As they like to say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
As they say less frequently but is also true, you never get a second chance to have a first reaction.
Since that’s the case, we thought it’d be a good exercise to round up all 32 first-round draft picks in this year’s draft along with what blue-checkmarked NFL experts Ian Rapoport, Adam Schefter, Mike Clay, Albert Breer, Will Brinson, Jason La Canfora and Danny Kanell had to say immediately after the selections were made on Thursday night.
Hindsight is 20/20 and only time will tell if Rapoport, Schefter and Breer’s analysis of the first 32 picks will turn out to be correct, but at least this way we can judge ‘em if it isn’t (or if it is).
Let’s get to it.
No. 1: Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback
Something in the Austin, TX water:
Within the past year, Drew Brees (Westlake HS) set NFL completion percentage record for a single season.
Nick Foles (Westlake HS) won Super Bowl MVP.
And now, Baker Mayfield (Lake Travis) won the Heisman and became the No. 1 overall pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
.@PFF_Steve and @PFF_Mike explain why the Browns got the top QB in the draft in Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/urSqrl5QZp
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 27, 2018
Early Browns QB Baker Mayfield 2018 projection:
4 starts, 85-of-140, 981 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs, 12 carries, 57 yards
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 2: New York Giants – Saquon Barkley, Running Back
On many, many boards, RB Saquon Barkley was the No. 1 overall player. Giants GM Dave Gettleman always takes best player available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Giants were never taking a QB and were all about propping up Eli at the end of his career. This pick confirms it. It’s Barkley
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
A quarterback-needy team took a running back 2nd overall in a draft in the year 2018.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 3: New York Jets from Indianapolis Colts – Sam Darnold, Quarterback
Asked someone in the Jets draft room who they were taking when they went on the clock. Response: “Duh”. pic.twitter.com/g5COIye3oX
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 27, 2018
That’s three for three for me on my mock. Heard consistently the Jets believed Darnold had supreme upside. Jets get their guy and love that move to 3
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
Going into the draft I thought the QB that went to the Jets was going to have the toughest job….it’s going to be tough for Sam Darnold
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
No. 4: Cleveland Browns from Houston Texans – Denzel Ward, Cornerback
The #Browns sticks at No. 4 and take the top CB on the board — #OSU CB Denzel Ward. Their target all along. Easy call and higher than most teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Denzel Ward is great but you don’t pass up the best player in the draft when he falls in your lap.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
Okay did not see that happening Denzel Ward to the Browns at 4. Chubb is still on the board and no way he gets back the Colts at 6, now. That might be the end of them trading down
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 5: Denver Broncos – Bradley Chubb, Defensive End
Was excited for Garrett-Chubb, but instead it’s Von Miller-Chubb. Nasty.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Broncos had their pick in within a minute. Bradley Chubb was a layup at No. 5. John Elway wins big early.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
Denver considered trading back, never up. But ultimately it decided to scuttle any trade talk; it could not pass up NC St. DE Bradley Chubb.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
No. 6: Indianapolis Colts from New York Jets – Quenton Nelson, Guard
The #Colts did not get enough trade action… and take #ND G Quenton Nelson. He was the top player on some boards. Nothing more important than protecting Andrew Luck.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Too many scouts I trust threw around the terms “potential Hall of Famer” with Nelson for him to last much beyond this. Colts got a new leader on their OL
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
Colts projected offensive line:
LT – Anthony Castonzo
LG – Quenton Nelson
C – Ryan Kelly
RG – Jack Mewhort/Matt Slauson
RT – Denzelle Goode/Joe Haeg— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 7: Buffalo Bills from Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Allen, Quarterback
The #Bills did not love the California QBs. This was all about #Wyoming QB Josh Allen and that’s who they trade up to take. He goes No. 7.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Bills entered today with the league’s worst QB situation…aka Josh Allen is likely to play (likely a lot) this year.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
FAST FORWARD SIX MONTHS:
“Guys this is not on Josh Allen. The Bills don’t have the personnel around him to help his accuracy. You can’t blame him for missing these passes.”
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
No. 8: Chicago Bears – Roquan Smith, Linebacker
Roquon Smith is an outstanding pick for the Bears….he’s gonna carry on that rich tradition of LBer’s in Chicago
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
The #Bears pick is in… and it’s #UGA LB Roquan Smith. They get the centerpiece for their defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Roquan Smith next to Danny Trevathan in the Bears’ 3-4 is nasty. Can’t wait to see Vic Fangio at work with that duo.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 9: San Francisco 49ers – Mike McGlinchey, Tackle
The #49ers take stud #ND OL Mike McGlinchey at No. 9. If they hadn’t, Oakland likely would’ve.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
49ers pick surprised me. Staley-Brown is serviceable and they have many other needs, especially on defense. Nonetheless, added protection for Jimmy G.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
49ers take the first tackle in the draft. Mike McGlinchey, who was very much in play on the other side of the Bay in Oakland with pick 10.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 10: Arizona Cardinals from Oakland Raiders – Josh Rosen, Quarterback
Cardinals wanted QB Patrick Mahomes last year.
