The day is finally here. After months of predictions and prognostications, the 2018 NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday, April 26. The three-day event will usher the latest class of college football stars into the greatest football league in the world. Dreams will be achieved, and expectations will be created.
For the last time, here's a look at the 2018 NFL mock draft, starting with the first eight picks.
1. Cleveland Browns: QB Sam Darnold, USC
Despite trading for Tyrod Taylor, the Browns will pick a quarterback with the first overall pick, so long as they keep that pick.
Reading the tea leaves as to which quarterback that will be is a little tougher. Most reports and mocks point to Darnold, so he'll be the top overall pick in this NFL Mock Draft.
2. New York Giants: QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
Evaluations of Allen are all over the place. Some think he's the best quarterback in the class, while others see no future starting potential. The truth rests somewhere in between, as it often does. Allen may need more development than other NFL Draft quarterback prospects, but with Eli Manning in town, he won't need to play right away.
3. New York Jets: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
A strong case can be made here for Josh Rosen. Something about Mayfield's confident persona is drawing him into New York, though.
Sure, he might be undersized for a franchise quarterback - so is Drew Brees. And yes, his list of headaches on and off the field are well known. But the NFL Draft is an opportunity to instill some charisma and hope within the franchise's fans.
4. Cleveland Browns: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
With quarterback out of the way, the Browns have the opportunity to draft the best remaining player in the NFL Draft.
In this case, that's the do-it-all running back from Penn State that can add another dimension to an offense that's changing rapidly this spring.
5. Denver Broncos: DE Bradley Chubb, NC State
John Elway has already declared the pick up for grabs so that Denver may move out of this spot. If they don't, they should take the best defensive player in the NFL Draft.
Aqib Talib is gone, but Denver should still be a team built around defense. With Chubb and Von Miller rushing the quarterback, Derek Carr will be living in fear.
6. Indianapolis Colts: G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
Andrew Luck's health is the top priority from now on. The best offensive lineman in the NFL Draft should help achieve that goal. He's strong, athletic, and has demonstrated great technique since his early college days. If he's still available at No. 6, this should be a no-brainer.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Safety is the team's top need this offseason. The choice is between Fitzpatrick and Derwin James. James may have played his college ball in the state, but Fitzpatrick is the superior prospect.
He's versatile, with the ability to shift to the slot, corner, or even linebacker. The ballhawk can start immediately and develop from there.
8. Chicago Bears: CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
Chicago could use some depth in their cornerback ranks. Ward is the best pure corner in the NFL Draft. He's super fast, owner of a 4.32 40-yard time. He also possesses really strong footwork. Ward is a bit undersized, but that hasn't held him back yet.
