2018 NFL mock draft: The quarterbacks aren’t even the best players available

The 2018 NFL draft is just over three weeks away, and the main point of intrigue is still in the top five and how the quarterbacks will come off the board.

There are many more storylines to consider, however. After a quarterback run, the draft’s top players will provide good value to teams in the top 10. We could also see runs on defensive tackles, linebackers and cornerbacks in the first round. Of course there will be some surprise picks that no one is expecting as well.

All of those things were considered in this week’s mock draft:

As each week of the offseason progressed, the talk of Sam Darnold to Cleveland has gotten louder and louder. Although there are some reports that Cleveland is deciding between Darnold and Josh Allen, it’s just difficult to see what the Wyoming quarterback does better besides having a massive arm. Darnold has his flaws, obviously, but if he can sit a year and figure out his turnover issues, he can prove to be the draft’s top quarterback.

I still stand by the Giants taking Rosen, if nothing else than from a value standpoint. Saquon Barkley is really good, but there are running backs in this draft who can carry the load. Bradley Chubb would be my choice if it’s not a quarterback. But even with that said, it’s hard to say no to such a natural passer like Rosen.

At the NFL owners meetings last week, Jets head coach Todd Bowles said he wanted a quarterback with leadership, accuracy, toughness, and intelligence. Now, this isn’t a knock on Josh Allen, but those are generally the traits used to describe Mayfield.

The plan for the Browns is to sit their quarterback choice for a season behind Tyrod Taylor. That means the team really needs to get an impact player with its second first-round selection. Whether or not it actually happens at No. 4 is the intrigue. It could be down a spot because Denver might want to ensure they get Allen. Or it could be down at 11 or 12 because Miami and Buffalo may feel the same way. But if Cleveland can add Barkley, it would give them a player who can step directly into the offense and make plays.

If Denver really wants a quarterback, they may have to move up a pick to make sure they get him. The last of the supposed top four left is Allen, the big-armed quarterback John Elway has watched closely.

The Colts could go after either Nelson or Bradley Chubb with the sixth pick. Both fill a need. But after going through so much time without quarterback Andrew Luck, Indianapolis might favor choosing a player who can keep him upright.

The Buccaneers have been aggressive this offseason, acquiring defensive ends Vinny Curry and Jason Pierre-Paul. Curry has only had nine sacks since 2015, though, and is better as a depth piece. Chubb could be a star in Tampa with his ability to play the run and the pass.

Chicago’s defense is light on outside linebacker depth and playmakers. Someone like Edmunds fits both needs in a big way. Edmunds, only 19, is still developing as a player. But he’s a player with range sideline-to-sideline, and he can come up and stop the run and drop into coverage.

The preference here would’ve been Nelson, and you have to wonder if San Francisco will make a play for the Notre Dame guard. If not, they could target an edge player like Harold Landry here, or go with Smith. With Reuben Foster facing an unknown future, the 49ers could draft a team captain and playmaker in Smith.

The Raiders really couldn’t go wrong with Ward, Derwin James or Vita Vea. Ward, the draft’s top cornerback, carries by far the highest value of the three. Ward and former Ohio State teammate Gareon Conley would give the Raiders a nice duo of young, potentially superstar cornerbacks.

If the Dolphins don’t take a quarterback here, they need to add a playmaker on defense. In Miami, James would be a linebacker, a role he basically played at Florida State last season.

If the Bills can’t trade up, they may sit at No. 12 and hope that Jackson slips to them. Although many seem to be down on him at this point, it’s hard to ignore his athleticism and continued development as a pocket passer.

If Oakland doesn’t take Vea, Washington should start printing the jersey on draft night. He’s a perfect fit as a defensive tackle who can stuff the run and generate pressure.

At this point in the first round, Fitzpatrick would be hard to pass up. To get a potential top five pick at No. 14 would be a steal for the Packers. Fitzpatrick can play down in the slot, drop back into deep coverage, and even play a little bit of dime linebacker.

