Daniel Jeremiah's Top 50 Prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[zevo]

Interesting....if teams go qb crazy in round 1 there will be some solid talent being pushed down the board. Just don’t know if the bills can or should push off drafting one another year. I almost feel that if they don’t move up into the top 5 it may behoove them to just stay put and take BPA and see what shakes out in round 2.

[blacklabel]

DJ is one of my favorite draft guys. He knows his stuff, he's worked for pro teams in the past. Depends on what happens in free agency, but with how strong this class is in front seven players, I can see them going DL and LB with their early picks. McDermott is probably dying for one of those sideline to sideline LBs like Edmunds or Smith or Evans or the Boise State kid. Based on Jeremiah's assessment, I'd say Rashaan Evans is a guy they probably have valued pretty highly given his versatility. And there are plenty of solid DTs like Vea, Payne, Hurst, etc. Just based on what they did in Carolina, (consistently added front seven players in the early rounds) I wouldn't be surprised if that's the route McBeane takes.

[zevo]

1 minute ago, blacklabel said:

DJ is one of my favorite draft guys. He knows his stuff, he's worked for pro teams in the past. Depends on what happens in free agency, but with how strong this class is in front seven players, I can see them going DL and LB with their early picks. McDermott is probably dying for one of those sideline to sideline LBs like Edmunds or Smith or Evans or the Boise State kid. Based on Jeremiah's assessment, I'd say Rashaan Evans is a guy they probably have valued pretty highly given his versatility. And there are plenty of solid DTs like Vea, Payne, Hurst, etc. Just based on what they did in Carolina, (consistently added front seven players in the early rounds) I wouldn't be surprised if that's the route McBeane takes.

The more I think about it....i think using our picks is the way to go. Rebuild and reshape the roster with cost controlled talent. If somehow we could get to number 2 that’s the only way i personally would get really excited about the prospects of a qb. Grabbing Lamar Jackson in round 2 would also be a dream but isn’t happening. I’m just glad I don’t have to make these decisions.

[KDIGGZ]

32 minutes ago, blacklabel said:

DJ is one of my favorite draft guys. He knows his stuff, he's worked for pro teams in the past. Depends on what happens in free agency, but with how strong this class is in front seven players, I can see them going DL and LB with their early picks. McDermott is probably dying for one of those sideline to sideline LBs like Edmunds or Smith or Evans or the Boise State kid. Based on Jeremiah's assessment, I'd say Rashaan Evans is a guy they probably have valued pretty highly given his versatility. And there are plenty of solid DTs like Vea, Payne, Hurst, etc. Just based on what they did in Carolina, (consistently added front seven players in the early rounds) I wouldn't be surprised if that's the route McBeane takes.

DT and LB - I think there will be a lot of value available at those positions when we pick, especially if teams go QB crazy early on and those guys get pushed down the draft board.  Vea, Payne, or Hurst...at least one of them should be available at 21 and they are all day 1 starters in the NFL.  I know the Bills are high on Smith the MLB from Georgia but he is undersized for the position in the NFL and could have a hard time taking on OL and plugging holes to stop the run.  Evans has more ideal size for the position.  Assuming the Bills don't trade up I think we can get 2 very good starters at 21 and 22

[Mr. WEO]

3 minutes ago, kdiggz said:

DT and LB - I think there will be a lot of value available at those positions when we pick, especially if teams go QB crazy early on and those guys get pushed down the draft board.  Vea, Payne, or Hurst...at least one of them should be available at 21 and they are all day 1 starters in the NFL.  I know the Bills are high on Smith the MLB from Georgia but he is undersized for the position in the NFL and could have a hard time taking on OL and plugging holes to stop the run.  Evans has more ideal size for the position.  Assuming the Bills don't trade up I think we can get 2 very good starters at 21 and 22

 

 

"Say what, say what?"...

[FistingBot]

40 minutes ago, zevo said:

The more I think about it....i think using our picks is the way to go. Rebuild and reshape the roster with cost controlled talent. If somehow we could get to number 2 that’s the only way i personally would get really excited about the prospects of a qb. Grabbing Lamar Jackson in round 2 would also be a dream but isn’t happening. I’m just glad I don’t have to make these decisions.

 

I agree. We have an aging roster with a ton of holes that needs to be filled. Watching guys like Nick Foles, Blake Bortles, and Case Keenum get their teams to championship games make me think trading up for a QB perhaps isn't the best move. We can get a QB at 21/22 or in the second round and still fill some other holes if we don't package the picks to trade up.

[13player]

I hope they do this right, 4 picks in the first two rounds and free agency, do not address qb this year, draft an LB, DT,  2 interior lineman and move on from incognito and miller and mills as starters, keep Glenn, resign Gaines, take a RB in the third and then load up with corners.

