Kiper vs. McShay: Three-round head-to-head 2018 NFL Mock Draft

Three rounds. 100 picks. This 2018 NFL mock draft is similar to our "Grade: A" projections -- it's all about whom we would take at each pick. We're playing general manager for all 32 teams.

The ground rules are simple: alternate picks; no trades; no deals that say "I won't take Player X if you don't take Player Y." It's just "This is whom I'd take" at every slot on the board for three full rounds. Kiper kicks us off with the Browns.

We'll explain each pick below, and needs play a big part. We're not going to reach on our boards, but we are taking into account holes on each roster.

Note: An asterisk denotes a compensatory selection.

ROUND 1

1. Cleveland Browns

Kiper's pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

It's going to be a quarterback here, and Allen has the tools to be a superstar. He's the top quarterback on my board. I explained more here.

2. New York Giants

McShay's pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

The Giants would definitely consider Sam Darnold here, but Barkley is a generational talent and the top prospect in the draft.

3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)

Kiper's pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

If the Giants pass on the second quarterback, the Jets should pounce. Darnold has to be more consistent with his mechanics.

4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)

McShay's pick: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Chubb is a terrific all-around player and the top defensive prospect on my board. Slide him in opposite Myles Garrett and that's a terrifying pass-rushing duo.

5. Denver Broncos

Kiper's pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Rosen could battle Case Keenum to start in 2018. He's NFL-ready -- if he stays healthy.

6. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets)

McShay's pick: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

A hot name right now, Smith is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can play the run and the pass. Indianapolis needs playmakers all over on defense.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kiper's pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama

Wow, that's a little early for Smith. For the No. 7 pick, it was Fitzpatrick or Denzel Ward, and Fitzpatrick is higher on my board. The Bucs' secondary has to get better.

8. Chicago Bears

McShay's pick: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

Chicago would be thrilled with this pick, getting the No. 2 player on my board at No. 8. Nelson is a plug-and-play guard.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Kiper's pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Love Ward's fit in San Francisco, and this would be a dream pick for general manager John Lynch. How important was that coin flip with Oakland at the combine?

10. Oakland Raiders

McShay's pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State

That coin flip looms large, but James is a good consolation prize. He's one of the most versatile prospects I've evaluated, and Oakland needs playmakers on D.

11. Miami Dolphins

Kiper's pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

How did I end up picking all the quarterbacks here, McShay? Mayfield might play early for the Dolphins.

12. Buffalo Bills (from Bengals)

McShay's pick: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

This one is a tough sell to the Bills' fan base, as we miss out on the top four QBs. Edmunds is a physical freak and only 19; I'd take him over reaching for a QB here.

13. Washington Redskins

Kiper's pick: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

It was nose tackle all the way, and I have Payne rated a little higher than Vita Vea. Washington could be in the mix if one of the top defensive backs falls.

14. Green Bay Packers

McShay's pick: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

I know Green Bay has needs along the offensive line, but I need to keep Aaron Rodgers happy as well. Ridley is the clear No. 1 wideout in this class. He runs great routes and can separate from defensive backs.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's pick: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

This is the fifth quarterback off the board in Round 1. Arizona gets a raw but supremely talented player and doesn't need to play him early with Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon on the roster.

16. Baltimore Ravens

McShay's pick: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

Not getting the No. 1 pick was worth it, just to take Kiper's favorite wide receiver for his favorite team. Moore is a speedster who would give Joe Flacco another weapon on the outside.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Kiper's pick: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

McShay takes my guy off the board for the Ravens. Great pick. Vea is the best nose tackle left on the board, but he's more than a traditional plugger. He has athleticism and quickness.

18. Seattle Seahawks

McShay's pick: Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

Seattle needs as much help on the O-line as it can get. Hernandez is a mauler.

19. Dallas Cowboys

Kiper's pick: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

With two wide receivers off the board here, Dallas shouldn't reach. And Evans is a big, physical linebacker from a college program that has produced some great inside linebackers.

20. Detroit Lions

McShay's pick: James Daniels, C, Iowa

The Lions must keep Matthew Stafford upright. This is about the right range for Daniels, my top-ranked center.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Bills)

Kiper's pick: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

The Bengals' tackles were a disaster last season. Cordy Glenn should be an improvement, and Miller will compete to start.

22. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs)

McShay's pick: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

A young linebacker and a right tackle? Both are needs for Buffalo, but this is a tough first-round sell for the fan base.

23. New England Patriots (from Rams)

Kiper's pick: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

Sorry, no trades here, McShay, so let's give Bill Belichick one of my favorite defenders in this class. Alexander is a ball hawk.

24. Carolina Panthers

McShay's pick: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

The Panthers need help on the back end, and Reid is a rangy safety with size and athleticism.

25. Tennessee Titans

Kiper's pick: Marcus Davenport, OLB/DE, UT-San Antonio

How did Davenport fall so far? He's a great fit for the Titans' 3-4, but he needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL.

26. Atlanta Falcons

McShay's pick: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

Bryan has elite first-step quickness and will help replace Dontari Poe on Atlanta's defensive line.

27. New Orleans Saints

Kiper's pick: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

My top tight end lands in a great spot. Drew Brees should be thrilled, and the Saints could make a Super Bowl run.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

McShay's pick: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

Hughes ran only a 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine, but he's a good cover corner. Pittsburgh still needs help on the back end.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper's pick: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

Give me another tight end here. I'm not sold on Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Hurst should be more productive in the NFL than he was in college.

30. Minnesota Vikings

McShay's pick: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Jackson is a ball hawk (led nation with eight INTs) and would give Minnesota insurance if it doesn't want to give Trae Waynes big money or Mackensie Alexander doesn't develop.

31. New England Patriots

Kiper's pick: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

Another pick for the Patriots, and Vander Esch is the type of supreme athlete that Bill Belichick loves to coach up. Put him inside, put him outside -- just get him on the field.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

McShay's pick: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

The Super Bowl champs can afford to go best player available here. I'll figure out how to divvy up carries later.

ROUND 2

33. Cleveland Browns

Kiper's pick: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

C'mon, McShay. I have Guice rated higher than Michel. The Browns get their quarterback, running back and an elite pass-rusher with their first three picks.

34. New York Giants

McShay's pick: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

The Giants need all sorts of help on their offensive line. Wynn would could start immediately.

35. Cleveland Browns (from Texans)

Kiper's pick: Geron Christian, OT, Louisville

As I noted in my projection of the perfect Browns class, I wouldn't be shocked if Christian was a starting left tackle in Week 1 this season.

36. Indianapolis Colts

McShay's pick: Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College

Landry led the nation with 16.5 sacks in 2016 before dealing with injuries last season. He provides some much-needed pass-rush help.

37. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets)

Kiper's pick: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

I like that pick, McShay. Great value. And with back-to-back picks for the Colts, let's give Andrew Luck a security blanket in Jones. And I've got one more pick for Indy coming up in Round 2.

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

McShay's pick: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU

Jackson is still raw, but his speed (4.32 40) is something you can't coach. Tampa Bay gets some more help at corner.

39. Chicago Bears

Kiper's pick: Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

Plain and simple, Miller is the most underrated wide receiver in this class. And Chicago is upgrading its offense around Mitchell Trubisky this offseason.

40. Denver Broncos

McShay's pick: Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas

Denver got its quarterback of the future in Round 1, and now we get someone to protect him. The Broncos have a need at guard.

41. Oakland Raiders

Kiper's pick: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Kirk is the best slot receiver in this class, and he's a fantastic return man. I could see him being picked at the end of Round 1.

42. Miami Dolphins

McShay's pick: Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State

Leonard is an athletic cover linebacker who would be a great fit in Miami.

43. New England Patriots (from 49ers)

Kiper's pick: Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

My offensive tackle board has been depleted. McShay stole my guy Connor Williams at pick 40. Offensive tackle is a huge need in New England, though, and the Patriots have to address it early.

44. Washington Redskins

McShay's pick: Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State

Price is only available here because he tore his pec at the combine. He'd fill a hole at center or guard for Washington.

45. Green Bay Packers

Kiper's pick: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

McShay got Aaron Rodgers a receiver in Round 1, so I'm addressing a true need position here. Oliver is a great athlete.

46. Cincinnati Bengals

McShay's pick: Austin Corbett, C/G, Nevada

Mel took his guy Kolton Miller in the first round, but Cincy should double down on the O-line if it breaks this way.

47. Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's pick: D.J. Chark, WR, LSU

Chark is the best deep threat in this class -- 4.34 40 speed in a 6-foot-3 frame. The Cardinals' receiver depth chart is brutal behind Larry Fitzgerald.

48. Los Angeles Chargers

McShay's pick: Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

Injuries have decimated the Chargers' offensive line in previous seasons. Crosby provides needed depth.

49. Indianapolis Colts (from Jets via Seahawks)

Kiper's pick: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

Another weapon for Andrew Luck. Sutton has an NFL body but was up and down in college.

50. Dallas Cowboys

McShay's pick: Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

Dallas got help at linebacker in the first round, and now gets help along the defensive line in the second.

