2018 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Draft Rumors: Darnold, Browns, Nelson, Jackson, Allen

December 27th, 2017 at 4:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

While Josh Rosen made headlines with his comments about a preference to land with a better team that held a lower pick rather than a bad one holding a high draft choice, Sam Darnold took the more diplomatic route. The USC quarterback — who has not yet made a decision about forgoing his final two years of eligibility to enter the 2018 draft — said Wednesday (via ESPN) he’d be “honored to play for any team.” This could be key regarding the top of the draft, where both Darnold and Rosen are expected to come off the board if they declare. A report that emerged Sunday revealed Rosen is higher on the Giants than the Browns, who will hold the No. 1 pick, and may reconsider staying in school if the Browns are to pick him. Of course, a similar report surfaced about Darnold last month. Darnold denied that rumor today, however. This interesting leverage game remains in a holding pattern with both passers having yet to announce they’re going to enter the draft.

Here’s more 2018 draft buzz.

Lamar Jackson is not expected to threaten Rosen or Darnold’s spots atop the draft, and the former Heisman Trophy winner may be put through an interesting process by some interested teams if/when he declares. Various scouts told ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. they believe some teams will ask the Louisville phenom to work out as both a quarterback and wide receiver, with the goal being to see if Jackson could transition if he didn’t work as a passer. This is not the first time this has come up regarding Jackson, who has rushed for a staggering 3,974 yards and 49 touchdowns in three Cardinals seasons, nor is it the first time a run-heavy quarterback has been mentioned as a wideout at the next level.
Quenton Nelson‘s stock appears to be rising, and SI.com’s Albert Breer spoke with an NFL exec who said the Notre Dame guard is a better prospect than Zack Martin was when he came out of South Bend three years ago. Breer tabs Nelson as a top-three overall prospect. Martin went 16th to the Cowboys in 2014 and became the first rookie offensive lineman to land on the top All-Pro team in 57 years. No pure guard has gone in the top 10 since Jonathan Cooper in 2013, but the Redskins moved 2015’s No. 5 overall pick (Brandon Scherff) to guard immediately.
The sense in the scouting community is Josh Allen will fall toward the middle of the first round while the two Pac-12 passers go off the board at the draft’s outset, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com notes. Allen remains viewed as a less pro-ready prospect than the other two despite possessing possibly greater physical upside. However, smaller-program passers have done well for themselves in recent drafts. Carson Wentz rocketed up the 2016 board to No. 2, and Blake Bortles (Central Florida) went No. 3 in 2014. The Jets have done extensive homework on Allen, and the Broncos are getting to work on the Wyoming talent as well.

Dolphins Notes: Draft, Drake, Grant, Derby

December 26th, 2017 at 4:50pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Dolphins lost another game in Week 16 and now sit on the brink of getting a top 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, the best players in this class do not line up very well with the needs of the organization, opines Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Jackson proclaims that if Miami loses to a playoff contending Bills team this coming Sunday, the team won’t necessarily have a clear player they are targeting in that range of the draft. According to Jackson, the team’s two biggest needs are linebacker and tight end, but no prospect is available at those positions who would warrant that type of draft slot.

Jackson notes that the team could potentially go with Texas offensive tackle Connor Williams should the front office move on from right tackle Ja’Wuan James, but that’s far from a certainty. LSU pass rusher Arden Key could also be useful weapon on the defensive side of the ball, but there’s not a true need in that area either. Jackson speculates that Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith could be a fit if he can help increase his stock with a successful draft preparation process.

Finally, the writer also throws cold water on the idea of replacing Ryan Tannehill because of the Dolphins substantial financial investment in him, even though he will be returning from a knee injury he suffered this past training camp . It would seem that while the Dolphins have been losing enough to move up the draft board, trading down may be the best option because of the lack of a fit in the upper portion of the draft.

Here’s more notes on the Dolphins from Jackson’s column:

Even after trading Jay Ajayi, running back does not seem like a major area of need for the Dolphins entering the offseason. Second-year tailback Kenyan Drake has shined with Ajayi gone and Damien Williams recovering from injury. He played all but three snaps in the team’s loss to the Chiefs in Week 16 and ranks fourth among all running backs with 369 yards after contact. The 23-year-old has averaged over 4.5 yards per carry over his last four contests, and has made a difference in the passing game as well. With his productive late season performance, he seems primed to enter 2018 as the Dolphins surefire number one back.
Wide receiver Jakeem Grant often gets lost in the shuffle behind the likes of Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker. However, the second-year wideout managed to catch four balls for over 100 yards in last Sunday’s matchup. He’s only played in 10.4% of the team’s snaps this season, which makes sense because of the Dolphins deep receiving corps. But, Landry is set to hit the open market this offseason, so Grant could be auditioning for a bigger role in 2018 should the team’s star wideout move on.
Grant wasn’t the only little used player to get increased reps in Week 16. Miami saw two new faces get a lot of action vs. the Chiefs as well. Tight end A.J. Derby, whom the team claimed from the Broncos, was targeted five times. Although, he only managed one catch in the contest. Cornerback Torry McTyer played in 61 of the defense’s 83 snaps before he was taken out of the game due to injury. McTyer was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent last offseason and could be in-line for a further audition in Week 17 should he be heathy enough to play. Miami needs more tight ends and defensive backs for next season, so Derby and McTyer could get another shot to impress in the team’s regular season finale this weekend.

Browns Clinch 2018 No. 1 Overall Pick

December 24th, 2017 at 3:14pm CST by Dallas Robinson

As a result of their loss to the Bears today, the Browns have officially clinched the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft.

While Cleveland’s recent rebuilding strategy has certainly focused on future assets instead of current results, the Browns likely didn’t envision collecting the first overall pick in consecutive seasons. The Browns, who have the opportunity to conclude a winless campaign with a loss to Steelers in Week 17, have already made changes to their front office by replacing general manager Sashi Brown with John Dorsey. But alterations could also come to the club’s coaching staff, as Hue Jackson isn’t necessarily guaranteed to return.

The Browns, who will also secure another top-10 pick thanks to a 2017 trade with the Texans, seem overwhelmingly likely to draft a quarterback early in 2018. Dorsey has already spoken positively about Oklahoma signal-caller Baker Mayfield, while other first-round options include UCLA’s Josh Rosen — who reportedly prefers to land in New York — and (if he declares) USC’s Sam Darnold.

WR Courtland Sutton and CB Jaire Alexander Enter 2018 NFL Draft

December 22nd, 2017 at 7:54pm CST by GregGoldstein

We have two more draft eligible college prospects announcing their intent to turn pro after we learned highly-touted quarterback Josh Allen would be skipping his senior season and declaring for the draft.

SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton revealed his decision to forego his final year of eligibility in an Instagram post tonight.

“It has been an incredible run and after discussing things with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.

The relationships I have built, and the experiences I have had are absolutely priceless. My SMU family is full of teammates, coaches, and friends that have been there for me since Day 1! Going to school and playing ball with my brothers is something that I wouldn’t change for the world.
I would like to give a huge thanks to all those who helped me behind the scenes, Coach Stepp, TMFSS, the equipment room, the training room, Ms. Lisa, and all those that work in the Loyd building who have had an impact on my life while at SMU.

I am absolutely humbled by the opportunity that I have ahead of me, and I couldn’t have gotten here without the support and love from my family. My degree from SMU is something I will forever cherish, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me next!”

Sutton has been considered one of the draft’s top wideout prospects since the start of the season, and he’ll certainly have a chance to be selected in the first round. The junior receiver stands 6’4”, 216 lbs., having caught 12 touchdowns on 68 receptions for over 1,000 yards in 2017. Sutton is currently ranked as the draft’s second best best wide receiver, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.

Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander will enter the 2018 NFL Draft as well, according to college football reporter Brett McMurphy (Twitter link). In addition to the announcement, McMurphy also reported that Alexander would be skipping the TaxSlayer Bowl because of his decision to turn pro. Alexander only recorded one interception this season, but is ranked as the seventh best corner on Matt Miller’s most recent draft board.

QB Josh Allen Declares For 2018 NFL Draft

December 22nd, 2017 at 7:06pm CST by GregGoldstein

Draft declaration season is in full swing and we have a top quarterback making his intentions known that he will be turning pro. Wyoming officially announced that their junior starting quarterback, Josh Allen, would be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft on their Twitter page after the team won the Idaho Potato Bowl this afternoon.

Allen is going out on a high note after he was named MVP of the bowl game having thrown for three touchdowns and no picks in his final collegiate appearance. However, despite coming into this college football season as one of the most highly-regarded draft eligible signal callers available, Allen struggled versus higher quality defenses during out-of-conference play. He found his footing later in the year, but is now generally thought of in a tier behind fellow prospective first round picks, UCLA’s Josh Rosen and USC’s Sam Darnold.

The quarterback is considered a physical freak by many draft analysts, who features a canon arm and is very mobile for his 6’5”, 233 lbs. frame. Allen is very raw and would likely need time on the bench before playing during the regular season, but could still be taken high in the first round given his elite natural ability.

