2018 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Select QB Lamar Jackson at No. 1

It’s time to kick off the 2018 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft! The first card has been handed in, and your Cleveland Browns select...

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The selection and write-up were made by Grimflick:

Importantly, the front office has been clear that starting this fall is not a primary criteria for a quarterback drafted by the Browns -- the team already has a quality quarterback (Tyrod Taylor) to be a bridge. Thus, I am free to speculate on the concept of the player’s ceiling and the likelihood that he attains that ceiling, rather than concentrate solely on their current demonstrable ability. And this is where I will deviate from the expectations of many of the regular posters on DBN and many of the readers of DBN who choose to not participate in the daily discussions: The first player drafted in the DBN Community Mock Draft is QB Lamar Jackson from Louisville.

Jackson is the most dynamic player available in this year’s class for any team to select to contribute to their offense. His passing ability is much better than his statistics might have you believe. Some detractors point to completion percentage as representing disqualifying accuracy. This is a myopic perspective: his passes were in the small cluster of having the highest percentage of catchable throws (77.6%). His completion rate has improved in each of his three seasons at Louisville. His mechanics are good and his release is lightning quick — there is some room for improvement, but he’s expected to sit behind Taylor until things are worked out.

But he isn’t only a pocket passer. Jackson is potentially the most gifted ball carrier available this year. Whether it is from designed running plays, run/pass option plays, or from scrambling when a passing play goes bad, Jackson is able to take off, accelerating to full speed in the blink of an eye. He is able to make instant adjustments and cuts to leave defenders helpless as he speeds by them. In his three seasons at Louisville, 10 of his 50 rushing touchdowns went for over 40 yards. The combination of passing ability and exceptional running ability make Jackson a prospect of disproportionate value.

Pokorny: “Oh, boy, I can’t wait to see the comments on this one, especially after seeing where he’s going to fall on the DBN Big Board (outside the Top 15 at least). Trades were not permitted in our mock draft, but Grimflick did not indicate in his write-up that he would’ve considered that if possible. I’m sure the reason is that if you truly want a certain player to be your quarterback of the future, it makes sense to take him first and not leave it to chance that someone else is in love with him.”

The New York Giants are up next, led by Your Friendly Neighborhood Esq.