NFL Mock Draft 2017 v3.0 – Early April by Kyle Davis

It’s been a few weeks since my last mock draft, but wanted to get an updated version out.  Not a whole lot of moves since Free Agency died down, but coaches have been on the road.  Some rumors have started about who likes who, so we can re-visit a mock draft.  Let me know what you think in the comments!

**Updated April 10, 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 – Jamal Adams – S – LSU

I’m going back to Jamal Adams to the Bears.  Adams didn’t have a great combine, but all the questions from that week are gone after his pro day.  He electrified scouts and has definitely pushed himself back into the conversation for this pick.  He’s a perfect fit to step in immediately in Chicago.

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) – Malik Hooker – S – Ohio State

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 continue to upgrade by pairing Hooker as the free safety ball hawk while Cyprien steps in the box to stop the run game and match up with tight ends.

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 – Jonathan Allen – DT/DE – Alabama

The Chargers can’t resist from selecting Allen at #7.  They can put together a defensive line with Bosa and Allen?  That’s scary.  They wouldn’t need to add another player at the position for a long time.  I think they look at the future of the franchise with this pick and take who some consider to be the 2nd best player in the draft.

8. Carolina Panthers –Christian McCaffrey – RB – Stanford

I’m changing my pick on the Panthers to the versatile Running Back from Stanford in McCaffrey.  The Panthers are looking to bolster their offense and give Cam more options.  Adding this piece helps the run game evolve, but also gives Cam another passing threat as well.  They currently don’t have a type of player like McCaffrey on the roster.

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 – Mike Williams – WR – Clemson

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.  After Mike Williams pro day, I think he’s the first receiver taken.

11. New Orleans Saints – Taco Charlton – DE – Michigan

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 pass rusher to get after some of the best QB’s in the NFL that play in their division.  Taco has the highest ceiling of the remaining defensive ends, and has huge size.

12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) – O.J. Howard – TE – Alabama

There is no doubt that the Browns will draft a QB at some point in this draft, I just don’t think it’s at 12.  New management has stepped in and wants to bolster the roster instead of drafting a QB in every first round.  O.J. Howard is a freaky specimen at tight end and could provide a major weapon for any developing quarterback.  With their new and improved offensive line, Coleman, Britt, potentially Josh Gordon, and Howard?  The Browns could be back.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Corey Davis – WR – Western Michigan

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 someone to carry the load once Fitzgerald and Palmer retire.  Given some time to learn from these vets, Davis could be a top receiver in the NFL.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota) – Gareon Conley – CB – Ohio State

The Eagles have added a lot to their offense, and I think they want to add a very strategic piece that will help their defense.  Conley can immediately be their nickel corner, which is a weakness for them.  Within a year (or less), Conley could be the #1 corner on the team.  He’s a ball hawk, which Philly loves.

15. Indianapolis Colts – Forrest Lamp – OL – Western Kentucky

The Colts opt to go in the direction to take pressure off of Andrew Luck. They’ll take the more versatile of the offensive lineman in the class to protect their franchise QB. 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 – Cam Robinson – OT – Alabama

The Ravens have 3 pressing needs, but the one I think they go to first is OT.  After losing Ricky Wagner in FA, they have a hole to fill at RT.  Drafting Robinson from Alabama (nothing new for Ozzie Newsome) gives them a very capable player that can even upgrade their run blocking potentially.

17. Washington Redskins – Haason Reddick – LB – Temple

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 athletic, versatile player out of Temple.  Reddick may be the player that has improved his stock the most, and the Redskins take him at 17 for the reasons why.

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 – Dalvin Cook – RB – Florida State

With two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, and 2 tackles taken, the Bucs wish the picks leading up to this would have gone differently.  That being said, they won’t be complaining if Dalvin Cook is on the board.  He proved he can run the football in college, even if his combine was lackluster and his medical history is questionable.  Winston will help bring his former college teammate to Tampa.

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 – Derek Barnett – DE – Tennessee

The only reasons I have Barnett his low is that 1) some scouts don’t see his game translating to the NFL and 2) he’s been less than 100% at both the combine and his pro day.  Scouts have yet to see him at 100% except on tape.  That hurts his stock but the Lions look past that and take him at 21.  Good value pick in Detroit.

22. Miami Dolphins – Takkarist McKinley – DE – UCLA

With Barnett gone and a hopeful for Miami, they turn their eyes to their next highest ranked player and take McKinley.  He has great size and speed, but needs a little development.  With veterans plastered all across the defensive line, McKinley will learn quickly.

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 – Pat Mahomes – QB – Texas Tech

The Texans can’t help but take a QB here.  They could try to improve other positions, but at this point, they need it.  They were ready to win last year but had bad QB play.  Then, the cards were in their favor to get Tony Romo before that backfired.  Now, they don’t leave it to chance, they take Mahomes in the 1st Round to sling the ball better than Osweiler did.

26. Seattle Seahawks – Marlon Humphrey – CB – Alabama

The Seahawks definitely need line help, but I think they need to take a look at cornerback first.  There are some stories coming about Richard Sherman, they’re a little depleted, and adding Humphrey will help their team now and later.  Not to mention that he’s a great talent that has fallen a bit to this point.

