Penn State’s Saquon Barkley was selected by the Giants with the No. 2 overall pick. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
BREAKING: With No. 1 pick in NFL draft, Cleveland Browns select quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has drawn comparisons to Johnny Manziel
The 2018 NFL draft is underway. Keep up with all the latest news, rumors and selections with live pick-by-pick analysis from national NFL writer Mark Maske and draft analyst John Harris.
The 2018 NFL Draft
• Latest news and rumors: After keeping their selection a secret until the final moment, the Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 pick. Meanwhile, the New York Giants selected Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. (Read more)
• Round 1 analysis: Live updates as every prospect comes off the draft board. (Read more)
• Baker Mayfield recreates iconic photo: Mayfield went full 1990s with his jorts and a giant photo to recreate the famous Brett Favre draft-day photo, and Favre approved. (Read more)
• Top 50 players: While the draft figures to be dominated by quarterbacks, the signal callers aren’t the most promising prospects available. (Read more)
• Draft prep: Study up on the key figures and story lines that figure to shape the 2018 draft. (Read more)
Looking for more Redskins draft coverage? Click here.
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LATEST NEWS AND RUMORS
Browns snag Baker Mayfield with first overall pick, Ward at No. 4: The Cleveland Browns hope they’ve finally found their franchise quarterback, taking Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 pick of the NFL draft. Mayfield’s dynamic ability on the field, as well as incidents involving poor sportsmanship and an off-field arrest for public intoxication, earned him comparisons to former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel. Mayfield has disputed that comparison, and now he’ll have a chance to prove it as he begins his NFL career.
The Browns, who have had 29 different starters at quarterback since 1999, added to their defense with the No. 4 pick, taking Ohio State defensive back Denzel Ward.
Bills trade up for Josh Allen, despite Twitter fallout: It was not clear Thursday as the opening of the NFL draft neared what effect the racially offensive comments written on Twitter by Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen as a high schooler would have on his draft status. It may have had some, but Allen still did not wait long to hear his name called.
The Buffalo Bills traded up to the No. 7 pick, acquiring it from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to add Allen.
The comments on Allen’s Twitter account, written in 2012 and 2013, contained offensive language and racial slurs. They first were reported by Yahoo Sports.
“This pretty much came out of nowhere,” said the NFL team official Thursday morning, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. “I don’t think anyone had a hint of this and I don’t think anyone believed there were any issues with him in terms of off-field stuff.”
Giants take Barkley: Giants Coach Pat Shurmur told reporters Thursday he was “planning on picking at number two,” and that’s exactly what he did, selecting running back Saquon Barkley.
Just before the draft began, Giants receiver Odell Beckham tagged Penn State running back Saquon Barkley in an Instagram post recounting his own draft day experience, NJ.com reports. Maybe he knew something about New York’s intentions. (Read more)
ROUND 1 ANALYSIS
The Post breaks down the first round before and after each pick is made. National NFL writer Mark Maske and Post draft analyst John Harris review every selection, with Maske offering projections for the picks yet to be submitted.
Last pick
7. Buffalo Bills
Team needs: QB, offensive line, WR, defensive line
The pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Bills were sufficiently enamored with Josh Allen’s potential to trade up to get him. They were not dissuaded by the racially offensive comments on Allen’s Twitter account when he was a high schooler, for which Allen apologized after they were reported the night before the draft. Allen has a breathtaking arm and good athleticism for a guy his size. He could be the next Carson Wentz. But he was a 56 percent passer as a college starter, and he could be the next JaMarcus Russell-style draft bust. The Bills have taken a huge chance. — Maske
What he brings: Tools? He has them all. Size, arm strength, mobility, confidence … he can also throw his team right out of a game with his inconsistency. Accuracy and ball placement are problems, but when he sets his feet, he can make any throw on the field. At 6-foot-5, 247 pounds, he’s prototype size. — Harris
Previous picks
1. Cleveland Browns
Team needs: QB, offensive line, defensive line, CB, RB
Pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Browns take a chance on Baker Mayfield, the polarizing Heisman Trophy winner, over Sam Darnold, who probably would have been the safer pick, and Josh Allen, the most physically talented quarterback in the group. Mayfield’s size was a concern to some. So, too, were his on- and off-field behavioral issues. But he can make the throws. He was wildly productive in college. He clearly has leadership skills. It’s a bold move by John Dorsey, the new GM of the Browns. The success of his tenure could depend on the outcome of this selection. Now the Browns, who have veteran Tyrod Taylor to serve as their temporary starter, must cross their fingers and hope that it works out. — Maske
What he brings: Outside of his height (and a myriad of off field issues/dramas), he has every asset you’d want in an NFL quarterback. Of course, it’s those issues that have caused evaluators to second guess him. He’s a true competitor and leader, perhaps too emotional at times.
He has a quick release, throws off platform exceptionally well but will have to decipher what signals an open receiver in the NFL, where windows are much smaller than what he enjoyed in college. — Harris
2. New York Giants
Team needs: QB, RB, offensive line, pass rusher, CB
Pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
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