Best Of The Mock Drafts
April 24th, 2018
Could Bradley Chubb somehow fall?
Read a mock draft powered by one quality draft guru, or you can get 32 legitimate team experts in the mix and let them hash it out with their knowledge and bias.
Joe prefers the latter, so Joe loves the annual L.A. Times’ beat writers’ mock.
Grizzled veteran NFL reporter Sam Farmer gets out his email list and makes it happen.
The concept is simple. A Browns beat writer makes a No. 1 overall pick and explains. Then Farmer moves on to a New York writer at No. 2, etc.
Many Bucs fans will rejoice in knowing that this exercise left Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson sitting there for Tampa Bay at No. 7 overall.
The order went like this:
- Browns – QB Josh Allen
- Giants – RB Saquon Barkley
- Jets – QB Sam Darnold
- Browns – DE Bradley Chubb
- Broncos – QB Baker Mayfield
- Colts – LB Roquan Smith (That pick for Indy is picking up a lot of steam this week. Hooray!)
Of course, there’s a good chance at least one of these teams trades down, especially the Browns at No. 4 overall, or the Broncos at No. 5. That would blow the whole the entire mock out of whack.
In the real world Joe is rooting for the Browns and Broncos to trade down with QB-hungry teams, which would be a blessing for the Bucs. Joe would go bananas if Chubb was still there.
All-you-can-eat buffet available starting at 6 p.m. and runs all night long. Be there!! Joe and Ira Kaufman will be in the house with the Stick Carriers and The Commish. Raw energy and Bucs love everywhere.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Joe- Any combo which nets us one of the top 3 would be a blessing IMO. To land Chubb?! Man, please, sign me up for that!
April 24th, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Exactly what I have:
http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft-challenge/mock-draft/275721
April 24th, 2018 at 2:13 pm
if we land Chubb in this draft all of Tampa will have a chubby!
April 24th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
I have seen numerous drafts with us passing Nelson for James. 2 more days!
April 24th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
The Bucs have more than a couple of needs. I think the best strategy is to trade down a few spots, regardless of who is available. Pick up a couple of more picks in the first 4 rounds. Fill 4 or 5 holes with quality players, not two.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:25 pm
Joe I think the Giants trade down with the bills and Cleveland with Arizona/Miami and Denver eventually the ramindernof Arizona or Miami.That could mean the first 5picks could all be QBs or in this order…QB,QB,QB,CHUBB,QB,NELSON,…..????I think Indy will get Nelson to get protection for Luck to try and keep him healthy all year.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Would be shocked if the Colts passed on Nelson for a LB there but you never know. If the top 5 played out this way then I’d think Nelson goes to Indy; and we shop Rosen at 7 to Miami/Buffalo/Arizona/New England; likely getting Buffalo to give up pick 12 + a 2nd and maybe more.
12- Denzel Ward / Derwin James / Vita Vea / Taven Bryan (I may like Bryan over Vea honestly)
Round 2- CB + RB or OG + RB if we went with Denzel Ward or Josh Jackson or whoever R1
R4 or moving up in R3 – OG
R5-R7 Developmental DE/DT
April 24th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
That’s all well and good but Allen aint going #1.
Joe didn’t you tease big news about Winston today? C’mon…
April 24th, 2018 at 2:30 pm
THe Giants would have already traded out of their pick if they wanted to imo.
I really think they are going QB and are pushing Barkley as a smokescreen to get the Browns to hopefully take him at 1 so they get their choice of QB.
Or they are waiting to see which QB the Browns take. If they take their guy then they likely shop the pick but probably to a team like Denver or something so they can still land a Nelson/Barkley/Chubb guarenteed. I haven’t seen the Giants looking at prospects projected to go in the middle or late 1st the way the Bucs have for example.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
If Nelson is at 7, can we please stop making it more complicated than it needs to be? Draft Nelson and plug him at LG, move Marpet to RG, cut Sweezy and save some cash, cut Dotson and save some cash, move Benenoch to RT. Done. OL is set for years with a young talented nasty group. What has now become a revolving door at LG, C, RG, and RT is locked down permanently.