 

if they do this right and build a kick as front for a QB than draft whoever you want next year, move up and take the guy you want, unless Mike white is there in the 4th (which I doubt) sign a journeyman QB.

 

If the o-line is great the chance of your 1st round qb picks goes through the roof.

 

just my opinion 

Edited January 23, 2018 by 13player

[BillsVet]

I see a lot of these early mock drafts having Buffalo take 2 defenders at 21 and 22. Perhaps that thought process is a result of the HC's background AND their need on that side of the ball. It's very early, but doing this would hurt more than it would help.

 

Early returns shows there's defensive talent this draft, but a strategy that goes defense first to me is a losing one. The defense has clear needs, but with the way the game is going, hoping to be a strong defensive team with a pedestrian offense is only going to get you so far. And next year I would expect other franchises (OAK, IND, HOU, TEN) to rebound with better QB play making it a little harder to sneak into the playoffs.

 

Of course they need a QB, but the skill positions aren't strong or are aging and, aside from Dawkins the OL is either aging or not good.  More high picks on defense is (EDIT: not) the value right now to get this team deep into the playoffs.

 

Edited January 23, 2018 by BillsVet

[PIZ]

I like Vita Vea a lot, but it looks like we are not going to get close to him.  Roquon Smith may fall, looking at this.  What are your thoughts on these guys.  Seems like they would fit the mold McBeane is looking for, and could all be had with a trade down to maybe get another 2nd or 3rd pick. 

 

Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State – Rank 40

Vander Esch is a long, instinctive and fast inside linebacker. Against the run, he's quick to key/read and aggressively shoot gaps. He does a good job sorting through the trash to find the ball. He flashes the ability to pop/separate from blockers, but at times, he's too narrow and gets washed out. He has outstanding speed/range. He's a highly productive tackler, but also produces a couple fly-by missed tackles in every game. He has ideal size/speed to mirror tight ends in coverage and he's a productive blitzer. Vander Esch was one of the most productive players in the country this past season and should be an immediate starter at the next level.

Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State – Rank 41

Hubbard has ideal size and he was very productive for the Buckeyes. As a pass rusher, he has an average get-off, but he has an array of hand moves and power. He has experimented with a spin move, but that is still a work in progress. He's very effective when he's used as a looper and allowed to rush against offensive guards. His effort is outstanding and he's a good finisher despite some ankle stiffness. He's very strong at the point of attack in the run game. He also uses his quickness and effort to make plays from the back side. I see Hubbard as an ideal 4-3 left defensive end. If he adds some weight, he would also fit as a DE for teams that employ three-man fronts.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville – Rank 43

Jackson has been the most dynamic playmaker in college football for the last two seasons, operating out of the shotgun in the Cardinals' offense. He has a lean, narrow frame. He has quick feet in his setup and he bounces on his toes once he gets to the top of his drop. He throws with a very narrow base. He generates tremendous velocity despite flipping the ball and failing to generate any power or torque from his lower half. He's more accurate/consistent on in-breaking routes and over-the-top touch throws. His accuracy suffers when he has to drive the ball outside the numbers. He is too stiff on his front leg and the ball sails on him. His pocket presence has improved over the last year and he excels avoiding unblocked rushers. He's the most electric runner at the position to enter the NFL in the last decade. On designed QB runs, he's very elusive and slithery. Overall, Jackson needs time to work out some mechanical issues, but his playmaking ability is special.

[26CornerBlitz]

1 hour ago, zevo said:

The more I think about it....i think using our picks is the way to go. Rebuild and reshape the roster with cost controlled talent. If somehow we could get to number 2 that’s the only way i personally would get really excited about the prospects of a qb. Grabbing Lamar Jackson in round 2 would also be a dream but isn’t happening. I’m just glad I don’t have to make these decisions.

 

This is one of the core principles that I have heard Beane express. 

[John from Riverside]

I mean...if vita falls how do you NOT take him?

 

 

[Wagon Circler]

Not ready to throw 5 high picks for a shot at Rosen or even Mayfield.

I would be OK staying put and drafting Ferguson or White in the first round.

But QB MUST be addressed in the first 2 rounds.

[jwhit34]

Starters needed: QB, WR, 2 on OL, 2 DTs, 2 LBs, 1 CB

 

Hopefully they re-sign Gaines and the CB is solved. Free agency may yield 1-2 other starters, the rest of the free agents will be for depth and they need quite a few back ups. 

 

Unless there are 2 guys they feel the same as they did on Tre White, I would trade either 21 or 22 for a lower first and a low second. 5 picks in top 64 sounds good to me.

 

 

[njbuff]

Prospect rankings are all over the place during this draft process.

 

Just have to wait it out and see how it goes.

 

This is why mocks are useless.

