2017 NFL Draft 1st Round Review: Looking at the Big Picture
By Zack Trapp
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Jason Light is loading up weapons around Jameis Winston. With Cameron Brate already there, Howard will likely be the Y tight end for the Titans. With downfield threats in a deep-drop offense in Mike Evans and Desean Jackson, Howard will do the dirty work over the middle of the field. This offense should be explosive.
20.) Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
They needed this. Last year the offense short circuited due to two swinging gates at tackles. Bolles has enough mobility and length to be a nice fit in their predominantly outside zone running game. Already signing Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson, John Elway clearly wants to get bigger up front.
21.) Detriot Lions: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Another pick made based purely on need. Davis, a late riser, will slide in next to Taheer Whitehead on the inside. In Detriot’s defense, they need athletic linebackers that can play with range in zone coverage. Davis is as good of a sideline to sideline presence as there is in this class.
22.) Miami Dolphins: Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri
With Cameron Wake aging and Oliver Vernon out the door last offseason, they had a massive hole at defensive end. Another predominantly zone defense, they need to create pressure on the quarterback with consistency. This pick is a little curious as Harris seemed to be a better fit as a 3-4 outside backer than a 4-3 end, although the difference between the two has been blurred.
23.) New York Giants: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
Although the player selection was curious, Jerry Reese needed to upgrade the tight end position in the worst way. Will Tye simply wasn’t getting it done. The strange thing here is that Engram is essentially a big-bodied receiver who plays best from the slot. The Giants already have a promising young slot receiver in Sterling Shepard and a possession type in Brandon Marshall. He’ll need to progress as a blocker to become a true tight end.
24.) Oakland Raiders: Garreon Conley, CB, Ohio State
After signing Sean Smith and David Amerson to long-term deals last offseason, Reggie McKenzie is already admitting defeat after they were beat deep ten too many times last season. While Smith and Amerson are physical, oversized guys, Conley is more of a finesse player. The pick is reminiscent of the Giants adding Eli Apple a year ago and allowing him to slowly take over Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie’s role.