Essential The Official ESPN Insider Thread (ESPN+)

Skooby · Feb 21, 2018

30. Golden State Warriors

Darealtwo1 · Mar 6, 2018

NBA draft prospects with the most at stake in conference tourneys

Skooby · Mar 9, 2018

Darealtwo1 said:
NBA draft prospects with the most at stake in conference tourneys

NBA draft prospects with the most at stake in conference tourneys

College basketball's conference tournament season is in full swing, providing many prospects with one last shot to earn an NCAA tournament bid. With the NBA trade deadline in the rearview mirror and armed with a much more accurate picture of where their teams will be drafting, NBA executives are out on the scouting trail in full force, hoping to get a last look at prospects on teams that stumbled during the regular season and are now playing their last games.

We've organized those prospects into four pods, which will all be receiving significant attention from NBA decision-makers over the next five days. What will they be tracking most closely? And which prospects have the most to gain or lose this week?

Big 12/SEC

Kansas City and St. Louis will be flooded with scouts, high-ranking executives and NBA GMs as the two cities will feature half of the top-10 prospects in our top 100. With Missouri's Michael Porter Jr. is expected to take the floor in St. Louis, NBA personnel have surely adjusted their travel schedules to watch the former RSCI No. 2 recruit, who has sat out the majority of the season after undergoing back surgery in November. With NCAA tournament bids on the line, stakes will be high and these should be excellent evaluation settings. -- Mike Schmitz

Texas

Bracketology: Last four in

Mohamed Bamba | C | Top 100 ranking: No. 3

The 7-foot Longhorns center is limping (literally and figuratively) into postseason play as he has missed Texas' past two games with a sprained toe and saw his production tail off somewhat in the few games prior to his absence. Bamba is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Iowa State. With Texas right on the tournament bubble and Bamba's spot at No. 3 in our rankings nowhere near set in stone, he has a lot riding on this week. Competing big men Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Wendell Carter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III are all expected to play well into March, and Bamba could become a slight afterthought if he doesn't make the NCAA tournament. A physical marvel like Bamba will undoubtedly remind scouts of his elite talent in workouts, but given the questions about his motor and toughness, Bamba needs to help Texas advance and put together a strong performance.

Kerwin Roach II | SG | Top 100 ranking: No. 59

Roach, a 6-foot-3 freak athlete with a developing skill set, is one of the main reasons the Longhorns are even in the NCAA tournament conversation after leading them to an overtime win against West Virginia with 22 points and eight assists. Although still inconsistent, the combo guard has made great strides this season as a shooter, playmaker and defender. Identified because of his explosiveness early in his collegiate career, he's starting to develop into a potential NBA prospect.

First game: Wednesday vs. Iowa State | 9 p.m. ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

Oklahoma

Bracketology: No. 10 seed

Trae Young | G | Top 100 ranking: No. 8

One of the most polarizing collegiate prospects in recent memory, Young needs a strong conference tournament more than other players. With Oklahoma currently projected as a 10-seed, Young likely has to lead the Sooners to at least one conference tournament win to avoid missing the Big Dance altogether. Despite his monster season, Young is currently in the midst of a downward spiral, shooting only 26.8 percent from 3-point territory and committing 5.2 turnovers per game over his past 10, and the Sooners are 3-7 during that stretch. He's still finding ways to get his numbers (23.4 PPG), but Young has really struggled to impact winning -- a likely mixture of his so-so supporting cast and the personal wall that comes along with the aggressive defenses, unprecedented volume and overabundance of media attention. There are growing concerns about Young's durability over the course of an 82-game NBA season.

Even if NBA teams won't guard him like they do in college, there are questions about how well his frail frame, skill-reliant game and oftentimes embarrassing defense will translate when he matches up against physical marvels such as John Wall or Russell Westbrook. Guards like Young are built for the NCAA tournament, and he needs to do everything in his power to get there. Coming into the season, Young wasn't on our mock draft and he wasn't widely seen as a potential one-and-done prospect. Some scouts are starting to wonder how much of Young's spectacular season was a volume-based mirage that he may not be able to replicate as a starter at the NBA level. There's no questioning Young's tremendous offensive skill level, and he figures to look far more efficient when surrounded by NBA players, but it's important that he wills Oklahoma into a longer season.

First game: Wednesday vs. OSU | 7 p.m. ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

Missouri

Bracketology: No. 8 seed

Michael Porter Jr. | SF/PF | Top 100 ranking: No. 6

Porter is the main draw in St. Louis as he's expected to return to the floor for the first time since Nov. 10. Although cleared to participate in all basketball activities, Porter has reportedly been weighing the pros and cons about returning to the court as opposed to simply preparing for the NBA draft. Backs can be slow to heal and everyone's body is different, but there are concerns among NBA teams about Porter's mental approach, in particular his willingness to make his teammates better -- a thought that quietly existed among scouts well before the injury. Missouri could use at least one win to solidify its spot in the field of 64 and avoid the play-in game. Although there is the risk of struggling to fit into an already-established team that has won seven of 10 games, Porter could score some points among scouts by returning to the lineup and showcasing his talent. There's a lot to like about Porter's skill level at 6-10 with explosiveness and shot-making ability, but he certainly still has questions to answer about his durability and willingness to fit within a team concept.

Jontay Porter | PF/C | Top 100 ranking: No. 36

While Michael Porter Jr. has long been the family star, his younger brother, Jontay, is quietly putting together an efficient season as the youngest player in our top 100. Over his past 10 games, Jontay is averaging 21.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per 40 minutes while making 44.4 percent of his 3s. Although on the pudgy side and a bit limited defensively, Porter is loved by analytics models, and he has certainly set himself up to emerge as a potential first-round prospect in 2019 should he continue to improve his frame and conditioning. With all the attention on Michael's potential return, Jontay can continue to build his draft résumé in St. Louis.

First game: Thursday vs. Georgia/Vanderbilt | 3:30 p.m. ET | SEC Network

Alabama

Bracketology: Last four in

Collin Sexton | G | Top 100 ranking: No. 9

With the draft's top point guard spot up for grabs and Alabama on a brutal five-game skid, the Crimson Tide sorely need their 19-year-old star to right the ship and lead them to at least a pair of victories to get into the tournament. During that five-game stretch, Sexton is shooting a dreadful 11.8 percent from 3, which was one of the biggest concerns about him as a prep star. After a monster start to the season, Sexton has been wildly inconsistent, allowing some previous questions about his shooting and playmaking skills to resurface. With Young trending down, Sexton can seize the opportunity at hand by defeating Texas A&M and terrorizing SEC defenses with the downhill, physical play that made scouts fall in love with him in the first place.

First game: Thursday vs. Texas A&M | 1 p.m. ET | SEC Network

New York

Conveniently featuring three of the top five conference tournaments -- with the Big Ten already complete -- many NBA scouts have elected to park themselves in New York for the entire 10-day stretch starting last week and ending on Sunday with the Big East and ACC tournament championship games. With five prospects in our top 100, Duke will be the main draw, but there are a number of fringe prospects facing high stakes as well. -- Jonathan Givony

Georgia Tech

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Josh Okogie | SG | Top 100 ranking: No. 41

The same age or even younger than many freshmen in our top 100, Okogie could very easily end up in the 2019 NBA draft as a junior, having missed the entire first month of his sophomore season because of an eligibility issue. He's someone teams will be keeping an eye on regardless because of his 7-foot wingspan, tremendous defensive potential and solid scoring instincts, including 38 percent 3-point shooting for his career.

First game: Tuesday vs. Boston College | noon ET | ESPN2/WatchESPN

Notre Dame

Bracketology: First four out

Bonzie Colson | PF | Top 100 ranking: No. 66

Notre Dame will probably need to at least make the semifinals to feel comfortable with its NCAA tournament standing, partially because of the fact that its best player, Colson, missed the past two months of action with a foot injury. For a senior like Colson on his last go-around, having the exposure of the ACC tournament will be beneficial considering how little he has been seen as of late, and he'll have a chance to remind NBA teams of how smart, skilled and productive he is, despite not having a prototypical NBA body.

First game: Tuesday vs. Pitt | 2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2/WatchESPN

Syracuse

Bracketology: Next four out

Tyus Battle | SG | Top 100 ranking: No. 56

The ACC's third-leading scorer, Battle's lack of efficiency (47 percent from 2, 32 percent from 3) has hampered his draft stock from getting off the ground, and missing the NCAA tournament would be a big blow considering the questions NBA scouts already have about his ability to play winning basketball. Syracuse has a lot of work to do in New York, and that will likely involve beating Wake Forest and then North Carolina to not end up in the NIT.

First game: Tuesday vs. Wake Forest | 7 p.m. ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

Oshae Brissett | PF | Top 100 ranking: No. 62

Brissett has caught some scouts' eyes with his intriguing combination of size, length, perimeter shooting and overall versatility. His extreme lack of efficiency, including his incredibly poor 36 percent 2-point percentage, likely means he's more of a candidate for the 2019 draft, but having a good showing in New York would give him nice momentum going into his sophomore season.

First game: Tuesday vs. Wake Forest | 7 p.m. ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

Boston College

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Jerome Robinson | SG | Top 100 ranking: No. 50

A runner-up for conference player of the year honors, Robinson had a historically great showing in the ACC, scoring 24 PPG with an incredible true shooting percentage of 67 over the 18-game stretch, putting himself firmly on the NBA radar in the process. BC's lack of overall success has hampered his draft stock, and at this point most scouts think he will be back for his senior season. Many executives still haven't gotten eyes on him, as Conte Forum isn't a traditional stopover on the scouting trail, so the exposure of the ACC tournament could be beneficial for him, even if that ends up being for the 2019 draft.

First game: Tuesday vs. Georgia Tech | noon ET | ESPN2/WatchESPN

Louisville

Bracketology: First four out

Ray Spalding | PF | Top 100 ranking: No. 79

This has been a trying season for Louisville and its fan base, and the Cardinals have underachieved badly in the wake of the FBI scandal that cost Rick Pitino his job. None of their prospects have had overly productive seasons, with Spalding being the only one potentially who still has a case for draft consideration. Louisville will be sweating on Selection Sunday if it doesn't come away with two wins in New York, which would include beating Virginia in the quarterfinals. Spalding will have to be at his best for the Cardinals to have any chance at doing so.

First game: Wednesday vs. Florida State | noon ET | ESPN/WatchESPN

Skooby · Mar 9, 2018

St. John's

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Shamorie Ponds | PG | Top 100 ranking: No. 58

Ponds has had an up-and-down season with St. John's, starting conference play 0-11 before stringing together some huge wins behind a handful of outstanding individual performances. His lack of size, strength and length was always going to make him an acquired taste for NBA teams, but the fact that he shot just 27 percent from 3 (and under 50 percent from 2) as a sophomore has made it difficult for his draft stock to fully get off the ground. Still, there's a lot to like about his scoring instincts, slithery ballhandling and ability to operate at different speeds, and he's a favorite of analytic models because of his youth (19.6), high steal/rebounding rates and ability to put points up on the board. With the hometown crowd behind him at the Garden, it's possible that he can help himself with a strong run. Beating Georgetown on Wednesday would set up a matchup with potential No. 1 seed Xavier in the quarterfinals. If not, the 2019 draft might be a more realistic option for him.

First game: Wednesday vs. Georgetown | 7 p.m. ET | FS1

Las Vegas

Besides Ayton, the likely No. 1 pick, six of the top NBA prospects expected to take the floor in Vegas are far from a lock to make the NCAA tournament. They must have strong showings individually and with their respective teams to extend the season and maximize their draft stock heading into June. -- Schmitz

Oregon

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Troy Brown | SG/SF | Top 100 ranking: No. 17

It has been a down season for Oregon after losing Jordan Bell, Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey to the NBA, and Brown has been somewhat underwhelming relative to expectations as the RSCI No. 12 recruit in the 2017 high school class. The 6-7 versatile wing is averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 35.5 minutes over his past five games while shooting only 48.5 percent from 2 and 26.3 percent from 3. Brown's size, basketball IQ, age (18.6), two-way potential and role player intangibles should help him land in the first-round despite a so-so freshman campaign, but scouts will want to see him make open 3s (31.0 percent) and play with a bit more aggression.

First game: Wednesday vs. Washington State | 8:30 p.m. PST | Pac-12 Network

UCLA

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Bracketology: Last four in

Aaron Holiday | PG | Top 100 ranking: No. 23

Holiday has put together an outstanding junior season leading a young, post-Lonzo Ball-era Bruins team to a 20-10 record. Most scouts more or less know what they're getting with him -- shot-making, defensive toughness, penetrating ability and an improved floor game -- but this is an opportunity for Holiday to show the many East Coast evaluators and executives potentially seeing him for the first time this season how he has improved and what he can do at the NBA level. Holiday needs to lead the Bruins to a couple of wins to potentially avoid the play-in game and further prove to teams that he deserves the first-round-caliber label; we think he does.

Kris Wilkes | SF | Top 100 ranking: No. 63

Scouts we've spoken with are generally split on Wilkes, as some see a 6-7 wing with a 6-11 wingspan who is averaging 14.0 points in 29.5 minutes while shooting 35.9 percent from 3 and displaying two-way potential. For scouts who have been following Wilkes more closely all season, it's quite clear that he is an erratic shooter and decision-maker, an inconsistent defender and an average athlete by NBA standards who needs at least another year of seasoning. Wilkes does have a tendency to explode for 20-plus-point nights on occasion, however, and the Pac-12 tournament could serve as a platform to lure in an NBA executive who isn't quite as familiar with his strengths and weaknesses.

First game: Thursday vs. Cal/Stanford | 2:30 p.m. PST | Pac-12 Network

USC

Bracketology: Last four in

Chimezie Metu | PF/C | Top 100 ranking: No. 32

Similarly to UCLA, the Trojans need to win a couple of games in hopes of dodging the NCAA play-in matchup and earning a spot in the field of 64. For USC to do that, the often inconsistent Metu need to rev up his motor and toughness, which, along with his lack of elite positional length, are the main question marks teams have about him as a prospect. Scouts are generally split on Metu, as his unpredictable play on any given night leads to a variety of opinions league-wide. Despite his shortcomings, the 20-year-old 6-10 big is a run-and-jump athlete who can lob-catch, pop the college 3, attack a closeout, score in the midpost, pass on the move and switch defensively. He fits the modern NBA and has a strong opportunity to remind scouts of his talent in Vegas.

First game: Thursday vs. Oregon State/Washington | 6 p.m. PST | Pac-12 Network

BOISE STATE

Bracketology: Next four out

Chandler Hutchison | SG/SF | Top 100 ranking: No. 25

Although he has been a hot name on the internet sleeper circuit for some time, many scouts are still getting to know Hutchison and will be heading to Vegas in part to decide whether he's worthy of a first-round selection come June. Nevada is the favorite, but the Mountain West is fairly wide open, and Hutchison could really bolster his stock by punching a ticket to the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the Broncos aren't overloaded with the talent or spacing for Hutchison to regularly show off his long strides to the rim or half-court versatility. He has had an impressive season, averaging 25.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.7 steals per 40 minutes, and scouts will be closely watching his sometimes-shaky jump shot as it's his clear swing skill.

First game: Wednesday vs. Washington State | 8:30 p.m. PST | Pac-12 Network

UNLV

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Brandon McCoy | C | Top 100 ranking: No. 47

Although he's averaging 23.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per 40 minutes this season, the 19-year-old UNLV center is far from the first-round-caliber prospect he hoped he'd become when he signed with the Runnin' Rebels. His scoring efficiency has tailed off considerably during the season (56.3 true shooting percentage over his past 10 games), and despite his natural size and flashes of touch, big men in McCoy's mold are a dime a dozen in today's NBA. He's looking more like a mid-to-late-second-round prospect at this stage. Scouts would be wise to shift their attention to former juco player of the year Shakur Juiston. He may not be ready for this draft, but Juiston is arguably UNLV's best long-term prospect as a 6-7, long-armed rebounding machine who can defend multiple positions and facilitate to make up for his lack of floor spacing.

First game: Wednesday vs. Air Force | 6 p.m. PST | Pac-12 Network

Small-conference tournaments

While GMs might not make the trek to Orlando, Florida, New Orleans or Frisco, Texas, NBA teams will still send scouts to evaluate the conference tournaments that are off the beaten path, such as the AAC, CUSA or Sun Belt, all featuring legitimate NBA prospects. It's possible that decision-makers might pop in should any of the more highly touted guys make it to the semifinals or the championship game, as you simply can't replicate the pressure of playing with an NCAA tournament bid on the line, making for a worthwhile scouting experience. -- Schmitz

Tulane

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Melvin Frazier | SF | Top 100 ranking: No. 27

A late bloomer who strongly emerged on the scouting radar with a breakout junior season, Frazier's talent hasn't translated to wins for Tulane, which finished just 5-13 in Conference USA. Nevertheless, his matchup with Temple's Quinton Rose should be very interesting from an NBA scouting standpoint, and it will be fascinating to see how he plays in potentially the last game of his college career.

First game: Thursday vs. Temple | 7 p.m. ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

SMU

Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Shake Milton | PG/SG | Top 100 ranking: No. 31

Milton hasn't played in more than a month now because of a fractured hand, and it remains to be seen whether he will take the floor in the AAC tournament for SMU's game against UConn on Thursday. SMU is 1-8 since his injury, showing just how important he (as well as fellow injured NBA prospect and teammate Jarrey Foster) was to its success. A number of NBA teams were hoping to scout him in February or March and have been unable to. If SMU bows out early, as expected, Milton might have a tough decision on his hands, with no guarantee he'll be picked in the first round should he keep his name in the draft.

First game: Thursday vs. UConn | Noon ET | ESPNU/WatchESPN

UT-Arlington
Bracketology: Win the tourney or bust

Kevin Hervey | PF | Top 100 ranking: No. 46

It has been a tough season for UT-Arlington, which was projected to win the Sun Belt in the preseason but underachieved, going 10-8 in the conference. The Mavericks have a chance to erase that from everyone's collective memory with a strong conference tournament, and a bye into the quarterfinals will help their cause. A win there will likely set up a matchup on Saturday afternoon with 16-2 Louisiana Lafayette, a game that NBA scouts will be watching closely considering it may be the final one of Hervey's career. NBA teams want to see seniors like Hervey in mid-major conferences be difference-makers at this level, and this is his chance to prove that he can do that. It will still be a long road to the NBA, likely going through the Portsmouth Invitational and NBA combine, but Hervey will want to prolong the evaluation process as much as possible.

First game: Friday vs. Appalachian St./Little Rock | 3 p.m. ET | ESPN3/WatchESPN

Pour one out

Top 100 prospects who finished their season already, and potentially their college careers.

Milik Yarbrough (No. 69): The Illinois State redshirt junior finished his season on a down note, losing in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament final in one of his worst games of the season. Yarbrough has some fans among NBA scouts in the latter part of the second round but also has the option to play out his final season of eligibility in college, potentially as a grad-transfer on a different team.

Ethan Happ (No. 71): Wisconsin's redshirt junior bowed out in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals with a strong game against Michigan State. This was ultimately somewhat of a disappointing season for him and especially Wisconsin, as he didn't show any improvement in his perimeter skill set and saw his team go just 15-18. Happ has one more year of eligibility and will likely be pursued by every top program in America as a grad-transfer target, although it's unknown whether he'd consider that route.

Alize Johnson (No. 74): The Missouri State senior capped off a disappointing final season in college with a loss in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament quarterfinals. Johnson was named MVP of the Adidas Nations camp in August but struggled to shoot the ball effectively and saw his head coach fired when the season concluded after finishing just 17-15. He'll likely have to work his way back into contention to be drafted with strong showings at the Portsmouth Invitational and possibly the NBA combine, if he's invited.

Frump · Mar 12, 2018

NBA mock draft: New No. 1 pick, more lottery movement

Skooby · Mar 12, 2018

Frump said:
NBA mock draft: New No. 1 pick, more lottery movement

NBA mock draft: New No. 1 pick, more lottery movement

How is the NBA draft shaping up heading into the NCAA tournament?

Let's look at where the top prospects -- including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Marvin Bagley III -- might land.

Our mock draft differs in two crucial ways from our recently updated top 100 prospect rankings. It uses ESPN's BPI to project the draft order, and it's adjusted for NBA team needs accordingly. It also attempts to project which players will ultimately end up declaring and keeping their names in the draft.

1. Phoenix Suns

Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C

Height: 7-foot-0 | Weight: 243

Ayton is answering many of the questions scouts have had about him since high school with a string of dominant performances down the stretch. Physically, he's one of the most gifted prospects we've seen in the draft in the past few years, and he has an impressive skill level to boot.

Phoenix, the worst defensive team in the NBA, will be right to question Ayton's impact on that end of the floor, but his sheer productivity makes it difficult to not slot him at the top of this class.

Starting salary: $8,095,680

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 19
PG

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 228

After playing 80 games in the 2016-17 season, Doncic went straight into preparation for EuroBasket, which extended deep into September, giving him no offseason whatsoever. His body is paying the toll for that now, as he clearly hit a wall in February and was recently shut down by Real Madrid for at least a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see if Doncic can regain his early season form heading into the EuroLeague and ACB playoffs, which will help him re-establish his candidacy for the No. 1 pick.

Doncic would be a dream pick for the Grizzlies, as he has the size, skill and versatility to fit in well alongside all their existing talent, while possessing quite a bit of star potential in his own right.

Starting salary: $7,243,440

3. Atlanta Hawks

Jaren Jackson Jr.
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C

Height: 6-11 | Weight: 240

The youngest prospect in the draft, Jackson may have the highest ceiling in terms of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. He has enviable physical tools, including a 7-4 wingspan and tremendous mobility. Jackson's ability to space the floor (40 percent from 3, 80 percent from the line), block shots (5.7 per 40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.

It's easy to see Jackson manning the center position for Atlanta or pairing with John Collins in an athletic frontcourt.

Starting salary: $6,504,600

4. Sacramento Kings

Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
PF/C

Height: 6-11 | Weight: 234

Although there are some positional concerns regarding Bagley and his fit in the modern NBA, particularly on the defensive end, at some point his talent level and sheer production are likely too great to pass on.

The Kings are still figuring out just how good their young frontcourt prospects are and might not be in a situation to pass on a "best talent available" type due to positional considerations. Bagley's athleticism, motor, rebounding and finishing ability would complement their existing pieces nicely.

Starting salary: $5,864,640

5. Orlando Magic

Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C

Height: 7-0 | Weight: 207

Bamba is one of the most unique prospects in this class. He has game-changing defensive potential and a rapidly improving skill level, giving him significant long-term potential. Nagging injuries to his foot and toe have hampered Bamba recently, but every team in the NBA is looking for a big man who can anchor a defense. That includes the Magic, who have struggled badly on that end of the floor.

Although the Magic could very well be in the market for a point guard, there are still question marks about whether Trae Young or Collin Sexton are worthy of being picked this high.

Starting salary: $5,310,720

6. Chicago Bulls

Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Freshman
C

Height: 6-10 | Weight: 263

It's Carter, not Bagley, who has been Duke's best big man in many key ACC games, leaving many scouts to wonder just how good he might look if he were utilized in more modern lineups with better floor spacing.

For the Bulls, Carter's ability to rebound, block shots and score from inside and out would complement the promising Lauri Markkanen in many ways.

Starting salary: $4,823,520

7. Dallas Mavericks

Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF

Height: 6-10 | Weight: 214

Porter's stock has dropped this season. Spinal surgery set him back, and teams have also come away from background checks questioning his commitment to winning and ability to fit into team schemes.

Starting salary: $4,403,280

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)

Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 183

While highly inconsistent over the course of the season -- partially due to injuries -- Sexton has shown enough flashes in the right areas to be comfortably projected as a starting-caliber point guard, with plenty of upside. Fiercely competitive, Sexton is an aggressive downhill driver who has proven to be a pesky defender and capable shot-maker when operating at his best.

The Cavs have a great deal of uncertainty around their future due to LeBron James' possible free agency, but Sexton is a fit here regardless of what James decides to do.

Starting salary: $4,033,800

Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.

9. New York Knicks

Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 176

Frank Ntilikina has had some nice rookie moments, but the Knicks are finding out that the long-armed, 6-5 guard is seemingly better suited playing alongside a more dominant ball handler and shot-creator who can take some of the scoring responsibilities off his shoulders.

Enter Young, who looks like a nice pairing with his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, make shots off the dribble and find the open man with impressive creativity. Having the luxury of hiding him defensively will be a key to his early success.

Starting salary: $3,708,120

10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)

Mikal Bridges
Villanova
Junior
SF

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 200

The Sixers are in line to draft in the top 10 due to the shrewd Michael Carter-Williams trade made by Sam Hinkie three years ago (as long as the pick is not second, third, fourth or fifth, in which case it goes to Boston).

Shooting, defensive versatility and basketball IQ are what the 76ers need to continue to add, and Bridges brings all of them along with the ability to guard 1 to 4. He isn't as gifted a shot-creator as you'd like from a top-10 pick, but if he's playing alongside the likes of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, he won't need to be.

Starting salary: $3,522,480

Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston.

Skooby · Mar 12, 2018

11. Charlotte Hornets

Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 226

Charlotte continues to search for long-term solutions at both forward positions, and will likely look to add athleticism to what has become a fairly disappointing roster.

Bridges is a freakish athlete who has struggled at times to make the full-time transition to small forward, but he has potential as a two-way forward who can guard all over the floor and give you enough shooting, ballhandling and passing to get by at one of the most important positions in today's NBA.

Starting salary: $3,346,560

12. LA Clippers (via Pistons)

Lonnie Walker IV
Miami
Freshman
SG

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 206

The Clippers could use a jolt of energy on the wing, where they have cycled through countless options all season and are still in search of a long-term solution.

Walker hasn't had a consistent freshman season, but his talent, combined with the lack of depth at his position, kept his name in the top-20 conversation. His youth, strong frame, 6-10½ wingspan and ability to shoot with his feet set or off the dribble make him a candidate to rise during the pre-draft process as teams search for upside and diamonds in the rough.

Starting salary: $3,179,280

The Clippers will receive Detroit's pick if it falls outside the top four.

13. Denver Nuggets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky
Freshman
PG/SG

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 171

The Nuggets are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and will likely be looking to add multipositional versatility to their backcourt, which has been inconsistent on that end of the floor.

Gilgeous-Alexander has the size, length, defensive prowess and unselfishness needed to operate as a role player alongside a variety of different types of guards. His offense has made significant strides as the season has moved on, helping him surprisingly emerge as arguably Kentucky's best top long-term prospect.

Starting salary: $3,020,280

14. LA Clippers

Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
PF/C

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 237

Williams has had a somewhat disappointing sophomore season, partially due to his playing out of position as a power forward in traditional dual-post player lineups.

His game is tailor-made for the NBA, though, as a rim-running, pick-and-roll-finishing, shot-blocker/offensive rebounder in the Clint Capela mold. With DeAndre Jordan in the final year of his contract and Blake Griffin in Detroit, the Clippers could certainly look to Williams as a potential successor.

Starting salary: $2,869,320

15. Phoenix Suns (via Bucks)

Kevin Knox
Kentucky
Freshman
SF/PF

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 205

Sporting the worst defense in the NBA, the Suns will surely be looking to add more size, length, athleticism and versatility at every position.

Knox was inconsistent this season on that end of the floor, but as the second-youngest player in the draft, that's not all that surprising. His ability to stretch the floor, make plays in the open court and theoretically guard either forward spot is attractive in today's NBA.

Starting salary: $2,725,680

Phoenix will receive Milwaukee's pick if it lands in Nos. 11-16.

16. Phoenix Suns (via Heat)

Aaron Holiday
UCLA
Junior
PG

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 187

The Suns could very well be looking to add firepower at the point guard position, depending on their thoughts about (and the cost of) re-signing Elfrid Payton.

Holiday has broken through in a major way in his senior season, and he would bring a number of attractive traits with his microwave scoring ability, long wingspan and toughness.

Starting salary: $2,589,480

Phoenix will receive Miami's pick if it is outside the top seven.

17. Indiana Pacers

Troy Brown
Oregon
Freshman
SG

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 210

Indiana's wing rotation could certainly use more depth, and Brown's versatility as a big ball handler, defender and rebounder is intriguing in a league that is starved for players at his position.

Brown's inconsistency as a perimeter shooter has made it difficult for him to fully break out, but being the third-youngest player in this draft class means he still has time to address that.

Starting salary: $2,460,000

18. Utah Jazz

Anfernee Simons
IMG Academy (HS)
Age: 18.7
SG

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 183

The Jazz might look for a versatile guard who can operate in different lineups without dominating the ball alongside Donovan Mitchell. Simons is one of the least NBA-ready players in the draft, but he's intriguing due to his combination of youth, explosiveness and shot-making prowess.

He's a few years away from panning out, but at this stage of the draft, there isn't much risk, and adding a prospect with his upside would be intriguing.

Starting salary: $2,337,000

19. San Antonio Spurs

Daniel Gafford
Arkansas
Freshman
PF/C

Height: 6-11 | Weight: 234

With the Spurs' incumbent big-men starters both in their mid-30s and no clear-cut successor in waiting, it might make sense for San Antonio's front office to consider drafting a project center to develop long-term.

Gafford's tremendous physical tools and significant upside give him lottery potential, somewhere he might still end up with a strong pre-draft process, but for now the glut of big men is pushing him down.

Starting salary: $2,231,760

20. Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans)

Dzanan Musa
Cedevita
Age: 18.8
SF

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 195

The Bulls have a gaping hole at the small forward position and could use all the firepower they can find on the perimeter.

Musa's size, scoring instincts and aggressiveness could be intriguing at this stage of the draft. He's one of the youngest players in this class, but he is already productive in Europe, playing at a fairly high level.

Starting salary: $2,142,360

The Bulls will receive New Orleans' pick if it falls outside the top five.

Skooby · Mar 12, 2018

21. Washington Wizards

Mitchell Robinson
College: None
Freshman
C

Height: 6-11 | Weight: 215

With Marcin Gortat about to enter the final year of his contract and already in his mid-30s, the Wizards will likely start to think about his successor at some point.

Physically, Robinson is one of the most gifted prospects -- with impressive length, athleticism and shot-blocking instincts -- but he is a long way from contributing. The fact that he elected not to play college basketball this season won't help his NBA readiness, but at some point in the draft, he's worth taking a gamble on as a developmental project.

Starting salary: $2,056,680

22. Atlanta Hawks (via Wolves)

Keita Bates-Diop
Ohio State
Junior
SF

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 235

With the second of their three first-round picks, the Hawks might look to add some depth at forward.

Bates-Diop has increased his stock dramatically with a breakout season. He has been moving among all of the frontcourt positions for overachieving Ohio State and looks like an ideal fit for the modern NBA if he can find a way to rev his motor into higher gear at the professional level.

Starting salary: $1,974,480

Atlanta will receive Minnesota's pick if it is outside the lottery.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder)

Jacob Evans
Cincinnati
Junior
SF

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 210

Minnesota's wing rotation will need to be shored up over the summer.

Evans is an ultra-versatile player who guards all over the floor, plays on and off the ball for Cincinnati and sports a career 38 percent mark from 3-point territory at the college level.

Starting salary: $1,895,520

Minnesota will receive Oklahoma City's pick if it is outside the lottery.

24. Philadelphia 76ers

Khyri Thomas
Creighton
Junior
SG

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210

Thomas is one of the better defenders in college basketball, capable of guarding three positions with his 6-11 wingspan. He's also a willing ball-mover, a promising spot-up shooter and exactly the type of gritty, unselfish character the NBA covets in role players.

The Sixers have seen their wing depth stretched thin this season and might look to bolster their rotation with a player in Thomas' mold.

Starting salary: $1,819,800

25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Cavs)

Bruce Brown
Miami
Sophomore
SG

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200

Even with Lonzo Ball in place, the Lakers should be looking to solidify their backcourt rotation and add more shooting, ballhandling and athleticism. Ball's size gives him the ability to operate alongside another combo guard, and it would be beneficial for him to have scoring to take the pressure off.

Although he had a disappointing season that ended with injury, Brown is a willing passer, lockdown defender and gritty rebounder, and he has shown enough promise with his jump shot at times to lead you to believe that he will become adequate here eventually. There's a significant market for players in his mold, provided he has a strong pre-draft process (if he chooses to enter).

Starting salary: $1,746,840

The Lakers will receive Cleveland's pick if it is outside the top three.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

Chandler Hutchison
Boise State
Senior
SF

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 193

Portland's wing rotation could use some added depth.

Hutchison has made significant strides with his game as a senior. He looks primed to take advantage of the lack of wings in the draft -- and the NBA in general -- this June. He has outstanding physical tools and is a much-improved ball handler and perimeter shooter.

Starting salary: $1,689,000

27. Boston Celtics

De'Anthony Melton
USC
Sophomore
PG/SG

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195

The Celtics have a tough decision in front of them with Marcus Smart entering free agency, and may need to find a less expensive backcourt option to avoid luxury tax issues.

Melton looked to be on the verge of a breakout season for USC before the FBI's investigation into recruiting shut him down indefinitely. His defensive versatility, toughness and intangibles make him a prospect worth investing in.

Starting salary: $1,640,400

28. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors)

Melvin Frazier
Tulane
Junior
SF

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200

The Nets are still figuring out what their long-term wing rotation looks like and could very well take a flier on a high-upside, boom-or-bust prospect at this late stage of the first round.

Frazier is coming off an inconsistent season, but he's a tremendous athlete -- standing 6-6 with a reported 7-2 wingspan -- who made 39 percent of his 3-pointers this season.

Starting salary: $1,630,320

Brooklyn will receive Toronto's pick if it is outside the lottery.

29. Golden State Warriors

Devonte' Graham
Kansas
Senior
PG

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 175

The Warriors are way over the luxury tax and will want to find contributors on cheap rookie contracts.

Graham is a ready-made role player thanks to his terrific experience playing winning basketball at Kansas for four years. He's a 41 percent 3-point shooter and strong defender who ranked third in the country in assists.

Starting salary: $1,618,320

Atlanta will receive Houston's pick if it is outside the top three.

30. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets)

Grayson Allen
Duke
Senior
SG

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 185

With their third and final first-round pick, the Hawks may look to add some backcourt depth, specifically someone who can play behind or alongside incumbent starters Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore.

Allen is one of the best shooter/scorers in the college game, and made significant strides as a senior with his playmaking and defense.

Starting salary: $1,606,680

Skooby · Mar 12, 2018

Da_Eggman · Mar 19, 2018

McShay's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Lamar Jackson in Round 1

Skooby · Mar 19, 2018

Da_Eggman said:
McShay's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Lamar Jackson in Round 1

Todd McShay's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

With the Senior Bowl and NFL combine in the rearview mirror, we've been able to review more tape, we have official measurements on all legitimate draft prospects and we have test results (40s, jumps, shuttles, etc.) on 200-plus prospects.

With free agency looming in a week, several of these projections probably will change as a team's needs are altered. Character concerns and medical results are major factors in the process as well.

But Mock 3.0 is due, so here we go.

Note: All underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

1. Cleveland Browns
Sam Darnold, QB, USC*

I've had Darnold here in the previous two mocks as well. After the combine this past week, it's sounding as if this pick could come down to him or Saquon Barkley. Darnold is the best QB in this class, in my opinion. However, I also could see Josh Allen as the choice here, since he has more experience in the cold, the big arm and the hand size (10⅛ inches) to diminish fumbling concerns in bad AFC North weather. If Cleveland addresses its quarterback situation in free agency (AJ McCarron?), then I think Barkley is the pick here.

2. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*

The Giants could go a lot of different directions here. If they are really looking to win now with Eli Manning at QB, then they should take the best player in the draft, Barkley. Give Manning a running game and a little more pass protection (via free agency or later in the draft) and Giants fans would argue they are a playoff team. Bradley Chubb and Quenton Nelson are in play here as well. And New York also could get a sweet offer to move back for a team looking to jump up and take a QB.

3. Indianapolis Colts
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Like the Giants, the big question will be if Indianapolis gets a worthwhile offer to move down from a QB-needy team. If that call doesn't come, then I believe this pick comes down to Chubb or Nelson. With so many holes on this team, including edge rusher, Chubb makes the most sense. He played his way into a top-10 pick this season at NC State and solidified it with a strong combine workout. A high-motor guy, he has good talent and is a very complete player. A plug-and-play starter.

4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*

There are teams that could be looking to move up to this pick to get ahead of Denver and the New York Jets (Miami, Arizona, Buffalo to name a few), so the Browns could cash in with the QB they want and now get additional picks to move down. Since we can't project trades, Cleveland goes with a difference-maker on defense in Fitzpatrick (Tremaine Edmunds would be another possibility). With needs at CB, WR, DE and offensive line (among others), this pick is also dependent on where Cleveland spends to upgrade in free agency.

5. Denver Broncos
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*

I keep hearing that the Broncos are looking to upgrade the QB position in free agency, but the name I keep hearing isn't Kirk Cousins -- it's Case Keenum. If Denver gets either guy, it needs significant help on the O-line, even after drafting offensive tackle Garett Bolles in the first round last year. Nelson had a terrific combine and is a plug-and-play, high-level starter. He's a guard, not a tackle, but he's also currently my second-ranked prospect in this class. If Denver doesn't address QB in free agency, Allen is the likely pick here.

6. New York Jets
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*

The Jets are another team in the Cousins sweepstakes, but assuming they miss out they'd be thrilled if Allen (or Baker Mayfield) were available here. Allen has the best arm talent in the draft and can make any throw. The concern over his 56.3 completion percentage last season at Wyoming is probably overblown, but there are some accuracy issues with multidimensional throws. He's more of a project than some other QBs in this class, but he definitely has the highest ceiling.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derwin James, S, Florida State*

The Bucs were dead last in the NFL with 17 sacks last season, so they need an edge rusher badly. But the defensive end class this year lacks elite talent at the top, and this is a reach for someone like Marcus Davenport. Instead, Tampa Bay should take the best player available -- which is James. James is a versatile playmaker on the back end, and also a terrific athlete. His outstanding workout in Indy (40-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump, 4.47 40-yard dash) wasn't surprising.

8. Chicago Bears
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*

Calvin Ridley is still my top-ranked WR, but he had a mixed combine workout. The Bears do need playmakers on the outside for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky, but right now, there are simply too many higher-graded players on the board available. Even if Chicago keeps Kyle Fuller (it placed the transition tag on him), the Bears need a lockdown CB. Ward is that guy, and his blazing 4.32 40 cemented his spot as the No. 1 CB in this draft.

9. San Francisco 49ers
Tremaine Edmunds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech*

The 49ers need another cornerback, but in this scenario Ward is gone at No. 8. The 49ers have invested heavily on the defensive line high in previous drafts, but I think they look to the second level of the defense here. And Edmunds is a gift at No. 9. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, he has elite speed (4.47 40) and athleticism -- and he's only 19. Edmunds has the ability to play off the ball on first and second downs and rush the QB on obvious passing downs.

10. Oakland Raiders

Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia*

Oakland has needs all over on defense (CB, LB, edge rusher) and not enough available cap room to make huge upgrades in free agency. Smith would be a good building block for the Raiders' defense, as a rangy weakside linebacker with fast eyes and terrific closing speed. He's also a great leader and possesses tremendous football character.

Skooby · Mar 19, 2018

11. Miami Dolphins
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Smith could also be a great pick for Miami, but if he's off the board and Mayfield and Josh Rosen are both on the board, I think Miami takes a QB here. Ryan Tannehill is good enough to win when healthy, but his availability has been a problem in recent seasons. Adam Gase would be a good offensive mind to help utilize Mayfield's strengths.

12. Cincinnati Bengals
Vita Vea, DT, Washington*

Cincinnati had a disappointing 7-9 season, and the offensive line's poor play and inability to run the ball were big reasons why. With the 12th pick, there isn't an offensive tackle in this class worthy of selection here. The Bengals need difference-makers along the defensive front seven, and Vea fits the bill. He didn't get a chance to fully show off his athleticism at the combine after an injury, but he's extremely agile for a 6-foot-4, 347-pound player. He's a load to move in the running game and disruptive as a power rusher. This would be back-to-back years of using first-round picks on Washington players for the Bengals (WR John Ross, 2017).

13. Washington Redskins

Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida*

Quarterback is no longer a pressing need for Washington after trading for Alex Smith and letting Cousins walk. Now, Washington needs to surround Smith with playmakers and tighten up its defense. Hughes is a talented cover corner who also supports the run. A playmaker when the ball is in the air, he's also a dynamic return specialist.

14. Green Bay Packers
Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport built on a good Senior Bowl week with an impressive showing at the combine. A 4.58-second 40 at 6-foot-5¾, 264 pounds is a ridiculous time, and he showed off his athleticism in other drills. He's still a work in progress, but he's already a long, powerful pass-rusher. Green Bay needs more talent on defense, and Davenport certainly checks that box. Even if the Packers sign Muhammad Wilkerson in free agency, Davenport could be the pick.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*

Arizona is tough to predict right now, because of what the Cardinals might do in free agency. If they sign a QB like Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater or another veteran, the Cardinals could go in another direction. If they don't address the position in free agency, I'm assuming they will trade up for a QB. They would love to get Allen or Darnold, but can they move up that far? If not, I think they try to move up 5-8 spots for Rosen or Mayfield. We can't project trades, so in this scenario they grab Rosen at No. 15.

16. Baltimore Ravens
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Ravens are in desperate need of offensive playmakers, and they'd be thrilled if Ridley were available here. His poor jumps (worst broad jump, second-worst vertical jump among WRs) at the combine are a bit concerning, but he's still the clear top wideout in this class. He runs terrific routes and creates well after the catch.

17. Los Angeles Chargers
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Los Angeles' defense is strong but needs an upgrade at linebacker, and Evans is a thumper in the running game. He plays with tremendous effort and has sneaky pass-rush ability as well.

18. Seattle Seahawks
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa*

The Seahawks are seemingly always in need of offensive line help, so Connor Williams could be a name in play here. But Jackson is a long corner (6-0, 196) who fits the Seattle prototype, and he's a big-time ball hawk (led the nation with eight interceptions last season). With Richard Sherman's future up in the air, Jackson's potential is too good to pass on.

19. Dallas Cowboys
Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*

Payne's sack total is underwhelming (three total in college), but just turn on the tape. He's a highly disruptive player in the middle and would help Dallas' effort to upgrade the Cowboys' pass rush (38 sacks last year was a big improvement). Payne would be a good fit as a 3-technique in Rod Marinelli's system, and would pair well with DeMarcus Lawrence (franchise tagged). With Jason Witten turning 36 this offseason, TE Dallas Goedert is another good option.

20. Detroit Lions
Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas*

Even with Ezekiel Ansah tagged, Detroit could use help at defensive end, but there isn't the value here. Instead, the Lions should turn their attention to keep Matthew Stafford upright. Williams is an athletic pass-protector and played left tackle in college. With shorter arms (33 inches), he might be a better fit inside at guard in the pros. Williams missed nearly all of this past season at Texas because of a knee injury, so how his medicals check out will be vital to his stock.

Skooby · Mar 19, 2018

21. Buffalo Bills
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida*

The big question for the Bills is: What's the plan at QB? Will Buffalo package these two picks to go up to get a QB? Will the Bills sign one in free agency? Since we can't project trades, I'll go defense here. Buffalo needs help along the defensive line after trading DT Marcell Dareus last season, and Bryan would be a good fit. Bryan is an explosive 3-technique whose best football is still ahead of him. His workout confirmed what I saw on tape.

22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)
Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville*

This could be one spot for Lamar Jackson. Otherwise, I think they go defense again. Secondary help is needed outside of Tre'Davious White and the recently signed Vontae Davis. Alexander missed half the season, but he's a big-time cover corner. His combine workout -- highlighted by a 4.38 40 -- turned some heads.

23. Los Angeles Rams
Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

The Rams had a need at CB, but the pending deal for Marcus Peters takes care of that. There's no edge rusher worthy of this pick, so I'm going with the top-rated offensive lineman on the board. Hernandez is a monster in the running game and gives no ground to bull rushers. He'll help to keep Jared Goff protected and open up running lanes for Todd Gurley II.

24. Carolina Panthers

Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado*

Oliver has size (6-foot), speed (4.50 40) and length (33½-inch arm span). The Panthers would like to get a playmaker for Cam Newton but might be better served addressing the secondary here and getting better value on Day 2 of the draft.

25. Tennessee Titans
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

It isn't a terrific tight end group this year, but Goedert is the best one in this class. He's still a little underrated and didn't get a chance to shine at the Senior Bowl or combine because of injury. His pro day will be important. You don't get too many two-way TEs coming out of college, but Goedert fits the bill. He's got a big frame (6-4, 260) with good speed and can play in-line or detached.

26. Atlanta Falcons
Justin Reid, S, Stanford*

Guard is a definite need for Atlanta, but a position I believe the Falcons will address in free agency. This might be a bit of a reach, but I really like Reid's tape and he backed it up with a great combine workout (4.40 40 at 6-1, 204, along with 10-foot, 8-inch broad jump and 36.5-inch vertical jump). I think he's worthy of a top-40 selection.

27. New Orleans Saints
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The Saints could go offensive line with James Daniels or Billy Price, or TE with Goedert if he's available. I'm putting Jackson here because Drew Brees can't play forever, and this would be a terrific spot for him to sit, learn and develop behind a Hall of Fame QB and a terrific offensive mind in Sean Payton.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*

Hurst is a big (6-4, 250), athletic target who can contribute immediately. A former pro baseball player, Hurst has good ball skills and can help stretch the seam for Ben Roethlisberger and that potent Pittsburgh offense. He's also a good blocker.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars
D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland*

Jacksonville has a real possibility of losing Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson in free agency. If that happens, WR is a huge need. Moore's tape is really good when he's targeted, and his combine showing, including a 4.42 40, only helped his cause. A tough WR with good run-after-the-catch skills.

30. Minnesota Vikings
Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State

One way or another, Minnesota will solve its starting QB situation through free agency. With that in place, there aren't a lot of holes on this roster. Minnesota had great success with 2017 third-round pick Pat Elflein, so they go back to the Buckeyes well here. Price tore his pec at the combine and underwent surgery, but he should be fine for training camp. He's an experienced starter with great character, and could be an immediate upgrade.

31. New England Patriots
Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia

Offensive tackle is a possibility for New England, but I think guys like Kolton Miller and Geron Christian are a bit of a reach here. Carter is a versatile LB at 6-5, 250 with 34-inch arms -- he can play standing up and even some right defensive end in a 4-3. He plays his tail off on tape, and the Patriots could use his pass-rushing production. He had an outstanding combine with a 4.50 40 and outstanding jumps (10-foot, 10-inch broad, 36-inch vertical).

32. Philadelphia Eagles
D.J. Chark, WR, LSU

The Super Bowl champions have the luxury of drafting for value, for a roster without many holes. Chark is a raw route runner but has the tools to develop. His stock is on the rise after a great Senior Bowl week and combine workout, punctuated with a 4.34 40 and 40-inch vertical jump. He could fill Torrey Smith's role as an explosive vertical WR in the future.

Frump · Mar 20, 2018

NBA mock draft: New lottery picks heading into Sweet 16

Da_Eggman · Mar 20, 2018

NBA draft rankings: Top 100 prospects

Essential The Official ESPN Insider Thread (ESPN+)

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