1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Allen, QB – Wyoming
Right now, Allen is not the best quarterback from this year’s crop. But he has an enormous amount of rare potential and upside that many scouts would be willing to take the chance on.
After trading for Jarvis Landry this destination is much more logical for Allen, especially if Josh Gordon can stay on the field for Cleveland too.
Allen could struggle early on, but his arm is nothing short of extraordinary. The size is obvious and he has surprising athleticism to escape and make plays outside of the pocket.
Allen is the type of prospect that will have the entire stadium on the edge of their seats when he steps onto the field.
2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB – Penn State
Despite the overwhelming rumors, the Giants will not take a quarterback with the second overall selection. New York is hopeful that new head coach Pat Shurmur will be able to bring out the best in Eli Manning, at least for this season.
The Giants could be tempted to select Sam Darnold as Manning’s successor, but not when there is generational talent still on the board.
The thought of fielding an offense with Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham is a dream for most NFL coaches. Shurmur has a feel for utilizing different player’s strengths and Barkley is the most dynamic offensive weapon in this draft.
With the drought the Giants have dealt with at running back, how could they pass up on the opportunity to revamp their offense?
3. New York Jets: Sam Darnold, QB – USC
The Jets are perhaps the only organization more desperate to find a quarterback than the Browns. After missing out on Kirk Cousins in free agency, they will dive head first for a signal caller with their third overall pick.
Sam Darnold is a high character football player who plays smart and understands how to orchestrate an offense. He has the arm talent to make any throw on the field, including advanced routes outside of the numbers.
4. Cleveland Browns: Bradley Chubb, DE – NC State
Some scouts have Bradley Chubb ranked as the top overall prospect in this draft. That title is well deserved for Chubb, who is a massive disruptor up front.
Cleveland could have the opportunity to pair Chubb with Myles Garrett, the 2017 first overall pick, on the defensive line. Like Garrett, Chubb has the caliber to become a Pro Bowl player every year. The duo could become transcendent.
According to NFL.com, Chubb recorded 26 tackles for loss in 2017, which ranked second statistically in the nation. He controls the line of scrimmage and is very explosive at the point of contact. He is going to bring that relentless motor every game.
5. Denver Broncos: Baker Mayfield, QB – Oklahoma
Denver is coming off a free agency period in which they just signed Case Keenum from the Minnesota Vikings, but that does not take them out of the market for a quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft.
If John Elway sees a potential game-changer, expect him to make the move with the fifth overall pick.
The hype is a bit too high at this point, but Mayfield has the potential to change the culture of a franchise. He is not the most NFL-ready quarterback coming out of college, but he would have the luxury of being able to sit behind Keenum for awhile before getting his feet wet.
Mayfield will have a long way to go but his accuracy and athleticism will allow him to make plays early if he hits the field.
6. Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, OG – Notre Dame
This is the opportunity the Colts have been waiting on to bolster their offensive line. With Andrew Luck potentially coming back for the 2018 season, protecting him should be the team’s highest priority.
Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in this draft and a cornerstone player for years to come. He is an elite prospect with impactful strength and the physique to dominate his blocks.