I’m not sold on Donovan Smith, but we will see how he does this season. This will give us another group we don’t have to worry about along with WR, LB, QB?, P.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:32 pm
Oh, and add TE to the groups we don’t need to worry about.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:38 pm
I don’t see any successful team with a badass running game flip flopping their OL every Sunday like flapjacks. Cut the crap already. Cut your losses with the injury prone players and end the misery already. Like seriously, if Jason Licht passes on Nelson, he is a fool unless somehow they get the Hernandez kid. Then you do exactly what I said before and plug and play with your nasties and get rid of the broken pieces.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:41 pm
@SCBucsFan
Joe posted the article about Winston last night.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:42 pm
LC
indy does need front 7 help…..r.smith would be surprising but like joe said, ive been hearing that all day today….
I have seen some mocks that have us passing on nelson for james…..I would be shocked, embarrassed and pissed off…..I say continue the trend and beef up the trenches……I really only want james at #12 but I would select taven bryan if both are on the board……
target DL or OL and CB in round 2 with maybe arden key(I know character issues but I think kwon and beckwith get him straight) or frank ragnow….maybe kevin toliver in round 2…..
target bo scarbrough or k.johnson in the 4th…..
but I think your right…..I think rosen may fall to us giving us a trade down partner and I like taven bryan over vea…..more versatile….fits any scheme…..
cant wait!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
April 24th, 2018 at 2:43 pm
I’d damn near have a heart attack if Chubb was there at 7, it won’t happen but still.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Thanks reality I missed it
April 24th, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Two “generational” talents and one future all pro at a position we need. “The Big 3” If we get one…joy at JBF.
April 24th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
If Newton is there at 6 I think Indy has learned to “PROTECT” their franchise QB Luck. That is why the scenario of Chubb getting to 7 is more likely.
April 24th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
“MOCK” draft is the perfect word for the Bucs Draft, because they have made a MOCKERY of the entire process. Its typical of this pathetic organization.
First- who’s bright idea was it to have a GD@mn freakin PARROT call out the pick??
WTF is that?? what a clown show.
Secondly- they get dissed publicly by Jeff Garcia. CLASSIC SH!tshow by the Bucs. TEAM GLAZER made their horrible decision of hiring
#KLUELESS KOETTER even worse by these 2 latest and greatest moves. Bunch of A$$CLOWNS in charge over there. Starting with KLUELESSKOETTER.
No wonder Jameis is a skyway daily working out instead of putting up with this group of coaches who don’t have a idea.
Can’t wait until BLACK MONDAY to get Koetter and bunch of idiots out of there.
April 24th, 2018 at 3:03 pm
@buddy,
You mad bro?
April 24th, 2018 at 3:06 pm
@813
I will also be pretty upset if we pass on Nelson for James even as an FSU homer.
It’s not like Dallas didn’t have other needs when building their O-line up with 1st round picks. They’re a recent example of building from the trenches on both sides and it working out pretty well for them even though last year was a dissapointment – primarily due to the Zeke supsension.
Teams like Carolina / Houston can plug in whatever at CB/S almost because of their front 7s.
It’s crazy to me how many times the Bucs over the last 3-4 coaching regimes have continually prioritized secondary players over defensive lineman. You’d think at some point they’d realize how philosophically dumb that is for re-building a team
April 24th, 2018 at 3:10 pm
If it plays out like this, hope we pull trigger for Nelson.
April 24th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
If the big 3 non QB’s are gone by #7 and we can’t trade down then I think the best player available with need should be CB/S Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama. Hands down. …but the best player available non QB on the board before Minkah Fitzpatrick is LB Roquain Smith but LB isn’t our biggest need. Ward and James should be lower on the board around the teens and could be targeted if we trade down with say the Dolphins or Bills. If the Buc’s select James @7 it will be in my eyes, only because he’s from FSU, a lure to sell tickets.
