Mock Draft NFL 2017 v2.0 – Week after Free Agency Boom by Kyle Davis

In a continuation to the ongoing Mock Drafts I will be doing, we have version 2.0.  It’s been about 1 week since the first day of Free Agency and we saw a lot of moves.  This is to reflect that, as well as adding in some new developments that have been observed.  If you have opinions, let me know in the comments below!  Let’s begin.

**Update: March 16th, 2017**

Mock Draft Round 1

1. Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett – DE – Texas A&M

“With the first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select, Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M.”   This one has not changed. Expect to hear those words when the Browns make the selection to kick off Draft Day. This is just a mock draft, but Garrett has long time been considered the top prospect available, and solidified himself as such at the combine. Any pick that isn’t this one would be very surprising, and many would say a huge mistake for the Cleveland Front Office.

2. San Francisco 49ers – Solomon Thomas – DE – Stanford

Solomon Thomas has been shooting up draft boards.  I’m not sure if it’s because of the explosiveness he showed at the combine, we’ve watched his film enough to see he could be THAT good, or if it’s just a good fit for the 49ers.  Maybe it’s all three.  This would be a great selection for San Francisco to pair Thomas with Buckner.

3. Chicago Bears – Jonathan Allen – DE – Alabama

Previously I had Jamaal Adams going to the Bears.  I now think that if Thomas goes 2nd, the Bears pounce on Jonathan Allen.  He’s exactly what you think of when you envision a Bears defensive lineman of old.  He’s tough, explosive, and perhaps most importantly, very large.  They could pair him with Akiem Hicks on the line, with last year’s selection Leonard Floyd also rushing the passer?  This could be scary for a lot of years.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Fournette – RB – LSU

With both of the dominant defensive ends off the board, the Jaguars’ decision becomes a little easier.  They addressed a lot of weaknesses in Free Agency, and one might not call running back a weakness, but neither of their guys have the talent of Fournette.  Bringing in a big, but also very fast back like Fournette could get this offense moving in the right direction, and open things up for a struggling Blake Bortles.

5. Tennessee Titans (From LA Rams) – Jamal Adams – S – LSU

This one is tough, as I feel the Titans have a few directions they could go.  Their defense got better in Free Agency by a long shot with the additions of Logan Ryan and John Cyprien.  They can keep trending in that direction by adding Jamal Adams from LSU.  He’s an NFL ready Strong Safety that can bring natural instincts to the run and pass game.

6. New York Jets – Marshon Lattimore – CB – Ohio State

The Jets have holes all over their roster.  With the departure of a handful of big name (and big contract) free agents, you would expect the Jets to be signing a multitude of players to improve the team.  Well, they haven’t.  The first step I have for them is selecting the best corner in the draft in Marshon Lattimore.  Speed, size, quickness, feet.  He’ll need all of that to survive in this secondary.

7. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Hooker – S – Ohio State

Even with the signing of Jahleel Addae (SS) finalized, the Chargers still need help at the Free Safety position. Malik Hooker is definitely atop the board at that position, and seems to be a great match. He has great cover skills and flies across the field. He has drawn early comparisons to Earl Thomas of the Seahawks.

8. Carolina Panthers – O.J. Howard – TE – Alabama

The Panthers elected to trade DE Kony Ealy for the Patriots, for what seems to not be much of a jump in the draft.  Some people like them to draft a DE here as a result.  I think the Panthers have confidence in their current rotation of guys after getting Julius Peppers back.  They’ll definitely look to add to depth later in this draft however, as it is very deep in DE talent.  I’ll stick with the pick of O.J. Howard from last week as he adds a dimension to the offense and can learn from Greg Olsen.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Reuben Foster – LB – Alabama

Reuben Foster is climbing his way back into the top 10.  After his combine debacle, he was thought to slip until later in the 1st round.  It doesn’t seem to be affecting his stock very much, and

he is still the best LB in the draft.  Plus, the Bengals don’t seem to have an issue with linebackers considered to be “hotheads” so Foster goes 9th, adding a much needed playmaker.

10. Buffalo Bills – Corey Davis – WR – Western Michigan

With the details of Tyrod Taylor’s contract coming out, QB is definitely still in play here.  They could select one to groom but, who would either of them throw to?  After losing Marqise Goodwin, Robert Woods (looks like out), and Sammy Watkins seemingly always injured, the Bills need a new weapon at WR.  Corey Davis didn’t participate at the combine due to injury, but his tape speaks for itself. His athleticism is obviously high, production in college was outstanding, and has good size.

