CFB Mid-Season Mock: 2-Round Edition

Written by Christian Lysek

I have a confession: mock drafts are my favorite part of covering the NFL draft. Stepping into a general manager's shoes and selecting which player best fits the team is beyond satisfying. With that being said, since the first 8 weeks of College Football have been insane and so has the start of the NFL season, I couldn't contain myself to only doing one round of the draft. Read on to see my first two round mock draft of the 2018 draft class. Note: An OSOB prospect is an "other side of the ball prospect." As long as a player has not been picked in the real mock draft and plays on the opposite side of the ball of the player picked, then they can be selected for the team. Note Two: I made these rankings. 

Round 1:

1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
A lot of professional teams are dumpster fires, like the Knicks, the 49ers, or the 76ers a few years ago. The difference between those teams and the Browns is that they have a plan to get the extinguisher that makes sense, while the Browns don't even know what the extinguisher looks like. One of the extinguishers looks like Josh Rosen: a quarterback who has completed 63.5% for 2536 yards and 18 touchdowns through 8 weeks on a terrible UCLA team. He could finally be the man to elevate this terrible team to success.
OSOB Prospect: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

2. San Francisco 49ers: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Kyle Shanahan is an offensive genius handcuffed to limited quarterbacks like Brian Hoyer and CJ Beatherd. If the 49ers don't sign Kirk Cousins, the should select Sam Darnold. While he has throw 10 interceptions to 17 touchdowns, Darnold has special traits you just can't teach, like poise and coolness in the clutch. Kyle Shanahan can turn Darnold into a star.
OSOB Prospect: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State

3. Indianapolis Colts: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Colts have a need at almost every position, so they go best player available here and take Saquon Barkley. Barkley is a physical freak and is the best running back prospect I have ever seen. He is about a sure of a thing as it gets when it comes to the NFL draft.
OSOB Prospect: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson

4. New York Giants: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Giants offensive line is beyond horrendous, especially with Ereck Flowers somehow starting at left tackle. Connor Williams did hurt his knee earlier in the year, but he didn't need surgery to fix it. When healthy, Williams is an elite tackle, which the Giants desperately need.
OSOB Prospect: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

5. Chicago Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Bears defense is full of young talented pieces such as Leonard Floyd, Eddie Jackson, and Bryce Callahan, and they would be smart to add another in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick can play every position in the secondary due to his athleticism and ball skills, and adding elite talent can never hurt a defense.

OSOB Prospect: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

6. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Carson Palmer just broke his arm this past Sunday, but the unfortunate truth is that even a healthy Palmer is not the answer this team needs at quarterback. Mason Rudolph is an experienced downfield passer with the tools needed to succeed in the pros.

OSOB Prospect: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson

7. Baltimore Ravens: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
The Ravens offense is the equivalent of molasses in January. The need a total retool of their offensive skill positions, and that starts with adding an explosive weapon like Christian Kirk. Kirk is a weapon who can return kicks, run stretch plays, and play every receiver position.
OSOB Prospect: Derwin James, S, Florida State

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State
The Tampa Bay Bucs have 7 total sacks as a team, which is not good. Bradley Chubb has 6.5 sacks and 13 TFLs on his own this season. He is a consistent force against the run and the pass, which is exactly what the Bucs need.
OSOB Prospect: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

9. New York Jets: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, EGDE, Oklahoma
Leonard Williams, Jamal Adams, and Marcus Maye all look like excellent building blocks for the Jet’s defense, but the unit needs a star pass rusher to really be a force. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has used his speed and endless motor to rack up 12 TFLs and 6 sacks this season. He would fit right in with the new look Jets defense.
OSOB Prospect: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

10. Tennessee Titans: Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
The Titans have unexpectedly fallen into a slump, so they are picking higher than I thought they would coming into the season. Fortunately for them, in this scenario, Christian Wilkins has fallen to the number ten spot. He and Jurrell Casey would be a force against the run and would be able to create interior pressure on the quarterback.
OSOB Prospect: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

11. Oakland Raiders: Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
The Raiders, like the Titans, were expected to be picking much later in the draft. Unfortunately, their secondary has been their Achilles heel, constantly giving up big plays. Tarvarus McFadden has the size at 6’2” ad 198 pounds and ball skills to lock down opposing receivers. A back four of McFadden, Gareon Conley, Karl Joseph, and Obi Melifonwu, when healthy, is one to watch out for.
OSOB Prospect: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

12. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Cedric Obueghi and Jake Fisher are absolutely terrible and are the primary reason the Bengals suck. Mike McGlinchey is an experienced player with great size, and he should lock down a tackle spot the moment he steps in the Bengals facility.
OSOB Prospect: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

13. Green Bay Packers: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
The Packers are not this bad of a team, but I have my doubts about them being able to win games with Brett Hundley under center. Since they are picking this high, it would be wise to draft an EDGE rusher to replace Clay Matthews when he retires. Harold Landry relies a little too much on his speed rush at this point, but with some good coaching, Landry could be an elite NFL player.
OSOB Prospect: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

14. Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Chargers defense has really been a force the past few weeks, especially when it comes to rushing the quarterback. In this scenario, the Chargers bolster that defense by drafting their strong safety of the future in Derwin James. James is an athletic freak and a great hitter, which is exactly what the Chargers need roaming the back end.
OSOB Prospect: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

15. Miami Dolphins: Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
The Dolphins have needed a guard for several seasons and Quenton Nelson is one of the better prospects at the position in recent memory. Not all draft choices have to be hard.
OSOB Prospect: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

16. Detroit Lions: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
The Lions have a real problem at the EDGE position. They only have 13 sacks as a team, and Ziggy Ansah, their best EDGE rusher, had 3 of his 4 sacks in one game against Ereck Flowers, who most middle schoolers could get a sack on. Clelin Ferrell has been a wrecking ball for the Tigers, racking up 7.5 sacks already this season. Ferrell would give the lackluster Lions defense a major boost.
OSOB Prospect: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

17. Buffalo Bills: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
The Sammy Watkins trade took away the Bills only legitimate threat in the passing game, and so far nobody on the Bills’ roster has stepped up to fill the void. Courtland Sutton is 6’4” and 220 pounds with a knack for making great contested catches. He is the true number one receiver the Bills need for their offense.
OSOB Prospect: Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama

18. Atlanta Falcons: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Atlanta has struggled with consistency all year, and their secondary is no exception. Denzel Ward may not be the tallest guy at 5’10”, but his good length and elite ball skills make him a talent the Falcons should not pass on.
OSOB Prospect: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

19. Carolina Panthers: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
The Mike Adams/Kurt Coleman duo in the Panthers’ secondary isn’t a bad one, but neither player is young and neither has the ceiling of Ronnie Harrison. Harrison is a monster run defender who blows up ball carriers, but he also has the coverage skills (6 career picks) needed to be a complete safety in the NFL.
OSOB Prospect: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

20. Dallas Cowboys: Da'Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
The Cowboys defensive line is incredibly weak on the interior. Picking up an elite defensive tackle like Da'Ron Payne would help this defense stop allowing big plays through the air and on the ground.
OSOB Prospect: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The Jaguars have almost all the pieces needed to be a complete team and true contender, but unfortunately the one piece they are sorely missing is quarterback. Lamar Jackson is an electric playmaker as a runner and shows great velocity and touch as a passer. He would be an instant upgrade over Blake Bortles.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

22. Minnesota Vikings: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
The Vikings are Super Bowl contenders if they are healthy. The problem is they can’t stay healthy. Knowing this, the Vikings select Mark Andrews in this scenario. Mark Andrews is a very athletic tight end who will provide depth and big play ability at both the tight end and slot receiver positions.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

23. Denver Broncos: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Broncos defense has been pretty stingy this season, but Chris Harris Jr and Aqib Talib aren’t getting any younger. Drafting Jaire Alexander to eventually take over one of their roles would be a wise decision. Alexander has the athleticism and confidence to be a baller in the pros.
OSOB Prospect: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

24. Washington Redskins: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Fat Rob Kelly aka Eddie Lacy 2.0 and weightlifting phenom Samaje Perine simply have not gotten the job done this season for the Skins. Derrius Guice is a special talent at the running back position who has the quickness to evade even the surest of tacklers while also having the strength to barrel them over.
OSOB Prospect: Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers defense, as it always in, had been incredibly inconsistent. One moment they look like a top-five unit, and the next they are losing to the Bears. Tremaine Edmunds has been tearing up offenses for the Hokies the past two seasons, and his athleticism and instincts should convince the Steelers to select him.
OSOB Prospect: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Seahawks refuse to draft offensive lineman. Jamarco Jones is the best one on my board so they Seahawks take him #pleasesaveRussellWilson.
OSOB Prospect: Hercules Mata’afa, EDGE, Washington State

27. Cleveland Browns (From Houston Texans): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns are currently tied with the Bears for the league’s worst receiving corps in my book. James Washington is by no means a physical freak, but he uses his route running and football smarts to (somehow) always get open, especially deep (24.1 yards per catch this year). He would be an excellent weapon for the Browns.
OSOB Prospect: Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech

28. Los Angeles Rams: Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE, USC
The Rams have Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin as EDGE players in Wade Phillip’s 3-4 defense, but both are getting older and seem to past their prime. Uchenna Nwosu would be an excellent scheme fit, as he can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and defend the run.
OSOB Prospect: Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

29. New England Patriots: Hercules Mata'afa, EDGE, Washington State
The Patriots defense is far from impressive, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.  Hercules Mata’afa plays defensive tackle for the Cougars at only 6’2” and 252 pounds, making it all the more amazing that he has 6.5 sacks and 13 TFLs this year. 
OSOB Prospect: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

