Three-round NFL mock draft

Cleveland acquired Tyrod Taylor, but he's likely just a stopgap for another arm. Darnold showed incredible vision while at USC, but some don't feel he's ready to play in the NFL. While Cleveland isn't an optimal situation for any quarterback, he would get time to develop. The Browns have also been rumored to be very interested in Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield, so they haven't tipped their hand just yet.

The Giants could go in any direction with this pick, including trading back. They have a strong need for a pass rusher after trading Jason Pierre-Paul, but the opportunity to find the long-term replacement for Eli Manning might now come up again. Allen may not be ready to play in the NFL just yet and has questionable accuracy, but he also has big upside.

The Jets traded up three spots to get in the quarterback picture. They re-signed Josh McCown and brought in former first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater, but they're just placeholders. Rosen struggled to stay healthy in college, but some feel he's the most talented arm in the draft.

Cleveland replaced Isaiah Crowell with Carlos Hyde, but that shouldn't stop the Browns from taking Barkley if they figure he's the best player on the board. That mantra has long been GM John Dorsey's saying in the draft going back to his days in K.C.

Denver could be in the running for a long-term quarterback here, using Case Keenum as the placeholder, but the team's recent success was built on defense. Chubb is a gifted pass rusher, and pairing him with Von Miller would be downright scary.

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.

James could reunite with former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, helping address a Tampa back end that had its share of issues last season. He rebounded in 2017 after missing almost all of 2016.

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.

Showing the versatility to play either cornerback or safety, Fitzpatrick could start opposite Richard Sherman or replace Eric Reid at safety. He's a solid fit for San Francisco if he drops to No. 9.

It's been a relatively quiet offseason for Jon Gruden's squad on defense, but that side of the ball needs to be addressed following last season, particularly at linebacker. Even if the Raiders decide to bring back NaVorro Bowman, Smith is a good fit as a run stuffer between Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.

Cameron Wake is approaching his late 30s, and Robert Quinn has struggled to stay healthy recently, so developing another edge pass rusher should be high on Miami's list. The team has been rumored to be looking at a quarterback, as well, but that could be difficult if the Dolphins don't move up. Edmunds is a capable pass rusher who has also shown ability as an inside backer.

Buffalo moved up nine spots, so it would be fitting if the Bills take a quarterback. They brought in A.J. McCarron on a short-term deal and still have Nathan Peterman, but neither quarterback is a surefire starter in the long term. The accurate Mayfield is likely the most NFL-ready of the first-round group.

Vea is a run stopper waiting to happen, an area where the Redskins struggled last season. The team also has a major need at cornerback, but the opportunity to take a huge game changer like Vea could be too good to pass on.

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 their top priority, Jackson would be a great option if they don't have one on their board worth the 14th pick.

From one Cardinals team to another — Arizona desperately needs help at cornerback next to Patrick Peterson. Alexander missed much of his junior season at Louisville with hand and leg injuries, but he had five picks for the team in 2016.

Not many teams have a bigger need at wideout, even after signing Michael Crabtree and John Brown this offseason. 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.

Jackson has been resistant to run the 40 as he approaches 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, but he already has Michael Vick-like athleticism. Practicing behind Philip Rivers would give him time to learn the NFL game, and he'd certainly sell some tickets and jerseys in L.A.

Seattle's roster is in a state of transition and in the process of getting younger on defense. The athletic Payne has skills similar to the departed Sheldon Richardson and would be able to have a big role immediately.

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 struggled to find an answer at running back, as Ameer Abdullah's lack of development has been a massive disappointment. Guice averaged only 5.3 yards per carry as the primary ball carrier in his junior season — his third straight year declining in that department — but he's still an outstanding prospect after rushing for more than 2,600 yards combined over the last two seasons. The team signed LeGarrette Blount, but he's more likely to serve as a short-yardage back.

Yet another suspension for Vontaze Burfict, this time for PEDs, should put his future with the organization in doubt. If the Bengals have reached their end point with Burfict, Vander Esch is a very capable replacement, finishing with 141 tackles and four sacks last season.

The Bills traded Cordy Glenn and will need to fill one of their tackle spots. McGlinchey is the best tackle on the board and could fill in immediately.

