2017 NFL Mock Draft Final Edition
This is one of the best times of the year in the NFL, draft time where you see all the college stars make their transition from college to the pros. I really enjoy doing a mock draft because I can test my knowledge against some of the best in the business and this year is no different. I could see a good bit of trades in the first round, some reaches too, but overall I see teams drafting for major needs. Here is my first round mock for 2017. Cleveland your on the clock!
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett DE/OLB Texas A&M
There would be no reason for the Browns to change their mind at the last minute for Mitchell Trubisky when he might still be available at #12, so unless a team moves up and wows the Browns by mortgaging their future Garrett is the pick here without an ounce of doubt.
2. San Francisco- Solomon Thomas DE Stanford
I still expect a trade here because the Niners have a bunch of needs but their defensive line also needs a solid pass rushing end, so I think they take the next best available player. Don't be surprised is Allen is taken here too.
3. Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams S LSU
The Bears need a safety PERIOD! They couldn't stop a nose bleed last year on defense and Adams is as versatile as they come in this draft, so unless they trade and take their chance on Malik Hooker a couple of spots down, Adams is their guy.
4. Carolina Panthers (Via Jacksonville)- Leonard Fournette RB LSU
Jacksonville is in an interesting spot they could trade out to get picks or take Fournette? I think the Panthers jump up to this spot and take Fournette since the Jaguars could still get the player they want or need at #7. It's time to take a load off of Cam's back and Fournette would be that guy. The Panthers have got to get younger at the running back position and adding Fournette to the mix with his game breaking ability makes the Panthers legit in offense.
5. Tennessee Titans- Marshon Lattimore CB Ohio State
A definite need is at corner where they need a body opposite of newly acquired Logan Ryan. Since they cut McCourty look for his teammate Hooker to be in play at this spot also, but I think Lattimore would be the safe pick.
6. New York Jets- Rueben Foster LB Alabama
The Jets need linebackers and a playmaker on defense, so Foster fills both. He's had his issues but you can't let a talent like Foster slip past you. His athletic ability and knack of finding the football is off the charts.
7. San Diego Chargers Malik Hooker S Ohio State
The Chargers need a versatile safety with ball skills and play making ability like Hooker and he would fit in nicely with Verrett and Hayward. It would give them a nice young secondary get could be kinda scary for opposing offenses.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (Via Carolina)- Jonathan Allen DE Alabama
The Jags gamble will payoff here at #8 as Allen a projected top 3 pick will slide down the boards a little but lands in a good spot in Jacksonville. Allen would give the Jags a versatile young pass rusher with a high motor that can rush the passer wherever he lines up.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Davis WR Western Michigan
I've been saying for years the Bengals need another threat downfield other than A.J. Green and they finally get their man in Davis. Good route runner, great hands and he finds the football (Sounds like Green), so what else could you possibly ask for? Another note the Bengals lost Marvin Jones and Muhammad Sanu last season and it showed with less targets downfield and struggling to run the ball.
10. Buffalo Bills- Marlon Humphrey CB Alabama
I think the Bills need a receiver here with the uncertain future of Sammy Watkins, but they lost their top corner to division rival New England. Humphrey is an athletic corner who has great closing speed and could cover a number one receiver, something the Bills will need against division rivals high powered New England and a Miami team that's improving fast.
11. New Orleans Saints- Tre'Davious White CB LSU
White is exactly what the Saints need on defense, a tough, physical corner which can cover and play the run. His playmaking skills should help a defense that lacked the ability to produce turnovers. Look for White to be a week 1 starter.
12. Cleveland Browns- O.J. Howard TE Alabama
I know you are saying Howard at #12? If the Browns keep this pick, Howard would be the perfect safety blanket for their quarterback and his athleticism is a big mismatch for linebackers and safties. I think this pick ultimately gets traded for more picks, but Besides Garrett at #1 this is the next best sure pick.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Mike Williams WR Clemson
Larry Fitzgerald's career is coming to an end and his replacement could be Williams with the right tutelage. Williams has size and hands with great release on the line of scrimmage, in some ways he reminds you of Larry, but he just has to put in work on the NFL level.
