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