FanPost

2018 NFL Draft as Voted by SB Nation: Final Edition



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Attention NFL fans! The 2018 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and unless you've been sleeping under a rock for the past 4 months, we've seen just about every kind of mock draft known to man kind. Most people are tired of seeing these wildly inconsistent, unpredictable scenarios on what seems to be an almost hourly basis. There are literaly THOUSANDS of mock drafts out there floating in the breeze, and while we all love to read and dissect them, we all know that not a darn one will be correct. Some are done very well and a person could actually see that certain scenario play out. Others probably grabbed a handful of darts and threw them at a list of names (or so it would seem).

Well, today I'm bringing you yet another mock draft. Only this isn't your typical "Todd McShay's NFL Mock Draft: Version 87.3"...

Over the past month, I've been going through the SB Nation blogs using the poll generators to create a truly live, fan driven mock draft in which the fans get to use their voice as to who THEY want their respective teams to draft. We're talking a full blown fantasy football style mock draft. Instead of making the selections myself, I allowed the general public to do so.

Last year was the maiden voyage, and we accumulated over 21,000 total votes. This year? We've upped the ante to over 24,000 total votes. The people have spoken, and if we had OUR way - the way that matters the most- this is how the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft would fall. If you would like to view the total vote breakdown and read the comments for each selection, you may do so by clicking on the site name in the selection header.

Enough bantering. Let's hit the polls!

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1. Cleveland Browns via Dawgs By Nature- Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: 30% (40 total votes)

Well then, let's just start this off with a BANG! The Browns do the correct thing here by taking "their guy" at the QB position. This selection seems to be a surefire QB selection, and currently the draft pundits think that it's either USC's Sam Darnold or Wyoming's Josh Allen at this spot. Browns fans disagree with the player, but agree with the position. At the time of this selection, pretty much everybody and their dog was pining for Penn State RB Saquon Barkley to go first overall. Afterall, he did just DESTROY the NFL Combine. And while there was a faction of Browns fans aligning with those voices, smarter heads eventually prevailed. The Browns have been searching for their Franchise QB for what seems like millenia, and Mayfield brings a certain fire and swagger to his game that will get Browns fans to remove the paper bags from their heads following the 2nd ever 0-16 season.

Total Votes: 134

Comments: 3

Runner up: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State- 29% (39 total votes)

2. New York Giants via Big Blue View- Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: 43% (1312 total votes)

Giants fans showed out for this poll despite not having the post shared to the front page of their blog. While there are several draftniks out there speculating a future replacement for two time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, Giants fans would rather select the ultra dynamic tailback out of Penn State. There was a big standing for moving back this year. With all of the top level QB's in the draft, it would definitely make sense to move out with a team that is looking for "their guy". I like this pick because the need is there for another dynamic playmaker. Give Eli a chance at another postseason run and build the offensive talent around him. Barkley is just as good as Ezekial Elliot, Todd Gurley, and Leonard Fournette. He's a player you can build around in the future.

Total Votes: 3063

Comments: 25

Runner up: Sam Darnold, QB, USC- 15% (450 total votes)

3. New York Jets via Gang Green Nation: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA - 63% (229 total votes)

Another team with a need at the signal caller position, yet another stellar pick. Pretty much the general consensus among Jets fans is that they need a QB. The big move up prior to the draft holds a gigantic neon sign saying as much. 94% of the vote count went towards the QB spot, and Rosen is the most "pro-ready" prospect in the whole draft. He has the poise, accuracy, and arm strength to put the ball in any spot necessary to succeed at the pro level. Don't let his outspoken demeanor shy you away from his abilities on the field. He's "can't miss" if you place him in the right situation.

Total Votes: 361

Comments: 9

Runner up: Sam Darnold, QB, USC- 25% (89 total votes)

4. Cleveland Browns via Dawgs By Nature: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, North Carolina State- 54% (203 total votes)

With the need of a franchise QB out of the way by selecting Mayfield at #1 overall, the Browns fans turn their attention to addressing the defensive "weakness" on the roster. Adding another pass rusher to Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbahmay not be the most pressing need, but you can never have too many. Chubb has recieved praise from draft experts and players as if he were another Von Miller or Khalil Mack. While there are rumors of a trade out with Denver or even Buffalo so they can get their QB, Cleveland adds to their defensive depth with a player that is solid against the run and adds spectacular pass rush prowess. This team is about to be spectacular, and the NFL should be scared of newly hired GM John Dorsey. I couldn't ask for more if I were a Browns fan given this scenario.

Total votes: 374

Comments: 28

Runner up: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama- 14% (53 total votes)

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5. Denver Broncos via Mile High Report: Quenton Nelson, OL, Notre Dame- 42% (1357 total votes)

In what I call a surprise selection, the Broncos pass on Sam Darnold to reinforce the offensive line around recently acquired QB Case Keenum. Building the OL has been the Bane to John Elway's existence recently, and adding a player that projects as a future HOF level talent may turn their offensive deficiencies into offensive prowess. Don't let this selection fool you though, because Nelson is the best OL in the class. Adding him finally gives the Broncos a true starting 5 up front with the acquisition of Jared Veldheer and last year's 1st round selection, OT Garret Bolles. I favor a QB here as a guy for the future given the way the board has fallen, and Darnold would be a tremendous value selection. However, building around Keenum is a way to get a team that is a couple years removed from winning a Super Bowl back to the playoffs.

Total votes: 3258

Comments: 122

Runner up: Sam Darnold, QB, USC- 36% (1170 total votes)

6. Indianapolis Colts via Stampede Blue: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama- 27% (510 total votes)

With the slide of Darnold came what seemed to be a natural repeat button from fans who wanted to "trade back and collect a king's ransom" for their selection inside the top ten. This immediately was the case for Colts fans, as all three of their top targets were off the board. Seeing Barkley, Nelson and Chubb gone had them all sorts of riled up, and for good reason. Despite the uncertainty of QB Andrew Luck's status for the season, the Colts could have used all three of them over any QB. Since no trades are allowed, they opted to head towards the secondary of the defense and take one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. Fitzpatrick fills a couple of needs if deployed correctly, and Colts fans should be happy he's still there. He can step in immediately and be an impact player.

Total Votes: 1884

Comments: 107

Runner up: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech- 24% (454 total votes)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Bucs Nation: Derwin James, DB, Florida State- 67% (102 total votes)

Again, trade mentions flooded the comment section for this selection. However, the local Florida State fans came out with a vengeance to get the ridiculously talented Safety from their hometown school. James is a fantastic player with a hit hard mentality. His play recognition is already considered "elite" status, and he would fill the role that they expected Mark Barron to fill in this exact same draft slot a few years back. I love the pick for their defense, and it seems that nation wide mock drafts would agree with this pick as well.

Total votes: 153

Comments: 35

Runner up: Denzel Ward, DB, Ohio State- 18% (28 total votes)

8. Chicago Bears via Windy City Gridiron: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech- 54% (578 total votes)

Holy comments! I was informed early that the EDGE rusher position should have been incorporated into this poll because Bears fans believe that it is the "biggest hole" on their roster. I didn't feel like any were worth this high of a selection, despite them being at a position of greater value in terms of game impact or the 5th year option for rookie players. Edmunds is a tremendous selection here for a defense that is sorely missing a HOF level player in Brian Urlacher. The entire back end of the defense could use a boost, and the fast flying Edmunds is just that type of boost. Even though he's only 19 years old, the guy can play. That might actually be his best strength, though. He's got a LONG football career ahead of him barring anything disastrous happening, and his football instincts are already off the charts. He can play vertically and horizontally with the best of them. Forget the woodshed, the guy brings the entire forest when he hits.

