Waterman's 2017 Four-Round Mock Draft
By Ryan Waterman
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Recent reports have suggested that the Browns are looking to put together a draft combination similar to the Oakland Raiders duo of Khalil Mack & Derek Carr. Garrett has put on a freak-of-nature showing at both the combine, and his pro day. It’s pretty much a lock at this point that he’s the first name called.
San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Reach for Mitch Trubisky, or tank for Darnold? The 49ers have a big question to ask themselves in advance of April 28. It appears that they’re comfortable with Brian Hoyer for a year, and letting Sam Darnold fall right into their hands next year. As a result, the 49ers land a defensive star to pair with DeForest Buckner.
Chicago Bears: Jamaal Adams, S, LSU
Chicago just backed the Brinks truck up to pay Mike Glennon, which means that they’re likely comfortable waiting for a quarterback – perhaps until next year’s draft. With Adams still on the board, it’s incredibly difficult to imagine the Bears passing on a player of his caliber.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Jacksonville has put so much emphasis on their defense, that the offense has seemingly been neglected. They drafted T.J. Yeldon a couple of years ago, an experiment that hasn’t worked out as well as they hoped. Adding Chris Ivory last year didn’t help, either. In Fournette, the Jags hope to put an end to their running game woes.
Tennessee Titans: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
The Titans now sit in a position where they can select the best player available, as it’s seemingly too early to fill their gap at receiver. In Allen, the Titans find themselves with a blue-chip lineman that in most normal classes would be in strong consideration for the top selection.
New York Jets: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Jets lost Darrelle Revis, and are suddenly thin at cornerback. Lattimore is considered one of the best corners in this class, and would fit the Jets system perfectly.
Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The Chargers have a couple of routes with the selection, with the most obvious alternative to Adams being offensive tackle Cam Robinson. Ultimately, I feel that San Diego's top priority will lie within further cementing the defense. Hooker is considered a blue-chip prospect, and would fill the major void left by Eric Weddle. Despite being out of action for 4-6 months, Hooker is seemingly the best player available that will also fill a major void.
Carolina Panthers- Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
This may not be a popular pick, but the Panthers need upgrading along their offensive line. Ramczyk would immediately slide in on the right-side of the line, arguably Carolina’s weakest. He’ll strengthen the protection of Cam Newton, who has taken a beating lately, in addition to boosting the run game.
Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Much like with the Chargers selection, Cincinnati picks the best available player – who just happens to also fill a void. With no future at linebacker, Foster serves as a long-term solution.
Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
With Tyrod Taylor standing pat in Buffalo, they need to start surrounding him with weapons. Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy will only get them so far. Having lost both Chris Hogan and Robert Woods in the past two offseasons, the Bills need to start re-building their supporting cast. The selection of Williams is a great start.
New Orleans Saints: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
New Orleans desperately needs to upgrade their defense. More specifically, they are in dire need of edge rushers. Charlton is athletic, knows how to use his hands, and understand the importance of leverage. However, he lacks in length and explosiveness.
Cleveland Browns: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Mission Complete. (See: Pick #1)
Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Arizona needs to begin preparing for life without Carson Palmer at some point. While they could certainly opt for help across from either Larry Fitzgerald, or Patrick Peterson – they sense an impending run on signal-callers, and decide to jump in on the ground floor.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Philadelphia has repeatedly stated that they will not draft strictly based upon need. This pick is a perfect example of that. They need a CB desperately, but can’t stand to pass on a talent like Cook. Ever since moving on from LeSean McCoy, the Eagles have struggled to find a suitable mainstay in the backfield. Having already added a pair of play-making receivers to aid in Carson Wentz’s development, the Birds opt to toss Wentz another bone by providing him with a home-run threat out of the backfield.
Indianapolis Colts: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The Colts are in major need of defensive playmakers, especially on the edge. Their top pass-rushers at the moment are a player that was benched last season, and the other was a rotational player in Houston. This pick seems like an easy one to be made.
Baltimore Ravens: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Baltimore is said to be very fond of Robinson, and they have a need along the offensive line – especially after the loss of Ricky Wagner to Detroit.
*MOCK TRADE: Denver trades #20 Overall, #101 Overall to Washington for #17 Overall*
Denver Broncos: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Recent reports suggest that the Broncos love McCaffrey. Given their uncertainty at running back, it’s understandable. The expectation was that C.J. Anderson would lock down the position, but that was misguided. Devontae Booker was next up, but also failed. McCaffrey is a back that Denver hasn’t had before. He’s a dual-threat out of the backfield, who absolutely dominated the college scene. How that translates to the NFL though, that’s the question.
