Mock Draft 1.0 – Free Agency Period by Kyle Davis

I will be doing a series of  3-round Mock Drafts with updated versions coming out over the course of time leading up to the NFL Draft.  I will note the date written on each one.  Who will your team draft in 2017?  Stay with me over the next month and a half as we discuss through Mock formats.

**Date: 3/9/2017 – Mock 1.0**

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.”  Expect to hear those words when the Browns make the selection to kick off Draft Day.  This is just a mock, 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 – Jonathan Allen – DE/DT – Alabama

The 49ers have a few options, but I think they take arguably the most NFL ready player in the class.  Some people say they expect Allen to be a complete run stuffer from the inside, while also tallying 10 sacks a season for years.  His shoulders have come up as a reason he could fall, but good reports have come out on that as well, and the production speaks for itself.  San Fran could also opt for a QB, but with Hoyer coming in, I don’t think there is one in the class that deserves the #2 pick when you can take a franchise player in a position of need.

3. Chicago Bears – Jamal Adams – S – LSU

This one was tough, as there are 3 players the Bears could definitely use, but I end up going with Jamal Adams, who is definitely ready to start day 1.  The Bears could stand to upgrade their secondary, while also adding a stud in the run game.  Adams has shown an elite level of play recognition and would immediately become a play-maker in the secondary while also contributing to their run defense.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Solomon Thomas – DE – Stanford

Yes I’m aware that the Jaguars just signed DE FA Calais Campbell.  I’m also aware that he is a massive cap hit and he’s 30 years old.  This seems like a perfect time for the Jaguars to secure someone to learn from the experienced veteran and be a freak Defensive End for the Jaguars for at least the next 5 years.  Thomas showed way above average athleticism at the combine and the Jaguars should snag him here.

5. Tennessee Titans (From LA Rams) – Marshon Lattimore – CB – Ohio State

This one is tough, as while I write this, the Titans are trying to acquire FA A.J. Bouye.  However, even if they can get him, the Titans could still gain to bolster their level at corner, especially relative to the price tag Bouye will command.  Marshon propelled himself to the status of #1 cornerback in the class, and to pair him up with Bouye on the outsides would give Tennessee two great cover guys.

6. New York Jets – Leonard Fournette – RB – LSU

This is a crap shoot.  The Jets have needs all over the field, and RB isn’t really one of them at the moment.  But some teams view Fournette as a generational talent, even after his “average” showing at the combine.  This would help whichever QB plays for the Jets next year and would possibly free up some cap space taken up in the backfield for the team.  This could be Malik Hooker, or even an OT or a QB…it’s the Jets, who knows anymore.

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

Los Angeles Chargers still feels weird to type.  Anyway, even with the signing to come from Jahleel Addae (SS), 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

A bit of a surprise pick here, as it is not a position of need, but it does a few things for an offense looking to “evolve” as stated by HC Ron Rivera.  Greg Olsen is getting older and the Panthers are looking to find his replacement.  The other aspect to this is that Howard is a great player that would give Cam more options, and he is a great run-blocker.  They could use more two-TE sets, run the football and generate more success in play-action.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Taco Charlton – DE – Michigan

The Bengals have a few positions that they need to fill, but this one matched well.  Taco (great name) helped himself at the combine with a strong workout, but also strong measurables.  He’s drawn comparisons to current Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap, and they need to start developing someone across from him.

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

The Bills re-structuring Tyrod Taylor’s contract takes them out of the QB game in the 1st round.  However 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 – Reuben Foster – LB – Alabama

The Saints need help virtually at every position across their defense, seems like a recurring story.  However, they can add a very crucial piece in the LB from Alabama.  Foster is a tackling machine, with the speed to cover sideline to sideline, and the strength to shed blockers.  He has drawn comparisons to the impact Luke Kuechly has for divison rivals Carolina.  He would immediately improve the Saints defense.

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. So now they have plenty of options at QB, but none with the 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.

