2018 NFL Draft – The Sporting Brews

DaeSean Hamilton Would Be Great Fit With New York Giants

The New York Giants own the number two pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and so far almost all of the attention has been paid to that pick. Will it be a quarterback? Saquon Barkley? Will it be a trade? However, the Giants are in a great position to add solid depth in the later rounds as well. They currently own six picks, all in the first five rounds including two in the third round, the second and fifth picks in the third.

GM Dave Gettleman will have a lot of good options to choose from. This draft is fairly deep and there is a lot of talent that could fall into the Giants’ laps, especially in the third round. One name that might be called is Penn State wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton.

The wide receiver position isn’t exactly a huge position of need for the Giants but there is certainly a lack of depth at the position. Odell Beckham, Jr. is coming off an injury that cost him all but the first three games. Sterling Shepard was also banged up last season but showed progress in his second year. Evan Engram was a pleasant surprise at tight end and should be the third option in the passing game. After that, however, there is a lot of question marks and unproven commodities.

The Giants met with Hamilton several times prior to the Draft and every report has been positive about him. He is a solid individual in the locker room, a leader, and would fit perfectly into the type of player the Giants are looking for after last season’s turmoil in the locker room.

Hamilton would be an intriguing option in the slot or outside. He might be better suited for the slot as he has shown a fantastic ability to catch the ball in traffic. He will jump and fight for the ball, which seems like something that needs to be a prerequisite with the Giants these days. He isn’t a great prospect per se but he is a well-rounded one in a draft that lacks a lot of elite talent at WR. There is a chance that someone could take him in the third, or maybe even earlier as things can get crazy once the draft starts.

Hamilton stands in at 6’1” and 203 lbs and had a solid 4.52 40-yard dash during Penn State’s Pro Day. The 40-yard dash time isn’t eye-popping but it isn’t exactly awful either. One of the knocks on Hamilton was that he lacked elite speed and it seems like he always ran the speed during games. However, he can elude tackles once he has the ball and is not an easy tackle. He will fight for that extra yard. He has a drive and hunger inside of him that can’t be measured at a Combine or Pro Day. Call me crazy but he could be one of the better receivers in the game if he keeps that drive.

There is no doubt the Giants need depth at the position. Whether or not they address it in the draft is another matter. However, word is the Giants love Hamilton and there is enough talent and certainly football instinct there to warrant spending a pick on him. He would complement the Giants’ passing game and he could surprise people and emerge as a true star at the position.

Chicago Bears Sitting In Great Spot Heading Into 2018 NFL Draft

With the 2018 NFL Draft just a day away there are few teams in as good as of a position as the Chicago Bears. The Bears, who own the eighth pick, should benefit from many of the teams ahead of them needing quarterbacks and be able to grab a top talent that otherwise would have come off the board.

The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are definitely taking quarterbacks. The Buffalo Bills want one but would have to trade ahead of the Bears if they want a realistic shot at getting one they really love. The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos might just accommodate them. Then there are the wild cards like the Broncos and the Giants who may or may not take one.

This draft is looking better and better for the Bears. Even if the Giants don’t take a quarterback and instead take Saquon Barkley, the Bears still benefit. Their target is most likely on the defensive side of the ball and they should be able to pick from all but one or two of the best prospects in this draft on that side of the ball.

Bradley Chubb should be taken no later than fourth overall. It is possible Denzel Ward could go to the Colts at six. That might be it. That could leave the Bears with a linebacker like Tremaine Edmunds or Roquan Smith or a defensive back like Ward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or Derwin James. They could also add offensive line help in the form of Quenton Nelson and offer Mitch Trubisky a little protection.

The Bears could also find themselves in the position to trade down. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Bills are all looking to move up for QB help. If one of the so-called Big Four are still there then all bets are off. The Bears could be offered a ton in exchange for their spot and could fill several holes this season.

Few teams are in as sweet of a spot as the Bears. They have what they hope is their franchise QB in Trubisky. They have a good running back. They have an emerging defense. They are adding the finishing touches before really competing in the NFC North and challenging for the playoffs. Ryan Pace couldn’t have drawn it up much better for his team.

