2018 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns own this first-round mock
By Randy Gurzi
1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, USC, QB
Whether or not this is the correct call is for a different article. Here is all about predictions and the Browns are showing all signs of going for Sam Darnold with the first overall pick. The thought process is he has to sit and “groom” for a year, which makes this a pure projection pick.
Thankfully for at least 2018, Cleveland should be fine under center. Tyrod Taylor is an underrated starter, but is still just a bridge quarterback. Maybe Darnold will develop and be ready soon. Maybe not. Either way, he looks like the pick.
2. New York Giants: Josh Rosen, UCLA, QB
This could end up being a different team all together, but a quarterback likely goes at No. 2. As it stands now, the New York Giants stay put and select Josh Rosen out of UCLA. He’s got all the tools, but whether or not he cares is the question.
Related Story: Browns can’t repeat QB mistakes of a decade ago
3. New York Jets (via New York Jets): Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, QB
The guy who should go No. 1 goes No. 3 as the Jets take the best quarterback in the draft, Baker Mayfield doesn’t fit the normal mold of a quarterback, so teams will pass on him and get lesser talent. The Jets however will be thrilled.
4. Cleveland Browns (via the Houston Texans): Saquon Barkley, Penn State, RB
With quarterbacks going one, two and three, it frees things up for Saquon Barkley to be hanging out at No. 4. The Browns gladly take the best player in the draft here. They may have paid Carlos Hyde a lot of money, but that’s fine as they simply can’t pass on Barkley twice.