Total votes: 1080

Comments: 290

Runner up: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia- 11% (119 total votes)

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9. San Francisco 49ers via Niners Nation: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia- 28% (108 total votes)

What a selection here! I was recently asked what I thought about this selection on another vote article, and my thoughts were simple. This is a win- win scenario for 49ers fans and GM John Lynch. They took a chance last year on a very similar player in Alabama's Reuben Foster. He is currently staring at not only a suspension, but prison time for a domestic violence incident. This selection makes sense as a potential replacement for that debacle. However, if Foster ISN'T suspended? The Niners just repeated on one of the most elite LB duos in NFL history. These two could be as good as (if not even better than) Patrick Willis and NaVarro Bowman were. With the front 4 completely overhauled by taking three consecutive first round selections there, they can now fortify their run defense with Smith, who I think is the best overall LB in the draft. Don't sleep on his pass coverage, either. The guy can play, and he plays with a swivel attached at the shoulders.

Total votes: 380

Comments: 31

Runner up: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College- 19% (72 total votes)

10. Oakland Raiders via Silver and Black Pride: Denzel Ward, DB, Ohio State- 32% (138 total votes)

For the first time in my endeavor to create a live mock draft, the voting process ended in a tie. Washington DL Vita Vea has a following in the Bay Area, and to my surprise was the other selection that Oakland fans wanted at 10th overall. While the fans were upset that their LB prospects slipped right through their fingers, it ended up turning out in their favor. I had to officially step in and make the selection for these guys, and decided to follow the comment section for clarity. It was very clear that Ward was the selection based on the vocal majority in the comments, and I chose Ward for a couple reasons. He's the best player on the board not named Sam Darnold, and the secondary still needs upgrading despite using their last two first rounders to address the need. Pairing Ward with Karl Joseph and former Buckeye teammate Gareon Conley would give them a dynamic backend to a defense that sorely needs help.

Total votes: 433

Comments: 38

Runner up: Vita Vea, DL, Washington- 32% (138 total votes)

11. Miami Dolphins via The Phinsider- Sam Darnold, QB, USC- 43% (198 total votes)

The preposterous slide of Sam Darnold has officially come to a close. While not nearly as "tragic" as the infamous Aaron Rodgers slide, Darnold should have been LONG gone before this selection. Dolphins fans came out with yet even more "trade back" banter, but Darnold falling to the Dolphins gives them a legitimate answer at the QB position for the next ten to fifteen years. Ryan Tannehill is coming off of a torn ACL, and the Jay Cutler experiment looked more like a tupperware container that was left in the refrigerator for too long. Darnold gives the Dolphins a solid option, and as one fan so astutely put it...

-"You don't trade down in this scenario. You accept the Grace of Lord Jesus with your open arms. And leave Josh Allen for the Bills, that is."

Total Votes: 459

Comments: 41

Runner up: Vita Vea, DL, Washington- 21% (95 total votes)

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12. Buffalo Bills via Buffalo Rumblings: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming- 64% (174 total votes)

While Darnold was slipping, everybody from 6 to 11 was saying they would trade back with Buffalo to let them take the USC product. Bills fans just so happened to agree with them. They wanted to trade "almost anything" to get ahead of Miami and take him. Josh Allen is a nice consolation prize here, as the cannon armed QB is perfect for the inclement weather that Northern New York can present. Allen may have accuracy issues, but his natural athletic ability and prototypical size are too good to pass up here. There were a lot of Lamar Jackson voters (in the form of "Other") at this spot, but Allen has top 5 potential. He's been linked to the Bills a lot here lately in the form of a trade into the top 5 to acquire him.

Total votes: 274

Comments: 25

Runner up: Other (Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville)- 12% (34 total votes)

13. Washington Redskins via Hogs Haven: Vita Vea, DL, Washington- 76% (328 total votes)

The Redskins severely need help on the interior of their defense, particularly in the run category. While a LB would be a great selection here, I don't value another one until the middle 20's, and the top of the interior defensive line prospects is too enticing here. Vita Vea compares to Haloti Ngata in more than just pure size/ strength measurables. He's probably best used as a one gap penetrator and uses a ridiculous swim move at will. He's got pass rush prowess, can anchor at the point of attack in the running game, and can shed blocks with the best of them. I only have one question about him. Can his motor stay running on a more consistent basis?

