2018 NFL Draft Rumor Central: Browns taking Mayfield; Giants passing on QB; Cowboys looking at WR?

The 2018 NFL Draft is only hours away! Therefore, there are lots of rumors flying around leading up to 8:00 ET. Some may be credible, while others could be smoke to throw people off. Whatever the case is, we are all watching as the hours countdown.

From the Cleveland Browns maybe surprising people with the first overall selection to the Giants looking at a specific running back, here all of the latest draft rumors!

Baker to the Browns?

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, has been one of the more interesting prospects of this draft class. The flashy and exciting quarterback has been linked to several different teams throughout this process, but now reports are suggesting that there is a chance the former Oklahoma Sooners star could be the very first pick tonight.

Steve Wyche of NFL.com has more on the rumor:

It was relatively quiet early at the Browns’ facility Thursday morning -- the calm before the storm that will crest in the evening when the team leads off the 2018 NFL Draft with the first overall pick. The rolling momentum parallels that of Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, who just weeks ago was nowhere on the radar to be the No. 1 overall pick but could very well end up being so just after 8 p.m. ET.

Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy winner, has gained significant steam the past few days -- at least outside of the Browns’ facility -- and, according to multiple league sources, should not be ruled out as being Cleveland’s pick in its latest attempt to land a franchise quarterback. General manager John Dorsey has not disclosed who he plans to pick, telling me Wednesday that he hasn’t “even told my wife.” So, quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Josh Allen also are under consideration.

Nothing I have learned from inside and outside of the building indicates they will be drafting any other position but quarterback with the No. 1 pick. Dorsey also told me that there has been no potential trade option for the top draft selection.

Then, Daniel Jeremiah picked Mayfield to be the pick at 1 in his last mock draft:

1.) Cleveland Browns — Baker Mayfield - QB, Oklahoma

I’ve long said Sam Darnold should be the pick here, but the latest buzz has Mayfield landing at the top.

Josina Anderson added her own report:

Will the Giants decide against picking a new franchise quarterback?

Eric Firestine-USA TODAY Sports

Despite holding the second overall selection of tonight’s first round, the Giants are not looking at adding a potential franchise quarterback; instead, Big Blue is looking at superstar running back Saquon Barkley, according to Giants reporter Kim Jones.

2. NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones said on Path to the Draft that all signs are pointing to the New York Giants selecting former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick. Jones noted no player on the current Giants team has been assigned No. 26 -- Barkley’s old college number.

EDGE rusher Bradley Chubb may still be in the mix, too.

Don’t be surprised if the Giants try to move back, either.

However, Pat Shurmur insists that they will pick at 2.

Will Dallas pick a WR at 19?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Following the release of Dez Bryant, many have wondered if the Cowboys will go after a WR in the first-round. Well, that’s certainly the trendy pick on the day of the draft.

Will Brinson (CBS Sports):

19. Dallas Cowboys

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: It’s too easy to give them a wide receiver if one falls, but they do have a need there when you look at the depth chart.

Todd McShay (ESPN):

19. Dallas Cowboys

D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

With Dez Bryant cut, Dallas definitely has a need at wide receiver. Moore’s 4.34 40 at the combine helped turn some heads, and he’s a good route runner and great after the catch. Leighton Vander Esch has been rumored here, but there are some concerns about a neck injury. Seems to be a team-by-team deal on their comfort level.

Bucky Brooks (NFL):

19.) Dallas Cowboys — D.J. Moore - WR, Maryland

After the release of Dez Bryant, the Cowboys pluck Moore to handle the role as the team’s top pass catcher for the next decade.

Mel Kiper (ESPN):

19. Dallas Cowboys

Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

I keep hearing the Cowboys like Sutton, though I’d go with Maryland wideout D.J. Moore. Linebacker could also be in play.

Matt Miller (Bleacher Report):

19. Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: WR Courtland Sutton, SMU

If the Dallas Cowboys have cleared Leighton Vander Esch medically, I believe he’s the pick here. But as I reported on Wednesday’s Stick to Football podcast, many teams have removed him from their board. With Vander Esch’s future in question, the Cowboys look to plug the hole left by the release of Dez Bryant.

Courtland Sutton entered the 2017 season as a potential top-10 pick but never answered the critics’ questions about speed and separation on film or in workouts. He’s a big-bodied receiver who can dominate on 50/50 balls but might not be super savvy as a route-runner. The Cowboys can make that work opposite Allen Hurns if Sutton can give them wins on slant routes and comebacks—something his tape says he can do.

Don’t be surprised if this is Vander Esch on Thursday night, but Sutton might be the better pick long-term.

Miller goes on to say that Dallas “won’t force a pick at wide receiver”. Leighton Vander Esch is a strong possibility.

Dallas Cowboys: NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported what I’d also heard this week: The Cowboys really like Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The feeling from scouts I’ve talked to is that Dallas won’t force a pick at wide receiver in Round 1.

Who is looking to move up?

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to the Bills, for instance, there a few other teams looking to potentially make a move up in the first-round. This is something to watch, as the Cowboys have been a team mentioned to possibly look to move back tonight.

How many QBs go in round-one?

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

There will almost certainly be four quarterbacks that go tonight — maybe all in the top-ten — and more-than-likely a fifth. But, can we see as many as six quarterback hear their names called in AT&T Stadium this evening?

The Jets are the team to watch regarding Josh Allen, says Matt Miller.

The Patriots appear to be interested in 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson:

Jeremiah mocks Jackson to New England in his mock.

Will Mason Rudolph sneak into the first-round?