The NFL Draft is just days away, and teams are finalizing their draft plans. There are all sorts of rumors out there, and we won't know until Thursday and through the weekend which were simply smokescreens and which turned out to be legit.
In the meantime, here's a look at our final projections for which players will go where in the first three rounds of the draft.
The rumors for the last few weeks had developmental project Josh Allen going to the Browns, but Sports Illustrated's Peter King reports that's not happening. Darnold is the consensus most talented quarterback in the draft and won't take long to emerge as a starter over Tyrod Taylor.
It certainly sounds like the Giants are leaning toward Barkley with the second pick. The Penn State running back is considered one of the best running back draft prospects ever and would be a significant improvement over New York's current group. Of course, the Giants could also look at Bradley Chubb after trading Jason Pierre-Paul or find a long-term replacement at quarterback for Eli Manning.
Mayfield is the most NFL-ready draft prospect, and the Jets are ready to make an impact move after trading up. Draft analyst Tony Pauline reports Mayfield is likely the guy for New York.
Browns GM John Dorsey has long used the mantra of taking the best player available. While defensive end isn't a great area of need for the Browns, Chubb could be as talented as last year's top pick, Myles Garrett. If Cleveland is in this scenario, don't be surprised if Dorsey attempts to trade back. There have been rumors the team could select a second quarterback here, which is certainly outside the box.
Denver made a mistake in taking project Paxton Lynch with a first-round pick two years ago. Would the Broncos take another quarterback project with the fifth overall pick? Allen has all the measurables but has shown consistent inaccuracy and played lesser competition at Wyoming.
The Colts are loaded with early draft picks this year after trading back with the Jets, and Nelson is considered the top offensive lineman on the board. Indy has desperately needed to address the offensive line to protect Andrew Luck better for several years.
Tampa needs help in the secondary, and Fitzpatrick can play either safety or cornerback. He would be an immediate contributor this season.
Chicago headed into the offseason with a desperate need for receivers and addressed it by signing Allen Robinson and Trey Burton. Adding defensive depth is next on the agenda, and Ward is clearly the top cornerback available.
Reuben Foster dropped to the end of the first round last year due to character concerns, and he's now been shut out from team activities after major legal trouble. The front office already has egg on its face for taking that risk, but Smith is a potential replacement who has the ability to help immediately. Even if Foster returns, the 49ers would have a potential linebacker duo comparable to what they had during the Jim Harbaugh years with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
James is an elite safety prospect and could really push 2016 first-round pick Karl Joseph. He rebounded in 2017 after missing almost all of 2016.
Vea is a run stopper waiting to happen, and defensive tackle is a major need for Miami after losing Ndamukong Suh. Quarterback has also been mentioned as a possibility for the Dolphins, possibly unconvinced Ryan Tannehill is still their future.
There are concerns surrounding Rosen, but he certainly has the arm talent. It seems unlikely A.J. McCarron and Nathan Peterman are long-term answers for the Bills, and Rosen could drop due to injury and attitude red flags.
Washington's secondary suffered after the team traded Kendall Fuller in the Alex Smith deal. Alexander is one of the most talented corners in the draft and should be able to start immediately.
Green Bay addressed the secondary early in the draft last year, but the Packers still need more help in that area. While finding a pass rusher is probably the top priority, Jackson would be a great option if the Packers don't have one on their board worth the 14th pick.
Considered a top 10 talent by many, McGlinchey should be ready to play immediately. The Cardinals are currently shaky at right tackle with the oft-injured Andre Smith.
After adding Willie Snead this week, the Ravens could move their draft attention away from wideout. Edmunds is a capable pass rusher who has also shown ability as an inside backer. He's a potential long-term replacement for Terrell Suggs.
Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget is suspended the first four games of the season for PEDs, and defensive tackle was already an area of need. Payne is extremely athletic with the skills to help in L.A. immediately.