30. New Orleans Saints: Roquon Smith, LB, Georgia
The Saints lack young talent at the linebacker position, except for Alex Anzalone, who cannot stay healthy. Roquon Smith is an alpha-dog. He runs all over the field and lays the wood against anybody in his path. He would make an excellent middle or weakside linebacker for the Saints.
OSOB Prospect: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

31. Buffalo Bills (From Kansas City Chiefs): Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan
The Marcell Dareus trade leaves a big hole in the interior of the Bills defensive line. Maurice Hurst is undersized at 6’2” and 280 pounds, but his explosive first step and endless motor should be something the Bills are interested in drafting.
OSOB Prospect: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State 
The Eagles offense is humming along dominating opponents, but LeGarrette Blount will not be running this effectively forever. Rashaad Penny is a true workhorse with the size (5’11”, 220 pounds), speed, and vision to become a Pro-Bowler.
OSOB Prospect: Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama

Round 2:

1. Cleveland Browns: Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
The Browns continue to draft offensive centerpieces with Bryce Love. He has the speed, vision, and balance a workhorse back needs in the pros.
OSOB Prospect: Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech

2. San Francisco 49ers: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The 49ers receiving corps is largely dreadful. Calvin Ridley would fix this with his smooth route running and knack for always being open.
OSOB Prospect: Arden Key, EDGE, LSU

3. Indianapolis Colts: Arden Key, EDGE, LSU
The Colts are in dire need of a premier pass rusher, and nobody has greater potential to be an all-pro than Arden Key. Key still needs to put it all together in terms of weight and snap-to-snap consistency, but his tools are worth gambling on with this pick.
OSOB Prospect: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

4. New York Giants: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Eli isn’t getting any younger and he looks more and more mediocre every year. I am a big Davis Webb fan, but drafting Will Grier and having the two young quarterbacks compete to be quarterback of the future seems like the right scenario for the Giants.
OSOB Prospect: Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama

5. Chicago Bears: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
The Bears wide receiving corps is made up of castaways from other teams. The Bears change this by drafting Dante Pettis, who has great athleticism, route running, and jump ball ability.
OSOB Prospect: Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech

6. Arizona Cardinals: Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech
Justin Bethel and Brandon Williams just have not gotten the job done consistently enough playing next to Patrick Peterson to warrant passing on a talent like Adonis Alexander. He is massive for a corner at 6’3”, and he excels in man coverage, which is exactly what the Cardinals need.
OSOB Prospect: Equinameous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame

7. Baltimore Ravens: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
As I mentioned earlier, the Raven’s offense is anemic. Fortunately, Ronald Jones II is as explosive of a runner as they come, and he would give some much needed juice to this offense.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The Bucs need to do a better job of protecting Jameis Winston. Orlando Brown is a mammoth of a man who can protect very well in the passing game and clear holes in the running game.
OSOB Prospect: Derrick Nnadi, DL, Florida State

9. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets continue to rack up ballers with their selection of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield may be a smaller guy, but his performance on the field has been consistently spectacular his season.
OSOB Prospect: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

10. Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Despite drafting Adoree Jackson and signing Logan Ryan, the Titans secondary is still a major weakness. Isaiah Oliver has excellent size and skills, and he could be the guy that helps turn this secondary around.
OSOB Prospect: Equinameous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame

11. Oakland Raiders: Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama
The Raiders linebackers are terrible, and while adding Navarro Bowman helps the situation, they still need a young cornerstone at the position. Shaun Dion Hamilton is a fast and mean linebacker with excellent instincts.
OSOB Prospect: Damien Harris, RB, Alabama

12. Cincinnati Bengals: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Tyler Eifert is an All-Pro talent when healthy, but he is never healthy. Dallas Goedert is a very good athlete with great hands. He would give Andy Dalton or whoever is quarterbacking the Bengals next year an excellent weapon in the passing game.
OSOB Prospect: Cameron Smith, LB, USC

13. Green Bay Packers: Derrick Nnadi, DL, Florida State
The Packers continue to add talent to their defense with Derrick Nnadi. His play strength is unreal, and he would be a force next to Mike Daniels.
OSOB Prospect: Adam Breneman, TE, UMass

14. San Diego Chargers: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
The Chargers offensive line will improve on the interior once Forest Lamp heals up and Dan Feeney is ready to start, but the tackles are still a major question mark. Chukwuma Okorafor is an excellent option for any team looking for their tackle of the future.
OSOB Prospect: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

15. Miami Dolphins: Tyquan Lewis, EDGE, Ohio State
The Dolphins defensive line is incredibly formidable, but it’s best player, Cameron Wake, is really old. Investing in a talent like Tyquan Lewis to pair with rookie Charles Harris when Wake retires is a smart, long-term move.
OSOB Prospect: Adam Breneman, TE, UMass

16. Detroit Lions: Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
The Lions need a workhorse running back and Ameer Abdullah ain’t it. Damien Harris has excellent vision and would give the Lions a legitimate rushing threat.
OSOB Prospect: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

