Decision day for Cardinals, Murray
Giants, Redskins also could be eyeing selecting a quarterback early in first round
The primary needs of all 16 NFC teams heading into the NFL draft and what we think they should do over the course of the next three days.
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Amari Cooper trade left Jerry Jones and company without a firstrounder, though the Cowboys are more than satisfied with how they made out in the deal. Dallas looks poised to buoy its defense early on, particularly along the line and at safety.
Picks: No. 58 (2nd), 90 (3rd), 128 (4th), 136 (4th), 165 (5th), 241 (7th)
Recommendation: A glut of safeties should be available in the Day 2 range, so Dallas ought to keep an eye out for Virginia’s Juan Thornhill, Washington’s Taylor Rapp and Iowa’s Amani Hooker, among others. At defensive tackle, Western Illinois’ Khalen Saunders and Central Florida’s Trysten Hill fit the bill as disruptive presences. A running back to lighten Ezekiel Elliott’s load can likely wait until later on, though Justice Hill of Oklahoma State might contrast the star’s skill set nicely. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Having picked up running back Jordan Howard in a trade, they have taken care of their biggest short-term need.
Picks: No. 25 (1st), 53 (2nd), 57 (2nd), 127 (4th), 138 (4th), 163 (5th), 197 (6th)
Recommendation: Howie Roseman has a proclivity for focusing on his fronts, and his best option might be to look to the future in the trenches. Washington State left tackle Andre Dillard would be a particularly enticing successor to Jason Peters, 37, if he reaches Philadelphia’s range, though a tumble that far seems unlikely. Roseman also has proved himself willing to gamble on a top talent with an injury (see: Sidney Jones), and Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons could yield tremendous value upon his return from a torn ACL.
NEW YORK GIANTS
With two first-round picks in tow after trading Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns, Dave Gettleman faces mounting pressure to find Eli Manning’s successor. The pass rush also needs revamping after Olivier Vernon was dispatched to Cleveland.
Picks: No. 6 (1st), 17 (1st), 37 (2nd), 95 (3rd), 108 (4th), 132 (4th), 142 (5th), 143 (5th), 171 (5th), 180 (6th), 232 (7th), 245 (7th)
Recommendation: Even Manning has said he expects the G-Men to draft a quarterback, so it’s time for Gettleman to enact a plan beyond clinging onto his 38-year-old passer. If the Giants have identified someone with whom they’re comfortable handing the reins, they shouldn’t wait until 17 and risk losing him to the likes of the Broncos, Bengals, Dolphins and Redskins from 10-15. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins looks like the most promising possibility at six, though Duke’s Daniel Jones also could be in the mix. Gettleman also might be eager to pounce on Michigan’s Rashan Gary or Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat (so long as the team is comfortable with his heart condition) should either one slide to the late teens.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Four months after Alex Smith suffered a broken fibula and tibia, the quarterback’s status is unclear, leaving Washington in no man’s land in the short and long term.
Picks: No. 15 (1st), 46 (2nd), 76 (3rd), 96 (3rd), 153 (5th), 173 (5th), 206 (6th), 227 (7th), 253 (7th)
Recommendation: Two half measures don’t equal one whole, and the Redskins are stuck with just that in Case Keenum and Colt McCoy, who is also recovering from a broken fibula. Investing in a first-round passer might be their best chance at escaping QB purgatory, but Haskins and Missouri’s Drew Lock might be spoken for by the time Washington is on the clock. If that’s the case, the Redskins should call on a dynamic receiver, either Mississippi’s DK Metcalf or Oklahoma’s Marquise Brown, to enliven the pass-catching crew.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
Having given up this year’s firstround pick in a package for Khalil Mack and a second-rounder to move up for wide receiver Anthony Miller last April, Chicago has the longest wait of any
team before its first selection. Tarik Cohen could use a running mate after Jordan Howard was traded to the Eagles, and adding depth at cornerback and outside linebacker would be shrewd.
Picks: No. 87 (3rd), 126 (4th), 162 (5th), 222 (7th), 238 (7th)
Recommendation: The running back class isn’t very promising, and a few of the top ballcarriers might be off the board by the time Chicago is finally up. Iowa State’s David Montgomery, however, looks like a steady runner with upside in the passing game, while Memphis’ Darrell Henderson has a penchant for big plays. If Ryan Pace wants to roll the dice at cornerback, Houston’s Isaiah Johnson, Clemson’s Trayvon Mullen and Auburn’s Jamel Dean might be intriguing high-upside options.
DETROIT LIONS
After making a splash in free agency by paying defensive end Trey Flowers handsomely to keep Detroit’s Patriots pipeline running, Bob Quinn has declared the Lions “open for business” in trading back in the first round.
Picks: No. 8 (1st), 43 (2nd), 88 (3rd), 111 (4th), 146 (5th), 184 (6th), 204 (6th), 224 (7th), 229 (7th)
Recommendation: Barring a trade back in the first, playing it safe and bolstering the offensive line with Alabama’s Jonah Williams might be preferable to forcing the issue in finding a pass rusher opposite Flowers, especially since the team could turn to secondround edge options in Zach Allen (Boston College) and Chase Winovich (Michigan). For a much-needed cornerback opposite Darius Slay, there should be a bevy of Day 2 choices, including instaters Justin Layne (Michigan State) and David Long (Michigan).
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Having addressed significant shortcomings via free agent signings Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos on defense, Brian Gutekunst can enjoy increased flexibility with two first-round picks.
Picks: No. 12 (1st), 30 (1st), 44 (2nd), 75 (3rd), 114 (4th), 118 (4th), 150 (5th), 185 (6th), 194 (6th), 226 (7th)
Recommendation: New coach Matt LaFleur must be itching to add threats to his offense after watching the defense get reshaped by big signings. Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant spark intrigue given the central role tight ends occupy in LaFleur’s attack. Either would be a fine pick addition, though Hockenson in particular would be attractive, should he be available, due to his strong blocking and ability to break tackles after the catch. Green Bay should also be on the lookout for a possible upgrade from Lane Taylor at left guard, and Boston College’s Chris Lindstrom is a natural fit for the zone blocking scheme. Another safety can likely wait until Day 2, when Alabama’s Deionte Thompson and Delaware’s Nasir Adderly could be tabbed to handle the other starting role.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Kirk Cousins must be hoping for a smoother ride and better protection in Year 2 with Minnesota after the offense unraveled, leading to coordinator John DeFilippo’s firing after 13 games.
Picks: No. 18 (1st), 50 (2nd), 81 (3rd), 120 (4th), 190 (6th), 209 (6th), 247 (7th), 250 (7th)
Recommendation: Whether the solution is picking up a left tackle and moving Riley Reiff inside or grabbing a guard, the Vikings have to do something to repair their interior line. The top blindside protectors could be out of reach, in which case Oklahoma’s Cody Ford would make for a sensible answer at guard. An efficient receiving threat at tight end, perhaps Texas A&M’s Jace Sternberger, could also lift the offense.
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Thomas Dimitroff turned his attention to the offensive front in the offseason, and more changes could be coming along both lines in the draft.
Picks: No. 14 (1st), 45 (2nd), 79 (3rd), 117 (4th), 137 (4th), 152 (5th), 172 (5th), 186 (6th), 230 (7th)
Recommendation: If Florida’s Jawaan Taylor makes it to this point, he would be a natural pick to start ahead of Ty Sambrailo at right tackle, while Kansas State’s Dalton Risner and Washington’s Kaleb McGary could be secondround considerations. Should Dimitroff want to look to his defensive line with the first pick, Clemson’s Christian Wilkins would make for a disruptive partner for Grady Jarrett on the interior.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Affording Cam Newton proper protection has long been a stumbling block for the Panthers, and they also could be on the lookout for a pass rusher to replace Julius Peppers as the defense prepares to incorporate more 3-4 looks.
Picks: No. 16 (1st), 47 (2nd), 77 (3rd), 100 (3rd), 115 (4th), 154 (5th), 187 (6th)
Recommendation: This might be a logical landing spot for Dillard, especially if Carolina is squeamish about Taylor Moton moving to the left side. If the Panthers fancy an edge rusher, though, Florida State’s Brian Burns might be what they’re looking for. A young backup for Newton also seems likely, and Ryan Finley of North Carolina State fits as a steady No. 2.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Last year’s trade up to grab defensive end Marcus Davenport leaves Sean Payton and company without a first-round pick, and New Orleans claims just one selection in the first four rounds.
Picks: No. 62 (2nd), 168 (5th), 177 (6th), 202 (6th), 231 (7th), 244 (7th)
Recommendation: Trading back to recoup some draft capital would be wise, especially given the relative dearth of holes on the roster. South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel or North Carolina State’s Kelvin Harmon could help ease Michael Thomas’ burden at receiver. The defense also might benefit from another contributor at defensive tackle such as Arizona State’s Renell Wren.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Bruce Arians takes over a team that had plenty of firepower in 2018 but little recourse for slowing its opponents.
Picks: No. 5 (1st), 39 (2nd), 70 (3rd), 107 (4th), 145 (5th), 208 (6th), 215 (7th)
Recommendation: If an unexpected turn early in the order leaves a top talent like Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams or Kentucky pass rusher Josh Allen within Jason Licht’s grasp, he should snatch one of them up. LSU linebacker Devin White has been widely projected here, but Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver shouldn’t be dismissed, particularly given the lingering possibility of Gerald McCoy’s dismissal at a later date. The outlook at cornerback is shaky despite second-round investments in M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis last year, so the Buccaneers should weigh another addition if a first-round talent like LSU’s Greedy Williams or Georgia’s Deandre Baker slides.
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS Unofficially on the clock since December, the Cardinals will set the draft in motion with their critical decision on the No. 1 pick.
Picks: No. 1 (1st), 33 (2nd), 65 (3rd), 103 (4th), 139 (5th), 174 (6th), 179 (6th), 248 (7th), 249 (7th), 254 (7th)
Recommendation: Kliff Kingsbury maintained Tuesday that the team hadn’t made a decision, claiming, “I wouldn’t say the hay is in the barn.” If he and Steve Keim botch this pick, they’ll be viewed as goats. Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray might be the proper catalyst for Kingsbury’s offense, and it would be hard to blame the Cardinals for going all-in on the dynamic playmaker. But Josh Rosen deserves better opportunities than the ones he received as a rookie, and Arizona could make hay, so to speak, by keeping him and leading off with Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa instead of Murray. The Cardinals also need a wide receiver to assist whoever ends up as their starting quarterback, and hometown product N’Keal Harry of Arizona State brings a physical demeanor whenever he’s on the field.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
The defending NFC champions are in for some changes along their lines, with offensive guard Rodger Saffold, center John Sullivan and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh all headed elsewhere in 2019.
Picks: No. 31 (1st), 94 (3rd), 99 (3rd), 133 (4th), 169 (5th), 203 (6th), 251 (7th)
Recommendation: Sean McVay’s scheme depends on stellar play up front, so reloading on the offensive line should be the priority. North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury would be the ideal pivot for the Rams’ offense, though Lindstrom and Risner could also fit at guard. Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery is a punishing figure who stacks up well as a Suh replacement.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Jimmy Garoppolo’s season-ending knee injury was just one of many disappointments that sunk San Francisco in a disappointing campaign.
Picks: No. 2 (1st), 36 (2nd), 67 (3rd), 104 (4th), 176 (6th), 212 (6th)
Recommendation: There could be options to trade back, particularly if the Cardinals pass on Murray. But unless the 49ers receive a monumental offer, they shouldn’t turn away from Bosa or Quinnen Williams. Day 2 should present opportunities to address deficiencies at safety (watch for Maryland’s Darnell Savage or Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson) and receiver (maybe Mississippi’s A.J. Brown or Oklahoma’s Marquise Brown if not taken on Day 1).
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Once seen as a prime candidate to trade back, Seattle now has two firstround picks (No. 21 and 29) after dealing standout defensive end Frank Clark to the Chiefs.
Picks: No. 21 (1st), 29 (1st), 92 (3rd), 124 (4th), 159 (5th)
Recommendation: Identifying a Clark replacement is a must in the first round. Burns would be an optimal substitution given his speed, but Seattle might have to settle for someone like Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell. Since 2011, the Seahawks have taken only one defensive back (Shaquill Griffin) earlier than the fourth round, but this might be the year to make an investment. Washington cornerback Byron Murphy can thrive either in the slot or outside, while Central Michigan’s Sean Bunting and Penn State’s Amani Oruwariye might be up for grabs later on.