Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook: Final Standard Rookie Mock

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On May 6, 2018

This class isn’t historically good, but for standard leagues, it’s darn exciting. In most rookie drafts, it looks like the first five or six picks will be running back. I think we all know that’s pretty rare. I don’t want to keep you waiting, here’s my final standard mock draft!

Round One

1) Saquon Barkley, RB NYG

This is the easiest selection you’ll ever make. From day one, Saquon Barkley will be a weekly must start. Grab the Penn State product and don’t look back.

2) Derrius Guice, RB WAS

The storm that is the NFL draft has come and passed and Derrius Guice, although barely, is still the best option at the 1.02. He’s no Barkley, but in standard leagues, Guice is about as good a talent as you can hope for. Don’t let his draft day slide due to pre-draft issues make you look elsewhere.

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3) Rashaad Penny, RB SEA

I’m legitimately worried about Rashaad Penny’s career. As a first rounder of Seattle, he’s got a lot of hype to live up to and will get very little help from his offensive line. He’ll get a ton of touches and has some talent to work with, but I’m not expecting any All-Pro seasons.

4) Nick Chubb, RB CLE

Even if Chubb is initially weighed down by Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde, he’s no doubt, this teams back of the future. Cleveland’s offense might be among the league’s best in just a few years, and Chubb could be a centerpiece.

5) Ronald Jones, RB TB

Ronald Jones is now another piece in a young offense that will terrorize defenses for a long time. If Rojo reaches his full potential he’ll a top-five back who changes games with his rare athleticism.

6) Sony Michel, RB NE

I get it. There are reasons to be wary of any New England running back. I just don’t think Bill Belichick, or any other NFL GM for that matter, take a tailback in round one unless they plan to use them heavily. Once Tom Brady retires, Michel could be the straw that stirs the Pats offense.

7) D.J. Moore, WR CAR

D.J. Moore was the first receiver off the board in the NFL Draft and should be the same in rookie drafts. Carolina has a franchise quarterback but no clear number one pass catcher, Moore has quite an opportunity here and should be able to take advantage.

8) Kerryon Johnson, RB DET

Bob Quinn traded up for one reason: to get Matthew Stafford a running back. Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and LeGarrette Blount are there, but Kerryon Johnson is going to be the guy sooner or later.

9) Calvin Ridley, WR ATL

I thought Calvin Ridley was one of the big winners on draft day. He’s going to a team up with an MVP quarterback and a superstar receiver who consistently takes double teams. I’m gladly drafting Ridley whenever I can.

10) Royce Freeman, RB DEN

Denver hasn’t had much stability at running back, Royce Freeman may just change that. On straight up talent, I don’t think he’s worth taking in the first round. Team fit matters though. Freeman will most likely be the lead back for the Broncos.

11) Courtland Sutton, WR DEN

Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are still Broncos, but it’s clear who the future is at the wide receiver position. Sutton could be a starter in Denver for the next decade.

12) Christian Kirk, WR ARI

Larry Fitzgerald will turn 35 before the 2018 season kicks off. Christian Kirk is in line to be Josh Rosen’s long-term go-to receiver. You couldn’t dream up a better landing spot for the Aggie.

Round Two

1) Baker Mayfield, QB CLE

With a whirlwind off-season, the Browns suddenly have an electric offense. With Mayfield at the head, he’ll have no problem producing.

2) Josh Rosen, QB ARI

Quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians is gone, but Josh Rosen already has everything he needs to be a franchise quarterback.

3) James Washington, WR PIT

Give me a receiver of Washington’s talent all day long in Pittsburgh’s offense. He, with Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, form a scary good trio.

4) Anthony Miller, WR CHI

A year ago, Chicago had next to nothing out wide. Now after Ryan Pace has added Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller, Mitchell Trubisky and the entire passing game can bloom.

5) Michael Gallup, WR DAL

Gallup should become one of Dak Prescott’s primary pass catchers in no time. With his skill set, he could be the Cowboys number one receiver by season’s end.

6) Dante Pettis, WR SF

Pettis’s fluid athleticism is a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’ll be used in more ways than one.

7) Lamar Jackson, QB BAL

Jackson has the upside to be a quarterback you can build your dynasty roster around.

8) Mike Gesicki, TE MIA

With his natural talent as a receiver and landing spot, Gesicki is the clear number one tight end.

9) D.J. Chark, WR JAX

Chark will add a true deep threat to an underrated passing attack.