Allen should be just the first of many top college quarterbacks that will officially declare for the draft as bowl season continues to progress.

Indiana WR Simmie Cobbs To Enter Draft

December 21st, 2017 at 6:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Indiana wide receiver Simmie Cobbs will forgo his fifth season of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL draft, as Cobbs himself announced on Twitter earlier today.

Cobbs initially broke out for the Hoosiers during the 2015 campaign, when he posted 60 receptions and averaged 17.3 yards per catch. An ankle injury forced Cobb to take a medical redshirt in 2016, but he posted 841 yards and eight touchdowns during his most recent season while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Cobbs, who stands 6’4″, 200 pounds, is considered one of the more intriguing pass-catching prospects in the 2018 draft. As of November, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranked Cobbs as the draft’s fifth-best wide receiver, while USA Today’s Luke Easterling recently placed Cobbs 13th among wideouts. As such, Cobbs is expected to come off the board by the end of Day 2.

Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch‏ To Enter Draft

December 21st, 2017 at 12:25pm CST by Zachary Links

Boise State inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced that he will skip his final season of eligibility in order declare for the NFL Draft (Twitter link).

“It has been the honor of my life to play for the team I always grew up following. I would have given anything to have had this opportunity,” Vander Esch wrote. “Because my love for Boise State runs so deep, this was the most difficult decision of my life. I feel now is the best time for me to pursue another childhood dream – playing in the National Football League.”

Vander Esch broke out in 2016 with an eye-popping 141 tackles, which is the most that any Boise State player has had in an individual season since 1988. He also had 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and two interceptions.

It’s a bit early too say where Vander Esch could go in the draft, but Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) views him as a top 50 prospect nationally. With strong showings at his Pro Day and in individual team workouts, he could garner first-round consideration. In recent years, Boise State has seen some of its best defenders declare as underclassman and go high in the draft, including second round picks Demarcus Lawrence (2013) and Kamalei Correa (2015).

NFL Draft Notes: Mayfield, Lamar, Barkley

December 14th, 2017 at 8:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While there’s still plenty of time for evaluation before the 2018 draft gets underway in April, it would be a “surprise” if Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield isn’t selected in the first round, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com. Mayfield, this year’s Heisman winner, completed 71% of his passes this season for 4,340 yards, 41 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Per Breer, there are character questions about Mayfield, and his height (6’1″) could also present concerns. But Todd McShay of ESPN.com placed Mayfield in the first round of his first 2018 mock draft, and new Browns general manager John Dorsey — who will certainly be in the quarterback market next year — recently sang Mayfield’s praises.

Here’s more on next year’s NFL draft, all courtesy of Breer:

Mayfield may be a locked-in first round, but last year’s Heisman — Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson — isn’t likely to be selected on Day 1, reports Breer. Some evaluators have openly wondered if Jackson will play wide receiver in the NFL, but he simply may need time to develop at the next level. Indeed, Breer says there are still questions about Jackson’s “instincts and anticipation,” as well as those who believe Jackson is “more thrower than passer.” Jackson has topped 3,400 yards passing and 1,400 yards rushing in each of the past two seasons.
While the 2018 running back class may not compare to that of 2017 (which included Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt, and many others), Penn State’s Saquon Barkley is still viewed as an elite prospect, per Breer. While Barkley faded down the stretch, one AFC executive tells Breer “to the people that matter, nothing’s changed” in regards to Barkley’s draft stock. Barkley posted at least 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons as a Nittany Lion, and scored 34 touchdowns over the past two years.
Running backs might not be plentiful in 2018, but next year’s class is loaded with offensive line talent. Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey, plus Texas’ Connor Williams, are all potential top-15 picks, per Breer. That’s quite a contrast to 2017, when only two offensive lineman were selected in the first round (with Garett Bolles being the first off the board at No. 20).
Although Courtland Sutton (SMU) perhaps isn’t as well-known as Alabama’s Calvin Ridley or Oklahoma State’s James Washington, he has a chance to become the first wide receiver selected, according to Breer. Sutton, who is expected to stand 6’4″, 230 pounds at the combine, could even be a top-10 pick. From 2016-17, Sutton averaged 68 receptions, 1,132 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Analysts believe Mayfield, North Carolina State edge rusher Bradley Chubb, and Michigan defensive lineman Maurice Hurst all helped their draft stock by staying in school for an extra season, says Breer. What does one evaluator like about Chubb, who has posted 10 sacks in consecutive seasons? “Everything.”

