The 2018 NFL Draft starts Thursday night with Round 1, which means there's plenty of breaking news and (somewhat beliveable) draft rumors flying around. Of course, always be careful believing anything you hear this time of year.
While we're waiting for the draft to start tonight at 8 p.m. ET, you can check out the final mock drafts from Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer and Optimum Scouting's Eric Galko.
Now, here's a roundup of what we're hearing before the Browns are officially on the clock to start Round 1.
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NFL Draft news, rumors
7:50 p.m.: It feels like the Broncos are up to something...
If the #Broncos do make a big move up from No. 5 to No. 2, the target would be a QB. Could be Sam Darnold if he’s there. But GM John Elway has spent more time with Josh Allen than any QB in this draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018
5:48 p.m.: As the draft draws closer, here are some of the prospects who could make a jump during the draft.
A couple of players who seem set to be picked higher than expected: #Maryland WR DJ Moore, #UTSA pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, and #Louisville CB Jaire Alexander. … Hot names.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018
5:27 p.m.: Browns GM John Dorsey has known who his pick will be for a while now.
Just to clarify and correct, while Browns GM John Dorsey has known who he would pick about 6 weeks ago, he still wanted an al-inclusive process for organizational unity. He didn't formally reveal it with owners Jimmy & Dee Haslam until this week, per team sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 26, 2018
3:08 p.m.: Rumors swirling about New Orleans, New England, Arizona and Buffalo.
Hearing plenty about NO and NE exploring trading up, but not sure there is a fit. AZ and BUF trying to go up for QBs
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 26, 2018
2:29 p.m.: Ian Rapoport on which teams will trade up and down.
A few hours to go... who could trade up or down? pic.twitter.com/XnWQNt1KXb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018
2:05 p.m.: Have the Cleveland Browns made their decision?
It's my feeling, barring any unexpected new info or proposals surfacing & based off multiple conversations I've had on & off the record up through the crack of dawn this am, that the #Browns have settled on Okla QB Baker Mayfield for the #1 pick in the #NFL Draft tonight at 8pm.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 26, 2018
12:38 p.m.: Here are some of the top prospects' walk-up songs for when they get drafted this evening.
walk up songs for prospects tonight pic.twitter.com/ZyA2f51L4L
— Riley Auman (@AumanacDraft) April 26, 2018
12:01 p.m.: Some bad news for fans of the New York Giants and Penn State football. It seems unlikely the Giants will draft Barkley.
Good stuff. I was told by a source that no way Giants take Barkley. From a straight logic point I'd agree. The new GM/coach should think LT and either take their next QB or trade down. But, seems like most think they go safe with Barkley. https://t.co/8YAA4pqyR6
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 26, 2018
11:46 a.m.: It appears as though the Falcons' pick will likely be on the defensive line.
We have further indication that Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne is who the Falcons would prefer to draft tonight, per @DraftAnalyst1 https://t.co/K0zjNebXJa
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) April 26, 2018
10:30 a.m.: According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Saints are trying to make a big move up from the No. 27 pick in the first round. Is there a future franchise quarterback they like after all?
The #Saints have made plenty of calls about making a big leap up from pick No. 27, I’m told. Could be due diligence in case a certain player (perhaps a QB) falls. But they will be well-prepared to move tonight if it comes down to it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018
8:30 a.m.: Who will the Browns pick No. 1 overall? How about No. 4 overall? According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the early rumors Thursday were that Cleveland might be leaning toward Baker Mayfield at No. 1 and trading the No. 4 pick.
Browns continue to keep the decision on their No. 1 pick a secret, but there is a mounting belief from HCs and GMs around the league that Cleveland will take Baker Mayfield.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2018
Not just the Denver Broncos talking about trading back; so are the Cleveland Browns, who have shopped the No. 4 overall pick, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2018
MORE: How did a Central Ohio suburb with a population of 20,000 produce six active NFL players?
Schefter also hinted at a conspiracy theory surrounding Josh Allen, who apologized Thursday when his offensive tweets from high school mysteriously resurfaced hours before the draft.
A theory two people in the past hour now have floated: another team plotted to have Josh Allen’s racially insensitive tweets put out just before the draft in order to increase the chances he would fall in the draft to that team.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2018
Two notes: 1. Teams have been told some of Allen's tweets were quoting song lyrics and movie or TV show scenes. Others were meant to be jokes to friends. But he did send them. 2. Teams have been reticent to judge Allen based on tweets from high school. https://t.co/JSl4VZlwmN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018