NFL Draft 2018 – First Round Mock Draft

* Underclassmen –   Selection order prior to Super Bowl game

Pre NFL Combine – after East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl Games

x – Division winner / y – Wild card team / z – coin flip at NFL Combine determines order                      

1st Round   

  1 Cleveland – 0-16 – * Josh Rosen                     QB                  UCLA                6-4        220

  2 NY Giants – 3-13 – * Saquon Barkley               RB                  Penn State        5-11      225

  3 Indianapolis – 4-12 – * Quenton Nelson           OG                 Notre Dame      6-5        330   

  4 Cleveland (Hous) – 4-12 –* Minkah Fitzpatrick  S                   Alabama           6-1        205

  5 Denver – 5-11 – * Josh Allen                            QB                  Wyoming          6-5        235

  6 NY Jets – 5-11 –  * Sam Darnold                      QB                  Southern Cal     6-4        225

   Photo – RB Saquon Barkley – Penn St

7 Tampa Bay – 5-11 – Bradley Chubb                 DE                  NC State           6-4        275

  8 Chicago – 5-11 – * Connor Williams                 OT                  Texas               6-6        320

  9 z – San Francisco – 6-10 – * Arden Key            DE                  LSU                  6-6        240

10 z – Oakland – 6-10 – * Orlando Brown               OT                  Oklahoma         6-8        360

11 Miami – 6-9 – * Roquan Smith                          LB                  Georgia            6-1        225

12 Cincinnati – 7-9 – Baker Mayfield                    QB                  Oklahoma         6-0        215

Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com has scouting info including updates and in depth Senior Bowl Game and Practice evaluation, Top 100 Prospects in the February Newsletter (19 pages) Available Now

13 Washington – 7-9 – * Derwin James                S                    Florida State     6-3        210

14 Green Bay – 7-9 – * Tremaine Edmunds           LB                  Virginia Tech     6-5        240

15 Arizona – 8-8 –  * Lamar Jackson                    QB                  Louisville          6-3        200

16 Baltimore – 9-7 – * Calvin Ridley                      WR                 Alabama           6-1        190

17 LA Chargers – 9-7 –  Mike McGlinchey             OT                  Notre Dame      6-8        315

18 Seattle – 9-7 – * Joshua Jackson                      CB                  Iowa                 6-1        195

19 Dallas – 9-7 –  * Courtland Sutton                     WR                 SMU                 6-4        215

20 Detroit – 9-7 – Marcus Davenport                    DE                  UTSA                6-7        255

21 y Buffalo – 9-7 – * Denzel Ward                       CB                  Ohio State        5-10      190

22 Buffalo (x Kan City) -10-6 – * Vita Vea            DT                  Washington       6-5        345

23 x LA Rams – 11-5 – * Ronnie Harrison              S                   Alabama           6-3        215

24 y Carolina – 11-5 –  * Carlton Davis                 CB                  Auburn              6-1        205

25 y Tennessee – 9-7 – * Isaiah Oliver                  CB                  Colorado          6-1        190

26 y Atlanta – 10-6 – * Harrison Phillips               DL                  Stanford           6-4        295      

27 x New Orleans – 11-5 – * Da’Ron Payne          DT                  Alabama           6-2        310

28 x Pittsburgh- 13-3 – Rashaan Evans              LB                  Alabama           6-3        235

29 x Jacksonville – 10-6 – Mason Rudolph           QB                  Oklahoma St     6-5        230

30 x Minnesota – 13-3 – Anthony Miller               WR                  Memphis           5-11      190

31 x New England – 13-3 – Martinas Rankin         OT                  Mississippi St    6-5       305

32 x Philadelphia – 13-3 – * Derrius Guice            RB                  LSU                  5-11      215

NFL 2018 Player Award Winners
Rams and Saints Win Double Player of the Year and Rookie Awards

Most Valuable Player: 
Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Oldest Player (40) ever to win the MVP Award

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: 
J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

J.J. Watt raised over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey victims

Photo – DE J.J. Watt – Houston Texans

Offensive Player of the Year
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Defensive Player of the Year: 
Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams
First time two players from same team won Player of Year awards

Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com has scouting info including updates and in depth Senior Bowl Game and Practice evaluation, Top 100 Prospects in the February Newsletter (19 pages) Available Now

Offensive Rookie of the Year: 
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

Defensive Rookie of the Year: 
Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints
First time since 1967 Lions that two Rookies from same team earned Awards

Comeback Player of the Year: 
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Deacon Jones Award: 
Chandler Jones, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award: 
Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers

Coach of the Year: 
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

Assistant Coach of the Year: 
Pat Shurmur, OC, Minnesota Vikings

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#3 Georgia (13-1) vs #4 Alabama (13-1)
CFP National Championship
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga 8 pm – ESPN

The CFP national championship game tonight in Atlanta will feature two SEC teams, Alabama and Georgia. It is only the second time two teams from the same conference will play for the national title. Alabama is going for its 5th national title under HC Nick Saban since 2009 and third in a row. They won in 2016 vs Clemson only to lose to the Tigers last year. Georgia under former Saban assistant Kirby Smart will be attempting to win the national title for the first time since 1980.

The two SEC powers did not play during the 2017 or 2016 seasons or postseason. The last meeting between the SEC powers was early 2015 with Alabama prevailing with a 38-10 victory.

This game will feature strong running back tandems, in Alabama juniors Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough vs the Georgia Bulldog dynamic senior duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Both clubs like to run the ball to set up their young QBs. Bama soph QB Jalen Hurts has been a veteran of big games starting two years in the SEC and playing in his second national title clash. His two-year record of 26-2 rivals any young leader in recent years. His ability to run and make plays with his feet has been a difference maker in many big games. He ran for 808 yards in 2017 and 8 TDs, complimenting the Tide tandem of Scarbrough and Harris. Hurts has thrown for 17 TD passes and just 1 interception. The Bulldog tandem of Chubb and Michel has rushed for an FBS career record of 8259 yards, a remarkable achievement despite some key injuries. This game also features two top ten defenses who have peaked over the late 2017 season except for a select subpar efforts, Alabama vs Auburn and Georgia vs Oklahoma in the semi finals.

Georgia features true freshman Jake Fromm who is coming off a great comeback victory over Oklahoma 54-48 in double OT. He is the first true freshman to start in the national title game in over 30 years. The OT win over the Sooners was the worst game of the season for the Bulldogs defense who had not allowed more than 28 points in any game prior to the semi-finals. Georgia defense is led by junior OLBs Roquan Smith and Lorenzo Carter who must make big plays for the Bulldogs to be successful.

The Bama defense has allowed over 20 points a game only three times this season and is coming off a pounding of Clemson 24-6 where they dominated the line of scrimmage for 60 minutes. Their front seven has been dominant and will fully challenge the Bulldog line. Bama looks to stop the run first and will load the box to stuff the Georgia duo of Chubb and Michel. They hope to force the young QB Fromm to win the game from the pocket. DT Da’Ron Payne is an anchor in the middle that allows the endless group of Bama linebackers to flow to the ball. The defensive group is young, but has matured nicely over the 2017 season with over half the unit underclassmen. Saban rotates as many as 15-18 defenders to play his multiple packages that have been instrumental in his blitz packages and base defense.

Saban looks to get an early lead, similar to this recent Clemson victory behind a strong ground game and mobile QB that dictates field position with good ball security. His defense rules the line of scrimmage while his zone coverage schemes takes away big plays. Look to Saban to force Georgia freshman QB Fromm to win from the pocket operating from behind a power Tide ground game. It has been a prescription for the Tide to win numerous big games. Bama wins its fifth national title since 2009 under Nick Saban.

Alabama 27 Georgia 10

Saints’ Rookie RB Alvin Kamara –
Draft Insiders’ 2017 Yearbook Scouting Report

NFL Rookie Report – NFL Draft 2017
Saints Running back Alvin Kamara #41

Alvin Kamara has totalted 111 carries for 7.4 touches per game for 684 yards and 6.2 yard average with 7 TDs and just 1 fumble. He also added 75 receptions for 742 yards and 5 TDs as one of the most versatile backs in the NFL. His numbers come as the 1A type back behind veteran Mark Ingram who has rushed for 1089 yards on 217 carries and 12 TDs with 1 game to go. The Saints ground game has been awesome throughout the 2017 season with both inside power and big play impact. Kamara has given veteran QB Drew Brees a playmaker in a few roles which has opened up this down the field passing game. Saints look to clinch the NFC South title with a victory in Tampa this Sunday.