Wisconsin LB Jack Cichy To Enter NFL Draft

December 12th, 2017 at 11:46am CST by Zachary Links

Wisconsin linebacker Jack Cichy was eligible for a medical redshirt in 2018. Instead, he’s going pro.

“At the end of the day, whatever comes next for me, I mainly just want to make Wisconsin proud,” Cichy wrote in a piece for The Players’ Tribune. “I want to be the next guy people point to as someone who came to Madison as an unknown, worked his tail off and then became a mainstay in the NFL. I want to be like Jim Leonhard and J.J. and so many other guys who came here with a far-fetched dream and then achieved greatness. I want to uphold that legacy. But mainly, I just want to make all of Wisconsin proud. I’m a Badger for life.”

Cichy suffered an ACL tear in the summer that prevented him from seeing the field. That was tough news for Wisconsin fans to swallow but also a disappointment for the many NFL scouts who had him on the radar. Before the injury, Cichy was viewed as a first-round prospect. If he can demonstrate that he has fully recovered from the tear, he’ll likely garner top-32 consideration once again.

The 6’2″, 223-pound athlete began his collegiate career as a walk-on. The undersized scrapper turned out to be a star for the Badgers and eventually became a team captain. In 2016, he had 60 tackles and seven tackles for a loss before a torn pectoral muscle cost him the second half of the season. Thanks to injuries, Cichy has not seen the field since Oct. 22, 2016.

Browns Rumors: Jackson, Haslam, Haden

December 7th, 2017 at 8:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Hue Jackson did not want to confirm a report that he and ousted executive VP Sashi Brown weren’t on speaking terms, but Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports the two had clashed on numerous occasions — and certain players were at the root of this friction. Carson Wentz, Marvin Jones, A.J. McCarron and Jimmy Garoppolo induced disagreements between the Browns’ power structure, as previously reported, but Cabot adds Jackson and Brown were at odds about the likes of Joe Haden, Demario Davis and Jeremy Maclin.

Jackson wanted the Browns to sign Maclin, Cabot reports. They were loosely connected to the UFA wideout, but the Ravens, Bills and Eagles were well ahead of them. Jackson presumably wanted Haden to remain in Cleveland, but the Browns released him. Davis was also shipped back to the Jets and has enjoyed a productive season. Cabot also notes Jackson and Gregg Williams received pushback from some members of the front office in the Myles Garrett-vs.-Mitch Trubisky argument that transpired in April, with the coaches’ side winning out and Garrett being the pick.

Here’s the latest on a busy day in Cleveland.

Jimmy Haslam made this move Thursday in order to not fall behind on the GM carousel, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com reports, adding the owner saw the Giants taking an early lead by landing their former GM Ernie Accorsi to lead a search to replace Jerry Reese. Ownership was “adamant” not to fall behind in this pursuit, per Grossi. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report said during a radio appearance on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland the early Brown firing was to get an early start on a John Dorsey push (Twitter link). The Browns do not have to wait until season’s end to interview Dorsey like they would an active exec, and Miller reports many believe he will be Cleveland’s next GM. Dorsey steered the Chiefs to three playoff berths in four seasons after taking over following a 2-14 season.
Haslam was tinkering with the idea to make in-season changes for the past couple of weeks, Albert Breer of SI.com reports, noting the owner was considering bringing in a football voice to complement Brown rather than replace him. But after research, the owner decided to fire Brown and begin a search for his replacement.
Both Breer and Grossi confirm the Thursday-afternoon report the Browns are going after Dorsey. Grossi reports Dorsey has been “endorsed heartily” by at least one of the football execs with whom Haslam’s already consulted. Breer notes a Dorsey/Jackson arrangement makes more sense than Brown/Jackson, with the ex-Chiefs GM’s scouting background aligning more with Jackson’s admitted old-school approach to football development. That, and not necessarily his impressive work in Kansas City, made him a key name to watch in Cleveland, Breer notes.
A Dorsey hire could well mean a more prominent role for ex-Colts GM Ryan Grigson, Grossi writes. Grigson’s currently working as a senior personnel exec, with an emphasis on scouting. Dorsey and Grigson’s friendship and mutual respect would stand to lead to a better title for the since-fired Indianapolis decision-maker.
The Browns’ decision to part with Brown and not Jackson could lead to an increased interest in Josh Rosen. Miller notes. Jackson likes the UCLA quarterback as a prospect, with a source informing the draft-based reporter Rosen is “Jackson’s guy.” Rosen seems more certain to declare for the 2018 draft than Sam Darnold at this juncture.

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