Here is
my Pre Draft 2017 NFL Mock Draft. It will be followed by my final mock heading
into the NFL Draft on April 27, 2017.
This is not a mock draft where I substitute my judgment for that of the teams.
I try to research the opinions of those who most closely follow NFL teams like
scouts, insiders and beat writers from all of the NFL cities. I then try to
make the most educated prediction as to which way each team will go in the
draft based upon that information.
I start out by targeting each team's most obvious need, and then try to home in
on the most logical pick based upon value and need as roster cuts and free
agency transpires.
1st Round
1. Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M:
It's not a great year to own the No. 1 overall pick. There are no clear cut QB
prospects, and even consensus No. 1 draft prospect Myles Garrett is not a sure
thing. Despite some recent smoke screens about liking Mitch Trubisky, Cleveland
seems locked in to keeping the top selection and taking Garrett.
2. San Francisco 49'ers– Solomon Thomas, DE/DT, Stanford:
If San
Francisco is sold on one of the QB's in this year's draft class, they need to
pull the trigger. Otherwise, they should look into trading down for additional
picks. Local product Solomon Thomas of Stanford, a high character talent, seems
to be the consensus pick at No. 2 for the 49'ers to help them build around in
their new "Seattle" style 4-3 defense. With that said, it looks like
San Francisco is the team that is the most willing to trade down when it comes
to those who hold top five picks.
3. Chicago
Bears - Jamal Adams, S, LSU:
The Bears
are looking to build down the middle of their defense, and Jamal Adams of LSU
is a prototype free safety.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard
Fournette, RB, LSU:
After a
few up and down seasons the jury is still out on Blake Bortles. Bortles
probably can't be judged until the Jags put together a legitimate running game,
and Leonard Fournette of LSU is only the type of game changing back that
could transform the way a defense schemes against an offense, but he's the
between the tackles back that new coach Tom Coughlin loves to build
around.
5. Tennessee Titans (from the Los Angeles
Rams) – Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State:
The Titans have needs at both safety and cornerback. If the Titans stay put at
No. 5, Marshon Lattimore of Ohio State is the top option at corner in this
year's draft, although they could find themselves in prime position to trade
down with a team looking to leapfrog the Jets and take Mitchell Trubisky.
6. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with the New York Jets) - Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina:
The
Browns have four options to find their QB of the future in this year's draft:
1) Trade up and grab Mitch Trubisky, whom they are rumored to be enamored with;
2) Trade for a proven commodity in New England backup Jimmy Garoppolo; 3) Stay
at No. 12 and select the best QB available on their draft board; and 4) Hope a
viable QB is available at pick #33, or use that pick as part of a deal to trade
back into the first round. As of Tuesday night, reports have Cleveland
attempting to pre-negotiate 3-4 draft day deals to move up from pick #12 into
the top 8.
7.
Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State:
The
Chargers have had a hole at safety since letting Eric Weddle leave in free
agency. Malik Hooker of Ohio State is by far the most gifted safety in this
draft class when it comes to pass coverage.
8. Carolina Panthers - Christian
McCaffrey, RB, Stanford:
Despite
extending Jonathan Stewart's contract, the Panthers still need a quality
running back. Assuming Stewart will be doing the grunt work, if he can stay
healthy, a game changer like Christian McCaffrey could help out Carolina's
passing game out of the backfield and change the way opposing defenses scheme
against Cam Newton and the Panthers.
9. Cincinnati
Bengals - Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama:
The Bengals could be the first team who will have to address whether or not to
pass on the talented yet troubled linebacker, Reuben Foster, who would
certainly fill a need in replacing Rey Maualuga.
10. Buffalo
Bills – Mike
Williams, WR, Clemson:
If
Mitchell Trubisky is off the board by the time the Bills pick, they will have
to determine if they have a high first round grade on a secondary option like
Deshaun Watson of Clemson. If not, a big target like Mike Williams would fill a
big need opposite of fellow Clemson receiver, Sammy Watkins.
11. New
Orleans Saints – Derek
Barnett, DE, Tennessee:
The Saints have three early picks, as well as needs at defensive end,
linebacker and cornerback. Derek Barnett is a natural pass rusher who can help
take some pressure off of their secondary.
12. New
York Jets (projected trade with the Cleveland Browns, from the Philadelphia
Eagles) – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson:
This year
does not offer a great QB class, but the Jets really have no option but to find
a franchise signal caller going forward after they wasted a second round pick
on Christian Hackenberg in last year's draft. If they have an equal grade on
Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson, as many think they may, a trade down for
more picks while still landing Watson would be a great move.
13. Arizona Cardinals - O.J. Howard,
TE, Alabama:
The
Cardinals have several needs. O.J. Howard of Alabama would not only plug
Arizona's hole at blocking tight end after losing Darren Fells in free agency,
but he would give Carson Palmer another big target in the receiving game to
help compliment Larry Fitzgerald. .
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from
the Minnesota Vikings) – Kevin
King, CB, Washington:
The Eagles don't have a starting caliber corner on their roster heading into
the draft. With Gareon Conley's draft status in limbo, Kevin King would have a
similar draft grade and be a fit in Philadelphia.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Charles
Harris, OLB, Missouri:
The Colts need to improve their pass rush, and Charles Harris is projected as
perhaps the best pass rushing 3-4 OLB entering this year's draft.
16. Baltimore Ravens - Corey
Davis, WR, Western Michigan:
With
Steve Smith retiring, the Ravens need another weapon at receiver. Corey Davis
of Western Michigan is the best all around wide receiver in this year's draft
class when it comes to combining size, speed and yards after catch.
17. Washington Pigskins – Jonathan Allen, DT/DE, Alabama:
The Pigskins need help for their front seven on defense. Jonathan Allen is one
of the better football players in this draft, but may slide from the early to
mid first round due to his position and concerns about several severe shoulder
injuries/surgeries.
18. Tennessee
Titans – John Ross, WR, Washington:
After addressing CB and S in free agency, the Titans should look to improve
their offense in the draft. After pursuing DeSean Jackson in free agency, they
seem to be looking for a speed receiver, and nobody in the history of the
Combine has been faster than John Ross of Washington, who matched his speed
with production for an elite college team last season.
19. Tampa Bay
Buccaneers – Dalvin
Cook, RB, Florida State:
With Doug Martin having fallen out of favor after getting suspended under the
NFL drug program, the Bucs need a new weapon out of the backfield for Jameis
Winston. Dalvin Cook of Florida State projects as the type of three down back
that project as first round picks, assuming the team is not concerned with his
fumbling and off the field issues.
20. Denver
Broncos– Cam Robinson, T, Alabama:
Denver is hemorrhaging on their offensive line, and could use talent at tackle
and guard. Cam Robinson is the best tackle option on the board this year. In
the worst case scenario, Robinson kicks inside to guard, which is also a need
for the Broncos.
21. Detroit Lions - Haason Reddick,
LB, Temple:
Detroit
needs playmakers at every level on defense. Having a top weakside linebacker
like Haason Reddick on the board when they pick at #21 would be their dream
scenario.
22. Miami Dolphins - David Njoku, TE, Miami:
Despite trading for Julius Thomas, the Dolphins could use a playmaker at tight
end. David Njoku of Miami is essentially a big receiver who, despite
questionable hands, has the ability to take to the house due to his size (vs.
corners), his speed (vs. linebackers) and his athleticism (yards after catch).
23. New York Giants - Ryan
Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin:
The Giants are still looking for a left tackle to solidify their offensive
line. Ryan Ramczyk is not only arguably the best left tackle in the draft, but
his limited play at the D-I level (one year at Wisconsin) gives him a high
upside for a team to work with.
