The halfway point of the 2019 NFL season is nearly upon us, and the college football campaign is coming up on the homestretch.
Top prospects are solidifying their draft stock, while others are surprising fans and scouts alike, both in good and bad ways.
As the draft landscape continues to take shape, here’s my updated take on how next year’s first three rounds could shake out, using the latest updated draft order:
1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
For the longest time now, it’s seemed Tua Tagovailoa was written into this spot with permanent marker. But Burrow’s performance so far this season has launched him into the No. 1 overall conversation, while another high-ankle injury has dinged Tagovailoa’s stock. Don’t be shocked if there’s a different QB in the top spot come next April.
2. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
Aside from the injuries, it’s hard to find a flaw in Tagovailoa’s game. A few months ago, it would have been hard to imagine the Dolphins landing him without getting the No. 1 overall pick, but thanks to Burrow’s soaring stock, he just might fall into their lap here.
3. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Another franchise in disarray, Washington needs to add as much talent as possible, regardless of position. They already have their quarterback of the future in Dwayne Haskins, so they need impact players elsewhere on both sides of the ball. Young is a monster of a pass rusher with all size, athleticism and technique to be a dominant player at the next level.
4. Atlanta Falcons | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality corners. The Falcons may have more pressing needs elsewhere, but with this pick, they land one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. Okudah is keeping up the trend of sending blue-chip defensive backs from Columbus to the pros.
5. New York Jets | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
There are bigger needs for the Jets on both sides of the ball, but the value is too much to pass up here. Jeudy is an explosive pass-catcher who can turn every reception in to a touchdown. Giving Sam Darnold that kind of playmaker can only help move his development forward even faster.
6. New York Giants | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
Over the past few offseasons, the Giants have lost the likes of Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul, leaving them in dire need of an impact edge rusher. Epenesa is a physical, violent defense who can collapse the pocket just as well as he can shut down the ground game.
7. Denver Broncos | Grant Delpit | S | LSU
Another pick where value trumps team need. Denver has holes on both sides of the ball, but Delpit is the kind of three-down playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field and create problems for opposing offenses. He’s the rare safety prospect worthy of a top-10 pick.
8. Cleveland Browns | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Baker Mayfield is going to live up to his potential, he desperately needs a true franchise left tackle to protect him. The Browns luck out in this scenario, landing the top prospect in a fairly deep class. Thomas has been battle-tested against some of the nation’s top pass rushers.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
This offense is loaded with pass-catching playmakers, but the offensive line still has at least one weak link when it comes to the near future. Demar Dotson isn’t getting any younger, and he’s dealt with multiple injuries in recent years. Wirfs is a complete prospect who could be an immediate starter at either tackle spot.
10. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.
11. Oakland Raiders | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
This defense needs a difference-maker in the middle who can set the tone for the entire unit, and Simmons is the perfect fit. While some may view him as a ‘tweener, Simmons is an athletic playmaker who can transform an entire defense, no matter where you line him up.
12. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
After landing their franchise quarterback with their first of three first-round picks, the Dolphins give Burrow a dynamic playmaker in Lamb, who excels after the catch. Lamb’s dominant performance against Texas proved how easily he can take over a game.
13. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
The Antonio Brown debacle is in the rear-view mirror, but the Raiders still need a No. 1 receiver who can take over a game with size, athleticism and physicality. Current management takes a page out of the late, great Al Davis’ book, opting for Ruggs and his elite speed.
14. Arizona Cardinals | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
The Cardinals are out-playing expectations under Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray, and they could go in a million different directions with this pick. The value is in the trenches on defense, where they land an athletic, disruptive force in Brown.
15. Philadelphia Eagles | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Injuries continue to limit a secondary with tons of youth and potential, and the Eagles should continue to stock their cupboard with talented corners. Henderson needs to improve his physicality and willingness to tackle, but as a cover man, he’s NFL ready.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson
After replacing Jalen Ramsey with their earlier first-round pick, the Jags can use one of the picks they got in return to give their offense a much-needed No. 1 receiver. Higgins has the size, speed, athleticism and physicality to immediately be that player.
17. Tennessee Titans | Jacob Eason | QB | Washington
The Marcus Mariota era is sputtering to an end, and while Ryan Tannehill appears to be a serviceable stop-gap solution, the Titans need a long-term one. Eason hasn’t been the most consistent passer this season, but he’s got all the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback.
18. Detroit Lions | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama
Darius Slay is one of the best shutdown corners in the entire NFL, but the No. 2 corner spot needs an upgrade in Detroit. Diggs is finally living up to his lofty potential in 2019, and could easily make himself worthy of a top-20 pick with a strong predraft process.
19. Carolina Panthers | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
It’s hard to point out too many glaring flaws on this roster. The Panthers have been at their best when loading up on defensive talent in the trenches, and that’s what they do here with one of the nation’s most disruptive interior defenders.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Adebo is a smart, instinctive cover man who can start from Day 1.
21. Dallas Cowboys | Raekwon Davis | DL | Alabama
An edge defender would make more sense here, but there’s more bang for the buck inside. Davis could have been a fairly early pick last year, but wisely opted to return to school. Now a more polished, experienced prospect, Davis is ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
22. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Tyler Biadasz | OL | Wisconsin
After drafting Tagovailoa and giving him a big-time pass-catcher, the Dolphins need to improve the offensive line, and dding one of the most polished prospects in the entire draft would be a no-brainer. Biadasz is a Day 1 starter who could anchor that unit for the next decade.
23. Kansas City Chiefs | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
There are bigger needs on defense, but in this scenario, the Chiefs have the opportunity to give Patrick Mahomes and an already explosive offense the top running back in a loaded class. Swift is a complete prospect who would be a big-play machine in this situation.
24. Minnesota Vikings | Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
Don’t sleep on a quarterback here, but if the Vikings want to stick it out for the final year of Kirk Cousins’ guaranteed contract, he’ll need as much help as he can get up front. Leatherwood has the versatility and experience to play either guard or tackle.
25. Buffalo Bills | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
If Josh Allen is ever going to develop into the quarterback the Bills envision, he’ll need a true No. 1 receiver to grow with. Shenault is the perfect fit, thanks to his complete skill set and his ability to make big plays after the catch.
26. Indianapolis Colts | Neville Gallimore | DL | Oklahoma
This defense loves versatility, athleticism and physicality, which makes Gallimore a fantastic fit. His skill set allows him to make plays in the backfield regardless of alignment, something the Colts would take full advantage of from Day 1.
27. Seattle Seahawks | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The Seahawks have a type when it comes to corners, and Fulton is the perfect fit with his combination of size and physicality. He could have been a high pick in last year’s draft, but the Seahawks steal him outside the top 20 here, and get a more pro-ready version.
28. Green Bay Packers | Creed Humphrey | OL | Oklahoma
After loading up on defensive help this offseason, the Packers need to add some help for Aaron Rodgers this time around. Humphrey is a plug-and-play starter who would be a huge addition to an offensive line that needs reinforcements in a big way.
29. Baltimore Ravens | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin
This rushing attack is already dangerous, but Mark Ingram won’t be around forever, so the Ravens should be targeting a potential replacement sooner than later. Justice Hill is a promising change-of-pace back, but Taylor’s complete skill set and physical running style would be too perfect to pass up here.
30. New Orleans Saints | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
A quarterback is tempting here, but there’s too much value at other positions of more immediate need. Murray has been one of the nation’s top defenders all year long, and would be an immediate upgrade at the heart of one of the NFL’s most pleasantly surprising defenses.
31. San Francisco 49ers | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
This just seems unfair. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are a fantastic 1-2 punch in this backfield, but their contracts are expiring soon. Etienne’s explosiveness and three-down skill set would be the perfect match with a creative offensive coach like Kyle Shanahan.
32. New England Patriots | Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
If not for a knee injury that ended his season before it even began, Moses was a top-10 prospect in this class. If he chooses to enter the draft instead of returning to school in 2020, Moses is still talented enough to warrant a first-round pick, especially for a team like the Pats, who can be patient with his recovery.
SECOND ROUND
33. Miami Dolphins | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
34. Cincinnati Bengals | Trey Adams | OT | Washington
35. Atlanta Falcons | Marvin Wilson | DL | Florida State
36. Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State
37. New York Jets | Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama
38. Denver Broncos | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
39. New York Giants | Nick Harris | OL | Washington
40. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
41. Cleveland Browns | Brandon Jones | S | Texas
42. Los Angeles Chargers | Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Auburn
43. Pittsburgh Steelers | Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota
44. Chicago Bears | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
45. Chicago Bears (from OAK) | Bryce Hall | CB | Virginia
46. Arizona Cardinals | Alaric Jackson | OT | Iowa
47. Jacksonville Jaguars | Nick Coe | DL | Auburn
48. Tennessee Titans | Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon
49. Detroit Lions | Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
50. Philadelphia Eagles | Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
51. Carolina Panthers | Collin Johnson | WR | Texas
52. Los Angeles Rams | Rashard Lawrence | DL | LSU
53. Dallas Cowboys | Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
54. Kansas City Chiefs | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame
55. Houston Texans | A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
56. Minnesota Vikings | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama
57. Indianapolis Colts | Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
58. Buffalo Bills | Alton Robinson | EDGE | Syracuse
59. Seattle Seahawks | Tommy Kraemer | OL | Notre Dame
60. Green Bay Packers | K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State
61. Baltimore Ravens | DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
62. Miami Dolphins (from NO) | Trey Smith | OT | Tennessee
63. Seattle Seahawks (from SF) | Calvin Throckmorton | OT | Oregon
64. Atlanta Falcons (from NE) | Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
THIRD ROUND
65. Cincinnati Bengals | Darryl Williams | OL | Mississippi State
66. Miami Dolphins | Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
67. Washington Redskins | Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
68. Atlanta Falcons | Ashtyn Davis | S | California
69. New York Jets | Lavert Hill | CB | Michigan
70. New York Jets (from NYJ) | Jon Runyan | OL | Michigan
71. Denver Broncos | Jacob Phillips | LB | LSU
72. Cleveland Browns | Ben Bredeson | OL | Michigan
73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
74. Los Angeles Chargers | Shaquille Quarterman | LB | Miami (FL)
75. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
76. Oakland Raiders | Raequan Williams | DL | Michigan State
77. Denver Broncos (from PIT) | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
78. Arizona Cardinals | Jared Pinkney | TE | Vanderbilt
79. Tennessee Titans | Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama
80. Detroit Lions | Najee’ Harris | RB | Alabama
81. Philadelphia Eagles | Richard Lecounte | S | Georgia
82. Jacksonville Jaguars | Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
83. Carolina Panthers | Chuba Hubbard | RB | Oklahoma State
84. Los Angeles Rams | Scott Frantz | OT | Kansas State
85. Dallas Cowboys | Lamar Jackson | CB | Nebraska
86. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Michael Pinckney | LB | Miami (FL)
87. Kansas City Chiefs | Deommodore Lenoir | CB | Oregon
88. Minnesota Vikings | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
89. Buffalo Bills | Shyheim Carter | CB | Alabama
90. Indianapolis Colts | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
91. Oakland Raiders (from SEA) | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia
92. Green Bay Packers | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
93. Baltimore Ravens | Tremayne Anchrum | OL | Clemson
94. New Orleans Saints | Jake Fromm | QB | Georgia
95. Denver Broncos (from SF) | Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
96. New England Patriots | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
