NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Combine stars make big leaps

The 2018 NFL season has concluded, so it's officially time to look ahead to the 2019 draft. With the scouting combine now complete, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of selections.

1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Despite not partaking in any drills, it's safe to say Kyler Murray was a big winner at the combine. The Oklahoma star measured larger than expected at 5-foot-10, 207 pounds, and Kim Jones of NFL Network reports that people "almost universally" believe he will be the No. 1 pick. This selection is predicated on a Josh Rosen trade, but Kliff Kingsbury won't pass up the chance to grab Murray and run the offense he covets in the pros. - Belbeck

2. San Francisco 49ers - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

With Murray off the board at No. 1, John Lynch will have an enviable choice between the draft's top two defensive players. After an excellent combine, Williams is the selection here. The best defender in college football last season instantly upgrades San Francisco's defensive line next to DeForest Buckner, freeing up space for 2017 No. 3 overall pick Solomon Thomas on the edge. - Alessandrini

3. New York Jets - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The Jets are open to trading down, but any such offers become far less enticing if Bosa is still on the board at No. 3. New York has long been in search of an impact player of the edge, and the franchise will get just that in the former Ohio State star, whom many see as the best player in this class. - Wilkins

4. Oakland Raiders - Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky

The old Raiders would have grabbed receiver D.K. Metcalf here after his absurd combine showing, but Jon Gruden will opt for the defensive star from Kentucky. Allen had a strong combine of his own, cementing his place among the top three defensive players in the draft, and will bring a much-needed pass rush to Oakland. - Belbeck

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

The Bucs are searching for an identity on defense under new coordinator Todd Bowles, and Gary is just the prospect to provide it. The Michigan standout has inconsistent tape, but his freakish athleticism and high ceiling make him arguably the best player available. Pairing Gary alongside Vita Vea, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Gerald McCoy (if retained) would give any offensive line fits. - Alessandrini

6. New York Giants - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

The Giants still seem hesitant to move on from Eli Manning, but it's long past time for a change at the quarterback position. Haskins already works through progressions like a pro and has the arm talent to make any throw on the field. This is the pick that will finally get Big Blue going back in the right direction. - Wilkins

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell was only a limited participant at the combine, but the Clemson star's game tape is more than sufficient to warrant a top-10 selection. Some had Jacksonville taking a quarterback, but with the reported signing of Nick Foles, the Jaguars can focus on defense and take someone to help last season's struggling pass rush. - Belbeck

8. Detroit Lions - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

If Oliver is available at this juncture, the Lions will be running to the podium to select him. The interior defender’s elite athleticism and pass-rush prowess make him an instant upgrade in the center of Matt Patricia's defense next to Damon Harrison. Don't focus too much on Oliver's size - he's a stud. - Alessandrini

9. Buffalo Bills - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Metcalf's ridiculous combine showing pushes him all the way into the top 10, where the Bills just can't pass up the idea of pairing his physical skill set with that of Josh Allen. Adding a receiver with Metcalf's rare combination of size and speed would go a long way toward making the most of their young quarterback's ability to push the ball downfield for big plays. - Wilkins

10. Denver Broncos - Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 campaign, a quartet of quarterbacks have started at least four games for the Broncos. That's why it's reasonable to assume John Elway will still take a pivot despite trading for Joe Flacco in the offseason. The former Denver legend's search for the next great QB will see Lock make his way to the Mile High City where he can sit for a season before taking over for Flacco in 2020. - Belbeck

11. Cincinnati Bengals - Devin White, LB, LSU

Cincinnati could stand to upgrade a number of positions, so it'll likely select the top player available. In this case, it's White. The star linebacker is simply too talented to pass up at this point, as he displays translatable speed, awareness, and coverage abilities that NFL teams desire. If the Bengals miss out on a top-tier quarterback, expect them to address the defensive side of the ball. - Alessandrini

12. Green Bay Packers - Montez Sweat, OLB, Mississippi State

Improving the talent around Aaron Rodgers is a must this offseason, but the Packers would be wise to capitalize on the pass-rush talent at the top of this draft first. Sweat's stock is on the rise after an incredible performance at the combine, highlighted by a 4.41 40 time that set a new record for defensive linemen. He could instantly be a major upgrade over what Clay Matthews has brought to the table over the last few seasons. - Wilkins

13. Miami Dolphins - Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Provided the Dolphins decline to keep starting tackle Ja'Wuan James, staying in state to nab Florida's Taylor at No. 13 makes a ton of sense. Despite being limited by a hamstring issue, the versatile Gators standout showed well at the combine and can start from Day 1 on a line that allowed the fifth-most sacks in the league last season. - Belbeck

14. Atlanta Falcons - Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

General manager Thomas Dimitroff drafted Isaiah Oliver in the second round last year, but nabbing Greedy after a slight tumble down the board is a no-brainer. The former LSU cornerback has the size and length that head coach Dan Quinn covets at the position, and the Falcons recently released Robert Alford and Brian Poole. - Alessandrini

15. Washington Redskins - Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

A rookie quarterback feels like the way to go for Washington, as the money still owed to Alex Smith will make it difficult to justify starter money for a veteran. Jones has a prototypical frame and gets praise for his intangibles, having demonstrated the football IQ to compensate for anything he lacks in terms of arm talent. - Wilkins