27. Kansas City Chiefs – Zach Cunningham – LB – Vanderbilt

The Chiefs linebacker and leader Derrick Johnson tore his achilles last year and is another year older.  They want to bring in a player to learn and also contribute.  Cunningham is very fast and can get from end to end quickly.  He would be a great add for Kansas City.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Jabrill Peppers – S – Michigan

Dallas has let most of their secondary walk in free agency, so you’d have to imagine that they add a piece to it and early.  Why not add a piece that can play multiple positions in different sets?  The Cowboys pick Peppers and use him all over the field as a rookie.

29. Green Bay Packers – Quincy Wilson – CB – Florida

See above ^.  The Packers secondary was depleted half way through last year’s season, and they let their playoff MVP in the secondary walk in Micah Hyde.  They need secondary help now, and Wislon can help provide that.  By taking him, they only need maybe 2 more players in the secondary to feel confident.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Charles Harris – DE – Missouri

The Steelers want more raw edge rushers to bring in to their high pressure defense.  Harris is raw but has great talent.  They could use him in a multitude of ways and having him paired with Bud Dupree and Ryan Shazier as young players is great for their future.

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) – Joe Mixon – RB – Oklahoma

The Saints had a lot of problems in the run game last year.  Hightower and Ingram both had games where they looked great and some where they looked incapable.  Hightower is gone to San Francisco leaving just Ingram as a true running back.  Adding Mixon gives them another dimension as well as a potential passing of the baton.  Yes Mixon had off the field issues but his talent is undeniable and the Saints will find a way to put his past behind everyone.

2nd Round

33. Cleveland Browns – Mitchell Trubisky – QB – UNC

34. San Francisco 49ers – DeShone Kizer – QB – Notre Dame

35. Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Engram – TE – Ole Miss

36. Chicago Bears – Deshaun Watson – QB – Clemson

37. LA Rams – Dan Feeney – OG – Indiana

38. LA Chargers – Ryan Ramcyzk – OT – Wisconsin

39. New York Jets – Taylor Moton – OT – Western Michigan

40. Carolina Panthers – Zay Jones – WR – ECU

41. Cincinnati Bengals – OG – Dion Dawkins – Temple

42. New Orleans Saints – Obi Melifonwu – S – Connecticut

43. Philadelphia Eagles – Alvin Kamara – RB – Tennessee

44. Buffalo Bills – Fabian Moreau – CB – UCLA

45. Arizona Cardinals – Jourdan Lewis – CB – Michigan

46. Indianapolis Colts – Tim Williams – OLB – Alabama

47. Baltimore Ravens – Tre’Davious White – CB – LSU

48. Minnesota Vikings – D’onta Foreman – RB – Texas

49. Washington Redskins – Desmond King – CB – Iowa

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tony Garcia – OT – Troy

51. Denver Broncos – Jarrad Davis – LB – Florida

52. Cleveland Browns – Kevin King – CB – Washington

53. Detroit Lions – Sidney Jones – CB – Washington

54. Miami Dolphins – Budda Baker – S – Washington

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 – Roderick Johnson – OT – Florida State

59. Kansas City Chiefs – Marcus Williams – S – Utah

60. Dallas Cowboys – Jordan Willis – DE – Kansas State

61. Green Bay Packers – Marcus Maye – S – Florida

62. Pittsburgh Steelers –Ahkello WItherspoon – CB – Colorado

63. Atlanta Falcons – Dorian Johnson – OG – Pittsburgh

64. Carolina Panthers – Tarell Basham – DE – Ohio

3rd Round

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

66. San Francisco 49ers – Josh Jones – S – NC State

67. Chicago Bears – Chidobe Awuzie – CB – Colorado

68. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ethan Pocic – C – LSU

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

70. New York Jets – DeMarcus Walker – DE – Florida State

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

72. New England Patriots – Carl Lawson – DE/OLB – Auburn

73. Cincinnati Bengals – Dewaune Smoot – DE – Illinois

74. Philadelphia Eagles – Kendell Beckwith – LB – LSU

75. Buffalo Bills – Carlos Watkins – DT – Clemson

76. New Orleans Saints – Cordrea Tankersly – CB – Clemson

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 – Teez Tabor – CB – Florida

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

82. Denver Broncos – Adam Shaheen – TE – Ashland

83. Tennessee Titans – Tyus Bowser – DE/OLB – Houston

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ryan Anderson – DE/OLB – Alabama

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

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

87. New York Giants – Samaje Perine – RB – Oklahoma

88. Oakland Raiders – Kareem Hunt – RB – Toledo

89. Houston Texans – Jaleel Johnson – DT – Iowa

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

91. Kansas City Chiefs – Wayne Gallman – RB – Clemson

92. Dallas Cowboys – Ardarius Stewart – WR – Alabama

93. Green Bay Packers – Cooper Kupp – WR – Eastern Washington

94. Pittsburgh Steelers – Malachi Dupre – WR – LSU

95. Atlanta Falcons – Derek Rivers – DE – Youngstown State

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

Compensatory Picks-3rd Round

97. Miami Dolphins –Brad Kaaya – QB – Miami

98. Carolina Panthers – Jake Butt – TE – Michigan

99. Baltimore Ravens – Isaac Asiata – OG – Utah

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

101. Denver Broncos – Adam Bisnowaty – OT – Pittsburgh

102. Seattle Seahawks – Larry Ogunjobi – DT – Charlotte

103. Cleveland Browns – Jalen Myrick – CB – Minnesota

104. Kansas City Chiefs – Nathan Peterman – QB – Pittsburgh

105. Pittsburgh Steelers – Duke Riley – LB – LSU

106. Seattle Seahawks – Tanoh Kpassagnon – DE – Villanova

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