I’ve been wondering, what could new ownership really mean to this franchise? There’s been too much stagnation and not enough bitchin at the owners meetings. Our schedule is unbelievable and brutal, and should be contested, but evidently, ownership doesn’t have the balls to bring it up to the competition committee or Goodell, and all this thanks to our selfish franchise QB. Our team is probably afraid to rock the boat in fear of retribution. This teams needs a damn exorcist. hahaha <— I'm literally mentally exhausted rooting for mediocrity
April 24th, 2018 at 3:40 pm
I don’t think Chubb falls all the way to 7. But if he does, and we pass on him? Shame on this pitygul organization!! We have passed on great players before. So don’t think it cannot/will not happen. To not take a player of Chubbs dynamics would be simply insane. But then again..we are the Bucs..right?
April 24th, 2018 at 3:44 pm
LC
BINGO!!!!!
licht has to continue the offseason trend and build up both sides of the line…..I hope dirk studies what sean payton did and get back to the basics…..run the football and defense stout defense……those 2 things made brees look like he can play another 6years…..
we need JW to lean on the run game and defense not the other way around…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 24th, 2018 at 3:47 pm
MJ…two things….
Chubb won’t be there at 7
and if he somehow is…
the Bucs will not pass on him…SMH
April 24th, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Outside of this it seems the one consensus most “experts” are coming to, is Derwin James at 7..
Not sure how I feel about that
April 24th, 2018 at 4:01 pm
If there is not a run on QBs, the Bucs should trade down with the Cardinals and pick up some extra picks. Keim and Licht are good buddies, and that’s a deal that could happen. The Bucs can then pick up Derwin James, who would be a reach at #7. Then, call Jeff Garcia (or the parrot) and tell them to be ready to announce a pick in the third round.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:03 pm
@Lord Corn
Man, you are hitting the nail on the head today brother!
Hopefully Licht is listening.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:08 pm
The Giants can get their Q.B. of the future with the second over all pick, and with their high second round pick still get a pretty darn good R.B.. They won’t be able to draft a good Q.B. in the second round. They have a new G.M., and coach, Eli’s over paid, and aging. If they don’t go Q.B. now while they have that grace period of 3 years, when they ever do draft a Q.B., it would be for another coach, and G.M..
April 24th, 2018 at 4:09 pm
“Like Kobe said before, Forrest will pass on quenton Nelson at 7
*Indy will jump on Roquan Smith. Roquan will be the next great linebacker/defensive player for the next decade and not Chubb
April 24th, 2018 at 4:10 pm
Dream draft…trading DJax
for a 3rd….
April 24th, 2018 at 4:13 pm
I gotta think Giants take a QB. Manning 37 and they can’t count on picking this high again
April 24th, 2018 at 4:15 pm
The Bucs need picks not any one player . Great scouting and draft management is how you get ahead not any one player especially a team as void of talent in a few areas as the Bucs are. Every team picks a highly rated player but the team with the most at bats has a real advantage it takes balls and sound management to create those at bats. Jimmy Johnson did it and the Patriots do it all the time !!!
The Bucs are as void of total unit talent as they get as a d backfield , Running back and 2/ 5 ths of the OLine ………Then do we really think Beckwith is going to be back 110 percent this year , hey Bond May be serviceable but he’s injured every other game?? This team has some real talent at some positions but literally is first year expansion team talented / depth at others. This draft is set up perfect for the Bucs to wheel and deal their first round pick and still get one of their top three guys and three picks in the top 40 . See that’s winning , that would be p Paul and three in the top 40 and the next best ( per say / Avg) is three in the top 65 . That’s how you get better than the rest of your division , it’s not by picking any one player at 7 !!! Playa !!! And this may be the best draft of all time to do that and it’s not just the qbs, it’s the Stud that may fall to you ( 7) that someone wants Thinking they are the guy to turn the entire team and that’s just fools gold . Lots of GM s love to dream and Jimmy Johnson and the Patriots love it when they do !!!
