While they won’t be getting any medals for their efforts, 2018 NFL draft hopefuls are hard at work preparing for the jumpsuit Olympics portion of their seemingly endless job interview.

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine will have a significant impact on the eventual draft slot for many prospects in this year’s class, but before the predraft crazy-train makes that stop in Indy, let’s take another stab at projecting the first four rounds of this year’s draft, complete with a handful of Day 1 trades.

(draft order via Tankathon)

*denotes projected trade

Related 2018 NFL draft prospect rankings

While some might project the Browns to get cute here and wait until the No. 4 pick to take a quarterback, I don’t see it. If there’s a quarterback new general manager John Dorsey identifies as worthy of a top-five pick, the position is simply too important not to take that player here. Rosen is the most pro-ready passer in this year’s class, and makes the most sense here.

2. New York Giants | Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State

New general manager Dave Gettleman seems committed to Eli Manning as his starting quarterback for the near future, so it won’t surprise me if the Giants opt to pass on his potential replacement here. If that’s the case, Barkley would give him a dynamic weapon who can make his life easier on all three downs.

This defense needs help everywhere, but no hole is more glaring that their lackluster pass rush. This year’s class of edge defenders isn’t terribly deep, which should help make this a no-brainer pick for the Colts. Chubb is easily the best, most complete player in the group, and would be a welcome addition to a defense that could use a dose of his nasty, physical playing style.

4. New York Jets (from HOU via CLE)* | Sam Darnold | QB | USC

The first projected trade in this mock has the Jets pulling the trigger to jump ahead of the Broncos for Darnold, a raw but talented passer with limitless upside. For a third-round pick, the Jets secure the franchise quarterback they’ve desperately needed for years. Even if the Broncos sign Kirk Cousins, it shouldn’t be assumed they’ll be out of the market for a young quarterback to develop behind him, which could prompt a move like this.

If Cousins does sign in Denver, this could free up the Broncos to fill other pressing needs, while maximizing value. Arguably the best overall player in the entire draft, Nelson is a dominant blocker who is exactly what any quarterback would want protecting him. Interior blockers aren’t often considered worthy of a top-five pick, but Nelson is the exception.

This is a dream scenario for the Browns, who add another early pick, yet still end up taking the guy they probably would have targeted that their original slot. Fitzpatrick’s versatility will allow him to line up anywhere in the secondary, and the Browns have needs at both corner and safety that he could immediately upgrade.

With the best prospects at all of their positions of need off the board, the Bucs could be prime candidates to trade back in this scenario. They could find a willing partner in the Bills, who are loaded with early selections and desperately need a franchise quarterback to take their playoff-caliber roster to the next level. In return for both of their first-round picks and one of their second-rounders (and maybe even a mid-rounder next year), Buffalo finds the perfect leader for their mafia.

Wide receiver is a popular mock pick here, and with good reason, but the value is elsewhere for the Bears in this scenario. While corner may be the bigger need on defense, Edmunds is just too enticing of a prospect to pass up. His rare blend of size and athleticism (especially at just 19 years old) make him one of the most promising players in the entire draft, and his versatility could give the Bears an eventually dominant player on the edge or off the ball.

With three quarterbacks already off the board, don’t be surprised if a team like the Dolphins starts making calls to move up and secure one of the other top passers in the class. Especially with teams like the Bengals and Cardinals lurking just behind them, the Dolphins could make a short jump to secure the raw but talented Allen, giving up one of their pair of fourth-round picks for Ryan Tannehill’s eventual replacement.

Another defense that needs upgrades at every level, the Raiders need a player who can transform the identity of the entire unit. Smith has the passion and playing style to do just that, with his impressive blend of athleticism, physicality and instincts.

11. San Francisco 49ers (from MIA)* | Josh Jackson | CB | Iowa

This is a smooth move for the 49ers, who could have just picked Jackson at their original spot, but still ends up with him after sliding back and adding an extra mid-round pick. The strength of this year’s corner class is in its depth, but Jackson has the size, athleticism and ball skills to be the best in class, giving the 49ers the shut-down artist they need on the outside.

Despite investing premium draft resources to address this position in recent years, the Bengals are still looking for a franchise cornerstone at tackle. A knee injury cost Williams a big chunk of his 2017 campaign, but at full strength, he could make as strong a case as any to be the first tackle off the board in a deep, talented class.

In their trade to acquire veteran quarterback Alex Smith, the Redskins dealt away one of the most promising young corners in the the league (Kendall Fuller), leaving a gaping hole on the roster. Ward may lack ideal size, but he makes up for it in every other area of his game, making him the perfect replacement.

