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1. Cleveland Browns – DE Myles
Garrett, Texas A&M
The Browns could opt to take their
pick of the litter with the quarterbacks, but Garrett is the most
likely option. Adam Schefter reported that the Browns are extremely
high on Garrett, who is the most gifted defensive lineman in the
draft. He recently put on a show during the NFL Combine and the
Browns could use a difference maker on defense. It would be shocking
if Cleveland passes on Garrett, who most people see as the best
player in the draft.
Previous Pick: DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
2. San Francisco 49ers – Solomon
Thomas, DE, Stanford
The 49ers have plenty of needs, but Thomas is the fastest rising
prospect in the NFL Draft right now. He’s an athletic defensive
lineman, who will be able to play multiple positions if needed
but will likely end up playing the role of a 4-3 defensive end
for the majority of his career. He’s a great pass rusher, which
is a position the 49ers desperately need to upgrade. It isn’t
out of the question that they select a cornerback, quarterback
or any other position here, but Thomas is the odds on favorite
at this time.
Previous Pick: DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
3. Chicago Bears – Malik Hooker,
S, Ohio State
I’ve had Hooker going to the Los Angeles Chargers for the
entire draft process, but it’s unlikely he lasts that long
on draft day. There have been rumors the Bears love Hooker, and
they are in desperate need of help in the secondary. He’s
a player that forces a high amount of turnovers and he’s
a difference-maker with the ball in his hands. The only current
knock on him is his current injury status but the Bears are in
a position to wait for a player to get healthy.
Previous Pick: DE/DT Jonathan Allen, Alabama
4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard
Fournette, RB, LSU
I’m extremely skeptical about the Jaguars using this pick
on Fournette, but it does make sense in theory. The Jaguars have
expressed interest in adding talent around Blake Bortles, and
Fournette would be a massive upgrade over T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. This would allow the Jaguars to rely more on controlling
the clock and an emerging defense rather than Bortles’ arm.
Normally it would be difficult to mock a running back this high,
but the success that the Cowboys found with Zeke Elliott will
cause other teams to try to replicate that game plan.
Previous Pick: RB Leonard Fournette, LSU
5. Tennessee Titans – Marshon Lattimore,
CB, Ohio State
The Titans are in dire need of a cornerback. They have a decision
to make between the two Ohio State cornerbacks in this draft,
but Lattimore is the consensus top option. He’s an athletic
player that has the potential to turn into a shut down corner
in the NFL. He would immediately be an upgrade on a terrible Tennessee
secondary.
Previous Pick: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
6. New York Jets – Jamal Adams, S,
LSU
It is highly likely that the Jets deal this pick to the Browns,
who will be looking to take Mitchell Trubisky. This mock doesn’t
project trades, which means the Jets will stay here. They could
certainly go after Trubisky themselves, but their recent trade
talk suggests they aren’t interested in him here. They have
a huge need at safety and Adams has the potential to be a top-3
pick in this draft. He recently dominated his Pro Day, as he ran
the 40-yard dash significantly faster than many projected. He’s
a high upside safety that will lead New York’s defense for
years to come.
Previous Pick: CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
7. Los Angeles Chargers – Jonathan Allen,
DE/DT, Alabama
This is an interesting spot for the Chargers. They need a safety,
but both of the top safeties are off the board. They aren’t
in a great spot to take a player of need, so they will opt to
go with the best player available strategy. Allen was seen as
the second best player in this draft for some time, but his stock
fell after a poor Combine performance. He’s a versatile
player, and he will add depth to an impressive Chargers defensive
line. He has played well against the pass and run in the NCAA
and he’s one of the most NFL ready players in the draft.
Previous Pick: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The Panthers are in the market for a running
back and McCaffrey may be the best fit for the offense.
8. Carolina Panthers – Christian McCaffrey,
RB/WR, Stanford
Everything about this pick screams no to me, but it makes sense.
