Mason Rudolph and James Washington Projected as 2018 1st Round Picks

While most NFL teams were still sorting out travel plans for their 2017 draftees, some people were already looking ahead to next year’s draft. With four months before the first college football kicks off, a lot can change before teams start to compile the “Big Boards,” but that doesn’t stop the talking heads from, well, talking.

Mason Rudolph and James Washington decided to return for their senior seasons, much to the delight of OSU coaches and fans alike. But there will be plenty of NFL scouts tuned in and watching as the duo tries to get over that Sooner-sized Big 12 championship hurdle.

Let’s see where some of the way-too-early 2018 mock drafts have each going.

Mason Rudolph

CBS Sports – No. 16  to Washington Redskins

Fox Sports – No. 49 (2nd  round) San Diego Chargers

247Sports – No. 18 (Big board – no team)

Draftwire – No. 11 to Washington Redskins

SB Nation – No. 8 to Washington Redskins

Sporting News – No. 11 to Washington Redskins

There seems to be a trend here. A lot of the Washington buzz which is probably due to an awkward if not contentious contract situation the team will be navigating with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

We’ve seen a trend teams reaching for their next possible franchise QB in recent years and if Rudolph puts up the big numbers we expect and the Cowboys succeed, don’t be surprised if his draft stock rises even higher.

James Washington

CBS Sports – No. 24 (Carolina Panthers)

Fox Sports – No. 34 (2nd round) to Cleveland Browns Yikes!

247Sports – No. 22 (Big board – no team)

Walter Football – No. 16 to Arizona Cardinals

Sporting News – No. 27 to Oakland Raiders

Washington probably should be getting more buzz than he does. His versatility lends to an almost complacent view of the record-setting pass catcher — even among OSU fans. He is the complete package and even with a deep receiving corps and possibly less reps, expect Washington to earn the desire of plenty of NFL teams this fall.