10) Sam Darnold, QB NYJ

Darnold has the tools to be a top-flight quarterback. As for now, however, his supporting cast is among the league’s worst.

11) Hayden Hurst, TE BAL

Baltimore invested a first rounder in Hurst who they believe will be their franchise tight end.

12) Antonio Callaway, WR CLE

Some say that if it weren’t for the off-field issues, Callaway would have been their WR1.

Round Three

1) Kalen Ballage, RB MIA

Kenyan Drake had a breakout 2017 campaign and Frank Gore was brought in this off-season, but Kalen Ballage should still be able to make his mark.

2) Tre’Quan Smith, WR NO

Smith should be an instant impact weapon for one of the better offenses in the NFL.

3) Keke Coutee, WR HOU

Coutee has a chance to be the third piece in a receiving corps that already boasts DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller.

4) Josh Allen, QB BUF

If Sean McDermott can maximize Josh Allen’s potential he’ll be a true QB1.

5) Nyheim Hines, RB IND

Marlon Mack showed some flashes last year but Hines should push him for snaps right off the bat.

6) DaeSean Hamilton, WR DEN

Hamilton will struggle for targets in 2018 but will play a key role for Denver down the road.

7) Daurice Fountain, WR IND

Fountain was a late riser and could find immediate playing time in Indianapolis.

8) Jordan Akins, TE HOU

Akins should get a starting spot in an offense that is just beginning to stir. He’s flying under the radar and will be a steal in a lot of drafts.

9) Dallas Goedert, TE PHI

If he landed in the right spot, Dallas Goedert is a mid second round pick. We’ll see if can ever break out of Zach Ertz shadow.

10) Mark Andrews, TE BAL

Even if he’s backing up Hayden Hurst, Mark Andrews will see some targets and make the most of them.

11) Ito Smith, RB ATL

I’ll be shocked if Tevin Coleman is back in Atalanta in 2019. Ito Smith should take Coleman’s spot in an offense that likes to use their backs.

12) Cedrick Wilson, WR DAL

There’s plenty of opportunities for Dallas receivers to make a name for themselves. Don’t be surprised if Wilson does just that.

Round Four

1) Dalton Schultz, TE DAL

Schultz probably won’t fill Jason Witten’s shoes, but he’s most likely taking his role as starting tight end in Dallas.

2) Deon Cain, WR IND

Outside of T.Y. Hilton, the Colts don’t have much at wideout. Deon Cain could change that.

3) Jordan Lasley, WR BAL

Lasley has the natural ability to become a starter for the Ravens if he can avoid off the field issues.

4) Jaylen Samuels, RB PIT

Samuel’s role will most likely be hard to define. We’ll see if new OC Randy Fichtner can make the most of his skillset.

5) Mark Walton, RB CIN

Walton is joining a crowded backfield but his talent should allow him to earn some snaps.

6) Chris Herndon, TE NYJ

I’m betting on Herndon to win the starting job. If he does, he’ll see a lot of targets in an improving passing attack.

7) J’Mon Moore, WR GB

With Jordy Nelson gone and Randall Cobb in a contract year, Green Bay’s wide receiver position is in flux. J’Mon Moore has a chance to quickly grab a starting job.

8) Jaleel Scott, WR BAL

Jaleel Scott will give the Ravens a lanky wideout who can win jump balls.

9) Equanimeous St. Brown, WR GB

If Equanimeous can put his tools together he could become a prolific red-zone target for Aaron Rodgers.

10) Chase Edmonds, RB ARI

Edmonds should win the backup job but will be firmly behind David Johnson.

11) Ian Thomas, TE CAR

When Greg Olsen retires, Ian Thomas will be the number one tight end in Carolina.

12) John Kelly, RB LAR

Talent wise, Kelly is a steal here but it looks like he’ll be stuck behind Todd Gurley for several seasons.

Next Best Available

Mason Rudolph, QB PIT

Rudolph will inherit the keys to the high-flying Steeler offense when Ben Roethlisberger retires.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR GB

Valdes-Scantling is far from well known but should make the Packers roster and push for playing time.

Justin Watson, WR TB

The Buccaneers offense has a bright future, Justin Watson might just play a part in it.

Jordan Wilkins, RB IND

Indianapolis took Wilkins on day three to round out their young backfield. With no clear starter in place, he’s worth taking a chance on late in your drafts.

That wraps up this edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook”. Please leave a comment or question about a specific prospect, or fit for your team, below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. See you next time!

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