The Panthers need help at running back and they tend to shy away
from players with questionable off-field issues, such as Dalvin
Cook. McCaffrey will be able to take over in the backfield, while
also creating a mismatch on the outside. He’s the type of
player that will immediately benefit Cam Newton and the entire
Panthers offense.
Previous Pick: CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Derek Barnett,
DE, Tennessee
Barnett is a top notch defensive end, but gets somewhat lost
in the shuffle in a draft filled with elite pass rushers. The
Bengals are in need of another pass-rushing defensive end, and
Barnett could make an immediate impact. He was the all-time sack
leader at Tennessee, and Barnett makes a ton of sense as a high-upside
selection for Cincinnati.
Previous Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
10. Buffalo Bills – O.J. Howard,
TE, Alabama
The Bills recently stated that their number two wide receiver
is currently on their team, and while I don’t believe that
to be true, I do think that drafting Howard here makes more sense
than drafting someone like Mike Williams. There are plenty of
questions surrounding Williams while there are very few surrounding
Howard. He struggled to post elite production at Alabama, but
he is an elite blocker, who has the potential to develop into
an elite receiving tight end. He could immediately take pressure
off of Sammy Watkins by working the middle of the field and Howard
is a more likely option than a wide receiver here.
Previous Pick: TE O.J. Howard, Alabama
11. New Orleans Saints – Gareon Conley,
CB, Ohio State
Conley is flying up the draft boards right now, and it wouldn’t
be shocking if he is selected in the top-10. He was overshadowed
at Ohio State by Marshon Lattimore, but he displayed elite versatility
as he was able to play well in man and zone coverage, while also
displaying an ability to play on both the left and right side
of the field. The Saints are currently relying on injury-prone
P.J. Williams at cornerback and Conley could immediately step
in and fill a void.
Previous Pick: DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
12. Cleveland Browns – Mitchell Trubisky,
QB, North Carolina
It wouldn’t be surprising to see teams trade up for quarterbacks,
as that is a position that always tends to be over-drafted. The
Browns are a team that desperately needs to find a franchise quarterback.
There have been reports that they are in love with Trubisky, but
there are other reports stating that they like Deshaun Watson
more. They are a team that needs the most talented player and
Trubisky simply has more upside than Watson. He’s a young
player that the Browns could build around for the next decade.
Previous Pick: QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina
13. Arizona Cardinals – Corey Davis,
WR, Western Michigan
Larry Fitzgerald is on his last legs, and Michael Floyd is out
of Arizona. That means they are going to need someone to step
in as the top receiver after Fitzgerald retires, but John Brown
and J.J. Nelson don’t fit the mold. Corey Davis does, boasting
great size with good routes and strong hands. He’ll make
a great red-zone option for Arizona this season, while learning
behind Fitzgerald. He will make an outstanding replacement that
can take over as soon as Fitz announces he’s done.
Previous Pick: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Mike Williams,
WR, Clemson
The Eagles upgraded the wide receiver position in free agency,
but that is not going to help them in the long term. Alshon Jeffery
signed a one year contract, while there are whispers that Jordan
Matthews is currently on his way out. How soon that happens remains
to be seen. Regardless, the Eagles are going to need to find a
star wide receiver of the future for their franchise quarterback.
Williams fits the bill, as he is a massive target who has elite
high-point abilities. He’s a player that can work all levels
of the field and he will be able to take over for Alshon Jeffery
when he leaves next season.
Previous Pick: CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State
15. Indianapolis Colts – Cam Robinson,
OT, Alabama
The Colts must hate the idea of keeping Andrew Luck healthy,
which makes me question this pick. Robinson is a player that is
projected to become a right tackle or guard, but some teams believe
he’ll be able to handle himself at left tackle. That type
of versatility will help Indianapolis, who absolutely need to
find someone who can protect their franchise quarterback. Robinson
is a three-year starter in the SEC, which means he has been playing
against great pass rushers throughout college. There are a few
concerns about his inconsistencies, but the Colts do not have
much of a choice here.
