2018 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks making 19-year old history

6 of 6

26. Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan

The Falcons lost a lot of pieces on their defensive line this offseason, and they need to re-tool.

Maurice Hurst had a big time scare at the Combine medically, when tests on his heart revealed a potentially serious issue.

With that issue cleared up, his status as a first round prospect remains steady. He is considered one of the best players in this entire class according to Pro Football Focus, and if he can bring that type of consistency on the interior with Grady Jarrett already causing opposing teams problems, this will turn out to be a very wise investment for the Falcons, who have invested heavily in defense since the 2013 NFL Draft (Takk McKinley, Vic Beasley, Keanu Neal, Desmond Trufant)

27. New Orleans Saints: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The New Orleans Saints need to look to the future at the quarterback position.

Up to this point, they have not done that.

They haven’t really brought in anyone worthy of carrying the torch when Drew Brees decides to hang up the cleats, and this year, that has to change.

Whether it happens in the first round or not remains to be seen, but rumor has it the Saints are one team that is very high on former Louisville quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and electrifying playmaker Lamar Jackson.

And why wouldn’t they be?

The Saints are set up well for the future with one of the best draft classes in recent memory coming in in 2017, and Jackson would be the centerpiece of their future.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

The Steelers need to bring in a new quarterback of their defense with Ryan Shazier out for 2018 and who knows how much longer after that.

The great thing about Jefferson that could endear him to the Steelers is his ability to stay on the field all three downs. He is extremely athletic, and can stick with backs and tight ends in coverage.

Last season, he finished with 110 tackles and 10 for loss, and has racked up 10.5 sacks in the past two years.

This guy can make plays all over the field, and the Steelers need that with Shazier’s future in question.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

The Jaguars could go a variety of ways with this pick, but knowing Tom Coughlin and his affinity for linemen on either side of the football, it would be surprising if this pick weren’t spent on a player in the trenches.

McGlinchey has the ability play right or left tackle in the NFL, and would probably be a year-one starter for the Jaguars. He brings toughness and leadership to the table, which Coughlin will love and would really complete the Jaguars’ offensive line overhaul.

This would be a phenomenal value in the first round to me, as McGlinchey was considered to be a top tackle prospect between the past two draft classes.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

The Vikings can do a little looking to the future with this pick, and I think when they look at what Reid brings to the table, he fits perfectly with Mike Zimmer’s defense.

Specifically, Reid will be the heir apparent to Andrew Sendejo, and would make a scary Vikings secondary even scarier.

Reid has been to Minnesota for a meeting with the Vikings. Head coach Mike Zimmer has stated he wanted the team to maintain its identity on that side of the ball regardless of the team’s moves at quarterback this offseason, and this pick would certainly be a way to show how much he meant that.

The addition of Kirk Cousins really completes the Vikings on that side of the ball, and their defense could get even better with this type of luxury pick.

31. New England Patriots: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

The Patriots lost left tackle Nate Solder to the New York Giants in free agency, where he signed the richest deal ever for an offensive tackle.

Obviously, they are a candidate to replace him in the first round, even with an offensive tackle class that might have more question marks than last year’s.

That being said, I think Connor Williams is a stud and would be a plug-and-play for Dante Scarnecchia there in New England. He showed his toughness coming back from injury this season, and playing at a really high level.

If Williams doesn’t work out at tackle, there are some who feel he would be a really good guard in the pros as well.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: James Daniels, OL, Iowa

The Eagles are another team with few roster needs currently that can look toward the future a little bit.

They don’t necessarily need to replace Jason Kelce at the center position, but James Daniels could be their new (and improved) Stefen Wisniewski, a player with versatility to play guard or center if needed.

Daniels is one of the youngest players in this draft, but technically is really solid, and very well coached coming from the Iowa football program which always does a fantastic job developing linemen.

Daniels could also just be the best player overall on the Eagles’ board at this point. I wouldn’t be shocked if they were able to pencil him in as the starting left guard as early as 2018.

Home/Mock Drafts