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Photo – RB Alvin Kamara – Saints

Draft Insiders’ 2017 Yearbook Scouting Report – March, 2017

* Alvin Kamara #6 – 5-10, 215, Tennessee – Sp. 4.55
            Rating 86 – Player Comparison: Lamar Miller
Talented multi-dimensional all around back has been an impact performer for the Vols the past two seasons following a JC stay after transferring from Alabama. Earned SEC honors in 2016 after an excellent overall performance. Tough natural runner shows very quick feet with good size and speed to be an NFL feature back. Runs with a wiggle and able to string multiple moves together. Gets to top speed quickly, though must learn to adjust his speed and change gears better to avoid tacklers. On the 2nd level, he has a burst to run away from most defenders. Displays decent lower body power and is able to make consistent yardage after contact. Keeps his pad level down, and will run over 2nd level defenders. Fast developing receiver comes out of the backfield quickly into his routes. Shows reliable hands and capable of making the tough catch. In space, he knows what to do with the ball and shows the burst to take the play the distance. Very effective on screens and wheel routes with the ability to sit in holes and get free as a check down option. Displayed the ability to run inside and outside, though not a physical downhill power back between the tackles. As a pass blocker, he’s alert, aware and competent at picking up the blitz. Keeps his feet well and shows exceptional balance and functional strength. Explosive when he sees a crease and is capable of ripping off huge yardage at times. Knows situational football, aware of down and distance and where the 1st down markers are to keep drives alive. Versatile talent to give an offense a unique weapon to command special attention in every situation.
The Numbers: As a junior in 2016, he shared time with Jalen Hurd and played in 11 games and rushed for 596 yards on 103 carries for a 5.8 yard average and 9 TDs. He caught 40 passes for 392 yards and 4 TDs. As a sophomore, he rushed for 698 yards on 107 carries for a 6.5 average and 7 TDs. He caught 34 passes for 291 yards and 3 TDs. Over his short career, he rushed for 1294 yards on 210 carries for 6.2 yard average with 16 rushing TDs and 74 catches with 7 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 5’10” and 214 lbs. and ran a 4.56 time. He did 15 reps and added a 39.5” VL and 10’ 11” BJ. At the Vols’ pro day, he looked sharp in drills, catching everything and looking smooth in his routes.
The Skinny: Natural runner and receiver with good speed to change games. Nice combination of speed, power and cutting skills. Combines the size, quickness and strength to get into the end zone. Well-rounded with the suddenness to get outside and make the corner with the burst to hit the home run. Rising talent probably goes in the top 50-60 prospects and capable of being a quality feature back similar to Lamar Miller in size, style and speed. Fine early round addition with starting talent to be a three down back, though more a 1A type.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Review – June 2017
RB Kamara is a solid versatile playmaker who can fill a few key roles. He runs inside and outside and is a high-level receiver and returner. His presence along with vet Adrian Peterson might make veteran Mark Ingram expendable this year. This backfield becomes the deepest in the game.

Wed, 12/27/2017

NFL Power Poll – Eagles & Patriots Rule Conferences
NFC South Bids for Three Playoff Berths

Team of the Week – New Orleans Saints

Players of the Week
Offense – RB Todd Gurley – Rams
Defense – DE Marquis Flowers – Patriots

Rookie of Week – RB Kareem Hunt – Chiefs

Photo – RB Kareem Hunt – Chiefs
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Game of Week #17 – Carolina Panthers (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (9-6)
NFC South Matchup with Divisional Title and NFC Home Field Advantage on the line