Previous Pick: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
16. Baltimore Ravens – Dalvin Cook,
RB, Florida State
Cook underperformed at the NFL Combine, but he has such elite
tape and production in college that teams are likely to overlook
that. The Ravens recently stated that they need help at running
back and Cook is an elite prospect. He could step into the starting
role and be a workhorse running back. He’s the type of player
that teams can build their offense around, and he would solve
the Ravens running back issues for quite some time.
Previous Pick: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
17. Washington Redskins – Reuben
Foster, ILB, Alabama
Foster is an elite prospect, but there are a ton of question
marks surrounding him, which has caused his value to fall. He
has suffered multiple concussions during his time at Alabama.
He also recently had rotator cuff surgery and was kicked out of
the NFL Combine after getting into an argument with a hospital
worker. There are no questions about his talent though, and the
Redskins need major help in their front seven. Foster would immediately
help their run defense, which was lacking last season. If the
Redskins can get over his question marks, Foster is an elite value
pick here.
Previous Pick: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
18. Tennessee Titans – John Ross, WR, Washington
There have been mixed reviews on the wide receivers in this class
and some believe Ross could work his way into the top-10. That’s
a long shot though, and it remains likely that he’s the
third receiver off the board. He is a prospect with elite speed
and great college production. He is seen as a bit one-dimensional
and he has plenty of question marks surrounding his health. The
Titans missed out on Brandin Cooks this offseason, but they will
get their wide receiver of the future here.
Previous Pick: WR Mike Williams, Clemson
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Obi Melifonwu,
S, UConn
The Bucs will be looking for help at running back but they will
need to look elsewhere with the top three runners all off the
board. Melifonwu’s stock is on the rise after displaying
great athleticism at the Combine. He’s a huge player, who
has the potential to become an elite safety in the NFL. He needs
time to develop in coverage, though. He also fits a huge need
for the Bucs who are lacking at the safety position.
Previous Pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB/WR, Stanford
20. Denver Broncos – Ryan Ramczyk,
OT, Wisconsin
The Broncos badly need an offensive tackle. Ramczyk is the best
tackle on the board, and he has the potential to become a solid
left tackle for a long time. He has looked good in both run and
pass blocking during his time at Wisconsin. He’s a fairly
athletic player, and he should immediately help the Broncos offensive
line. He’ll likely start at right tackle as a rookie before
moving to left tackle later in his career.
Previous Pick: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
21. Detroit Lions – Takkarist McKinley,
OLB, UCLA
The Lions need quite a bit of help in the front seven and McKinley
is an interesting option. He isn’t an ideal fit, but he’s
an athletic player that could be taught to play multiple positions.
He’s raw, which means it could be easier to mold him into
a 4-3 outside linebacker or defensive end. This is a big of a
risky pick, but the Lions were rewarded when taking a raw player
in Ziggy Ansah and they will be looking to hit the lottery again
here.
Previous Pick: Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
22. Miami Dolphins – Haason Reddick,
LB, Temple
Reddick flew under the radar before dominating at the NFL Combine.
He displayed elite athleticism, but there are plenty of question
marks surrounding him. His position is a bit unknown, as some
teams peg him as a defensive end, while some believe he’s
an outside linebacker, and others see him as an inside linebacker.
The Dolphins need help at defensive end and outside linebacker,
and Reddick would give them a bit of versatility for the future.
Previous Pick: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
23. New York Giants – Garett Bolles,
OT, Utah
The Giants offensive line continues to be one of their biggest
weaknesses. Bolles isn’t a prospect that is completely ready
to step into the offense right now, but he comes with plenty of
upside. He has the potential to move inside if needed and he could
immediately compete as the Giants swing lineman. He also has the
potential to turn into a starting left tackle, which would allow
New York to move Ereck Flowers to another position after struggling
early in his career at left tackle.
Previous Pick: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
24. Oakland Raiders – Kevin King, CB, Washington
The Raiders are going to address defense with this pick. They
could opt to use this pick on their front seven or in the secondary.
