Pre-Free Agency 2017 NFL Mock Draft
The 2017 NFL Season concluded yesterday with the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52. Now, all NFL fans eyes will switch to the offseason and the 2018 NFL Draft. Here's my first of two mock drafts to hold fans down until closer to the draft. *Note: There are no projected trades.
1.) Browns: Saquan Barkley RB, Penn State.
-I know the consensus says the Browns will likely take a QB no.1 overall, but I'm not biting that bait. Barkley is a special player, and Hue Jackson would likely love to have him in Cleveland. I also think Cleveland wouldn't mind having either Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, or Josh Allen and one of them has to be available at no.4. So instead of hoping Barkley will be available for the Browns to pick at no.4, they snatch him at no.1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs9DFP_bVBA&t=3s
2.) Giants: Josh Rosen QB, UCLA.
-I've been excited for Rosen to get drafted since his Freshman year ended, I really think he has potential to be a special NFL QB. Rosen has great footwork within the pocket, has a fluent throwing motion, and is able to fit balls into tight windows with ease. The biggest complaint about him may be that his "passion" for football is questionable, I personally think Rosen just doesn't want to play in Cleveland. Well, Rosen can go to a better Giants team here and take a year to learn under Eli Manning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9xDIb1N2LI&t=24s
3.) Colts: Bradley Chubb DE, NC State.
-I debated putting Minkah Fitzpatrick here, but I think the Colts need pass rush more than secondary help. Still, expect the Colts to address both. Analysts have seemed to rave about Chubb's effort and love for the game. Oh, and he has the skills too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrxoaZlnjDw
4.) Browns (from Texans): Sam Darnold QB, USC.
-This may not hold true due to their being trades in the actual draft, but if it does Cleveland will be thrilled, not only do you have a franchise running back but now you also have a potential franchise quarterback. Darnold was the consensus no.1 pick entering the draft, but turnover problems have caused him to slip in some mock drafts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PHSSWcwOh8
5.) Broncos: Quenton Nelson OG, Notre Dame.
-The Broncos offensive line just hasn't gotten on track since they won the Super Bowl in 2015. I know the Broncos need a quarterback but I believe Elway is more likely to find one via free agency or trade then in the draft. Nelson gives the Broncos an instant upgrade at guard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi3Um_aHdMk
6.) Jets: Baker Mayfield QB, Oklahoma.
-Perhaps the most controversial player in the draft, Mayfield's character issues have been a concern since the second week of the College Football season, when he planted an Oklahoma flag in the middle of the Ohio State Buckeyes logo in Ohio Stadium. It's hard to deny that Mayfield may be the most overall talented player in College Football. However, being undersized and having character issues may not help his case with some NFL teams. Oh well, it's the Jets, they'll take Mayfield anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrzpdl5NV9w
7.) Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick S/CB, Alabama.
-Fitzpatrick could go a lot earlier than this depending on what Cleveland does with their no.1 pick mostly. In this scenario, a talented defensive back lands right in the Buccaneers laps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HlJmljTLSM
8.) Bears: Denzel Ward CB, Ohio State.
-Analyzing secondary players is certainly not my strong suit, but from judging from the eye-test Ward is very competitive with wide receivers down the field, and can go up to get interceptions. A potential no.1 corner goes to Chicago to help bolster their secondary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkSH-32fm9c&t=77s
9.) 49ers: Tremaine Edmunds OLB, Virginia Tech.
-Edmunds would be an absolutely great compliment to Rueben Foster and the 49ers defense. Edmunds physicality almost makes him seem like a Raiders-type player. While in this scenario the 49ers get to Edmunds before the Raiders, there's still a coin-flip between the 49ers and Raiders for this pick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_alNNzT1n0
10.) Raiders: Roquan Smith ILB, Georgia.
-Edmunds doesn't fall in their lap, oh well. Smith is easily the best inside linebacker in this draft. Smith was the winner of the Dick Butkus Award for best linebacker in College Football during the 2017 season. Smith would be a welcome addition to the Raiders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZDD_u2vowk
11.) Dolphins: Josh Allen QB, Wyoming.
- This pick will be a surprise to some people, but the Dolphins have already met with Allen. Is it safe to say Ryan Tanehill no longer is a reliable quarterback? He's missed 20 straight games and counting now, all due to two knee injuries. It's believed Allen may need some work to get acclimated to NFL football so Tanehill could play for a season or two with Allen behind him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTuKHNz9vbA
12.) Bengals: Orlando Brown Jr. OT, Oklahoma.
- Brown is the son of former Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Sr. Brown Jr. is an astounding 6'8" tall and 345lbs. This massive offensive tackle would be a great addition to an underwhelming Bengals offensive line. If the Bengals want to compete for a Wild Card spot in 2018 this is the type of move they must make.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkY01Ma-Kg
13.) Redskins: Calvin Ridley WR, Alabama.
-The Redskins just solved their quarterback problem less than a week ago when they traded for veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Now, it's time for the Redskins to give Smith a legitimate receiving threat. The Redskins can't rely on Jordan Reed to stay healthy, Josh Doctson is primarily a Red-zone threat, and Jamison Crowder is only good as a slot receiver. Enter Calvin Ridley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckBSYseRcfM
14.) Packers: Marcus Davenport DE, UTSA.
-Some NFL.com analysts have Davenport going as high as no.7, but I'm not sure I believe he's going to go that high. But he is seen as having good upside, and would be welcomed into Green Bay happily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTyTQtQotzc&t=2s
15.) Cardinals: Vita Vea DT, Washington.
