Mel Kiper Mock Draft 3.0

[nctarheel0619]

30. Carolina Panthers

*Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

The Panthers could look at either cornerback or safety here, but the way the board breaks in this instance getting the top safety would be a sensible value at No. 30.

Free-agency effect: Carolina is out of cap jail, but it won't exactly be winning bidding wars. If the Panthers get secondary help, maybe that pushes them toward a pass-rusher here. But it all depends on who is available.

NFC South picks below

17. Atlanta Falcons

**Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Nobody was better at the NFL combine, and Lee has plenty of good tape as well. An explosive, versatile player is a good value here, and Atlanta has a need for a playmaker at linebacker.

Free-agency effect: If the Falcons add a guy such as Danny Trevathan in free agency, Lee might not be the best pick for immediate help. If they don't add any pass rush help, you could see them go that direction.

12. New Orleans Saints

Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville

A big man with the quickness to create havoc in the backfield working from the interior, Rankins is a guy you draft to get better on defense, period, and that's what the Saints need to do.

Free-agency effect: Given their cap squeeze, the Saints can't be too aggressive in free agency and need to add defenders in the draft.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

No change here from the previous mock. Hargreaves is highly regarded throughout the league and could certainly be drafted before this point.

Free-agency effect: The Bucs could get secondary help in free agency, but Hargreaves at this point would be hard to pass up, too.

Picks of interest

26. Seattle Seahawks

*Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Defensive line is going to be a need area, but Fuller becomes a value at this point, and the defensive line class in this draft is going to produce starters well into day three. Get the best player.

Free-agency effect: If Jeremy Lane departs this is a legit need area, so free agency will be something to watch.

2. Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

I wouldn't rule out Cleveland taking a non-quarterback here and then getting one with the No. 32 pick, but Wentz would make sense here as a super physical talent at the position who Hue Jackson can develop.

Free-agency effect: Is there a QB in free agency clearly better than a healthy Josh McCown who they want to pay big dollars for? Right now I doubt the Browns make a splash there.

4. Dallas Cowboys

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

A good combination of clear need and a really good player available. Buckner brings versatility and the ability to disrupt the pocket.

Free-agency effect: There are some decent pass-rushers in free agency, but the Cowboys don't have the cap space to win bidding wars.

7. San Francisco 49ers

*Jared Goff, QB, California

Even if Colin Kaepernick remains at quarterback I don't know if Goff would be out of the equation here. I think he could develop into something special for Chip Kelly and would provide insurance for Kap.

Free-agency effect: While a rebuilding team needs to be thinking "best player available" here, the 49ers have a lot of money to spend -- and needs all over -- so I do think priorities could shift.