FanPost

Final Top 10 Mock Draft

We're almost there.

So close you can taste it. Jon Gruden's surprise return to the Silver and Black was the biggest news in the NFL offseason. And in 5 days from now we'll know who the first first-round pick will be of the 'Gruden 2.0 era'.

This has to be one of the most interesting and complex pre-draft seasons ever. With so many moves already made and so much uncertainty its going to be an exciting day to finally see how it all plays out. We've mocked and mocked and its still anyone's guess what will happen on Thursday night in Dallas.

History could be made. 4 QB's will likely be selected in the first 10 picks (and maybe even the first 4 picks!). That has never happened before. This of course is music to the ears of Raider fans as this means top-5 talents will be pushed down the board. We will be able to select a player that in a 'normal' draft wouldn't be available at the 10th pick.

So with no further ado, I present my final Top 10 Mock Draft.

1) Browns Josh Allen QB Wyoming - I think the rumors are true. Browns GM likes big-armed prototypical sized QB's. This guy has an absolute rocket arm and is a hell of an athlete. He's Ben Rothlisberger 2.0 and just so happens that his former OC Todd Haley is on the Browns sideline now. I think he's got what it takes to eventually be their franchise QB, their first one since what, Bernie Kozar? Sheez. Allen will sit this year as Tyrod Taylor is a more than adequate starter, and Allen could use some seasoning. But next year he's the guy.

2) Giants Sam Darnold QB USC - Allen going first changes the entire landscape for the Giants. Darnold is the only QB they really like in this class and boom, here he is. They have publicly pontificated how they think Eli can play for 2-3 more years, but they're lying. It is lying season after all. Remember they were considering trading or outright releasing him towards the end of last year when he was benched! We all saw Eli's game fell off big time last year and at 37 he's got maybe one good year left? If that. If Darnold was off the board already, they'd probably trade out here with the Bills. But they simply can't pass on the chance to get their next franchise QB now *and* let him sit a year behind the Giants all-time best QB and certain Hall Of Famer.

3) Jets Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma - Jets get their second choice at QB. They still get a guy they liked the whole time, and he is a perfect fit for that team in that NY market. His cocky underdog me-against-the-world attitude and big game abilities especially late in games will really play to the Jets fan base who desperately want someone, something to believe in. Besides Josh Rosen, Mayfield is the most 'pro-ready' QB in the draft and could start immediately although they might wait for 1/2 a season or so. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs will come in handy as the Jets Oline is a joke. Maybe they let McCown and Teddy take a beating first before putting in the rook.

4) Browns Saquan Barkley RB Penn State - I previously had them taking Guard Quenten Nelson, as its a need for them. But the Browns need to score points. And they also need star power to energize that base. Barkley provides both. He's an absolute beast of a RB and already a favorite for Rookie of the Year. Cleveland will go absolutely nuts with Barkley fever. Browns have picks at #33, #35, and #64 - plenty of pick to address Oline. With Barkley, that offense could be *damn good*. Hopefully not so good when they come to Oakland. But don't sleep on the Browns going worst to first in the AFC North.

5) Denver Josh Rosen QB UCLA - Elway wants to take a QB. He really really does. Either that or he wants a Kings Ransom to trade down. I honestly don't think Rosen is his first choice but he'll quickly talk himself into it. Elway will find a 'bro connection' with another butt-ugly, hated but talented, player from the Pac 12 (then Pac 8). Remember Elway went to Stanford (hold your nose) and considers himself to be a 'cerebral guy' too. Rosen is actually a fine QB, a polished pocket thrower with excellent timing and touch, as 'Pro-Ready' as they come. But he's kind of an asshole where even his teammates don't like him (one former teammate did come out to refute that publicly, but I think there was only one). Elway could be his 'mentor' and advocate in Denver, where he rules and owns everything. Literally. They will consider trading down with the Bills, but the Bills really don't want Rosen and certainly don't want to pay whatever insane price Donkey-boy wants to pass on his 'mini me'.

