2017 NFL Draft: Best picks for each AFC team
AFC NORTH
Cleveland Browns
The Browns had a big draft and added pieces for the present and future. Taking DE Myles Garrett from Texas A&M, TE David Njoku from Miami, and S Jabril Peppers from Michigan in the first round. However, the additions of QB Deshone Kizer from Notre Dame in the second, OT Roderick Johnson from Florida St. in the fifth, and DT Caleb Brantley from Florida in the sixth could be the biggest difference makers.
Baltimore Ravens
Needing help on the defensive side of the ball the Ravens used 5 of their 7 picks on defense. CB Marlon Humphrey from Alabama in the first should help sure up a leaky secondary and adding OLBs Tyus Brown from Houston and Tim Williams from Alabama in the second and third respectively should help the Ravens create more pressure on the quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals
Taking WR John Ross from Washington with the ninth overall pick took many by surprise but should help with the lack of explosive plays. Despite the controversy surrounding Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon the Bengals too him the second round and he should help the running game out that disappeared last season. Needing help getting pressure on the quarterback the Bengals used a third round pick on Kansas St.'s DE Jordan Willis and a fourth round pick on Auburn's DE Carl Lawson.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Taking an heir apparent to Big Ben in Joshua Dobbs from Tennessee in the fourth was huge and we all know he will probably see time because Ben always gets hurt. Adding WR JuJu Smith-Schuster from USC in the second gives Ben a big target to couple with his speedy weapons.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots
The defending Super Bowl Champs didn't have many picks but used them wisely. No big names were taken but just four solid guys that will contribute but the best was DE Derek Rivers from Youngstown St. that will get after the passer.
Miami Dolphins
Miami's first two days were great adding OLB Charles Harris from Missouri in the first, ILB Raekwan McMillian from Ohio St in the second, and finally CB Cordrea Tankersly from Clemson in the third.
New York Jets
Deciding to not address the need at quarterback was interesting but adding LSU S Jamal Adams in the first round and Florida S Marcus Maye in the second should help their horrid secondary. Whom ever is the quarterback will have some young weapons to throw to as the Jets added WRs ArDarius Stewart from Alabama in the third round and Chad Hansen from Cal in the fourth, and Clemson TE Jordan Legget in the fifth.
Buffalo Bills
Management is Buffalo were in turmoil as they let their GM go but added three quality pieces in CB Tre'Davious White from LSU, WR Zay Jones from E. Carolina in the second and Pitt QB Nathan Peterman in the fifth. White should help out the secondary and Jones should help take coverages away from Sammy Watkins.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
The Brock Osweiler experiment lasted only one season and Houston found their next quarterback with Clemson QB Deshaun Watson in the first round. They added ILB Zach Cunningham from Vanderbilt in the second to help out their already great defense and then added Texas RB D'onta Foreman in the third to help out the running game.
Indianapolis Colts
After drafting offensive lineman it seemed year after year the Colts used only one pick on the o-line and just two picks on offense all together. They hope RB Marlon Mack from south Florida can help with their running woes but used their top two picks on their secondary. Adding Ohio St. S Malik hooker in the first and Florida CB Qunicy Wilson in the second.
Tennessee Titans
One of the biggest concerns for the Titans was weapons for QB Marcus Mariota. They addressed that with 3 of their first 4 picks by selecting WR Corey davis from W. Michigan in the first, WR Taywan Taylor from W. Kentucky in the third, and TE Jonnu Smith from Florida International in the third. Not to be overlooked was their second round pick of USC CB Adoree' Jackson and his play making ability.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles should be put on notice that his days of excuses for winning are quickly ending. The Jags added LSU RB Leonard Fournette in the first, OT Cam Robinson from Alabama in the second and then WR Dede Westbrook from Oklahoma in the fourth.
AFC WEST
Los Angles Chargers
Keenan Allen's injury really hurt the Chargers a year ago and Melvin Gordon found his stride in the NFL, adding Clemson WR Mike Williams with their first round pick will definitely help the Chargers offense. They also added Iowa CB Desmond King in the fifth in what could be considered the steal of the draft.
Denver Broncos
Not very often is Mr. Irrelevant considered a great pick but QB Chad Kelly from Ole Miss qualifies. The Broncos will replace Demarcus Ware with Demarcus Walker, their second round pick out of Florida St. They then added Michigan TE Jake Butt in the fifth to help with passing over the middle of the field.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders wasted no time steering up controversy by selecting Ohio St. CB Gareon Conly in the first round. He can play and will help their pass defense if he can stay out of trouble.
Kansas City Chiefs
Andy Reid would probably prefer to have a guy under center he can let loose and he got that in Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes in the first round. Mahomes may not start the season but if the Chiefs stumble out the blocks he will be inserted. The Chiefs need to develop some young receivers and drafting Michigan WR Jehu Chesson in the fourth is a good start.
