SEP 10, 2016: Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the NCAA non-conference football game between the Prairie View A&M Panthers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field, College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire)
In my final mock for the 2017 NFL draft, the Browns get the best of both worlds, only two O-linemen are drafted, and Gareon Conley and Jabrill Peppers fall out of the first round. The hardest part of making a mock draft is balancing what you think will happen and what you would do. I opted for what I think will go down April 27 except for one surprise at 30.
- Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett DE Texas A&M
If the Browns don’t take Myles Garrett they should be relegated to the CFL.
- San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas DE Stanford
This draft is filled with uncertainty, as there are numerous other players in play for this pick. I think John Lynch will take Elway’s advice here and build the pass rush with one of the most sure-fire prospects in this draft.
Other options- Jamal Adams, Marshon Lattimore, Leonard Fournette, Mitchell Trubisky
- Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams S LSU
I had Hooker in this position last time but I opted for Adams this time around as he is an overall safer prospect. Adams is my favorite DB in the draft as he can hit like a linebacker and is able to cover TEs and WRs in the slot, and if he is asked to he will be able to center field too.
Other options- Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore, Jonathan Allen, Mitchell Trubisky
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette RB LSU
Fournette was NFL ready coming out of high school and I truly believe he can create the impact that Adrian Peterson once did. He will take pressure off of Bortles and Jacksonville will have a legit run game.
Other options- Jonathan Allen, Malik Hooker, O.J. Howard, QB
- Tennessee Titans (via LA)- Marshon Lattimore CB Ohio State
After releasing Jason McCourty the need of CB is even more apparent. Lattimore is the consensus #1 CB in this class and will be a difference maker right away in the Titan secondary that finished 30th in pass defense.
- New York Jets- J. Howard TE Alabama
When you’re Bill Polian’s favorite player in the draft, you deserve to be a top 10 pick. I still don’t believe it’s in the best interest of the Jets to draft a QB in this position as they’ll be giving up on Hackenberg already and none of the QBs, in my opinion, are ready to go day 1. Howard will make a difference in the passing game and has the ability to be effective in the run game; he will prove to be a viable option for 10 plus years.
Other options- Malik Hooker, Mitchell Trubisky, Jonathan Allen
- LA Chargers- Malik Hooker S Ohio State
The Chargers defensive backfield hasn’t been the same since they lost Eric Weddle. Hooker has the best range out of any DB in the draft and fits best as a FS that can play single high. He may be risky as a top 10 pick because of his injury red flags.
Other options- Mike Williams, Jonathan Allen, Mitchell Trubisky
- Carolina Panthers – Christian McCaffery RB Stanford
The Panthers are in desperate need of playmakers. Why not get a player that can play both RB and WR? This is a true value pick as McCaffery also has great ability in the return game and can be utilized on all four downs.
Other options- Mike Williams, Jonathan Allen, Derek Barnett
- Cincinnati Bengals – Jonathan Allen DT Alabama
Jonathan Allen just fell into Cincinnati’s lap on this one. Allen seemed like a top 5 lock before the combine, and the finding of arthritis in his shoulder has caused his stock to drop slightly. With this pick, the Bengals just created potentially the best DT duo in the league with Jon Allen alongside Geno Atkins.
Other options- Mike Williams, Reuben Foster, Haason Reddick
- Buffalo Bills- Mike Williams WR Clemson
Tyrod Taylor needs help on offense, and Mike Williams teamed up with former Clemson Tiger, Sammy Watkins, makes a nice 1-2 on the outside. Williams’ great size gives him the ability to go up and make the catch and he possesses the big play ability.
Other options- Corey Davis, Reuben Foster, Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson
- New Orleans Saints- Reuben Foster ILB Alabama
This is a BPA selection with Foster. The Saints need edge rushers, not so much inside, but Foster is a top 5 talent. I personally would love to see the Saints build for the future and take Trubisky to develop, but I’m getting no indication they’re going to go that route.
Other options- Derek Barnett, Charles Harris, Mitchell Trubisky
- Cleveland Browns (via PHI)- Mitchell Trubisky QB North Carolina
It’s my personal opinion that the Browns should not take a QB at all in this draft. Allow Brock to start this season and further build this roster throughout the draft. If Osweiler lands you in the top 5 of next year’s draft, you’re looking at Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen. With that being said, it seems that Trubisky is the Browns’ guy and that they may be willing to trade up to get him, though it works out perfectly for them here.