-Cardinals decided to hire a defensive coach this offseason, and look for him to revamp this Cardinals team starting on the defensive side of the ball. The Cardinals could easily go after a quarterback in Free Agency or draft one in the later rounds. Vea can fill the gap that the Cardinals have at defensive tackle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2MBuoepc1I
16.) Ravens: Connor Williams OT, Texas.
-At some points in the season I saw mock drafts with Williams up near the top 5 picks, but since the season has gone on Williams has slid. However, he is a good value pick at this point in the draft. The Ravens could use Williams to finalize what has been a rebuilding of the Ravens offensive line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6HARqp8yNQ
17.) Chargers: Derwin James S, Florida State.
- The Chargers have yet to fill their void at safety since Eric Weddle departed for Baltimore in the 2015 offseason. James can finally fill the hole the Chargers have had at safety for two straight seasons now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpNHxWYUFog
18.) Seahawks: Josh Jackson CB, Iowa.
-The Seahawks are likely going to start a complete defensive rebuild soon. Jackson, seen by some as the best corner in the draft would be a nice start to the Seahawks potential rebuild.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wop5Bm17oJg
19.) Cowboys: Christian Kirk WR, Texas A&M.
-There's rumors that the Cowboys could move on from Dez Bryant this offseason. I personally don't buy it, but if they do then receiver easily becomes the Cowboys number one need. Even if they keep Dez they could use another receiving threat. Kirk is a great route runner, an overall electrifying player, and would be a good pick for the Cowboys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlIeRgb7A0
20.) Lions: Arden Key DE/OLB, LSU.
-I saw a mock draft at the beginning of the season with Key at no.1, yet here is at no.20. Off-field issues and a drop in production during the 2017 season have caused Key to slide down the draft boards. However, Key's potentially tremendous upside should be enough to sway first year Head Coach Matt Patricia (a defensive minded coach) to take a chance on him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxxzMh8ASB4&t=1s
21.) Bills: Da'Ron Payne DT, Alabama.
-The Bills traded away Marcell Dareus midway through the season for a draft pick, and they never bothered to replace him. With no Marcell Dareus and an aging Kyle Williams, the Bills need a solution at defensive tackle fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK8o5r3crmY
22.) Bills (from Chiefs): James Daniels C, Iowa.
-Eric Wood was forced to retire due to injury and now the Bills have no reliable option at center. Daniels is seen by some as the best center in this draft. It's not a secret that the Bills need a quarterback but they can get one via trade, in free agency, or just draft one in the second or third round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n06fJ5U-CH8
23.) Rams: Jaire Alexander CB, Louisville.
-It's unlikely the Rams can keep Trumaine Johsnon and Lamarcus Joyner this offseason. If they lose the first of these two then Alexander may be the pick for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iToQy9CQ19M
24.) Panthers: James Washington WR, Oklahoma State.
- I'm not too sure what the Panthers will do with this pick, but judging from recent years, it sure seems as if they love taking offensive weapons for Cam Newton in the early rounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq8xCERubko
25.) Titans: Harold Landry OLB, Boston College.
-Wesley Woodyard and Brian Orakapo are the Titans only linebackers that are any bit good. They could use and upgrade to their linebacker core urgently. Landry is the definition of an aggressive linebacker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxcRp2ars4A
26.) Falcons: Maurice Hurst DT, Michigan.
- I've seen plenty of mock drafts that have Hurst higher at around no.19 and 20. However, somebody slides every single year and Hurst could be that guy. If so, Hurst slides right into the hands of a Falcons team that has been searching for an affordable upgrade at defensive tackle for quite awhile now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC8RdRbt-_E
27.) Saints: Billy Price C/OG, Ohio State.
-The Saints would be smart to cut Max Unger and free some cap space. If they do so, Price could be their next center. Price is a versatile interior offensive lineman that can play both center and guard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FTPS7Dzc3w
28.) Steelers: Ronnie Harrison S, Alabama.
-It's time for the Steelers to move on from Mike Mitchell, who is a free agent this year. The Steelers likely don't have a solution for safety on their roster so they may opt for the Alabama product with Harrsion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK5ORU1Lvao
29.) Jaguars: Hayden Hurst TE, South Carolina.
-There will be a big debate on who's the best tight end in this draft between Hurst and South Dakota State's Dallas Goedert. However, I think Hurst may have a slight edge. Somebody has to replace the 95-year old Mercedes Lewis eventually.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDeo_EyyiJQ
30.) Vikings: Same Hubbard DE, Ohio State.
-Hubbard has been an above average pass rusher at Ohio State from the moment he got there in 2015. Now, he can join an already scary Vikings defensive line with Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, and Sharrif Floyd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIYMBnhErMg
31.) Patriots: Isaiah Oliver CB, Colorado.
-I was genuinely surprised to see the Patriots lose last night, I just didn't think it would happen. Maybe this is the end of a dynasty, but I'll discuss that soon. One of the main reasons the Patriots lost is because Bill Belichick decided to bench Malcom Butler. If that doesn't tell people that Butler isn't coming back to the Patriots in 2018, I don't know what will.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3-DpLfnicc
32.) Eagles: Rashaan Evans ILB, Alabama.
-This year's Eagles team was just a blast to watch, it's only fitting that they won the Super Bowl. Tip of the cap to them, but the party can only continue on for a few more days before it's back to business. Evans would add a physical presence in the middle of what is already one of the best defense in the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWryYBBAylE
