[KChiefs1]

http://www.cleveland.com/nfl-draft/i...2_prospec.html

CLEVELAND, Ohio — OK, the 2018 NFL Draft is over.

The Browns cashed in on their draft pick equity, but the rebuild is not complete. What about next year?

Here is a look at 32 prospects to watch in this way too early 2019 mock draft. The purpose of this is more to assess what next year’s draft class could look like than who could go where.

The order for this mock draft is based on a pre-draft projection for the 2018 season by ESPN’s Mike Clay. He predicts the Browns to finish 7-9, while Buffalo and Miami to win just two games and vie for the top pick next year.

Spoiler!

1. Buffalo (2-14 projected record):
Nick Bosa, Ohio State DE
The player: The younger brother of Joey Bosa knows he is ready for the NFL and acknowledged that in December. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that multiple general managers not only think Nick Bosa will be the top pick next year but be better than his older brother. He also could become the first Ohio State player taken No. 1 in the draft since Hall of Fame left tackle Orlando Pace in 1997. Columnist Doug Lesmerises detailed the chances.
Projecting the team: The Bills have a brutal 2018 schedule, which pushes the possibility of them picking No. 1. They won’t have to take a quarterback here. The investment is made in Josh Allen, so that sets them up to take the top overall player.

2. Miami (2-14):
Jarrett Stidham, Auburn QB
The player: Stidham bypassed the option to enter this year’s draft, and he might have been a first-round pick. The 6-foot-3 Auburn quarterback is still building a resume — beating Alabama late in 2017 — that could pay off next year by leading a quarterback class that isn’t nearly as strong as the 2018 one. Feel uneasy about the Browns' selection this year? Look ahead to next year. That should help.
Projecting the team: The Dolphins appear to be trending downward, and trading away top receiver Jarvis Landry didn’t help. Miami has its left tackle with Laremy Tunsil, but Ryan Tannehill does not appear to be its franchise quarterback of the future. The Dolphins restructured his contract in March to spread out his salary through 2020, which sets up for two years to bring along a new quarterback.

3. New York Giants (3-13):
Ed Oliver, Houston DT
The player: A defensive tackle has not gone No. 1 since Russell Maryland in 1991 to the Cowboys. In two seasons at Houston, Oliver has put up staggering numbers. He has 10.5 sacks with 139 tackles, and his 39.5 tackles for loss could be historic in college football. The University of Houston is researching whether any player has more in two years and will surely push him for Heisman Trophy status.
Projecting the team: General manager Dave Gettleman took the top player on the board in 2017 with Saquon Barkley. If they are back here, which seems unlikely despite this projection, the overall talent could again sway Gettleman from a QB. Plus, the Giants added Richmond’s Kyle Lauletta on Day 3. They also are developing Davis Webb, and have not appeared to give up on him just yet.

4. New York Jets (4-12):
Greg Little, Mississippi OT
The player: No, it’s not that Greg Little the Browns took a few years back from North Carolina. Little has been loyal to Ole Miss, opting not to transfer out last year when the program was hit with a two-year bowl ban and NCAA penalties. Little also got a peek at this year’s combine at the NCAA’s symposium for prospective pros. Next year’s class at offensive tackle appears to be deep, led by Little, Washington’s Trey Adams and Alabama’s Jonah Williams.
Projecting the team: With Sam Darnold set to become the Jets’ quarterback of the future, they could consider giving him something he did not have in his final year at USC — a strong offensive line.

5. Arizona (4-12):
Dexter Lawrence, Clemson DT
The player: While Houston’s Ed Oliver is considered a physical specimen, Lawrence is a marvel in his own right. He’s 6-4 and 340 pounds and has drawn comparisons to Ndamukong Suh. Teammate Christian Wilkins appeared at the end of last season to be the best of the Tigers' defensive linemen, but that could change in 12 months.
Projecting the team: Adding targets for Josh Rosen will become a growing need (a good one fell to them Friday in Christian Kirk). Larry Fitzgerald could be retired or off the roster by next year, and Rosen could unseat Sam Bradford as the starting quarterback by then. Arizona spent its first three picks in 2017 on the offensive side, so here is an expectation to address the defense and a pairing with end Robert Nkemdiche up front.

