You've seen my first- and second-round mock drafts, and now I'm taking it to the first three rounds. It's time for my "Grade: A" three-round mock, in which I play the general manager for each team at each pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
Yes, that means I'm making picks at the first 102 slots. I'm not projecting picks based on what I'm hearing around the league. No, this is me making three full rounds of picks based on what's best for each team at that slot, so that each team gets an "A" grade. And it's not easy to get an "A." I'll be discussing some of my picks with Todd McShay -- you can see his three-round mock here -- on our SportsCenter special at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN app on Wednesday.
The ground rules:
At each slot, I make a pick in the best interest of only the team with the pick. I try to address team needs, but value can supersede need.
No trades allowed -- sorry, McShay.
I'm not projecting picks. This is more of a look at where I see value up and down the board, based on my rankings.
I have explanations for every team's picks below, in order of when each first picks in the draft, starting with the Cardinals, who hold all of the ... cards in this draft.
There is also a pick-by-pick version at the bottom, which will help give you an idea of who was off the board when I made my picks. And click on the links below to go to each team:
Arizona Cardinals
Round 1 (1): Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Round 2 (33): Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
Round 3 (65): Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
Are the Cardinals really going to take a first-round quarterback two years in a row?I think it's going to happen. The reason I'd lean toward Murray if I were the GM of this team: The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner gives new coach Kliff Kingsbury a fresh start with his guy. Kingsbury knows Murray and knows the former OU star can run his offense. He'd have to tailor his Air Raid offense to fit Josh Rosen's strengths. I have Murray just behind Dwayne Haskins on my Big Board, but it's close.
One reason why it was extremely tough to evaluate Rosen's rookie year was the poor offensive line play, so let's get Murray some help in his former teammate Ford, who could play guard or tackle. Arizona has tried to upgrade its line this offseason, adding Marcus Gilbert and J.R. Sweezy, and Ford could play immediately. Ridley isn't as polished as his brother, Calvin, who went in Round 1 last year, but he has some upside, and the Cardinals need to think about life after Larry Fitzgerald.
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 (2): Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Round 2 (36): JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Round 3 (67): Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Bosa is my top-ranked prospect, and he's almost certainly going to go in the top two picks. Will it be to the 49ers? That's not as clear. This is a prime spot for a team to trade up, and the 49ers can pick up extra assets by moving down. When Jimmy Garoppolo got injured last season, the bottom fell out for the Niners, but remember that they were a sneaky playoff pick before the season. This team has some talent, even if its defense underachieved. No. 2 is too high to take a defensive back in this class, and it's way too high to snag a wide receiver. If San Francisco keeps this pick, Bosa is the pass-rusher to target.
San Francisco can fill its need at receiver at the top of Round 2 -- and grab a Bay-area star -- as Arcega-Whiteside is a touchdown machine. He's moving up my board. Mullen has first-round talent, but he had an underwhelming 2018 for the national champs. If he can be more consistent, he can be an NFL starter.
New York Jets
Round 1 (3): Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
Round 3 (68): Michael Deiter, OL, Wisconsin
Round 3 (93): Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
This comes down to Allen or Quinnen Williams for the Jets, and both are going to be impact contributors as rookies. New York's biggest need is on the edge, however, so I lean toward Allen, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year who had 17 sacks last season.
The Jets are in a good spot here, and after trading up for Sam Darnold a year go, they don't have a second-round pick in this draft. They do have an extra third-rounder from the preseason trade of Teddy Bridgewater (remember when he was a Jet?). Deiter is my second-ranked center, but he has some versatility as he played guard, center and tackle over 54 college starts. Oruwariye is a big, 6-foot-2 corner who had seven interceptions over the past two seasons. You can't count on third-rounders as immediate starters, but Deiter and Oruwariye could compete for spots.