24. Oakland Raiders - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU:
The Raiders are likely going to target a corner with their first pick, just
don't expect Marc Davis to sign off on someone like Gareon Conley who has a
black cloud floating over his head with a pending sexual assault charge. In
terms of need, character and value, Kevin King of Washington best fits the
Raiders MO.
25. Houston Texans - Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech:
While the Texans appear playoff worthy aside from their situation at QB, they
need to look to their future immediately with Tony Romo opting for the big
broadcast booth in the sky and no other viable veteran options on the market.
At this point, their attention appears to be on local product Patrick Mahomes
of Texas Tech, If the Texans pass on Mahomes.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Garett Bolles, T, Utah:
The
Seahawks will probably take the best available offensive linemen, as they need
to rebuild their once potent running game. Garett Bolles has a low upside due
to his age (24), but should be an immediate upgrade over anything that the
Seahawks currently have at left or right tackle.
27. Kansas City Chiefs - Takkarist McKinnley, DE,
UCLA:
The Chiefs are a playoff caliber team with aging linebackers. Even if their
pass rushers remain healthy, and Justin Houston's health is a major concern,
Kansas City needs to look to the future and/or add depth. Takk McKinnley of
UCLA is a prototype 3-4 outside linebacker, who backs up his rush skills with a
high motor that translates well against the run.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn:
Obi Melifonwu is the athletic freak of this
year's draft, and is versatile enough to play either corner or safety given his
size, speed and strength. While his primary question is his level of
competition in college, the Cowboys should have few concerns considering the
return they got on his former UConn teammate, Byron Jones, who had similar
measurables at the Combine two years ago.
29. Green Bay Packers - T.J. Watt, LB/DE, Wisconsin:
Despite re-signing Nick Perry, the Packers could still use another playmaker at
OLB, which would allow Clay Matthews to move inside on passing downs. T.J. Watt
of Wisconsin is simply a football player who fits the Packer mold.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama:
Pittsburgh
always needs 'tweener pass rushers at the key OLB spot in their 3-4 defense,
and Tim Williams of Alabama projects as an ideal fit.
31. Atlanta Falcons - Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan:
The
Falcons Super Bowl debacle showed their need for playmakers on defense. An edge
rusher who can set the edge like Taco Charlton of Michigan would be a nice fit
if he were to slide to the end of the first round.
32. New Orleans Saints (from the New England Patriots) - Adoree'
Jackson, CB, USC:
If the
Patriots don't trade Malcom Butler to the Saints to reclaim their original
first round pick, New Orleans will be in the market for a starting caliber
corner. Gareon Conley is obvioulsy a risky pick, but the Saints showed their
willingness to take character risks by signing Adrian Peterson in free agency.
2nd Round
33.
Cleveland Browns - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State:
The
Browns can use all the talent they can get. They'lli have to scramble to do
their homework on Ohio State's Gareon Conley after he was charged with rape,
but if they are comfortable with they find, they'd be landing a huge bargain.
Then again, there are some big "ifs" here, and there is little time
to investigate.
34.
San Francisco 49'ers - Davis Webb, QB, Cal:
Unless
the 49'ers know something about the availability of Kirk Cousins next year that
the rest of us don't, they need to find a long term signal caller. Like many
prospects in this draft class, Davis Webb of Cal is inexperienced and comes
from a system that doesn't immediately translate to the NFL game. On the other hand,
Webb has a better arm and body than his former Cal teammate Jared Goff, who was
the #1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft.
35.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Evan Engram, TE,
Mississippi:
The Jags
cut ties with Julius Thomas, and are once again in the market for a pass
catching tight end. Evan Engram of Mississippi is an athletic freak who could
make up for some of Thomas' deficiencies in the route running and effort
department.
36.
Chicago Bears - DeShone
Kizer, QB, Notre Dame:
DeShone
Kizer has an NFL arm and a XFL maturity level, which should be okay with a
rebuilding team like Chicago, who can let him sit and learn the NFL game for a
year or two under stop-gap option, Mike Glennon.
37.
