2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final Top 8 Projections

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final Top 8 Projections Who is going to be the best player available at pick number eight?

Through the three editions of this mock draft exercise, we have typically noticed the same players being around at pick number eight. Now that we have heard all of the rumors, and listened to all of the buzz, it is time for the final (and hopefully most accurate) top eight projection. Let’s get real, getting 32 picks is right is impossible, nailing the top eight is at least more realistic of a goal. With that said, who is the first overall pick?

Part 1 

Part 2 

Part 3 

There has been much talk that the Browns are down to Sam Darnold or Josh Allen. Then there is talk that they are debating Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Now, we hear talk that it is between Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen. The fact of the matter is that while these leaks change, the decisions haven’t.

Darnold came out early when many thought he would have stayed at school. He did not throw at the combine, and threw in the rain, in front of Jimmy Haslem because he wanted to be a Brown. He has been the number one pick and will be the number one pick.

The New York Giants have decided not to trade down. This is the newest twist in our mock, as the last few have had Buffalo selecting their quarterback here. However, it appears as though the Giants are ok with two separate scenarios. If the  Browns pass on Darnold, they want him. If not, they are fine with taking Barkley here. Barkley opens the Super Bowl window next year. Darnold secures the future. Not a bad way to go.

The Baker Mayfield to New York Jets buzz has picked up to the point where it appears the Jets know that the Giants and Browns are higher on Darnold, and that is why they ended up being fine with moving up to the number three pick.

With Saquon Barkley off of the board this pick begins to feel easy for the Cleveland Browns. Take the top pass rusher, pair him with Myles Garrett, combine that with the first overall pick at quarterback, and replenish the roster with a variety of second round picks.

With the second overall pick shut down, the Bills search to move into the top five. John Elway came out and said that he is open to trading down. The Bills had the ammunition to get to pick two, they should have the ammunition to get to pick five. Even if they use the same picks, if they land their guy it is worth it. Apparently Allen is their guy.

The more time that has gone by, the more it has sounded like the debate between Tremaine Edmunds and Roquan Smith has been had in Indianapolis and Chicago. The Colts may prefer Smith here, as projected by Daniel Jeremiah.

Derwin James to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the perfect fit. Is the great culture fit, as James and Jameis Winston know each other well. It is a scheme fit, as he fits perfectly with Justin Evans in terms of versatility. And it is a need fit. This team has Chris freaking Conte in consideration to start. Take Derwin James.

There has been a funny theme of my pre-draft exercises. When I have made the picks myself, Quenton Nelson has never fallen. When I use Matt Miller’s board, and fanspeak.com team needs, Quenton Nelson is consistently available. Every single time.

However, now with some of the additions like the high selection of Saquan Barkley, Derwin James not meeting with teams because he locked in top ten status and the Colts connections to Roquan Smith make it a more clear picture.

I have Nelson as the top overall prospect. He is the cleanest, and his upside is still that of an All-Pro. His downside is a servicable starter, which is what he is at the least next season. It would be a great selection and I finally weaved around making a way to make it happen.