Total votes: 432

Comments: 25

Runner up: Da'Ron Payne, DL, Alabama- 12% (50 total votes)

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14. Green Bay Packers via Acme Packing Company: Joshua Jackson, DB, Iowa- 30% (268 total votes)

Defense is the main theme at APC, with the top three vote getters on that side of the line of scrimmage. A few debates got rolling over which defensive prosepect to take at 14th overall, and the ball hawking Hawkeye took the final selection. Jackson is a long cover guy that seems to excel in press coverage. I like his read and react in zone just fine, but I LOVE his physicality. The chances he takes to make pass breakups and interceptions are measured well, and it shows with an NCAA high 8 picks last season. I would rather see the Pack grab a pass rusher here like Harold Landry (the runner up, actually) because Clay Matthews isn't getting any younger, and it seems like they have been missing somebody opposite of him for the entirety of his career.

Total votes: 907

Comments: 75

Runner up: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College- 29% (265 total votes)

15. Arizona Cardinals via Revenge of the Birds: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville- 73% (22 total votes)

The 5th QB taken in this draft is one that I really like a lot. While some teams see a dynamic playmaker and a possible switch to WR, I see a young and improving QB that has electric ability with his legs. Comparisons to Michael Vick are a littly lofty, but I can see where they are coming from. Despite accuracy concerns, Jackson has actually improved in that area every year as a starter. He can sit for a little while behind recently acquired QB Sam Bradford and learn, then take over. From Cardinals to Cardinals, this seems like a natural fit. I wouldn't be in any rush to get him on the field immediately, but he could definitely turn into something special. One final thing: if anybody tells you he's just a spread system guy that threw to open receivers all the time, turn around and walk away. You don't need those headaches in your life.

Total votes: 30

Comments: N/A

Runner up: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama- 7% (2 total votes)

16. Baltimore Ravens via Baltimore Beatdown: Mike McGlinchey, OL, Notre Dame- 31% (180 total votes)

WR was a very popular mention in the comment section, with Maryland's DJ Moore receiving a ton of "other" votes. A pretty good debate about Calvin Ridley popped up, and Courtland Sutton from SMU made a mention or two. However, McGlinchey was the silent winner at this spot and I couldn't agree any more. My favorite comment on the selection said:

"The offense won't go if we can't give Joe time to throw, receivers time to run full routes, and holes for backs."

Spot on here. McGlinchey was my OT1 in LAST year's NFL Draft, but he chose to stay at Notre Dame and create one of the best LT/LG tandems in all of football, regardless of league. He probably will slide in at RT to bookend with former teammate (and also top selection) Ronnie Stanley. Not a bad way to build the OL here at all.

(Note: The poll was actually left open by accident and few extra votes had rolled in after the fact, so the total vote tally and runner up are a little fuzzy. Ridley is the pick on the final poll, but that is actually incorrect based on the 24 hour time limit.)

Total votes: 578

Comments: 26

Runner up: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama- 30% (178 total votes)

17. Los Angeles Chargers via Bolts from the Blue: Da'Ron Payne, DL, Alabama- 43% (68 total votes)

The interior of the defense is a big need to address for the Bolts this year, and fans agree wholeheartedly. Whether it's DL, LB, or even in the middle of the secondary, the Bolts really need to get a player that can stuff the run and generate some form of pressure up the middle. Payne is a tremendous player that utilizes great hand placement and leverage to push back double teams and wreak havoc in the middle. I would love to see them target Rashaan Evans here to pair with the hammer himself, Denzel Perryman. Whichever route they take, somebody to help take the pressure off the edge rushers and help from the inside is paramount here. I also like the possibility of them taking another receiver here to pair with Keenan Allen.

Total votes: 159

Comments: 7

Runner up: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama- 26% (41 total votes)

18. Seattle Seahawks via Field Gulls: Connor Williams, OL, Texas- 24% (30 total votes)

The offensive line in Seattle has been an issue for what feels like forever. Russell Wilson manages to pull a magician's act every Sunday and channels his inner Patches O'Houlihan as he Dives, Dodges, Dips, Ducks, and... Dodges his way away from pressure. Had Williams not torn his meniscus this season, we would possibly be talking about him as the top OT on the board and even as a potential top 10 pick. He has great athleticism on the edge, and his tape from 2016 will prove that. The Longhorn product is a tremendous selection for the Seahawks fan base, and you could plug him in at RT or even RG and have a solid option to FINALLY begin protecting Russell Wilson. Not that he needs it. He's got it handled folks...