There have been recent reports that King is flying up draft boards
and there have been links to Oakland. It would make a lot of sense,
as he could immediately help the secondary but also develop behind
two capable starters.
Previous Pick: Malik McDowell, DT/DE, Michigan State
25. Houston Texans – Patrick Mahomes,
QB, Texas Tech
With Tony
Romo headed to the broadcast booth, the current quarterbacks
in Houston are Tom
Savage and Brandon
Weeden. There have been rumors swirling that Mahomes is the
Texans preferred choice at quarterback, and he likely won’t be
available in the second round. He has been labeled a gunslinger
because of the type of offense he played in during his time at
Texas Tech, but he was able to control his turnovers. He also
has a big arm and isn’t afraid to pick up first downs with his
legs. Even if the Texans are able to sign Romo, Mahomes could
ultimately end up being their quarterback of the future.
Previous Pick: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
26. Seattle Seahawks – Roderick Johnson,
OT, Florida State
The Seahawks never seem to take offensive linemen in the first
round, but they don’t have much of a choice this offseason.
Russell Wilson was sacked 41 times in 2016, and they need to keep
their franchise quarterback upright in the future. Johnson is
the best tackle available, even though he is more known for his
run blocking. He has the potential to play both left and right
tackle as well. He isn’t the safest player in the draft,
but he fills a hole in a solid Seahawks roster.
Previous Pick: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
27. Kansas City Chiefs – Deshaun Watson,
QB, Clemson
The Chiefs are likely to take a quarterback at some point in
this draft, and Watson makes a lot of sense if he falls to them.
Kansas City needs a quarterback to groom for the future behind
Alex Smith. Watson had an impressive college career at Clemson
and he has shows flashes of NFL potential. This isn’t an
overly impressive class of quarterbacks but he’s the best
available on the board.
Previous Pick: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
28. Dallas Cowboys – Marlon Humphrey, CB,
Alabama
Humphrey is a bit of a wildcard in this draft. There is a plethora
of talent at cornerback, and he’s a player that could get
lost in the shuffle. With that being said, he also has the talent
to be a top-15 pick. Humphrey is a big corner, who also comes
with plus speed. He likely won’t be ready to contribute
immediately but he is the type of player that can develop into
a shut down corner in the NFL.
Previous Pick: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
29. Green Bay Packers – Taco Charlton,
DE, Michigan
Charlton could fall on draft day because of a lack of college
production. He’s a bit of an odd fit in Green Bay, but he’s
the best player available at this pick. He is extremely long and
athletic, which would immediately help the Green Bay pass rush.
Charlton also has the attributes needed to stand up and play outside
linebacker if need be and this is the type of versatility the
Packers love to find on draft day.
There have been rumors that Ben Roethlisberger has been lobbying
for a tight end in the first round and that would make sense.
It would also make sense that the Steelers want to keep Roethlisberger
happy, as he has been contemplating retirement. Njoku is an extremely
athletic tight end who has flashed elite upside in his short college
career. He would immediately add another receiving threat to an
already high scoring offense.
Previous Pick: Zach Cunningham, OLB, Vanderbilt
31. Atlanta Falcons – Forrest Lamp,
OG/C, Western Kentucky
Lamp is a player that has been gaining steam throughout the process.
He tested well at the Combine, and he’s a player that has
the potential to play tackle, guard, or center. He’s coming
from a small school, but he’s a four year starter, who has
plenty of tape to study. The Falcons have a need in the interior
line and Lamp is a player that can fill multiple holes as a sixth
lineman.
Previous Pick: Forrest Lamp, OG/C, Western Kentucky
32. New Orleans Saints – Charles Harris,
OLB, Missouri
The Saints were able to upgrade their secondary early in this
draft, which means they’ll be going after a pass rusher
here. Some people have suggested Harris could be taken as high
as the top-10, but that seems highly unlikely. He’s an athletic
player that can get to the quarterback in a hurry. There are question
marks surrounding his ability to stop the run but that’s
an aspect the Saints will be willing to overlook with this pick.