Get ready for the NFL Scouting Combine by knowing these deeper prospects.
To get ready for the NFL Scouting Combine, this week’s mock draft stretches out to three rounds.
In projecting 102 picks, some of the strengths of the draft begin to stand out. Everyone is well aware of the quality of the defensive linemen at the top of the draft. But the deeper you go, the tight ends, guards, and cornerback classes show themselves.
Going three rounds also means we finally get a pick for the Chicago Bears, who don’t have a selection until No. 87 overall because of the trades that landed them pass rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Anthony Miller.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Offseason needs: Offensive line, interior defensive line, wide receiver, tight end
Perhaps this week general manager Steve Keim will provide a little more insight into what direction the Cardinals take with the first pick. Is a trade out really possible? Is there any bit of truth to the Kyler Murray at No. 1 rumors? Is Bosa really the best fit in Arizona’s defense? How those questions are answered will go a long way in forecasting not only the first pick, but the entire draft.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Allen, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Offseason needs: Safety, edge defender, wide receiver, cornerback
There are a lot of things Allen can provide the 49ers. He can be the pass rusher they need. He can help the pass defense in coverage. He gives them a dynamic playmaker. Sure, he has his flaws against the run at times, but leave that to San Francisco’s various first-round defensive linemen. Let Allen make plays. In space, he is special. That was evidenced last season with his 17 sacks and five forced fumbles.
3. New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Offseason needs: Running back, offensive line, edge defender, cornerback
According to the New York Post, the Jets will continue operating a base 3-4 defense, despite hiring 4-3 specialist Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator. That will take some of the pressure off finding a great defensive end. It could ultimately lead the Jets to Williams, who is capable of creating pressure up the middle.
4. Oakland Raiders: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Offseason needs: Edge defender, cornerback, running back, wide receiver
This is where the draft can get interesting if Bosa, Allen, and Williams go in the first three picks. The speculation about Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray and the Raiders won’t seem to go away. If the Raiders don’t shock everyone, they could play it safe with Gary.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB, LSU
Offseason needs: Safety, edge defender, linebacker, offensive tackle
Gerald McCoy will be back with the Buccaneers, lessening the need to find a defensive tackle in the first round. That could open the Buccaneers to taking unquestionably the best linebacker in the draft this year. White could be in play even if standout linebacker Kwon Alexander is re-signed. The Buccaneers will use more 3-4 looks under Todd Bowles, and they will need a dependable tackling linebacker with range.
6. New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Offseason needs: Quarterback, offensive tackle, safety, linebacker
The Giants are another team to follow closely at the combine. General manager Dave Gettleman is pretty straightforward, and he will face a multitude of questions about New York’s quarterback situation. His answers should give some hints on which direction the Giants take.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Offseason needs: Quarterback, offensive line, tight end, safety
If the Jaguars choose to not make a deal for veteran quarterback Nick Foles, it could indicate they’re going quarterback in the first round. Maybe it could be Murray. It should be, at least. Murray is an accurate thrower on all levels of the field, and has good arm strength and touch on the ball.
8. Detroit Lions: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Offseason needs: Edge defender, tight end, linebacker, guard
Ferrell’s workouts at the combine will be important to where he lands on draft weekend. If has a strong week, he has value this high in the draft. The report on him right now is that he’s just a solid athlete. If he can quantify his play with good explosive testing numbers, watch his stock rise.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Offseason needs: Offensive line, defensive tackle, wide receiver, cornerback
Some don’t like Williams as a left tackle in the NFL. For Buffalo, that shouldn’t be much of a concern with 2017 second-round pick Dion Dawkins on that side. For the Bills, Williams could be used at several positions, helping Buffalo get the maximum amount of talent on the offensive line.
10. Denver Broncos: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Offseason needs: Offensive line, cornerback, tight end, linebacker
The Broncos actually have a pretty good group of players on offense, with young guys like running back Phillip Lindsay and receivers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton. But the team has struggled in recent years to find a weapon at tight end. Hockenson could fill that role. He’s one of the best players in the draft this year, and he has the type of all-around game that will make him effective early in his career.
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, linebacker, tight end, quarterback
If White is gone when the Bengals are up, their focus might shift to the offensive line. That could be Taylor or Oklahoma’s Cody Ford. Both are right tackles with experience and could help fix Cincinnati’s troublesome line.
12. Green Bay Packers: Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
Offseason needs: Edge defender, tight end, guard, defensive line
The Packers should easily be able to find a pass rusher with the 12th pick, so combine testing could split a tie between players. Maybe those players are Burns and Florida’s Jachai Polite. There’s a lot to like about Burns as a prospect. He has impressive length and first-step quickness to create pressure.