Oakland Raiders
Round 1 (4): Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Round 1 (24): Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
Round 1 (27): Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
Round 2 (35): Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
When the Raiders made the trades to add first-round picks from Chicago and Dallas, many thought they'd be getting extra top-15 picks. Instead, the Bears had a breakout season under new coach Matt Nagy, Amari Cooper made the Cowboys' offense instantly better, and both teams made the playoffs. That means Jon Gruden & Co. have picks in the mid-20s instead in this draft. And Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock need to hit here. They have to get starters.
Williams is a game-wrecker, a defensive playmaker whom Gruden will love. Ya-Sin, one of college football's best lockdown corners in 2018, is still raw -- he played just one season at the FBS level -- but he has a high ceiling. Smith would fill the void left by Jared Cook. If there's one qualm with my own picks here, it's that there are no first-round edge rushers left on my board at No. 24. There is going to be a run on them in the top 20, which means Oakland could miss out on a big need area.
Jacobs might not make it to Round 2, but Gruden and Mayock shouldn't pass on him if he's there at No. 35. Get the best back in this class and help out Derek Carr.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1 (5): Devin White, ILB, LSU
Round 2 (39): Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
Round 3 (70): David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
Tampa could go a number of directions here, and trading down should be an option. But I think White is a perfect fit in the middle of that defense as a Kwon Alexander replacement and three-down stud. This is high for a linebacker who doesn't rush the quarterback, but the 2018 Butkus Award winner is that good.
David Montgomery is a running back out of Iowa State who rushed for 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior season, while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Thornhill is my third-ranked safety, but I know some teams think he's the best safety in this class. He could sneak into the bottom of Round 1. The Bucs used a second-round pick on running back Ronald Jones last season, but he couldn't get on the field for an offense that averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. Montgomery is a more physical back than Jones, who has more upside in the receiving game, and they could complement each other.
New York Giants
Round 1 (6): Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Round 1 (17): Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (37): Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
Round 3 (95): David Long, CB, Michigan
Since I'm playing the GM of all 32 teams here, I'm going based on what I would do. And if I were running the Giants, I'd do anything necessary to get my quarterback of the future. Eli Manning is 38 and mediocre by any statistical measurement you can find. Don't miss out on Haskins, who can be the future at the position. Now, the Giants have other needs -- their roster is among the worst in the league -- but they are in the beginning stages of a rebuild. Start that rebuild with a quarterback.
New York is desperate for edge-rushing talent, and Ferrell would help. That's the pick it got from Cleveland in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. (I think I'd still rather have OBJ.) The Giants have two good slot receivers in Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard, and McLaurin, who averaged 20 yards per catch last season, could be an outside receiving threat. Near the end of Round 3, the Giants can get an intriguing corner in Long.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1 (7): Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Round 2 (38): Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Round 3 (69): Andy Isabella, WR, UMass
Round 3 (98): Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
Take a look at the Jaguars' roster. What position needs to be upgraded? There is a lot of young talent here. If you believe in Nick Foles as the answer at quarterback, I'd look at safety, tight end and wide receiver as spots in need. But offensive tackle should be the top priority, and Taylor -- my No. 1-ranked tackle -- makes too much sense here.
Jacksonville can get help at safety with Thompson, who looked like a top-10 pick at the beginning of last season but struggled down the stretch. He hasn't been able to work out for teams during the pre-draft process because of a wrist injury. Isabella is only 5-foot-9, but don't limit him as just a slot player. He ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the combine and led the FBS in receiving yards (1,698) last season. I like the idea of Love in Jacksonville to push Leonard Fournette, but the former Stanford star's stock has dropped after he tore his ACL in the regular-season finale and struggled with an ankle injury the rest of 2018.
Detroit Lions
Round 1 (8): Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Round 2 (43): Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
Round 3 (88): Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Detroit could be the team to take the first defensive back in the class, but it's a little too high on my board. If Sweat is still here, he would be a great addition on the other side of free-agent signing Trey Flowers, who got $56 million guaranteed from the Lions. Sweat's 4.41 40 at the combine was the fastest by any prospect at least 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds since 2006, but he also produced in college, putting up 22 sacks over the past two seasons.
