2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[AZ_]

With the 98th pick of the RCF Mock Draft, the NEW YORK JETS select:

Kylie Fitts - EDGE - Utah

6'4 - 253lbs - 33'' Arm -- 9-1/2''

Other picks:

1 (6) Quentin Nelson - OL - Notre Dame
2 (36) Jaire Alexander - CB - Louisville
2 (49) Tyrell Crosby - OL - Oregon
3 (80) Jeff Holland - EDGE - Auburn

Player Bio

Fitts signed with UCLA as a four-star recruit and top 10 defensive end prospect nationally from San Bernardino, California. But after one season there (six games, one tackle on special teams), Fitts decided to transfer away from Westwood to Utah, one of his final choices a year earlier. He redshirted in Salt Lake City in 2014 before earning a starting spot for 11 of 13 games played as a sophomore (eight at left end, three at right end). Fitts showed excellent quickness to the ball and strength in the run game while compiling 41 tackles, eight for loss, and seven sacks, plus he used his power and length to rank ninth in the FBS with four forced fumbles. Primed for a big 2016 season, Fitts instead played in just two games (four tackles, three for loss, 1.5 sacks) before succumbing to a foot injury. Various injuries hindered him in 2017, as he only started 10 games, making 23 tackles that included three sacks.

Overview
Fitts simply hasn't been able to stay at full strength over the last two seasons and it takes heavy digging to find good tape against quality competition because of it. He could be a target for 3-4 teams as a strong-side outside linebacker, but a lack of anchor at the point of attack could chase him into competition for a role as designated pass rusher. He has the talent and traits to play at a higher level than his current grade, but he'll have to prove he can stay healthy.
Strengths

• Has experience playing with a hand down or standing
• Plays with good upfield explosion in first two steps as a rusher
• Has purpose in his rush and gets good forward momentum headed along the rush arc
• Uses efficient hand work to swipe and clear a blocker's hands
• Uses a punch and rip move to work around the tackle outside hand
• Ankle flexion allows for sharper cornering
• Can brake suddenly and change direction to give chase against misdirection runs or bootleg quarterbacks
• Uses long limbs for expanded tackle radius in his area
• Plays with good pursuit speed and range
• Able to spot drop in coverage if needed

Weaknesses

• Durability is a major concern
• Missed all but two games in 2016 due to a foot injury and had to deal with a variety of injuries this past season
• Blockers slow him dramatically once they get hands on him
• Struggles to match power with power when facing up a blocker
• Sets a soft edge against tackles and can be dislodged and pushed out of his run fit
• High-cut frame lacks strength in lower body
• Can be jostled around and out of the play when stunting inside
• Doesn't convert speed to power at effective rate

 

[Soda]

@TheLand1287 is ON THE CLOCK.
@gijimbo is on deck.
@MGMT in the hole.

 

[MGMT]

Mmm

 

[Randolphkeys]

I PMed @TheLand1287 last night to keep this draft moving, and we still don't have a selection. I am commandeering The Saints for this selection. Scott Fujita left the Saints for the Browns back in 2010, and few memorable linebackers have played for the Saints since. So, with the #99 pick in the 2018 NFL draft The Saints select:

Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State
Height: 6'2 Weight 237

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/christian-sam?id=32462018-0002-5601-66da-cb1e44864cc4

Overview

Sam is an inside linebacker who has the ability to swing over to a WILL spot if needed. He absolutely "looks the part" and has the potential to turn some heads with a big Combine and coming off of a 127-tackle season. Scouts have questions about his overall football character which could hurt his draft stock, but his athletic ability and pursuit speed could push him into a starter's role within the first few years of his career if he keeps working at it. He stacked impressive tackle numbers in the PAC 12, and can both stop the run and cover tight ends.

@gijimbo is up.
@MGMT get ready.

 

[Soda]

I PMed @TheLand1287 last night to keep this draft moving, and we still don't have a selection. I am commandeering The Saints for this selection. Scott Fujita left the Saints for the Browns back in 2010, and few memorable linebackers have played for the Saints since.

 

[gijimbo]

I'll pick sometime tomorrow when I get a little down time at work.

 

[gijimbo]

With the 100th pick of the 2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft...

The Cincinnati Bengals select: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

Player Bio
Texas' landing of Jefferson was seen as a turning point for the program, as he was the High School Butkus Award winner as the nation's top linebacker, as well as a Parade All-American and top-20 overall recruit from Mesquite. Longhorn coaches could not wait to get him on the field in 2015, as the true freshman's long, lean build, exceptional athleticism, and quickness allowed him to start nine of 11 games played (he missed time with an ankle injury). He started with a bang, picking up nine tackles, 2.5 for loss, in the season opener against Notre Dame. The Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, and consensus Freshman All-American finished the year with 61 tackles, seven for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Jefferson struggled with a concussion as a sophomore, starting in nine of 11 games again but still garnering second-team All-Big 12 accolades by league media (62 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups). He was healthy enough to start all 13 games in 2017, leading the Longhorns with 110 tackles (10 for loss, four sacks) and earning second-team Associated Press All-American status and first-team all-conference accolades.

Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Round 3

NFL Comparison
Jordan Hicks

Overview
Jefferson has the desired combination of height, weight, speed that teams covet and draft, but his career production never matched his athletic traits. He lacks the instincts and play demeanor to be a middle linebacker and could move to a weakside linebacker spot in a 4-3 to take advantage of his athletic gifts. Jefferson has athletic talent, but needs to play with more of a glass-eating mentality to fit in with NFL linebackers. He has eventual starter talent and should become a very good core special teamer.

Strengths
Built like an NFL linebacker with a long, athletic frame and good musculation
Explosive with loose hips and good speed
Has ability to range far and wide for the tackle
Covers ground quickly when scraping
Can access a second gear when he commits to the pursuit
Substantially more productive when Texas put him in position to think less and just play
Tackles improved from 60 to 104 under new defensive coordinator
Reactive quickness and agility to spring suddenly into runners trying to burst by him
Has recovery speed to make up for slow diagnosis or mistakes in reads
Can be a nemesis as A-gap blitzer or off the edge
Possesses man cover talent
Crowds and squeezing routes
Has seven career passes defensed
Strength to re-route tight ends off the snap

Weaknesses
Plays through a straw and is lacking in instincts
Fails to feel climbing blocks and stay ahead of the traffic in his flow
Pursuit leverage inconsistent
Runs himself out of runs fits too often
Doesn't play as fast as he can
Needs to play with better knee bend
Waits on second level rather than tilting downhill and bringing it to blockers
Passive taking on blocks
Ducks head into contact and allows blockers to swallow him
Gets pushed around more than he should
Missing aggressiveness and alpha quality
Inconsistent coming to balance as open field tackler
Slides off tackles rather than wrapping and running feet to completion
Movement in space as zone defender can be undisciplined and inefficient

Sources Tell Us

"He was better this year because Todd Orlando (defensive coordinator) had him attack and run instead of trying to process and react. I see him as a better tester (Combine) than player." -- AFC regional scout

 

[Soda]

THAT COMPLETES THE THIRD ROUND
ONTO THE FOURTH​

@MGMT ON THE CLOCK
@SuperSurge on deck
@Easybreezy in the hole​

 

[MGMT]

Pick will be in around 5/6 if that’s ok.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Pick will be in around 5/6 if that’s ok.

"Like" has been REMOVED from your post. Cavs game is over, make the pick!

 

[BlessEm]

Philly is looking to move up.
Eagles have:

4th Rd.
#130
#132

5th Rd.
#156
#169

Pm me if ya got something .

 

[MGMT]

With the 101st pick in the 2018 RCF draft the Green Bay Packers select:

Jerome Baker, LB Ohio State:

Baker isn’t an elite prospect by any means and there isn’t one particular aspect of his games that jumps out; however, he is consistently productive and we don’t feel he’ll be a liability in any specific facet.

The defense needs more consistent players with experience and soundness.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kbrTh2GOdV0


Baker's final high school game was in the same Ohio Stadium in which he started his Buckeyes career the following fall. The four-star recruit ranked in the top 10 nationally at outside linebacker after being named All-Ohio and the state's Division IV Co-Defensive Player of the Year. But even talented player like Baker have to wait their turn with a bevy of veterans ahead of him on the depth chart. Rather than redshirting in 2015, however, he played in the final seven games of the year as a reserve (three tackles). He thought he might have to wait another year to before getting his shot as a starter, but an injury to Dante Booker put Baker in the starting Will spot in 2016. He garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, making 83 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks while starting 12 of 13 games. He also intercepted two passes, including one against Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield that he returned 68 yards for a score; Baker also had seven tackles, 1.5 for loss, in that contest. Baker was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2017, as well, leading the Buckeyes with 72 tackles, eight for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass breakups in 13 starts.


COMBINE RESULTS

• 40 YARD DASH: 4.53 SEC
• BENCH PRESS: 22 REPS
• VERTICAL JUMP: 36.5 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 126.0 INCH

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Moves fluidly and fast. Has hip looseness and footwork to flow around the field. Has trigger burst to flash from backside and close down running lanes. Tremendously rangy as tackler. Change of direction comes easily. Capable of eluding blockers with quick lateral movement. Takes efficient paths to the ball. Sifts and works through traffic bouncing in and out of gaps. Has athletic ability to handle premium athletes in space. Shadowed Saquon Barkley for most of the game and helped keep him in check. Talented in space with footwork to match receivers in space and hands to take the ball. Can carry vertical receivers down the field. Able to outrun mistakes and slow diagnosis.