6. Oakland (5-11):
Christian Wilkins, Clemson DL
The player: Clemson will have the best defensive line in college football. It could be historically good, and that is reflected in this mock draft with three players projected in the first round. Clemson provided a glimpse of that talent at its spring game. Wilkins was projected as a top 10 player for this year by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. before opting to stay in school.
Projecting the team: Assuming the Raiders agree to a longterm deal with Khalil Mack, they could still add to their defensive front.

7. Washington (5-11):
A.J. Brown, Mississippi WR
The player: Brown appears to be the early favorite for top wide receiver in this class. He tore through last year for a Southeastern Conference-best 1,252 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns.
Projecting the team: This will be a critical third season for receiver Josh Doctson, who missed most of his rookie year with an Achilles injury and had 35 catches last year. Washington gave quarterback Alex Smith a four-year, $94 million contract after acquiring him from Kansas City and there is a question mark around the receiving group entering 2018.

8. Cincinnati (6-10):
Shea Patterson, Michigan QB
The player: Could Patterson be the next Russell Wilson? That’s only by circumstance, as the 6-2 quarterback from Toledo (Wilson is 5-11) transferred from Mississippi to Michigan (similar to Wilson’s move from N.C. State to Wisconsin). Patterson’s status for the draft must first be determined by his status this year at Michigan. They filed a waiver in February to make him eligible this year. He already impressed in spring practice and, if cleared, his stay in Ann Arbor could be short.
Projecting the team: Each AFC North team except the Bengals took a swing this year at a quarterback in the first two days of the draft. This will be a critical year for Andy Dalton and Cincinnati after suffering consecutive sub-.500 seasons.

9. Denver (6-10):
Andraez Williams, LSU CB
The player: Nicknamed “Greedy,” Williams will be a redshirt sophomore. He debuted last year with six interceptions, and Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 7 returning cornerback in college football. Expect his ascension to continue.
Projecting the team: General manager John Elway hit home runs with defensive end Bradley Chubb and receiver Courtland Sutton falling to him. Cornerback Bradley Roby is entering the final year of his contract, and the Broncos traded away Aqib Talib this offseason. The position could be exposed.

10. Tampa Bay (6-10):
DeAndre Baker, Georgia CB
The player: Baker decided to stay in school this year and should vie for top cornerback in next year’s class. In case you’re wondering, he was on the other side of the field when Alabama beat Georgia on that long touchdown pass in overtime of the national championship.
Projecting the team: Cornerback Brent Grimes is 34 and on a one-year deal, so another cornerback quickly comes off the board.

11. Cleveland (7-9):
Trey Adams, Washington OT
The player: Adams has the build for a potential franchise left tackle at 6-8 and 327 pounds. He has injury concerns, though, coming off a torn ACL suffered in October. Washington held him out of spring practices, but coach Chris Petersen said he is “on track” to return this fall.
Projecting the team: Replacing Joe Thomas is the biggest task ahead for the Browns, other than making sure Baker Mayfield develops as the franchise quarterback. This draft class looks deep at tackle, much deeper than the potential free-agent options next year. Tennessee’s Taylor Lewan and Seattle’s Duane Brown could lead the class, but chances are the Titans lock up Lewan and Brown is 32 years old.

12. Baltimore (7-9):
Bryce Love, Stanford RB
The player: The Heisman Trophy runner-up turned down a chance at this year’s draft. Click here to read this San Jose Mercury News story that explains why.
Projecting the team: The best news for everyone outside of Baltimore is Ozzie Newsome is done drafting for the Ravens. Eric DeCosta is set to take over for him, so here is a splashy pick that addresses what looks to be a need going forward.

13. Seattle (7-9):
Byron Murphy, Washington CB
The player: Pro Football Focus gave Murphy one of its highest grades among Pac-12 cornerbacks. He will be a redshirt sophomore this fall and missed a large chunk of last season with a broken foot. He came back and started the last three games, including a strong Fiesta Bowl performance vs. Penn State with seven tackles (two TFL), a sack and interception.
Projecting the team: The Seahawks had only two picks in the first three rounds of 2018. Their defensive remake is under way, and one of the biggest voids is this year’s departure of cornerback Richard Sherman. The Seattle fan base should know Murphy well as an in-state talent.

