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2018 NFL Mock Draft: What If Darnold Goes Back to School?

Erik Lambert
Erik Lambert

Fansided

Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The thing about projections is they don’t have all the information. This 2018 NFL mock draft is going to reflect on one big piece.

Namely what happens if Sam Darnold elects to stay in school. It’s easy to forget that he’ll be a redshirt sophomore this season. The kid just turned 20-years old. Despite his stellar play at the end of last season, it’s reasonable to think he still has some growing to do. The odds could favor him staying at USC for at least one more year to get extra seasoning. Meanwhile it’s rather fascinating what his exit from the board does to the picks.

1. New York Jets

Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

2. Buffalo Bills

Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. San Francisco 49ers

Oct 31, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Courtland Sutton (16) makes the catch in front of Tulsa Golden Hurricane safety Michael Mudoh (1) during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tulsa won 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Courtland Sutton (16) makes the catch in front of Tulsa Golden Hurricane safety Michael Mudoh (1) during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tulsa won 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

4. Washington Redskins

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cleveland Browns

Sep 18, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Harold Landry (8) tackles Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Harold Landry (8) tackles Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

6. Los Angeles Rams

Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

7. Chicago Bears

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) reacts after a defense play during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) reacts after a defense play during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) jumps to avoid the tackle by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) and defensive back Josh Liddell (28) moves in during the fourth quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) jumps to avoid the tackle by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) and defensive back Josh Liddell (28) moves in during the fourth quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) attempts to tackle Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Trent Sherfield (10) during the first half at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) attempts to tackle Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Trent Sherfield (10) during the first half at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

10. Detroit Lions

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tarvarus McFadden (4) is unable to make a catch intended for Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tarvarus McFadden (4) is unable to make a catch intended for Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

11. New Orleans Saints

Mike McGlinchey 2018 NFL Draft
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) reacts as quarterback DeShone Kizer (not shown) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

12. Minnesota Vikings

Sep 17, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

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14. Los Angeles Chargers

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) gets the crowd pumped up during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) gets the crowd pumped up during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

15. Dallas Cowboys

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16. Cleveland Browns (via HOU)

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (59) lines up against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (59) lines up against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

18. Indianapolis Colts

Sep 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Greg Gaines (99) and defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) get to Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) for a sack during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Greg Gaines (99) and defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) get to Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) for a sack during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

19. Tennessee Titans

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (53) and offensive lineman Quenton Nelson (56) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (53) and offensive lineman Quenton Nelson (56) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

20. Baltimore Ravens

Nov 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Adonis Alexander (36) breaks up a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers running back Olamide Zaccheaus (33) in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Adonis Alexander (36) breaks up a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers running back Olamide Zaccheaus (33) in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

21. Atlanta Falcons

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Jefferson (46) tries to block a pass from Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Jefferson (46) tries to block a pass from Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

22. Miami Dolphins

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) gets sacked by Clemson Tigers linebacker Kendall Joseph (34) in the third quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) gets sacked by Clemson Tigers linebacker Kendall Joseph (34) in the third quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

23. Denver Broncos

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) against Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) against Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

24. Green Bay Packers

Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

25. Buffalo Bills (via KC)

Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals tight end Cole Hikutini (18) runs with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Micah Kiser (53) chases in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals tight end Cole Hikutini (18) runs with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Micah Kiser (53) chases in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

26. New York Giants

Sep 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs the ball in the first quarter against USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs the ball in the first quarter against USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 29, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

28. Arizona Cardinals

Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive end Josh Sweat (9) tackles him during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs with the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive end Josh Sweat (9) tackles him during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

29. Carolina Panthers

Oct 29, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw (17) is brought down by Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Duke Ejiofor (53) during the first half at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Army Black Knights quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw (17) is brought down by Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Duke Ejiofor (53) during the first half at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

30. New England Patriots

Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

31. Oakland Raiders

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Martez Ivey (73) blocks against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Martez Ivey (73) blocks against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

32. Seattle Seahawks

Erik Lambert

Erik Lambert

Brainwashed by the football scene when he was a tiny child, he got his education at Columbia College in Chicago. Since then he has spent 10 years writing about the game, developing a love for the high-stakes gambling that is the NFL draft. A loyal member of the Mocks family, dedicated to providing the best content on FanSided.