Can Josh Rosen finally provide the Browns with a long-term quarterback?
1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The Browns elephant in the room is the quarterback position. Coming off two terrible seasons the Browns will want to start fresh and draft the quarterback that they have lacked all these years. Sam Darnold has hinted that he would go back for another year at USC if the Browns got the first pick and so that opens the door for Josh Rosen to be the first overall. I know the Browns have missed at quarterback many times, but with a new GM, there is a new confidence to draft a franchise QB.
2. NY Giants: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
The Giants will need to replace Eli Manning, and this is the year to do it as the Giants don’t usually get this high of a pick. This is also going to be a good quarterback class, and so it will be time for the Giants to take a shot. I think they will go Mason Rudolph here. He is the pocket passer that they like and is somewhat underrated on draft boards.
3. Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
The Colts will be picking early, and you have to think they will want to get a top-notch talent. The offensive line, particularly guard, is a weak spot for the Colts and so they will have to like the star guard. Look for the Colts to draft Quenton Nelson early and plug him in at Left Guard for years to come.
4. Denver Broncos: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
The Broncos would like to go Quarterback here but may not have one on the board that they like. Watch for them to be active on the trading block though to get a quarterback. My prediction is they will surprise people by taking a defensive player. Defense is not the biggest need on this team, but they could benefit from upgrading at the inside linebacker position. Jefferson is not the highest need but is the best player available on the board.
5. Cleveland Browns (from Texans) Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Isaiah Crowell will be a free agent and the Browns will need to upgrade their offense. Barkley is a dynamic playmaker that has the potential to change the culture in Cleveland. A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought he would have gone this high, but this year proves he is worthy of a top pick. Plus, the last two years have had a running back go in the top five and succeed. (Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette)
Notes: I know that San Francisco is projected to draft higher, but I see them winning a few games now that Jimmy Garopollo is behind center. I also think there will be some teams looking to trade up to get someone like Mason Rudolph. I like to believe these mock drafts are just an exercise to start thinking about what might happen, not a prescription of what will happen.
