2018 nfl draft Archives - Bullseye Event Group

2018 NFL Draft Recap: Indianapolis Colts

The 2018 NFL Draft has officially closed, and that means teams now have a better idea of what their rosters will look like on the path to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta. After a somewhat-quiet free agency period and plenty of anticipation and rumors, how did the NFL Draft impact the 2018 Indianapolis Colts moving forward?

Round 1, No. 6: Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

“Nelson doesn’t play a headline-grabbing position, but he plays a position of significant need for the Colts. It has been obvious over the years that the Colts have struggled on the offensive line, as they gave up an NFL-high 56 sacks last season, and poor play up front has played a factor in quarterback Andrew Luck missing 28 games over the past three seasons. The 3.7 yards per rush by the Colts ranked 28th in the NFL last season. Nelson excels in zone and gap-run schemes, according to coach Frank Reich.” – Mike Wells, ESPN.com

Round 2, No. 36: Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State

“He’s here, in short, because of the speed. New coordinator Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme will rely on linebackers who can run and hit, and cover sideline-to-sideline. They believe Leonard can grow into that player. I thought he stood out. His speed, his athleticism, his ability to cover … we thought he was the fifth-best ‘backer in the draft and we thought he has big upside.” – General Manager Chris Ballard, via IndyStar

Round 2, No. 37: Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

“Smith, another team captain, is a mauler who dominates with size, strength and toughness. Though his lack of reactive quickness can be a problem against speed-rushers, Smith’s technique, tenacity and power are enough to win most downs. He joins Nelson and Kelly to give Indianapolis one of the nastiest interior offensive lines in football.” – Joe Hopkins, FOX 59 Indianapolis

Round 2, No. 52: Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers

“Pass-rusher has been a position of need for several years for the Colts. They haven’t had a legitimate one since Robert Mathis had 19.5 sacks in 2013. Turay had an impressive freshman season at Rutgers, recording 7.5 sacks. But consistency was an issue for Turay, who played standing up a lot. He had only seven sacks total in his final three college seasons. Part of the reason Turay was inconsistent was because he underwent two shoulder surgeries while in college.” – Mike Wells, ESPN.com

Round 2, No. 64: Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

“The effort to upgrade a pass rush that finished with the second-fewest sacks in 2017 (25) continues with the selection of Lewis. The two-time team captain is a power-rusher with solid get-off, good length and the ability to attack the quarterback from the interior on passing downs. He needs to improve versus the run.” – Joe Hopkins, FOX 59 Indianapolis

Round 4, No. 104: Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State

“Speed, speed and more speed. Hines’ 4.38 40-yard dash was the fastest among running backs during the combine. Hines fits in with coach Frank Reich’s offensive system of moving players around the field to force mismatches. Hines spent his first two seasons as a receiver at NC State before moving to running back last season. He describes his style of play as similar to Darren Sproles, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara. Hines rushed for 1,113 yards and 12 touchdowns last season at North Carolina State. Hines will also have the opportunity to be a return specialist for the Colts.” – Mike Wells, ESPN.com

Round 5, No. 159: Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa

Round 5, No. 169: Jordan Wilkins, RB, Ole Miss

Round 6, No. 185: Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

Round 7, No. 221: Matthew Adams, LB, Houston

Round 7, No. 235: Zaire Franklin, LB, Syracuse

The best pre-game experience in the league, the Colts VIP Tailgates are BACK for the 2018-19 NFL Season! Learn more about our signature pre-game tailgate before every Indianapolis Colts home game.

2018 Colts VIP Tailgate Information

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 25-32

As teams get set for the month of April, the next step on the journey toward Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta involves invigorating the team’s rosters with an infusion of youth; the 2018 NFL Draft. We’re gathering some of the top experts from around the NFL world and taking a look at who they predict will go where, finishing up with picks 26-32.