Los Angeles Rams - JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC:
After
losing their best receiver in Kenny Britt to free agency, the Rams now have no
viable wide out options. JuJu Smith-Schuster of USC is the type of possession
receiver who could help take some attention away from their best play-maker,
slot receiver Tayvon Austin, who has struggled when asked to carry a heavier
load in the receiving game.
38.
Los Angeles Chargers - Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB, Houston:
The
Chargers could use a 3-4 OLB to play opposite of Melvin Ingram, and Tyus Bowser
of Houston might be the most underrated defensive player/pass rusher in the
draft.
39.
New York Jets - Forrest
Lamp, G, Western Kentucky:
After addressing their primary need at QB,
the Jets would be able to take a best player available approach at a position
of need and target a player who slid out of the first round like Forrest Lamp,
a small school left tackle who many scouts project as a Pro Bowler at
guard.
40.
Carolina Panthers - Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington:
The
Panthers need to find a wide receiver with speed to compliment their bigger,
but slower targets. Cooper Kupp didn't run the best 40-yard-dash at the
Combine, but he used his quickness to consistently get open against bigger
school corners at the Senior Bowl. In fact, the thought of adding Kupp along
with Christian McCaffrey is down right scary.
41. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma:
Jeremy Hill appears to be on the outs in Cincinnati, and the Bengals are
rumored to be the floor for the troubled, yet talented Oklahoma running back,
Joe Mixon.
42.
New Orleans Saints - Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida:
If the Saints can add to their secondary and pass rush with their first two
picks, Jarrad Davis would be an ideal fit as a three down linebacker and help
to solidify all three levels of their defense.
43.
Philadelphia Eagles - Marcus
Sanders-Williams, S, Utah:
The Eagles are looking for a safety, and
Marcus Sanders-Williams of Utah is a late riser in this year’s draft
process.
44. Buffalo Bills - Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama:
Marlon Humphrey of Alabama should be able to start at corner for the Bills come
day one, and would represent a first round talent in an extremely deep class at
his position.
45.
Arizona Cardinals - Chidobe
Awuzie, CB, Colorado:
If the
Cardinals elect to go elsewhere in the first round, they probably need to go
with a corner in the second round. Chidobe Awuzie of Washington is a big player
could be paired opposite of Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson to help make Arizona’s
secondary elite again after recent injury issues and losses to free agency.
46. Minnesota
Vikings - Zach
Cunningham, LB, Vandy:
The
Vikings need to replace both Chad Greenway at linebacker and Sylvester Floyd at
defensive tackle. Zach Cunningham of Vandy should be able to step in and fill
Greenway's shoes relatively quickly at weakside linebacker.
47.
Baltimore Ravens - Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State:
The
Ravens' defense runs on 3-4 OLB's who can get to the passer. To put things
simply, Jordan Willis of Kansas State may be the most underrated player/pass
rusher in this draft, and can certainly put some heat on opposing quarterbacks
with his quickness and motor.
48. Indianapolis Colts - Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee:
With
Andrew Luck at QB, the Colts simply can't get enough help on their offensive
line. Forrest Lamp of Western Kentucky may not have the physical attributes to
play tackle in the NFL, but at the worst case scenario he projects as a high
end offensive guard, which would give Indianapolis options on their line.
49.
Washington Pigskins - Derek Rivers, OLB/DE, Youngstown State:
The
Pigskins need help for their front seven on defense. With plenty of questions
about their pass rush, Derek Rivers of Youngstown State has NFL pass rush
skills despite his small school pedigree.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ryan Anderson,
LB, Alabama:
The Bucs
have a lot of solid talent at defensive end who can play the boundary, but no
true speed rushers who can put up big sack numbers. Ryan Anderson of Alabama is
a bit of a 'tweener, is a speed rusher who can get to the passer.
51. Denver Broncos - Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland:
The
Broncos need a legit tight end in their play action based offense. Adam Shaheen
of Ashland is an old school tight end who will block first at the NFL level,
but has freakish athleticism and hands for a player of his size.