Total votes: 123

Comments: 17

Runner up: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College- 16% (20 total votes)

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19. Dallas Cowboys via Blogging the Boys: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State- 24% (451 total votes)

While I get the want for an offensive lineman here, I also hate that there were a lot of mentions for them. Interior defenders are a need in Dallas, and LVE is a great prospect. This dude FLIES to the football, and when he gets his mitts on you, you fall to the ground. Every time. This Bronco had 141 total tackles last season for the Blue Turfers. That is not a typo. While he needs to work on his block shedding ability, the guy has elite level potential in pass coverage. He may be a work in progress, but the athletic ability shows up every time you roll the footage. I would rather see Maurice Hurst go here, but the heart issues that surfaced at the combine are definitely worrying. Either way, this is a solid pick for America's Team.

Total votes: 1889

Comments: 100

Runner up: Will Hernandez, OL, UTEP- 22% (408 total votes)

20. Detroit Lions via Pride of Detroit: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College- 64% (257 total votes)

Edge rushers are a "must have" in today's NFL, and Landry might be the best pure pass rusher in this class. You can never have too many, but in Detroit's case they don't have nearly enough. Ziggy Ansah is coming on strong as a former 1st round selection, but the other side needs work. Landry can step in immediately and provide a great push from the other edge. The comment section was pining for OL help here as well. I forgot to add any to the poll, and Lion's fans let me know about it. I wouldn't mind seeing Derrius Guice slide in here to give Matt Stafford a true threat in the backfield, either.

Total votes: 404

Comments: 15

Runner up: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU- 14% (57 total votes)

21. Cincinnati Bengals via Cincy Jungle: Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia- 31% (92 total votes)

Improving the offensive line is a huge theme on Cincy Jungle, and the acquisition of Cordy Glenn earlier this offseason is DEFINITELY going to help. I like that the Bengals are going with a versatile OL in Wynn, who started at LT for the Bulldogs during their run to the NCAA Championship Game. Wynn projects to be a great guard at the next level, but he also has swing tackle potential if somebody goes down. Glenn and Wynn standing next to each other is terrifying to think about. I also like the idea behind taking a LB here, and Rashaan Evans is still on the board. With a suspension over the head of Vontaze Burfict, adding some depth at the defensive interior would be a prudent move.

Total votes: 297

Runner up: Other- 22% (65 total votes)

22. Buffalo Bills via Buffalo Rumblings: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama- 42% (93 total votes)

From what I gathered on the first go round at Buffalo Rumblings, QB and LB were among the biggest "needs" for the Bills. Grabbing a replacement for Preston Brown is a great way to address this. Bills fans get their QB at 12, then take a great blitzing LB coming from the LB pipeline of Alabama. Evans has coverage ability, but if he could improve anywhere it would be in this facet of his game. He screams around the field like a heat seeking missile and hits like a hammer. Not bad. His instincts are OK, and he probably needs to work on play recognition, but you really can't go wrong with this pick.

Total votes: 220

Comments: 36

Runner up: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama- 19% (42 total votes)

23. New England Patriots via Pats Pulpit: Kolton Miller, OL, UCLA- 34% (398 total votes)

Of the few "needs" that the defending AFC Champion Patriots have, a LT is probably the priority after losing Nate Solder in free agency. However, I feel like this is reaching for need rather than taking the best player. Miller has been rising among draft boards here lately, hence the reason he was on the list here. I think he would have been around at 31 for the Pats, and taking an interior defensive lineman like Florida's Taven Bryan or Michigan's Maurice Hurst would have been a great pick. I also like giving Tom Brady a legit receiver in either Calvin Ridley or Courtland Sutton. I like Miller, but he's still developing his technique. I'm all for getting your guy while you have the chance, I just feel like this may be a little rich for a raw OL that has issues in pass protection.

