This week I am going to be taking a deep dive into the NFL Draft. This is one of the most exciting times of the year in the NFL, as 250+ athletes fulfill their life-long dreams of becoming professional football players and every team finds some hope for the future.
Be on the lookout all week for more mocks, predictions, and news on Oregon Sports News.
My NFL Draft coverage schedule for this week…
Monday – Third Round Mock Draft
Tuesday – Second Round Mock Draft
Wednesday – First Round Mock Draft and Analysis
Thursday – NFL Draft Bold Prediction
Friday – First Round Reactions… and Overreactions
Three Bold Predictions for the First Round
Bold: There will be an offensive lineman (other than Quenton Nelson) drafted in the Top-10
This draft class is missing a headliner at the offensive tackle position, arguably the 2nd most important position on the field. I have a feeling that won’t stop someone from reaching on one. My mock draft, posted yesterday on OSN, had Mike McGlinchey going to the Cardinals at 15. While that may be realistic, this column is about bold predictions.
If Nelson and McGlinchey both go in the Top-10, that is 40% of Notre Dame’s offensive line from last year. What makes these guys different? They are big-bodied offensive lineman that have experience playing in an NFL-style offense. The spread offense in college has made the transition incredibly difficult for the offensive lineman, that is why these two are going to be coveted on Thursday night.
Bolder: Only one wide receiver will be drafted in Round One
In my mock I have three receivers going in the first round, but I would not be shocked if there was only one picked.
There is no clear-cut favorite receiver in this draft. There’s no Julio Jones. There’s no Odell Beckham.
The top-10 of the receiver group doesn’t have a ton of separation between them. Calvin Ridley is a great route runner but has a slight frame. Courtland Sutton is a big body but has a limited route tree. D.J. Moore is gaining hype throughout the process but is still sub-6’.
Last year three receivers went in the top-10. Those receivers combined for 45 receptions over 24 games.
Teams will look to be patient and not overpay for a receiver in the first round and wait for a guy like Anthony Miller or Michael Gallup in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Boldest: The Top-5 picks will all be quarterbacks!
It has never happened. But there is a first for everything!
Browns and Jets are going to draft quarterbacks. Write that in Sharpie.
The Giants and Broncos should draft quarterbacks.
The #4 pick that the Browns own could be a spot that the Bills or Cardinals move up to jump the Broncos and draft a quarterback.
Here’s how it could look…
#1 – Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold
#2 – New York Giants – Josh Rosen
#3 – New York Jets – Baker Mayfield
#4 – Buffalo Bills (trade) – Josh Allen
#5 – Denver Broncos – Lamar Jackson
That would be absolutely crazy and set the stage for an insane first round. But it isn’t too far removed from reality…
Buckle up folks! It’s happening! NFL Draft 2018!!!
