2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft

sportscoach said:

@gijimbo and pick number 112 are on the clock

(@PIP you didn't trade from pick 111 lol)

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Leave me alone

-Jim

With the 112th pick of the 2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:

Terrell Edmunds, CB, Virginia Tech

Player Bio
FeDerius Terrell Edmunds is not as tall or strong as his brother, Tremaine, but this Hokie is a force to be reckoned with in the secondary. The son of former Pro Bowl tight end Ferrell Edmunds proved his own acumen as an all-state running back in Virginia (1,753 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns as a senior). Most recruiting services listed him as a cornerback, however, so the Hokies played him on the scout team at that position in 2014. Edmunds moved to Rover the next season, starting eight of 13 games played and posting 34 tackles, 1.5 for loss. He broke out as an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2016, starting 13 of 14 games played and recording 89 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and four interceptions (one coming against Arkansas in the Belk Bowl). With an eye towards his future, Edmunds wisely shut down his junior season after 10 starts to have surgery on his left shoulder. He still garnered third-team All-ACC recognition while playing through the pain early in the year, making 59 stops, 2.5 for loss, intercepting two passes, and breaking up four others.

Analysis By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Round 3-4

NFL Comparison
DeShawn Shead

Overview
While younger brother Trumaine may get the headlines in this year's draft, Terrell is a quality prospect in his own right. Like his brother, Terrell possesses high end speed and explosion traits that are coveted for his position. He has man cover talent against big targets and should step right into a role on the coverage units for special teams. Edmunds is at his best near the line of scrimmage and has eventual starter potential, but inconsistencies as an open field tackler may be a cause for concern in some NFL war rooms.

Strengths
One of the team leaders on defense
Impressive combination of NFL size and quick-twitch movement
Quick change of direction
Former cornerback with sudden burst from lateral transitions
Has size and cover talent to carry pass-catching tight ends around the field
Reliable hands to take it away when in position
Desired pursuit speed as chase defender near the line
Looks for work as tackler
Plays with energy and smarts
Handles contain when called upon and lets teammates flow to the ball
Has size and speed to offer immediate help on kick coverages
Athletic bloodlines from father to mother to siblings

Weaknesses
Will do the work as tackler but can take the worst of the collision
Missed open field tackles have dogged him
Takes inconsistent angles to the ball
Lunges rather than sliding his feet to close distance on cutting runners
Too aggressive in response to route fakes
Bites and gets forced into recovery mode
Lacks desired instincts and feel for deep coverage
Doesn’t get enough depth to help on deep throws
Slow to read quarterback and get the jump to range over top
Fails to find football when his back is to the ball
Missed the end of the season with a shoulder injury that will have to clear medicals

@JDailey23 is on the clock!

Edmunds is a nice value pick there. Hes a lot like Julius Peppers as a Rover who doesn't really have a set position, but great athletic specimen who needs to grow into a role in the NFL.

Randolphkeys said:

Edmunds is a nice value pick there. Hes a lot like Julius Peppers as a Rover who doesn't really have a set position, but great athletic specimen who needs to grow into a role in the NFL.

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I liked him as a hybrid/Swiss-army knife type that can make an impact on special teams from day one, but who could potentially develop into a starter at nickel. I've hit most of my needs in the earlier rounds, so trying to focus on some players with some upside.

I have contacted JDailey, and he is going to be out of town and handed over the GM duties.

Denver selects:

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Oklahoma EDGE 6'2" 251

I am short on time, but Denver has their biggest needs filled. At this point, a rotational edge player will keep the strength of the team fresh: Von Miller, Shane Ray, and the defensive ends if injury hits. He provides upside in the fourth in a draft class short on edge rushers.

From NFL.com...


Overview

Okoronkwo doesn't possess the height, weight and length teams usually want on the edge and he doesn't have the bend or athletic traits to supersede his deficiencies. With that said, he's solidly built and plays with good aggression and motor. He lacks the physical and athletic traits that would make him a more dangerous NFL rusher, but he flashes some explosiveness and has enough room for improvement that he should develop into a solid NFL backup with eventual starter potential.

