2018 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Winds Blow Early
By Erik Lambert
Like every 2018 NFL mock draft before and will follow, things are going to change and it’s no different for this latest rendition.
This latest scenario is built around the idea that Chicago finishes up with the #1 pick. It wasn’t done purely to hate on the team. They did just finish 3-13 and are going through a rebuild. At the same time it was done because it creates a fascinating scenario. Since they hold that pick and don’t need a quarterback, having drafted Mitch Trubisky, then what do they do with it? Smart money says they swing a trade, and…spoiler alert.
1. New York Jets (via CHI)
player. 30. The New York Jets are forced into a decision. Sam Darnold is the unquestioned prize of the 2018 class. He’s the potential franchise quarterback a team yearns for. Problem is the Jets brass know to get him they’ll have to get ahead of the 49ers at #2. They are almost certain to take the home state hero if he’s there. So they do the only possible: work out a deal with Chicago to leapfrog them for the top pick. <p>It’s going to cost a lot, but the Jets don’t have a choice. They may never get a chance at a QB of Darnold’s caliber for another decade. He truly is the complete package. The biggest gripe is a somewhat wonky delivery. Aside from that he’s got the poise, arm strength, accuracy and big-game mentality that teams look for in their quarterbacks. Fans can think of him as what Mark Sanchez should’ve been.</p>. QB. USC. Sam Darnold . 1