The Lions can get a corner in Round 2 -- it's a deep class -- and Layne is a converted receiver who has a ways to go to get to his ceiling. Can Matt Patricia & Co. get the best out of him? Cajuste might begin his career as a swing tackle. He just had surgery to repair a torn quad and could drop to Day 3.
Buffalo Bills
Round 1 (9): T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Round 2 (40): N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Round 3 (74): Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
The Bills' offseason priority should be supporting Josh Allen. They're never going to see him develop if he's running for his life and throwing to subpar pass-catchers like he did in 2018. And with the additions of center Mitch Morse and receivers Cole Beasley and John Brown, you can see what GM Brandon Beane is doing. And since this is my "Grade: A" mock draft, I'm going a step further and getting Allen some more weapons. That means Hockenson, the best tight end in the class and a true upgrade as a blocker and pass-catcher, and that means Harry, a big target (6-foot-2) with great hands. Let's see how Allen can progress in Year 2 with upgraded players around him.
Ferguson, who set the NCAA record for career sacks with 47, including 17.5 last season, doesn't wow you with his measurables, but he already has an advanced arsenal of pass-rushing moves.
Denver Broncos
Round 1 (10): Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Round 2 (41): Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
Round 3 (71): Ryan Finley, QB, NC State
I thought about Drew Lock at No. 10. Is Joe Flacco really the long-term answer? But with Oliver still available, he'd be hard to pass up. Put him at end in Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense. Put him at nose tackle. Maybe let him get some edge-rushing reps to spell Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Oliver has the athletic ability to be a star at multiple positions, although he needs to develop some true pass-rushing moves.
Denver can still take a quarterback on Day 2, and although I don't have as high of a grade on Finley as McShay does, he's worth a shot in the third round. Let him sit behind Flacco and see how fast he picks up the pro game. Risner could play tackle, center or guard for the Broncos.
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1 (11): Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
Round 2 (42): Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
Round 3 (72): Max Scharping, OL, Northern Illinois
Did you know that if the Bengals cut Andy Dalton today they'd owe him $0 and have no dead cap hit? It's true. That's why I wouldn't rule out Drew Lock here, as new coach Zac Taylor could start fresh, like Kliff Kingsbury is likely to do in Arizona. Still, though, we know what Dalton is, and he's not a bad quarterback. He just might not be a great one. Cincinnati has already proved it can win with him, although its talent level has dropped the past few years.
So let's stick with Dalton in 2019 and go best player available with the No. 11 pick. That's Bush, a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite athleticism. Saunders has gone under the radar a little bit in a deep defensive line class, but he could be an impact player. Scharping has played some guard, but he's likely to be a tackle. Could he push Bobby Hart on the right side?
Green Bay Packers
Round 1 (12): D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
Round 1 (30): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Round 2 (44): Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
Round 3 (75): Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Before the Packers signed Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency, taking an edge rusher with their first pick would have been a no-brainer. Now? GM Brian Gutekunst can focus on other positions (although it would be tough to turn down Rashan Gary's potential). And with my top-ranked receiver Metcalf still here, let's get some assistance for Aaron Rodgers, who at age 35 is sneakily the NFL's sixth-oldest starting quarterback. Metcalf has gotten attention for being an out-of-this-world athlete, but he can play, too. Injuries shortened his career at Ole Miss, so hopefully he can stay healthy.
Noah Fant is a tight end out of Iowa who caught 19 touchdowns during his stint with the Hawkeyes.
Fant is another weapon for Rodgers; the comp I've made for him actually played with Rodgers for a season -- Jared Cook, who just signed with the Saints. Fant won't block much (yet), but he'll outrun a few defensive backs and score a few touchdowns. McGary could be the right tackle of the future in Green Bay. Rapp didn't run well at his pro day, but he could be a steal in Round 3.
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 (13): Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Round 2 (48): Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida
Round 3 (78): Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
If the Giants are undergoing a rebuild, what should we call what the Dolphins are doing this offseason? They have stripped their roster of talent -- and salary -- under a new regime, parting ways with starters Ryan Tannehill, Robert Quinn, Cameron Wake, Ja'Wuan James and Danny Amendola, among others. They have holes all over the roster, which makes this a tough pick.
