiver position last season and Kirk seems to be the perfect addition to solve that issue. With the top three tight ends off the board, Kirk is the right call.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Connor Williams, T/G, Texas

The Vikings went hard after Kirk Cousins during free agency, so now they'll work to protect their new franchise quarterback. Williams gives the Vikings options at tackle and guard and he could start right away.

31. New England Patriots: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

The Patriots need to replace Nate Solder following his departure for New York in free agency. McGlinchey is seemingly the best remaining tackle on the board at this point.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

The Eagles have some serious question marks at linebacker and Vander Esch seems to be a solid choice to bolster Philadelphia's starting lineup. The Eagles don't have a Day 2 pick, so they have to choose wisely here. Philadelphia could also trade out of the first round to pick up additional picks from a team looking to steal Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph before the second round.

Jaguars' Picks for the Remainder of the Draft

Second Round (61): Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

Brown's draft outlook is somewhat similar to Cam Robinson's buzz last offseason. The current prospect took on a lot of heat for his NFL Combine performance and he is probably going to slide a bit in the selection process. The Jaguars have a need for a "right tackle of the future" and Brown makes plenty of sense in that role. The rookie could serve as a swing tackle early on and push for playing time down the road.

Third Round (93): Duke Dawson, CB, Florida

The Jaguars would enhance their cornerback depth with this pick. Dawson seems like an ideal fit for the nickel corner position, which would provide Jacksonville with insurance in case D.J. Hayden doesn't work out in the slot. At worst, Dawson could be an early contributor on special teams.

Fourth Round (129): Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford

With the release of Marcedes Lewis, the Jaguars could use more help at the tight end position. Schultz is a strong blocker with receiver upside. He is built similarly to Eagles tight end Zach Ertz but he actually tested better at the NFL Combine. Schultz and Austin Seferian-Jenkins would make a strong duo in two-tight end sets.

Sixth Round (203): Johnny Townsend, P, Florida

Jaguars special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis likes to bring in young punters to challenge veterans. He has brought in young specialists throughout his career. Townsend could be the young guy this time around.

Seventh Round (230 via Bengals): Chase Litton, QB, Marshall

While the Jaguars brought in Cody Kessler as the team's backup quarterback a few weeks ago, he could still use some training camp competition. Litton caught the Jaguars' eye at the NFL Combine and the two sides had a formal meeting in Indianapolis. Litton offers the potential of a long-term backup for Bortles.

Seventh Round (247): Matthew Thomas, LB, Florida State

Thomas stood out during FSU's pro day in March. He could serve as a backup outside linebacker for the Jaguars and provide support on special teams. Jalen Ramsey will probably approve this pick.

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.

Before You Leave, Check This Out