With the quarterbacks gone, the Cardinals could look to move off the No. 15 pick. If they stay here, Ridley is a good value and need fit. He doesn’t blow people away with his size or speed, he’s just an extremely sound wide out who should produce straight away.

The preference for Baltimore would probably be to see Ridley still available with this choice. If he’s not, Baltimore could be choosing between Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore and whomever they view as being the top offensive tackle in the draft. McGlinchey is a nice fit because he has experience on the right side, and he’s ready to start as a rookie.

Yet another Alabama player in the top 20. Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need on the Chargers, and Payne is an experienced, technically sound player who can eat up a lot of snaps early in his career.

In Landry the Seahawks could see a new version of Bruce Irvin. Landry had an incredible 1.59-second 10-yard split and a great three-cone at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he’s clearly a freaky athlete. He could help replace some of the pass rushing talent they lost with the departure of Michael Bennett.

As Dallas looks to return to the playoffs, they might consider wanting to go back to a dominant offensive line. That could happen with the addition of Wynn, a Pro Bowl-caliber interior lineman who can move outside in case of emergency.

The Lions have a defensive tackle in A’Shawn Robinson who can chew up blockers. They need someone next to him who can split gaps and disrupt the pocket. There are a few defensive tackles in this range who can do that, including Bryan.

Vander Esch may have been one-year star at Boise State, but linebackers with his blend of size and athleticism warrant a first-round pick. He can take over in the middle and help improve Cincinnati’s run defense.

Similar to Cleveland, if Buffalo wants to sit their first-round quarterback for a period, they need to hit with their second first-round choice. Evans doesn’t offer a ton of flash, but he’s a pro-ready prospect who can slot directly into the middle in Buffalo.

The run on linebackers would be bad news for the Rams, because a run-stuffing inside man is arguably their top need. After that, though, is the need for edge speed. With Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh demanding attention in the middle, Davenport would often be left in one-on-one situations to beat the offensive tackle. Given the NFC West’s suspect tackle play, he could do big things in Los Angeles.

Meet the surprise first-round party crasher. Safety is overwhelmingly Carolina’s biggest need in the draft, and Bates is the top one available. Bates is a coverage specialist with really good range and closing speed. He’s not a great box player, but he can mask a lot of mistakes in the secondary.

Nwosu is another first-round surprise pick, but he could get there because he plays a such a valuable position. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel personally put Nwosu through the paces at the USC pro day and had to come away impressed with the pass rusher’s power and quickness.

Atlanta is incredibly thin at interior defensive line, and don’t be shocked if they take two in this draft. While they could hope to hit on a late one like they did with Grady Jarrett in 2015, there should be a good one here. Phillips is a high-motor player who can either play over the nose or work as a three-technique. That versatility gives Atlanta a lot of options.

It’s difficult to move off a tight end with this pick, especially since the top linebackers are all gone. In Goedert, the Saints could see another Travis Kelce, a big tight end who thrives in space and after the catch.

Jackson is a playmaker in the secondary, and had eight interceptions last season. He can play inside or outside, and specializes in zone. Some teams, including Pittsburgh, could look at him as a safety.

It was tempting to go with Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore, but Williams is a logical choice as well. He can start his career in Jacksonville at right guard, but could eventually move out to tackle.

As a Super Bowl contender, the Vikings need to take a player here who can come in and make an impact straight away. Following a standout career at UTEP, Hernandez has aced the offseason process and asserted himself as a first-round pick.

I still like going after UCLA offensive tackle Kolton Miller here, but a cornerback makes sense too. Hughes is an aggressive outside corner who doesn’t mind mixing it up in man coverage situations.

The Philadelphia secondary struggled some last season, including in the Super Bowl. Fortunately for them, this is a strong cornerback class, particularly in this range. Alexander may have only played in six games last season due to injury, but in 2016 looked like a top 20 lock.