This is about where Gary's floor is in the draft -- he could go as high as No. 4. And he'd be the Dolphins' most talented pass-rusher as soon as he hits the field. Their top returning sacker is linebacker Jerome Baker, who had only three last season. Gary has enormous potential; the issue is getting that potential out of him every play.
Gardner-Johnson is a versatile safety who could play down in the box or cover the deep middle of the field. Stidham is a project; he had a down 2018 season in a run-oriented offense. But he has an intriguing tool set that will likely see him picked on Day 2. The team that takes him probably doesn't want him to see the field as a rookie, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the No. 1 in Miami, this might be the spot where he's most likely to play early.
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 (14): Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Round 2 (45): Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
Round 3 (79): Connor McGovern, C/G, Penn State
If one of the top edge rushers makes it to 14, the Falcons should run to the podium. Wilkins is a good consolation prize, though, as he can complement Grady Jarrett's skill set. He'd also be stellar in the locker room.
During the season, I thought Love had a chance to sneak into the first round, but his workout numbers were just OK. He has stellar ball skills and could compete with Isaiah Oliver for the spot opposite Desmond Trufant. McGovern would likely play guard if he went to Atlanta. I also considered pass-rusher Ben Banogu with that third-round pick.
Washington Redskins
Round 1 (15): Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Round 2 (46): A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
Round 3 (76): Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Round 3 (96): Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma
Lock has the edge over Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins in two areas: arm strength and sample size. He can sling it. He showed that over 50 career games at Mizzou, while Murray and Haskins were essentially one-year starters. Lock's biggest issue is accuracy, though, and he's far behind the other two top quarterbacks there. He completed just 56.9 percent of his passes over those 50 games. Now, he didn't have great talent around him, and he played in college football's toughest conference. NFL coaches see the talent there. That's why he might not make it out of the top 10 picks later this month.
In Washington, Lock wouldn't be under pressure to start immediately, although I'd count on him getting a few starts. The Redskins can also add some Day 2 receiving help with Brown, who had a much more productive college career than his former teammate D.K. Metcalf. Ximines, who had 33 career sacks for the Monarchs, would likely play outside linebacker in Washington's 3-4 defense. Samia started 48 career games for the Sooners.
Carolina Panthers
Round 1 (16): Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Round 2 (47): Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
Round 3 (77): Chuma Edoga, OT/G, USC
Round 3 (100): Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan
This pick has to be a pass-rusher. Right? Future Hall of Famer Julius Peppers retired, and Carolina can't count on Bruce Irvin to be an every-down defensive end. I'd go with Burns or Clelin Ferrell here, and Burns is higher on my board. He produced 65 pressures last season, second most in the FBS.
After running a 4.48 40 at the combine, Hooker is another defensive back who is rising up boards. He is a good tackler who could play close to the line of scrimmage. Edoga played right tackle in college, but his testing numbers make him more likely to play guard in the NFL. Crosby opened some eyes with a 4.66 40 at the combine, putting him in the third-round discussion. Again, defensive end is the Panthers' top need.
Minnesota Vikings
Round 1 (18): Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
Round 2 (50): Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Round 3 (81): Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
I just love the fit for both the Vikings and Williams here. Minnesota's offensive line was poor last season, and it has been tough for GM Rick Spielman to make significant upgrades with very little cap space. Williams could start at either guard or tackle for the Vikings. It's a no-brainer.
And in Round 2, I'll give coach Mike Zimmer another project in Jones, who can play in the defensive line rotation immediately. Running back might not stick out as an priority for Minnesota, but Dalvin Cook has struggled to stay on the field. Sanders would be a great No. 2 back, and he has limited tread on his tires after sitting behind Saquon Barkley for his first two college seasons.
