/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59391467/usa_today_10264281.0.jpg)
In Todd McShay’s latest mock draft, he put a “general manager” hat on in which he tries to make the actual picks for each team for three rounds as opposed to projecting the picks based on what he is hearing around the NFL.
To refresh, here is who McShay has had going to the Cleveland Browns in all of his 2018 mock drafts to date:
McShay 1.0: QB Sam Darnold, RB Saquon Barkley
McShay 2.0: QB Sam Darnold, RB Saquon Barkley
McShay 3.0: QB Sam Darnold, DB Minkah Fitzpatrick
McShay 4.0: QB Sam Darnold, RB Saquon Barkley, OG/OT Connor Williams, S Justin Reid, CB M.J. Stewart
His newest mock is the biggest one yet — three rounds — but since Cleveland doesn’t have a third-round pick any more, there are still only five selections to project for them. Here they are, along with his assessment:
Round 1 (1): Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Round 1 (4): Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Round 2 (33): Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Round 2 (35): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 2 (64): Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
This is an absolutely vital draft for the Browns -- and they’d be very happy with this haul. Darnold is the best QB in the draft, and could sit and learn behind Tyrod Taylor. Some might think a RB at No. 4 is rich, but Barkley is the best player in the draft, and gives Cleveland a dynamic set of backfield weapons with Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde. Jackson ran a blazing 4.32 40 at the combine and would help on the outside, along with the versatile safety Reid. O’Neill helps solidify an offensive line that still needs help after Joe Thomas retired.
All of McShay’s mock drafts have a recurring positional theme for Cleveland: quarterback, running back, cornerback, safety, and offensive tackle. This one might be his most favorable mock yet for the Browns.