5 2018 NFL Draft Stories That Make Us Want To Drink

We are just over a week away from the 2018 NFL Draft. If you are an NFL fan you might be suffering from Draft fatigue. You aren’t alone. Every NFL prospect has been dissected 100 different ways by hundreds of different analysts and it’s starting to annoy. This is the part of the year where you just want the Draft to come already and finally put the speculation to bed. Just know you aren’t alone. These are the five storylines that are making us want to drink.

The Josh Allen Debate – If the mere mention of the Wyoming quarterback’s name gives you a headache know you aren’t alone. By this point you either think they guy is Rick Mirer or Andrew Luck and nothing is going to change your mind either way. He has been analyzed and dissected more than any other prospect it seems. Enough is enough. Just knowing we will all have to hear the name and listen to the studio hosts discuss him on draft night is almost enough to have us scrambling for a beer.

The Quarterback Debate in General – How do we get off this train? We do this every year with different names but the styles and questions never seem to change. This year there just happens to be so many quarterbacks who may or may not be taken in the first round. We have Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen (Drink!), Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, and, to a somewhat lesser extent Mason Rudolph. By this time of year the debate around quarterbacks is already tired. When you have this many it is just sensory overload.

The Saquon Barkley Debate – At one point they were talking about Barkley going first overall to the Cleveland Browns. Now, everyone is certain he is going second overall to the Giants. Except those people that have the Giants taking Bradley Chubb or a quarterback. There are a lot of debates on social media and tons of articles discussing whether Barkley is worth being picked that high, if any running back is worth being picked that high. We can’t wait for the draft so we can finally put this puppy to rest. Ah, who are we kidding, this will be discussed for years regardless of how he performs in the NFL.

The NFL Combine – Nothing gets more annoying this time of year than someone saying a person with great production on the field for three or four years is suddenly unworthy of a first round pick because he didn’t bench press enough. Or he had an off day running a 40-yard dash. Putting too much stock in the NFL Combine can lead to disasters. It should be part of an overall evaluation but should not, by any means, ruin or even make, a prospect. Anyone who knows Mike Mamula’s name understands.

The Trade Rumors – At this point the potential trade rumors are enough to drive you mad. You can make a drinking game with it by chugging a beer every time you hear a new one. We don’t actually condone it because you might die doing that but we are okay if you take a sip for every rumor. If you are a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, or New York Giants these rumors right now are enough to drive you crazy. Every day there is a new scenario and reporters everywhere rush to confirm or deny them. Of course one reporter will confirm while another says they are unfounded. But in the age of clicks and views (we know, we are a website who wants your clicks and views and we thank you for clicking over and viewing) sensationalism sells so the rumors take off. April 26, 2018 can’t come soon enough.

2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

The 2018 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and everyone is putting out their mock drafts and debating which QB prospect will be a franchise one or will leave their team scrambling again in the future. Honestly, at this point there is draft fatigue and mock drafts become boring and tiresome. We know this one isn’t any different. Thanks for checking it out and feel free to leave your comments below.

Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold, QB, USC – The Browns and Sam Darnold have been rumored for weeks. At this point it might be a shock if he isn’t their guy but then again, this draft is filled with uncertainty do I wouldn’t bet on it just yet.

New York Giants –Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State – Previously I had Rosen going to the Giants at two but that seems to be out at the moment. There are enough rumors flying around out there that a trade could be in the works so who really knows. If the Giants stay here they will probably take Chubb who fills a need and is the best pass rusher in the Draft. Plus, GM Dave Gettleman does love his defensive linemen.

New York Jets – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma – Mayfield could be the best QB of the bunch. He certainly has the best, and most consistent game tape of any of the quarterbacks when all things are considered. The Jets need to get off the QB carousel and Mayfield might finally be the answer for them.

Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State – With Chubb off the board and no offensive tackle worthy of being picked this high the Browns go with Barkley who many consider the best player in the draft.

Denver Broncos – Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame – It is very possible that Elway might skip drafting another quarterback here and instead try to protect his free agent pick up Case Keenum with the best offensive lineman in the draft.

Indianapolis Colts – Vita Vea, DT, Washington – The Colts may regret trading down since they are now missing out on Chubb and Barkley. They have a need for a defensive tackle and Vea might just be the best one in this draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama – The Buccaneers would love for Barkley to fall to them but they will settle for one of the best, and arguably the most versatile defensive back in the draft.

Chicago Bears – Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech – Edmunds is an outstanding athlete and could really boost Chicago’s defense. A cornerback would also be something to think about here but Edmunds is my pick here.

San Francisco 49ers – Derwin James, S, Florida State – The 49ers could still use a little boost in the secondary and James could be a perfect fit out by the Bay.

Oakland Raiders – Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia – Judging by the Raiders’ offseason so far this pick is going to be hard to predict. It is easy to see Jon Gruden be a complete wild card here. However, it will be hard for Gruden to pass on the player that most resembles Derrick Brooks in this draft.

Miami Dolphins – Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA – Rosen slips a little here and the Dolphins have to roll the dice. Rosen might be the best fit for Miami of the remaining quarterbacks.

Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming – Allen falls into the Bills laps here. Few QB prospects in recent years have been as divisive among scouts and draftniks as Allen has. Buffalo can roll the dice here and live with themselves.

Washington Redskins – Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State – The Redskins could go with a defensive tackle here. A quarterback could be in play as well if one tumbles. However, they have a glaring need at linebacker and Vander Esch is versatile and consistent.

Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State – Corner is a big need for the Packers and Ward is probably the best pure corner in this draft. He lacks size but would slide right into the slot and could become a shut-down corner.

Arizona Cardinals – Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville – The Cardinals can’t depend on Sam Bradford and would love to add a quarterback. Jackson can sit until he is ready, as long as Bradford stays healthy.

Baltimore Ravens – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama – Joe Flacco finally gets a receiver he has been lacking since Derrick Mason left football. Ridley might not be a game breaker but he gets open and can do some things after the catch.

Los Angeles Chargers – Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame – The biggest hole that last couple of seasons for the Chargers has been the offensive line. McGlinchey might not be a stud left tackle but he should develop into one of the better right tackles in the NFL and he is better than anyone on the roster right now.

Seattle Seahawks – Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama – Taking a corner like Jaire Alexander here is a real possibility. The Seahawks are in a bit of a rebuild and have holes in several places but their secondary is especially glaring. Harrison might not be the next Earl Thomas but he has a ton of potential and fits a need with the ability to start right away.

Dallas Cowboys – Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M – Kirk might be the most dynamic receiver in this draft. With Dez Bryant gone, Dallas has a glaring need for a playmaker at the position and Kirk has the potential to be just that. He will need some work and polish but Kirk could be what the Cowboys need moving forward.

Detroit Lions – Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA – He might come from a small school but Davenport has big play ability and the Lions have a need for a playmaker at defensive end.

Cincinnati Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP – The Bengals need help on the interior of their line and Hernandez has shown he can be a very good run blocker, something the Bengals need desperately after averaging 3.6 YPC last year. Hernandez will push the pile.

Buffalo Bills – Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA – Miller might be a bit of a reach here but he is arguably the best offensive lineman left on the board here and all signs point to there being a run on the offensive line early in the second round.

New England Patriots – Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa – Jackson blew it up last year and emerged as one of the nation’s top corners. He would fit in well with the Patriots’ defense and could have an immediate impact.

Carolina Panthers – D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland – Cam Newton needs a weapon on the outside and Moore is the best receiver on the board. He isn’t the most dynamic receiver but he does a lot of stuff really well and should emerge as a capable target for Newton and open up the offense a little.

Tennessee Titans – Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama – Evans is the best linebacker available at this point and would fit in well with a Titans defense that could use an upgrade at the position.

Atlanta Falcons – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama – Dontari Poe is gone and the Falcons have a need for a run stuffer up the middle. Payne falls to the Falcons here and it’s too good to pass up. He will be able to step in right away and have an immediate impact.

New Orleans Saints – Harold Landry, DE, Boston College – Landry is a promising edge rushing prospect who won’t be asked to do too much right away on a good Saints’ defense. He would compliment the pass rush as he learns how to round out his game.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Justin Reid, S, Stanford – The Steelers could use some youth and impact in the secondary and Reid has the potential to be one of the best safeties in this Draft Class.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma – He had a bad combine but he had a better pro day. The talent on tackles in this draft is thin and Brown might be a bit of a reach here and a wide receiver might make more sense. However, Brown has a load of potential and a bad combine shouldn’t be held against him.

