2017 NFL Draft 1st Round Review: Looking at the Big Picture
By Zack Trapp
13.) Arizona Cardinals: Haasson Reddick, LB, Temple
Sooner or later, Arizona needed to find a replacement for Karlos Dansby on the inside. In theory, he can be that, as well as taking some snaps in Nickel. With Deon Buccanan and Tyraun Mathieu (as well as the departed Calais Campbell), Bruce Arians loves flexibility on defense. A converted edge-rusher, Reddick fits that description.
14.) Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Barnett, EDGE, Tennessee
So much for Vinny Curry’s big contract extension. Jim Schwartz wants to be able to get after the quarterback with just his front 4. With superstars Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, as well as newly acquired Timmy Jernigan, this has the look of one of the best defensive lines in the NFC. Barnett’s finesse pairs well with Graham’s power.
15.) Indianapolis Colts: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
This was a defense so devoid of star power that they had to take whoever the best player on the board was. Compared to Ed Reed and Earl Thomas, Hooker looks like the rangiest free safety prospect in the last five years. They have an interesting battle for their second safety slot between Clayton Geathers and last year’s second round pick, T.J. Green. Chris Ballard’s new look defense should feature at least five new starters.
16.) Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
With newly acquired Tony Jefferson on the back-end, the Ravens are winding the clock back to the mid 2000’s by putting together one of the most stifling secondary’s around. Humphrey is a physical cornerback that fits Baltimore’s rugged MO, although I question his smoothness for a predominantly zone based scheme.
17.) Washington Redskins: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Before he was unceremoniously dumped on the first day of free agency, Scott McCloughan set a draft board that mostly stuck throughout the process. They’ll add a top tier talent that was mostly forgotten about throughout the process. With Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan already off the edge, Allen figures to play 5-tech and be more involved in the run game.
18.) Tennessee Titans: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Tennessee went into the first round desperately needing a corner and a receiver. They got both. It’s curious that they drafted a cornerback regarded as the least pro-ready when he’ll likely be on the field right away. Expect him to have a role in the return game as well.