Wanted QB Kirk Cousins and QB Josh Allen this year.
Got QB Josh Rosen, who many consider best thrower in this year’s draft.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
“No, no, Jon. That’s the trade chart from 1998. We use this new one now.”
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
Josh Rosen pick is official. We’ll see which of these 4 QBs has the best career. Browns like Mayfield over all of them, Jets same with Darnold. Bills prefer Allen to Rosen.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety
Fitzpatrick has a chance to be a real difference maker. So versatile with ability to take care of centerfield. Dolphins loaded at safety now
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
The #Dolphins stay right where they were and take #Bama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick… a player they never thought would be there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
I’ve had Minkah / Miami linked for months. The reason? Gase/Saban connection. Serious.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 27, 2018
No. 12: Tanpa Bay Bucs from Buffalo Bills from Cincinnati Bengals -Vita Vea, Defensive Tackle
The #Bucs trade back and take #Washington massive DT Vita Vea at No. 12… a player they would’ve taken at No. 7.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Bucs pick is another head-scratcher. Secondary has massive issues and they are in good shape up front.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Tampa Bay’s D line now includes:
Jason Pierre-Paul
Gerald McCoy
Beau Allen
Vinny Curry
Vita Vea
Noah Spence— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
No. 13: Washington Redskins – Da’Ron Payne, Defensive Tackle
The #Redskins get D-line help, which was their big target. Didn’t get Vita Vea, but do get #Bama DT Da’Ron Payne at No. 13.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Skins have a run stopping problem and Da’Ron Payne and Taven Bryan sitting there. But so is LB Tremaine Edmunds, who many thought was going top 10
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 14: New Orleans Saints from Green Bay Packers – Marcus Davenport, Defensive End
Alex Okafor had a nice year opposite Cameron Jordan last year and 2017 3rd-rounder Trey Hendrickson is also in the mix, so I’m definitely shocked they traded a 2019 first to get another edge.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
The #Saints make a monster move for the player they wanted all along — #UTSA’s Marcus Davenport at No 14. They believe he’s a freak. The final piece to a Super Bowl team?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
No. 15: Oakland Raiders from Arizona Cardinals – Kolton Miller, Tackle
Raiders also were very high on UCLA T Kolton Miller, who some think will be top tackle in the draft
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 16: Buffalo Bills from Baltimore Ravens – Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker
Edmunds is going to play a ton this year barring disaster. LB a massive need for the Bills.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Tremaine Edmunds would be the natural target for the Bills here. Ravens go back and coiuld get WR or TE
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 17: Los Angeles Chargers – Derwin James, Safety
The #Chargers stay where they are and take the best defensive player available. It’s #FSU DB Derwin James at No. 17, who Gus Bradley will have some fun with.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Chargers just got the steal of the draft in Derwin James
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
Chargers defense is going to be a top five unit next year… Derwin a STEAL there for Gus Bradley’s crew.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
No. 18: Green Bay Packers from Seattle Seahawks – Jaire Alexander, Cornerback
The #Seahawks move back 7 spots and get a 3rd and a 6th… Meanwhile, the #Packers get one of their top players who they originally targeted.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Packers revamped CBs:
Kevin King (2017 2nd)
Jaire Alexander (2018 1st)
Tramon Williams Sr.
Davon House
Quinten Rollins
Demetri Goodson— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 19: Dallas Cowboys – Leighton Vander Esch, Linebacker
Cowboys DC Rod Marinelli has been a champion for Leighton Vander Esch in the building. He gets his guy.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 27, 2018
Cowboys blatantly taking as much time as possible just to milk the clock in Dallas. Come on Jerry, some of us have mosquitos to circumcise.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
The #Cowboys take the player they wanted for weeks — #BoiseSt LB Leighton Vander Esch — at No. 19. They had zero problem with his neck after doing a final check with their trainers today. No issue.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
No. 20: Detroit Lions – Frank Ragnow, Center
Fast-rising #Arkansas C Frank Ragnow goes to the #Lions… right before the #Bengals were gonna take him. He goes at No. 20.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
So @PFF has been talking that guy up forever. Nailed it. Frank Ragnow goes 20th.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
A month ago I was told Ragnow was without a doubt the best center in the draft and would go top 20-24. Ends up going at 20. Bengals woulda jumped on him next
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals from Buffalo Bills – Billy Price, Center
Bengals have been all-in on OL, and we could see a run of them here. Wynn and Hernandez still out there
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
The #Bengals do take a C — Billy Price from #OSU, who is recovering nicely from a partially torn pec. He goes No. 21.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
No. 22: Tennessee Titans from Baltimore Ravens from Buffalo Bills from Kansas City Chiefs – Rashaan Evans, Linebacker
Alabama just keeps churning them out…Nick Saban is the best talent acquirer of all time
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
Titans lost Avery Williamson to the Jets. Rashaan Evans will compete with Will Compton and Jayon Brown for snaps next to 32 year old Wesley Woodyard.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Mike Vrabel may have just jumped Bill Belichick for a linebacker.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 27, 2018
No. 23: New England Patriots from Los Angeles Rams – Isaiah Wynn, Guard
With #Louisville QB Lamar Jackson on the board, the #Patriots select a versatile OL instead. #Georgia’s Isaiah Wynn. Nate Solder’s replacement. He goes No. 23.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Pats very well would have gone with Kolton Miller here is available, and OL like Wynn, Hernandez still on the board
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
Patriots projected OL:
LT – Isaiah Wynn (2018 1st)
LG – Joe Thuney
C – David Andrews
RG – Shaq Mason
RT – Marcus Cannon— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
No. 24: Carolina Panthers – DJ Moore, Wide Receiver
The Carolina Panthers just drafted the man that Steve Smith described as “my spirit animal.”
