With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Positional Rankings: Final Defensive Rankings

By Jon Dove

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) tackles Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) for a short gain during the first quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) tackles Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) for a short gain during the first quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

It’s a down year for the interior defensive line group. There just isn’t a ton of depth or a large group of prospects with high upside. Jonathan Allen by far the top prospect in this group and only sure-fire 1st round pick.

He’s a power player who can hold at the point of attack but also rush the passer. His draft stock has taken a little hit thanks to issues with his shoulders. However, he should hear his named called within the top-20 picks.

Caleb Brantley is a talented player who would’ve been a 2nd round pick if he didn’t have a run in with the law. At this point, it’s hard to see a scenario where he’s drafted before the 5th or 6th round.

More from With the First Pick

Malik McDowell’s draft stock has plummeted thanks to his lack of effort. He has the talent to be a dominant player, but seems disinterested most of the time. NFL coaches can’t stand players who don’t give 100% effort.

1. Jonathan Allen, Alabama

2. Malik McDowell, Michigan State

3. Caleb Brantley, Florida

4. Carlos Watkins, Clemson

5. Chris Wormley, Michigan

6. Montravius Adams, Auburn

7. Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

8. Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

9. Larry Ogunjobi, Charlotte

10. Stevie Tu’Ikolovatu, USC

11. Vincent Taylor, Oklahoma State

12. Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA

13. Elijah Qualls, Washington

14. DeAngelo Brown, Louisville

15. Nazair Jones, North Carolina

16. Charles Walker, Oklahoma

17. Ryan Glasgow, Michigan

18. Tanzel Smart, Tulane

19. Jarron Jones, Notre Dame

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