Kevin Hanson's 2018 NFL Mock Draft
- Updated: Tuesday, April 24thHere are picks 5 to 10 in our 2018 NFL Mock Draft:
5. (projected trade) Buffalo Bills (Draft History): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Broncos signed Case Keenum in free agency. And they used a first-round pick on Paxton Lynch two years ago. Is their long-term starter on the roster? Possibly not, and it wouldn't be a surprise if John Elway used this pick on one of the Joshes -- Allen or Rosen. But at the same time, Elway has discussed his willingness to move back as well.
If there were a yearbook-like superlative section for this year's NFL Draft, the Bills would be The Team Most Likely to Trade Up for a Quarterback. Based on the draft trade value chart, Buffalo's 12th-overall pick (1,200) and 22nd-overall pick (780) would exceed the value for Denver's fifth-overall pick (1,700) even though it may take more to actually make it happen.
Not a flawless prospect (then again, who is?!), Allen possesses all of the physical traits and intelligence to develop into a franchise quarterback even if he's the most raw of the top-four quarterback prospects. With prototypical size, the strong-armed quarterback is well-prepared to brave the elements that Buffalo can experience late in the NFL season.
6. (via NYJ) Indianapolis Colts (Draft History): Quentin Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
By trading back three spots, the Colts have acquired three additional second-round picks including one next year from the Jets. Reports are that the Colts are interested in trading back again, which makes sense considering the number of holes on the roster, and possibly someone will move up for Rosen here.
Who knows what the Colts will get from Andrew Luck considering how last year played out and the fact that he's still not throwing an NFL-sized football?
If the Colts don't move back and they believe their Luck will be different this year, perhaps they go with a defensive player (Denzel Ward, Roquan Smith, etc.). That said, Nelson is one of the best guard prospects to enter the NFL in years.
MORE: 2018 Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Database
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Draft History): Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Tampa ranked last in the NFL in pass defense (4,169 yards allowed) and sacks (22). Trading for Jason Pierre-Paul and signing Vinny Curry helps to rebuild their defensive line so I could see the Bucs addressing their secondary here.
Even though the Bucs re-signed cornerback Brent Grimes, who had a very productive season, the veteran corner turns 35 this summer. Meanwhile, former first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves has just one interception in his two seasons with the Bucs.
Teams can never have too many corners, but the Bucs secondary has to face the trio of Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton (at least) six times per season.
8. Chicago Bears (Draft History): Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Smith became Georgia's first-ever winner of the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top collegiate linebacker. With sideline-to-sideline range, Smith is a three-down linebacker that led the Dawgs with 137 tackles including 14 for loss and 6.5 sacks this past season.
Calling Smith "a reincarnation of a Ray Lewis," SiriusXM's Phil Savage, who was with the Ravens when they drafted Lewis, went on to say the following about Smith:
"He’s got passion, energy, burst, acceleration. He makes players around him better. Roquan elevated the play of those around him, and they became a very salty defense this past season. That really helped carry them to the national championship game. And Roquan Smith was the guy in the middle of all that action. I just love him as a player."
MORE: Jordan Howard has the most favorable RB Fantasy Football SOS
9. (projected trade) Denver Broncos (Draft History): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
It's not often (read: never) that I project a team to make multiple first-round trades, but in both cases it makes sense. In fact, I think the Broncos could consider Rosen with the fifth overall pick. In this scenario, they acquire an additional first-round pick (22nd overall) by trading back and give up less (their third-round pick, 71st overall) to move back up to No. 9 in a trade with some long-time friends (John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan).
There are some concerns with Rosen, most notably the concussions that he has suffered, but some view Rosen as the most-talented quarterback in this year's class. Rosen may not make it to the fifth pick, but it'd be hard to argue with the move(s) if Denver's maneuvering plays out this way.
MORE: 2018 Denver Broncos Mock Draft Database
10. Oakland Raiders (Draft History): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Edmunds is the son of Ferrell Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, and brother of Terrell Edmunds, a safety prospect in this year's draft class. With a rare blend of size, length and athleticism and only 19 years old, Tremaine is just scratching the surface of his vast potential and he has the versatility to play both inside and outside.
MORE: 2018 Oakland Raiders Mock Draft Database
- Continue to 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 11-20
- For more mocks, check out our NFL Mock Draft Database.
- Also, check out our way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft or our 2018 NBA Mock Draft
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