2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants trade down with Bills, still get a QB - Washington Post

Lamar Jackson could be in play for the Giants if they obtain a second first-round pick. (Michael Conroy/Associated Press)

After an intriguing start to free agency, the NFL calendar is accelerating toward the 2018 draft. The Cleveland Browns have been on the clock since September of last year and the only real question is whether they finally will select a quarterback with their first overall pick.

One significant trade during the NFL's free agent frenzy may have solidified the draft strategy for a number of teams at the top of the draft, including that of the Browns. When Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard decided to trade down with the New York Jets, it more than likely locked in quarterbacks at 1-2-3. Which teams make those selections are still up in the air, but the Jets will be one of them. Here is the second version of our 2018 mock draft, with trades built in. (And here is the first, from February.)

1. Cleveland Browns — Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Recently acquired Tyrod Taylor may not see himself as a bridge quarterback, but that's what he's going to be. That said, a Taylor-Darnold combination bodes well for the Browns in the near term and the future.

Taylor can generate some excitement and wins early, while Darnold sits and learns. Some have surmised that the Browns should select running back Saquon Barkley (Penn State) and take a quarterback with the No. 4 pick, which they also own, but given the Jets' move up the draft board, the Browns must draft a quarterback at No. 1 to guarantee they get their top choice instead of their third.

More than likely, the Browns can lock up Barkley at No. 4, or perhaps even defensive end North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb but they can't afford to pass on another quarterback for the third year in a row.

*TRADE* 2. Buffalo Bills (from New York Giants) — Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

After the Jets gave up three second-round picks to move up three spots, the trade-up price tag became clear for the Bills. The two first-round picks, Nos. 12 and 22, are attractive to Giants GM David Gettleman, who made moves this offseason to win now and not draft a quarterback at No. 2. The thought here is that Bills GM, and former Gettleman underling, Brandon Beane calls his former boss to make the deal to trade up to draft a franchise quarterback.

[ Giants' trade of Jason Pierre-Paul could be foreshadowing ]

The Bills signed former Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron but the situation is similar to the one in Chicago last year. After giving Mike Glennon a ton of money, the Bears drafted Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2. In other words, McCarron got his news conference and some money but Rosen will eventually start and be the face of the Bills franchise for the foreseeable future. Rosen is the most natural passer among the top quarterback prospects and appears to be the best fit for the Bills.

3. New York Jets — Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

The Jets decided to make a splash during the free agent signing frenzy, moving up to No. 3. Colts GM Chris Ballard was more than ready to add a slew of second-round picks to his roster for moving down just three spots. Meanwhile, the Jets will have a shot at one of the top three quarterbacks on their board and Allen is the choice. He's a gun-slinging, confident leader who has impressed consistently in all he's done this offseason.

[ Jets' failure to land Kirk Cousins costs them lots of draft capital ]

The Jets won't have to rely on Allen immediately after the signings of Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. Being able to sit and learn bodes well for Allen's future, but if the Jets start slow, Jets Coach Todd Bowles will feel the pressure to get Allen on the field.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans) — Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

I gave long and hard consideration to cornerback Denzel Ward (Ohio State) at this spot. Why? Look at the Browns' depth chart. They can't go into the season with Jamar Taylor, Michael Jordan, Terrance Mitchell, Briean Boddy-Calhoun and T.J. Carrie at that position and feel good about it. That said, Barkley is clearly the best player available at a spot of need. Sure, Carlos Hyde was signed but Barkley might be a transcendent player. The Browns can focus on cornerback at the top of the second round, eyeing perhaps Carlton Davis (Auburn) or Isaiah Oliver (Colorado).

[ Running backs are once again in fashion and Saquon Barkley should benefit ]

5. Denver Broncos — Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The Broncos didn't have to trade up to snatch the quarterback they spent a week with down in Mobile, Ala., at the Senior Bowl. John Elway signed Case Keenum and said he was the guy he wanted, but look at Keenum's contract — it's only for two years and worth significantly less per year than other franchise quarterbacks. It doesn't exactly look like Elway went all-in financially on the supposed guy he wanted.

Now, if Elway has convinced himself that Keenum is, in fact, ready to take another massive step as a starting quarterback, he could find some protection for Keenum, selecting guard Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame). But, Mayfield is too attractive to pass up and will become the face of the Broncos franchise, for better or worse.