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1- 13-2 Eagles
Eagles won despite a subpar performance by QB Nick Foles. Earned home field advantage thru NFC postseason.
#2 – 12-3 Patriots
Pats just do not beat themselves. Hold home field advantage thru AFC playoffs.
#3 – 12-3 Steelers
Steelers’ get a bye week, but will have to go through New England to win the AFC title.
#4 – 11-4 Rams
Rams’ edged out the Titans last week to clinch their first NFC West division title since 2003.
#5 – 12-3 Vikings
Vikings shutout the Rodgersless Packers. They earned NFC North title with win.
#6 – 11-4 Saints
Saints’ have met every challenge and play for NFC South title with trip to Tampa.
#7 – 11-4 Panthers
Panthers travel to Atlanta that will decide NFC South title and wild card clubs.
#8 – 9-6 Chiefs
Chiefs jumped on the Dolphins to win the AFC West title. It earned them back to back divisional titles for the first time in franchise history.
#9 – 9-6 Falcons
Falcons failed vs the Saints. Host the Panthers this week in a must win situation for a wild card berth.
#10 – 10-5 Jaguars
Jaguars’ failed to stop the 49ers in big situations. Clinched AFC South title nevertheless. Close with matchup with Titans.
#11 – 9-6 Ravens
Ravens win the final wild card berth with a win or tie vs the Bengals or a loss or tie by Bills or Titans.
#12 – 9-6 Seahawks
Seahawks beat the Cowboys to stay alive for final wild card, though they need help with a Falcons loss or tie.
#13 – 8-7 Chargers
Chargers host the Raiders in a must win situation, though they need help to extend their season.
#14 – 8-7 Titans
Titans lost another heartbreaker in the last minutes to the Rams. They can still earn wild card with a win at home vs the Jaguars.
#15 – 8-7 Cowboys
The overrated Cowboys lost to the Seahawks to get eliminated from the playoffs.
#16 – 8-7 Lions
Lions lost to the lowly Bengals which eliminated them from the playoffs in an erratic disappointing performance.
#17 – 8-7 Bills
Bills came up short vs the Patriots, but still alive to end their 17 year playoff drought vs the Dolphins.
#18 – 7-8 Redskins
Redskins beat the hapless Broncos behind a strong effort by QB Kirk Cousins.
#19 – 7-8 Packers
Packers were shut out without QB Aaron Rodgers and face key offseason decisions on personnel.
#20 – 7-8 Cardinals
Cardinals shut out the pathetic Giants in a meaningless game for both clubs.
#21 – 6-9 Dolphins
Dolphins did not show up in key game vs the Chiefs. Look for big turnover this offseason.
#22 – 6-9 Raiders
Raiders failed to play with urgency again vs the Eagles. Many veterans playing their last Raider game this week.
#23 – 6-9 Bengals
Bengals win their last home game under HC Marvin Lewis who never won a postseason game with Cinny.
#24 – 5-10 49ers
The 49ers bombed the tough Jaguars behind hot new veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo. San Fran is in place for a big run in 2018.
#25 – 5-10 Jets
Jets offense continues their disappointing performance with games on the line. In search for playmakers to become a contender.
#26 – 5-10 Broncos
Broncos will play young QB Paxton Lynch this week with Chiefs coming to Mile High.
#27 – 5-10 Bears
The Bears beat the Browns behind emerging rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky. May be last home game for HC John Fox.
#28 – 4-11 Texans
Texans were slammed by Pittsburgh. Club never recovered from losses of JJ Watt and Deshaun Watson.
#29 – 4-11 Bucs
Bucs pushed the Panthers to the limit but failed late to hold a slim lead. Top 5-8 pick can give this club a boost.
#30 – 3-12 Colts
Colts need a major overhaul to get into contention. Future health of QB Andrew Luck remains a mystery.
#31 – 2-13 Giants
Giants finishing their worst season in decades with key questions related to QB Eli Manning this offseason.
#32 – 0-15 Browns
Browns travel to Pittsburgh with a perfect 0-16 season in the balance. Two picks in top 5 selections this April.

Jan. 8 – College Football Playoff National Championship Presented By AT&T
#2 Alabama (12-1) vs #1 Georgia (13-1) – 8 p.m. ESPN – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

It’s an all SEC national title final after the two conference powerhouses Alabama and Georgia took care of Clemson and Oklahoma. Alabama avenged losing the national title last year to Clemson and shutdown the Tigers offense consistently to enter the national title game again. The Tide methodically followed their game plan of sound field position, good ball security and tough defense. They controlled the line of scrimmage throughout and played flawlessly to stay in command from their opening score. It’s the same formula that the Crimson Tide has historically used to consistently win, especially in big game situations. It worked again and they are back in the national championship despite not playing in the SEC title game.