#26: Atlanta Falcons

CBS Sports: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

“The Falcons don’t have many needs, but one spot they could be targeting in the first round is defensive tackle, with Dontari Poe only signing a one-year deal last offseason. Bryan has earned some J.J. Watt comparisons despite the lack of stats at the collegiate level, and he put up similar numbers to Watt at the combine. Defensive tackle is one of the Falcons’ few needs, and they’ll be fortunate if Bryan makes it to them.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#27: New Orleans Saints

CBS Sports: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland | Bleacher Report: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina | NFL.com: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

“The New Orleans Saints have a legitimate Super Bowl window at the end of Drew Brees‘ career. The best way to take advantage of that after nailing the 2017 draft is to get him a weapon for the middle of the field and up the seam. Hurst might get knocked for being an older prospect (25 at the start of the season) after playing minor league baseball for two seasons before playing college football, but he’s a stud. Hurst has the best combination of traits, as a pass-catcher and blocker, to get onto the field right away. In New Orleans, he’ll open up the entire offense for Brees, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas and Co.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#28: Pittsburgh Steelers

CBS Sports: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU | Bleacher Report: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas | NFL.com: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

“After signing Morgan Burnett to bolster the safety position, the Steelers turn their attention to linebacker, and find an instinctive one in Vander Esch” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#29: Jacksonville Jaguars

CBS Sports: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State | Bleacher Report: Mick McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame | NFL.com: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

“Blake Bortles signed an extension that doesn’t necessarily lock him into being the Jaguars‘ long-term option at the position. With value not on the board at other potential positions worth targeting, the Jaguars grab Rudolph with the hope they can develop him into a guy who can raise the ceiling on the offense higher than Bortles has shown capable.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#30: Minnesota Vikings

CBS Sports (traded to Cleveland Browns): Connor Williams, OT, Texas | Bleacher Report: Billy Price, OG, Ohio State | NFL.com: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

“Just call this Ohio State north. After drafting center Pat Elflein in the third round last year, the Minnesota Vikings can now select the guy who took his job and also played next to him in previous seasons. Price excelled at center in 2017, but in Minnesota he’d go back to playing guard and can be a dominant force there. Lining up these two maulers side by side and handing the ball off the Dalvin Cook makes this offense potent. Add in that Kirk Cousins needs interior pass protection, and suddenly the prospect of getting Price looks good.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#31: New England Patriots

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

“The loss of starting LT Nate Solder to the Giants clears room for this athletically gifted youngster.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#32: Philadelphia Eagles

CBS Sports: Justin Reid, S, Stanford | Bleacher Report: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama | NFL.com: Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa

“With two potential tackle options coming off the board right before their pick, the Eagles pivot to taking Reid, a safety they’ve reportedly had a lot of interest in. Corey Graham is a free agent, so Reid can come in and immediately fill the third safety role for the Philadelphia defense while giving them a long-term plan when Malcolm Jenkins or Rodney McLeod get too old or expensive to keep.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 21-25

#21: Cincinnati Bengals

CBS Sports: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame | Bleacher Report: James Daniels, OL, Iowa | NFL.com: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

“The Bengals took a step toward addressing their offensive line woes by acquiring left tackle Cordy Glenn from the Bills and moving down to this pick. They should keep adding talent to the position with McGlinchey, who is a fit at either tackle spot. He’ll slot in at right tackle initially but could move to the left side if Glenn can’t stay healthy. Either way, drafting the Notre Dame standout puts the Bengals halfway to fixing their line issues.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#22: Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU | Bleacher Report (traded to Indianapolis Colts): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU | NFL.com: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

“As part of the predicted trade for pick No. 6 overall, the Indianapolis Colts add this selection and get the workhorse running back they can plug in right behind Andrew Luck in Week 1.One of my philosophies is that a good running back makes the quarterback’s life easier, and that’s exactly what the physical, punishing, mean Guice would be as Luck gets back onto the field this season. The best way to take pressure off Luck is to give him a bell-cow back.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#23: Los Angeles Rams

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama | Bleacher Report: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

“The trade of Alec Ogletree to the Giants opens a spot for this gifted LB. Like so many of recent vintage from ‘Bama, Evans runs well, and is well-versed in pro-style scheme, and reasoning. Plus, he makes an impact as soon as he arrives.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#24: Carolina Panthers

CBS Sports: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Jaire Alexander, DB, Louisville

“The first order of business for returning general manager Marty Hurney in this draft should be fixing the mess his predecessor, Dave Gettleman, left at cornerback. Even considering how badly the team needs upgrades on the offensive line and at wide receiver, the secondary should get a look first.Louisville’s Jaire Alexander might not fit the size profile for some teams at 5’10 ¼” and 196 pounds, and he was banged up in 2017 with hand and leg injuries, but he’s a physical player at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. Alexander can match up with taller receivers thanks to his speed and instincts. His tool set would make him the Panthers’ best cornerback right away.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#25: Tennessee Titans