Total votes: 1186

Comments: 23

Runner up: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Texas- San Antonio- 33% (396 total votes)

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24. Carolina Panthers via Cat Scratch Reader: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama- 33% (67 total votes)

The draft board fell absolutely perfectly for Panthers fans, as almost every player that they covet is still up for grabs. Aside from Isaiah Wynn, every interior offensive lineman projected to be around this area is still on the board. They have their pick of the litter at WR, and the freaky bendy Marcus Davenport is available. They chose to go with arguably the most polished WR in the draft in Ridley. This Alabama screamer isn't quite as elite as former Crimson Tide guys like Julio Jonesor Amari Cooper, but he is a polished route runner that is smooth out of his breaks and has tremendous hands. While there are scheme fit issues based on size limitations, he checks almost every box that you could ask for in a young WR.

Total votes: 201

Comments: 70

Runner up: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Texas- San Antonio- 30% (60 total votes)

25. Tennessee Titans via Music City Miracles: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA- 61% (87 total votes)

This is a great pick for a defense that is slowly but surely becoming spectacular. Adding in another pass rusher here, especially one as dynamic as Davenport, is a scenario that almost every Titans fan are on board with. Josh Sweat from Florida State was a popular mention in the comments. Almost popular enough for me to "change" their selection from Davenport. I have some serious questions about Davenport and his ability to translate to the NFL level. He played against lower level competition at UTSA, and his freaky athleticism has carried him to top 15 consideration. If you play lower level competition, you better DESTROY them if you want the chance to get noticed. Seeing his tape shows a player that nobody could even come close to competing with, so the flashes might just be real. I hope he turns out as good as most draft pundits are saying.

Total votes: 142

Comments: 19

Runner up: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State- 14% (20 votes)

26. Atlanta Falcons via The Falcoholic- Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan- 41% (135 total votes)

Interior defensive line was the general consensus in the dirty south as 77% of Falcons fans voted to upgrade their front 7. Hurst is probably the best overall interior defensive lineman in the draft, but his questionable medical check up at the combine has scared teams away from him here recently. I don't really care about that if he's cleared by team doctors to play on Sundays. This kid is going to be legit. According to Pro Football Focus, Hurst has the highest single season gradeof any interior defender in their recorded history. He is a brick wall against the run and penetrates on passing downs with a wicked quick first step. If the heart condition checks out, the Falcons got a top 10 level talent in the middle 20's. That, my friends, is what I like to call a steal.

Total votes: 326

Comments: 2

Runner up: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida- 36% (118 total votes)

27. New Orleans Saints via Canal Street Chronicles: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State- 45% (15 total votes)

The Saints continue to build their defense by taking the super intelligent Sam Hubbard. He passes the eye test with his measurables, but he really relies on his killer football IQ to succeed at the point of attack rather than with his athleticism, which seems to be lacking. I like his bend for what it is, but that isn't exactly great either. What the Saints are getting with Hubbard is a blue collar guy that works his ass off for what he gets, and that isn't a bad thing at all. He's determined, and despite not being a great athlete he manages to light up the statsheet.

Total votes: 33

Comments: 4

Runner up: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State- 24% (8 total votes)

28. Pittsburgh Steelers via Behind the Steel Curtain: Justin Reid, DB, Stanford- 56% (95 total votes)

With the passing game prowess in the NFL today, having a guy that can cover tight ends and running backs is becoming more and more crucial. Enter Justin Reid, DimeBacker extraordinaire. This guy is an aggressive, smooth defender on the back end that can lay some wood when he tackles. He's quick to turn his hips and run when challenged down field, and rarely gets caught out of position. Steelers fans were quick to select him from the word "Go", but also curious as to why I left Derrius Guice off of their poll with the uncertainty surrounding Le'Veon Bell. I like the "need" over luxury here, and Reid fills a big one.