14. Philadelphia Eagles- Gareon Conley CB Ohio State
An athletic corner that could add depth but also complete for a starting job in the preseason. Conley has the ability to be a shut down corner at the next level that is if he's put on the field right off.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Ramczyk OT Wisconsin
Offensive Tackle is a definite need with Andrew Luck being the face of the franchise and Robinson has the prototype body of an NFL tackle, but struggled a bit against edge rushers at Bama. He is work the risk and is a need, so their shouldn't be a question here...... right?
16. Baltimore Ravens- Derek Barnett DE Tennessee
Terrell Suggs is nearing the end of his career and Barnett would be the perfect replacement take his spot in the near future. He broke Reggie White's school record so you know this kid has talent.
17. Washington Redskins- John Ross WR Washington
The skins' lost their deep threat in DeSean Jackson to Tampa and I don't see a Washington offense without a deep threat, so look for Ross to get pulled off the board here.
18. Tennessee Titans- Kevin King CB Washington
The Titans have a big need in their secondary, so this big 6'3 corner would be the perfect fit and his aggressive physical style of play fits Dick LeBeau's system.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Cam Robinson OT Alabama
The Bucs could use Dalvin Cook here but they need to protect Jameis Winston. Cam is a big body that has the potential to be dominant. His upside will outweigh the need for a RB here.
20. Denver Broncos- Garrett Bolles OT Utah
The Broncos have to revamp their line in the offseason through free agency and the draft, but if Bolles falls down to this spot it will make the transition of linemen a bit easier. Bolles wouldn't have much competition because Russell Okung was released, which means it's his job win or lose.
21. Detroit Lions- Dalvin Cook RB Florida State
Detroit was one of the worst running teams in the NFL so any versatile back will only do them good. Cook would bring speed, shiftiness and hands to the Lions backfield, excitement that they haven't seen in years.
22. Miami Dolphins- Hassan Reddick LB/EDGE
The Phins' need a playmaker behind Suh and Wake and Reddick's versatility to play both inside and outside could give Miami a chance to call more blitzes and take more chances on defense.
23. New York Giants- Zach Cunningham LB Vanderbilt
This is what Giants fans have been waiting on a monster in the middle, this guy is a leader and a thumper. His coverage skills could use some work but his other intangibles outweigh that. This would be a steal in my opinion at this spot the 1st round.
24. Oakland Raiders- Jarrad Davis LB Florida
The raiders are in need of LB's and Davis has all the tools that fit the Raiders style natural athlete with the ability to lay the BOOM!
25. Houston Texans- Deshaun Watson QB Clemson
Watson is a proven leader and knows how to win, thus Bill O'Brien the QB guru takes Watson under his wing to get the Texans to the next level.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Forest Lamp G/OT Western Kentucky
The Seahawks had problems all season along their line, so picking a versatile linemen that can play any position only makes sense here.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Patrick Mahomes QB Texas Tech
The Chiefs need Smith to step his game up and drafting Mahomes here would put his feet to the fire, in the meanwhile Mahomes is learning Reid's system to become Smith's replacement.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Charles Harris OLB/DE
Dallas has to address the secondary but Harris makes sense here since the Cowboys pass rush was non-existent and it was hidden well with their ball control offense taking the strain off of them.
29. Green Bay Packers- Quincy Wilson CB Florida
The packers pass defense has been atrocious the last couple of seasons and now is the perfect time to turn it around. Wilson is playmaker on defense with great ball skills, the Packers struggled locating the football in the NFC championship game.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabrill Peppers LB/S
Peppers is the biggest question mark in this entire draft, but this would be the best fit for him a 3-4 scheme that could use his versatility with zone blitzes and their ability to create turnovers. He can make big plays with the footbal in his hands.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Taco Charlton OLB/DE
Atlanta has to get Vic Beasley some help on the other side. Charlton has the frame to compete at the next level. He is a relentless pass rusher with non-stop motor, something coach Quinn would love to have at his disposal. Quick note: if Trubisky is still on the board look for a trade because their could be another player or two the falcons could get their hands on.
32. New Orleans Saints- Josh Jones S N.C. State
Kenny Vacarro hasn't quite worked out and Jones is rising draft boards because his aggressive and hard hitting style of play. New Orleans could stand to use a thumper and run stopper in the secondary.
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