51. Detroit Lions

Kiper's pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

McShay gave the Lions the draft's best center in Round 1, so let's stick with the interior. Hurst, whose medical was flagged at the combine, is a penetrator built for a 4-3 defense.

52. Baltimore Ravens

McShay's pick: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

Brown couldn't have had a worse pro day, but there is a lot of raw talent here. He's worth the gamble in the middle of Round 2.

53. Buffalo Bills

Kiper's pick: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Rudolph is QB No. 6 in this class, and I think he's going to go somewhere in the second round. With no trades here, Buffalo couldn't move up to take one in the top 10, so the Bills will have to pick from the second tier.

54. Kansas City Chiefs

McShay's pick: Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia

Carter is a bit of a tweener, but Kansas City desperately needs pass-rushers.

55. Carolina Panthers

Kiper's pick: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

Washington is one of the best deep threats in this class -- he was consistently behind defenders in college. Carolina doesn't have a guy like that with Ted Ginn in New Orleans.

56. Buffalo Bills (from Rams)

McShay's pick: Rasheem Green, DE, USC

Green has upside as a pass-rusher and will help fortify the D-line.

57. Tennessee Titans

Kiper's pick: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

I went with a raw pass-rusher in the first round for Tennessee, and now the Titans can snag a freak athlete in the second round. Gesicki lit up the combine but is inconsistent on tape.

58. Atlanta Falcons

McShay's pick: Martinas Rankin, OT/G, Mississippi State

We got our defensive tackle help in the first, and now we turn to keeping Matt Ryan upright. Rankin is raw, but he has a lot of natural tools.

59. San Francisco 49ers (from Saints)

Kiper's pick: Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC

This is great value for a true pass-rusher in Nwosu, who was unblockable at the end of the 2017 season. At 6-2, he's undersized, though.

60. Pittsburgh Steelers

McShay's pick: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

This team gave up 45 points to Jacksonville at home in the playoffs, so I'm fine doubling down on help in the secondary.

61. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper's pick: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

I'm helping out Blake Bortles in this class. Pettis is an elite punt returner, and he had 15 receiving touchdowns in 2016.

62. Minnesota Vikings

McShay's pick: Braden Smith, G, Auburn

There are few holes on this roster, but guard (or right tackle if Mike Remmers moves inside) is one of them.

63. New England Patriots

Kiper's pick: Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest

Another pick for the Patriots, and Bates fits their profile as a versatile player who can play down in the box or in the deep middle of the field.

64. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)

McShay's pick: B.J. Hill, DT, NC State

I think Kiper forgot about Hill, my 46th-ranked player. He's a good value here.

ROUND 3

65. Buffalo Bills (from Browns)

Kiper's pick: M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

The Bills have to address the cornerback spot across from Tre'Davious White. Stewart was just OK at the Senior Bowl, and he didn't run as fast as I thought he might at the combine.

66. New York Giants

McShay's pick: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

Eli Apple's future in New York is very much up the air, so more cornerback help is needed.

67. Indianapolis Colts

Kiper's pick: Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia

We're getting to the point on my board in which we have to project. Harrison has the traits to be a starting NFL offensive tackle, but he's going to need time.

68. Houston Texans

McShay's pick: Sam Hubbard, OLB/DE, Ohio State

I'm not thrilled with this pick, as Houston has several other needs and it's their first of the draft. Hubbard is another versatile player for a defense hurt by injuries last season.

69. New York Giants (from Bucs)

Kiper's pick: Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State

Love this pick. Thanks for leaving Shepherd on the board, McShay. Shepherd probably would play end in the Giants' new 3-4.

70. San Francisco 49ers (from Bears)

McShay's pick: Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA

Lasley has first-round ability, but has fallen because of off-field issues. This could be a steal.

71. Denver Broncos

Kiper's pick: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

I don't think Chubb lasts this long, but this is a fantastic pick for Denver. He could make a Kareem Hunt-like impact as a rookie -- in the right spot.

72. New York Jets

McShay's pick: Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State

C'mon, Kiper! I wanted Chubb for the Jets, but Penny is a good consolation prize. He can do it all.

73. Miami Dolphins

Kiper's pick: Breeland Speaks, DE, Ole Miss

Speaks is a physical and disruptive player. He could kick inside as a pass-rusher, too.

74. San Francisco 49ers

McShay's pick: Kameron Kelly, S, San Diego State

San Francisco is looking much better at cornerback (Denzel Ward at No. 9 and signing Richard Sherman in free agency), but Kelly would help shore up a safety spot.

