2017 NFL Draft 1st Round Review: Looking at the Big Picture
By Zack Trapp
25.) Cleveland Browns: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
In New Orleans or St. Louis, Greg Williams is as nasty of a defensive coordinator as there is out there. He’ll add a defensive centerpiece that is as mean as any player in the draft. The Browns couldn’t go into the season with last year’s tandem in the back. Peppers gives him the kind of matchup player he can get creative with.
26.) Atlanta Falcons: Takkarist McKinely, EDGE, UCLA
In Atlanta, one hand certaintly washes the other. Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff hold a shared vision of a fast, uninhibited defense in the Seattle mold. Opposite of Vic Beasley, they’ll have two undersized edge rushers with track star speed. They both are at their best on longer, looping rushes where they can get around offensive tackles.
27.) Buffalo Bills: Tre’Davius White, CB, LSU
Sean McDermitt watched his secondary struggle a year ago after the departure of Josh Norman. He wasn’t going to let that happen again once Stephon Gilmore left. Tre’Davius White, the smoothest and most polished corner in the class, is a perfect fit for their Cover 2. Opposite of more physical Ronald Darby, they’ll have excellent matchup flexibility.
28.) Dallas Cowboys: Taco Charlton, EDGE, Michigan
The Cowboys could have realistically have picked any defensive player and been fine here. While they’ve lost talent in the back end, Rob Marenelli, who loves to get creative with blitzes, is going to rely on his front 4 to knock quarterbacks off schedule to make up for their lackluster secondary.
29.) Cleveland Browns: David Njoku, TE, Miami
Whenever the Browns find their quarterback, he’ll have to excuse to fail. With Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman, and Kenny Britt at receiver and Gary Barnidge and Njoku at tight-end, they’ve assembled a true basketball team of receiving talent. Njoku pairs well with Barnidge, a true in-line tight end, and brings his above the rim style of play to this offense.
30.) Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin
Pittsburgh went into this draft without any immediate needs on either side of the ball. With ageless James Harrison turning 39 this year, Watt will likely take some of the load off his shoulders as he develops. One of the more raw prospects in this draft, he’ll have the luxury of learning from two well versed players in Harrison and Bud Dupree in a complex defense. Rookies rarely play much in their first year in Pittsburgh.
31.) San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Word of mouth has it that had Chicago selected Solomon Thomas a 2, Reuben Foster would have been John Lynch’s selection. Instead, they’ll add both to a now loaded front 7. Favorably compared to Patrick Willis, the hard-hitting backer will fill the void left by the future Hall of Famer. Paired with Navarro Bowman, this should be in the conversation as the top inside linebacking corps in the league.
32.) New Orleans Saints: Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin
The draft’s top blindside protector likely won’t get a chance to play there. Terron Armstead is a star and signed for the long term. For Zach Streif, 34-years old, the writing is likely on the wall with this pick. In New Orleans deep drop offense, they need excellent protectors on the edges. Ramcyzk has the best feet of any lineman in this class