Strengths

• 
  
  
  • Compact build with thick shoulders and well-built legs
  • Flashes NFL power when it's time to lock horns
  • Gets off ball and up the field with some juice
  • Attacks the pocket with natural instincts as a rusher
  • Uses hesitation moves, changes pace and alters his path to the quarterback
  • Leg drive and leverage allow him to play through soft edges at top of his rush and attack pocket from flat angle
  • Looks to play under the block if tackle over-sets
  • Lauded for growth and maturity since first coming into the program
  • Plays with decent strength at the point of attack
  • Posted impressive tackle numbers thanks to quick disengage and finish
  • Able to accelerate to the flanks to help run down the ball

Weaknesses

• 
  
  
  • Lacks the length teams will look for from a full-time 3-4 OLB
  • Needs to improve technique and consistency setting edge
  • Needs faster punch to prevent edge blockers from owning his frame
  • Gets flattened out by quality run blockers
  • Doesn't take a stand early on
  • Tight-hipped, face up rusher
  • Beat inferior Big 12 tackles with power and effort over athletic traits as rusher
  • First rush step is a false step
  • Counter moves get thwarted when he's too tall
  • Needs to work on becoming more slippery as a rusher
  • More violent than skilled with hands
  • Lacks experience in coverage and will get lost at times

@Soda and the Cleveland Browns are on the clock!

@thedarkness2332 and @kriegs get ready...

The Cleveland Browns select...

Kemoko Turay, EDGE, Rutgers​

Analysis

More edge depth is certainly something the Browns are going to need. Chubb will handle a lot of snaps, but Turay will get situational snaps to start. Eventually, we see him becoming a difference maker who plays more downs than not.

Overview

Explosive edge defender with the coveted traits of an NFL pass rusher. Turay is still behind on feel and skill in that area and will need to develop a go-to move and a workable counter to beat NFL tackles. However, his ability to chase and tackle could translate right away. Turay splashed at Senior Bowl practices and certainly helped his cause to go on day two of the draft.

Strengths

Extremely explosive with tight-skinned, sinewy build
Sudden lateral quickness can disrupt in the gaps
Able to crash down the line and close down back-side lanes on stretch plays
Plays with good closing burst to the ball
Rangy with good pursuit motor
Starts what he finishes as tackler
Rarely allows a broken or missed tackle
Former high school long jump and triple jump champ with springy lower half to make a sudden, lateral pounce to capture runners in his area
Moves easily and naturally in space
Aware when dropping into coverage
Slides in space to mirror quarterback's eyes
Able to ramp up secondary rush to harass quarterbacks
Has coachable traits as pass rusher

Weaknesses

Rigid pass rusher with tight hips
Has issues dipping and bending when he gets to the top of his rush
Rushes with a face-up approach that makes him easier to find and punch for tackles
Bounced by contact in his rush and is forced to re-start
Needs to improve hands and get beyond his basic rush approach
Unable to absorb and counter
Inconsistent at holding his ground when faced with angle blocks from tough tight ends
Shoulder injuries and subsequent surgeries ravaged his sophomore and junior seasons

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

NFL Comparison

Yannick Ngakoue

@thedarkness2332 ON THE CLOCK.
@kriegs on deck
@Amherstcavsfan in the hole

Miami Dolphins
2017 record: 6-10
Head coach: Adam Gase (3rd Year; Record 16-16)
Biggest Team Needs in Order (my take): RB, DT, TE, RT, QB, LB, OG, S, WR



The PICK is IN…





With the 115th selection in the 2018 RCF Mock NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select:





Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State University




HEIGHT - 6'1
WEIGHT - 227 lbs
ARMS - 32 3/4”
HANDS - 9 1/2”

40 Yard Dash
4.46 seconds (4.44 at Pro Day)

Bench Press
15 reps

Vertical Jump
33.5 inches (37 inches at Pro Day)

Broad Jump
122.0 inches

3 Cone Drill
6.91 seconds

20 Yd Shuttle
4.35 seconds (4.20 at Pro Day)


My Take:

After shipping out Jay Ajayi for a bag of those questionable pretzel M&M’s, this team turned the backfield over to Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams. Drake showed explosive glimpses, but he is far too inconsistent and lacks the necessary vision. He’s more “athlete” than running back. I think he's a guy who can help keep a primary back fresh, but nothing more than split carries. Williams is a “bleh” kind of rusher. Nothing special. The Miami roster needs play-makers—a real change-up. They finished 28th in the NFL in Points/Game, 25th in Yards/Game, and 29th in Rushing Yards/Game. The ‘Fins acquired a new starting guard and center this offseason. They're ready to take the next step. Now enters one of the more underrated 3-down backs in the 2018 NFL Draft--Kalen Ballage.

Ballage, in college, split carries. He had a few monster games, and a few where you were waiting for him to show up and he didn't receive many touches. As a pass catcher, he's basically a receiver. He's extremely advanced as a back with the ability to run crisp routes and find space when the play breaks down. At 6'2, 227, with his speed in space, it's incredible. He has a great set of hands, and he was drawing David Johnson comparisons at the Senior Bowl. In fact, by all accounts, he was fantastic at the Senior Bowl. He's a guy who used his size to lower a shoulder and run through guys in Mobile. That's something he didn't do as often as you'd like at Arizona State. He showed more juke than raw power in college despite his large frame. Sometimes he seemed tentative--almost afraid to get yanked from games. At the Senior Bowl, none of that mattered. He ran like a wolf chasing sheep. Just pure anger and adrenaline.