Total votes: 170

Comments: 30

Runner up: Other (Derrius Guice, RB, Louisiana State)- 21% (36 total votes)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars via Big Cat Country: Will Hernandez, OL, UTEP- 37% (34 total votes)

Jacksonville couldn't quite pull off the Cinderalla story during last season's AFC Championship Game, but this roster is built for the long haul. Aside from a question at QB and a few minor details, this team could be competing for a Super Bowl run for quite some time. Will Hernandez brings a punch in the running game that will only help last year's 4th overall selection, Leonard Fournette. If not for Quenton Nelson, Hernandez would make a case for this year's top Guard prospect. He's a classic style mauler on the inside, and has potential to be a top flight pass protector on the inside. Building the offensive line isn't necessarily a huge priority here, but you can't pass up an upgrade like this.

Total votes: 91

Comments: N/A

Runner up: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State- 31% (28 total votes)

30. Minnesota Vikings via Daily Norseman: Billy Price, OL, Ohio State- 38% (251 total votes)

I accidentally placed Maurice Hurst in this poll, even though he was already selected. Partially because he would look really good paired with Everson Griffen on pass rushing downs, but mostly because... well... I'm not a professional. It didn't matter though, because Billy Price was too good to pass up. The Vikings can pair this former Buckeye with his old teammate Pat Elflein and create a pretty solid interior of their offensive line. I like Taven Bryan here as well, but upgrading the interior pass protection has to be paramount from the Skol Boys up North. Afterall, they did just land their franchise QB in Kirk Cousins. This team is about to be in the race for a championship once again next season.

Total votes: 666

Comments: 31

Runner up: James Daniels, OL, Iowa- 18% (126 total votes)

31. New England Patriots via Pats Pulpit: Mike Hughes, DB, Central Florida- 20% (197 total votes)

This is a great selection to replace departed CB Malcolm Butler. Hughes is small, but quick and nasty. He may not be as experienced as Jaire Alexander, but their play styles are pretty similar. Hughes is quick twitch, and his skill set really reminds me of Butler in a way. While I also agree with the idea of getting a future replacement for Tom Brady here, the Pats have to build around what they currently have. After all, Brady is probably the best QB that has set foot between the lines and his timeline is only getting shorter. Use the weapon you currently have and fortify the back end of the defense here. You can grab Kyle Lauletta in the second round.

Total votes: 962

Comments: 37

Runner up: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State- 19% (186 total votes)

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32. Philadelphia Eagles via Bleeding Green Nation- Derrius Guice, RB, Louisiana State- 53% (2191 total votes)

The defending Super Bowl champions (and last year's total vote champions) showed out here with the high vote total once again. Adding offensive weaponry was the idea behind their selection, even though they had a plethora of defenders to choose from. Guice was their selection in a land slide, and his talent is undeniable. However, there was a faction of fans that wanted to add Courtland Sutton to their receiving corps. The thought was pairing Sutton and Alshon Jeffrey together for one last elite run down the field. Jay Ajayi is still under contract for this season, and Guice would only add to a crowded backfield in Philly. I like this pick, but really any piece they could have added at this point would only be gravy on top of the King's feast that is their roster.

Total votes: 4165

Comments: 247

Runner up: Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist- 13% (532 total votes)

Grand Total Vote Count: 24,834

While I'm sad this mock draft has to come to an end here, I am forever grateful for everybody who participated in this wonderful project. There were so many people who reached out to me both personally and through the comment section. I would like to thank each and every blog for attending, and each managing editor that pushed their poll to the front page so that this could get as much recognition as possible. I would also like to thank Andy Lindahl, James Gomez, Marc Stout and Ray Crockett for allowing me to promote this on Orange and Blue 760 Radio in Denver! That was quite an experience!

If you take the time to read every comment section, you will come to understand that every fan base has their preferred prospects, even when other fan bases completely disagree. The QB class this year is beyond stacked, but many people can't come to agree which one is the best of them all.

Once again, I've had a TREMENDOUS time reaching out to everybody to complete this project. I'm beyond excited that many people remembered this from last year, and I look forward to seeing you again nex year!

Thank you once again for reading. Thank you all for having me. Best of luck to each and every team this next season


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