2018 NFL Mock Draft using only Senior Bowl prospects

Ahead of today’s game here is a ten player mock draft using only Senior Bowl prospects. In this hypothetical mock draft the team will have an extra compensatory 3rd, 5th and 7th round selections with their own picks at or near the top of the round.

1st: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

-This is the easiest selection of the bunch because there should be no doubt after this week that Mayfield is not only a 1st round pick, but should be a top 5-10 player. Mayfield has had an all-around great week, showcasing the right mix of leadership, passion, and talent. The size concerns should be out the window now as Mayfield checked in over 6′, and showed that his height didn’t hinder his performance at all this week. Mayfield was very accurate throughout the week and he made a number of top level NFL caliber throws. He is a great option for team wanting to find a franchise QB, and he’s the top rated player from the Senior Bowl class.

2nd: G Will Hernandez, UTEP

-Assuming fellow guard Isaiah Wynn is already off the board at this point (which looks like it could be the case), Hernandez is an excellent option at the top of Round 2. Hernandez was the 2nd best offensive lineman during practice and he looks like a legitimate top 50 selection in the draft. He’s a big physical guard, with really good technique. He can be a year one starter and has the potential to be a good player for a long time.

3rd (early): WR James Washington, Oklahoma State

-Washington was the top receiver of the week and should have a lot of consideration in the top 75 of the draft. He’s a capable receiver of playing both in the slot and outside, giving him a lot of versatility to fit a number of schemes. While he comes in just under 5’11”, Washington plays bigger than his size. He is an excellent route runner and was getting open with ease all week. He should immediately contribute at the next level and eventually develop into a good starter.

3rd (compensatory): DL Andrew Brown, UVA

-This might be a stretch because it’s quite possible that after his strong week Brown is more of a top 75 pick rather then a late 3rd rounder. Brown didn’t have as much buzz coming in so perhaps he’s still there in the 90-100 pick range. If he is there, he looks to be a guy who can really contribute at the next level and develop into a force on the interior defensive line. When he was allowed to attack upfield Brown became a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen this week. He was living in the backfield at times, and he opened a lot of eyes this week.

4th: DL Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State

-Shepherd didn’t come in with a lot of buzz, but after a practice and a half before he went down with a broken arm, he was one of the most dominating players at any position. He’s a smaller school guy, but that didn’t stop him from dominating Power 5 conference offensive linemen regularly. He was a major force on the interior and while it’s unfortunate he got injured, it’s not the type of injury that should impact his draft stock. In less than 2 full practices Shepherd put out a lot of really good tape for NFL teams to consider and it should be a boon to his NFL draft stock.

5th (early): S Trayvon Henderson, Hawaii

-Henderson wasn’t the best safety of the group at the Senior Bowl, but he showed some nice coverage ability and athleticism throughout the week and should get a lot of consideration in the 4th-6th round range as a developmental option who can contribute on special teams. Henderson definitely has some future starting potential, but he’s likely going to need some developmental time to work on some technical issues, as he typically wins now due to his speed and agility.

5th (compensatory): LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF

-Griffin is a great story as a player who overcame losing his hand at a very young age to even be able to play football competitively, much less do so at a high level for Central Florida. Griffin definitely has some limitations due to the loss of his hand, but he is just so naturally athletic and has such a determination to succeed that it’s tough to bet against him. He made plays throughout the week both as a pass rusher and in coverage. While it’s tough to see him ever becoming a full time starter, he could carve out a niche as an effective role player who can be used both in coverage and as a situational pass rusher. On top of that, he should be an excellent special teamer and add value in that area.

6th: CB/S Siran Neal, Jacksonville State

-Neal was used a lot as a corner and he may fit there as a slot option, but he might even be better as a free safety. He was inconsistent, but that isn’t shocking considering he’s a smaller school kid, but when he was on he was making plays. Neal was at his best when the play was in front of him and he could react to it. He can fill a variety of depth roles and be a core special teams player, which gives him a lot of value even if he never develops as a starter.

7th (early): OT Brett Toth, Army

-Toth had a strong week and might be in consideration to go a lot higher if not for the 2 year Army commitment hanging over him. Barring a rule change a team will need to wait two years before Toth could see the field which will likely limit his draft value considerably. When a team does get Toth in their building he is a very intriguing prospect as a tackle. He’s got good size and athleticism and already is a very stout run blocker. His pass blocking was better than expected and there is some natural ability there.

7th (compensatory): C Bradley Bozeman, Alabama

-Bozeman didn’t come into the week with a lot of hype which could keep his draft stock lower than expected after a good solid week of practice. He can play both guard and center, which allows him to back-up three positions on the offensive line, which is key for depth players. While his upside is limited, Bozeman showed some potential to eventually develop into a starting center (his better position to be sure). He played with good footwork and technique throughout the week and lost fewer battles than I would have expected. He more than held his own versus some very talented interior DL in practice and is worth a late round look.