*TRADE* 6. Chicago Bears (from Indianapolis) — Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame

The Bears moved up one spot last year to ensure they got their quarterback of choice. This year, it's a two-spot move to nab Nelson. The Colts are more than pleased to deal with the Bears to acquire additional picks to bolster their limited roster. Bears new head coach Matt Nagy hired former Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, who coached Nelson for four years. The Bears jettisoned longtime veteran guard Josh Sitton in the offseason, so Nelson moves right into the starting lineup and remains there for the next 10 to 12 years.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Bradley Chubb, Edge, N.C. State

The Bucs saw Nelson falling right into their laps but the Bears made the aggressive move up. However, Chubb is still on the board and provides a dynamic force out on the edge. The Bucs signed Vinny Curry after he was released in Philadelphia and are hoping Noah Spence can turn the corner, figuratively and literally. But Chubb is an immediate plug-and-play edge rusher to help the Bucs' ineffective pass rush (only 22 sacks last year).

*TRADE* 8. Indianapolis Colts (from Chicago) — Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

After twice trading down (per our mock), the Colts pick up three second-rounders from the Jets and another second rounder from the Bears. Among the trade chaos, Ballard is able to land a player he's had his eyes on all along.

In the AFC South, Edmunds is a great fit, given Jacksonville's reliance on the run game and mobile quarterbacks in Houston and Tennessee. Ballard could ultimately parlay the No. 3 pick into Edmunds and three or four top-50 picks on Day 2. If Ballard hits on those picks, the Colts can get back in the mix in the AFC South.

9. San Francisco 49ers — Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The 49ers added Richard Sherman a day after he was released by Seattle and drafted Ahkello Witherspoon in the third round in 2017. That said, Ward can step right in and compete on a defense that must face Jared Goff (Rams) and Russell Wilson (Seahawks) twice a season. The 49ers may consider linebacker Roquan Smith (Georgia), given the off-the-field issues with Reuben Foster. In the end, GM John Lynch will decide on a Sherman-Witherspoon-Ward troika at cornerback.

10. Oakland Raiders — Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

The Raiders are thrilled to see Smith on the board and it's an easy decision for GM Reggie McKenzie and new head coach Jon Gruden. The Raiders lacked a true three-down, difference-making linebacker for years but Smith changes that immediately. The addition of Tahir Whitehead helps the cause, but that won't stop them from drafting Smith at No. 10.

11. Miami Dolphins — Vita Vea, DT, Washington

The Dolphins released Ndamukong Suh, opening a massive hole in the middle of the defense. Vea may be a two-down player initially, but he'll eventually become a three-down threat and prove his versatility to the AFC East.

*TRADE* 12. New York Giants (from Buffalo) — Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Gettleman, historically, has focused on the front seven with his first-round draft picks and the best front seven player remaining on the board is a good one. Payne can play up and down the line of scrimmage, although he's not quite as adept rushing the passer. Gettleman bolstered his offensive line, signing left tackle Nate Solder and guard Patrick Omameh in free agency. In the draft, he can focus on improving the interior of his defensive front.

13. Washington Redskins — Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

The Redskins' secondary is a prime spot for Fitzpatrick. Former starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland won't be back and the safeties (Deshazor Everett and D.J. Swearinger) aren't going to the Pro Bowl any time soon. And who knows what happens with Su'a Cravens now that he's returned after stepping away from the game last season. Fitzpatrick is still on the board due to the fact that some teams don't see an exact fit in their defense. On the other hand, the Redskins have openings, plural, one of which Fitzpatrick can fill.

[ Gruden: Good possibility Redskins add a running back early in draft ]

14. Green Bay Packers — Marcus Davenport, Edge, Texas-San Antonio

The Packers aren't exactly young at the edge positions. Clay Matthews and Nick Perry aren't graybeards, but they're certainly not as explosive and dynamic as they once were. Davenport is a bit of a project, but it's hard to pass up on a highly skilled, yet raw, pass-rusher at this spot.

15. Arizona Cardinals — Derwin James, Safety, Florida State

The Cardinals released Tyrann Mathieu in part due to a scheme change with new head coach Steve Wilks taking over. James is the complete opposite of Mathieu from a height/weight/speed perspective, but his ability to make plays all over the field is highly attractive to a first-year coach.

16. Baltimore Ravens — Mike McGlinchey, O

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