Which players will be going at the top of the draft come May 2017?
Until the official draft order for the top 10 is set, I will use the current Vegas super bowl odds to order the teams at the bottom. This is merely a top 5 mock draft. As always the rating of the prospects is based on what this author would do as the GM of the teams picking.
1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M
This is a no brainer pick. They have a ton of picks in the first 3 rounds so that they have move up if a quarterback prospect they like is available. Garrett helps them year 1.
If Ray Horton is retained as defensive boss, they need a centerpiece. Right now, they have a collection of complementary pieces and prospects. Even Joe Haden’s play has fallen off due to injuries and other issues.
Haden is a big enough name that they could flip him to another team to draft his replacement. What Garrett brings to the table is that he makes everyone else instantly more effective.
If Garrett played the 6 End for the Browns, it moves Ogbah to the Edge. And Corey Lemonier/Nate Orchard back the starters up. This gives them real depth at a spot which is critical for the type of defense that they want to run.
But what Garrett brings is bigger than just depth. He’s a fantastic prospect who will remind the scouts of Jadeveon Clowney, who’s finally healthy and blowing up in Houston.
He’s a best fit at the end spot and not as a stand up rusher. This is because he doesn’t have the elite bend that these rushers have. He does have the speed and quickness to be a truly dominating player.