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The 2018 NFL Draft is still more than two months and we haven’t even seen how free agency is going to shake out, but there are a ton of different ways in which this year’s first round could go.
Because drafts are not without trades, surprise picks, and a ton of other variables, I wanted to introduce one that is somewhat likely to happen just to see how all the teams could react.
Without further ado, here is the entire first round predicted if every player were Lamar Jackson.
1. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The Browns are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback and they got who I believe to be the best one in the draft. Jackson’s career 57.0 completion percentage makes him a bit of a wild card but his penchant for escaping the pocket and breaking loose for long gains with his legs makes him an invaluable target.
2. New York Giants: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
There are a lot of different ways this could go, but I think the Giants surprise everyone and go with Jackson. Eli Manning is on his way out and there’s no one else on that roster who is starter-worthy.
3. Indianapolis Colts: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Huge surprise! Andrew Luck’s health isn’t what we thought it would be and the Colts are bringing Jackson to the AFC South.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
That’s right — the Browns take their second of two first round picks to get their guy in Jackson. You can’t pass up an opportunity to upgrade the quarterback position, especially after watching what DeShone Kizer did in 2017.
5. Denver Broncos: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Are the Broncos in a rebuild? I think so — and that’s why the pick of Jackson makes sense.
6. New York Jets: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
If the Jets fail to get a quarterback in free agency, I think going after the best quarterback in the draft is a real possibility. Jackson has big play ability and his 6.3 yards per carry will endear himself to Jets fans almost immediately.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
I think Jameis Winston’s time in Tampa Bay is nearly over, so grabbing a quarterback makes sense.
8. Chicago Bears: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Is Mitch Trubisky the answer? That’s the question Chicago’s front office needs to answer. I think the Bears start their rebuild now and go after the Louisville quarterback.
9. San Francisco 49ers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
This is the shock of the draft. After offering a huge contract to Jimmy Garoppolo, John Lynch and the 49ers make sure they are fortified at the most important position in sports and double up at quarterback.
10. Oakland Raiders: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Derek Carr’s decline is real and Jon Gruden wants his guy under center. Look for the Raiders to go after Jackson who is an exciting player that can match the excitement of a new home in Las Vegas in 2019 or 2020.
11. Miami Dolphins: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
12. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
13. Washington: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
14. Green Bay Packers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
15. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
16. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
18. Seattle Seahawks: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
19. Dallas Cowboys: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
20. Detroit Lions: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
21. Buffalo Bills: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
23. Los Angeles Rams: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
24. Carolina Panthers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
25. Tennessee Titans: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
26. Atlanta Falcons: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
27. New Orleans Saints: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The biggest question mark with the Jaguars is Blake Bortles and they have a small window with an elite defense. I think they capitalize on a league-leading run game and a generational defensive unit with the best quarterback still available.