13. Miami Dolphins: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
Offseason needs: Quarterback, offensive tackle, edge defender, defensive tackle
If Murray is gone, the Dolphins could fall back on Lock if they don’t add a viable veteran quarterback before the draft. In Miami, Lock would get personally coached by Jim Caldwell, the Dolphins’ assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. With a long history that includes working with Peyton Manning during his best seasons, Caldwell could shape Lock and his impressive skill set.
14. Atlanta Falcons: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Offseason needs: Defensive tackle, offensive tackle, cornerback, guard
Oliver has a lot at stake at the combine. If he measures small, some teams will shy away. More importantly, teams will be closely looking at the health of his knee that hampered him for much of the 2018 season. If Oliver checks out medically, a team like Atlanta may have to trade up if it really wants him.
15. Washington: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Offseason needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, safety, guard
This is probably too high for Jones, but desperate teams reach for quarterbacks. Jones is a solid player in the same way that someone like Kirk Cousins is. Nothing about his game is flashy, but he’s dependable.
16. Carolina Panthers: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Offseason needs: Edge defender, offensive tackle, safety, guard
At 6’6 and 252 pounds, Sweat is going to be one of the stars of the combine based on sheer size alone. For the Panthers, he would fill the desperate need at pass rusher.
17. Cleveland Browns: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Offseason needs: Defensive tackle, offensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback
A team like the Browns would love to see four quarterbacks go before they pick. That will lead to a player with a much higher grade, like Wilkins, to drop. Wilkins can be the three-technique tackle the Browns are searching for this offseason to help improve the pass rush.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, guard, defensive tackle, running back
Although Oklahoma’s Cody Ford has a higher grade going into the combine than Dillard, the Washington State blocker gets the nod because he plays on the left side. Dillard specializes in pass blocking, which is exactly what the Vikings need to keep Kirk Cousins upright.
19. Tennessee Titans: Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida
Offseason needs: Wide receiver, edge defender, guard, quarterback
Polite is just too good of a prospect to let drop further than the 19th pick. The Titans may prioritize a position ahead of edge rusher, but it’s hard to argue Polite’s value. He can line up opposite Harold Landry and give Tennessee a good young pair of pass rushers.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Offseason needs: Linebacker, cornerback, tight end, safety, offensive tackle
Although Williams tends to shy away from physical situations, he knows how to play the football and break up passes. After the Steelers got just eight interceptions a season ago, fifth-worst in the NFL, Williams is the type of player they need.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
Offseason needs: Defensive line, guard, linebacker, kicker
It’s possible that Ford is taken in the top 10, so he could be the sort of player who could entice Seattle to hold on to the 21st pick instead of trading down. Ford could start his NFL career playing guard, or make a push to start at right tackle for the Seahawks.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Offseason needs: Edge rusher, wide receiver, linebacker, running back
Jacobs has the talent of a first-round pick; it’s just hard to find a good spot for him in the top 32. One potential landing spot is Baltimore. He would thrive in the Ravens’ run-heavy system thanks to his agility, vision, and strength running the ball.
23. Houston Texans: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, cornerback, defensive line, tight end
Although Little is the fifth offensive linemen taken in this mock, he still has value for Houston with the 23rd overall pick. He’s NFL-ready as a pass blocker if he can be a little more consistent. That will be a relief to Deshaun Watson, who was sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL last season.
24. Oakland Raiders (via Chicago): Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Offseason needs: Edge defender, cornerback, running back, wide receiver
The Raiders could go multiple directions if they land a defensive end like Gary at the top of the first round. Murphy would give the Raiders a cornerback who can work on the outside or in the slot. The Raiders finished 2018 at minus-seven in turnover ratio, and a player like Murphy should be able to turn that around.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Offseason needs: Cornerback, offensive tackle, running back, defensive line
Defensive tackles like Dexter Lawrence of Clemson and Jeffery Simmons of Mississippi State may have a higher ranking than Jones, but both are a little too similar stylistically to standout Eagles lineman Fletcher Cox. Those players all excel at taking on blockers and filling gaps, while Jones specializes in splitting gaps.
26. Indianapolis Colts: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Offseason needs: Defensive end, cornerback, wide receiver, defensive tackle
If the Colts don’t go after a wide receiver in free agency, they could have their pick of them in the first round of the draft. They could choose to roll the dice on Metcalf’s upside. That, of course, is assuming Metcalf can move around after packing on mass. That’s something we’ll find out when Metcalf goes through the paces at Lucas Oil Stadium.
27. Oakland Raiders (via Dallas): Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Offseason needs: Edge defender, cornerback, running back, wide receiver
There’s an interesting juxtaposition with this pick. Essentially it means that the Raiders would have traded Amari Cooper for Brown. It’s a net savings financially, but is it actually an upgrade?