11. New Orleans Saints – Derek Barnett – DE – Tennessee

The Saints now have two picks in the 1st round, and their biggest needs are arguably Defensive End and Cornerback.  It just so happens that those are the two deepest positions in this draft, so they can afford to hold off on corner for now.  They need a speed rusher to get after some of the best QB’s in the NFL that play in their division.  Derek Barnett was a college sack machine that should help in this area.

12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) – Mitchell Trubisky – QB – UNC

After passing on a QB at #1, the Browns are rewarded with the guy they probably would have chosen anyway. The Browns did just trade for Brock Osweiler, but I don’t believe that they think he is their franchise QB; they may even release him.  They also released Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown was a free agent.  So now they have two sub-par options at QB, and neither with a higher potential ceiling as Trubisky. He is a little raw as only a one year starter for UNC, but the intangibles look to be there and NFL Scouts like him a lot. He could develop over time to end the QB carousel for this franchise.

**Watch out for a Jimmy G trade, if that happens everything changes**

13. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Williams – WR – Clemson

The Cardinals parted ways with Michael Floyd last season, and it looks like this could be Larry Fitzgerald’s last season. They already have two speed guys in John Brown and J.J. Nelson. They need a big body receiver in the redzone. That is what Mike Williams embodies. This would give the Cardinals a playmaker on the outside for plenty of years to come.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota) – Dalvin Cook – RB – Florida State

With the announced signings of Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith, I think the Eagles may hold off on targeting another receiver for a while in the draft.  Drafting Cook gives them a threat in the run game as well. This will take a little bit more pressure off of Carson Wentz, and give them a dynamic weapon behind a pretty solid offensive line.

15. Indianapolis Colts – Cam Robinson – OT – Alabama

With Dalvin Cook off the board, the Colts opt to go another direction to take pressure off of Andrew Luck. They’ll take the more versatile of the offensive lineman in the class to protect Luck. They could play him at tackle or at guard and be an immediate upgrade at both positions.   The Colts have obvious needs on defense, but it should be noted that they have acquired a few defensive playmakers on defense that will get their shot to impress.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Haason Reddick – LB – Temple

After this season, the Ravens unfortunately lost lead tackler and developing star Zachary Orr to career ending injury.  Very sad news, but he will be okay.  That means the Ravens need to reload at the position, and Haason Reddick is possibly this draft class’ biggest riser.  His intangibles are off the chart, and he could almost play anywhere across the second line of the Ravens’ 3-4 defense.  They can take him and mold him to be whatever kind of defensive stud that they want.

17. Washington Redskins – Taco Charlton – DE – Michigan

The Redskins need to upgrade their defense, I don’t think anyone is arguing that.  It is to be determined if they will need a QB or not.  I have them taking the althetic, big and long, defensive end from Michigan.  Taco has experience in playing DE in a 3-4 in college and he can step in and do the same for the Redskins.  Which they will need after some losses in FA.

18. Tennessee Titans – John Ross – WR – Washington

The Titans were heavy in pursuit of Brandin Cooks before he was traded to the Patriots.  Since that didn’t work out, they get the next best thing in John Ross. He’s a speed nightmare for opposing defenses and gives Mariota and the offense an option over the top, or they can feature him in their spread offense. Great fit here.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian McCaffrey – RB – Stanford

Tampa Bay is addding Desean Jackson to their roster, and they look to add even more pieces to a developing offense. Christian McCaffrey is a new age running back, and would add a completely new dimension to their offense. He is a hybrid between the tackles running back, and yet, a completely capable NFL slot receiver. What a nightmare for opposing linebackers. This guy is like a hybrid of Jamaal Charles and Julian Edelman (has to prove it at this level) and Dirk Koetter won’t have a problem trying to implement him in this offense.  This also gives Jameis an underneath route, a mid-route (Evans), and a deep threat in Jackson.

20. Denver Broncos – Garrett Bolles – OT – Utah

The Broncos made two big additions to their offensive line in the additions of Menelik Watson at RT and Ronald Leary at Guard.  The bad news is they still need another tackle.  Garrett Bolles looks to be everything they could want.  He impressed at the combine, and his character questions are all but gone.  He could protect….whoever plays Quarterback for the Broncos very well.

21. Detroit Lions – Charles Harris – DE – Missouri

The Lions are putting together a well rounded team, when healthy. They could use a speed rusher on the edge to produce more pass rush. Charles Harris is a specialist in that. He looked very comfortable and fluid at the combine, even when asked to go into coverage drills. He would cause an immediate impact for this defense.