Tennessee Titans
Round 1 (19): Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Round 2 (51): Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Round 3 (82): Ben Banogu, DE/OLB, TCU
For Titans fans hoping for an impact offensive weapon to help Marcus Mariota in the quarterback's contract year, you might have to wait until Round 2. But don't discount Lawrence, who can play nose tackle in Mike Vrabel's 3-4 defense. Lawrence won't be an elite sack producer, but he has the athletic ability to get into the backfield and create disruptions. Also keep an eye on an edge rusher at No. 19.
Deebo Samuel is a receiver out of South Carolina who was the Gamecocks' leading pass-catcher during his final season.
Samuel excelled at Senior Bowl practices, putting him in the second-round discussion. He could boost Tennessee out of the slot and as a return man. Banogu, who had 17 sacks over the past two seasons, would be in the rotation at outside linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 (20): Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Round 2 (52): Mack Wilson, ILB, Alabama
Round 3 (66): Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Round 3 (83): Will Harris, S, Boston College
The Steelers have lost some star power this offseason, but they still have the talent to compete for the AFC North title. Where are Pittsburgh's biggest needs? I look at cornerback, where former first-round pick Artie Burns had a disappointing 2018, and inside linebacker, where the Steelers still haven't replaced Ryan Shazier. So as the GM here, that was my plan. Baker is my top-ranked corner, a steady and reliable lockdown cover defender. Wilson is a sure tackler who can slide into Shazier's former role.
The Steelers have the No. 66 pick from the Raiders (in the Antonio Brown trade), and they could find a starter at the top of Round 3. Hall was Drew Lock's deep threat at Mizzou. He averaged 23.5 yards per catch over the past two seasons, which led all FBS players with at least 35 receptions. Harris could compete to start at one of the safety spots.
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 (21): Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Round 3 (84): Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
Can you believe Earl Thomas was the most recent defensive back the Seahawks took in Round 1? That was in 2010, and Thomas played at a Hall of Fame level over nine seasons in Seattle but left for Baltimore in free agency. I thought about a defensive back with the 21st pick, but we know Pete Carroll can mold Day 3 DBs, and he likes young picks Tedric Thompson, Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers.
So where to next? While Seattle rode its running game to a surprising wild-card spot in 2018, both of its guards are on cheap, short-term deals. The Seahawks can upgrade with Lindstrom, who is my top-ranked guard. He could be in play for Baltimore at No. 22 as well. Seattle doesn't have a second-round pick due to the Duane Brown trade with Houston. If Butler is still available in the middle of the third round, the 6-foot-5 athlete is worth a flier. His inconsistency has him lower on my board than some teams, but getting him at No. 84 would be good value.
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1 (22): Erik McCoy, C/G, Texas A&M
Round 3 (85): Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
Round 3 (102): Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
With the departures of C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith, Baltimore will be eyeing any linebackers who drop in Round 1. Based on how my board fell, though, there aren't any left with first-round grades. McCoy could start at guard or center for the Ravens, who in 2019 are likely to be one of the most run-dominant teams again.
Former GM Ozzie Newsome was aggressive in getting quarterback Lamar Jackson last year, trading up to take him at No. 32 overall. That cost the Ravens their second-round pick this year, but I don't think new GM Eric DeCosta will mind if Jackson is the guy for the next 10-plus years. Hardman, one of the fastest prospects in this draft, could be a deep threat for Jackson, and he's also an excellent punt and kick returner. Hill tested well at the combine and could join the Baltimore running back rotation with new signing Mark Ingram II and Gus Edwards.
Houston Texans
Round 1 (23): Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Round 2 (54): Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
Round 2 (55): Darnell Savage Jr., S, Maryland
Round 3 (86): Antoine Wesley, WR, Texas Tech
With three picks in the top 55, Houston has to address its offensive line, one of the NFL's worst last season. The Texans should think about using two of those three picks on linemen. For now, let's stick with Dillard, who started at left tackle for the Cougars but could play on the right side. I have called him the best true pass-blocker in this class.
On Day 2, Houston could add competition for Lamar Miller with Harris, a reliable runner and pass-catcher, although he's not as explosive as his former teammate Josh Jacobs. Savage had seven interceptions over the past two seasons and could compete with Tashaun Gipson for the other safety spot next to Justin Reid. Wesley is a 6-foot-4 giant with good ball skills and a 37-inch vertical.
