The NFL Combine starts this week, so draft boards are in for a shakeup.
Every team will look to boost its roster through the draft, whether we're talking a rebuilding squad or the powerhouses looking to remain on top. Here's the latest NFL mock draft for the 2018 NFL Draft as of Feb. 26, 2018.
With the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks, the 2018 draft is Cleveland's oyster. If the Browns decide to take Barkley here, a quarterback is still very much a possibility with their next pick. Barkley's gained more than 3,800 yards from scrimmage and 43 touchdowns over the last two seasons for Penn State, not to mention his kick return prowess so his versatility could immediately transform a mediocre Cleveland offense into something more respectable.
The Giants' decision at No. 2 will be interesting, but even if they retain Eli Manning, it would make sense to use this opportunity to draft his long-term successor. Darnold ran into some hiccups in 2017, but his vision isn't teachable.
The Colts need to address every position other than quarterback, and premium pass rushers are impossible to pass up. Chubb's pass-rush ability could be difficult for the organization to overlook.
Former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan has been hired as a consultant in Cleveland, and he revealed in October that Mayfield was his top quarterback in the upcoming draft class. Mayfield has his shortcomings, but it's hard to overlook the production. He could be the most NFL-ready quarterback on the board, but his lack of size and non-game issues could scare teams away.
Allen has as much versatility as any of the top four quarterbacks, but he's also a big risk after facing inferior competition at Wyoming. It's become clear that the Broncos will address quarterback in one form or another this offseason despite spending their 2016 first-round pick on Paxton Lynch.
It's time for the Jets to address quarterback for good, either via free agency or the draft. Rosen could be ready quickly, but there are major concerns about his durability.
The Bucs could use some help at safety and cornerback. Fortunately, Fitzpatrick has the versatility to play either position and should be an impact player immediately upon his arrival.
To say the Bears lacked receiving weapons in 2017 would be an understatement, and it's clear they want to help young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. They already hired former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to lead the team, and Ridley would be another step forward despite declining production in Alabama's offense.
The 49ers' defense made strides last season, but cornerback is still a major need heading into the offseason. After fixing the offense with Jimmy Garoppolo, Ward would be a welcome addition to spur the defense in 2018 and further the development for the future.
Sean Smith has been a bust since coming over from the Chiefs two years ago, and David Amerson was recently released. Adding a cornerback — possibly multiple CBs — will be a top priority of Jon Gruden's team this offseason, and Jackson fits the bill as one of the top available.
Smith is arguably the best defensive playmaker on the board, and Miami certainly needs help at linebacker. He finished with 137 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in his junior season.
The Bengals have plenty of holes but none bigger than the offensive line. A dominant tackle, Brown has the pedigree to have a long career, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Orlando Claude "Zeus" Brown.
Washington was already able to replace Kirk Cousins by acquiring Alex Smith (which becomes official in March), but that move created a huge void in the secondary as cornerback Kendall Fuller was sent back to the Chiefs and Bashaud Breeland elected free agency. If the team doesn't see a corner it likes, James is a possibility to be added at safety.
The Packers lacked a premium pass rusher in 2017 as Nick Perry's sack production declined. Edmunds is certainly a playmaker, totaling 108 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his junior year.
While Larry Fitzgerald is returning for at least another season, Arizona is again in the market for a wideout. Fitzgerald will retire sooner or later, and John Brown has struggled to get over his health issues. Kirk can contribute in multiple facets and brings huge upside for a team that desperately needs playmakers.
Standing at 6-4, Sutton has all the physical gifts and produced last season with 68 receptions for 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns.Baltimore has struggled to find adequate help for Joe Flacco. Jeremy Maclin was a huge disappointment last season, and former first-round pick Breshad Perriman still hasn't developed.
The Chargers have plenty of talent in their front seven but could use more help in the secondary. Harrison has been a playmaker at Alabama, finishing his junior year with 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Secondary help is a clear need for the Seahawks with an aging group and injuries piling up, not to mention trade rumors once again surrounding Richard Sherman. Hughes has been rising and could help the team quickly, while also contributing as a returner.
Evans was a playmaker at Alabama and a potential replacement for Anthony Hitchens. He had 74 tackles and six sacks in 12 games this past season.
Detroit has struggled to find an answer at running back, as Ameer Abdullah's lack of development has been a massive disappointment. Guice averaged only 5.3 yards per carry as the primary ball carrier in his junior season — his third straight year declining in that department — but he's still an outstanding prospect after rushing for more than 2,600 yards combined over the last two seasons.
Buffalo traded Marcell Dareus last season when he was deemed a poor fit for Sean McDermott's defensive scheme, and Kyle Williams is getting close to retirement. Vea is a load on the inside and had 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his junior season.
The Bills could move on from the oft-injured Cordy Glenn this offseason, opening up a need on the offensive line. McGlinchey is arguably the best offensive lineman on the board. He has played both tackle spots and could step in immediately.
The Rams addressed one of their potentially massive cornerback holes already by acquiring an elite playmaker in Marcus Peters from the Chiefs. That move allows them to address the front seven. Landry struggled due to injuries in 2017 but could fly up draft boards after recording 16.5 sacks in 2016. He'd be a welcome addition for a defense that is already potent with Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn.
After trading Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina is again in the market for a wide receiver. Washington had yet another incredible year while playing hurt, finishing 2017 with 1,549 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.
The Titans are set at tackle for the long term, but their status on the interior of the offensive line is becoming more questionable. Nelson is the best guard on the board.
A huge load in the middle, Payne's athleticism resembles that of Dontari Poe's, who is a pending free agent. He has the ability to help plug up the run immediately for one of the league's fastest-improving defenses.
Amazingly, the Saints have not drafted a QB in the first round since 1971, the year they selected Archie Manning. Drew Brees is getting closer to 40, so the Saints will be in line for a replacement in the very near future. Sean Payton certainly knows how to use his offensive weapons, and Jackson would make for an intriguing project. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner is a future wideout in the eyes of some evaluators, but his college production is undeniable. He could contribute in the short term as a receiver and/or returner while he learns the nuances of the quarterback position from Brees.
The sad reality is that the Steelers will probably have to find a replacement for Ryan Shazier, who suffered a scary spinal injury late in 2017. Vander Esch was all over the field in 2017, finishing the season with 141 tackles and four sacks.
A reliable tight end would be a great security blanket for Blake Bortles, but the Jags have struggled to find a solution there recently. The hype surrounding Goedert has been growing all year, and he'd be a nice fit in Jacksonville.
The Vikings are in need of interior offensive line help as they enter free agency, and Price has the ability to play immediately. He also has the versatility to play either guard or center.
There seems to be some traction with the Rob Gronkowski retirement rumors, though the Patriots will have a better understanding of Gronk's plans by the draft. If Gronk does hang up his cleats for cruises, acting, the WWE, or who knows what else, tight end will be at the top of the list for the Pats. Hurst produced 559 receiving yards for the Gamecocks last season.
Nwosu really helped himself late in the year with eight sacks over his last six games. The Eagles saw very nice flashes from Derek Barnett in his rookie season, and Nwosu would give them another potent pass rusher.
Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications. He’s a University of Missouri alum and long-suffering turned spoiled Kansas City Chiefs fan. Seth doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter/X @sethroto.
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