Seattle is trying to get younger and cheaper, and that includes wideout after letting Paul Richardson — as well as tight end Jimmy Graham — walk in free agency. Ridley's stats fell off at Alabama late in his career in an offense that was more run-heavy, but he profiles as a No. 1 wideout.
Dallas is in need of a replacement for Anthony Hitchens, who fled to Kansas City in free agency. The run defense also suffered last season when Sean Lee was hurt, and he's headed into his age-32 season. Evans had 74 tackles and six sacks in 12 games this past season.
Detroit has been searching for help for Ziggy Ansah, and Davenport can certainly do that. He has quickly moved up draft boards over the last few months.
Cincinnati acquired Cordy Glenn to play left tackle, but he's getting closer to 30. In addition, Jake Fisher has been mediocre in the first three seasons of his career. Miller could play immediately at right tackle before sliding over to left tackle in a few years.
Price suffered a pectoral injury at the combine but should be fine for the regular season. Arguably the top center on the board, he can also play guard and should be a plug-and-play this season for a team that desperately needs interior help after the retirements of Eric Wood and Richie Incognito.
Jackson was resistant to run the 40 as he approached the draft, but the buzz surrounding his draft status has been growing. The former Heisman Trophy winner probably needs some time to develop as an NFL passer, and what better opportunity than to learn behind Tom Brady? Surely, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would draw up some plays for him in the meantime.
Carolina enters the season with a weak one-two combo of Devin Funchess and Torrey Smith at wide receiver, with 2017 draft pick Curtis Samuel coming off an injury. The Panthers desperately need help at wideout, and Kirk also offers the versatility to help in the return game.
The Titans are in the market for edge pass rushers to give defensive coordinator Dean Pees more weapons. Landry is likely to fall after a lackluster senior season, but he had 16.5 sacks in 2016 for BC and could be yet another nice piece.
After losing Dontari Poe in free agency, the Falcons could look to add another defensive tackle. Bryan has great athleticism for the position and has been climbing up draft boards.
New Orleans has had trouble finding much production at tight end recently, as Coby Fleener has been a huge free agent bust. Goedert might not have great blocking ability, but he has a chance to be the pass catcher the team has missed since Jimmy Graham was traded.
Pittsburgh is in the market for a linebacker to replace Ryan Shazier. The team struggled at stopping the run last season, and Vander Esch is a good fit. He had 141 tackles and four sacks last season at Boise.
After losing Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, the Jags are likely to take a wideout or two during this year's draft. Washington was highly productive at Oklahoma State and should be a nice No. 3 wideout this season behind Marqise Lee and Donte Moncrief as he develops.
Minnesota's offensive line has shown improvement recently due to wise investments, but the Vikings could still use more depth. Williams can play either tackle or guard and would be able to contribute this season.
Hughes could very well go in the first, as early as the top 15 picks, and he'd be a steal this late in the first round. New England replaced Malcolm Butler with Jason McCourty but could use more youth at corner. Hughes can cover slot receivers and also contribute as a return man after the Pats lost Danny Amendola and Dion Lewis.
There aren't many tight ends better than Zach Ertz in the league, but the Eagles lost their tight end depth with Trey Burton leaving in free agency and Brent Celek getting cut. Even after signing Richard Rodgers, the organization has continuously shown that getting weapons for Carson Wentz is its highest priority, and Hurst would add yet another.
After Joe Thomas' retirement, the Browns have some big shoes to fill. O'Neill has been rising up draft boards and could play for the Browns immediately.
Would the Giants go through with a trade of Odell Beckham Jr.? Even if they don't, they have to think about the No. 2 spot after cutting Brandon Marshall. Moore is coming off a huge junior season at Maryland, finishing with 80 receptions for 1,033 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
Cleveland replaced Isaiah Crowell with Carlos Hyde this offseason, but it remains to be seen if he's the answer as the early-down back. Guice was extremely productive over the last two seasons at LSU and would add another weapon for offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
Indy took Marlon Mack last year, but there are questions about his ability to be a bell cow back in the NFL. The speedy Michel averaged 6.1 yards per carry during his career at Georgia and could make quite the one-two punch next to Mack.
The Colts are in the market for a starting wideout after losing Donte Moncrief. Sutton was a huge red zone weapon at SMU, standing at 6-4. He had 31 receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons.
Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers are the only notable running backs on Tampa Bay's roster, so the Bucs are in dire need of another option. Jones had more than 3,600 rushing yards in three seasons at USC, most recently rushing for 1,550 and 19 touchdowns in 2017. He would add a jolt to the Bucs' offense immediately.
The Bears have a major need at left guard, and Hernandez is arguably the second best option at guard in the draft after a solid combine showing.
Chubb had an unbelievable four-year career at Georgia, rushing for more than 4,700 yards and averaging 6.3 yards per carry. His knee injury from 2015 is well behind him, and he could be a younger version of C.J. Anderson as a downhill runner for the Broncos. Anderson was recently released by the Broncos.
There's no doubt the Raiders would like to have Roquan Smith in the first round, but they will probably have to trade up to get him. If they fail, Georgia teammate Carter is a nice fallback option.
Miami has been connected to first-round quarterbacks, and there are also options on the second day. Rudolph was a highly productive signal caller at Oklahoma State and could develop to eventually replace Ryan Tannehill.
The son of Orlando "Zeus" Brown, a nine-year NFL veteran, Orlando Jr. projected as a potential first-round pick until his poor combine showing. He stands at 6-8, 350 pounds but had only 14 bench reps. His performance in college still makes him very intriguing, and the Patriots need a tackle after losing Nate Solder in free agency.
Washington needs interior help to cure its run defense. McIntosh has the versatility to play tackle or end after a productive career at Miami.
LSU didn't get Chark the ball enough, though that hasn't been out of the ordinary recently for the Tigers. He still proved an explosive deep threat, averaging 21.9 yards per reception last season with his 6-4 frame. After losing Jordy Nelson, the Packers could use another wideout, and Chark has the potential to be a great red zone receiver for Aaron Rodgers.
Cincinnati needs to find help for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. St. Brown is a potentially enticing deep threat at 6-5 with sub-4.5 speed.
Arizona is comfortable with Budda Baker at strong safety but needs another safety to add to the competition. Reid helped his draft stock with a great junior season, finishing with 94 tackles and five interceptions at Stanford last year.
Jason Verrett has barely played in three of the last four seasons, leaving the Chargers in a pinch. The team has reason to like Casey Hayward and Desmond King, but the Chargers could use additional depth like Jackson.
Indy had the second lowest sack total in the league last season and will almost certainly take a pass rusher with at least one of its many early picks. Green had 10 sacks for the Trojans last season.
Dallas is in the market for a starter next to Byron Jones, though there is noise Jones may move to corner in the hopes of trading for Earl Thomas. Either way, the Cowboys need safety help. Harrison could go as high as the first round after two consecutive great years at Alabama, most recently finishing with 74 tackles and three interceptions in 2017.
Detroit has tried to find Ziggy Ansah some help but has failed in that endeavor so far. Nwosu emerged as a major pass rusher for the Trojans last season with 9.5 sacks and also piled up 75 tackles as a capable run stopper. We also project the Lions to take Marcus Davenport in the first round, but don't be surprised if new head coach Matt Patricia loads up on defensive talent to fit his scheme.
Daniels has the ability to play either guard or center, areas the Ravens need to get both better and younger. He'd likely become the team's starting center immediately.
With Kyle Williams going on age 35, the Bills would be smart to find a long-term replacement. Phillips has shown an ability to rush the passer at Stanford with a total of 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
Kansas City lost significant talent at cornerback in the offseason, starting with Marcus Peters. Stewart was a highly productive player at North Carolina, though he didn't have a pickoff in either of the last two seasons.
Hubbard was sometimes overshadowed on Ohio State's incredible defensive line last season, but he still managed seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He'd be a good fit developing next to veteran Julius Peppers.
