When the 2018 NFL Draft rolls around at the end of April, three FCS players will hear their names called in the first two days of the draft, according to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay.
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McShay's "Perfect 2018 Mock" predicted the first three rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he listed South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert, South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard and Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta all as day 1 or day 2 picks.
Here's McShay's methodology for the mock draft: "I'm not projecting picks based on what I'm hearing around the league. This is me making 100 picks — three full rounds — based on what's best for each team at that slot, so that each team gets an "A" grade from me. And yes, I'm following Kiper's rules on this one and not making any trades."
Based on those parameters, McShay sent the following FCS players to NFL homes in the first, second and third rounds:
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Round 1 (16): Baltimore Ravens
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
McShay: "Baltimore needs playmakers on offense. While this would be high for Goedert, he's the rare two-way tight end. He has been hampered by injury this postseason process, but he dominated small-school competition and his game should translate to the NFL."
MORE: Todd McShay, Mel Kiper Jr. Both Mock Dallas Goedert in the First Round
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Round 2 (43): New England Patriots
Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
McShay: "Leonard is an undersized linebacker who could help in coverage."
MORE: Darius Leonard Highlights
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Round 3 (95): New England Patriots
Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
McShay: "New England still needs a successor to Tom Brady after trading Garoppolo, and the Patriots will probably look to take one in the early or middle rounds. Lauletta was impressive at the Senior Bowl and would have time to sit and learn behind one of the best ever."
MCLAUGHLIN: Here's Why I think The Patriots Will Draft Kyle Lauletta
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NEXT: Top 2018 NFL Draft Prospects In The FCS — Post Combine