[Domdab99]

how could can this list be any good? There's a RB at No. 1.

Edited January 23, 2018 by Domdab99

[26CornerBlitz]

2 minutes ago, Domdab99 said:

how could can this list be? There's a RB at No. 1.

 

Easily. The highest graded prospect in a particular draft can be at any position.

[Domdab99]

Just now, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Easily. The highest graded prospect in a particular draft can be at any position.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the list is supposed to be for NFL prospects, not how great someone was in college. RBs are a dime a dozen. Anyone who chooses one in the first round is a sucker. 

[26CornerBlitz]

2 minutes ago, Domdab99 said:

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the list is supposed to be for NFL prospects, not how great someone was in college. RBs are a dime a dozen. Anyone who chooses one in the first round is a sucker. 

 

You shouldn't necessarily correlate a prospect's grade to what position he'll be selected in the actual draft.   Tell that to the Cowboys and Jaguars who selected Elliott and Fournette with high 1st round picks. 

[YoloinOhio]

3 hours ago, PIZ said:

I like Vita Vea a lot, but it looks like we are not going to get close to him.  Roquon Smith may fall, looking at this.  What are your thoughts on these guys.  Seems like they would fit the mold McBeane is looking for, and could all be had with a trade down to maybe get another 2nd or 3rd pick. 

 

Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State – Rank 40

Vander Esch is a long, instinctive and fast inside linebacker. Against the run, he's quick to key/read and aggressively shoot gaps. He does a good job sorting through the trash to find the ball. He flashes the ability to pop/separate from blockers, but at times, he's too narrow and gets washed out. He has outstanding speed/range. He's a highly productive tackler, but also produces a couple fly-by missed tackles in every game. He has ideal size/speed to mirror tight ends in coverage and he's a productive blitzer. Vander Esch was one of the most productive players in the country this past season and should be an immediate starter at the next level.

Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State – Rank 41

Hubbard has ideal size and he was very productive for the Buckeyes. As a pass rusher, he has an average get-off, but he has an array of hand moves and power. He has experimented with a spin move, but that is still a work in progress. He's very effective when he's used as a looper and allowed to rush against offensive guards. His effort is outstanding and he's a good finisher despite some ankle stiffness. He's very strong at the point of attack in the run game. He also uses his quickness and effort to make plays from the back side. I see Hubbard as an ideal 4-3 left defensive end. If he adds some weight, he would also fit as a DE for teams that employ three-man fronts.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville – Rank 43

Jackson has been the most dynamic playmaker in college football for the last two seasons, operating out of the shotgun in the Cardinals' offense. He has a lean, narrow frame. He has quick feet in his setup and he bounces on his toes once he gets to the top of his drop. He throws with a very narrow base. He generates tremendous velocity despite flipping the ball and failing to generate any power or torque from his lower half. He's more accurate/consistent on in-breaking routes and over-the-top touch throws. His accuracy suffers when he has to drive the ball outside the numbers. He is too stiff on his front leg and the ball sails on him. His pocket presence has improved over the last year and he excels avoiding unblocked rushers. He's the most electric runner at the position to enter the NFL in the last decade. On designed QB runs, he's very elusive and slithery. Overall, Jackson needs time to work out some mechanical issues, but his playmaking ability is special.

Hubbard would be best utilized as an olb in a 3-4. Other than that, a Mcbean type all the way. He converted from lacrosse player to safety to olb/DE. Very intelligent kid. 

Edited January 23, 2018 by YoloinOhio

[DCOrange]

9 minutes ago, Domdab99 said:

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the list is supposed to be for NFL prospects, not how great someone was in college. RBs are a dime a dozen. Anyone who chooses one in the first round is a sucker. 

 

Jeremiah isn't saying Barkley will be the #1 pick in the draft. He's saying he's the best player in the draft. Just because he's the best player doesn't necessarily mean it makes sense to take him there value wise. For example, all the big boards from last year that didn't have a QB listed in their top 20 didn't mean that they thought Trubisky, Watson, and Mahomes were all reaches on draft day.

[Domdab99]

5 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

 

Jeremiah isn't saying Barkley will be the #1 pick in the draft. He's saying he's the best player in the draft. Just because he's the best player doesn't necessarily mean it makes sense to take him there value wise. For example, all the big boards from last year that didn't have a QB listed in their top 20 didn't mean that they thought Trubisky, Watson, and Mahomes were all reaches on draft day.

 

okay, that makes sense

Edited January 23, 2018 by Domdab99
do I get a prize for being the first poster on this board to agree with someone who has corrected him?

[Estro]

First time I've seen the USC QB rated this high, and I have to say I agree.  He looks like the complete package.  Throw him in there with a group of good RBs I'd love to take in the 2nd round.