16. Carolina Panthers - Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

Williams just completed a solid combine, but there are still some questions as to whether he projects better as a tackle or a guard. That shouldn't deter the Panthers from taking the Alabama standout, as Carolina needs depth at both positions to help keep Cam Newton clean and open holes for Christian McCaffrey. - Belbeck

17. Cleveland Browns - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Browns have few glaring holes on their roster heading into the offseason. This could allow the team to select Wilkins here, who is one of the premier defensive linemen in this year’s class. The interior defender would pair nicely with Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi in the trenches. - Alessandrini

18. Minnesota Vikings - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

The Vikings desperately need to upgrade the offensive line if they hope to get the most out of the big-money Kirk Cousins signing. Dillard is a top-flight pass-protector who could immediately step into the left tackle spot and allow Riley Reiff to slide inside. - Wilkins

19. Tennessee Titans - Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

There probably wasn't much of a chance that Simmons would still be around for the Titans at No. 19 a month ago, but after tearing his ACL during workouts, he will likely fall down the draft board. While he won't be able to help Tennessee in 2019, his ability to pressure the pocket leaps off the page and makes him a worthwhile selection for Mike Vrabel's defense. - Belbeck

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

Bush enjoyed an excellent weekend in Indianapolis, propelling his stock into the first round. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is desperate to upgrade the linebacker position, so the fit here makes plenty of sense. The 2018 All-American profiles as an ideal fit in the Steelers' defense, as the team's talented front five would free up space for him to make plays. - Alessandrini

21. Seattle Seahawks - Brian Burns, DE, Florida State

Seattle's efforts to address the defensive side of the ball should begin with finding a pass-rusher to pair with Frank Clark. With elite athleticism, impressive length, and advanced hand usage, Burns has as much upside as any edge defender in this class. - Wilkins

22. Baltimore Ravens - Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

Marquise Brown is a perfect fit for a Ravens team that has been lacking a deep threat for years. It's impossible to watch any tape of the Oklahoma standout and not see DeSean Jackson-like potential. Brown wasn't able to participate in drills due to a foot injury, but his electric game film will make sure he's gone in the first round. Pairing him with Lamar Jackson will definitely make Baltimore must-see television. - Belbeck

23. Houston Texans - Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

If he wasn't completing drills with his fellow tight ends, you'd think Fant was a wide receiver based on his combine performance. The Texans drafted two players at the position last year, but it won't stop them from selecting a top-end talent in 2019. Giving Deshaun Watson another intermediate option would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. - Alessandrini

24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) - Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

The early run on pass-rushers pushes other players back, and Oakland capitalizes by taking a cornerback who could have easily come off the board much earlier. Lining up opposite Gareon Conley, Baker would give the Raiders an extremely talented tandem of young corners to help match up against high-powered passing attacks. - Wilkins

While the overall running back class this year pales in comparison to 2018, Jacobs is a quality prospect worthy of a first-round selection. The explosive Alabama rusher only carried the ball 251 times in his collegiate career, making him as fresh as any top-level back in years. The Eagles have a number of options at the position, but none have Jacobs' upside. That makes this decision easy. - Belbeck

26. Indianapolis Colts - Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The Colts could lose impending free agent Pierre Desir next week, opening up a hole at cornerback. Murphy would be the perfect prospect to replace him, as the former Washington standout offers great size and the ability to make plays in zone coverage. Murphy is also the top player left on the board. - Alessandrini

27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) - N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will use their third first-round pick to address the most pressing need on the offensive side: a No. 1 receiver to replace Amari Cooper. Harry is a physical, big-bodied target with a proven ability to go up and get the ball over a defender, and his combine performance did more than enough to answer any questions about his athleticism. - Wilkins

28. Los Angeles Chargers - Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

At 6-foot-4, 342 pounds, Lawrence is as physically imposing a prospect as there is in this year's draft. After hammering out 36 reps of the bench press at the combine, Lawrence ran a remarkable 5.05 in the 40-yard dash. Those numbers helped to move him from a second-round projection into the back half of the first. The Chargers get an immediate run-stopper that also has the ability to put pressure on the quarterback. - Belbeck

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State

Andy Reid loves his offensive and defensive linemen, so he'd be thrilled with this scenario. Bradbury is the premier center prospect in this class, and Kansas City could lose Mitch Morse to free agency. Protecting Patrick Mahomes and allowing him time to pick apart his opponents will be a priority for the foreseeable future. - Alessandrini

30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) - T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Green Bay would be incredibly fortunate to have Hockenson fall to this spot near the end of the first round. A tight end ready to make an impact both as a receiver and as a blocker upon transitioning to the NFL, he'd be a foundation piece for the new-look Packers offense under Matt LaFleur. - Wilkins

31. Los Angeles Rams - Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State

Lamarcus Joyner looks to be gone in free agency, so the Rams will go for the top safety on the board with Abram out of Mississippi State. The senior was among the biggest hitters in the SEC at his position last year and should fit nicely in Wade Phillips' aggressive defense. - Belbeck

32. New England Patriots - Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas

Bill Belichick always seems to operate with a different draft board than most coaches and general managers, which is one reason why Omenihu makes sense with the last pick of the first round. With Trey Flowers set to hit the open market, the long-armed pass-rusher profiles as an ideal long-term replacement. - Alessandrini