75. Oakland Raiders

Kiper's pick: Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

Lewis showed flashes of being a dominant player, but his tape is up and down. Oakland needs edge defenders.

76. Green Bay Packers

McShay's pick: Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State

Sweat's left knee is the reason he's still available here. He's worth the risk in Round 3,

77. Cincinnati Bengals

Kiper's pick: Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama

Averett had only one interception at Alabama, and the tape shows a corner who struggles to find the ball at times. Still, 4.36 speed masks other problems

78. Kansas City Chiefs (from Redskins)

McShay's pick: Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State

Another cover linebacker, as Kansas City doubles down on defensive help.

79. Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's pick: Duke Dawson, CB, Florida

Dawson is a true slot corner, and slot corners are in demand. No. 3 corners play a lot of snaps in today's NFL.

80. Houston Texans (from Seahawks)

McShay's pick: Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana

Thomas is a solid prospect, and my fourth-ranked tight end is a good fit for a team desperate for more from that position.

81. Dallas Cowboys

Kiper's pick: Tre'Quan Smith, WR, UCF

McShay and I went defense for Dallas' first two picks, so let's go with a wideout in Round 3. Smith is not Dez Bryant's replacement, but he has a high ceiling.

82. Detroit Lions

McShay's pick: Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State

The Lions need another pass-rushing threat opposite Ezekiel Ansah. Holmes would be a good start.

83. Baltimore Ravens

Kiper's pick: Jordan Akins, TE, UCF

We went all offense for Baltimore, and the 26-year-old Akins now goes in the third round -- just like he did in the MLB draft in 2010.

84. Los Angeles Chargers

McShay's pick: Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond

Finally, my Richmond guy! This would be a great situation for Lauletta to sit back and learn behind Philip Rivers.

85. Carolina Panthers (from Bills)

Kiper's pick: Arden Key, OLB, LSU

Key is a risk, but the talent is there. He has all the talent in the world. But his weight has been an issue, and he was out of shape in 2017. Which Key will Carolina get?

86. Kansas City Chiefs

McShay's pick: Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College

With Marcus Peters gone, the Chiefs need more corners. Yiadom has risen in the pre-draft process.

87. Los Angeles Rams

Kiper's pick: Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt

Can you believe this is the Rams' first pick of the draft? Burks is a versatile linebacker who could compete to replace Alec Ogletree.

88. Carolina Panthers

McShay's pick: Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas

This will be Ryan Kalil's final season, so a replacement will be needed. My third-ranked center and 58th-ranked player overall, Ragnow is a great value pick.

89. Tennessee Titans

Kiper's pick: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

Hamilton really impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl, and I don't love the Titans' wide receiver depth chart.

90. Atlanta Falcons

McShay's pick: Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida

Callaway is a speedster and would help fill a vacant slot receiver role for Atlanta.

91. New Orleans Saints

Kiper's pick: Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

With no second-round pick because of last year's trade up for Alvin Kamara, the Saints get another weapon for Drew Brees.

92. Pittsburgh Steelers

McShay's pick: Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa

Jewell doesn't have nearly the athleticism of Ryan Shazier, but is more athletic than he gets credit for.

93. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper's pick: Colby Gossett, C/G, Appalachian State

Jewell is a nice value pick for Pittsburgh. Gossett started 46 games at right guard in college.

94. Minnesota Vikings

McShay's pick: Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama

With Jerick McKinnon gone and Dalvin Cook coming back, this would be a nice complement to a loaded offense.

95. New England Patriots

Kiper's pick: Luke Falk, QB, Washington State

New England finally gets its quarterback. And it's Falk, who has patterned his game and throwing motion after Tom Brady. Falk is not a great athlete and needs a good supporting cast.

96. Buffalo Bills (from Eagles)

McShay's pick: Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

Cain has tremendous raw talent, but needs to be refined. Buffalo could use another wideout.

97. Arizona Cardinals*

Kiper's pick: Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State

Best-case scenario for the 5-8 Hines? He's a Darren Sproles-type back who contributes as a return man and third-down back. Hines is one of the fastest prospects in this class.

98. Houston Texans*

McShay's pick: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

Offensive tackle is my top need for Houston, so we have to take one with one of our three third-round picks.

99. Denver Broncos*

Kiper's pick: Shaquem Griffin, OLB, UCF

Hey, this is my mock draft, right? I want Griffin on my team. He'll be an inspiration to his teammates -- and he's a heckuva football player.

100. Cincinnati Bengals*

McShay's pick: Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech

It seems like this mock gets longer every year! Settle provides some nice depth for Cincinnati along the defensive front.