College Football Semi Final Playoffs
#3 Georgia 54 #2 Oklahoma 48
#4 Alabama 23 #1 Clemson 6

Photo – QB Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma

Georgia made an amazing comeback vs Oklahoma to overcome a game long deficit. Freshman QB Jake Fromm had a super clutch performance to makeup for another incredible effort by Heisman Trophy winner QB Baker Mayfield to win in double OT. The Bulldogs’ ground game was once again a dominant factor with seniors Nick Chubb and Sony Michele both pounding the ball, in addition to big plays. They kept Mayfield and the potent Sooner offense on the sidelines nicely through the second half of the game. Mayfield was unstoppable with laser like accuracy and keen decision making. This game can go instant classic off numerous clutch big plays. The Sooner defense must take the blame here as they failed to play sound defense in any respect. Poor tackling allowed Georgia to keep every drive alive and cut the margin to a one score game.

Both clubs, Alabama and Georgia enter the national title game with one loss. The only undefeated team in the nation is Central Florida who beat Auburn on New Years’ day. Ironically, Auburn beat both Alabama and Georgia during the regular season. They lost to Georgia in the SEC title game, which knocked them out of the top four clubs and semi-finals. Central Florida is one of the great stories of the year. HC Scott Frost remained with the club through the bowl season, despite signing as the new Nebraska coach in December. Frost was a star QB and safety there in the ‘90s and an ideal fit for the Cornhuskers who hopes to rebuild their program under Frost’s direction. The UCF perfect performance will bring shouts of a new 8 team playoff system, similar to when TCU was excluded a few years ago despite an unblemished record.

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January All-Star Games 2017 Postseason Schedule
Jan. 15 – Tropical Bowl – FBS All-star Game – Daytona Beach, Florida
http://www.tropicalbowl.com/
Jan. 21 – NFLPA Collegiate Game– StubHub Center @ Cal St Univ, Dominguez Hills, Ca.- 1 pm – FS1
Jan. 21 – East-West Shrine – St. Petersburg, Florida – 3 pm est – NFL Networkhttp://www.shrinegame.com

*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 28, 2017

Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 23rd thru Thursday Jan 26th
http://www.seniorbowl.com

CBS Radio Show – Frank Coyle with host Andy Gresh
Radio Broadcast with NFL scout Frank Coyle and CBS host Andy Gresh
NFL Draft 2017 discussed. NFL Prospects – Mock Draft

CBS NFL Draft Radio Show below Pro Prospects for the Upcoming NFL Draft

College Football Playoff schedule
Final Regular Season Top 25 Teams

Here is the 2017-18 college playoff lineup and College football playoff rankings

Jan. 1 – Semi-final Matchups

College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl Game
#3 Georgia vs. #2 Oklahoma
5 p.m., ESPN
Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California

College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl
#4 Alabama vs. #1 Clemson
8:45 p.m., ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans

Photo – QB J.T. Barrett – Ohio St

Jan. 8
College Football Playoff National Championship Presented By AT&T
Semi Final Winners
8 p.m. ESPN – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

College Football Playoff Rankings
Rank / Team / Record
1 Clemson 12-1
2 Oklahoma 12-1
3 Georgia 12-1
4 Alabama 11-1
5 Ohio State 11-2
6 Wisconsin 12-1
7 Auburn 10-3
8 USC 11-2
9 Penn State 10-2
10 Miami 10-2
11 Washington 10-2
12 UCF 12-0
13 Stanford 9-4
14 Notre Dame 9-3
15 TCU 10-3
16 Michigan State 9-3
17 LSU 9-3
18 Washington State 9-3
19 Oklahoma State 9-3
20 Memphis 10-2
21 Northwestern 9-3
22 Virginia Tech 9-3
23 Mississippi State 8-4
24 NC State 8-4
25 Boise State 10-3

Dropped from rankings: Fresno State 25

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites