As the 2018 NFL draft nears, I'm identifying three prospects who make sense for each team to pick on Days 1, 2 and 3. This is not a mock draft. I'm not predicting where players will land. Rather, I'm identifying prospects who fill a need and/or fit what each team likes to do schematically, using the Scouts Inc. overall and position rankings to note where each is likely to be picked.
For teams without a first-round pick, I've added an extra prospect for Day 2 or Day 3. Let's run through all 32 teams, starting in the AFC East.
AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West
NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Day 1: Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds
Day 2: San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny
Day 3: Southern CB Danny Johnson
Let's assume that Buffalo doesn't move up for a quarterback and they stand pat in this scenario. Preston Brown led the league in tackles last year and linebacker is one of Buffalo's most pressing needs now that he's a Cincinnati Bengal. Edmunds is a Week 1 starter with rare upside. If the Bills don't trade up, it makes sense to use one of their six picks in the first three rounds on a running back. Free-agent signing Chris Ivory adds depth but he just turned 30 and he averaged 3.4 yards per carry last year. There's a chance Penny slides to 65, and he would provide an excellent insurance policy behind LeSean McCoy. Oregon RB Royce Freeman is another option. The hope is free-agent signing Vontae Davis regains his form and locks downs the starting cornerback spot opposite Tre'Davious White. Johnson would be an excellent addition as the No. 3. The undersized corner has above-average short-area cover and ball skills.
Miami Dolphins
Day 1: Washington DT Vita Vea
Day 2: South Carolina State OLB Darius Leonard
Day 3: Miami TE Chris Herndon
Miami needs to replace Ndamukong Suh and there's no better option than Vea, who is the best defensive tackle on our board and would be an excellent value at No. 11. Outside linebacker is one of the Dolphins' greatest needs. Taking Leonard with the 42nd overall pick could be considered a reach and maybe the Dolphins try to trade back and get him. I don't see him lasting until the ninth pick in the third round though and they could do worse than taking him a little early. He's a sideline-to-sideline run defender who plays fast and doesn't have to come off the field on third down. Miami needs a tight end after releasing Julius Thomas. Herndon tore his MCL and may be flying under the radar as a result. He's a former high school receiver who separates well and shows good burst after the catch.
New England Patriots
Day 1: Georgia OLB Lorenzo Carter
Day 2: Ohio State OT Jamarco Jones
Day 3: North Dakota S Cole Reyes
Adding Carter to the linebacker corps would help fill one of New England's biggest weaknesses. He has the length to set the edge and the closing speed to make plays in pursuit in addition to the ability to get after the quarterback and hold up in underneath coverage. Left tackle is arguably New England's greatest need after losing Nate Solder in free agency to the Giants. They could take one in Round 1 but his is a weak offensive tackle class. Jones is a developmental prospect who shouldn't be expected to replace Solder immediately but he has upside and getting him on Day 2 is better than reaching at No. 23. Reyes has struggled to stay healthy and he missed most of last season with an arm injury but the risk is worth the reward in the later rounds and New England doesn't pick until the sixth round on Day 3.
New York Jets
Day 1: UCLA QB Josh Rosen
Day 2: USC OLB Uchenna Nwosu
Day 3: Virginia Tech G Wyatt Teller
The Jets should take the best available quarterback at No. 3. Rosen's injury history is a concern and there has been a lot of discussion regarding his personality but he's the most technically sound and polished pocket passer in this class. The Jets need to bolster a pass rush that finished 28th in the league last year and has questions at outside linebacker, where Lorenzo Mauldin missed the 2017 season with a back injury and Jordan Jenkins has a total of 5.5 sacks in his first two seasons. Nwosu shows the ability to shave the edge and has good closing burst. The Jets need to upgrade their interior offensive line and Teller could prove to be a steal as he has the frame, length and enough strength to quickly develop into a starter.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Day 1: Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey
Day 2: Indiana TE Ian Thomas
Day 3: Idaho State C/G Skyler Phillips
Baltimore cut Austin Howard, who started all 16 games at right tackle, and it's time to get the band back together as McGlinchey started opposite Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley when the two were at Notre Dame in 2015. The top tackle on our board, McGlinchey is a Week 1 starter at right tackle. Ben Watson signed with the Saints after leading the Ravens in receiving last season. Thomas is a natural pass-catcher with good speed and he's an above-average blocker. Taking Phillips on Day 3 would add depth and competition along the interior offensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals
Day 1: Iowa C/G James Daniels
Day 2: Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown
Day 3: Vanderbilt OLB Oren Burks
The Bengals finished the 2017 season ranked 26th in points per game, 29th in yards per carry and 19th in sacks allowed and they need to continue to address the offensive line after trading for left tackle Cordy Glenn. Daniels is the best center in this class and he fills a pressing need with Russell Bodine departing via free agency. Brown's nightmare combine performance dropped him out of the first round and his tape is ugly at times but he almost always finds a way to get the job done. The risk would be worth the potential reward on Day 2. Vontaze Burfict is suspended for the first four games of the season, and they need an upgrade over Nick Vigil. Burks is a versatile linebacker with above-average range and the potential to develop into a starter in time.
Cleveland Browns
Day 1: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley
Day 2: Louisville OT Geron Christian
Day 3: Delaware DT Bilal Nichols
Three quarterbacks could come off the board in the first three picks, with the Browns getting USC quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 1. If that's how it unfolds, the Browns should take Barkley at No. 4 and get the best overall player in addition to the best quarterback in this class. Adding a franchise tackle to replace Joe Thomas would have been an option in a lot of drafts, but this isn't one of them. Taking Christian in the early second makes sense as a result. He has the quick set and long arms (35 inches) to push for the starting job and though he'll likely experience plenty of growing pains early he has the tools to become an effective starter. The Browns need help on the inside after trading Danny Shelton to the Patriots. Nichols is a stout run defender and one of the more underrated prospects in this class.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Day 1: Stanford S Justin Reid
Day 2: Texas LB Malik Jefferson
Day 3: Tulane DE/OLB Ade Aruna
Pittsburgh should look for an upgrade over Sean Davis and a safety to complement free-agent signing Morgan Burnett. Reid grades out as a plug-and-play starter at free safety in the NFL. He's a ball hawk with excellent speed and athleticism. Jefferson is arguably a better fit on the outside but he's a rangy linebacker with enough size to play inside in the Steelers' scheme. OLB Bud Dupree is in the final year of his rookie contract and the Steelers need to add depth and competition. Aruna's production is a little underwhelming but he flashes on tape and he tested well.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Day 2: Nevada C/G Austin Corbett
Day 2: West Georgia OT Desmond Harrison
Day 3: Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin
The Texans don't have a Day 1 pick so there are two names to keep in mind when they get to the third round where they have three picks. Corbett should be available at No. 68 but could slide to the third round, and the Texans would do well to land him considering they need to continue strengthening the interior offensive line. Corbett projects as a versatile reserve interior offensive lineman with the skill set and frame to develop into an effective starting guard or center early in his career. Houston isn't going to find a turnkey franchise left tackle on Day 2 of the draft but there's a lot to like about Harrison's upside and he has the raw natural ability to compete for the starting role.
Indianapolis Colts
Day 1: NC State DE Bradley Chubb
Day 2: Oregon OT Tyrell Crosby
Day 3: Michigan MLB Mike McCray
The Colts are transitioning to a four-man front under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and adding Chubb would give them a cornerstone to build on. Chubb is an effective hand fighter who mixes up pass-rush moves and gets to the quarterback in a number of ways. He also has the strength to set the edge and he's relentless in pursuit. The Colts need to address the offensive line, starting with right tackle. Crosby has the size, length and toughness to win the starting job and develop into an above-average starter in time. McCray is an above-average tackler who chases with good effort, plus he shows good awareness in coverage and he tested better than expected at the combine.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Day 1: Boise State MLB Leighton Vander Esch
Day 2: Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Day 3: NC State OT Will Richardson
The retirement of Paul Posluszny creates a void at middle linebacker and Vander Esch is the second-ranked inside linebacker on our board. He has a rare blend of size and range. With Myles Jack and Telvin Smith flanking him on the outside, the Jaguars would have an uber-talented linebacker corps. St. Brown has the skill set to be a far more productive pro than college player considering Notre Dame's erratic quarterback play. The Jaguars would do well to add a receiver with his kind of upside. Jacksonville should be looking to add depth at tackle. Richardson is a versatile lineman with the ability to provide depth at both tackle spots and guard. Plus, right tackle Jeremy Parnell turns 32 in July and Richardson is a potential replacement when Parnell's play starts to drop off or his contract expires following the 2019 season.
Tennessee Titans
Day 1: Boston College DE/OLB Harold Landry
Day 2: Mississippi State C/G Martinas Rankin
Day 3: North Dakota State MLB Nick DeLuca
Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are on the wrong side of 30 and entering the final year of their contracts. Landry is an explosive edge rusher with the burst and foot speed to make an immediate impact getting after the quarterback. Plus, Landry has the work ethic to develop into an effective starter early in his career. All three starters along the interior offensive line return, but Tennessee should be looking to upgrade there. Rankin projects as a versatile reserve with the potential to develop into a starter at guard or center. The Titans should look to add competition for the inside linebacker spot vacated by free-agent departure Avery Williamson. DeLuca is a big, instinctive linebacker who plays faster than his timed top-end speed.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Day 1: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield
Day 2: Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver
Day 3: Tennessee RB John Kelly
Denver signed Case Keenum, Chad Kelly was an intriguing talent coming out of Ole Miss last year, and the Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round two years ago. It's still hard to believe the Broncos would pass on Mayfield considering there's an argument for taking him first overall and they can't afford to pass on a potential franchise quarterback. The departure of Aqib Talib hurts. Oliver is a big corner with the size, length and top-end speed to compete on the outside. RB Devontae Booker has fumbled six times over the past two seasons and he averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season. Kelly doesn't have great timed speed but he plays faster on tape, he runs hard and he has the potential to develop into a productive receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs
Day 2: Ohio State C/G Billy Price
Day 2: Tulane CB Parry Nickerson
Day 3: Utah DE/OLB Kylie Fitts
Kansas City is another team without a first-round pick so there are two names to keep in mind on Day 2, starting with Price. The Chiefs need to bolster their interior offensive line, and Price projects as a Week 1 starter with the versatility to line up at guard or center. Corner is also a glaring need following the trade of Marcus Peters to the Rams. Nickerson, who is one of the three players to run a 4.32 40 at the combine this year, isn't just a track star. While he doesn't have great size or length, he's instinctive with above-average cover skills and the ball skills to develop into a playmaker. The Chiefs cut Tamba Hali, and they need to improve their pass rush after finishing 24th in the league in sacks last season. Fitts has struggled to stay healthy but he flashes on tape and tested extremely well at the combine. He could be a steal if he stays healthy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Day 1: Alabama ILB Rashaan Evans
Day 2: Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Day 3: Connecticut DT Folorunso Fatukasi
Evans is a top-15 player in his class and an excellent defender, which is what a Chargers run defense that allowed a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry needs. Adding Fatukasi in the fourth would also help bolster the run defense as he's got the frame and strength to push 33-year-old Brandon Mebane and Damion Square for the starting nose tackle job. The Chargers need a tackle capable of pushing right tackle Joe Barksdale, who turns 31 this year. Okorafor has outstanding size, above-average strength and the length to develop into an NFL starter in addition to the versatility to provide depth at both tackle spots early in his career.
Oakland Raiders
Day 1: Georgia OLB Roquan Smith
Day 2: Michigan DT Mo Hurst
Day 3: UCF WR Tre'Quan Smith
The Raiders are one of the teams expected to benefit from the run on quarterbacks in the first five picks and they land the sixth-best player on our board in Smith while filling an important need. Smith is an instinctive, rangy tackling machine. Oakland would do well to land an explosive one-gap 3-technique to complement NT Justin Ellis and Hurst fits the ball. He's got the first-step quickness and active hands to win one-on-one battles and make plays in the backfield. Jordy Nelson turns 33 in May, and he signed a two-year deal. Smith is a raw route runner but his frame, length and speed make him an intriguing developmental prospect.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Day 1: Florida DT Taven Bryan
Day 2: Ohio State OLB Jerome Baker
Day 3: Stanford TE Dalton Schultz
Dallas needs a disruptive difference-maker capable of pushing Maliek Collins, who is coming off foot surgery. Bryan is an explosive one-gap penetrator with elite first-step quickness and active hands. With Dallas cutting Dez Bryant, Alabama WR Calvin Ridley and Maryland WR D.J. Moore are two other first-round possibilities. LB Sean Lee turns 32 in July and he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, plus Anthony Hitchens signed with Kansas City, so linebacker is one of the Cowboys' most pressing needs. Baker is undersized but he's a rangy run defender with above-average cover skills. Jason Witten turns 36 in May, he finished with fewer than 600 receiving yards for the first time in his career last year and there's no heir apparent on the roster. Schultz is an underrated tight end prospect who didn't put up big numbers at Stanford but tested better than expected and could be a more productive pro than college player.
New York Giants
Day 1: UCLA QB Josh Rosen
Day 2: Georgia OLB Lorenzo Carter
Day 3: Oregon RB Royce Freeman
The Giants could trade back, but they shouldn't draft anyone other than a quarterback with the second pick if they don't and it should be a king's ransom if they do. Eli Manning is 37 years old coming off the worst season of his career and the Giants don't want to find themselves in a situation where they are looking for a franchise quarterback in the middle of the first round or bundling assets to move up to get one when the time comes for him to step down. Rosen is the No. 2 quarterback on our board and the most fundamentally sound passer in this class. The Giants need edge defenders that fit new defensive coordinator James Bettcher's scheme. The versatile and speedy Carter is an excellent fit and value at the top of the second round. We have a third-round grade on Freeman but he could slide to the eighth pick in the fourth round. He's a well-built back and highly efficient runner with good instincts.
Philadelphia Eagles
Day 1: Boise State MLB Leighton Vander Esch
Day 3: Texas P Michael Dickson
Day 3 Missouri DE Marcell Frazier
Jordan Hicks has sustained season-ending injuries in two of the past three years and Mychal Kendricks' future with the Eagles is unsure. Vander Esch is a sideline-to-sideline run defender with good size and excellent upside. I'm generally not in favor of drafting punters but the retirement of Donnie Jones makes punter one of the Eagles' most pressing needs and Dickson is a unique talent. In fact, he's such a talented punter that there's a legitimate chance he's not there when Philadelphia picks on Day 3 but it would do well to land him if he slides to the end of the fourth round. Chris Long is 33, free-agent signing Michael Bennett is 32 and Brandon Graham recently turned 30, so the Eagles would do well to infuse some youth at defensive end. Frazier has short arms and he's not a powerful pass-rusher or run defender, but he has the closing speed, athletic ability and active hands to develop into an effective pass-rusher and the Eagles could get him late on Day 3.
Washington Redskins
Day 1: Washington Vita Vea
Day 2: SMU WR Courtland Sutton
Day 3: Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli
No team gave up more rushing yards per game than Washington last year and strengthening the defensive front is a must. Vea is the best interior defensive lineman in this class, he excels at stuffing the run and he projects as an immediate upgrade over any of the nose tackles on the roster. The Redskins need to continue to address receiver after adding Paul Richardson. Sutton is a raw route runner with good size, top-end speed and ball skills. Jordan Reed missed 10 games last year and he has yet to play in all 16 games in a season, plus Vernon Davis is 34, so adding a young tight end should be on Washington's Day 3 to-do list. Fumagalli is a crafty route runner with excellent ball skills and continues to improve as a blocker.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Day 1: Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds
Day 2: Georgia G Isaiah Wynn
Day 3: Missouri WR J'Mon Moore
The Bears cut outside linebackers Willie Young and Pernell McPhee -- plus, Lamarr Houston is unsigned, Sam Acho had three sacks in 12 starts last year and Leonard Floyd has missed 10 games over his first two seasons. Edmunds has the size, length and closing speed to make an immediate impact at outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme. Chicago declined left guard Josh Sitton's option. Right guard Kyle Long has missed 14 games over the past two seasons and he had neck, shoulder and elbow surgeries after Chicago put him on injured reserve last year. Wynn is a complete player who projects as a plug-and-play starter and should develop into a top-tier NFL guard. The departure of Cam Meredith and Kevin White's inability to stay healthy make receiver a pressing need, and the Bears don't have a third-round pick. Moore has the change of direction skills to develop into an effective route runner. He ran a much faster time at his pro day than he did at the combine and he has good playing speed, making him a good value at the top of the fourth round.
Detroit Lions
Day 1: UTEP G Will Hernandez
Day 2: Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage
Day 3: Ole Miss DE Breeland Speaks
The Lions have to improve a running game that ranked last in yards per carry and yards per game last year. Drafting Hernandez to start at left guard would allow Graham Glasgow to slide over to center and move free-agent signing Kenny Wiggins into a reserve role. Hernandez is a mauling run-blocker with above-average strength, and he's athletic enough to hold up in pass protection. The Lions signed RB LeGarrette Blount but it's a one-year deal, and Ameer Abdullah is in the final year of his rookie contract. Ballage has an outstanding combination of size, speed and lower-body explosion, plus he's an above-average receiver with reliable hands. Speaks is an above average run-stopper with the size and length to set the edge, plus he has some upside as an interior pass-rusher.
Green Bay Packers
Day 1: Alabama WR Calvin Ridley
Day 2: Auburn CB Carlton Davis
Day 3: SE Louisiana G Maea Teuhema
Green Bay cut Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb's production doesn't match up with his cap number ($12.7 million). Ridley is the most polished route runner in his class, is dangerous after the catch and would be an excellent complement to Davante Adams. The Packers did well to bring back CB Tramon Williams, but he's 35 years old and they need a corner capable of pushing for the starting role opposite him. Davis is at his best in press man coverage as he has the length to disrupt receivers and the top-end speed to run with them. Jahri Evans hasn't re-signed, creating a need at guard. Teuhema played out of position at left tackle last season and the suspension that led him to transfer from LSU is a concern, but he has the tools to develop into an effective guard.
Minnesota Vikings
Day 1: UCLA OT Kolton Miller
Day 2: Auburn G Braden Smith
Day 3: Northwestern RB Justin Jackson
Miller is a better tester than football player but there's a lot to like about his upside and taking him with a late first is justifiable for a team without a lot of pressing needs. He's versatile enough to provide depth at both offensive tackle spots and he could push Mike Remmers for the starting right tackle job as a rookie. If he wins that job, it would allow Remmers to move to left guard, where he lined up during the playoffs. Smith has an elite combination of size, speed and power (35 reps on bench press was tied for second-best among the offensive linemen at the combine). A three-year starter at right guard in college, he could push and eventually supplant free-agent signing Tom Compton at right guard. With Dalvin Cook coming off a season-ending knee injury and Jerick McKinnon signing with the 49ers, adding a back with the ability to contribute on third down would make sense on Day 3. Jackson is an above-average receiver with slightly above-average ball skills and the potential to develop into an effective route runner. His three-cone (4.07) and short shuttle (6.81) times are quicker than the five-year combine averages for receivers.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Day 1: Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk
Day 2: Virginia Tech DT Tim Settle
Day 3: Clemson OLB Dorian O'Daniel
Taking Kirk in the first round is a bit of a reach, but I love the fit. Kirk is a tough slot receiver who separates well and has the top-end speed to threaten after the catch. With Andre Roberts signing with the Jets, the Falcons also need help in the return game and Kirk returned six punts for touchdowns in college. Dontari Poe defected to Carolina and Ahtyba Rubin is an unsigned free agent, creating a need at defensive tackle. Settle compares favorably to Poe though not quite as freakishly gifted and he would be an excellent complement to Grady Jarrett. He's a wide-bodied run-plugger with good power and unique agility for his size. He may never be an elite interior pass-rusher but he can be disruptive. Atlanta has a talented linebacker corps but there is a glaring lack of depth. O'Daniel is an undersized but rangy outside linebacker who is an above-average tackler and excels at covering kicks. He should make an immediate impact on special teams.
Carolina Panthers
Day 1: Stanford S Justin Reid
Day 2: Washington WR Dante Pettis
Day 3: Idaho State G/C Skyler Phillips
Carolina cut Kurt Coleman and 37-year-old Mike Adams is in the last year of his deal, making safety a need. Reid grades out as a plug-and-play starter at free safety. He's a ball hawk with excellent speed and athleticism. Pettis has the speed to stretch the field, threaten after the catch and flip the field as a punt returner. He's capable of making an immediate impact in multiple-receiver sets and could push for a No. 2 role early in his career. Carolina needs a guard capable of competing for the starting spot vacated by Andrew Norwell, and center Ryan Kalil has said that 2018 will be his last season. Phillips is versatile enough to compete at guard and give Carolina a potential replacement for Kalil. Phillips' 2016 tape is better than his 2017 tape but he tested well and should be a good Day 3 value if he returns to the form he showed two years ago.
