2018 NFL Draft: The Floor Team For Each Projected Top 10 Pick
By Erik Lambert
Quenton Nelson (OG, Notre Dame): Chicago Bears at #8
Nelson has become one of the hardest prospects to predict. Guards don’t generally go in the top 10 because of their somewhat unglamourous position. Yet he’s a rare specimen who looks like a future All-Pro in waiting. This could compel a team to shrug off conventional wisdom and take a ready-made good player. If it doesn’t happen though, that will suit the Bears just fine. They have a need for fresh blood at guard after parting ways with Josh Sitton and even employ Nelson’s former offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. It’s an obvious fit.
Roquan Smith (OLB, Georgia): Oakland Raiders at #10
The linebacker position has been almost a joke for the Oakland Raiders going back years. A constant sore spot for an underachieving defense. Well, Jon Gruden is in charge now. He may be an offensive guy but Gruden has seen great linebacker play firsthand. He knows what it looks like. There is no way he won’t see Roquan Smith and not immediately think of Derrick Brooks from his days in Tampa Bay. The instinct, awareness, athleticism, and speed are all there. Given their glaring need, there’s no way they pass on him.