17. Buffalo Bills: Adam Breneman, TE, UMass
Charles Clay is a good player, but having two high-end tight ends can’t be a bad thing. Adam Breneman has great hands and is a very good athlete.
OSOB Prospect: Cameron Smith, LB, USC

18. Atlanta Falcons: Equinameous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Julio Jones, Mohammed Sanu, and Taylor Gabriel make a pretty good receiving corps, but adding bug, athletic talent like Equinameous St. Brown might take it to the next level.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

19. Carolina Panthers: Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE, Kansas
The Panthers have three high quality defensive lineman on the interior (Vernon Butler, Star Lotulelei, Kawaan Short), but their ends are older or inconsistent. Dorance Armstrong excels against the pass and the run.
OSOB Prospect: Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

20. Dallas Cowboys: Simmie Cobbs Jr. WR,  Indiana
Dez Bryant doesn’t seem to be his totally dominant self. The Cowboys need reinforcements at receiver, and the 6’4” Simmie Cobbs Jr. would be a great option.
OSOB Prospect: Cameron Smith, LB, USC

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Cole, OL, Michigan
The Jaguars offensive has been surprisingly good this year, but Mason Cole is a versatile player who will excel in the interior.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

22. Minnesota Vikings: Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State
The Vikings offensive has significantly improved, but Martinas Rankin is a powerful player who could upgrade several positions.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

23. Denver Broncos: Lowell Lotulelei, DL, Utah
Domata Peko is good, but he is too old to truly anchor the Broncos’ defense. Lowell Lotulelei is the best true nose tackle in this class and will further strengthen the Broncos’ defense.
OSOB Prospect: Braden Smith, OG, Auburn

24. Washington Redskins: Taven Bryan, DL, Florida
Jonathan Allen will be an elite defensive lineman, and pairing him with a wrecking ball like Taven Bryan is a dream come true for the Skins.
OSOB Prospect: Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Big Ben will have to hang up his cleats one day, and letting Josh Allen sit until he is ready to use his All-World tools against NFL defenses would be wise.
OSOB Prospect: Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt

26. New York Jets (From Seattle Seahawks): Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Matt Forte is beyond his prime and nobody is going to accuse Bilal Powell of being a Pro Bowler. Royce Freeman is a bigger back, but he has good receiving skills, vision, and quickness.
OSOB Prospect: Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

27. Cleveland Browns (From Houston Texans): Jordan Whitehead, S, Pitt
Jabrill Peppers is not a free safety, we know that much. Putting Jordan Whitehead in that spot and moving Peppers to strong safety would be much more ideal.
OSOB Prospect: Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson

28. Buffalo Bills (Los Angeles Rams): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
The Bills continue to bolster their receiving corps with Deon Cain, a speedster who is better than the numbers would indicate.
OSOB Prospect: Cameron Smith, LB, USC

29. New England Patriots: Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
The Patriot’s secondary has been underwhelming this season. They could use an enforcer like Marcus Allen to prevent the big plays teams keep having against them.
OSOB Prospect: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

30. San Francisco 49ers: (From New Orleans Saints):  Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Nick Chubb has had a bounce back year this season, and he would make a nice replacement for the oft-injured Carlos Hyde.
OSOB Prospect: Porter Gustin, EDGE, USC

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron Smith, LB, USC
Derrick Johnson has not been the same since his Achilles tear, so replacing him with an instinctive tackling machine like Cameron Smith would be a great long-term move for the Chiefs.
OSOB Prospect: Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

32. Cleveland Browns (From Philadelphia Eagles): Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State 
The Browns continue to load up on offensive talent with Jaleel Scott, a 6’6” athletic freak with excellent hands and body control.
OSOB Prospect: Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

Follow 4 Down Scouting on twitter @4DownScouting
All statistics come from ESPN stats on ESPN.com expect for TFLs, which come from sports-reference.com

CFB Week 7 Stock Report

Written by Christian Lysek

What. A. Weekend. Four top ten teams were upset, and the college football universe was turned on it's head. Of course, this means big change for the stock of hopeful draft prospects. Read on to see who helped and who hurt themselves this weekend. P.S. Sorry for not doing a stock report the last two weeks, I wanted to catch up on a lot of film for my midseason rankings and ran out of time. You can check them out here: http://4downscouting.blogspot.com/2017/10/cfb-midseason-position-rankings-and-big.html

Stock Up

Skai Moore, LB, South Carolina

Anthony Miller

After a next injury last season, whether or not the ultra-talented Skai Moore would even be able to play football again was in doubt. Now, the only question is how high teams are going to draft this kid. Moore balled out against Tennessee on Saturday, racking up nine tackles and a sack. Moore is undersized, but he is a three down player reminiscent of Su'a Cravens. 

Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
I wrote in my last stock report about how Mountaineer wide receiver David Sills has been tearing up College Football, but so has his quarterback, Will Grier. The Florida transfer has completed 65.7% of his passes for 21 touchdowns and only 5 picks, including a 5 touchdown performance against Texas Tech this past weekend. For me, he is a second round player who may find his way into the first very soon.

Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
For all the talk of Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris, it has been Damien Harris that has impressed me the most. He only got 9 carriers against Arkansas on Saturday, but he turned them into 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. Harris always had very good vision, but now he looks faster and is finishing long breakaway runs with touchdowns instead of getting tackled at the two. Harris is in the second round conversation and is rising quick.

Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Anthony Miller has been on a tear these past two weeks (not including tonight against Houston, where he had 10 catches for 178 yards). Against UConn and Navy, Miller had 25 catches, 314 yards, and 6 TDs. He may only be a slot guy in the pros, but he could be one of those slot guys who leads the team in receiving.

Stock Down

Mark Walton, RB, Miami
Unfortunately, one of my favorite running backs is out for the season. Mark Walton will have ankle surgery, which means he will probably be a part of the 2019 draft class.

Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Another big injury. Trey Adams was my OT3 after I did my midseason rankings, but he injured his ACL and is out for the season. He will probably also be a part of the 2019 draft class.

Luke Faulk

Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Every Luke Falk flaw reared it's ugly head against Cal. His arm was a wet noodle, he had the pocket presence of a horror movie victim, and he was reckless with the football (5 INTs). His stock sits in rounds 4-7 as a career backup.

Jake Browning, QB, Washington
The quarterback from Falk's rival school happens to be in the same boat with him! While Browning didn't have nearly as bad of a game as Falk did (Browning was 17 of 30 for 139 yards, 0 TDs), it came against an Arizona State defense notorious for being terrible. Losing 13-7 to a secondary full of JV high schoolers is not a good look for a quarterback that needs a statement win.

Not sure where he belongs:

LJ Scott, RB, Michigan State
LJ Scott was originally in my stock up section for his 25 carry, 194 yard, 2 touchdown performance against Minnesota, but then he got arrested for driving with a suspended license. This is apparently his 7th arrest. As you can imagine, his stock is pretty low right now.

Names To Know

Taven Bryan, DL, Florida

If you hear an analyst refer to a Florida defensive lineman who reminds them of JJ Watt, they are talking about Taven Bryan. Bryan is an absolute monster at 6'5'' and 290 pounds, and he racked up 7 tackles and 1.5 sacks against Texas A&M last weekend. This kid could work his way into the first round.

Eric Dungey

Eric Dungey, QB, Syracuse
Eric Dungey is you're typical hyper-athletic spread quarterback with a rocket arm, which is normally the exact type of player I am skeptical of (see: Mahomes, Pat). However, Dungey was extremely impressive during Syracuse's upset of Clemson, completing 62.5% of his passes for 278 yards against one of the best defenses in the country. I will have to watch his other games, but Dungey is putting his name on the map for evaluators.

Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona

Khalil Tate is only a true sophomore, but I felt the need to write about him because draft twitter really likes him. Tate is absolutely electric as a runner, averaging 16.5 yards a carry a nabbing 6 touchdowns on the ground. Tate has a small sample size as a passer (26 of 35 for 343 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 pick), but his physical tools are undeniable. He is one to watch for 2019.

Follow 4 Down Scouting on twitter @4DownScouting
All statistics come from ESPN stats on ESPN.com expect for TFLs, which come from sports-reference.com

CFB Midseason Position Rankings and Big Board

Written by Christian Lysek

We are now past week six in the college football season, which is for many teams, the halfway point. Knowing this, it is about time to update my position rankings for the 2018 draft class. Read on to check out my top five for each position and my top 25 big board.

Baker Mayfield

QB

1. Josh Rosen, UCLA
2. Sam Darnold, USC
3. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
5. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Biggest Disappointment: Josh Allen

Most Improved: Baker Mayfield

Sleeper: Will Grier, West Virginia

If it's one way to sum up this year's quarterback class, it's with the word confusing. Sam Darnold was my top quarterback going into the year, but he has ceded his top rankings due to his 9 interceptions. Josh Rosen has claimed that top spot, as he is performing well (64.9% comp, 17 TDs to 5 picks) and carrying a UCLA team that would be one of the worst in the PAC-12 without him.. Mason Rudolph is a passing machine that the media is torn on, but I think his tools and experience at quarterback are worth betting on in the first round. Lamar Jackson has been so red hot at points this season that there are times I wonder if he should be the first quarterback taken (UNC game), but there are other times (Clemson game) where he looks like a day two player. His true stock lies somewhere in the middle. I have been blown away by Baker Mayfield this season. Despite his small stature, his confidence and ability to play outside of structure are elite. He is a baller, and has moved into the top 50 pick discussion for me. By far the biggest disappointment is Josh Allen. Allen was viewed by some as a top-5 player going into the season, but poor showings against Power-5 teams and a lack of statistical improvement has lowered his stock. He has completed only 55.4% of his passes for 6 TDs and 3 picks through five games. While he certainly has amazing tools and the team around him genuinely sucks, I cannot warrant him being a first rounder. I said earlier after the Oregon game that he might not crack the top-100, but I after some reevaluations of the tape, I think he is more of a pick 55 to 80 type of a player at this point. My sleeper pick was Will Grier, the West Virginia transfer from Florida, who has completed 63% of his passes for 16 touchdown and 4 interceptions. Honestly though, while this class might not be as elite as we thought it would be, it is full of sleepers like Grier, including Jarrett Stidham from Auburn and Brandon Silvers from Troy.
.
RB