28. Los Angeles Chargers: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, defensive tackle, linebacker, quarterback
Los Angeles’ defensive line could get rebuilt this offseason, and a player like Lawrence could become a necessity. He can chew up blockers and has the power to drive them backward. The Chargers’ linebacker group will love playing behind Lawrence because he’ll free them up to make plays instead of taking on guards.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Offseason needs: Cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, center
The Chiefs could face a messy breakup with former All-Pro safety Eric Berry. If that happens, it’s obvious the Chiefs need to find his replacement. Adderley is a standout pass defender for the position and loves to play aggressively.
30. Green Bay Packers: (via New Orleans): Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
Offseason needs: Edge defender, tight end, guard, defensive line
That’s right, not a tight end with this pick for Green Bay. Risner is a versatile lineman that the Packers could utilize almost anywhere along the offensive line. He’s a pro-ready player too — just what a team like Green Bay needs.
31. Los Angeles Rams: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Offseason needs: Safety, edge defender, guard, offensive tackle
Rodger Saffold could depart the Rams in free agency, and 37-year-old Andrew Whitworth won’t be around forever. It would be smart for Los Angeles to start working on its offensive line this offseason. Cajuste is a little raw, but his game is that of a starting offensive tackle in the NFL.
32. New England Patriots: Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
Offseason needs: Edge defender, tight end, defensive tackle, wide receiver
With Trey Flowers expected to depart for a big-money free agent contract, the Patriots will be happy to see Allen on the board at No. 32. Like Flowers, he can play along the line and is athletic enough to get home when rushing the passer.
SECOND ROUND
33. Arizona Cardinals: Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
34. Indianapolis Colts (via New York Jets): Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
35. Oakland Raiders:Gerald Willis, DT, Miami
36. San Francisco 49ers:Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
37. New York Giants:Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
40. Buffalo Bills: Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame
41. Denver Broncos:Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
42. Cincinnati Bengals: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
43. Detroit Lions: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
44. Green Bay Packers: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
45. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
46. Washington: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
47. Carolina Panthers:Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
48. Miami Dolphins:Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
49. Cleveland Browns: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
50. Minnesota Vikings:Isaiah Buggs, DL, Alabama
51. Tennessee Titans: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
52. Pittsburgh Steelers:Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas
53. Philadelphia Eagles (via Baltimore):Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
54. Houston Texans (via Seattle): Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa
55. Houston Texans: Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
56. New England Patriots (via Chicago): Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
57. Philadelphia Eagles:D’Andre Walker, Edge, Georgia
58. Dallas Cowboys:Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
59. Indianapolis Colts: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, CB/S, Florida
60. Los Angeles Chargers: Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
61. Kansas City Chiefs: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
62. New Orleans Saints: Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford
63. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): Joe Jackson, DE, Miami
64. New England Patriots: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
THIRD ROUND
65. Arizona Cardinals: Ed Alexander, DT, LSU
66. Oakland Raiders: Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
67. San Francisco 49ers:Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
68. New York Jets: Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
69. Jacksonville Jaguars: Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
70. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Miller, Edge, Alabama
71. Denver Broncos: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
72. Cincinnati Bengals: Ryan Finley, QB, NC State
73. New England Patriots (via Detroit): Dawson Knox, TE, Ole Miss
74. Buffalo Bills: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
75. Green Bay Packers: Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State
76. Washington: Michael Deiter, OL, Wisconsin
77. Carolina Panthers: Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
78. Miami Dolphins: Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
79. Atlanta Falcons: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
80. Cleveland Browns: Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State
81. Minnesota Vikings: Chase Winovich, DE/OLB, Michigan
82. Tennessee Titans: Connor McGovern, G, Penn State
83. Pittsburgh Steelers: Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
84. Seattle Seahawks: Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
85. Baltimore Ravens: Carl Granderson, Edge, Wyoming
86. Houston Texans: Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
87. Chicago Bears: Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
88. Detroit Lions (via Philadelphia): Saivion Smith, CB, Alabama
89. Indianapolis Colts: Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
90. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Jelks, DE, Oregon
91. Los Angeles Chargers: David Sills, WR, West Virginia
92. Kansas City Chiefs: David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
93. New York Jets (via New Orleans): Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
94. Los Angeles Rams: Porter Gustin, Edge, USC
95. Cleveland Browns (via New England): Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
96. Washington: Mike Bell, S, Fresno State
97. New England Patriots: Te’Von Coney, LB, Notre Dame
98. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams): Erik McCoy, G/C, Texas A&M
99. Los Angeles Rams: Michael Jordan, G/C, Ohio State
100. Carolina Panthers: Beau Benzschawel, G, Wisconsin
101. New England Patriots: Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern
102. Baltimore Ravens: Dru Samia, G, Oklahoma