April 24th, 2018 at 4:17 pm
Trench warfare is the name of the game- I have to believe that Licht is committed to continuing to beef up the line play on both sides of the ball- just like Nelson makes Jameis and the skill guys better, Chubb and Vea do the same for the Lbs and DBs. Absent Barkley falling into our laps, I’m guessing it’s Chubb, Nelson, Vea.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
AlteredEgo…Im very much on board with that as well, although I don’t believe it will happen it’s still in the realm of possibilities.
I’m about to get LIT UP with this next take BUT, what if we traded away GMC also for extra picks? Its not how I’m leaning Buc faithful I’m just saying, what if?
April 24th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
I will be very pleased with any of the big 3 or a fair trade down.
Worst case scenario is Chubb, Barkley and Nelson are off the board and no good trade down offers come. There’s about a 30-40% chance of that happening is my guess.
But even the “worst case scenario” means we get a dynamite prospect at a position of relative need.
Derwin James will be BPA on Licht’s board if that circumstance plays out and James will be the pick. Instantly improving our secondary and bringing a toughness to the back end not seen in Pewter since we cut John Lynch 15 years ago…
Not a bad “consolation” prize…
I’m still hoping big time for Nelson to be our pick though. That dude along with the addition of Jensen and Marpet moving back to Guard would help take this Buccaneer offense to a whole new level of balance and capability.
Our running game would be solid no matter who is back there – and Jameis along with the entire ‘Weapons for Winston’ contingent would bust out in 2018 with the kind of offensive fire power that averages 25+ points a game and wins a lot of games on that basis alone.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Fitzpatrick is way better than James
April 24th, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Agreed Pickgrin, the more I think about Nelson, Jensen and Marpet trio the more excited I get for our future. I truly believe we’d dominate and be an offensive nightmare in the NFL south. A true dynasty in the making!!!! 2 MORE DAYS, DAMN I CAN’T WAIT!!! GO BUCS!!!
April 24th, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Nelson is a generational talent , O-line is where running teams are built. Out of the top 10 rushing teams in the league last season , 9 made the post season. The teams that dominate time of possession usually have winning records , and their defense performs better due to being well rested. If Nelson is available at 7 , he HAS to be selected-PERIOD.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:46 pm
Peyton barber is more than adequate. Tough sob to bring down and will break initial arm tackles. More reliable as a pass catcher than hands of stone drug martin. Will gain over 1k yards and will dominate many games by himself
With more carries, his vision/setting up blocks will be even better
We have not seen the best of Peyton Barber yet.
April 24th, 2018 at 4:47 pm
Everyone keeps thinking the giants need a qb. They must have forgotten they drafted a big talented guy last year in the 3rd round davis Webb. He put up really good numbers at two different schools and beat out Baker Mayfield for the starting job at Texas Tech before he got injured. Then he transferred to cal and put up really good numbers. He gets to sit a couple years behind Eli. And then he will be well groomed to take over. I really doubt they will pass on Chubb or Barkley. They will get to replace jpp with a cheaper version of him with two hands. And have an extra 3rd round pick. Sounds like they are in a good situation to get the best non qb in the draft. Then we have to hope Denver and the colts don’t take the other two remaining studs Nelson and Barkley. But if that happens that means some of the qbs will be available at 7 and hopefully that will start a bidding war with the dolphins, bills and cardinals or even patriots. And we can get a Kings ransom in this years and next years draft. And come out of this draft with Davenport, Wynn or Hernandez. Then one of the remaining top 5 running backs and cornerbacks in round 2. And the defensive end from wake forest in round three and pj Hall dt in 4th. That would be a great draft and is a real possibility.
April 24th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Saw also that Indy liked the linebacker so they trade down with the bears and still get him. The bears move in front of Bucs to get Nelson.
