2017 NFL Draft 1st Round Review: Looking at the Big Picture
By Zack Trapp
7.) San Diego Chargers: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The best way to keep Philip Rivers young is to keep adding talent on the perimeter. With underrated Keenan Allen, talented Dontrell Inman, and speedy Travis Benjamin already in the fold, this is purely a luxury pick. Indman and Tyrell Williams are likely going to see less snaps. A big-bodied power forward who dominates on in-breaking routes and on the perimeter, Williams is a great fit for San Diego’s timing based offense. With Allen suffering season-ending injuries the past two seasons, perhaps Tom Telesco is concerned about the durability of their top passing threat.
8.) Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, HB, Stanford
While he’s listed as a running back, his real value comes out of the slot. After a disappointing season in which their franchise quarterback was beaten down, Ron Rivera talked about transitioning to a quick strike offense for the next phase of Cam Newton’s career. Think Ben Roethlisberger’s transition under Todd Haley. As impressive as any receiver in the draft, he’ll provide the darting short-area presence they lack between their twin towers on the outside.
9.) Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross, WR, Washington
The Bengals are sure missing 2015. With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu departing last offseason, they’ve invested two top 50 picks on perimeter talents in the last two drafts. Opposite of superstar A.J. Green, defenses are going to have nightmares dealing with a talent billed as the next Desean Jackson. Expect a lot of two high looks.
10.) Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
The Chiefs knew full-well they had hit their ceiling with underwhelming Alex Smith under center. Their choice in replacement is curious. Andy Reid runs a highly-structured offense that wins through out-scheming the defense. Patrick Mahomes is a fundamental freelancer who wants to rewrite those designs. He’ll need time. However, one of the best ways to tame a wild stallion at quarterback is to force them to get rid of the ball quickly, as Adam Gase did with Jay Cutler in 2015.
11.) New Orleans Saints: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The beneficiaries of all of the offensive reaches, the Saints landed the blue-chip talent they need for their defensive rebuild on they fly. With Delvin Breux opposite, the Saints will have bookends at cornerback that will give them flexibility to send more bodies on blitzes. Expect them to add another pass rusher tomorrow.
12.) Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Everyone in Houston is betting their jobs on the quarterback everyone loves to talk about. No, Tom Savage will not be starting for long. Of all quarterbacks in this class, Watson is theory is the most ready to start early on. A timing-based passer, he’ll need to be willing to let loose for jump ball specialist Deandre Hopkins. They’ll need to help him out and add some read-option elements to the offense.