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
Panthers add another pass-catcher:
2014 1st – Kelvin Benjamin (traded)
2015 2nd – Devin Funchess
2017 1st – Christian McCaffrey
2017 2nd – Curtis Samuel
2018 1st – DJ Moore— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Scouts I know and trust were adamant that DJ Moore was the best WR in this draft, and not just recently but back at the combine. He ends up going first off board at position
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 25: Baltimore Ravens from Tennessee Titans – Hayden Hurst, Tight End
Ravens loved Hayden Hurst. Evaluators I trust believe he was best TE in draft. Seems like the perfect spot for him. BAL needs a TE
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
Usually takes rookie TEs a while to make an impact and Hurst turns 25 years old this year. Interesting pick by Baltimore, but TE is a big need.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Love what the Ravens did here. Loved Hurst. Huge need. Trade down twice and get their guy and add needed picks
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 26: Atlanta Falcons – Calvin Ridley, Wide Receiver
Falcons WRs:
Julio Jones
Mohamed Sanu
Calvin RidleyPretty, pretty good.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
The #Falcons take a sidekick for WR Julio Jones, taking WR Calvin Ridley at No. 26. That’s a lot of #Bama in the WR room.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
It’s not fair how many weapons the Falcons have for Matt Ryan….Crazy good
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
No. 27: Seattle Seahawks from Green Bay Packers from New Orleans Saints – Rashaad Penny, Running Back
Seahawks always beat to their own drummer, and take RB Rashaad Penny after trading down twice. Obviously think he will make immediate difference
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
Seahawks have moved to a pass-heavy O in recent years, but Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson are gone and they hired run-heavy OC Brian Schottenheimer and just drafted RB in Round 1. May go back to run-first…
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
Hope Rashaad Penny is really good at breaking tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2018
No. 28: Pittsburgh Steelers – Terrell Edmunds,
Wrote a lot about Terrell Edmunds being a guy who could shock people and go first round. If Evans o Vanden Esch are there, its them. But I love this pick. Edmunds was always going top 40ish
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
First time two brothers become first-round picks in same draft.
LB Tremaine Edmunds to Buffalo at No. 16.
Safety Terrell Edmunds to Pittsburgh at No. 28.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
No. 29: Jacksonville Jaguars – Taven Bryan, Defensive Tackle
Jags do the right thing here and take the best player available even with the money they already have sunk into their DL and take Taven Bryan
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
The #Jaguars go with some more help up front —#Florida DT Taven Bryan. Many thought he’d go to the #Falcons, but it’s the Jags who jump in and take him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
No. 30: Minnesota Vikings – Mike Hughes, Cornerback
The #Vikings had trade offers, but take #UCF CB Mike Hughes. He had off the field issues, but can’t argue with the talent. He goes No. 30.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
I had the Vikings taking a corner but a different one. Mike Hughes had some character concerns but Mike Zimmer trusts his ability to put together a strong locker room
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
No. 31: New England Patriots – Sony Michel, Running Back
I can’t see Michel catching many passes in this O, but man, he may get a ton of carries and goal line opportunities
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
The #Patriots take a RB in the first round. A stunner. #Georgia’s Sony Michel goes No. 31. Teams had questions about his knee, New England was OK with it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Sony Michel is going to crush it in New England’s offense.
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
No. 32: Baltimore Ravens from Philadelphia Eagles – Lamar Jackson, Quarterback
Quarterback controversy in Baltimore.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2018
The #Ravens had deep discussions over the past few weeks about how their offense approach would change with Lamar Jackson. And man, will it ever.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
After this season, Ravens QB Joe Flacco has no more guaranteed money on his contract. And Baltimore now has taken Lamar Jackson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2018
Absolutely love what the Ravens did here. I live here and this fanbase and market was desperate for something like this. Brilliant move. Love Ozzie going big on the way out
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2018
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