14. Green Bay Packers | Harold Landry | EDGE | Boston College

Clay Matthews turns 32 this summer, and the Packers could use a young, dynamic edge rusher to eventually take his place. The FBS sack king in 2016, Landry is as explosive as any pass rusher in this year’s class, using his great technique and balance to beat would-be blockers and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

This year’s receiver class has a deep second tier, but Ridley is the only first-round lock in the bunch. The Panthers should always be looking to give Cam Newton as many weapons as possible, and while he’s got some big, physical targets on the roster, he doesn’t have an explosive playmaker with Ridley’s precision and polish. In return for their second-round pick, the Panthers jump ahead of receiver-needy teams like the Ravens and Cowboys to secure the most pro-ready pass-catcher in the class.

There are bigger needs on this roster, but after getting Ridley snatched right in front of them, the Ravens would be better off taking value elsewhere over reaching for the next-best receiver in the class. Guice is an explosive, physical back with a three-down skill set, and would give the Ravens a dynamic presence they don’t currently have in the backfield.

17. Los Angeles Chargers | Orlando Brown | OT | Oklahoma

If the Bolts want Philip Rivers to stick around for a few more years and play at a high level, they’ll need to keep him healthy. Last year’s draft netted some stellar interior blockers, but they still need a franchise tackle like Brown, a massive force with rare agility and athleticism for his size.

Another projected trade that doesn’t target a quarterback, the Falcons make a move to secure one of their few glaring needs. The Falcons have a track meet on the edge with the talented tandem of Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley, but they need a young presence in the middle to replace the likely-departing Dontari Poe. With the Cowboys, Lions and Bucs all in need of a massive, athletic nose tackle like Vea, the Dirty Birds move up just ahead of them to get their man.

This defense needs help at all three levels, so this pick is about maximizing value at any spot on that side of the ball. Hurst is one of the most explosive, disruptive defenders in this year’s deep class of interior linemen, and would be a welcome addition to the Cowboys’ front line.

Even if Ziggy Ansah were to re-sign to a long-term extension instead of hitting free agency, the Lions would need a bookend to pair him with on the other edge. Davenport is still plenty raw, but his massive frame and athleticism give him tons of potential. It may take some time, but he could develop into the impact player the Lions desperately need on the edge.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneeers (from BUF)* | Derwin James | S | Florida State

Justin Evans was a pleasant surprise as a rookie last year, but the Bucs could use an upgrade at the strong safety spot. After making a big jump back out of the top 10, they end up getting a huge steal in James, who is one of the most dynamic athletes in the entire draft. A leg injury and questionable usage kept James from playing to his full potential in 2017, but at full strength, the Bucs would have a much-needed playmaker who can fly all over the field.

Gerald McCoy has made six straight Pro Bowls, but he needs help around him if he wants to maximize his impact. Edge rusher may be the bigger need for the Bucs, but the value is elsewhere in this scenario. With the additional second-round pick they get from the Bills in their trade, they add the perfect complement to McCoy in the massive but athletic and explosive Payne.

23. Los Angeles Rams | Isaiah Oliver | CB | Colorado

Currently without a second-round pick, expect the Rams to be a prime candidate to trade down from this pick in hopes of recouping some Day 2 resources. In this scenario, however, their need for a young corner to replace the likely-departing Trumaine Johnson, and the value of a talented cover man like Oliver makes too much sense to move down.

After seeing four quarterbacks come off the board before their original pick, the Cards move back nearly 10 spots and swing away on one of this year’s most dynamic but polarizing prospects. Jackson isn’t without his flaws, but his arm talent and athleticism give him as much upside as any passer in this year’s deep class.

Kevin Byard was a grand-slam pick two years ago, but the Titans could use a similar kind of playmaker at the other safety spot. Harrison has a fantastic combination of size, athleticism, instincts and range, making him a ball-carrier magnet opponents struggle to avoid.

26. Denver Broncos (from ATL via SEA)* | Mason Rudolph | QB | Oklahoma State

Whether Cousins ends up in Denver or not, the Broncos could still be looking to add a young passer in this deep class either way. In this scenario, the Broncos jump back into the first round to get Rudolph, giving them an extra year of contract control for a talented prospect who could develop into an eventual replacement for Cousins, or a valuable bargaining chip to offer teams desperate for a young gun like Rudolph. This move costs Denver a third-round pick, but Rudolph could fetch much more than that down the line.

