No surprises and some surprises constitute my Top Ten picks.
1) Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
After trading for Taylor as their bridge QB, the Browns have made it clear they won’t be headed for a QB first, but they still get a solid offensive asset with the pick.
2) New York Giants: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Browns elect not to draft a QB first overall, giving the Giants the first crack at it. With this pick, they select Pac-12 a prodigy to sit behind Manning … aiming towards the future.
3) Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, NC State
Colts finished second-to-last in overall sacks last season. Third overall they select monster defensive lineman Chubb to apply instant defensive pressure and increase their sack totals.
4) Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Cleveland still walks away with a top-five QB. With Taylor as a steady bridge option, Cleveland selects their young QB for the future and instantly applies pressure as to which man will get the Week 1 start.
5) Buffalo Bills (Via Denver Trade): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Bills have made it clear they’re going to make some trades to obtain a young rookie QB. Now that Denver doesn’t need one, expect them to trade this pick to Buffalo. Bills get a big-armed passer.
6) New York Jets: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
After acquiring Bridgewater, the Jets now get out of the QB draft mix. With their top ten selection, anticipate NYJ to get some secondary help … and who better than versatile defensive back Fitzpatrick, who’s fresh off a National Championship
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derwin James, S, Florida State
Bucs need help on the defensive side of the field at safety and cornerback. James is the best-looking safety heading into the draft and has the size T.J. Ward lacks. That solidifies James’ selection at number seven.
8) Chicago Bears: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Originally I thought the Bears would take Nelson. Logic–to provide protection for Trubisk. But after Cousins’ signing with the Vikings means that NFC North QB’s now consist of Rodgers, Cousins, and Stafford. That means the Bears will need all the secondary help than can get.
9) San Francisco 49ers: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
I could also potentially see a WR here because the Bears won’t be drafting one. But at the end of the day, I think John Lynch’s goal is to draft some extra protection for Garoppolo and his record-breaking deal. Also, Nelson looks like the best Guard in years. He could potentially be a Rookie Pro-Bowler.
10) Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
After one of the biggest flops in recent history, the Raiders will attempt to be the team this year everyone predicted them to be last year. Finishing 25th in sacks last season, the Raider should use this pick to get beast LB Smith from Georgia. He could quickly add some sacks they’ll desperately need.