Other options- Corey Davis, Marlon Humphrey, Jabrill Peppers
- Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Mahomes QB Texas Tech
I have had Kizer slotted here for a while but have switched him with his budding rival. Mahomes will be a project for Bruce Ariens as he can throw the ball 80 yards down field, can scramble outside the pocket, but needs to greatly improve his consistency. Carson Palmer looked last season like he had nothing left in the tank so this may be Mahomes’s only year on the sidelines.
Other options- Corey Davis, Haason Reddick, Marlon Humphrey, David Njoku
- Philadelphia Eagles (via MIN)- Derek Barnett DE Tennessee
The Eagles are in dire need of a CB, but with Gareon Conley’s most recent legal accusations he is too risky to take for probably the first two days. Barnett is the best DE against the run, which will serve well against division opponent, Zeke Elliott.
Other options- Marlon Humphrey, Haason Reddick, Charles Harris
- Indianapolis Colts- Haason Reddick OLB Temple
The Colts need help everywhere on the defensive side of the ball. Reddick has great versatility; he can play on the outside of the Colt 3-4 defense, or he can slide inside and play the WILL.
Other options- Takkarist McKinley, Marlon Humphrey, Jabrill Peppers
- Baltimore Ravens- Corey Davis WR Western Michigan
The Ravens need a WR1 and Davis has the traits to become so. His transition into the NFL may be slower than wanted coming from the MAC, but with great size and athleticism, he will be productive right away. No one in this O-line class has top 20 talent so there is no reason to reach in the first round with the talent of Davis on the board.
Other options- David Njoku, Marlon Humphrey, Ryan Ramczyk, Garett Bolles
- Washington Redskins- Taco Charlton DE Michigan
The defensive line is a large need for the Redskins and there are multiple ways the Redskins could go here, but Charlton gives the most production right away than other prospects. He projects as DE but can kick inside to DT if needed.
Other options- Charles Harris, Takkarist McKinley, Deshaun Watson
- Tennessee Titans- Evan Engram TE Ole Miss
After drafting a CB with pick 5, the Titans would have loved to see either Mike Williams or Corey Davis here. Though David Njoku is regarded as the #2 TE, I opted for Evan Engram. He is more of a receiving weapon that can be utilized on the line or in the slot, though he will not bring much to the blocking game.
Other options- David Njoku, Takkarist McKinley, Charles Harris, John Ross
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Takkarist McKinley OLB UCLA
Tampa is strong on the interior of their defense but they are still in need of a dynamic edge rusher. Takk has an incredible motor and passion for the game and will be able to develop to create fear for opposing offenses.
Other possibilities- David Njoku, Ryan Ramczyk, Charles Harris
- Denver Broncos- David Njoku TE Miami
The Broncos biggest need by far is on the O-line but I’m not sure I would spend a top 20 pick on any of the prospects. Njoku is viable to block on the line and can be a game changer in the passing game. Siemian struggled to find options in the passing game last year as DT and Emmanuel Sanders had down years; Njoku should solve the problem in the middle of the field.
Other options- Garett Bolles, Ryan Ramczyk, Charles Harris
- Detroit Lions- Marlon Humphrey CB Alabama
Year after year Aaron Rodgers torches the Lions. It’s time that they bite the bullet and spend a first round pick on a CB. I don’t think Humphrey gets the credit he deserves for playing on the Alabama defense and will provide a solid option in pass coverage.
Other options- Charles Harris, Jarrad Davis, Jabrill Peppers
- Miami Dolphins- Charles Harris DE Missouri
The starting DEs for Miami are Cameron Wake who is 35 and William Hayes who is 32. Charles Harris would be in line to start for the Dolphins once one of them retires. Though Harris ran a slow 40 at the combine I don’t think it’s a huge concern because if you turn on the tape you see his explosiveness around the bend.