27. New Orleans Saints | Rashaan Evans | LB | Alabama

The Saints have some solid contributors at linebacker, but nobody with Evans’ combination of size, athleticism and upside. The latest in a long line of talented linebackers to come through Tuscaloosa, Evans would be a fantastic match of need and value here.

Every year, a couple of prospects stand out and make me say, “That’s a Steeler.” Allen is one of this year’s, with his fantastic blend of athletic ability, intelligence, instincts and intangibles. His playing style on the field, on the sideline and in the locker room would be a perfect fit here.

With very few glaring needs on their roster, the Jags can be patient and see where the value falls at this pick. One of their biggest needs is fortifying the offensive line in front of Leonard Fournette, and a massive mauler like Hernandez would be the perfect fit. His performance at the Senior Bowl backed up his strong performances on film, solidifying Hernandez as a first-round talent in this class.

Similar to the Jaguars, the Vikings have very few glaring needs outside of their offensive line. They hit big on last year’s third-round pick, Pat Elflein, so why not further strengthen the interior by adding his former Buckeyes teammate? Price has experience at both guard and center, and would be an instant upgrade for a team primed for perennial playoff contention.

31. New England Patriots | Jaire Alexander | CB | Louisville

With Malcolm Butler likely headed elsewhere in free agency this offseason, finding his replacement will be the Pats’ top priority. Injuries held Alexander back for much of the 2017 season, but he’s a complete cover man with the athleticism, intelligence and confidence to be a No. 1 corner early in his career.

Protecting Carson Wentz should obviously be the Super Bowl champs’ top priority. With Jason Peters aging and coming off a serious injury of his own, Philly has to target his replacement early in this draft. McGlinchey is as polished as any tackle in this class, with plenty of starting experience on both sides.

SECOND ROUND

33. Cleveland Browns | Sony Michel | RB | Georgia

34. New York Giants | Chukwuma Okorafor | OT | Western Michigan

35. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Courtland Sutton | WR | SMU

36. Indianapolis Colts | Isaiah Wynn | OL | Georgia

37. New York Jets | Ronald Jones II | RB | USC

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Arden Key | EDGE | LSU

39. Chicago Bears | Carlton Davis | CB | Auburn

40. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)* | Martinas Rankin | OT | Mississippi State

41. Oakland Raiders | Tarvarus McFadden | CB | Florida State

42. Miami Dolphins | Sam Hubbard | EDGE | Ohio State

43. New England Patriots (from SF) | Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | EDGE | Oklahoma

44. Washington Redskins | Kyzir White | S | West Virginia

45. Green Bay Packers | Malik Jefferson | LB | Texas

46. Cincinnati Bengals | James Daniels | OL | Iowa

47. Arizona Cardinals | Braden Smith | G | Auburn

48. Los Angeles Chargers | Tim Settle | DL | Virginia Tech

49. New York Jets (from SEA) | Jamarco Jones | OT | Ohio State

50. Dallas Cowboys | Auden Tate | WR | Florida State

51. Detroit Lions | Taven Bryan | DL | Florida

52. Baltimore Ravens | James Washington | WR | Oklahoma State

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from BUF)* | Nick Chubb | RB | Georgia

54. Kansas City Chiefs | D.J. Moore | WR | Maryland

55. Arizona Cardinals (from CAR)* | Donte Jackson | CB | LSU

56. Buffalo Bills (from LAR) | Derrick Nnadi | DL | Florida State

57. Tennessee Titans | Dorance Armstrong, Jr. | EDGE | Kansas

58. Atlanta Falcons | Jessie Bates III | S | Wake Forest

59. San Francisco 49ers (from NO) | Christian Kirk | WR | Texas A&M

60. Pittsburgh Steelers | Mike Hughes | CB | UCF

61. Jacksonville Jaguars | Dallas Goedert | TE | South Dakota State

62. Minnesota Vikings | Harrison Phillips | DL | Stanford

63, New England Patriots | Justin Reid | S | Stanford

64. Cleveland Browns (from PHI) | Anthony Miller | WR | Memphis

THIRD ROUND

65. Cleveland Browns | M.J. Stewart | CB | North Carolina

66. New York Giants | Nathan Shepherd | DL | Fort Hays State

67. Indianapolis Colts | Jerome Baker | LB | Ohio State

68. Houston Texans | Tyrell Crosby | OT | Oregon

69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Quenton Meeks | CB | Stanford