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Harold Landry, LB, Boston College | Bleacher Report: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State

“Landry is an athletic freak as an edge rusher, but he’ll likely be better served not playing a large role as a rookie while he adjusts to the NFL and potentially bulks up. That should be just fine for the Titans, who will have a huge need at edge rusher next offseason with Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan slated to reach free agency. Landry can be a subpackage player in Year 1 and eventually take over one of those starting spots in 2019.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 16-20

#16: Baltimore Ravens

CBS Sports: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

“The Ravens get a great value here in Edmunds, who doesn’t turn 20 until after the draft and has as much upside as any prospect this year. He’s scheme versatile and should be an interesting chess piece for the Ravens’ defense, someone who can line up next to C.J. Mosley inside or potentially be groomed to take over for Terrell Suggs down the road.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#17: Los Angeles Chargers

CBS Sports: Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama | Bleacher Report: Connor Williams, OT, Texas | NFL.com: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

“The first offensive tackle comes off the board at pick No. 17, and he’s an excellent fit and value for the Los Angeles Chargers. An aggressive 2017 draft and the signing of Mike Pouncey has the line in good shape for this year, but the future needs addressing, and Williams can be that left tackle of the present and long-term plan.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#18: Seattle Seahawks

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Will Hernandez, G, UTEP | Bleacher Report: Derwin James, S, Florida State

“With the loss of DT Sheldon Richardson in free agency, and an obvious rebuild needed on that side of the ball, a pick to help the D makes sense. But, it also makes sense to do more to take care of the team’s No. 1 asset, QB Russell Wilson.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#19: Dallas Cowboys

CBS Sports: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State | Bleacher Report: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama | NFL.com: Mike Hughes, DB, UCF

“Defense, defense, defense. That’s how the Cowboys’ draft board should read with a wide receiver and offensive guard sprinkled in along the way. Rashaan Evans can do it all—NFL clubs have asked him to play outside linebacker or edge-rusher. In Dallas, he’s a natural to replace departed free agent Anthony Hitchens and adds youth and speed to a defense that’s being rebuilt well through the draft.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#20: Detroit Lions

CBS Sports: Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa | Bleacher Report: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College | NFL.com: Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

“The Lions re-signed Nevin Lawson and brought in Deshawn Shead, but neither should prevent them from selecting a potential starter at the position across from Darius Slay should the right opportunity present itself. Matt Patricia gets a ballhawk with this pick who led the nation in interceptions last year.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 11-15

#11: Miami Dolphins

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia | NFL.com: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

“The Dolphins have been showing interest in Smith, one of the draft’s top linebackers. He’d be the long-term stud the team needs next to Raekwon McMillan, and the Dolphins could make him the immediate starter at WILL and look to trade Kiko Alonso to another team where he’d be a better fit. They can also think about getting out from Alonso’s deal next offseason if nothing else.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#12: Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports (traded to Cleveland Browns): Vita Vea, DT, Washington | Bleacher Report (traded to Indianapolis Colts): Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA | NFL.com: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

“After trading back, again, the Indianapolis Colts will gain pick Nos. 12, 22 and 96 in this hypothetical deal with the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the No. 6 spot.At No. 12, Ballard and Co. still get a top-notch player who fills a huge need. Marcus Davenport is raw, coming from tiny Texas-San Antonio. But he showed during the season, at the Senior Bowl and the combine that he’s the type of athletic rarity who can make the needed improvements to make an early NFL impact.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#13: Washington Redskins

CBS Sports: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia | Bleacher Report: Vita Vea, DT, Washington | NFL.com: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

“Nothing wrong with more speed being added on defense, and Smith fits the bill. He’s often favorably compared to Atlanta MLB Deion Jones due to his build, and ability to play FAST.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#14: Green Bay Packers

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA | Bleacher Report: Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa

“An offseason of change has the Green Bay Packers looking like a new team heading into the draft. But that new team still has holes to fill at pass-rusher, wide receiver and cornerback.Iowa’s Josh Jackson didn’t help his cause with a 4.56-second 40-yard-dash at the combine, but his play shows a cornerback with ball skills, technique and toughness. He’s a natural fit in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme, and he and Kevin King give them one heck of a young cornerback duo.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#15: Arizona Cardinals