WEAKNESSES
Skinny frame and gets engulfed by size. Looks small, plays small. Lacks functional play strength and sturdy base to withstand power. Must improve hand work to keep himself clean. Gets glued to blocks. Slow to diagnose and instincts are below par. Lingers on second level rather than bringing it to running backs. Lack of size and nastiness could be a concern on run downs against bully-ball rush attacks. Loses gap leverage and gets knocked around the field. Ducks head into contact. Has too many hit and slide tackle attempts. Gets caught flowing past his run fits. Motor can be inconsistent and will loaf at times in space.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 2-3

SOURCES TELL US
"He's fast and athletic and all that, but he just doesn't have much grit to his game. He's just not tough. No dog. I like them to be fast but I will take tough over fast any day." -- AFC defensive coach

Sorry for the hold up; @SuperSurge is now on zee clock

 

[Akron330]

Jags looking to move up

Have a 4th, 6th and two 7ths to unload

 

[Randolphkeys]

Surge PMed me from a boat, so with the 102st pick in the 2018 draft, Tampa Bay selects:

Austin Corbett, Guard, Nevada

Lets watch him pancake a member of The Fighting Irish from his left tackle position:

He inherited the position as a freshman from Joel Bitonio and became a team captain as a sophomore.

Height 6'4
Weight 305

According to NFL.com

Prospect Grade
5.65
CHANCE TO BECOME NFL STARTER

Overview
While there will be several "adequates" on the checklist, teams may be looking for a more definitive strength to his game. Corbett is definitely sharp enough to move inside to guard or center and has good technique, but his average play strength and lack of length may be a concern. He has the size and talent to compete for a guard/center spot.

Strengths

• 
  
  
  • Fires hands with force and purpose in both run game and in pass protection
  • Initial punch is meant to send a message
  • Above average football intelligence
  • Understands his job and plays with good instincts and awareness against twists
  • Makes assignment adjustments quickly when faced with late, pre-snap movement by defenders
  • Plays with adequate lateral quickness and can compete in gaining proper positioning as move blocker
  • Executes quality cut blocks
  • Rarely panics with his feet when forced into recovery mode
  • Usually gets to his work-up targets as combo blocker
  • Adequate hand placement in pass pro
  • Considered a team leader and determined worker
  • Went from walk-on to four-year starter

Weaknesses

• 
  
  
  • Has only played tackle at Nevada and will have to prove he can make adjustment inside to guard
  • Lacks quality leverage and leg drive and may struggle to displace strong, interior lineman as base blocker
  • Allows defenders to slip out of his grasp when his hands placement falters
  • Hand strength and upper body power could fall below the mark needed for quality recovery against NFL power
  • Can be a tick late in redirecting his weight against counters
  • Core strength needs work
  • Struggles to maintain body control against quality stack and shed edge defenders

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/austin-corbett?id=32462018-0002-5598-32d0-cae9da7b0ed8

I almost took him at the top of the third round. When Supersurge returns he can explain the pick more.

@Easybreezy is up.

 

[BlessEm]

With pick #103 in the 2018 RCF mock draft. The Houston Texans select

Nick Nelson. CB. Wisconsin

5"11. 200lbs

Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4

NFL Comparison
Mackensie Alexander

Overview
Nelson is fairly well-built, but lacks desired height and length for the perimeter and his position fit could be fluid depending on team philosophy and scheme. It is extremely rare for a defender to log over 40 passes defensed during his career and not land a single interception so teams will have to decide how they categorize Nelson's "ball skills" -- especially in light of his high interference numbers. Nelson is a competitor with adequate athleticism as a man cover corner who looks the part of an average NFL starter in the future.
Strengths

• Took step up in competition from Hawaii to Wisconsin and sustained his ball production
• Known for practice habits and work ethic
• Plays with good patience from press
• Doesn't let feet get ahead of him when matching initial release
• Lateral slide quickness to mirror early phases of the release
• Makes it physical inside the route
• Maintains feel for receiver and keeps man coverage tight
• Contested catches are no fun against him
• Plays with decent makeup burst to chase out of route breaks
• Led nation in 2017 with 21 passes defensed and has 42 for career.

Weaknesses

• Is a little tight in opening his hips from a backpedal
• Needs to learn to trust his technique
• Penalized 183 yards over last two seasons which includes 12 holding and pass interference penalties
• Despite ball production, never posted an interception.

@bigfoot5415 Is on the clock.