2018 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft for all 32 teams
By Austin Erwin
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derwin James, S – Florida State
Tampa Bay is known for their dynamic offense, much to the credit of Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, and DeSean Jackson. Here, the Buccaneers need to think about adding a dynamic playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
Derwin James will bring a killer instinct to that Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers are in need of playmakers in their secondary and James would be a great start.
He is a nasty finisher and an impactful hitter who can also line up in the slot with his NFL cover skills.
8. Chicago Bears: Denzel Ward, DB – Ohio State
Chicago is still in rebuilding mode, but the Bears expect to make a significant improvement in 2018.
They brought in offensive weapons during free agency to complement their young quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. Now, look for general manager Ryan Pace to be aggressive in the draft with defensive players if Quenton Nelson is off the board.
Denzel Ward will add to the physicality of Chicago’s secondary. He is a willing tackler with the potential to be a lockdown cover corner.
9. San Francisco 49ers: Minkah Fitzpatrick – Alabama
Minkah Fitzpatrick makes perfect sense here for the 49ers. San Francisco could go wide receiver here, but there are much better prospects available on the defensive side of the ball.
Fitzpatrick is a versatile, opportunistic playmaker who seems to always be near the ball. He can play in the slot as a nickel corner and he can also sit back as a safety where he can lurk all over the field.
10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB – Georgia
John Gruden is taking over a Raiders team with a talented bunch on offense. General manager Reggie McKenzie should be interested in building up the defense to help get the ball back to their talented offensive core.
Roquan Smith would provide a massive boost to the middle of that defense. He’s the best pure linebacker in this draft and he’ll be a downhill force for a long time.
11. Miami Dolphins: Vita Vea, DT – Washington
Ndamukong Suh departed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency this year so Miami is going to be depleted on the interior defensive line unless they take action with their first round pick. Vita Vea is a perfect replacement for Suh and he could make a similar impact in his rookie year.
Vea has supreme game strength to throw smaller offensive lineman aside and disrupt the run game. He also brings surprising quickness to penetrate the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield.
12. Buffalo Bills: Josh Rosen, QB – UCLA
There is no secret that Buffalo is targeting a quarterback with their first selection. It is more than likely that they will attempt to trade up. But if they do not, it is possible that Josh Rosen falls to them at the number 12 selection.
Rosen is perhaps the most accurate passer in this class, but he is most impressive with his toughness to stand in the face of the rush and deliver the ball downfield. He is not very mobile but if the Bills can find a way to protect him, Rosen has a good shot to be impactful for a long time.