With the Senior Bowl in the books and the Scouting Combine fast approaching, NFL draft season is officially in full swing.
We know which underclassmen will be included in this year’s class, who has injury and off-field concerns, and which under-the-radar players made a name for themselves during the all-star circuit.
To top it all off, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner has officially committed to a football career. Will that have a seismic impact on this year’s draft? If my latest three-round projections are any indication . . . absolutely.
*=projected trade
1. Arizona Cardinals | Kyler Murray | QB | Oklahoma
Is it crazy to think that Murray made his firm commitment to football over baseball because he knows something we don’t? Maybe Kliff Kingsbury wants to hand-pick his franchise quarterback, one with a rare skill set who would fit perfectly with his offense? Taking Murray at No. 1 and putting Josh Rosen on the trade block would instantly throw this draft into chaos.
2. San Francisco 49ers | Nick Bosa | EDGE | Ohio State
Any scenario that leaves Bosa on the board for the 49ers would be a dream scenario for general manager John Lynch and his crew. Getting the top overall prospect in the draft any later than the No. 1 overall pick is a steal, and it just happens to fill San Francisco’s biggest need.
3. New York Jets | Quinnen Williams | DL | Alabama
Offensive tackle is also a big need for the Jets, but there’s not a tackle in this draft that’s worth taking over Williams, who should get strong consideration at No. 1 overall. Just a redshirt sophomore, Williams is loaded with potential and is barely scratching the surface of his talent.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (from OAK)* | Dwayne Haskins | QB | Ohio State
The Blake Bortles experiment is over, and the Jags desperately need to make a bold move to secure a new franchise quarterback. They’re likely to find a willing trade partner in the Raiders, who keep adding premium picks by getting at least a second-round pick and a third-round pick from Jacksonville in this deal.
5. Denver Broncos (from TB)* | Drew Lock | QB | Missouri
With both Murray and Haskins already off the board, John Elway won’t be able to sit still and hope his quarterback of choice is still on the board at No. 10 overall. In return for their picks in the second and third rounds, and likely an additional Day 2 pick in next year’s draft, the Broncos get their man in Lock.
6. New York Giants | Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama
If the Giants miss out on this year’s top quarterback prospects, the Giants will be better off spending this pick on someone who will make Eli Manning’s life easier. In this scenario, they get their pick of this year’s top offensive tackles, and Williams is the best of the bunch.
7. Oakland Raiders (from JAX)* | Josh Allen | EDGE | Kentucky
The Raiders are loaded with premium picks thanks to multiple trades, but they also have a gaping hole where Khalil Mack used to be. After trading down and grabbing even more additional selections, they still land one of this year’s top pass rushers in the versatile Allen.
8. Detroit Lions | Greedy Williams | CB | LSU
There are needs at every level for this defense, but finding a stud corner to line up opposite Darius Slay should be high on the list. While Williams is still learning how to maximize his physical skills, he has the height, length and athleticism to be a star at the next level.
9. Buffalo Bills | D.K. Metcalf | WR | Ole Miss
This pick (and most of the rest of them) for the Bills has to be about improving the supporting cast around Josh Allen, whether it’s an explosive downfield weapon or improved protection up front. In this scenario, the former gives them better value in this year’s top pass-catcher.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN)* | Ed Oliver | DL | Houston
After moving back five spots and loading up on additional picks, the Bucs still get one of this year’s top overall prospects. With Oliver and Devin White both still on the board, this pick will come down to who stays between Gerald McCoy and Kwon Alexander, and I think it’s more likely the older, more expensive veteran is the one the Bucs will end up replacing.
11. Cincinnati Bengals | Devin White | LB | LSU
If they’re not going to make a bold move for a new quarterback, the next biggest need on Cincy’s list is a three-down difference-maker at the second level. White is a top-five prospect in this class, making him a huge bargain here, and would fill the need perfectly.
12. Washington Redskins (from GB)* | Daniel Jones | QB | Duke
It’s hard to imagine Alex Smith being ready to play at any point in 2019, and there’s nothing currently on the roster that screams starting-caliber NFL quarterback. Don’t be surprised if they make a move, even just a few slots in return for swapping third-and-fourth-round picks, to secure a raw but promising passer like Jones to build around.
13. Miami Dolphins | Rashan Gary | DL | Michigan
This entire defensive line could use an infusion of young talent across the board, and this year’s class is the time to do it. With four quarterbacks already off the board, the Dolphins turn their attention to a versatile talent in Gary, who can line up all over the place and wreak havoc.
14. Atlanta Falcons | Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
This defensive line has some promising talent, but it’s still not complete. If Grady Jarrett isn’t re-signed, finding a disruptive force for the interior becomes an even bigger need. Wilkins is one of the most impressive athletes in this entire draft, and would give the Falcons a dominant force in the middle.
15. Green Bay Packers (from WAS)* | T.J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa
After moving back a few spots, the Packers spend their first of two first-round picks on a new weapon for Aaron Rodgers to develop behind aging veteran Jimmy Graham. Just a redshirt sophomore, Hockenson should be as impressive at the combine as he was on the field for the Hawkeyes.
16. Carolina Panthers | Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson
Julius Peppers was a rare talent, and while the Panthers won’t find that kind of player at No. 16 in this draft, they should still target a talented edge rusher to fill the void left behind by the future Hall of Famer. Ferrell is a well-rounded prospect who can start immediately.
17. Cleveland Browns | Byron Murphy | CB | Washington
There are a few different directions the Browns could go here, but finding a young corner to pair with rookie Pro Bowler Denzel Ward should be one of their top priorities. While Murphy doesn’t have the height or length of other top corners in this class, his combination of ball skills and instincts will make him an instant success at the next level.
18. Minnesota Vikings | Dalton Risner | OT | Kansas State
This team has some dangerous offensive weapons and a capable quarterback, but the protection has to improve across the board. Risner’s experience and polish should make him an instant-impact player at the next level, and his versatility would make him an upgrade at multiple spots.
19. Tennessee Titans | Jeffery Simmons | DL | Mississippi State
Jurrell Casey is still one of the better interior defenders in the league, but he’s not getting any younger. This year’s draft is loaded at the position, which should give the Titans fantastic value, like they get in this scenario. In any other class, Simmons could easily be a top-10 pick.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Jachai Polite | EDGE | Florida
Corner is the bigger need for the Steelers, but there’s better value with Polite, who is one of the best pure pass rushers in this year’s class. His knack for bending the edge and forcing fumbles will end up helping a dismal secondary, and give the Steelers one of the league’s better edge-rushing tandems with T.J. Watt.
21. Seattle Seahawks | Deionte Thompson | S | Alabama
The reign of the “Legion of Boom” has ended, but that doesn’t mean the Seahawks can’t reload and try to build the next version. That starts with finding a rangy, athletic and physical playmaker at safety to replace Earl Thomas, and Thompson has all the traits to make it happen.
22. Baltimore Ravens | N’Keal Harry | WR | Arizona State
The Lamar Jackson era has officially begun in Baltimore, and the Ravens need to build a better supporting cast around their new franchise quarterback. First on the list? Finding him a true No. 1 receiver, with the big frame and complete skill set Harry brings to the table.
23. Houston Texans | Cody Ford | OT | Oklahoma
The Texans have one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and a dangerous group of pass-catchers, but their offensive line is ruining it. If they want to protect Deshaun Watson and get the most out of their weapons, an athletic, versatile blocker like Ford would be a huge addition.
24. Oakland Raiders | Josh Jacobs | RB | Alabama
With a trio of first-round picks, the Raiders can afford a luxury pick here. Adding explosive weapons around Derek Carr should be a high priority this offseason, and while Jacobs was part of a loaded backfield at Alabama, but has the skills to be a full-time problem for NFL defenses.
25. Philadelphia Eagles | Deandre Baker | CB | Georgia
The lack of depth at corner on Philly’s roster came back to bite them down the stretch, and while some young players got valuable playing time, they need to upgrade the position with a starting-caliber prospect. Baker has all the physical and mental tools to make an instant impact.
26. Indianapolis Colts | Montez Sweat | EDGE | Mississippi State
Another defense that needs help at every level, the Colts will be looking to maximize value at any number of positions here. In this scenario, their best option is grabbing one of the talented edge rushers still on the board, and a complete prospect like Sweat would be a fantastic fit.
27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) | Kelvin Harmon | WR | North Carolina State
Jon Gruden traded away Amari Cooper for this pick, so spending it on his replacement would make plenty of sense. The Raiders don’t have a receiver currently on the roster who can boast Harmon’s big frame and complete skill set.
28. Los Angeles Chargers | Jerry Tillery | DL | Notre Dame
Free agency departures could leave the Bolts’ defensive front in dire straights, and they’ll need to restock if they want to keep pressure off Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram on the edge. Tillery is a massive force who can line up at multiple spots and blow up opposing offenses.
29. Kansas City Chiefs | Nasir Adderley | S | Delaware
A lackluster pass defense was a huge reason the Chiefs didn’t get farther in this year’s playoffs, and they have needs at both levels of the secondary. That makes Adderley a strong fit, given his size, skill set, and experience at both corner and safety.
30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) | Brian Burns | EDGE | Florida State
After getting a weapon for Aaron Rodgers with their earlier first-rounder, the Packers have to address their needs at either inside or outside linebacker with this pick. In this scenario, the better value is on the edge, where Burns brings explosiveness and polished technique.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from LAR)* | Jawaan Taylor | OT | Florida
The Rams should be looking to replace some missing picks, and after trading down from No. 5 and grabbing extra selections, but Bucs have the ammo to move up. In return for third-round and fifth-round picks, the Bucs jump back into the first round for an athletic, physical blocker who can replace Demar Dotson at right tackle immediately, and potentially switch to left tackle down the road.
32. New England Patriots | Noah Fant | TE | Iowa
Rob Gronkowski’s future will continue to be in constant doubt due to lingering injuries, and the best teams in the NFL fill needs before they become dire. In this scenario, the Pats luck out by landing Fant, who gives them another mismatch machine at tight end.
SECOND ROUND
33. Arizona Cardinals | Greg Little | OT | Ole Miss
34. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ) | A.J. Brown | WR | Ole Miss
35. Oakland Raiders | Devin Bush | LB | Michigan
36. San Francisco 49ers | Trayvon Mullen | CB | Clemson
37. New York Giants | Zach Allen | DL | Boston College
38. Oakland Raiders (from JAX)* | Taylor Rapp | S | Washington
39. Los Angeles Rams (from TB)* | Dexter Lawrence | DL | Clemson
40. Buffalo Bills | Yodny Cajuste | OT | West Virginia
41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN)* | Chris Lindstrom | OL | Boston College
42. Cincinnati Bengals | Irv Smith, Jr. | TE | Alabama
43. Detroit Lions | Jaylon Ferguson | EDGE | Louisiana Tech
44. Green Bay Packers | Mack Wilson | LB | Alabama
45. Atlanta Falcons | Oshane Ximines | EDGE | Old Dominion
46. Washington Redskins | Deebo Samuel | WR | South Carolina
47. Carolina Panthers | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | DB | Florida
48. Miami Dolphins | Chase Winovich | EDGE | Michigan
49. Cleveland Browns | Dre’Mont Jones | DL | Ohio State
50. Minnesota Vikings | Charles Omenihu | DL | Texas
51. Tennessee Titans | Garrett Bradbury | OL | North Carolina State
52. Pittsburgh Steelers | Amani Oruwariye | CB | Penn State
53. Philadelphia Eagles (from BAL) | David Edwards | OT | Wisconsin
54. Houston Texans (from SEA) | Julian Love | CB | Notre Dame
55. Houston Texans | Amani Hooker | S | Iowa
56. New England Patriots (from CHI) | Anthony Nelson | EDGE | Iowa
57. Philadelphia Eagles | David Montgomery | RB | Iowa State
58. Dallas Cowboys | Kaden Smith | TE | Stanford
59. Indianapolis Colts | Hakeem Butler | WR | Iowa State
60. Los Angeles Chargers | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington
61. Kansas City Chiefs | Lonnie Johnson, Jr. | CB | Kentucky
62. New Orleans Saints | Marquise Brown | WR | Oklahoma
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR) | Gerald Willis | DL | Miami (FL)
64. New England Patriots | Vosean Joseph | LB | Florida
THIRD ROUND
65. Arizona Cardinals | Riley Ridley | WR | Georgia
66. Oakland Raiders | Michael Jackson | CB | Miami (FL)
67. San Francisco 49ers | JJ Arcega-Whiteside | WR | Stanford
68. New York Jets | Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State
69. Oakland Raiders (from JAX)* | Caleb Wilson | TE | UCLA
70. Los Angeles Rams (from TB)* | Juan Thornhill | S | Virginia
71. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from DEN)* | Rock Ya-Sin | CB | Temple
72. Cincinnati Bengals | Will Grier | QB | West Virginia
73. New England Patriots (from DET) | Jaquan Johnson | S | Miami (FL)
74. Buffalo Bills | Elgton Jenkins | OL | Texas A&M
75. Green Bay Packers | Marquise Blair | S | Utah
76. Green Bay Packers (from WAS)* | Ross Pierschbacher | OL | Alabama
77. Carolina Panthers | Te’Von Coney | LB | Notre Dame
78. Miami Dolphins | Erik McCoy | OL | Texas A&M
79. Atlanta Falcons | Beau Benzschawel | OL | Wisconsin
80. Cleveland Browns | Ben Burr-Kirven | LB | Washington
81. Minnesota Vikings | Terrill Hanks | LB | New Mexico State
82. Tennessee Titans | Christian Miller | EDGE | Alabama
83. Pittsburgh Steelers | Khalil Hodge | LB | Buffalo
84. Seattle Seahawks | Tytus Howard | OT | Alabama State
85. Baltimore Ravens | Ben Powers | OL | Oklahoma
86. Houston Texans | Michael Deiter | OL | Wisconsin
87. Chicago Bears | Damien Harris | RB | Alabama
88. Detroit Lions (from PHI) | Germaine Pratt | LB | North Carolina State
89. Indianapolis Colts | Khalen Saunders | DL | Western Illinois
90. Dallas Cowboys | Max Scharping | OT | Northern Illinois
91. Los Angeles Chargers | Tyree Jackson | QB | Buffalo
92. Kansas City Chiefs | Devin Singletary | RB | FAU
93. New York Jets (from NO) | Joe Jackson | EDGE | Miami (FL)
94. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Bobby Evans | OT | Oklahoma
95. Cleveland Browns (from NE) | Parris Campbell | WR | Ohio State
