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Football analyst- Mel Kiper has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on "SportsCenter," ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.
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senior NFL draft analyst- Todd McShay is a senior NFL draft analyst for ESPN, providing in-depth scouting reports on the nation's top pro prospects. He also serves as a college football field analyst on Saturdays in the fall. Todd joined ESPN in 2006 and contributes to SportsCenter, NFL Live, College Football Live and ESPN Radio. He is a Massachusetts native and was a backup quarterback at the University of Richmond. You can follow Todd on Twitter via @McShay13.
Three rounds. 100 picks. This 2018 NFL mock draft is similar to our "Grade: A" projections -- it's all about whom we would take at each pick. We're playing general manager for all 32 teams.
The ground rules are simple: alternate picks; no trades; no deals that say "I won't take Player X if you don't take Player Y." It's just "This is whom I'd take" at every slot on the board for three full rounds. Kiper kicks us off with the Browns.
We'll explain each pick below, and needs play a big part. We're not going to reach on our boards, but we are taking into account holes on each roster.
Note: An asterisk denotes a compensatory selection.
ROUND 1
1. Cleveland Browns
Kiper's pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
It's going to be a quarterback here, and Allen has the tools to be a superstar. He's the top quarterback on my board. I explained more here.
2. New York Giants
McShay's pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Giants would definitely consider Sam Darnold here, but Barkley is a generational talent and the top prospect in the draft.
3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)
Kiper's pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
If the Giants pass on the second quarterback, the Jets should pounce. Darnold has to be more consistent with his mechanics.
4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)
McShay's pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Chubb is a terrific all-around player and the top defensive prospect on my board. Slide him in opposite Myles Garrett and that's a terrifying pass-rushing duo.
5. Denver Broncos
Kiper's pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Rosen could battle Case Keenum to start in 2018. He's NFL-ready -- if he stays healthy.
6. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets)
McShay's pick: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
A hot name right now, Smith is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can play the run and the pass. Indianapolis needs playmakers all over on defense.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kiper's pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama
Wow, that's a little early for Smith. For the No. 7 pick, it was Fitzpatrick or Denzel Ward, and Fitzpatrick is higher on my board. The Bucs' secondary has to get better.
8. Chicago Bears
McShay's pick: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Chicago would be thrilled with this pick, getting the No. 2 player on my board at No. 8. Nelson is a plug-and-play guard.
9. San Francisco 49ers
Kiper's pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Love Ward's fit in San Francisco, and this would be a dream pick for general manager John Lynch. How important was that coin flip with Oakland at the combine?
10. Oakland Raiders
McShay's pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State
That coin flip looms large, but James is a good consolation prize. He's one of the most versatile prospects I've evaluated, and Oakland needs playmakers on D.