CBS Sports: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville | Bleacher Report: Mike Hughes, DB, UCF | NFL.com: Connor Williams, G, Texas

“Jackson isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the Cardinalshave an offensive coordinator in Mike McCoy who can build the offense to the dynamic prospect’s strengths. Jackson isn’t ever going to be the best passer in the league, but good luck defending a running game that features David Johnson and the threat of the QB running at any time. The Cardinals would ideally trade up for one of the top four QBs, but with so many holes on the roster, they can’t afford to sacrifice picks.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 6-10

#6: Indianapolis Colts

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State | Bleacher Report (Traded to Buffalo Bills): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

There are plenty of opinions on what the Indianapolis Colts might do at #6, but CBS Sports’ R.J. White thinks the team decides to stay put. “The Colts should be jumping for joy if they can get Chubb after trading back to No. 6. The NC State pass rusher is one of the two or three best players in the draft, and he happens to fill a big need for a Colts defense switching to a 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. A front consisting of Chubb, Jabaal Sheard, Henry Anderson and Al Woods could be nasty.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Derwin James, S, Florida State | Bleacher Report: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

While many think Florida State’s Derwin James is the pick here, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller thinks the Bucs get themselves a different defensive back at #7. “Fitzpatrick is a defensive eraser. Alabama moved him from corner to safety to a nickel spot throughout his career, and he flourished in each. The Buccaneers would likely identify him as a plug-and-play starter at strong safety. Given how productive he was in that role for the Crimson Tide, he could have a Jamal Adams-type of rookie season. ” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#8: Chicago Bears

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

A consensus at #8, the Chicago Bears get some offensive line help to protect second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky. “If you draft your franchise QB in 2017 (Mitchell Trubisky), you continue to surround him with weapons and protect him in 2018. The middle of the OL for the Bears will be formidable with Pro Bowl OG Kyle Long, talented C Cody Whitehair, and now Nelson, the best OL in this year’s draft.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#9: San Francisco 49ers

CBS Sports: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama | Bleacher Report: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech | NFL.com: Denzel Ward, DB, Ohio State

While others think the 49ers might go with help in the defensive secondary, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller thinks the 49ers will look to shore up their linebacking corps. “Tremaine Edmunds is just 19 years old and already looks like an immediate NFL starter. At 6’4 ½” and 253 pounds, he doesn’t look like a teenager and doesn’t play like one either. Edmunds is a versatile asset on defense, and given Reuben Foster’s off-field issues, he would also provide insurance in case the Niners lose last year’s first-rounder for an extended time. And should they get on the field together? Watch out.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#10: Oakland Raiders

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report: Denzel Ward, DB, Ohio State | NFL.com: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

The run on the defensive side of the ball continues at #10, where CBS Sports’ R.J. White thinks the Raiders dip into Ohio State’s talented secondary. “The Raiders are seeing massive turnover at the cornerback position with David Amerson, Sean Smith and T.J. Carrie out the door. Rashaan Melvin was a nice pickup, but Shareece Wright is nothing more than depth. Enter Ward, an elite cover corner who has everything but prototypical size. He’ll be an excellent slot corner and should excel in Oakland, where Melvin and Gareon Conley can match up with bigger receivers.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 1-5

#1: Cleveland Browns

CBS Sports: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming | Bleacher Report: Sam Darnold, QB, USC | NFL.com: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Although a quarterback feels like the consensus #1 pick here, NFL.com’s Charles Davis feels differently. “In the Browns’ history, when they have been really good, they have been powered by runners: Marion Motley, Jim Brown, Ernie Davis (would have been a huge star if not for his passing at the age of 23), Leroy Kelly, Kevin Mack, Earnest Byner. Add the do-it-all dynamo from Penn State to the pantheon.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#2: New York Giants

CBS Sports: Sam Darnold, QB, USC | Bleacher Report: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State | NFL.com: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

There are a lot of directions, including trading down, that the New York Giants could go with the #2 overall pick, but Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller thinks they go defense. “Chubb is an ideal weak-side linebacker fit in the Giants’ new 3-4 scheme. Pairing him with Olivier Vernon would give new head coach Pat Shurmur a stud defensive duo. That might also help give quarterback Eli Manning a little bigger window to win a third ring before retiring.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#3: New York Jets (from IND)

