If you missed the tweets regarding Mike Mayock’s conference call Monday afternoon, here are some of the important things he had to say regarding the 2018 NFL Draft:
Lamar Jackson is the “most electrifying” player in the draft.
Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk are the best route-runners.
Sam Darnold is the top-ranked quarterback. “I really like the way he extends plays inside and outside the pocket … He can play in all 32 cities, he can play indoors, he can play outdoors.”
“It probably needs to be an offensive draft for the Ravens this year … Right now the wide receiver position is really cloudy….There are different flavors at receiver.”
Calvin Ridley will be a slot receiver in the NFL.
There will be a ton of receivers who go in rounds two through four.
“At tight end, I don’t know if anyone is going in the first round.”
Roquan Smith will be selected in the first round.
Denzel Ward is the only cornerback “you can bang the table for” in the top 10.
If the Jets sign Kirk Cousins, Denzel Ward could fit with them at six.
I think Denver is going to sign Kirk Cousins.
Josh Allen has the biggest arm I’ve seen since JaMarcus Russell. Allen has to be in the conversation at No. 1 or 4 for Cleveland.
Tremaine Edmunds has a unique skill set and incredible upside. “I see him starting out as an off-the-ball linebacker in a 3-4 with a potential to be a sub edge rusher.”
The Colts have to be open for business.
J.T. Barrett has leadership qualities, but not high-level talent. He could be a third-day developmental guy.
On Humboldt State G Alex Cappa: “He was so nasty on tape. He was throwing people around like its nothing. I couldn’t wait to see him at the Senior Bowl, and I thought he handled himself well … I think he’s going to get drafted in the 4th, 5th, 6th round.”
On the Dolphins picking a quarterback in Round 1: “They’re at a crossroads, but my gut tells me they’re going to stick with Tannehill.”
Vita Vea is a “dancing bear.” Rated better than Dontari Poe.
Josh Allen would be a great fit for the Browns because of Todd Haley.
“The more I watch Sony Michel, the more I think he can make an impact like Alvin Kamara.”
Nick Chubb is a warrior.
Josh Allen’s completion percentage is a worry, but scouts will be more focused on how the ball leaves his hands when he throws at the combine.
Marcus Davenport has “as much upside as any edge rusher in this draft.”
On Baker Mayfield: “I think NFL coaches are doing a better job of getting college quarterbacks and setting the system up around what that kid does best … If you draft Baker Mayfield in the first round, you better set your system up around what he does well.”
“I would bang the table for Mike McGlinchey.” Rated as Mayock’s top tackle.
Josh Rosen is the best passer I’ve seen in several years.
Defensive tackle and off-ball linebackers are two of the deepst positions at the top of the draft.
Antonio Callaway is a third-round guy, and what he does off the field at the combine is more important.
J.T. Barrett has a long future in the NFL.
Malik Jefferson is a third- or fourth-rounder. DeShon Elliott is a “second-day guy.”
Holton Hill has off-field issues, but is a “long press corner, kind of guy you draw up.”
DaeSean Hamilton went from a third-day afterthought to someone who is now potentially a third-round pick.
Kerryon Johnson, Braden Smith and Carlton Davis are all second-round prospects.
On Quenton Nelson: “He’s great in the run game. He’s very good in the pass game. He was coached by Harry Hiestand who I think is one of the best offensive line coaches I’ve ever been around … At the end of the day, [Nelson] loves football.”
On Derwin James: “In today’s NFL, which is a pass-first league, when you can drop a safety down on a slot receiver and feel comfortable, that guy is worth his weight in gold.”
Lamar Jacks ins a “way outside-the-box choice” for the Patriots.
With no second- or third-round pick, the Eagles should look into trading down.
The combine out to be a victory celebration for Saquon Barkley. “I’d be absolutely stunned if he doesn’t go in the top five.”
On Bo Scarbrough: “Light workload, yet injured a lot. That’s a bad combination. … will probably test very well. If he does, it begs the question, where was the guy who played (so well) toward end of 2016? … Could be 4th round or later.”
On Joshua Jackson: “I’ve heard people say, ‘Is he the next Richard Sherman?'”
“Logan Woodside has not gotten enough credit and he’s a guy I’m looking forward to watching throw the football at the combine.”
On Jason Cabinda: “He’s a true pro. He comes prepared to play.” Said he sees Cabinda as a two-down linebacker who will make a living on special teams.
On Marcus Allen: “I think he’s a starting safety in the NFL.”
The Ravens are in the quarterback market. They could look to free agency or the middle rounds of the draft.
“I’ve got to be honest with you, I don’t know how to evaluate kickers.”
Taven Bryan is a borderline first-round pick.
On Sam Hubbard: “Can be a base end or a 3-4 OLB … I think he’ll test fairly well and knock it out of the park in (interviews) … Safe late first-round pick, or will slide into 2nd.”
Rashaan Evans “shows up on tape all over the field.”
On Leighton Vander Esch: “If you put his tape on against Oregon, it as good an off-the-ball tape I’ve seen in years. He goes sideline to sideline and is great in the pass game.” Says Vander Ewsch is a “great fit” for the Steelers at No. 28.
On Baker Mayfield: “He’s gonna have to prove in the meeting that he’s a different guy off the field than Johnny Manziel.”
Harold Landry is a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Mike Gesicki compares well with Zach Ertz as a receiving tight end.
Hayden Hurst’s blocking separates him from the other tight ends in the 2018 draft.
On Big 12 receivers: “I get frustrated a little bit watching Big 12 tape, and I know the Big 12 coaches probably don’t like me for it. I feel like how well they’re coached and how much talent there is on the offensive side, and I get frustrated when I just see guys running wide open all over the place, especially the wide receiver class.”
It probably needs to be an offensive draft for the Ravens this year.