Other possibilities- Forrest Lamp, Garret Bolles, Ryan Ramczyk, Tre White
- New York Giants- Ryan Ramczyk OT Wisconsin
The Giants had a spectacular year on defense last year and are returning 10 out of their 11 starters. They won’t use this pick to replace Hankins at DT as they can get a quality replacement in later rounds. The goal for your first round pick (unless they’re a project for the future a la DeShone Kizer later in this mock) is to start day 1 and I doubt they’re trying to replace anyone on their defense. Ramczyk will probably start on the right side of the ball at tackle or either of the guard positions with the goal of eventually replacing Flowers at LT. His run blocking and overall football IQ are above average and has potential to grow since he only played one year at Wisconsin.
Other options- Garett Bolles, Forrest Lamp, Jarrad Davis, Deshaun Watson
- Oakland Raiders- Quincy Wilson CB Florida
Besides Sean Smith, the Raiders don’t have much at CB, and even Smith is a liability at times. Wilson has the best potential to become an elite CB in the class and will be put into a good situation with a superb pass rush in front of him.
Other options- Kevin King, Tre White, Obi Melifonwu, Jabrill Peppers
- Houston Texans- Deshaun Watson QB Clemson
This is the absolute perfect fit for Deshaun Watson. He is the most NFL QB prospect right now and is put into a situation with a team with arguably the best defense in the league. Watson’s ceiling isn’t as high as others in this class but out of all the other QBs, he is the readiest to play opening day. I believe Watson can make Houston legit Super Bowl contenders.
Other options- Forrest Lamp, Garett Bolles, Jarrad Davis, DeShone Kizer
- Seattle Seahawks- Garett Bolles OT Utah
I really think the Seahawks want to take Kevin King with this pick, but the glaring need on the O-line makes it hard to pass up Bolles. He will be ready to play on the interior or can go at LT as Seattle’s starter. This O-line class is very shallow so the longer you wait, the less likely you’re going to be able to find a viable option.
Other options- Kevin King, Cam Robinson, Forrest Lamp
- Kansas City Chiefs- Jarrad Davis LB Florida
Both Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson are in their final stretches in the NFL. Davis provides an option to play inside or outside linebacker, which makes him an attractive prospect. He can cover the sideline and rush the passer, but he has considerable room to grow.
Other possibilities- Tre White, T.J. Watt, John Ross
- Dallas Cowboys- Kevin King CB Washington
The ‘Boys were decimated in the defensive backfield this offseason losing a starting corner and both of their safeties. King is filled with potential with his elite athleticism and size; he received experience at CB and S for the Huskies.
Other options- Obi Melifonwu, Tre White, Jordan Willis
- Green Bay Packers- Tre White CB LSU
The Packers have huge needs at DB, RB, and the rush. Right now, Damarious Randall who was drafted to play a SS-ILB hybrid is slotted to start at CB. Drafting Tre White gives them a starting CB with great IQ and quickness, perfect for the Packers.
Other options- Dalvin Cook, Adoree’ Jackson, Chidobe Awuzie, Jordan Willis, T.J. Watt
- Pittsburgh Steelers- DeShone Kizer QB Notre Dame
All fingers are pointing that this is Big Ben’s last season after he took quite some time pondering retiring this offseason before he came back. Give Kizer a year to learn behind a HOFer before it’s his time because Landry Jones is not the future of the Steelers. I believe Kizer has the highest ceiling out of any of the QBs in this draft even though he is my 4th off the board.
Other options- T.J. Watt, Jabrill Peppers, Adoree’ Jackson, Budda Baker
- Atlanta Falcons- J. Watt LB Wisconsin
This was a really tough as the Falcons are leaving Forrest Lamp and Cam Robinson on the board who would fill an obvious need at guard. The thought of what T.J. Watt can become on the opposite side of Vic Beasley is a very enticing image.
Other options- Forrest Lamp, Cam Robinson, Jordan Willis
- New Orleans Saints- John Ross WR Washington
The Saints could not have drawn up a better replacement for Brandin Cooks any better. The 4.22 speed demon in Ross will stretch the field and is a one-on-one nightmare. Hall of Fame QBs have the tendency to make mediocre route runners look like all stars, and Brees will do just that.
Other options- Forrest Lamp, Cam Robinson, Budda Baker, Jabrill Peppers