22. Miami Dolphins – Jabrill Peppers – S – Michigan

The Dolphins now have a need at Safety, and just secondary as a whole, after some FA losses, cuts, and general need to improve.  Owner Stephen Ross is a Michigan man and has probably had an eye on Peppers for a while.  He could be plugged into the defense in many different situations, and could be a big help when they play the Patriots twice a year.

23. New York Giants – David Njoku – TE – Miami

I realistically only see two positions of need for New York with this pick. Reports say the Giants love what Njoku can bring to the pass game, and think he has huge potential. Just imagine if they add an athletic piece like this at TE, alongside Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard. Now if only they could develop a run game.

24. Oakland Raiders – Adoree’ Jackson – CB – USC

While I don’t think Jackson pushed himself into conversation as a top 3 CB in this class, this move makes sense for Oakland. It’s close to home and he would be popular among fans that aren’t all too happy with ownership at the moment. It also fills a position of need for them as they need help at corner. Lastly, Jackson provides the added benefit of being their possible kick/punt returner in his rookie season, where he is already compared to Devin Hester.

25. Houston Texans – Ryan Ramczyk – OT – Wisconsin

I think the Texans are the favorite to land Tony Romo for at least the next two seasons.  That would solve their Quarterback situation in the short term, as Tom Savage is a capable backup, and I believe they draft the heir to the position when Romo retires.  For the sake of Romo’s health, they need to make sure he almost never gets hit, and adding to the offensive line is a need.  Ramczyk could be the best tackle in the draft, but hasn’t been able to show it post-season due to injury.

26. Seattle Seahawks – Forrest Lamp – OG/OT – Western Kentucky

The Seahawks, like the Broncos, need Offensive Line help….yesterday. They signed OT Luke Joeckel to a 1 year deal, but they’ll want additional bodies. Having a bad line on a team that wants to run the football doesn’t work. They also just signed Eddie Lacy, who all but has to have a “large” hole to run through.  Lamp provides a much needed bulldozer of a run blocker and has versatility to be played anywhere across the line.

27. Kansas City Chiefs – Teez Tabor – CB – Florida

Kansas City loves defensive players that are ball hawks.  The need help at cornerback.  Adding Tabor from Florida fits their mold.  Tabor had 8 interceptions in 3 seasons at Florida and KC would love to see him keep up that level of production on their defense as the quarterbacks in their division have been prone to interceptions in the past.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Marlon Humphrey

Dallas is in a weird position, at this very second, they have almost no cap room. But when they release Romo they will. Expect them to look to fill needs at the secondary as they will lose some talent. At the moment though, Marlon Humphrey could be a great fit for the defense.  At 6’1″ he is a long corner, but has speed and strength that is imperative at the NFL level.  He would most likely be an immediate starter for Dallas.

29. Green Bay Packers – Gareon Conley – CB – Ohio State

The Packers lost most of the pieces to their secondary this offseason.  They brought back Davon House from the Jaguars to add a familiar face, but that is about it.  They lost a lot of pieces after a season to the NFC Championship and will look to reload.  Gareon Conley is a very speedy corner and would have to play immediately.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Takkarist McKinley – DE – UCLA

The Steelers are attempting to reload on the defensive side of the ball, and get younger and faster.  McKinley was a stud pass rusher at UCLA and pairing him with Bud Dupree and Ryan Shazier gives them a young core of guys that are not afraid to get in the backfield.

31. Atlanta Falcons – Malik McDowell – DT – Michigan State

McDowell is an athletic specimen. He’s tall, has tons of mass, and has speed. He’s an ideal DT. However there are concerns about his work ethic, and capacity to play at the NFL level on every down. Insert Dan Quinn. Quinn has shown that he has the ability to bring the most out of his defenses, and he will take a chance on doing that with McDowell.

32. New Orleans Saints (From NE) – Obi Melifonwu – S – Connecticut

After trading away Brandin Cooks in order to get this pick, the Saints opt to target their secondary.  Melifonwu has hit the jackpot of increasing his stock and could go in the first round, especially to the Saints who need someone with size and speed to assist in the run and pass game.  With a couple of years under his belt, he could be a very good player in the league.