14. San Francisco (8-8):
Devin White, LSU LB
The player: A converted running back, White is an All-American candidate at linebacker for the Tigers. White led the SEC with 127 tackles, made the conference’s first team and was selected as its defensive player of the week a record four times.
Projecting the team: With Reuben Foster’s uncertain future, the 49ers spent a third-round pick on BYU linebacker Fred Warner. Is that enough?

15. Chicago (8-8): Jonah Williams, Alabama OT
The player: Williams started all 14 games last year for Alabama at left tackle, succeeding Cam Robinson after a flip right tackle. There has been a suggestion he could play this year at right tackle to protect the blind side of left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Projecting the team: Protecting Mitchell Trubisky is a priority in Chicago, which took a positive step Friday by drafting Iowa center James Daniels in the second round. But who are his tackles? Charles Leno and Bobby Massie. They ranked 22nd and 42nd in pass blocking efficiency, according to Pro Football Focus.

16. Detroit (8-8): Rashan Gary, Michigan DE
The player: Formerly the top prospect in the country in 2016, Gary should be one of the top players in a loaded defensive line class. Michigan not only has him, but end Chase Winovich also has first-round potential.
Projecting the team: The Lions retained Ezekiel Ansah on the franchise tag for 2018, so their defensive front could be in question this time a year from now.





17. Kansas City (8-8):
Clelin Ferrell, Clemson DE

The player: Another player in that defensive front from Clemson, Ferrell had a top 10 projection by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. before opting to stay in school. In addition to Ferrell, Lawrence and Wilkins, Clemson has a fourth defensive lineman in Austin Bryant who could be a first-round pick.

Projecting the team: The Chiefs invested their first two picks this year on the defensive front, which is a weakness for them. They also didn’t have a first-round pick, and this position will be a major strength of the 2019 class. This isn’t as farfetched as Matt Millen’s three-year run of first-round wide receivers (Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Mike Williams from 2003-05 for those who don’t remember) with Detroit.






18. Carolina (9-7):
Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois DE
The player: The Mid-American Conference has a couple of first-round prospects, and Smith comes at a premium position. Smith set a school record as a sophomore with 28.5 tackles for loss. He also had 14 sacks with his 6-1, 225-pound frame. He received All-America honors.
Projecting the team: Julius Peppers’ stellar career is in its twilight. He turned 38 in January, and the pass rush will be an area of need in Carolina. The timing could be just right in 2019.

19. Dallas (9-7):
Collin Johnson, Texas WR
The player: Wide receivers seem to be devaluing in the draft because of how they are used in college in terms of route running, but Johnson has plenty of promise. He is 6-6 and can be compared to Plaxico Burress. If Texas has a breakout season under Tom Hermann, Johnson’s stock could rise further.
Projecting the team: Reports surfaced that the Cowboys like SMU’s Courtland Sutton in this year’s draft. Expect the same to happen with another top target from the Lone Star State.

20. Indianapolis (9-7):
Parris Campbell, Ohio State WR
The player: The former St. Vincent-St. Mary star could be one of the most explosive players this year in college football. Question is, does he play H-back this fall for the Buckeyes and how does that affect his draft stock?
Projecting the team: The Colts remain hopeful Andrew Luck will return with a clean bill of health. Optimistically, that leads to a continued search of surrounding him with talent.

21. Tennessee (9-7):
Raekwon Davis, Alabama DL
The player: Did this mock draft feel light on players from the defending national champs? Davis is 6-7 and 310 pounds, set to lead a unit transitioning from 2018 picks Da’Ron Payne and Da’Shawn Hand.
Projecting the team: Davis’ size and versatility could fit well with Tennessee’s three-man front. Left tackle Taylor Lewan is entering his final year under contract. The Titans have another former first-rounder in Jack Conklin, but could need to address this position if the unexpected happens and they lose Lewan.

22. Jacksonville (10-6):
Anthony Johnson, Buffalo WR
The player: Johnson is cousins with Houston defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. He caught 76 passes last year for 1,356 yards and 14 touchdowns before opting to stay in school.
Projecting the team: With a loaded defense, Jacksonville is a safe bet to be picking later in the draft. The Jaguars should be able to play the draft based on talent, and not need, as much as anyone.

23. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6):
Easton Stick, North Dakota State QB
The player: Paging Carson Wentz. When Wentz missed the second half of the 2015 season at North Dakota State, the Bison went to Stick. He led them to the FCS national title game. North Dakota State went 8-0 with him as the starter that year as a freshman and won a fifth straight national title. As a sophomore, he led the Bison to a road victory at Iowa. Last year as a junior, North Dakota State won another national title with Stick behind center.
Projecting the team: Philip Rivers is 36, and the Chargers could be thinking about pushing the button on his successor. They went heavy on defense this year. Offense could become a focus for a franchise needing to generate excitement in Los Angeles.

24. Atlanta (10-6):
Mitch Hyatt, Clemson OT
The player: A potential tackle in this year’s draft, Hyatt opted to remain at Clemson. He is already a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team lineman. Hyatt said in January he stayed in school because of “unfinished business.”
Projecting the team: Quarterback Matt Ryan will need a new contract and several offensive linemen, including tackle Jake Matthews and guard Andy Levitre, are set to hit the market.

25. Green Bay (11-5):
Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic RB
The player: Singletary rushed for 32 touchdowns — yes, 32! — with 1,918 yards for Lane Kiffin’s potent offense. Granted his production comes against a light schedule, but Singletary will get a chance to show his potential Sept. 1 at Oklahoma.
Projecting the team: Aaron Rodgers’ feet can relax if the Packers finally invest a high pick in a running back.

26. Pittsburgh (11-5):
Mark Gilbert, Duke CB
The player: A first-team All-ACC selection last season, Gilbert had six interceptions last season for the Blue Devils. He has NFL bloodlines. Former defensive lineman Sean Gilbert is his uncle and cornerback Darrelle Revis is a cousin.
Projecting the team: Cornerback has been a bit of an adventure for the Steelers, despite their consistent playoff success. They have Joe Haden under contract through 2019 and are thin at the position.

27. Houston (11-5):
Cameron Smith, USC LB
The player: Smith is another player that elected to stay in school instead of joining this year’s draft. It could vault him into the first round. He moved to middle linebacker last year and still led the Trojans in tackles.
Projecting the team: Jadeveon Clowney needs a new deal, coming off his rookie contract. So does linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

28. Philadelphia (12-4):
Austin Bryant, Clemson DE
The player: Bryant was another player on that Clemson defensive front who considered entering the 2018 draft. At 6-5 and 265 pounds, he had 7.5 sacks in 2017.
Projecting the team: Unrestricted free agents in 2019 include defensive end Brandon Graham and cornerback Ronald Darby.

29. Green Bay (acquired from New Orleans, 12-4):
David Sills V, West Virginia WR
The player: Entering 2017, Oklahoma State had one of the top quarterback-to-receiver tandems leading to the draft with Mason Rudolph and James Washington. West Virginia will have that this year with Will Grier and Sills, who caught 18 touchdown passes last season.
Projecting the team: The Saints traded this pick to Green Bay so they could take UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport in the first round. That sets up the Packers to cash in.

30. Minnesota (12-4):
Dalton Risner, Kansas State OT
The player: As is the case with many of these players, specifically seniors, they skipped a chance to enter this year’s draft. Risner started at center and right tackle for the Wildcats. Read why he stayed in school.
Projecting the team: Defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson appears to be a one-year rental, and the Vikings backed up the Brink’s truck for quarterback Kirk Cousins. They won’t necessarily have the finances available to further protect their investment. Minnesota signed Riley Reiff last year to play left tackle. Journeyman Mike Remmers is projected to start on the right side.

31. Los Angeles Rams (13-3):
Jalen Jelks, Oregon DT
The player: Jelks received an 88.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, which rated him as the best interior defensive lineman from a Power Five conference school last year.
Projecting the team: The Rams are all in on this year, signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a one-year deal worth $14 million. Aaron Donald becomes a restricted free agent after this year if they do not agree to a long-term deal, which will be a priority. It makes sense to plug in a suitable replacement for Suh, who appears to be a one-year rental.

32. New England (13-3):
Drew Lock, Missouri QB
The player: Lock is back in Missouri for his senior season to continue a stat-stuffing career with the Tigers. He is undergoing a big change, adjusting to new coach Derek Dooley’s offense. It should help him prepare for the pros.
Projecting the team: Coach Bill Belichick did not take a potential future quarterback in the first or second rounds this year. Tom Brady will be 41 by this time next year.