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Derrius Guice, LSU
3. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
4. Bryce Love, Stanford
5. Ronald Jones II, USC

Biggest Disappointment: Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt

Most Improved: Bryce Love

Sleeper: Diocemy Saint Juste, Hawaii

This running back class has lived up to the hype and then some. Saquon Barkley is a special player, and is the top overall player on my board at this point. Derrius Guice isn't close to producing like he was last season, but he is banged up and LSU's offense is behind only Florida in the unbearable to watch category. Rashaad Penny has been awesome this season, running for 993 yards and 9 touchdowns in only six games. At 6'1'' and 220 pounds, Penny is a big, strong player, but how well he moves for that size is what has blown me away. I mean for crying out loud the dude returns kickoffs at 220 pounds. He is that fast and that good. Bryce Love was I guy I thought would be one to watch this season as a Day 3 sleeper, but you're kidding yourself if you think this dude is escaping the top 50 at this point. Love has averaged 10.5 yards per carry through 6 games, and the only total joke team he played was Rice. Love has the balance, speed, and vision a back needs to succeed in the pros. Ronald Jones II was a guy just outside of my top ten back going into the season, but he has elevated his game to another level. Jones is runs like how Russell Westbrook plays basketball: fast, violent, and angry. He has been extremely impressive and is a top-50 guy. My disappointment slot goes to Ralph Webb, who is only averaging 2.8 YPC this season and has only 245 yards on the ground. I also considered Bo Scarbrough and Kalen Ballage for this selection, as neither is producing as their immense physical gifts suggest they should. There are about 110 sleepers at the running back position in this class, so I decided to go really deep and pick Diocemy Saint Juste, who is currently 4th in rushing yards in the country. I really like his burst and acceleration, and he is a name to know come April.

Christian Kirk

WR

1. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
2. Courtland Sutton, SMU
3. James Washington, Oklahoma State
4. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
5. Dante Pettis, Washington

Biggest Disappointment: Antonio Calloway, Florida

Most Improved: Simmie Cobbs Jr, Indiana

Sleeper: Jaleel Scott, New Mexico State

This wide receiver class has been just as confusing as the quarterbacks. Despite this, Christian Kirk still tops my list. He is just 5'11'' and 200 pounds, Kirk is ridiculously explosive and has good hands. He is a weapon NFL teams will covet. Courtland Sutton has moved up to my number two spot after two big time performance in the past two weeks against Houston and UConn. He has the size and hands, and he looks faster this year. James Washington is the best deep threat in the nation, currently averaging 23.1 yards per catch. He is excellent at tracking the ball, has great hands, and also picks up valuable YAC. Calvin Ridley has moved up to the number 4 slot, and a lot of  my decision was based on his standout game against Florida State, where he had 7 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. Ridley is a smooth, fluid mover who is underutilized in the Alabama offense, but I like his play at this point in the season. Rounding out the top-5 is Dante Pettis. His production has come in chunks this season (6 reception TDs in two games, 0 in the rest). He is a really good athlete, however, and I love his ability to make tough catches and his route running. Plus he already has three punt return touchdowns this season. This biggest disappointment has easily been Antonio Calloway. He was a top-50 lock based on talent, but he is undraftable at this point due to the credit card scandal at Florida. My most improved award goes to Simmie Cobbs Jr, who missed virtually all of last season. He has balled out this season, and his size at 6'4'' 220 pounds along with his knack for spectacular catches will see him go probably in the first two rounds. My sleeper is Jaleel Scott for New Mexico State. He has caught 35 passes for 543 yards and 5 touchdowns on this season, but it is his physical gifts that really stand out. Scott is 6'6'' and 215 pounds, but he is silky smooth as a mover. He can be a vertical threat, work across the middle, and gain yards after the catch. He is quickly rising up my board.

TE

1. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
2. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
3. Adam Breneman, UMass
4. Jaylen Samuels, NC State
5. Mike Gesicki, Penn State

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: Jaylen Samuels

Sleeper: Blake Mack, Arkansas State

This isn't a spectacular tight end class, but there have been some standouts at the position. Mark Andrews is averaging 18.7 yards per catch as a tight end, which is a testament to his superb athleticism for the position. He reminds me a lot of Evan Engram from last year's class, and he will probably go in the late first or early second round. Dallas Goedert is a guy I haven't been able to watch much of this season, but I love what I have seen of him too much to drop him down these rankings. Adam Breneman may not have the upside that Andrews and Goedert have, but his production (500 receiving yards, number one for a tight end this year) and reliability as a pass catcher bring a ton of value. Jaylen Samuels is a man without a position, lining up as a wide receiver, fullback, and tight end for the Wolfpack. Despite his tweener status, I like his ability to make tough catches in traffic and his route running. Mike Gesicki is a big, lumbering tight end, but he has deceptive athleticism and reliable hands. His game isn't flashy, but teams that need a red zone threat and check down man should look for Gesicki. My sleeper pick for this season is Blake Mack, a small school prospect. He is a little small at 6'3'' and 245 pounds, but I think he can thrive in an h-back role. He has good athleticism and is a guy to watch for the rest of the season.