Minnesota Vikings – Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia – The Vikings could use a little help on the offensive front at both guard and tackle. Wynn has the ability to be an outstanding guard in the NFL and could even develop into an All Pro. That potential gives him the nod over a tackle like Kolton Miller who is a possibility here if Wynn is off the board.

New England Patriots – Connor Williams, OT, Texas – Williams is a decent enough tackle prospect but some think his future is on the inside. The Patriots could use help at tackle and depth inside. Williams could start right away depending on how he develops in camp.

Philadelphia Eagles – Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville – Alexander is an interesting prospect. He could go higher or he could fall into the second round. The Eagles don’t have a glaring need at corner but Patrick Robinson’s departure leaves a hole and Alexander would be a good fit in Philly.

2018 NFL Mock Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and everyone is putting out their mock drafts and debating which QB prospect is best and who will be a bust. Honestly, the talk gets tiresome and it seems the only reason we click on mock drafts at this point it to find out how you can point out how wrong the other person is. With that, here is The Sporting Brews’ first mock draft.

Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold, QB, USC – The Browns need their quarterback and there is a lot of speculation Darnold is their guy. Other rumors have Josh Allen going first overall but Darnold doesn’t need as much seasoning.

New York Giants – Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA – Rosen is probably the most polished of all of the QB prospects though a case can be made for others as well. Rosen should refine his game sitting behind Eli Manning and under Pat Shurmur. There is a lot of speculation Saquon Barkley will be the pick here but the Giants can’t afford not to draft a young quarterback here.

New York Jets – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma – Mayfield could be the best QB of the bunch. He certainly has the best, and most consistent game tape of any of the quarterbacks when all things are considered. The Jets need to get off the QB carousel and Mayfield might finally be the answer for them.

Cleveland Browns – Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State – Barkley will be an option here but the Browns can add a potentially dominant defensive end to team with Myles Garrett and put fear into opposing quarterbacks. Passing on Chubb will be too hard for them to do.

Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming – There is a very good chance the Broncos look elsewhere but given the need for a franchise quarterback it is also hard to see John Elway and company passing on Allen. There is physical talent there but Allen will need a lot of work in order to be a successful NFL quarterback. With Case Keenum in the mix the Broncos can afford to have Allen sit and learn.

Indianapolis Colts – Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame – Andrew Luck needs protection. Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the draft and will be a cornerstone on the Colts’ line for years.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State – Some will call this a tumble for Barkley but almost every team picking before Tampa Bay has larger needs. Barkley will settle in perfectly with the Buccaneers. If Barkley is gone then Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James are in play here.

Chicago Bears – Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech – Edmunds might be the best edge rusher in this draft. He would be a great fit with the Bears’ defense. Fitzpatrick and James could also be in play here but Edmunds would be hard to pass up.

San Francisco 49ers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama – There are still holes in the 49ers’ secondary even after Richard Sherman entered the picture. Fitzpatrick can give the 49ers depth and can play in the slot or at free safety. He has a ton of potential and his versatility adds to his value.

Oakland Raiders – Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia – Judging by the Raiders’ offseason so far this pick is going to be hard to predict. It is easy to see Jon Gruden be a complete wild card here. However, it will be hard for Gruden to pass on the player that most resembles Derrick Brooks in this draft.

Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT, Washington – The Dolphins released Ndamukong Suh so there is a big hole in the middle of their line. Vea is one of the best athletes in this draft when you consider his size and could be one of the most dynamic defensive tackles in the NFL right off the bat.

Buffalo Bills – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama – The Bills really need a quarterback and some offensive line help. They also need help at WR and Ridley is the best in this group. He runs routes like a pro which will help any quarterback they decide to play. This might be a little early for Ridley but there is a chance he can become a star in this league and he fits a big need.

Washington Redskins – Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State – The Redskins could go with a defensive tackle here. A quarterback could be in play as well if one tumbles. However, they have a glaring need at linebacker and Vander Esch is versatile and consistent.

Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State – Corner is a big need for the Packers and Ward is probably the best pure corner in this draft. He would immediately step in and have an impact on their defense.