April 24th, 2018 at 5:23 pm
No one thought Leonard Williams would fall past 3 and he fell all the way to number 6 to the Jets .
April 24th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Aah yes, the feeding frenzy is ramping up. Joe’s excited. Both Joes are excited.
@Pickgrin … “I will be very pleased with any of the big 3 or a fair trade down … even the “worst case scenario” means we get a dynamite prospect at a position of relative need.”
Was totally with ya Pickgrin, right up until that ‘dynamite prospect’ became Derwin James. Not on-board with that. Would love a CB if the Big-3 are gone (still view Minkah as a CB/S but Ward or Alexander would do) or DT (Vea or Payne), but more realistically Licht will grab a RB (probably Michel or Guice). Bucs win regardless.
Still think Vea is a very distinct possibility at #7 IF the Big-3 are gone. He’s not a replacement for GMC UNLESS Bucs transition to a 3-4 defense (personally wouldn’t be surprised). We’ve got a BUNCH of money tied up in the defense now, and with next year’s big contracts due (Jameis?, D Smith, Marpet, Kwon & a couple of others) several big hitters will get cut (GMC could very well be one of them IF Licht drafts Vea).
April 24th, 2018 at 5:48 pm
Joe,
Some so called draft experts have compared Nelson with John Hannah and Larry Allen. Would you pass on those guys?
Then again you were all in for Johnny Football
April 24th, 2018 at 5:52 pm
I Guess everyone missed Farrar from USA Today having Chubb going at #14.
April 24th, 2018 at 5:55 pm
*Effect of Bechwith injury
Kobe belives Forrest Gump will be now more than adament to get James at 7
James will be playing alot of snaps near the box alongside Kwonie and LVD
Kobe the Parrot
April 24th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Man you can’t get over it Joe. You still continue to push this agenda of if one of them falls and these bogus mocks why do you continue to hope for it? Chubb is going to the Giants at 2. The Browns will not pass on their QB of choice with #1 leaving him to the Giants. Joe Thomas just retired as well so they are gonna replace that early as well by drafting Nelson at #4 and it looks like the kid may be talented enough to move to LT as well which is why won’t him Ha Joe. That leaves Barkley who will be drafted by the Colts who desperately need everything we need might I add so they are not drafting Smith at #6 they’re pick is going to be Barkley or Nelson and the Broncos are definitely going QB in the first round and I think they draft J. Allen. Man let’s think about QB dream boy B. Mayfield still being out there when we draft and the Dolphins being a big threat to draft a QB in front of the Bills which is why they are literally begging Licht which has been acknowledge by the front office as well during the Orlando meetings for us to make the deal and wait for D. James and I think Licht should take the risk and pull the trigger. He will be there because of the trade we make alone as well. The Bills will take Mayfield and the Cardinals will want to move up at that point to steal L. Jackson from the Dolphins as well leaving them to draft their hometown hero C. Ridley and he will take their franchise to the next level as well. The Bears may draft V. Vea or D. Ward and the 49ers will get R. Smith which I been saying from day one that’s who they draft and now with the mess Foster is in I definitely think they take Smith and look for a Safety later in the draft which sounds like Lynch mob strategy especially with this deep class at that position so I can see them going with Vea if he’s available or Smith. The Raiders will do the trade instead of their division rival 49ers for obvious business reasons and move down to 15 or if they stay put I say they draft Fitzpatrick from Alabama there but they will trade down with the Cardinals trust me this is going to happen they are talking about the possibility in the war room right now believe it it’s out there buccos. That leaves the Dolphins who could use James or Fitzpatrick as well but may be looking to replace what they had in Landry quickly in the draft looking at how inactive they were in free agency at WR. I think they go Ridley. Leaving us at #12 and D. James on the top of our board with another first round pick to go from the Bills. Real chances real conversations real sacrifices need to be made in what is now the final 48 hours until the draft. We need to make the Buffalo deal they have offered it’s been said by Licht when they had the meetings in Orlando.
