2017 NFL Mock Draft
There has been plenty of hype around this draft’s talented class, and deservedly so. These first couple rounds could be as the 2007 draft that saw 24 Pro-Bowlers in the first two rounds. With the draft about a week and a half away, it is time to dive into the potential draft day scenarios. Here goes nothing.
1. Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, EDGE, CB, S
The Pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
With all of the uncertainty in this draft, it doesn’t exist for the 1st pick. Myles Garrett is widely seen as the best prospect in the draft, and for good reason. 6 foot 5, 260 pounds, and just recently ran a 4.56 40 yard dash at his pro day. He is an athletic FREAK. Cleveland finished last year tied for 30th in sacks, and 28 in pressure rate. Their inability to put pressure on the quarterback last year is something Garrett can come in and mask quickly.
2. San Fransisco 49ers
Needs: QB, WR, CB, OL
The Pick: Soloman Thomas, DE, Stanford
Just as the first pick, I don’t believe there is a ton of uncertainty with this pick either. It is very obvious how badly the 49ers need a QB, but I personally don’t see Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch valuing any of this year’s quarterback as worthy of the number 2 pick. They could take Jonathan Allen here, or even get a safety, but I see Thomas as the best value at this spot who can be an immediate starter at weak-side edge rusher.
3. Chicago Bears
Needs: S, CB, OT, WR
The Pick: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
This is where it gets dicey. There is a ton of gifted corners and safeties in this draft, but Adams made the most sense in this spot. He wouldn’t be warranted at this spot if it weren’t for the improvements he made at his pro day. After clocking a 4.56 40 at the combine, Adams had some scouts questioning if he had the speed to be valued as a top-5 pick. He answered those questions by running a blazing 4.45 at his pro day, solidifying himself as a legit top 5 pick. At 6 foot, 215 pounds he is versatile enough to play either strong or free safety, a position the Bears need to fill.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: DT, DE, WR
The Pick: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
Allen totalled 62 tackles last year, 15 for a loss, and 9.5 sacks. He was dominant all year and could add another key piece to an already young, excited Jaguar defense. Picture a defensive line and backer rotation of Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Dante Fowler, and Jonathan Allen. Scary. With players like Myles Jack and Jalen Ramsey behind them, the Jags would have a very promising defense.
5. Tennessee Titans
Needs: WR, CB, S, ILB
The Pick: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
There have been reports about several teams having deep concern with Lattimore’s hamstring issues, but he fits an obvious need here for the Titans. Marshon is an elite athlete, and is incredible in press coverage. He can close very quickly, and in my opinion is the best corner in this draft. Tennessee gave up the 3rd most passing yards in the league last year, so taking Lattimore here makes a lot of sense.
6. New York Jets
Needs: QB, CB, OL, WR
The Pick: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Back to back Buckeyes off the board. Somewhat similar players too given they are both raw, but playmaking athletes. Hooker would make a major impact to the Jets pass defense if chosen at the 6th pick. He has great instincts on the field. If you watch the tape you will consistently see Malik around the ball, which is a big reason as to why he had 7 interceptions last year. Ohio State’s Greg Schiano said Malik Hooker can be the next Ed Reed, and Schiano coached both Hooker and Reed. High praise for such a young player, we will see if he can live up to the hype.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
Needs: WR, OL, S, CB
The Pick: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Ah, the first one off the board that will probably have you saying, “what?”. So let me break it down for you. Corey Davis is a 6 foot 3, 210 pound receiver who is a flat out competitor. He showed a lot of improvement with his route running last year, and has a 4 year sample size that shows his consistency. He is dominant in the red zone, tracks the ball well, and can win 50–50 balls. The Chargers unfortunately can not wait any longer to go and get a pass catcher, due to the string of injuries Keenan Allen has gone through over the past couple years. Davis gives Los Angeles the depth and flexibility to have an improved air attack this year.
8. Carolina Panthers
Needs: WR, CB, RB, OT
The Pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
No player in this draft has been more disrespected than Christian McCaffrey. People question his size, his durability, and his speed. Apparently that isn’t something NFL executives are questioning because according to Fox Sports Peter Schrager, multiple front office executives believe McCaffrey will be a top-10 pick. Christian can do everything asked of him. He has excelled at carrying the ball, pass catching out of the back field and flexed out, and also as a punt and kick returner. McCaffrey will add a unique dimension to the Panthers as a back and slot receiver, as well as in special teams that they have been missing.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: LB, OL, EDGE, WR
The Pick: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
This is going to be a really tough choice for the Bengals. Losing Kevin Zeitler and Andrew Whitworth off of an offensive line unit that struggled mightily last year is concerning. Going with an offensive lineman like Cam Robinson or Forrest Lamp wouldn’t be a bad idea, but Reuben Foster fills an immediate need as well. Foster is a springy, ferocious hitter. He dropped 15 pounds in the off season, and his quickness has improved a lot because of it. Foster is the best linebacker in this draft and will be an immediate impact starter for Cincinatti.