New Orleans Saints
Day 1: South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert
Day 2: Rutgers DE/OLB Kemoko Turay
Day 3: Houston QB Kyle Allen
The Saints got an NFL-low 476 receiving yards from their tight ends last year and Coby Fleener hasn't come close to living up to expectations. Benjamin Watson, 37, signed a one-year deal. Goedert is the top tight end on our board. He has an outstanding combination of size and speed with the big hands to snatch the ball and the toughness to make plays over the middle. With Alex Okafor coming off a season-ending injury, adding a young edge rusher makes sense. Turay has the burst/bend to win with speed off the edge. He flashes the ability to win with his hands and has above-average speed to power. Allen is one of the most underrated QB prospects in this class due to his lack of experience and there's a lot to like about his upside. Playing behind Drew Brees and for Sean Payton could unlock his potential and give the Saints their quarterback of the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Day 1: Florida State S Derwin James
Day 2: Georgia RB Sony Michel
Day 3: LSU CB Kevin Toliver
Safety is one of Tampa Bay's most pressing needs and James is worth the No. 7 overall pick. He is one of the most versatile players in this class. He has the cover skills to match up with tight ends and above-average range in zone. He also is an excellent pass-rusher for his size and an outstanding run defender. Tampa Bay and Arizona were the only two teams that didn't have a player rush for 500 yards last season, and the Buccaneers released Doug Martin. Michel plays faster than his timed top-end speed, is strong for his size and is an above average receiver. Tampa Bay doesn't have a third-round pick and would need to address another pressing need early on Day 3 in this scenario. Toliver is a versatile defensive back with experience lining up all over the secondary. He possesses the toughness and size to match up with bigger receivers.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Day 1: Maryland WR D.J. Moore
Day 2: Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta
Day 3: Stanford CB Quenton Meeks
Ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald returns but no other receiver on the roster had more than 33 catches last season. Moore is a fluid, savvy route runner who is dangerous after the catch and has the top-end speed to stretch the field. Arizona needs a young quarterback considering Sam Bradford's injury history and Mike Glennon's inability to hold onto a starting job up to this point. Lauletta is an accurate passer who gets the ball out of his hands quickly once he locates an open man and has the mobility to buy time within the pocket. Tramon Williams and Justin Bethel both left in free agency, creating a need at corner. Meeks is a big, physical corner who ran better than expected at his pro day and has above-average ball skills.
Los Angeles Rams
Day 2: Oklahoma OLB Obo Okoronkwo
Day 3: Kansas DE/OLB Dorance Armstrong Jr.
Day 3: Wisconsin ILB Jack Cichy
The Rams don't pick until late in the third round. Look for them to use the draft to address a linebacker corps that returns just one starter. Okoronkwo needs to get stronger and improve his ability to anchor against the run, but he has good upper-body power, quick hands and natural instincts as a pass-rusher. The Rams get two of my top sleepers on Day 3 if this is how their draft unfolds. While he doesn't have great top-end speed and had just 1.5 sacks last year, Armstrong is a much better football player than the testing and production would suggest. Cichy sustained a season-ending pectoral injury in 2016 and he missed the 2017 season with a knee injury, so there are obviously durability concerns. He's a tough and instinctive run-stopper when he's healthy and would complement Mark Barron.
San Francisco 49ers
Day 1: Alabama DS Minkah Fitzpatrick
Day 2: UCLA WR Jordan Lasley
Day 3: Arizona State OLB Christian Sam
Free safety Jimmie Ward has sustained season-ending injuries in three of the past four seasons and could get another look at corner. Pairing Fitzpatrick with Jaquiski Tartt would give the 49ers a young, talented safety tandem. Fitzpatrick is at his best playing close to the line of scrimmage. He has the speed to cover deep and is an above-average run defender. He's at his best at safety but has the tools to develop into an effective press corner. The 49ers could try him on the outside in an emergency. San Francisco needs a receiver to push Pierre Garcon, who turns 32 in August and missed the final eight games of the 2017 season with a neck injury. UCLA suspended Lasley multiple times and he drops too many passes, but he has the potential to be a difference-making starter in the NFL -- especially as a vertical receiver. He could turn into a Day 2 steal. Sam may never be more than a two-down linebacker based on the tape, but he tested better than expected and is a tough run defender with the versatility to play on the strong side and in the middle.
Seattle Seahawks
Day 1: LSU RB Derrius Guice
Day 3: Miami DE Chad Thomas
Day 3: Murray State CB D'Montre Wade
Seattle needs a true No. 1 back. Guice has the balance, brute strength and pure will to regularly break initial contact and carry defenders for extra yards. In addition to having the top-end speed to break chunk runs when he gets a seam, he's explosive to and through the hole. He has shown potential in limited opportunities of developing into an effective receiver and pass-blocker. The future of 32-year-old Cliff Avril with the team is unsure following a season-ending neck injury, and Seattle traded Michael Bennett to Philadelphia. Thomas has the size, strength and length to set the edge against the run. He also flashes some upside as an interior pass-rusher. Corners Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane and DeShawn Shead are no longer on the roster, plus Byron Maxwell remains unsigned, making corner a pressing need. Signing Dontae Johnson gives the Seahawks an adequate stopgap opposite Shaq Griffin but they should still take a corner with upside. Wade doesn't have great top-end speed or fluidity but he's long, instinctive and tough. He also plays the ball well.