6) Colts Bradley Chubb DE NC State - The Colts have the worst pass rush in the NFL. And the supposedly best pass rusher in the draft falls to them. Isn't that special? I'm not as high on Chubb as most but he's a perfect fit here. Instant starter gives their desperate fans something to cheer about. Chubb and the promise that Luck will return will be enough to get them excited.

7) Bucs Derwin James S Florida State - James is the best defender in this draft and his tape and athleticism prove it. Tampa Bay is thrilled to take the 'local kid' from Florida State and add him to a defense desperate for play makers, especially on the backend.

8) Bears Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame - Bears hit a home run. Guard is literally their #1 need and they're getting the best one to come out in a decade. They would love to take WR here as well, but they simply can't pass up the 2nd best player in the entire draft. The safest and a guaranteed sure-thing multiple Pro Bowler. Its rare that you get the best player in the draft at the position of your biggest need when picking out of the top 5.

9) 49ers Denzel Ward CB Ohio State- This is a deep LB and DB class and the 49ers biggest need is an EDGE rusher. Harold Laundry would be a smart pick here but his injury riddled Senior year has pushed his stock down, although I wouldn't be shocked if he was the pick. With Ward, meanwhile, considered the best corner in the class by most Draftniks, he can step in day one as a CB1 starter. Most 49ers experts point to CB as their 2nd highest need. Picking corners high is always a good idea if you can't get an EDGE or OT that fits the value.

10) RAIDERS Minkah Fitpatrick, DB Alabama

I had the Raiders taking McGlinchey in my last top 10 mock but his stock is falling as of late. I honestly don't know why, it could be smoke. He is now considered a 2nd half of the 1st round pick. I still think he'd be an excellent pick and we absolutely need OT. But the Raiders will likely go Defense here as that side of the ball is in kind of a rebuild mode and needs a versatile playmaker and leader.

Almost everyone out there has the Raiders taking Roquan Smith or Trumaine Edmunds here. Taking LB in the first round (especially in the top ten!), is simply not Reggie's M.O. The LB class is quite deep this year and with the Whitehead signing and (hopefully) Bowman's return as the starting MLB, LB is not as big of a need as has been touted. The Defensive backfield was a disaster last year. We lost 3 starters and every free agent DB signing we've had is a one-year band aid. We still don't know what Conely and Obi can bring. Its insane but apparently Conley is still rehabbing and is yet to be medically cleared. Addressing DB early and often in this draft is a wise and necessary move. Ward would be an option here as well, but in this mock he's already off the board.

That brings me to Fitzpatrick. Make no mistake, this is a Charles Woodson type pick. 3 year starter, 171 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 9 INTS, 4TDs, 2FF. Was the center piece of an Alabama defense that won 2 national titles during his tenure. Multiple All-SEC and All-American honors, Nick Saban called him the best player he's *ever coached*. The tape is fantastic. Versatility is his strength. Can play any DB position and just makes plays from anywhere on the field, all 3 levels of the Defense. I envision him starting in the slot and as the nickel safety in subpackages. I can also see him moving to CB2 next year when Melvin moves on. He could also slide into the starting FS role. That would keep KJ at SS, but I'm not sure he's as good as he can be there. In any case, Fitz is a playmaker. He brings the versatility, leadership, championship pedigree and passion that this defense so desperately needs.

From NFLN. 'Fitzpatrick turns up the intensity level as high as it will go and and rips off the knob until the game is over. Fitzpatrick has experience as a slot cornerback, but will likely be targeted as a "do-everything" safety who can be deployed as a sub-package linebacker, a blitzer or in the slot against big receivers and move tight ends. Fitzpatrick has consistently shined since his freshman season on Alabama defenses that have been loaded with NFL talent. His versatility, football character and desire to succeed should make him an instant starter.'

Exactly the 'Raider Type' player Gruden is looking for. And in 5 days from now, if the stars align, he'll be headed to the East Bay to solidify the overhaul of the Raiders secondary.

Comments, as always, appreciated.