Arizona Cardinals – Derwin James, S, Florida State – It might be hard to see James falling this far but if he does he would be a great fit in the Cardinals’ secondary. It is too early to take Lamar Jackson here but it is a possibility.

Baltimore Ravens – Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama – Evans fills a need for the Ravens who are probably hoping Ridley falls to them to fill their biggest need. Evans should step in right away and be a steady presence up the middle.

Los Angeles Chargers – Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame – The biggest hole that last couple of seasons for the Chargers has been the offensive line. McGlinchey might not be a stud left tackle but he should develop into one of the better right tackles in the NFL and he is better than anyone on the roster right now.

Seattle Seahawks – Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama – Taking a corner like Jaire Alexander here is a real possibility. The Seahawks are in a bit of a rebuild and have holes in several places but their secondary is especially glaring. Harrison might not be the next Earl Thomas but he has a ton of potential and fits a need with the ability to start right away.

Dallas Cowboys – Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M – Kirk might be the most dynamic receiver in this draft. With Dez Bryant gone, Dallas has a glaring need for a playmaker at the position and Kirk has the potential to be just that. He will need some work and polish but Kirk could be what the Cowboys need moving forward.

Detroit Lions – Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA – He might come from a small school but Davenport has big play ability and the Lions have a need for a playmaker at defensive end.

Cincinnati Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP – The Bengals need help on the interior of their line and Hernandez has shown he can be a very good run blocker, something the Bengals need desperately after averaging 3.6 YPC last year. Hernandez will push the pile.

Buffalo Bills – Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville – Never mind the chatter of him not being a QB at this level. Jackson is talented but is in need of polish. The Bills desperately need a QB and rumors have flown around that they are trying to trade up to land their guy. If there is no trade Jackson should be the pick. He has the potential to be a dynamic player at the next level.

New England Patriots – Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville – There is a hole at corner and it is hard to imagine Bill Belichick drafting a QB here to sit behind Tom Brady. Alexander has the talent to step in and start from Day 1 and make an impact with his playmaking ability. He lacks ideal size but he has a nose for the ball.

Carolina Panthers – D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland – Cam Newton needs a weapon on the outside and Moore is the best receiver on the board. He isn’t the most dynamic receiver but he does a lot of stuff really well and should emerge as a capable target for Newton and open up the offense a little.

Tennessee Titans – Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU – Sutton could be the young, athletic playmaker the Titans need on the outside to finally see if Marcus Mariota can take this offense into another gear. They can really use an edge rusher but taking one now might be a reach and WR is a need for this team.

Atlanta Falcons – Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama – Dontari Poe is gone and the Falcons have a need for a run stuffer up the middle. Payne falls to the Falcons here and it’s too good to pass up. He will be able to step in right away and have an immediate impact.

New Orleans Saints – Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina – He might be old, he will be 25 after trying his hand at baseball, but he is extremely athletic and plays hard every down. He has the speed and size to become a force at the position but needs polish. Age isn’t a problem for the Saints who are looking to fill holes to win now and Hurst could have an immediate impact, especially with Drew Brees throwing him the ball.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE, Oklahoma – This might be a reach given his size of 6’1” and 242 lbs. but Okoronkwo has a great motor and tends to play beyond his size. Something about him screams Steelers and something about this pick here screams that he will play big in their defense off the edge.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Connor Williams, OT, Texas – Williams is one of the best offensive tackles in this draft. However, he might need a little seasoning at the pro level but should be able to start right away. The Jags would love for a WR to fall to them and that is a real possibility but Williams is the pick here.

Minnesota Vikings – Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia – The Vikings could use a little help on the offensive front at both guard and tackle. Wynn has the ability to be an outstanding guard in the NFL and could even develop into an All Pro. That potential gives him the nod over a tackle like Kolton Miller who is a possibility here if Wynn is off the board.

New England Patriots – Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA – Miller might not have an immediate impact but he has loads of potential and the Patriots have a need on the offensive line. The Patriots could also use this spot to add a RB or even a QB to groom as Brady’s replacement but Miller could be a star at left tackle in this League.

Philadelphia Eagles – Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa – The Eagles don’t have many holes but with Patrick Robinson gone they could refortify their secondary with Jackson who could be a shut down corner for the Eagles in a couple of years.