Tennessee Titans- O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
While it’s true that Tennessee has Delanie Walker, there’s no denying that his career is reaching its final stages. Tight end may not be the largest need for Tennessee, but adding an explosive playmaker to a young, budding offense is too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
The Bucs have a nice defense, but they need help. Their safeties are far from the greatest, as Chris Conte is getting beat deep entirely too frequently. Tampa’s offense has taken major steps forward, but if they have playoff ambitions, their defense needs to take those steps forward.
Washington Redskins (via Denver): John Ross, WR, Washington
Washington lost both DeSean Jackson, and Pierre Garcon this offseason. Despite signing Terrelle Pryor, they lack in quality receivers with Josh Doctson sitting out last season due to injury. In Ross, the Redskins add an explosive playmaker to a depleted receiving corps. Looking to lock Kirk Cousins up long-term, this selection could go a long-way to doing so.
Detroit Lions: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Lions secondary could definitely use a boost. They signed D.J. Hayden in the offseason to play opposite of Darius Slay, but they still need to continue adding. Humphrey is a dynamic playmaker, who can change the course of a game.
Miami Dolphins: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan
Miami's secondary hasn't been great, but it hasn't been awful. After their loss to Pittsburgh in the playoffs though, it's painfully clear that their main problem are their linebackers. Le'Veon Bell absolutely shredded the inside of that defense, and embarrassed them. Peppers would literally allow the Dolphins to have their cake, and eat it too. The former Wolverine holds experience at both linebacker and safety, seemingly killing two birds with one stone for the ‘Phins.
New York Giants: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Giants are in need of help along the offensive line. There has been talk of New York moving Ereck Flowers to the inside of the line, which would create a major need on the outside.
Oakland Raiders: Hasson Reddick, LB, Temple
The Raiders have an incredibly bright future ahead of them, but still need help defensively. Not only was their defense one of the worst in the league, their rushing defense was just as bad. Reddick is a name that has been climbing up draft boards as the offseason’s progressed. He’d inject new energy into a lifeless linebacker corps.
Houston Texans: David Njoku, TE, Miami
Houston appears to be set on Tom Savage moving forward as their starting quarterback – at least, for now. Their primary focus this offseason is surrounding him with talent. He’s already got Lamar Miller, DeAndre Hopkins, and Will Fuller to work with. This pick gives him four dynamic playmakers.
Seattle Seahawks: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
This pick caps off an interesting situation that has been brewing in the Great Northwest. Richard Sherman apparently wants out of Seattle, and the Seahawks appear willing to oblige – so long as their price is met. Regardless of if Sherman is moved or not, the ‘Hawks need to improve their corners. DeShawn Shead is recovering from a torn ACL, while Jeremy Lane still struggles at time. This pick is already necessary, but in the event of a Sherman trade, it becomes a practical requirement.
Kansas City Chiefs: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
See, I want to believe that Andy Reid will do the right thing here, and select arguably his team’s biggest need – interior linebacker. However, this is Andy Reid. He has a tendency of pulling strange picks out of thin air, and this would serve as one of those. However, the Chiefs may need to shift their focus to find their future signal-caller, especially with Alex Smith entering his age 33 season.
Dallas Cowboys: Chidobe Awzuie, CB, Colorado
Brandon Carr? Gone. Morris Claiborne? Gone. This leaves Nolan Carroll as Dallas’ number-one corner. Given their lack of secondary depth, this seems like a no-brainer. Scouts believe that Awzuie is the safest pick of this draft.
Green Bay Packers: TreDavious White, CB, LSU
Green Bay's secondary is Swiss cheese, and that's putting it nicely. They have a good base, but with Micah Hyde having departed via free agency, they'll need to find a way to replace him. Sam Shields is also gone, furthering the need. If the NFC Title Game was any indication, Ladarius Gunter is not ready for starter duties, yet.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Martavis Bryant is inconsistent, Eli Rogers is not built to be an outside receiver, and Markus Wheaton has left the nest. As a result, we now have Corey Davis as a Pittsburgh Steeler. He’s quick, he’s got solid hands, and he’s very athletic. The only question is surrounding his durability.
Atlanta Falcons: Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Atlanta's run to the Super Bowl has been magical, but I feel it'll ultimately fall short. A big part of that is due to their defense, the 29th-ranked defense in the NFL. Tyson Jackson and Brooks Reed are both getting ready to hit the road to decline, and their lack of a pass-rush aside from Vic Beasley have put them in a position to where they need to place focus on the future.