10. Buffalo Bills
Needs: DB, LB, WR, OL
The Pick: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Bills were held back by the receiver position last year. Mike Williams is a player who can come in and make an instant contribution for this Buffalo offense. He has great size (6'4" 22o pounds), and can go up and get the ball better than any receiver in this class. He could be just what is needed for Tyrod Taylor and that Bills offense to push them to the next level.
11. New Orleans Saints
Needs: DB, LB, WR, DE
The Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The New Orleans Saints struggled mightily putting pressure on the quarterback in 2016. Enter Derek Barnett. Barnett is a grinder, with the best hands of all the defensive ends and linemen in this draft. He times his punches and swim moves perfectly, which helped lead to 18 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks in 2016 for Barnett. The one knock on him is that he lacks the twitch and speed off the edge, but his ball instinct will help keep him around the play. He will be a very productive player in the league.
12. Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, EDGE, CB, S
The Pick: Mitch Trubisky, QB, UNC
It is blatantly obvious to even minor football fans that the Cleveland Browns have needed a quarterback for about the past 15 years. Personally, I don’t believe there is a quarterback in this years draft that warrents a top-15 selection, but the Browns are high on Trubisky. Sources have said that the Browns are even mulling taking him with the number-1 pick. Trubisky is a calm, field general. He has really good feet in the pocket, and can be mobile if needed. He is quick through his progressions, and has an NFL arm. He will need to learn to play under center, but he has a high enough IQ to do so.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Needs: ILB, QB, DB, TE
The Pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Carson Palmer is 37 and by the looks of his play, he is looking at his last couple years in the league. This would give the Cardinals the perfect opportunity to bring in Deshaun, have him sit behind Carson for a year or two, and then hand him the reigns. You will not find a better leader or winner in this draft than Deshaun Watson. Prototypical NFL size at 6'3" 220 pounds. Good pocket presence, and is willing to stand in and take a shot. Great ability to escape the pocket and challenge defenders with his legs. This would be the most ideal situation for Deshaun, and it makes perfect sense for Arizona.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: DB, RB, TE
The Pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
O.J. Howard is a freak. 6'6", 250 pounds, 4.51 speed. O.J.’s long arms and great acceleration make him a serious matchup nightmare down the seam. He is a bit raw, and didn’t perform as well as people thought he would at Alabama, but with the right system he can flourish. Philadelphia’s offense would take the next step with an elite athlete like O.J. on their team.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Needs: ILB, OL, S, RB
The Pick: Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
Rejoice Colts fans. Help is on the way. Andrew Luck has been tormented by pressure throughout his career, mostly due to a below average offensive line. Lamp is a very athletic O-lineman who would fit their scheme well. “He’s the real deal. If he can snap, you could get away with playing him all up and down the line. Great feet, strong, smart ” — AFC executive (NFL.com). Lamp will help patch up the Colts line and give Luck more protection in the pocket.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Needs: DE, WR, OLB, DB
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The Pick: Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA
“Tak” is a workhorse off the edge. Never takes plays off, and is always around the ball. He broke out last year in the Pac-12 with 18 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and 6 pass breakups. Compact frame, with good strength and above average speed (4.59 40 time). He has an back story filled with struggle and perseverance, which is why he plays with such hunger. He adds another athletic key piece to a solid Baltimore D.
17. Washington Redskins
Needs: OLB, WR, RB, S
The Pick: Haason Reddick, DE/LB, Temple
Haason Reddick is by far the biggest riser on draft boards due to his standout performance at the Senior Bowl. His story is incredible. He was injured throughout high school, so he walked on at Temple as a cornerback weighing under 200 pounds. He learned how to read defenses from the back end, and excelled on special teams. He gained weight and was inserted as an EDGE and dominated his senior year with 22.5 tackles for a loss (third in the nation). Reddick is a quick twitch, explosive athlete with the smarts to be a very solid pro.
18. Tennessee Titans
Needs: WR, CB, S, ILB
The Pick: John Ross, WR, Washington
The Titans will be very pleased to see that a player of this caliber has slipped to the 18th pick. John Ross isn’t just fast, he is electric. The record breaking 4.22 40 yard dash speaks for itself, but it shows on the field as well. His home run speed requires a lot of defensive attention, and also opens up underneath throws as well. Has some of the quickest, most explosive feet from a receiver I have seen in years. His size and weight will lead to him slipping a bit in the draft, but he has a lot of DeSean Jackson in him.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: S, RB, CB, OT
The Pick: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Fournette’s college career speaks for itself. He was dominant, and showed the aggression and physicality to play at the next level. He showed up to the combine a little heavier than teams were expecting, but dropped some of that weight for his pro day. Built like a linebacker, but with good speed. Can break tackles easily, and always runs downhill. Hips aren’t loose, and doesn’t make defenders miss in the open field. Pass protection and pass catching needs a lot of work, which I think causes him to drop this far.
20. Denver Broncos
Needs: OL, RB, DE, ILB
The Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OL, Wisconsin
Ryan Ramczyk is really solid lineman who without hip injury question could of potentially been a higher pick. Playing at Wisconsin gives Ryan a competitive edge having learned an NFL system, and being battle tested against very good Big Ten competition. He is a very intelligent player with quick hands and feet, and will help Denver as an immediate starter.
21. Detroit Lions
Needs: CB, ILB, DT, WR
The Pick: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Detroit Lions finished last in the league against the pass last year, and Marlon Humphrey is a player they desperately need to get. He has good speed along with a good frame. He has really fluid hips, and is very hard to block on the run. He can get a little impatient, and occasionally allows separation throughout routes. Bottom line is he is a little raw but with the right coaching can be an solid corner for a team that needs one.
22. Miami Dolphins
Needs: LB, CB, G, S
The Pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
This would be a really great value pick for Miami, with Conley dropping this far in the first round. Conley’s long arms and good speed make him one of the best corners in this draft. He is very versatile, and is above average in press coverage. His ability to stay in phase with receivers through routes is impressive, and he attacks the ball like a receiver. He must improve in run coverage, but will add depth at the position for Miami.
23. New York Giants
Needs: OLB, TE, LB, OL
The Pick: Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama
Robinson is an extremely gifted run blocker, and consistently moves defenders when playing with leverage. He has the length and ability to pass block, but needs a little improvement in that category. Excellent hands, always stays engaged, but sometimes struggles against speedy edge rushers. He will add a versatile dimension to the Giants O-line which has struggled over the past few years.
24. Oakland Raiders
Needs: ILB, OLB, DT, RB
The Pick: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Dalvin Cook has a lethal combination of footwork, balance, and speed. He strived in the open field making defenders miss. Exceptional vision, and has a great hesitation step that freezes defenders. He does have some character issues, and struggles with interior physical runs. In an offense that is basically stacked everywhere but running back, this would give Oakland a piece that could make them legit Super Bowl contenders.
25. Houston Texans
Needs: QB, CB, ILB
The Pick: Pat Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
One of the most intriguing players in this years draft, Mahomes possesses the tools to become a solid quarterback at the NFL level. He will need to adjust to playing under center, given that he ran the spread offense out of the gun at Texas Tech. There isn’t a throw Mahomes can’t make, given he is the son of a former MLB pitcher. He has a really solid NFL frame, and has the ability to escape the pocket when needed. He is exactly the type of electric player the Texans have been missing at the quarterback position.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Needs: OL, DT, CB
The Pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St
McDowell has a rare combination of size and speed. He has the ability to create space on the edge with the club and swim move with quick, strong hands. Scouts have concern for his tendency to take plays off, and that his footwork and technique is sloppy. The bottom line is he has a ton of potential, and with a good defensive system in Seattle he could flourish.
27. Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: CB, ILB, WR
The Pick: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Possibly one of the most underrated prospects in the draft, Zach Cunningham is a tackling machine. Last year as a junior, he led the SEC with 125 tackles, and garnered First Team All-American honors. He plays downhill, and has a good feel for blockers and seeing running lanes. He is very durable and reliable, and would be a good option for the Chiefs at this spot.
28. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DB, DE, TE
The Pick: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
White is an experienced, mirror-and-match corner with 47 starts at the college level. Excels in man coverage, good feet and length. Needs to improve physicality when matched up in the slot, and in run coverage. Dallas is a team that has been average to below average in pass defense, so going with a corner here makes sense.
29. Green Bay Packers
Needs: CB, ILB, OL, RB
The Pick: Kevin King, CB, Washington
Kevin King is a rare big corner, with very good speed. 6'3" 200 pound frame, with 4.43 speed. Showed ability to push receivers towards boundary on vertical routes, and uses his size well. Given his size he could be played at safety as well. Allowed just one touchdown over last 101 targets. The Packers are in dire need of help in the secondary, and grabbing King here would be a start.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: LB, WR, S, EDGE
The Pick: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Peppers is one of the most versatile players in the draft, and can be a great addition to the Steelers. His questionable fit in the pro’s could have him slide this far, but he is too good to pass up at this point. Given that it is a sub-package league, Peppers could thrive as a jack of all trades. He would also be a nice contribution in the return game, and it would be interesting to see if Mike Tomlin mixes him into the offense.
31. Atlanta Falcons
Needs: OL, DE, DT
The Pick: Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri
Harris is a really solid player who had a couple solid seasons in the SEC. He is versatile enough to play in multiple different schemes. Explosive out of his stance, and plays with a lot of energy. Has a really effective spin move, and has 30.5 tackles for a loss over the past two years. Harris would be a good addition to the Falcons to put another effective rusher a crossed the line from Beasley.
32. New Orleans Saints
Needs: DB, LB, WR, DE
The Pick: T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin
Watt has been consistently moving up draft boards, and deservedly so. He has really good length, and plays with a ton of heart. He excelled in 2016, racking up 15.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks. He needs to get a little bigger, and will need to prove he isnt a one year wonder. The Saints who are in need of depth at linebacker and edge-rusher will gladly take Watt at this position.
