2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defense
By Jon Dove
Here’s my most recent look at the 2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings on the defensive side of the ball.
The 2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings on defense is where you want to look to see the majority of elite talent in this draft. There are 8 defensive players within the top-10 players on my 2017 Big Board. This includes the top-5 ranked players.
Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Reuben Foster are all day-1 starters. They all also have the talent to make a major impact the second they step on the field.
Garrett and Williams’ ability to create pressure on the quarterback is a highly coveted skill set. This is why Garrett is my top overall player and best bet to be the No. 1 overall pick. Those teams in need of pass-rushing help will find plenty of options.
Auburn’s Carl Lawson, UCLA Takkarist McKinley, Illinois’ Dawuane Smoot, Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker and Tennessee’s Derek Barnett could hear their name called in round one.
The cornerback position doesn’t feature a top-10 prospect but has a ton of depth. We could see as many as 8 cornerbacks selected in the 1st round. This is the position that should dominate the middle of the first day.