New Orleans Saints: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
The Saints secondary is atrocious. They need to focus of improvement, and quickly.
Round Two
Cleveland- Budda Baker, S, Washington
San Francisco- Curtis Samuel, WR/RB, Ohio State
Jacksonville- Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
Chicago- Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Los Angeles Rams- Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Los Angeles Chargers- Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
New York Jets- Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Carolina- Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
Cincinnati- Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
New Orleans- Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Philadelphia- Kevin King, CB, Washington
Buffalo- Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Arizona- Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Indianapolis- Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Baltimore- T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin
Minnesota- Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
Washington- Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
Tampa Bay- Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Denver- Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Cleveland (via Tennessee)- Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
Detroit- Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
Miami- Cordrea Tankersly, CB, Clemson
New York Giants- Tim Williams, LB, Alabama
Oakland- Malachi Dupree, WR, LSU
Houston- Brad Kayya, QB, Miami
Seattle- Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
Kansas City- Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
Dallas- Desmond King, S, Iowa
Green Bay- Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
Pittsburgh- Tanoh Kpassagon, DE, Villanova
Atlanta- Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
Carolina (via New England)- Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston
Round Three (* = Compensatory Pick)
Cleveland- JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
San Francisco- Raekwon MacMillan, LB, Ohio State
Chicago- Noah Brown, WR, Ohio State
Jacksonville- Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
Los Angeles Rams- Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech
New York Jets- Chad Hansen, WR, California
Los Angeles Chargers- Ryan Anderson, LB, Alabama
New England (via Carolina)- DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
Cincinnati- Montravious Adams, DT, Auburn
Baltimore (via Philadelphia)- Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Buffalo- Duke Riley, LB, LSU
New Orleans- Issac Asiata, OG, Utah
Arizona- Josh Jones, S, NC State
Baltimore- Jarron Jones, DT, Notre Dame
Minnesota- D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Indianapolis- Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern
Washington- Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
Denver- David Sharpe, OT, Florida
Tennessee- Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Tampa Bay- Charles Walker, DT, Oklahoma
Detroit- Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming
Minnesota (via Miami)- Ethan Pocic, OG, LSU
New York Giants- Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
Oakland- Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
Houston- Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
Seattle- Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
Kansas City- Blair Brown, LB, Ohio
Dallas- Trey Hendrickson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Green Bay- Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
Pittsburgh- Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida
Atlanta- Marcus Williams, S, Utah
New England- Julie’n Davenport, OT, Bucknell
Miami*- Nico Siragusa, OG, San Diego State
Carolina*- Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson
Philadelphia (via Baltimore)*- Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
Tennessee (via L.A. Rams)*- ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama
Washington*- Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh
Seattle*- Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
New Orleans (via NE from Cleveland)*- Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan
Kansas City*- Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
Pittsburgh*- Danny Isidora, OG, Miami
Seattle*- Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
New York Jets*- Jon Toth, C, Kentucky
Round Four (* = Compensatory Pick)
Cleveland- Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa
San Francisco- Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt
Jacksonville- Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee
Chicago- Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
Los Angeles Rams- Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama
Los Angeles Chargers- Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M
Washington (via NYJ)- Eric Wilson, LB, Cincinnati
Carolina- Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
Cincinnati- Kenny Golladay, WR, Northern Illinois
Chicago (via Buffalo)- Chad Wheeler, OT, USC
Philadelphia- DeDe Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Arizona- Brandon Langley, CB, Lamar
Minnesota- Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State
Indianapolis- Vince Biegel, LB, Wisconsin
Baltimore- Jeremy McNicholls, RB, Boise State
Washington- Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin
Tennessee- Kendell Bickworth, LB, LSU
Tampa Bay- Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Floria
Denver- Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Detroit- Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
Minnesota (from Dolphins)- Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte
Oakland- Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
Houston- Rasuel Douglas, CB, West Virginia
New England (from Seahawks)- Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
Kansas City- Donnell Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
Dallas- Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia
Green Bay- Jessaman Dunker, OG, Tennessee State
Pittsburgh- Dauwane Smoot, DE, Illinois
Atlanta- T.J. Logan, RB, North Carolina
Indianapolis (from Patriots)- Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington
Cincinnati*- Artavis Scott, WR, Clemson
Philadelphia (from Browns)*- Zach Banner, OG, USC
New York Giants- Adam Bisonwatty, OT, Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Rams*- Connor McDermott, OT, UCLA
Houston (from Browns)*- Garrett Sickels, DE/OLB, Penn State
San Francisco*- Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan
Indianapolis*- Stacy Coley, WR, Miami