After trading Brandin Cooks to acquire this pick, the Pats are in need of a No. 1 wideout. There's speculation they'll package this pick and their other first rounder for Odell Beckham Jr., but if not, Kirk can be the No. 1 receiver the team craves. The Patriots also signed Jordan Matthews recently, but that shouldn't stop them from taking a wideout.

Carolina has had a busy offseason on the defensive line, bringing back Julius Peppers and signing Dontari Poe at defensive tackle. Peppers can still rush the passer, but at age 38, he's preferable as a situational pass rusher. Davenport would have the opportunity to share some of the workload and learn from one of the greats if the Panthers go this route.

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. Tennessee recorded 43 sacks last season, tied for fifth best, but key pass rusher Brian Orakpo will be 32 by the start of the season.

Mohamed Sanu is a viable No. 2 receiver, but the Falcons need more depth after they lost Taylor Gabriel in free agency. Washington is a playmaker, and if he pans out, he would make quite a pairing with Julio Jones.

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 that the team has missed since Jimmy Graham was traded.

The loss of Ryan Shazier has left a huge void at linebacker for the Steelers and is almost certainly a spot that the team will address in the draft. Carter finished last season with 62 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Bulldogs.

Jacksonville has some questions at guard both in the short and long term, and the team continues to be focused on improving the running game. Williams could shift to guard for the Jags and continue to improve their running game.

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.

The loss of Nate Solder leaves a gaping hole at tackle for the Pats. The Patriots won't panic, but Miller would be able to address the opening this season.

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.

An athletic defensive tackle, Bryan would fit in nicely with the pass rushers the Browns have accumulated recently. After addressing their offensive needs early in the draft, Bryan can make their defense better 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 with Brandon Marshall's future very much in question. Moore is coming off a huge junior season at Maryland, finishing with 80 receptions for 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns.

Hughes could very well go in the first, as early as the top 15 picks, and he'd be a steal on the second day. He has talent to start at cornerback immediately and can also serve as a game breaker on kick returns for a team that desperately needs a spark.

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 need to improve their pass rush and find players who can help create turnovers. 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.

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.

The Raiders lost both of their starting corners from last year's squad. Gareon Conley is set to fill one spot, but the position remains a need at the moment. The athletic Oliver also spent some time as a punt returner.

The Dolphins don't have to go far to find a potential replacement for Ndamukong Suh. McIntosh has been a very productive player for the Canes over the last two seasons, and at the very least, he should be able to help plug up the run for the Dolphins.

Malcolm Butler is gone, and the Pats could use more depth at corner, even after acquiring Jason McCourty via trade. Stewart was a highly productive player at North Carolina, though he didn't have a pickoff in either of the last two seasons.

Washington allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL last season and was throttled for 4.5 yards per carry. Nwosu emerged as a major pass rusher for the Trojans last season with 9.5 sacks but also piled up 75 tackles as a capable run stopper.

The Packers found a big-time red zone weapon in Jimmy Graham this offseason, effectively replacing Jordy Nelson, but there's still a need at wide receiver given Randall Cobb's inconsistency over the last two seasons. Sutton was a huge red zone weapon at SMU, standing at 6-4. He had 31 receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons and would make for a nightmare next to Graham.

Cincinnati's offensive line was its Achilles heel last season. The Bengals already addressed left tackle with Cordy Glenn but could use some help at center with Daniels.

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 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. 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.

Looking for a sidekick for Jarrad Davis, Jefferson has a chance to be a solid run stopper in the NFL. Detroit ranked in the bottom half of the league stopping the run last season.

Crosby didn't have a great combine but is still a strong second-day tackle. The Ravens struggled on the line last season and should be in the market for the position.

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.

The Chiefs haven't addressed their pass rush after cutting Tamba Hali this offseason. Key had a poor junior season but was considered a first-round talent coming into the year.

The brother of Tremaine Edmunds, Terrell had 61 tackles and two picks for the Hokies last season. He would start immediately at safety for the Panthers.

Buffalo had just 27 sacks last season, tied for third worst in the NFL. Okoronkwo proved to be a capable pass rusher at Oklahoma over the last two years with a total of 17 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.

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. He would have time to develop behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu in Atlanta.

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 Bortles 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.