2nd Round

33. Cleveland Browns – Zach Cunningham – LB – Vanderbilt

34. San Francisco 49ers – DeShone Kizer

35. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ethan Pocic – C – LSU

36. Chicago Bears – Deshaun Watson – QB – Clemson

37. LA Rams – Dan Feeney – OG – Indiana

38. LA Chargers – Dion Dawkins – OG – Temple

39. New York Jets – Budda Baker – S – Washington

40. Carolina Panthers – Jordan Willis – DE – Kansas State

41. Cincinnati Bengals – Tony Garcia – OT – Troy

42. New Orleans Saints – Pat Mahomes – QB – Texas Tech

43. Philadelphia Eagles – Quincy Wilson – CB – Florida

44. Buffalo Bills – Fabian Moreau – CB – UCLA

45. Arizona Cardinals – Tim Williams – Edge – Alabama

46. Indianapolis Colts – Demarcus Walker – DE – Florida State

47. Baltimore Ravens – Taylor Moton – OT – Western Michigan

48. Minnesota Vikings – Alvin Kamara – RB – Tennessee

49. Washington Redskins – Sidney Jones – CB – Washington

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carl Lawson – DE – Auburn

51. Denver Broncos – Jarrad Davis – LB – Florida

52. Cleveland Browns – JuJu Smith-Schuster – WR – USC

53. Detroit Lions – Tre’Davious White – CB – LSU

54. Miami Dolphins – Desmond King – CB – Iowa

55. New York Giants – Raekwon McMillan – LB – Ohio State

56. Oakland Raiders – Caleb Brantley – DT – Florida

57. Houston Texans – T.J. Watt – Edge – Wisconsin

58. Seattle Seahawks – Dewuane Smoot – DE – Illinois

59. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Anderson – Edge – Alabama

60. Dallas Cowboys – Tarell Basham – DE – Ohio

61. Green Bay Packers – Evan Engram – TE – Ole Miss

62. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joe Mixon – RB – Oklahoma

63. Atlanta Falcons – Dorian Johnson – OG – Pittsburgh

64. Carolina Panthers – Zay Jones – WR – ECU

3rd Round

65. Cleveland Browns – Marcus Williams – S – Utah

66. San Francisco 49ers – Cordrea Tankersly – Clemson

67. Chicago Bears – Josh Jones – S – NC State

68. Jacksonville Jaguars – Chidobe Awuzie – CB – Colorado

69. LA Rams– Chris Godwin – WR – Penn State

70. New York Jets – Jaleel Johnson – DT – Iowa

71. LA Chargers – Curtis Samuel – RB/WR – Ohio State

72. New England Patriots – D’onta Foreman – RB – Texas

73. Cincinnati Bengals – Adam Bisnowaty – OT – Pittsburgh

74. Philadelphia Eagles – Kendell Beckwith – LB – LSU

75. Buffalo Bills – Carlos Watkins – DT – Clemson

76. New Orleans Saints – Ahkello Witherspoon – CB – Colorado

77. Arizona Cardinals – Anthony Walker – LB – Kansas State

78. Baltimore Ravens – Dede Westbrook – WR – Oklahoma

79. Minnesota Vikings – Danny Isidora – OG – Miami

80. Indianapolis Colts – Marcus Maye – S – Florida

81. Washington Redskins – Pat Elfein – C – Ohio State

82. Denver Broncos – Gerald Everett – TE – South Alabama

83. Tennessee Titans – Justin Evans – S – Texas A&M

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Roderick Johnson – OT – Florida State

85. Detroit Lions – Carlos Henderson – WR – Lousiana Tech

86. Minnesota Vikings – Vincent Taylor – DT – Oklahoma State

87. New York Giants – Derek Rivers – DE – Youngstown State

88. Oakland Raiders – Samaje Perine – RB – Oklahoma

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89. Houston Texans – Nathan Peterman – QB – Pittsburgh

90. Seattle Seahawks – Isaiah Ford – WR – Virginia Tech

91. Kansas City Chiefs – Duke Riley – LB – LSU

92. Dallas Cowboys – Ardarius Stewart – WR – Alabama

93. Green Bay Packers – Tyus Bowser – Edge – Houston

94. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cameron Sutton – CB – Tennessee

95. Atlanta Falcons – Cooper Kupp – WR – Eastern Washington

96. New Orleans Saints – Taywan Taylor – WR – Western Kentucky

Compensatory Picks-3rd Round

97. Miami Dolphins – OT – David Sharpe – Florida

98. Carolina Panthers – Kareem Hunt – RB – Toledo

99. Baltimore Ravens – Isaac Asiata – OG – Utah

100. LA Rams – Bucky Hodges – TE – Virginia Tech

101. Denver Broncos – Larry Ogunjobi – DT – UNC-Charlotte

102. Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Myrick – CB – Minnesota

103. Cleveland Browns – Adam Shaheen – TE – Ashland

104. Kansas City Chiefs – Malachi Dupre – WR – LSU

105. Pittsburgh Steelers – Avery Gennesy – OT – Texas A&M

106. Seattle Seahawks – Montravious Adams – DT – Auburn

107. New York Jets – Damontae Kazee – CB – San Diego State