In regard to this odd shift in playing style, he reminds me of Chris Carson with the Seahawks. He's a guy who had all the tools, didn't put it all together in limited chances at Oklahoma State, and then really impressed Pete Carroll with how hard he ran. Amazing preseason, stole the starting job, and then a freak injury likely kept him from being a stand-out rookie along with Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara. Ballage is very similar. The difference is that he's already an extremely advanced pass catcher. This is where the league is heading. He occasionally gets knocked for vision, but he's very creative in space at finding yards as a receiver and I've seen him do the same thing carrying the rock. At the Senior Bowl, he was a head-turner. He looked like a new man. Watch him finish a run with strength in the Senior Bowl Highlight clip at the bottom of this post and still tell me how a few misinformed scouts thinking he's "soft" is a weakness of his.

I think he's a three-down back in the NFL. He's incredibly unique. That size, that speed, that elusiveness, that route-tree, those hands. He can stay on the field due to his skill set. Kenyon Drake is around to keep him fresh, but I really think this is a guy who could slide into the end of Round 2. He's going to be a good pro back--it's all there. Getting him here in the 4th is a dream for the Dolphins.



The Scout's Take (via Charlie Campbell):

Summary

The 2018 NFL Draft is strong at the running back position, and Ballage is one of the potential good values who could be had lower than where he would go in an average draft class. Ballage flashed special talent at Arizona State, but never put together a big season for the Sun Devils, making him a more complex evaluation for NFL scouts.

As a junior in 2016, Ballage had 536 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. Half of his rushing touchdowns came in one game against Texas Tech. He also made 44 catches for 469 yards and a touchdown that season. In 2017, the senior averaged 4.3 yards per carry for 657 yards and six touchdowns. He had 20 receptions for 91 yards as well. Ballage earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl and really helped himself in Mobile with an excellent week of practice. Ballage showed a real burst to rip off yards in chunks, was dangerous as a receiver, and flashed blocking potential. Ballage's Senior Bowl performance reminded this writer of how David Johnson looked in Mobile in 2015.

There is a lot to like about Ballage for the NFL. To go along with size, he is surprisingly fast, possessing a real burst with first-step quickness to hit the hole before it closes. Ballage has easy acceleration to the second level with another gear in the open field to break off long runs. He is a smooth runner who can glide through defenses and weave his way to extra yardage.

Even though Ballage is a big back, he is more elusive in the open field than a power runner who runs through tackles. Ballage is shifty and can make defenders miss in the open field. He has surprising moves and is not a typical big back who can't beat defenders with cutting ability. Ballage uses those moves to dodge tacklers rather than run through them. Even though he has big size, Ballage is not a physical runner who runs over defenders regularly. At the Senior Bowl, he ran with more violence and aggression, but that was not the norm for him in college.

As a receiving back for the NFL, Ballage is very impressive. He has soft hands to make receptions and runs good routes. Ballage finds open space for his quarterback and uses his instant acceleration to take check downs for good gains. On top being a skilled receiver, Ballage flashes better blocking and pass protection than you see out of a lot of college backs these days. Ballage's ability contribute in the passing game is very advanced.

Ballage is hurt by having produced inconsistently in college despite a skill set capable of putting up some massive seasons. Because of his height, Ballage can be an upright runner, which leads to defenders landing some hard hits on him. A few team sources said that Ballage has questionable makeup and some think he plays a bit soft.

In the 2018 NFL Draft, Ballage stands a good shot of being a second-day pick. He might sneak into Round 2 if he works out and interviews well. Ballage probably won't last long if he makes it to the fourth round. The third round could end up being the happy medium where Ballage hears his name called.

Strengths

• Quick burst

• First-step quickness

• Fast to the hole and to hit the second level

• Second gear in the open field

• Elusive runner; good moves in the open field

• Athletic

• Smooth runner

• Natural receiving back

• Good route-runner

• Soft hands

• Quick feet

• Can contribute as a kick returner

• Thick lower body

• Advanced pass blocking for a college back

• Athletic upside

Weaknesses

• Questionable makeup

• Inconsistent production

• Can run upright

• Some scouts think he's soft

• Not as physical of a runner as one would expect

Player Comparison

DeMarco Murray

I reached out to team sources, and they said Murray was a good comparison for Ballage. The two have a similar running style with a surprising skill set of quickness in a bigger back with receiving ability. Murray was a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and Ballage could also be a third-rounder. If Ballage pans out, he could be a back similar to Murray.