52. Cleveland
Browns (from the Tennessee Titans) - Budda Baker, S, Washington:
The
Browns just need to keep accumulating talent. Budda Baker of Washington is a
bit undersized, but he’s football player who plays big and makes plays.
53.
Detroit Lions - DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State:
The Lions
need a base end to play opposite of Ziggy Ansah who can still get to the
passer. At 280 pounds DeMarcus Walker of Florida State has the size to set the
edge, but still put up an amazing sack total against fairly decent competition
in the ACC.
54.
Miami Dolphins - Dan Feeney, G, Indiana:
Anthony
Steen is a decent back-up at both interior line positions, but is too injury
prone to rely upon as a starter. Dan Feeney might be the best overall draft prospect
at guard in this year's draft, but actually has the skill-set to play every
position on the offensive line.
55.
New York Giants - Malik
McDowell, DE/DT, Michigan State:
The
Giants could use an impact defensive tackle, and Malik McDowell not only
projects as disruptive player out of the 3-technique, but he can also play base
end in clear running situations.
56.
Oakland Raiders - Chris
Wormley, DE/DT Michigan:
Oakland
is getting better quickly, but they still need to add some run stoppers to their
defensive line. Chris Wormley could be a run stopping defensive end in the NFL,
or a disruptive defensive tackle, and would provide value to a 4-3 system team
looking for a base end who can kick inside on passing downs.
57.
Houston Texans - Roderick Johnson, T, Florida State:
The
Texans desperately need a right tackle. At 6'7, Roderick Johnson of Florida
State played left tackle in college, but probably protects to the right side in
the NFL as a better run blocker than he is in pass protection.
58.
Seattle Seahawks - Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado:
Even if
Seattle doesn't trade Richard Sherman, they are still in the market for another
corner. At 6'3 and 200 pounds, Ahkello Witherspoon of Colorado is just what
Pete Carrol and the Seahawks look for in a big cornerback to play in their
system.
59.
Kansas City Chiefs - Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt:
Kansas City is definitely looking for a developmental QB to ultimately replace
Alex Smith in this draft. If they can land one of the top three signal callers
in the first round, I think they might go in that direction. Otherwise, they
will be content to land a longer term prospect like Nathan Peterman of Pitt,
who projects as a smart and efficient game manager in a “west coast” style
offense, just like Alex Smith.
60.
Dallas Cowboys - Josh Jones, S, N.C. State:
After
losing J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church in free agency, the Cowboys need immediate
help at the safety position to play next to Byron Jones. While Josh Jones of
N.C. State is a free safety like Jones, Dallas defensive coordinator Rod
Marinelli essentially plays two free safeties in his “Tampa two” system.
61.
Green Bay Packers - Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan:
Small in
stature or not, Jourdan Lewis is probably the best cover CB in this year's
draft. In a worst case scenario where Lewis' size doesn't translate to the NFL,
he still locks down a team's nickel spot for years to come. The other concern
about Lewis is a recent domestic violence charge.
62.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan:
Pittsburgh
was rumored to be one of the few teams that were intrigued by Jabrill Peppers
before his diluted urine sample at the Combine. While he now comes with some
off the field concerns in addition to questions about his on field position,
the Steelers can afford to take that gamble late in the second round.
63.
Atlanta Falcons - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington:
Atlanta
could use some play makers in their secondary, and while Sidney Jones suffered
an unfortunate injury at his Pro Day that may keep him out of the 2017 season,
he was projected by some to be one of the two best corners in a very deep draft
class before his injury, and is worth a gamble in round two that his rehab goes
well enough that he ends up seeing the field by mid-season.
64.
Carolina Panthers (from the New England Patriots) - Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida:
As the
Panthers learned last season, you can never have enough good corners. If Quincy
Wilson of Florida slides into the late second round due to a deep draft class
at his position, Carolina would be wise to pounce.
