- Cleveland Browns (0-16) – Sam Darnold (USC) QB
The Browns under former General Manager Sashi Brown passed quarterbacks such as Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, and the list goes on. They drafted developmental quarterback Deshon Kizer, then went on to destroy the kid’s confidence throughout the season. Coach Jackson finally grabs a quarterback that he wants to coach. Darnold gives the Browns an accurate, strong-armed, gunslinger as their signal caller. He has the tools to be a franchise quarterback in this league. Top needs: QB, RB, CB
- New York Giants (3-13) – Josh Rosen (UCLA) QB
New GM Dave Gettleman finds his Eli Manning successor with this pick. The most pro ready and polished QB in this class. Rosen can make all the throws, intelligent, and excels in a pro-style system. He can sit for at least a year while Eli finishes one more season as a Giant, and has arguably the best receiver in the league (Odell Beckham). A talented defense to bat as well. This is the best pick for the future. Top needs: OT, QB, RB
- Indianapolis Colts (4-12) – Bradley Chubb (NC ST) DE/EDGE
The Colts have fired Chuck Pagano and are waiting to find his replacement. GM Chris Ballard decided to draft on the defensive side of the ball with 3 of their first 4 picks last year. That trend continues at least for this pick. The Colts were at their best with a front seven that could get after the quarterback when needed. Drafting Chubb here gives them a versatile edge defender that can help set the edge vs the run and wreak havoc on passing downs. He can be the disruptive force on the edge they desperately need. Top needs: ILB, OL, Edge
- Cleveland Browns (0-16) – Saquan Barkley (Penn St) RB
After selecting what hopes to be their franchise quarterback, the Browns take the best offensive player in the draft. Isaiah Crowell is a free agent and was not a world beater either. Barkley has a rare combination of speed, power, quickness, and agility. Pairing him with the explosive Duke Johnson would truly give Hue Jackson the toys on offense to challenge teams. They need to change the culture and this is a great start. Top needs: QB, RB, CB
- Denver Broncos (5-11) – Josh Allen (Wyoming) QB
Since the retirement of Peyton Manning after the 2015 SB winning season, John Elway has draft two quarterbacks to no avail!! Two consecutive seasons the Broncos have missed the playoffs and a lot of that is due to the quarterback position. Josh Allen is the choice to turn around this offense and team. Allen has the “prototypical” build with traits to match. The offense has weapons to put up points and win games, they just need a quality quarterback. Third times a charm? Better hope so!! Top needs: OG, QB, OT
- New York Jets (5-11) – Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma) QB
No one in their right minds believed the Jets would finish the season with 5 wins. Josh Mccown and company did some good things considering the pressure on the coaching staff etc. Insert the cocky/brash Baker Mayfield, he will bring electricity to the offense. Baker’s bravado and character fit the NY atmosphere. He gives them a playmaker at the quarterback position to build around for 10-15 years. Top needs: QB, RB, OT
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11) – Arden Key (LSU) DE/OLB
This defense finished the season with just 22 total sacks on the season, that is PUTRID!!! Adding an explosive pass rusher in Arden Key would provide a boost to their sack total next season. Key has a quick first step with the ability to bend off the edge and can rush with his hand in the dirt or standing up. The Bucs defense can only go up from here, considering there is not a worse ranking than 32nd. Top needs: DE, RB, CB
- Chicago Bears (5-11) – Calvin Ridley (Alabama) WR
Mitch Trubisky will get a boost when number one receiver Cameron Meredith returns from a torn ACL next season, but he needs a young playmaker alongside him. Selecting Calvin Ridley brings a mixture of speed, athletic playmaking, great route running, and good hands. Meredith and Ridley along with that elite rushing attack would give the young Trubisky an offense capable to of putting up points in 2018. Top needs: WR, OL, CB
- San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame) G
The Niners caught a break at the trade deadline by getting Jimmy Garappolo from the Patriots for a year-old pack of peanuts. He has led them to 5 wins to close the season and displayed that he is a potential franchise quarterback. The Notre Dame stud brings a nasty attitude with the skills to match. Nelson is the right pick to help build the proper offensive line for your offense. Nelson will help throw bodies around in the club and protect Jimmy GQ like a secret serviceman. Top needs: WR, OL, CB
- Oakland Raiders (6-10) – Joshua Jackson (Iowa) CB
New coach John Gruden aka Mr.100-Million-dollar man. He loves defense and this is one of the worst defenses in the league. Last April, they selected CB Gareon Conley out of Ohio State, time to repeat that trend. Joshua Jackson will give Gruden a pair of young, tall, and athletic corners. He can play a mixture of coverages with their scheme versatility. The Hawkeyes ball-hawking corner would put a smile on Gruden’s face. Top needs: CB, ILB, OT
- Miami Dolphins (6-10) – Roquon Smith (UGA) ILB/OLB
Selecting an impact defensive player would do wonders for a team trying to get back to the playoffs. Inserting Roquon Smith at inside linebacker would deliver a playmaking missile to this defense. He is an old/new school hybrid. He is athletic enough to cover in space, tackles with firm sound technique, and diagnose plays like a veteran. Sliding him beside Kiko Alonso and the elder Lawrence Timmons could be huge for this defense. Top needs: OG, ILB, RB
- Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) – Mike McGlinchey (ND) LT
Cincy has a solid quarterback with a plethora of weapons but lost their ironman LT in free agency. Leaving Cedric Ogbuehi and 11-year veteran Eric Winston, basically an upgrade is PRIORITY!!! McGlinchey can play on the right side to replace Winston or on the left side as normal. This pick would be a huge help as the Bengals prepare to rebound next season. Top needs: OL, QB, LB
- Washington Redskins (7-9) –Minkah Fitzpatrick (Bama) S/CB
This pick could be used on a running back since their running attack ranked 28th in the league under 100 yards per game, but they can add a quality runner later in a deep class. Adding a playmaking versatile safety/corner hybrid would be great. Fitzpatrick can slide in a Free Safety and move Dj Swearinger to his natural position Strong safety. A swiss army knife is always great to have in your toolbox. Redskins will be pleased with this pick. Top needs: QB, LB, S
- Green Bay Packers (7-9) -Denzel Ward (Ohio State) CB
After losing Aaron Rodgers week six to a broken collarbone the Packers deficiencies were glaring and the entire world could see them. The defense needs work after selecting Kevin King and Josh Jones with their two first pick, they take another defensive back here. Denzel Ward is a press man corner that excels at limiting separation and staying attached to his receiver. This pick will provide the Packers with three young defensive backs to build around. Top needs: CB, OL, WR
- Arizona Cardinals (8-8) -Christian Kirk (Texas A&M) WR
Cardinals lost their head coach and quarterback both to retirement after the 2017 season. While that leaves a vacancy at the quarterback position, the draft board does not favor that position. Larry Fitzgerald may be retiring soon, it is time to prepare for the future. Kirk is an explosive playmaker that can move all over the formation. Pairing him with Larry, David Johnson, and John Brown creates an explosive offense no matter who the quarterback may be. Top needs: QB, OL, WR
- Baltimore Ravens (9-7) -Courtland Sutton (SMU) WR
Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense have been pedestrian for the past two seasons. His supporting cast is average and does not move the needle. He was at his best with a receiver that provides a larger catch radius (Anquan Boldin). Courtland brings a 6’4 frame and larger catch radius to match. He is a big bodied receiver that can be the downfield weapon and red zone threat Flacco needs. Top needs: WR, TE, RB
- Los Angeles Chargers -Connor Williams (Texas) LT
Philip Rivers is not getting younger and while most fans would like to draft his successor, the first round is not the place to do it. Joe Barksdale has been a train wreck in 2017 and with an aging quarterback that is not ideal. Connor Williams will give Rivers a young tackle that can play both sides. They can start him on the right side until Russell Okung moves on, then switch back to the blindside. Top needs: OT, QB, LB
- Seattle Seahawks -Clelin Ferrell (Clemson) DE
After losing Cliff Avril and the uncertainty of his playing status going forward leaves a hole on the edge. Ferrell would fit into this physical aggressive scheme in Seattle. He can play the run and rush off the edge. He could move around and rush inside like Michael Bennett. The Seahawks live off four-man pressures and this pick continues to maintain the culture. Top needs: OT, CB, OG
- Dallas Cowboys- Mike Gesicki (Penn State) Tight End
The 28th ranked passing attack this season needs a boost in the talent department. Gesicki gives Dak the replacement for “old reliable” Jason Witten at the tight end spot. He will also give them a dangerous two tight end set, a versatile weapon to move around the formation, and roam the middle of the field. Pairing Gesicki with young guns Dak, Zeke, and that phenomenal offensive line sounds like a match made in heaven. Top needs: TE, DT, CB
- Detroit Lions -Vita Vea (Washington) DT
The Lions will be losing an old Haloti Ngata for a young version. Vita Vea will provide an extremely talented tackle that is scheme versatile as well. He offers more in the pass rush department than former teammate Danny Shelton. He is a ridiculous athlete for a man over 330 pounds with quickness and speed. He would bolster this defensive line and command double teams to single the edge rushers. Top needs: DE, OG, LB
- Buffalo Bills- Christian Wilkins (Clemson) DT
After making the playoffs for the first time since 1999, this team is making strides. Trading away Marcel Dareus left a void in the middle of this defense that needs to be filled. Wilkins is not the nose tackle that Dareus is, but he adds a boost to the interior pass rush. In a division ruled by Tom Brady, nothing bothers him more than the interior pressure in the A gaps. Wilkins can help finishing the rebuild of this defense and team. Top needs: QB, LB, DT
- Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs) -Tremaine Edmunds (VTech) OLB
Hmm back so, soon are we? With the second of their back to back picks, the Bills continue to build the defense. Head coach Sean Mcdermott believes in defense and Edmunds would fit perfectly. An athletic linebacker that can rush, cover in space, and cover tight ends. This kid is a playmaker and will be welcomed to this blue-collar team. top needs: QB, LB, DT
- Los Angeles Ram- Billy Price (Ohio State) Center
One of the best/biggest free agent signings in the offseason last year was left tackle Andrew Whitworth. This move allowed the Ram to trade the BUST Greg Robinson to the Lions (Poor Lions)!! Upgrading the offensive line is a must to keep this offense on schedule. Center John Sullivan is solid but aging, insert Billy Price from the Buckeyes. He is a strong versatile center that can plug and play. He will help open running lanes inside and keep Goff protected in the middle of the line. This offense does not plan on being a one year wonder. Top needs: CB, OL, LB
- Carolina Panthers -Duke Ejiofor (Wake Forest) DE
After losing a close game to the New Orleans Saints, one of the glaring issues was no outside pass rush. Drew Brees had ample time most of the game to sit and wait for crossing patterns and slant routes. Duke can bring the edge pressure with an array of pass rushing moves. Cam needs better weapons this draft is deep with offensive weapons. Top needs: OL, WR, DE
- Tennessee Titans -Harold Landry (Boston College) OLB
The Titans defense needs to add an edge pass rusher to help take them to the next level. Landry is a good athlete that knows how to play standing up and with his hand in the dirt. He is known for getting after the passer with 16.5 sacks in 2016. Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau loves his 3-4 defensive scheme and Landry is a clear fit. Top needs: TE, OG, WR
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Orlando Brown (Oklahoma) LT
What do you get a team that has few needs for improvement? Certainly not a quarterback since they love mediocrity. Upgrading the tackle position could bode well for their current approach. The gargantuan left tackle Orlando Brown is a physical blocker at the point of attack and will toss defenders around. Due to athletic limitations, he may need to move inside to guard but he can be of service in upgrading the line. Top needs: TE, OG, WR
- Philadelphia Eagles – Josh Allen (Kentucky) OLB
The Eagles had a successful season that could have gone farther with Star QB Carson Wentz. They do not have any glaring hole or issues on their current roster. One spot worth upgrading is outside linebacker. Nigel Bradham is solid but Josh Allen would finish off their athletic trio of Kendricks and Hicks. Allen could rush in sub packages and drop in coverage with no issues. This defense could finish next season on an entirely different level than 2017. Top needs: LT, LB, CB
- New Orleans Saints – Rashaan Evans (Bama) MLB
The Saints defense took tremendous strides this season and it all began with drafting successfully. That trend continues here by addressing the lack of talent at middle linebacker. They missed out on Rueben Foster, they will luck up to get one of his former running mates. Evans is a mixture of Foster and former tide backer Donte Hightower. He can do multiple things and that would benefit Who Dat nation greatly. Top needs: QB, C, WR
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Malik Jefferson (Texas) MLB
The uncertainty of Ryan Shazier’s (Neck) playing status going forward leaves a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. Jefferson would be a perfect selection. He is athletic enough to drop in zone and physical enough to be a downhill thumper. He is a tackling machine and that is always a plus. Top needs: ILB, QB, S
- Atlanta Falcons – Da’Ron Payne (Bama) DT
The Falcons may lose big defensive tackle Dontari Poe to free agency and will need to find a replacement. The Crimson tide’s tackle brings physicality and athleticism to the Falcons already fast defense. He can stop the run and get after the passer and raise this defenses ceiling even higher. Top needs: DT, OG, S
- Minnesota Vikings – Maurice Hurst (Michigan) DT
The Vikings have seemed to lose one of the most talented defensive tackles in the league Sharrif Floyd to nerve damage in his knee. The word is he will not be able to resume his career. Hurst would be a good replacement for Floyd’s presence alongside big Linval Joseph. He will bring that quick interior pressure to an already scary pass rush. Top needs: OT, OG, DL
- New England Patriots – Sam Hubbard (Ohio State) DE/LB
Is this Jamie Collins 2.0? Bill Belichick loves versatile athletic defenders and he gets one here. Hubbard plays defensive end and displays the ability to rush inside and out. He has the athletic ability to possibly drop into coverage and play off-line. Collins last season in college he played defensive end and predominately lined up as an off-line linebacker. I perceive the same fate for the Buckeyes edge rusher. Top needs: CB, QB, Edge
Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.