Highlights





2018 Draft Summary:

#8 – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
#42 – Maurice Hurst Jr, DT, Michigan
#107 - Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
#115 - Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State


…and yet again, the ladies rejoice.

@kriegs and the Dallas Cowboys are now ON THE CLOCK.

@Soda I went back and forth on Turay and Okoronkwo. I went with the polished guy who doesn't have the measurables over the measurables but lacking in polish. I blame Barkevious Mingo for my bias. Who did you have higher going into that Browns pick?

Randolphkeys said:

@Soda I went back and forth on Turay and Okoronkwo. I went with the polished guy who doesn't have the measurables over the measurables but lacking in polish. I blame Barkevious Mingo for my bias. Who did you have higher going into that Browns pick?

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I hate to say it, but I don't formalize a board (like fantasy ). I do look into 30 or 40 guys pretty closely and keep them organized in my head. This deep in the draft, I peruse like 4-5 "Top 100" lists and vet some of the highest guys left at 2 or 3 positions of need with some actual written breakdowns. Last year, I bought Brugler's draft prospect guide, but didn't spring for it this year. It's an encyclopedia of these guys.

To answer your question, I like Turay for his frame and 6'5" height. In my ideal scenario, Turay is allowed to ease-in and learn/put on strength. If he busts his tail, he can be more special than Okoronkwo. Maybe not right away, but I do really like Turay.

Since I have held @kriegs hand wihlth PM reminders all draft, and he has had the most picks, he has eighth hours to pick before the timekeeper gives him a long snapper. IvI' given her m personal invites to draft like ten times... Step it up and pay attention dude!

I think it's fair to say Kriegs has eight hours to pick before I find the Dallas Cowboys a new long snapper at night to remember... Seriously had all day and night.

With the 116th pick in the 2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select...

Nyheim Hines, RB, N.C. State

Previous Picks:
1 (19): D.J. Moore - WR - Maryland
2 (50): Mark Andrews - TE - Oklahoma
2 (57): Mike Hughes - CB - UCF

My Take...
The Cowboys need a quality satellite back to compliment Ezekiel Elliot, and they have made no secret of it leading up to the draft this year. Nyheim Hines fits this mold perfectly, as one of the most explosive satellite backs available in this draft after the top tier of running backs. Hines will allow Elliot to play more to his strengths as an in-between the tackles grinder. One of the best kept secrets in the NFL is that Elliot is miscast as a target on passing downs.

Dallas entered this draft with many needs, but clearly felt adding playmakers and weapons on a depleted offense was a priority, as apposed to interior defensive line. The Cowboys were interested in Hines' teammate B.J. Hill, but Jerry Jones prefers the flashy pick in Hines.




Via NFL.com...

Overview
Hines has dual-threat talent but doesn't have the size for full-time work at running back and is in need of much more work as a receiver. Hines' value to teams could rest upon how they envision using him. It is possible that he benefits from the success of Saints rookie Alvin Kamara with teams looking to plug him into that role, but he's not on Kamara's level. Hines is a linear runner whose ability to cut and burst would fit with teams looking for a change of pace back in an outside zone running scheme.

Analysis

Strengths

• Two-sport participant who brings real sprinter's speed to the turf
• Versatile threat offering creative offensive coordinators a toy to tinker with
• Has experience as lone running back and slot receiver
• Flashed his homerun potential with touchdown runs of 83, 54, 50, and 48 this season
• Most comfortable when he's keeping outside zone carries over the tackle
• Build-up speed can eliminate pursuit angles and thrust him into open space for chunk yardage
• Quality stiff-arm
• Plays with adequate toughness to gain yards after contact
• Hands and catch focus showed improvement this season as a receiver
• Possesses raw talent waiting to be molded
• Has kick and punt return experience and has taken three kicks back for touchdowns

Weaknesses

• Smaller than ideal as a running back
• Needs to do better job of sidestepping big hits or face durability concerns
• Better athlete than running back and better runner than receiver
• Lacks feel for blocking in front of him
• Hasn't learned to hug the lane and flow away from traffic just yet
• Can be slow to see run lane development allowing defenders a chance to close
• Needs to run with more consistent tempo and rhythm in outside zone
• Vision stalls when attempting to find cutback lanes
• Not a natural pass catcher and has dealt with drops throughout his career
• Needs to improve sink into routes and quickness into his breaks

Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4

NFL Comparison
Tyler Ervin

*My hand was held while making this pick