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1 (25): Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Round 2 (53): Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
Round 2 (57): Bobby Okereke, ILB, Stanford
Philadelphia was the beneficiary of Baltimore trading up into the first round last year, as the Eagles got an extra 2019 second-rounder. And when you study this roster, you don't see a ton of holes. GM Howie Roseman has done a nice job this offseason, adding quality veterans at running back (Jordan Howard), defensive line (Malik Jackson and Vinny Curry) and wide receiver (DeSean Jackson) but not committing a ton of long-term money.
So if I'm taking Roseman's job as GM in Philly, give me an heir apparent for Malcolm Jenkins in Abram, a physical and tough tackler who can play in space. Howard is extremely raw -- he came to Alabama State as a 235-pound walk-on tight end in 2014 before putting on weight and moving to tackle. He needs reps but has potential. And Okereke can compete for the starting middle linebacker job, which is vacant with Jordan Hicks now in Arizona.
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 (26): Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Round 2 (34): Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Round 2 (59): Chase Winovich, OLB, Michigan
Round 3 (89): Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
The Colts get the final piece of last year's trade with the Jets, in which New York moved up three spots in Round 1 and dealt Indianapolis its first-round pick and three more second-rounders (two last year, one this year). And the Colts can get a starter with that No. 34 pick. There should be several solid defensive backs available at the top of Round 2, which means GM Chris Ballard can pick his favorite. My favorite on the board here is Murphy, who is the best ball-hawk corner in this class.
In Round 1, I'll add a weapon for Andrew Luck in Brown, who has dealt with a foot injury and hasn't been able to work out for teams during the pre-draft process. If he comes back healthy, he could be a No. 1 receiver. He's lightning fast. Winovich could instantly be added to the edge-rushing rotation, while Takitaki is a tackling machine who ran better than expected at the combine (a 4.63 40).
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1 (28): Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Round 2 (60): Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Round 3 (91): Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
I thought the Chargers might target a defensive tackle with the 17th pick last year, but Vita Vea and Daron Payne were both off the board. They ended up with Derwin James, one of the best picks of the entire draft, but still have a need along the interior of their defense. Simmons might not be picked in Round 1. He tore his ACL in February and could redshirt this season. But he's a top-15 talent, and he's going to be on my Big Board. And he could be a steal here.
Is it time to start thinking about life after Philip Rivers? He's 37, although he hasn't shown signs of declining. Grier, my fifth-ranked quarterback, is going to go somewhere on Day 2, and teams looking for a long-term project like the Chargers and Patriots make sense for him. Evans, who blocked for Kyler Murray in high school and college, played left and right tackle for the Sooners and could be a swing tackle as a rookie.
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 1 (29): Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Round 2 (61): Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
Round 2 (63): Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida
Round 3 (92): Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
After parting ways with Dee Ford and Justin Houston this offseason, I expect the Chiefs to keep an eye on the edge rushers in the first round. But cornerback is also a need position, and there aren't any defensive ends or outside linebackers left on my board with first-round grades. Williams had eight interceptions over the past two seasons, but he has dropped in the eyes of teams because of his unwillingness to stick his head in and make tackles in run support. When he's on, though, he can be a lockdown defender. There's a chance we'll look back on this pick in a few years and wonder how Williams fell so far.
Kansas City has an extra second-round pick (via the Rams and the Marcus Peters trade), and it can pick up a Mitch Morse replacement in Jenkins and an edge rusher in Polite, who had a miserable combine but is super talented. His 2018 tape is phenomenal, so you have to wonder why his workout was so poor. Williams might be the best receiving back in this class, and he'd get some third-down snaps as a security blanket for Patrick Mahomes.