[26CornerBlitz]

DANIEL JEREMIAH: "WE ARE GOING TO SEE A RUN" (2:56)
Bills' Insider Chris Brown and NFL Network Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah discuss what potential options the Bills have coming out of the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama.

[Kirby Jackson]

On 1/23/2018 at 2:51 PM, Domdab99 said:

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the list is supposed to be for NFL prospects, not how great someone was in college. RBs are a dime a dozen. Anyone who chooses one in the first round is a sucker. 

I think that the Cowboys and Jags are pretty happy with the guy that they took in the top 5.  Both teams took a massive leap. The pendulum is swinging back in that direction.

Edited January 25, 2018 by Kirby Jackson

[The Firebaugh Kid]

On 1/23/2018 at 10:47 AM, zevo said:

The more I think about it....i think using our picks is the way to go. Rebuild and reshape the roster with cost controlled talent. If somehow we could get to number 2 that’s the only way i personally would get really excited about the prospects of a qb. Grabbing Lamar Jackson in round 2 would also be a dream but isn’t happening. I’m just glad I don’t have to make these decisions.

I agree. Unless you can move up and get "your guy" without giving away the farm, I would sit tight and draft the next group of McD guys. 

Happy to see James Washington WR Ok St NOT on this list. He's my favorite WR in this class. Love to steal him in the 2nd. 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[PIZ]

Would love to get one of the top 3 QBs (not sure on Allen) + Harrison Phillips DT - Stanford, but that doesn't look possible.

[John from Riverside]

35 minutes ago, PIZ said:

Would love to get one of the top 3 QBs (not sure on Allen) + Harrison Phillips DT - Stanford, but that doesn't look possible.

Lamar Jackson and Harrison Phillips would be though

[PIZ]

15 minutes ago, John from Hemet said:

Lamar Jackson and Harrison Phillips would be though

 

I love the electricity of Lamar Jackson.  I'm just not a good enough talent evaluator to say if I think he will be good in the NFL.  I lean on the "experts" for that, and I don't see many people saying he is a sure-fire NFL starter in their minds.

[John from Riverside]

1 minute ago, PIZ said:

 

I love the electricity of Lamar Jackson.  I'm just not a good enough talent evaluator to say if I think he will be good in the NFL.  I lean on the "experts" for that, and I don't see many people saying he is a sure-fire NFL starter in their minds.

What I always find interesting is how QBs fall year to year.

 

Meaning.....someone of Lamar's talents might be much higher rated in another draft.....his game is much like Mike Vick's who went number 1 overall in his draft and actually was a very dynamic player that carried his team.

 

I would sign up for that.....and it allows us to keep our draft picks

[PIZ]

1 minute ago, John from Hemet said:

What I always find interesting is how QBs fall year to year.

 

Meaning.....someone of Lamar's talents might be much higher rated in another draft.....his game is much like Mike Vick's who went number 1 overall in his draft and actually was a very dynamic player that carried his team.

 

I would sign up for that.....and it allows us to keep our draft picks

 

I like that (keeping our draft picks).  If the Bills select him, I will trust that they know what they are doing.

[teef]

7 minutes ago, PIZ said:

 

I love the electricity of Lamar Jackson.  I'm just not a good enough talent evaluator to say if I think he will be good in the NFL.  I lean on the "experts" for that, and I don't see many people saying he is a sure-fire NFL starter in their minds.

i'm completely with you on this.  i've seen him play a number of time, and he's a ton of fun to watch.  i just have zero idea if any of that will translate over.

[PIZ]

Lots can change on all of these guys between now and then.  This (below) is depressing (so far away):

 

 

The 2018 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 26......and ends on Saturday, April 28.

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[thebandit27]

Updated:

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919918/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-50-prospects-for-2018-nfl-draft-20?campaign=tw-cf-sf183870243-sf183870243&sf183870243=1

[MrEpsYtown]

Man what the hell? DJ keeps omitting Mason Rudolph...what an idiot....

[26CornerBlitz]

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 prospects for 2018 NFL Draft 3.0
With about three weeks to go until the 2018 NFL Draft, here are my latest top-50 prospect rankings. Penn State RB Saquon Barkley remains the No. 1 player on my board. There's movement up and down the rankings, but the biggest movers are in the second half of the top 50. The movement here is based on a combination of NFL Scouting Combine results, pro-day results, further film review and feedback I've heard about teams' interviews with prospects. Guys like Maryland WR D.J. Moore have aced the offseason, and that's why they're moving up.

[26CornerBlitz]

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 prospects for 2018 NFL Draft 4.0

Here are my final top-50 rankings before the 2018 NFL Draft begins on Thursday (8 p.m. ET on NFL Network and FOX). There's always the possibility of a late surprise or two, but at this point, teams have all the important information on these players and their boards are locked in.