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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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Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) and defensive back Andraez Williams (29) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) and defensive back Andraez Williams (29) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Jamal Adams is one of the more complete players in this draft class. He’s a physical presence at the safety position who also has the athleticism to be a top-notch cover man. His leadership and tenacity are something that will infect the entire defense.

Malik Hooker doesn’t have a lot of experience but his time on the field is filled with game-changing plays. He has elite ball skills and his knack for creating turnovers is something every defensive coach covets.

Where Jabrill Peppers comes off the board will be one of the bigger storylines in this year’s draft. It’s rare that such a special talent has such question marks surrounding his future position. Michigan really didn’t do him any favors by asking him to play linebacker.

Related Story: Offensive Position Rankings

I’ve long said that Peppers looks best at cornerback working on an island. He has the speed to turn and run with receiver, size to handle bigger targets and fluidity to keep in-phase.

1. Jamal Adams, LSU

2. Malik Hooker, Ohio State

3. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

4. Eddie Jackson, Alabama

5. Marcus Williams, Utah

6. Obi Melifonwu, UConn

7. Budda Baker, Washington

8. Tedric Thompson, Colorado

9. Josh Jones, NC State

10. John Johnson, Boston College

11. Justin Evans, Texas A&M

12. Marcus Maye, Florida

13. Monate Nicholson, Michigan State

14. Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville

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