Unfortunately, 2016 first-round pick Laquon Treadwell is looking like a huge bust two years into his pro career with only 21 receptions since getting drafted. The Vikings lack depth at wideout behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, and St. Brown is a potentially enticing deep threat at 6-5 with sub-4.5 speed.

Linebacker will be high on the priority list for the Pats with the aging and injury-prone Dont'a Hightower still being counted on. 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.

Cleveland is in the market for help at tackle after Joe Thomas' retirement. Jones has had some injury issues but finished off his career with Ohio State well, and he shows the athleticism that GM John Dorsey looks for in offensive linemen.

Buffalo addressed wideout last season by drafting Zay Jones and trading for Kelvin Benjamin, but the team is still very thin at the position. A very good red zone performer over the last two seasons for the Huskies, Pettis had a combined 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

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.

Griffin is an incredible story and was a brilliant playmaker at UCF over the last two seasons. The Colts have aged quickly at linebacker and have a need there, as well as several other areas. Griffin likely vaulted himself into the second day of the draft with an excellent combine showing.

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 Texans are in need of help after trading Duane Brown (no relation) last year.

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.

We project the 49ers to take Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first round, but he can play at either cornerback or safety. 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 for the last two seasons.

Finding a viable third receiver behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders has been a major issue for the Broncos recently. With that pair getting older, it should be an especially high priority in this year's draft. 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.

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.

The Dolphins are rumored to be interested in drafting a quarterback early. If that possibility gets away from them, there are some interesting names in the later rounds. Rudolph is an accurate passer and certainly can't be knocked for his college production. He threw for more than 4,900 yards last season and 37/9 TD/INT. He's a nice backup plan if Ryan Tannehill doesn't continue his development.

Reuben Foster ran into trouble again this offseason. Simply put, the 49ers need a backup plan. Holland had a breakout junior season with 9.5 sacks in 14 games and could be a playmaker on the edge. While that doesn't exactly address Foster's spot, it does give the 49ers much-needed linebacker depth.

Oakland needs to address nearly every area on defense other than outside linebacker. 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.

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.

One of the more athletics offensive linemen available, O'Neill was a solid and versatile starter at Pitt. Cincinnati added Cordy Glenn to the left side of the line, but Jake Fisher's ability as a starter is still up in the air.

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.

Arizona must prioritize offensive line play to keep the oft-injured Sam Bradford healthy. The team added Andre Smith at right tackle, but he's really struggled to stay on the field during his career. If he goes down, Pryor is capable of helping and can also play guard.

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.

The Cowboys haven't brought back Alfred Morris, and it remains to be seen if Rod Smith is the answer to back up Ezekiel Elliott. 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 add another dimension to the Dallas offense next to Elliott.

The Lions have long needed help for Ziggy Ansah. Lewis has been very productive as a pass rusher for Ohio State over the last three seasons, accumulating 23 sacks over that time.

We project the Ravens to take Calvin Ridley in the first round, but that might not be enough. The team enters the year with the aged Michael Crabtree and injury-prone John Brown at wideout, and Joe Flacco needs all the help he can get. Tate peaked with 40 receptions for 548 yards last season, but he's quite a physical specimen at 6-5.

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.

Wideout will be high on Carolina's priority list, even after taking Curtis Samuel in the second round last year. Hamilton proved himself an excellent deep threat last season after the departure of Chris Godwin, averaging 16.2 yards per reception with nine touchdowns.

The Chiefs need far more depth at cornerback after losing Marcus Peters and several backups from last year's roster. Campbell has the size that the Chiefs look for in cornerbacks at 6-1, and he's coming off a productive season for the Nittany Lions.

Andrew Whitworth is still playing at an All-Pro level, but he will turn 37 in December. The Rams need to develop a long-term option, and Harrison, a former player at Texas, shows huge upside despite weighing under 300 pounds.

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, Nelson tore his meniscus in a private workout, so he may drop even more.

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.

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.

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.

The Jags have two of the top starting corners in the league but could still use further depth. 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.

Minnesota will try to find depth at several areas, including the defensive line. Nnadi played four seasons for the Seminoles, capped off with 53 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season.

There are rumors the Patriots will package their picks for to trade up for a quarterback early. If that doesn't happen, there are some intriguing arms like Falk later. A highly productive passer in Mike Leach's offense, Falk had more than 14,000 total passing yards in college, though his production did drop off in his senior season.

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.