CBS Sports: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA | Bleacher Report: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming | NFL.com: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The one area where all experts seem to agree in this draft is at the #3 pick, where the New York Jets are expected to take a quarterback. “The trade-up for the Jets was all about getting into position for a quarterback, and if they can find a franchise signal-caller here, it’s well worth the overpay to move up a couple spots. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell compares Rosen to Jay Cutler, a quarterback with which new Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has plenty of experience. Rosen could be the best fit for the Jets moving forward.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#4: Cleveland Browns

CBS Sports (traded to Buffalo Bills): Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma | Bleacher Report: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State | NFL.com: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

After taking a risk on a running back and waiting it out, NFL.com’s Charles Davis thinks Browns still get their man at #4. “The man that many have written in as the top selection for the Browns still lands in Cleveland. Of course, he will be strongly considered for each of the top three picks, but Browns owner Jimmy Haslam (who sat in the rain to watch Darnold’s pro day at USC on Wednesday) gets a new face of the franchise in an unexpected way.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#5: Denver Broncos

CBS Sports: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State | Bleacher Report: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma | NFL.com: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Finally, controversial quarterback Baker Mayfield out of Oklahoma finds a home at #5. “Mayfield is a fiery prospect with an exciting track record on the field but a personality off it that might rub teams the wrong way. Broncos president John Elway probably cares more about getting back to his winning ways. Mayfield can help him get there.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta | Travel Packages

2018 NFL Offseason: Indianapolis Colts Team Needs

The Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta in 2019 is well underway in the NFL, with teams beginning the free agency signings and turning their eyes towards the 2018 NFL Draft in April. As teams move forward, what are some of the biggest areas Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard might look to address in the coming months?

Offensive Line

Top Options Remaining: Jack Mewhort (IND), Cameron Fleming (NE), Oday Aboushi (SEA), Quenton Nelson (Draft, Notre Dame), Connor Williams (Draft, Texas)

If you’ve watched any Indianapolis Colts football over the last several years, the biggest problem you’ve seen is consistency among the offensive linemen, which would eventually lead to quarterback Andrew Luck’s missing the entire 2017 NFL season. So with the team looking to bolster their QB protection, combined with guys like guard Jack Mewhort expected to leave via free agency, expect Ballard to be busy on either the secondary free agency market, or in drafting big linemen throughout the 2018 NFL Draft.

Defensive Front

Top Options Remaining: Ndamukong Suh (MIA), Dominique Easley (LAR), Bradley Chubb (Draft, NC State), Roquan Smith (Draft, Georgia), Da’Ron Payne (Draft, Alabama)

For years, the Colts’ key weaknesses have come along the defensive front-seven, whether that mean a lack of ability to stop the run, or not being able to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. And after fan-favorite Robert Mathis’ retirement at the end of the 2016-17 NFL season, the team has lacked a premier pass rusher that can do just that—put pressure on the other side of the football. The choice to not re-sign linebackers Barkevious Mingo and Jon Bostic, as well as the release of defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins, leaves the Colts relatively bare when it comes to talent on the defensive front-lines. Expect the defensive side of the ball to be a big focus for Ballard throughout both the NFL Draft and free agency.

Secondary

Top Options Remaining: Bashaud Breeland (WAS), E.J. Gaines (BUF), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Draft, Alabama), Denzel Ward (Draft, Ohio State),

Despite drafting young guys in 2017 in safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Quincy Wilson, the Colts find themselves thin when it comes to players in the secondary. The departures of Vontae Davis (release) and Rashaan Melvin (signed with Oakland Raiders), the Colts’ two leading corners in 2017, leave a massive side on both sides of the field, while corner/safety Darius Butler remains a free agent.

Receiving Corps

Top Options Remaining: Jordan Matthews (PHI), Brice Butler (DAL), Ryan Grant (WAS), Calvin Ridley (Draft, Alabama), Courtland Sutton (Draft, SMU)

After letting go of wide receiver Donte Moncrief (signed with Jacksonville Jaguars), the Colts have just two wide receivers on the active roster; T.Y. Hilton and Chester Rogers. And with plenty of big receiving options both left on the free agency market and in the upcoming draft, the Colts will have to start making some moves to give quarterbacks Andrew Luck and/or Jacoby Brissett some new targets. The team reportedly hosting former Lions tight end Eric Ebron earlier this week.

2018 Colts VIP Tailgate Information