Playing defense in Buffalo during November and December is usually about stopping the run, and Jefferson is a nice fit in that area. He had 110 tackles for the Longhorns last season, along with four sacks.
Hill got four years of experience on the field at NC State, totaling 183 tackles and eight sacks for his career. The Titans could be in the market for some defensive line help next to star Jurrell Casey.
Atlanta has heavily invested in pass rushers recently with Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley, but as the Eagles showed last season, you can never have enough. Okoronkwo proved to be a capable pass rusher at Oklahoma over the last two years with a total of 17 sacks.
The 49ers brought in Weston Richburg on a long-term deal but could still use more line depth. Corbett has the versatility to play either guard or center.
Jesse James has done a fine job as Pittsburgh's starting tight end since Heath Miller's retirement, but it's clear the Steelers would jump at the chance to improve the position. Andrews had 22 touchdowns in three seasons at Oklahoma and finished last season with 62 receptions for 958 yards. He has much more upside as a receiver.
Jacksonville extended Blake Bortles this offseason, but the Jags are still not married to him for the long term. One of the top FCS quarterbacks in the country, Lauletta has shown accuracy, completing nearly 65 percent of his passes last season. He could add a second option if Bortles doesn't take another step forward.
Minnesota could use more wide receiver depth given that first-round pick Laquon Treadwell still hasn't developed. A very good red zone performer over the last two seasons for the Huskies, Pettis had a combined 22 touchdowns over the last two years.
The brother of Tremaine Edmunds, Terrell had 61 tackles and two picks for the Hokies last season. With Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty approaching the end of their careers, the Patriots could look to get younger at the position.
The Browns added a bevy of cornerback depth in the offseason but could still use some younger help. The athletic Oliver also spent some time as a punt returner.
Buffalo desperately needs more wide receiver depth with not much behind Kelvin Benjamin and the developing Zay Jones. Lasley is coming off a huge junior season, finishing with 69 receptions for 1,264 yards and nine scores in only nine games for the Bruins. He's a big-play threat but has some character concerns with multiple suspensions in college.
A former high school basketball player, Christian is a very athletic tackle who should be able to step in immediately for a team that desperately needs help. He has experience at both tackle spots and adequate size at 6-6.
Finding high-performing defensive players will be a priority of Colts GM Chris Ballard. Baker has been a productive linebacker for the Buckeyes over the last two seasons, accumulating 155 tackles and showing that he can help stop the run.
Crosby didn't have a great combine but is still a strong second-day tackle. Houston couldn't be more desperate for offensive line help after the line had a poor performance last season.
Teller has shown great athleticism and was an excellent performer at guard for the Hokies. A converted defensive lineman, he has impressive strength that will play just fine in the NFL. The Giants have needed to upgrade their offensive line, and Teller is another potential piece who could start soon.
Bates would add further depth to the safety position after the loss of Eric Reid. The Wake Forest alumnus showed a nose for the ball with 177 tackles and six interceptions over the last two seasons.
Key has dropped after struggling last season but is still an intriguing pass rusher. Denver has yet to commit to former first-round pick Shane Ray's fifth-year option.
After losing Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the Jets will likely look to address the tight end position. Gesicki was a great target in the red zone for Penn State last season with nine touchdowns.
Wynn is slightly undersized at 6-3 but showed versatility while at Georgia. He was a great run blocker on one of the country's best offensive lines and should be able to fill in immediately in Miami.
Hurst is a potential first-round talent but could fall in the draft due to a heart condition. He had a total of 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons for the Wolverines. The 49ers need help in the middle of the defensive line.
Oakland replaced Michael Crabtree with Jordy Nelson at wideout but is still thin at the position. Tate peaked with 40 receptions for 548 yards last season, but he's quite a physical specimen at 6-5.
Sweat got significant playing time at Florida State over the last three seasons, finishing his college career with 138 tackles and 14.5 sacks. An elite recruit, Sweat shows big upside as a pass rusher, something the aging Packers desperately need.