Trey Adams

OT

1. Connor Williams, Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Trey Adams, Washington
4. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State
5. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: Trey Adams, Washington

Sleeper: Brian O'Neill, Pitt

 This is a good tackle class, and headlining it is Connor Williams. I know he hurt his knee, but he isn't going to need surgery, and he is still an elite talent. Mike McGlinchey isn't flashy, but he is a Day one starter  in my book, and that hasn't changed. Trey Adams is a riser, due to good strength and technique. He looks like a first rounder. Jamarco Jones has not been as impressive as he was at the end of last season, but he still has been very good. He looks like a plug play starter on the offensive line. Orlando Brown is a mammoth of a man, and I think he looks a little quicker so far this season. He will probably never be a great player against the speed rush, but he has impressed in every other area. My sleeper pick is Brian O'Neill. O'Neill has pro-typical size and length at 6'6'' and 305 pounds. He could find his way into the top 75 picks.

OG

1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2. Braden Smith, Auburn
3. Billy Price, Ohio State
4. Will Hernandez, UTEP
5. Wyatt Teller, Virginia Tech

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: Will Hernandez, UTEP

Sleeper: Maea Teuhuma, Southeastern Louisiana

There has not been a lot of movement with the interior offensive line group. Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, and Billy price have all been playing very good football through the first six weeks. The biggest riser has been Will Hernandez, who has been an absolute steamroller for UTEP. He is a top three round player. My sleeper pick is Maea Teuhuma, who was booted from LSU this past offseason. He could be an intriguing late rounder at 6'5'' and 315 pounds.

Scott Quessenberry

OC
1. Mason Cole, Michigan
2. Michael Deiter, Wisconsin
3. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
4. Coleman Shelton, Washngton
5. Scott Quessenberry, UCLA

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: None

Sleeper: None

Nothing has changed in my center rankings, so we will keep it nice and short.

DL

1. Christian Wilkins, Clemson
2. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
4. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
5. Lowell Lotulelei, Utah

Biggest Disappointment: Steven Richardson, Minnesota

Most Improved: None

Sleeper: Taven Bryan, Florida

Not too much has changed among the interior defensive lineman. Christian Wilkins has been an absolute stud, and it is impossible to watch Clemson without seeing him tear up offensive lineman. Da'Ron Payne only has .5 sacks this season, but Alabama constantly rotates their defensive lineman and Payne jumps out on film as somebody who is consistently disrupting plays. Maurice Hurst has no sacks this season, but like Payne and Wilkins, Hurst has been very disruptive for the Wolverines. Despite being undersized, he will probably be a high selection in next year's draft. Derrick Nnadi is one of the best players on a loaded Seminole defense, and his play strength sets him apart from the rest of this group. I expect him to be a top two round pick in April. Lowell Lotulelei is healthy and looking very good as a nose tackle. He should be a plug and play starter. My biggest disappointment is Steven Richardson, who, despite having 7 sacks last season, has only .5 tackles for loss and zero sacks to this point in the season. He is going to need to improve down the road if he wants to have a good spot in these rankings. My sleeper is Taven Bryan from Florida. Bryan is 6'5'', 293 pounds, and lives in the backfield. He is constantly disrupting plays, and he already has 1.5 sacks this season. I expect his name to continue to trend upwards as the year goes on.

EDGE

Clelin Ferrell

1. Bradley Chubb, NC State
2. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
5. Hercules Mata'afa, Washington State

Biggest Disappointment: Arden Key, LSU

Most Improved: Mercules Matat'afa

Sleeper: Anthony Winbush, Ball State

This EDGE class looks pretty dang good at the halfway point. Bradley Chubb has mauled his way to my top spot. Chubb has 6.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in only 6 games. He looks like a top ten player at this point. Defenses have had no answer for Chubb, and they haven't had any for Ogbonnia Okoronkwo either. Okoronkwo has used speed, technique, and instincts to wreck defenses for 9 TFLs and 5 sacks. He looks like a great option for a 3-4 defense. Harold Landry has also had great production with 8 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, but he is getting moved down because he hasn't shown many pass moves other than a speed/bend rush. Still, he is a first round talent. Clelin Ferrell hasn't been lighting up the stat sheet, having only two sacks this season, but he has been getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks and has played well against the run. Finishing off the top five is Hercules Mata'afa, who technically plays defensive tackle for the Cougars but projects as a defensive end. Hercules is tearing apart the competition with 10 TFLs and 4.5 sacks, showcasing a red-hot motor and excellent burst off the line of scrimmage. He looks like a top-50 caliber player. By far the biggest disappointment this season has been Arden Key. Through four games, Key only has ten total tackles and .5 a sack, a major drop-off from last season. It seems like the weight gain and shoulder injury I wrote about before the season is negatively affecting Key's game. My sleeper pick is Anthony Winbush, who has 7.5 sacks through six games for Ball State. He is undersized at 6'1'' and 240 pounds, but he could be a good 3-4 OLB in the pros.