70. San Francisco 49ers (from CHI) | Mason Cole | OL | Michigan

71. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)* | DeShon Elliott | S | Texas

72. Cleveland Browns (from NYJ)* | Kolton Miller | OT | UCLA

73. Miami Dolphins | Leighton Vander Esch | LB | Boise State

74. San Francisco 49ers | Josh Sweat | EDGE | Florida State

75. Oakland Raiders | Rashaad Penny | RB | San Diego State

76. Green Bay Packers | Levi Wallace | CB | Alabama

77. Cincinnati Bengals | Mark Andrews | TE | Oklahoma

78. Kansas City Chiefs (from WAS) | Shaquem Griffin | LB | UCF

79. Arizona Cardinals | Equanimeous St. Brown | WR | Notre Dame

80. Houston Texans (from SEA) | Duke Dawson | CB | Florida

81. Dallas Cowboys | Rasheem Green | EDGE/DL | USC

82. Detroit Lions | Fred Warner | LB | BYU

83. Baltimore Ravens | Alex Cappa | OL | Humboldt State

84. Los Angeles Chargers | Armani Watts | S | Texas A&M

85. Carolina Panthers (from BUF) | Kemoko Turay | EDGE | Rutgers

86. Kansas City Chiefs | Jordan Whitehead | S | Pittsburgh

87. Los Angeles Rams | Duke Ejiofor | EDGE | Wake Forest

88. Carolina Panthers | Brian O’Neill | OT | Pittsburgh

89. Tennessee Titans | Frank Ragnow | OL | Arkansas

90. Seattle Seahawks (from ATL)* | Kameron Kelly | DB | San Diego State

91. New Orleans Saints | Michael Gallup | WR | Colorado State

92. Pittsburgh Steelers | Uchenna Nwosu | EDGE/LB | USC

93. Jacksonville Jaguars | Deon Cain | WR | Clemson

94. Minnesota Vikings | Tegray Scales | LB | Indiana

95. New England Patriots | Kyle Lauletta | QB | Richmond

96. Buffalo Bills (from PHI) | Dante Pettis | WR | Washington

FOURTH ROUND

97. Cleveland Browns | Josey Jewell | LB | Iowa

98. New York Giants | Darius Phillips | CB | Western Michigan

99. Houston Texans | Quin Blanding | S | Virginia

100. Indianapolis Colts | D.J. Reed | CB | Kansas State

101. Chicago Bears | Simmie Cobbs, Jr. | WR | Indiana

102. Denver Broncos | Andrew Brown | DL | Virginia

103. New York Jets | Jeff Holland | EDGE | Auburn

104. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Desmond Harrison | OT | West Georgia

105. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Jack Cichy | LB | Wisconsin

106. Oakland Raiders | Deadrin Senat | DL | USF

107. San Francisco 49ers (from MIA)* | Kalen Ballage | RB | Arizona State

108. Cincinnati Bengals | Dorian O’Daniel | LB | Clemson

109. Washington Redskins | Da’Shawn Hand | DL | Alabama

110. Green Bay Packers | Mike Gesicki | TE | Penn State

111. Chicago Bears (from ARI) | Brandon Parker | OT | North Carolina A&T

112. Dallas Cowboys | Ian Thomas | TE | Indiana

113. Detroit Lions | Kerryon Johnson | RB | Auburn

114. Baltimore Ravens | Troy Fumagalli | TE | Wisconsin

115. Los Angeles Chargers | Riley Ferguson | QB | Memphis

116. Seattle Seahawks | Royce Freeman | RB | Oregon

117. Buffalo Bills | Micah Kiser | LB | Virginia

118. Kansas City Chiefs | Chad Thomas | EDGE | Miami (FL)

119. Cleveland Browns (from CAR) | Bo Scarbrough | RB | Alabama

120. Los Angeles Rams | Maea Teuhema | OL | Southeastern Louisiana

121. Tennessee Titans | Charvarius Ward | CB | Middle Tennessee State

122. Atlanta Falcons | Wyatt Teller | OL | Virginia Tech

123. New Orleans Saints | Lorenzo Carter | EDGE | Georgia

124. San Francisco 49ers (from PIT) | Hayden Hurst | TE | South Carolina

125. Jacksonville Jaguars | Holton Hill | CB | Texas

126. Miami Dolphins (from MIN) | KC McDermott | OL | Miami (FL)

127. Philadelphia Eagles (from NE) | Josh Adams | RB | Notre Dame

128. Philadelphia Eagles | D.J. Chark | WR | LSU

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