Cincinnati has a great defensive line but still needs help at the second level, especially with Vontaze Burfict's pending suspension. Holland had a breakout junior season with 9.5 sacks in 14 games and could be a playmaker on the edge or against the run.
Griffin is an incredible story and was a brilliant playmaker at UCF over the last two seasons. Kansas City added Anthony Hitchens in free agency but is still looking for more linebacker depth.
Nelson transferred from Hawaii to Wisconsin and proved very productive for one of the country's top defenses last season. The biggest concern for Nelson is his hands, failing to record an interception during his career. Furthermore, he tore his meniscus in a private workout, so he may drop even more. Arizona is still very much in need of cornerback help behind Patrick Peterson.
At some point, 2016 draft choice Braxton Miller has to perform. He's struggled to stay healthy or produce in two seasons, so the Texans could be losing patience. Callaway has had multiple off-field issues, which could take him off the board of several teams, but he graded well at the combine (4.41 40, 34-inch vertical) and could be worth the risk on the second day.
After cutting Dez Bryant, the Cowboys are expected to be in the market for a wide receiver. Hamilton proved himself an excellent deep threat last season after the departure of Chris Godwin, averaging 16.2 yards per reception with nine touchdowns.
Detroit has struggled to find a bell cow back for several years. An amazingly productive back in four years at Oregon, Freeman finished his career with 5,621 rushing yards and also showed very capable as a pass catcher. He's an immediate third-down option who could develop into an early-down back.
Baltimore has tried and failed to find a viable starting tight end for the last few years, and Thomas shows upside as a receiver. He could immediately be a better option than Nick Boyle and Maxx Williams.
The Chargers counted on undrafted Austin Ekeler as their backup for Melvin Gordon last season. Penny represents a potential upgrade and third-down back. He had 2,248 yards rushing last year in the run-heavy San Diego State system, finishing fifth in the Heisman voting.
Carolina has an immediate need at right tackle with the team's offensive line play falling off since getting to Super Bowl 50. Jones has had some injury issues but finished off his career with Ohio State well.
The Chiefs have Chris Jones returning from a knee injury suffered in their playoff loss and also lost run stuffer Bennie Logan in free agency. A load on the interior, Settle shows the potential to help right away at nose tackle or end in the 3-4.
The Rams need to think about a long-term replacement for Andrew Whitworth, who will be 37 in December. Pryor is capable of helping and can also play guard.
Consistent cornerback play has been an issue for the Panthers since trading Josh Norman. A productive player who saw regular playing time in all three seasons at Auburn, Davis has strong size at 6-1 and would be a steal this late in the draft.
The Titans are set at tackle, but there are some concerns early in the year with Jack Conklin coming back from a major knee injury suffered in the playoffs. Okorafor has the potential to add some early-season insurance and develop into a regular starter for the long term.
Atlanta is in the market for a third wideout after losing Taylor Gabriel. The 5-11 Miller had more than 1,400 yards in consecutive seasons and could be an immediate starter in the slot.
Sean Payton always has his eye on productive college quarterbacks, and the Saints have long put off finding a long-term replacement for Drew Brees. White was a very accurate quarterback over the last two seasons and has a cannon, though his yards per attempt fell sharply in his senior year.
Depth at safety is a clear need for the Steelers. Allen was highly productive in all four years at Penn State and has been an excellent run stopper.
Jacksonville is in the market for tackle depth. Harrison, a former player at Texas, shows huge upside despite weighing under 300 pounds.
Hill has off-field concerns, but his talent is first-round worthy. The 6-3 cornerback would have time to develop behind a pair of elite cornerbacks in Minnesota, and Mike Zimmer showed an ability to take on projects during his days in Cincinnati.
Rob Gronkowski's flirtation with retirement should spark the Patriots to look for a long-term replacement. Schultz doesn't have Gronk's athleticism (obviously) but could be ready to help immediately.
The Bills have been shedding cornerback talent recently and need insurance for new acquisition Vontae Davis, who has had his share of injuries. Averett is ready to play now after consecutive productive seasons at Alabama.
Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications
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