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.  I had John Ross slated here, but I do think they want to improve their offense still.  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.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Derek Barnett – DE – Tennessee

The Ravens had two big players leave their defense after the 2016 season.  Elvis Dumervil was cut, and Zachary Orr was forced to retire due to a career ending injury.  That leaves some holes to fill and they could look to do so with Derek Barnett.  He was almost primarily a hand in the dirt DE in college, but his size isn’t too big to think that he could be an edge pass rusher.  There were times in college where he made adjustments at the line of scrimmage and covered tight ends and even wide receivers.  He’s a very smart, and productive player, just what the Ravens like.

17. Washington Redskins – S – Jabrill Peppers – Michigan

Washington has other needs across their team, but I think that they elect to go with the most versatile player in the draft.  The Redskins need help in the secondary, and in their front 7, and Peppers allows them to kill two birds with one stone.  He could immediately step in at SS.  He could play free safety for them if needed.  Peppers can play slot corner immediately in sub packages, or he could step in as a cover linebacker in nickel and dime.  It would be a great add for this defense.

18. Tennessee Titans – John Ross – WR – Washington

We heard the rumors that the Titans are looking to trade for Brandin Cooks, and they still could.  Assuming that it doesn’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.

20. Denver Broncos – Ryan Ramcyzk – OT – Wisconsin

The Broncos take the second Offensive Lineman in the draft, and that’s because they need it.  The Broncos offensive line last season was one of the worst in the league, and they have pieces leaving it.  They need help, and Ramcyzk looks to be the part of a starter at tackle in the NFL immediately.

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 – Zach Cunningham – LB – Vanderbilt

The Dolphins should elect to take the very versatile linebacker Cunningham.  He is very smart on the field, has elite speed to cover the field, and is a superb coverage linebacker.  With Kiko Alonso being very injury prone, they need help at the position.  The good news is that assuming Alonso is healthy for this season, he could easily step in to play alongside Kiko, giving them a very solid linebacker duo.

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 – DeShone Kizer – QB – Notre Dame

If the Texans get Romo, I still expect this pick to stay.  The Texans don’t want to get stuck in the situation they have been over the past few years.   This allows the veteran Tony Romo to lead the team, with Kizer learning from Romo for potentially the next 2-3 years.  Kizer isn’t a Week 1 ready QB anyway, and with the light learning and experience, he could definitely be a great option to turn to later on.

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.  Luckily, Russell Wilson is one, if not the most, elusive quarterbacks in the NFL and survived last season.  Lamp provides a much need bulldozer of a run blocker and has versatility to be played anywhere across the line.

27. Kansas City Chiefs – Marlon Humphrey – CB – Alabama

Kansas City already has a good defense, and Marcus Peters is a great corner.  But they could stand to use another one, and this would give them a pair of young studs on the outside.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Sidney Jones – CB – Washington

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, Sidney Jones looks like a great fit for them.  He is a big, long, physical corner that Dallas already employs today.

29. Green Bay Packers – Teez Tabor – CB – Florida

Green Bay’s secondary is depleted.  Haha Clinton-Dix is pretty much the only one still there worth a starting spot that they will retain.  Tabor is the best corner available at this point in the draft and Green Bay is almost forced to select him.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Haason Redick – LB – Temple

The Steelers like a certain type of player on the outside of their defense and Redick is that kind of player.  Extremely hard work ethic, and the athleticism to back it up.  Redick was a DE in college, but also showed that he can play in coverage as well.  His upside is tremendous and worth a selection at 30.

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 England Patriots – Garrett Bolles – OT – Utah

The Patriots could go a multitude of directions, but I think they add to their offensive line depth.  They cut veteran Sebastian Vollmer, and have some issues across the line as a whole.  Bolles could step in immediately to at least play Right Tackle as a rookie, and could impress more than people think.