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 (31): Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Round 3 (94): Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (99): L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
If Dexter Lawrence made it to No. 31, he'd be a great fit as the nose tackle in Wade Phillips' defense. Since he's not here, though, I'll look to another potential need spot along the interior of the offensive line, where Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan are both gone from the Super Bowl runners-up. Bradbury played guard for the Wolfpack in 2016 before spending the past two seasons at center. He showed off his athletic ability at the combine, running a 4.92 40 at 306 pounds.
Williams, a legit 6-foot-4 corner, got some first-round buzz in December, but he doesn't have great long speed. He has been passed up by a few other corners. But with the future uncertain for Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, Williams could get some playing time. There's nothing flashy about Collier, but he can bull rush with the best in the class. He'd likely play end in Phillips' 3-4.
New England Patriots
Round 1 (32): Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Round 2 (56): Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (64): Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
Round 3 (73): Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
Round 3 (97): Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
Round 3 (101): Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Look at all these picks. No team takes advantage of the compensatory system like the Patriots, who have two third-round comp picks in this draft and will likely get two more in 2020. And they have an extra second-rounder as a result of the Bears moving up for Anthony Miller a year ago. So let's get to the six prospects:
Tom Brady can't play forever, and New England's backup is Brian Hoyer. It needs to find Brady's successor. Jones has improved every year at Duke, and he can learn a lot from Brady. Some team is going to take him on Day 1.
Tillery just had surgery to repair a torn labrum and might miss some time. When he's healthy, he's a disruptive force at defensive tackle.
Boykin was a big riser after the combine; he ran a 4.42 40 and had a 43-inch vertical. He's still raw, but he has the physical traits to be a contributor.
Johnson is a bigger corner (6-foot-2) who could develop under Belichick & Co.
You might be curious why I have two tight ends to the Patriots in Round 3. That's because no one player can replace the all-around game of Rob Gronkowski. Sternberger is the better pass-catcher of the two, while Warring is already an above-average blocker who is still learning the receiving part of the position. Don't forget that New England also has to replace Dwayne Allen.
Cleveland Browns
Round 2 (49): Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Round 3 (80): Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
Now we get to the teams without first-round picks, starting in Cleveland, which has Odell Beckham Jr. instead. Think the Browns are excited about that? They have an exciting, young roster that could compete for an AFC North title.
Adderley has stellar ball skills and could play immediately in their defensive back rotation. Little, a former five-star prospect, has seen his stock drop since he entered the draft, but this is a dominant left tackle with tremendous feet when he's at his best. The problem is that there were too many lapses on tape. He has starting potential.
Dallas Cowboys
Round 2 (58): Gerald Willis III, DT, Miami (FL)
Round 3 (90): Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
Like the Browns, the Cowboys got a star receiver for their first-round pick, and they're thrilled. Amari Cooper instantly made them a playoff contender last season. But their roster does have a couple of holes, particularly at safety and defensive tackle. Dallas' problem is that there could be a run on safeties at the top of Round 2, which means it could miss out on guys like Juan Thornhill, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Deionte Thompson. Jerry Jones & Co. can then move on to address the other need, taking Willis, a powerful tackle who had 18 tackles for loss last season.
Hurd is a 6-foot-5 wide receiver who played running back at Tennessee before playing a season at Baylor. He has an intriguing size/speed skill set, though he's still learning the position.
New Orleans Saints
Round 2 (62): Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
The Saints went all-in on pass-rusher Marcus Davenport a year ago, giving up their 2019 first-rounder to move up 13 spots. Their third-round pick? That went to the Jets in last preseason in the Teddy Bridgewater trade. So with one lonely pick in the first three rounds, let's give Drew Brees a slot weapon with 4.31 speed. Campbell had 90 catches and 12 touchdowns last season.
Chicago Bears
Round 3 (87): Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
The Khalil Mack trade means Chicago doesn't have a first-round pick, while the trade up for Anthony Miller took away its Round 2 pick. Singletary didn't run well at the combine, but even at 5-foot-7 he has some juice between the tackles. He had a huge workload for the Owls in his career -- 714 carries over the past three seasons -- but he could help replace Jordan Howard. I expect the Bears to take a running back somewhere in this draft, and they could also target an offensive tackle or cornerback in Round 3.
