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Rival Views: Mike Farrell's NFL mock draft 3.0

Solomon Thomas
Solomon Thomas (AP Images)

With NFL Pro Days wrapping up around the country, it’s time for our latest NFL Mock Draft. This is version 3.0 from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell.

RELATED: Farrell Mock 2.0 | Farrell Mock 1.0 | Adam Gorney's mock draft

1. CLEVELAND BROWNS

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After an amazing combine and Pro Day, this one appears to be locked up as Cleveland is zeroing in on immediate pass rushing help. Garrett is a freak of nature and will be expected to fill one of many holes on the roster.

2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

No one has moved up more than Thomas, who has shown the ability to play inside or outside and is scheme versatile at the NFL level. The 49ers expect him to be an edge rusher and an elite one at that.

3. CHICAGO BEARS

This pick doesn’t change for me from Mock 2.0. After the Bears signed Mike Glennon (although I don’t know why) the apparent need for a quarterback is gone, so they add a lockdown corner. But watch for teams trading up in this range who feel they need a quarterback.

4. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

I’m not changing my pick here despite some talk of Leonard Fournette or a defensive end. I think Adams teamed with Jalen Ramsey is a dream for the Jags.

5. TENNESSEE TITANS

I had Malik Hooker here in my last mock and they could go defensive back later in round one, but the Titans need weapons for Marcus Mariota badly.

6. NEW YORK JETS

Howard is shooting up the list for many, and while the Jets could use a quarterback and could be tempted to take Mitch Trubisky, DeShaun Watson or Leonard Fournette, the most athletic tight end I’ve ever scouted out of high school is a great fit.

7. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Two Buckeyes in the top 10 shows the power of Urban Meyer’s program and an elite, rangy safety such as Hooker will help the defensive backfield right away despite some key offensive needs as well.

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS

LSU checks in with two in the top 10 as well. A lot of people don’t see a fit here for Fournette because the use of Cam Newton in the shotgun, but I also don’t think the Panthers felt he would fall here and Carolina can’t pass.

9. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Add Bama to the group having two top 10 picks as I swap out Tide players. I had Reuben Foster here in my previous mock, but Allen will be too tempting to pass up and help provide some push to the defensive pass rush.

10. BUFFALO BILLS

I had Williams here but he’s long gone, so the Bills go on a big, physical receiver to help the offense. They could go on John Ross as well, but they will covet size.

11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The best pure inside linebacker in the draft can’t slide much farther. The Saints need help all over the defense and getting an anchor in the middle is key.

12. CLEVELAND BROWNS

A lot of people feel Trubisky will be the pick here if he’s available, but the Browns will take experience and winning over one season of success. With possible trades both could go higher.

13. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Ross is the fastest player in the draft and an offensive weapon from the slot. He’s not a future replacement for Larry Fitzgerald because they are clearly different players, but the Cardinals are hoping he’s Antonio Brown.

14. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Offense will be tempting, but White is vastly underrated and the Eagles like his ability in the return game as well.

15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

I had Bolles in the top 10 to Carolina in my last mock, but that might have been reaching. The Colts need offensive line help to protect Andrew Luck and this would be a great value pick.

16. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Barnett didn’t help himself much at the combine, but his on-field production is off the charts and the need at end takes priority over some tempting offensive options.

17. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

There are many defensive needs for the Redskins and Peppers might not have a true position to some, but lock him in at safety in D.C. and watch him excel.

18. TENNESSEE TITANS

The Titans need defensive back help, and Conley is a great value here coming from a winning program and adding lockdown traits.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

A local hero who fills a huge area of need could supersede needs at offensive line and linebacker, and even defensive end. He’s a great fit and will add another weapon for Jameis Winston.

20. DENVER BRONCOS

The offensive line needs help and Robinson is good value down here. There is such a dropoff after the top two tackles, at least to me, that Denver is happy he is available.

21. DETROIT LIONS

People think I’m nutty here because they reached on Eric Ebron in the top 10 a few years back, so taking another tight end might make them hesitant. But Engram is a wide receiver in a tight end’s body and a mismatch this offense needs.

22. MIAMI DOLPHINS - HAASON REDDICK, TEMPLE

The Dolphins need an athletic guy who can play all over the field at linebacker, and Reddick has shown he can be that guy as well as blitz off the edge.

MORE TEMPLE: OWLSCOOP.COM

23. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants were hoping Reddick would fall to them here, so instead they will go offense and add another weapon who could be a couple years away from greatness.

24. OAKLAND RAIDERS

Linebacker is a need as is defensive back, but no one expected this freaky athlete to fall this far, and he’s athletic enough to stand up and play down.

25. HOUSTON TEXANS

Falling this far? It’s probably not likely, as someone will trade up to get him or he could be off the board earlier, but Houston needs a quarterback and would be thrilled to see him here. Heck, it could trade up earlier to get him.

26. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The offensive line needs help, but King is all the rage these days, especially with teammate Sidney Jones’ injury. Pete Carroll will stand on the table to land him.

27. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

It is either Kizer or Mahomes here if the Chiefs decide to go quarterback, and to me there is no comparison beyond both being raw. Mahomes has much more upside.

28. DALLAS COWBOYS

An edge rusher is a must, and Harris also showed off his ability to cover a ton of room in space. I had Taco Charlton here in my first mock, but now Harris is more coveted.

29. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Running back is a need, and another weapon for Aaron Rodgers can’t hurt despite defensive needs here. I don’t know why I feel this is the pick as I seem to be the only one.

30. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers need a pass rusher, and Willis has been overlooked and underrated by many, but he’s a great option here.

31. ATLANTA FALCONS

I personally think Adams should go higher in what is a weak defensive tackle class, at least when it comes to pure inside guys, and the Falcons could have the steal of the draft here.

32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Add another defensive weapon for the Saints, as they need size and skill at cornerback and Wilson has great upside.

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