2nd Round

33. Cleveland Browns – Gareon Conley – CB – Ohio State

34. San Francisco 49ers – Tony Garcia – OT – Troy

35. Chicago Bears – Deshaun Watson – QB – Clemson

36. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ethan Pocic – C – LSU

37. LA Rams – Takkarist McKinley – DE – UCLA

38. LA Chargers – Dan Feeney – OG – Indiana

39. New York Jets – Obi Melifonwu – S – Connecticut

40. Carolina Panthers – Zay Jones – WR – ECU

41. Cincinnati Bengals – Dion Dawkins – OG – Temple

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 – Carl Lawson – DE – Auburn

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

47. Baltimore Ravens – Budda Baker – S – Washington

48. Minnesota Vikings – Alvin Kamara – RB – Tennessee

49. Washington Redskins – JuJu Smith-Schuster

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Evan Engram – TE – Ole Miss

51. Denver Broncos – Jarrad Davis – LB – Florida

52. Cleveland Browns – Taylor Moton – OT – Western Michigan

53. Detroit Lions – Raekwon McMillan – LB – Ohio State

54. Miami Dolphins – Tre’Davious White – CB – LSU

55. New York Giants – Jordan Willis – DE – Kansas State

56. Oakland Raiders – Tim Williams – Edge – Alabama

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

58. Seattle Seahawks – Dewuane Smoot – DE – Illinois

59. Kansas City Chiefs – Caleb Brantley – DT – Florida

60. Dallas Cowboys – Tarell Basham – DE – Ohio

61. Green Bay Packers – Josh Jones – S – NC State

62. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joe Mixon – RB – Oklahoma

63. Atlanta Falcons – Dorian Johnson – OG – Pittsburgh

64. New England Patriots – RB – Dont’a Foreman – Texas

3rd Round

65. Cleveland Browns – Marcus Williams – S – Utah

66. San Francisco 49ers – Cordrea Tankersly – Clemson

67. Chicago Bears – Cooper Kupp – WR – Eastern Washington

68. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bucky Hodges – TE – Virginia Tech

69. Tennessee Titans – Jaleel Johnson – DT – Iowa

70. New York Jets – Ryan Anderson – Edge – Alabama

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

72. Carolina Panthers – Eddie Jackson – S – Alabama

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 – Cameron Sutton – CB – Tennessee

77. Arizona Cardinals – Chidobe Awuzie – CB – Colorado

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 – Jake Butt – TE – Michigan

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

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

85. Detroit Lions – CB – Desmond King – Iowa

86. Minnesota Vikings – Avery Gennesy – OT – Texas A&M

87. New York Giants – Tyus Bowser – Edge – Houston

88. Oakland Raiders – Samaje Perine – RB – Oklahoma

89. Houston Texans – David Sharpe – OT – Florida

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

91. Kansas City Chiefs – Anthony Walker – LB – Northwestern

92. Dallas Cowboys – Chris Godwin – WR – Penn State

93. Green Bay Packers – Duke Riley – LB – LSU

94. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Myrick – CB – Minnesota

95. Atlanta Falcons – Carlos Henderson – WR – Lousiana Tech

96. New England Patriots – Larry Ogunjobi – DT – UNC-Charlotte

Compensatory Picks-3rd Round

97. Miami Dolphins – Nathan Peterman – QB – Pittsburgh

98. Carolina Panthers – Kareem Hunt – RB – Toledo

99. Baltimore Ravens – Isaac Asiata – OG – Utah

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100. LA Rams – Chad Williams – WR – Grambling

101. Denver Broncos – Vincent Taylor – DT – Oklahoma State

102. Seattle Seahawks – Derek Rivers – Youngstown State

103. Cleveland Browns – Gerald Everett – TE – South Alabama

104. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Reynolds – WR – Texas A&M

105. Pittsburgh Steelers – Montravious Adams – DT – Auburn

106. Seattle Seahawks – Tanzel Smart – DT – Tulane

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