Lucas Walker’s Take On The Top 10 Picks In The Up-comming NFL Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, Quarterback from USC
After a strong pro day performance, Sam Darnold has locked himself into the number one overall pick. The Browns need a quarterback, and, although Darnold struggled a bit at times on the field in 2017, he has had a great lead up to the draft and will be their selection with the number one overall pick.
Play That Best Showcases Sam Darnold:
2. New York Giants: Josh Rosen, Quarterback from UCLA
Rosen is my number on quarterback in this draft class. While he lacks mobility and has some durability concerns, he possesses the most football intelligence and most accurate arm of any of the quarterback in this years class. If Rosen can stay healthy, he will be the Giants franchise quarterback for more than decade.
Play That Best Showcases Josh Rosen:
https://streamable.com/g4ubh
3. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, Quarterback from Oklahoma
The Jets made a big trade with the Colts to acquire this pick, and it is no secret that they have their eyes on a quarterback. With Rosen and Darnold already taken, the Jets select Mayfield, who many feel is the third best quarterback in this years class. Mayfield put up video game level statistics at Oklahoma and has an arm to make all the throws, but there are questions about who he will perform in a pro style offense against NFL caliber defenses.
Play That Best Showcases Baker Mayfield:
https://streamable.com/03g8t
4. Cleveland Browns: Bradley Chubb, Defensive End from N.C. State
Saquan Barkley may be the best player in the draft, but a good defensive end is much much more valuable than a great running back. With Chubb, the Browns have an awesome pass rushing combination of Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, and now Bradley Chubb. Chubb is also a fantastic defender against the run.
Play That Best Showcases Bradley Chubb:
https://streamable.com/9dcz6
5. Denver Broncos: Josh Allen, Quarterback from Wyoming
While the Broncos did sign quarterback Case Keenum this offseason, it was only to a two year contract, which means they are still firmly in contention for a franchise quarterback. This may be an ideal situation for Josh Allen, who has the strongest arm in this draft class and great athleticism, but could really benefit from sitting behind Keenum for a few seasons to work on his footwork and accuracy.
Play That Best Showcases Josh Allen:
https://streamable.com/cvfqp
6. Indianapolis Colts: Saquon Barkley, Running Back from Penn State
With Frank Gore leaving in free agency, the need for a running back is there with the Colts. Barkley is the best overall player in this entire draft, so the value at pick number six isn’t bad either. If Andrew Luck is able to return to what he was prior to his mysterious shoulder injury, the Colts would have the best quarterback/running back duo in the NFL.
Play That Best Showcases Saquon Barkley:
https://streamable.com/njylk
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quenton Nelson, Guard from Notre Dame
Tampa Bay needs help on the interior of their offensive line, and, at this point in the draft, Nelson is the best player remaining, making this a great match for both. Tampa Bay invested in protection for quarterback Jameis Winston by signing center Ryan Jensen in free agency, and they double down here in the draft. Nelson is one of the most complete guard prospects you’ll ever see.
Play That Best Showcases Quenton Nelson:
8. Chicago Bears: Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker from Virginia Tech
After cutting linebacker Jerrell Freeman, the Bears have a big hole at the linebacker position. Edmunds, who is only 19 years old, is a physical monster. He stands at 6’5″ and weighs 250 pounds, all while still being able to run a 4.5 second 40 yard dash. Edmunds could still use some polish to his game on the field, bu,t under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, he could develop into a monster.
Play That Best Showcases Tremaine Edmunds:
https://streamable.com/d5x2t
9. San Francisco 49ers: Harold Landry, Defensive End from Boston College
Harold Landry is somewhat of a reach in the top 10, but he fills a huge need for the 49ers. Last year, the 34 year old Elvis Dumervil led the 49ers with 6.5 sacks. Nobody else on their team had more than three sacks. Landry is an athletic pass rushing specialist who can contribute to their pass rush from day one.
Play That Best Showcases Harold Landry:
https://streamable.com/ejm0o
10. Oakland Raiders: Denzel Ward, Cornerback from Ohio State
The Raiders get a great value here, picking the top corner in the draft 10th overall. Ward has the ability to play outside cornerback and nickel, so the versatile player can fill in wherever the Raiders feel he will fit best. Oakland’s pass defense ranked 26th in the entire NFL last year, so adding a potential lock down corner like Ward is a much welcome addition.
Play That Best Showcases Denzel Ward:
https://streamable.com/vwtl2
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, be sure to follow @DetLionsPodcast on Twitter and pay a visit to the Detroit Lions Subreddit.
