Now one week past Super Bowl LII, all teams are looking toward the offseason, and the dust is starting to settle. The NFL Draft is still months away, but there is plenty of reason for excitement now.
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. 12, 2018.
The draft is Cleveland's oyster with the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks. If the Browns decide to take Barkley here, a quarterback is still very much a possibility with their next pick. Barkley's versatility could immediately transform a mediocre Cleveland offense after gaining 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.
The Giants' decision at No. 2 overall will be interesting, but even if they retain Eli Manning, it would make sense to use this opportunity on a long-term successor. Former Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will be able to take his time teaching Darnold or another quarterback. Darnold's vision is impossible to teach, even if he struggled at times in 2017.
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.
Rosen has been a top NFL prospect ever since he committed to UCLA, and his status really hasn't changed despite a rocky college career. If Denver gives up on former first-round pick Paxton Lynch, it can't afford to strike out again, so front office leader John Elway could opt for a free agent. Regardless, Rosen has all the physical gifts but has had trouble staying healthy at UCLA.
It's time for the Jets to address quarterback for good, either via free agency or the draft. Allen is considered a developmental project, but he has the versatility and talent to be a franchise player down the line.
The Bucs need secondary help and could appease Florida State alumnus Jameis Winston by taking James. James is certainly deserving of the seventh overall pick, as he bounced back after missing nearly all of 2016 with a knee injury.
To say the Bears lacked receiving weapons in 2017 would be an underestimate, 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.
Miami had issues at linebacker in 2017, and Smith should be able to make a huge impact immediately. 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 (becoming official in March), but that move created a huge void in the secondary with cornerback Kendall Fuller sent back to the Chiefs. Fitzpatrick is a fit at either safety or cornerback for a secondary that is now in desperate need of help.
Evans was a playmaker at Alabama, and that's something the Packers really need. They've aged on defense and finally turned the page by firing Dom Capers as defensive coordinator. Evans had 74 tackles and six sacks in 12 games this past season.
Whether Larry Fitzgerald retires or not, Arizona is again in the market for a wideout. Fitz will likely retire after 2018 if he does return, and John Brown has struggled to get over his health issues. 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. Kirk can contribute in multiple facets and brings huge upside for a team that desperately needs playmakers.
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. Hughes has been rising and could help the team quickly, while also contributing as a returner.
The Dallas pass rush improved last season, but the team could still use some help on the interior. Vea is a load on the interior and had 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his junior 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, but he's still an outstanding prospect after rushing for more than 2,600 yards combined over the last two seasons.
Buffalo shed plenty of talent on defense in 2017 in an attempt to find players that fit Sean McDermott's system. Edmunds is certainly a playmaker, totaling 108 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his junior year.
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.
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 will be 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 would love to surround Jurrell Casey with some more defensive line talent, and Key has plenty of upside. He struggled in 2017, which could push him down from what was initially a top 10 projection.
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.
Drew Brees could have a few years left, but it's likely that Sean Payton would pounce if he found a quarterback he likes. After vastly improving the defense in the draft last year, the Saints could look at a bigger long-term need with Rudolph.
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 could lose both of their starting guards this offseason, so it's very possible they will take a guard with an early pick. Nelson is the consensus top option on the board.
There are many offseason questions for the Patriots, as they have a long list of pending free agents that includes Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming. If they let either lineman walk, they will certainly need to add at the position. Williams has huge upside at tackle.
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 fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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