April 24th, 2018 at 6:20 pm
Bucs don’t get Chubb at #7 but they get Davenport. That’s going to be my prediction. Round 2 CB Hughes. Round 3 they make a trade up for RB…..uuuummm Ron Jones.
April 24th, 2018 at 6:50 pm
@buddy
I see you are all ready to get your mad on no matter who the Bucs pick. lol
Just what team are you a fan of?
April 24th, 2018 at 6:51 pm
@JimmyJack Says
“Bucs don’t get Chubb at #7 but they get Davenport.”
I could live with that. Davenport on one side, JPP on the other…
April 24th, 2018 at 6:53 pm
Just finished my wishlist…sheech, there are 35 names on it, lol. Usually there might be 10-12 on it. This time I included players that might be undrafted too though.
I’ll post it tomorrow.
April 24th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
LMAO @ Jason Mclaurin guaranteeing that multiple draft day trades will go down exactly as he says. Hey Jason I will be you my life savings that you are not even close to being correct with all this! Enjoy Fantasy Land though!
April 24th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Bet no be
April 24th, 2018 at 7:10 pm
I’ve seen a lot of references to the Dallas OL as a reason to draft Nelson. Help me out because my memory isn’t what it used to be but how many championships or even playoff games have the won with that OL?
April 24th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
I think the Derwin James leak is a smoke screen so if a QB is available and the top 3 non-qb’s are gone the Bucs an ask for a ransom.
April 25th, 2018 at 1:47 am
The odds of getting Chubb have gone up considerably. If four QBs go in the top five (not top four, top five), then Cleveland or NYG will probably take Barkley. Gettleman and the Giants are in win now mode. In Cleveland the coach has got to be desperate for a right now, immediate impact guy, and that’s Barkley. If Barkley and 4 QBs go, then Indy is sitting there at six and they need oline and interior linebackers, Nelson and Smith. If they draft at six, they might take Nelson. Or, they might trade down with Chicago, who’ll take Nelson. Indy will get the linebacker they wanted anyway at 8 and get a pretty good sweetener from the Bears. The one thing you can be absolutely sure about with the Bucs is that we’re not drafting a linebacker.
And how stupid is it to do a tradeless mock in this draft, which might set a record for trades.
April 25th, 2018 at 2:26 am
Your Picks: (from https://first-pick.com)
Round 1 Pick 7: Barkley, Saquon, RB, Penn State (A+)
Round 2 Pick 21 (BUF): Harrison, Ronnie, SS, Alabama (A+)
Round 2 Pick 24 (BUF): Averett, Anthony, CB, Alabama (A)
Round 4 Pick 16 (DAL): Holmes, Jalyn, DE, Ohio State (A+)
Round 4 Pick 37 (DAL): Fatukasi, Folorunso, DT, Connecticut (A+)
Round 5 Pick 7: Parker, Brandon, OT, North Carolina AT (A+)
Round 5 Pick 34 (DAL): Bozeman, Bradley, C, Alabama (A)
Round 6 Pick 16 (BALT): Cantrell, Dylan, WR, Texas Tech (A+)
Round 6 Pick 28: Jacobs, Leon, OLB, Wisconsin (A+)
Round 6 Pick 41 (BALT): Demby, Jamil, OG, Maine (A+)
Round 7 Pick 20 (BALT): Atkins, John, DT, Georgia (A+)
Round 7 Pick 37: Blanding, Quin, FS, Virginia (A
April 25th, 2018 at 12:27 pm
JabooBuc Says:
April 24th, 2018 at 7:10 pm
I’ve seen a lot of references to the Dallas OL as a reason to draft Nelson. Help me out because my memory isn’t what it used to be but how many championships or even playoff games have the won with that OL?
—————–
Even more importantly, how many of the Dallas OGs drafted in the top 10? NONE Fail move by any franchise wanting to contend.