LB

1. Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
4. Josey Jewell, Iowa
5. Cameron Smith, USC

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: Roquan Smith, Georgia

Sleeper: Jermaine Carter Jr. Maryland

Six weeks into the season, and analysts are still torn on this linebacker class.. Tremaine Edmunds is still LB1 for me. His tremendous physical gifts are on display every time I watch him, and he has had good production (49 tackles, 4.5 TFLs), especially when he is playing next to another NFL-caliber linebacker in Andrew Motuapuaka. Next on the list is a guy who came out of nowhere for me, Roquan Smith. Smith is a little undersized at 6'1'' and 230 pounds, but this dude is an animal. He is everywhere on the field, and he looks like a top-50 guy. Shaun Dion Hamilton is back from his knee injury and looking quite good for the Crimson Tide. He speed and tackling skills are on full display every time I watch Alabama, and he is definitely worth an early round 2 selection. Josey Jewell  has been nothing short of dominant this season for Iowa. Jewell has 68 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception in only six games. Jewell has athleticism questions, but his instincts are top notch. In that same boat with Jewell is Cameron Smith, who has racked up 46 tackles, 6 being for a loss. Both project as round 2 players who could be starters. My sleeper in Jermain Carter Jr. out of Maryland, who has 34 tackles, 4.5 for loss. He is the same size as Roquon Smith, and I see similar traits between the two in terms of speed and tenacity.

Isaiah OIiver

CB

1. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
2. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
3. Jaire Alexander, Louisville
4. Adonis Alezander, Virginia Tech
5. Isaiah Oliver, Colorado

Biggest Disappointment: Anthony Averett, Alabama

Most Improved: Isaiah Oliver

Sleeper: Shawun Lurry, NIU

Not much has changed in this cornerback class. Tarvarus McFadden is still my CB1. He doesn't have any picks this season, but he has shut down some big named wide receivers such as Ahmmon Richards. Denzel Ward has an interception and 9 pass deflections this season, plus he is laying the wood against the run. Jaire Alexander hasn't played much due to injury, so we will see where his stock is when he is healthy. For now, he doesn't fall very far. Adonis Alexander continues to impress with his length and athleticism, and I like what I have seen from the Hokie. Isaiah Oliver has stepped up with Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon in the NFL. Oliver has 2 picks and 7 pass deflections so far this season, and he is one to watch down the stretch. My sleeper pick is Shawun Lurry. He is tiny at 5-8 and 170 pounds, but he has good instincts in coverage. He is a late round prospect to watch out for.

S

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Jordan Whitehead, Pitt
5. Marcus Allen, Penn State

Biggest Disappointment: None

Most Improved: Armani Watts, Texas A&M

Sleeper: Godwen Igwebuike, Northwestern

Safety is a position that had some shakeup at the top of the board. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best player on the Crimson Tide, and he has been really impressive this season. He can play corner or safety, is a good tackler, and knows what to do in the passing game. He is a complete safety and will be a very high draft pick. Derwin James is back from his knee injury and looking pretty good for the Seminoles. James might only be a strong safety at the next level, but he will be a tremendous enforcer and will still be a high pick. Harrison is putting together a very nice season and is showing he can cover and defend the run (3 TFLs and 2 picks). He looks like a first round player. Jordan Whitehead is back from his three game suspension and playing at a high level for the Panthers. Whitehead is a fearless hitter and big time playmaker tailor made to play free safety at the next level. Marcus Allen is a strong safety who has always racked up tackles, but he nabbed his first career interception against Georgia  State, which  should help his stock among scouts. My most improved player has to be Armani Watts. Watts already has 45 tackles (7 for loss) and 3 picks on the season. He can still be inconsistent when it comes wrapping up opponents and playing man coverage, but improvement is improvement. Godwin Igwebuike was my number 5 safety going into the season, but the play of other safeties has been a little bit better than his at this point. I felt bad for dropping him down the list when he is having a good season (40 tackles, 1 interception), so here he is to make an appearance.

Big Board:

1. Sauqon Barkley, RB, Penn State
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
3. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
5. Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State
6. Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
7. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
8. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
9. Tavarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
10. Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, EDGE, Oklahoma
12. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
13. Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
14. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
15. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
16. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
17.  Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
18. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
19. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
20. Trey Adams, OT, Washington
21. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
22. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
23. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
24. Da'Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
25. Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

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All statistics come from ESPN stats on ESPN.com expect for TFLs, which come from sports-reference.com