2017 NFL Mock Draft — Post Pro Day Edition
Pro days have come and gone and NFL teams have acquired more free agents, all of which shifts the trajectory of each team and draft prospect. For a point of reference, here are my two previous mock drafts from after the Super Bowl and after the NFL Combine. Without further ado, let’s get into the arduous task of trying to predict a draft that might have up to five quarterbacks taken on the first day or none, depending on who you ask.
- Cleveland Browns — Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
There’s absolutely no way that anyone with even a basic understanding of football would actually take Mitchell Trubisky over Myles Garrett. But the Cleveland Browns might. This all stems from an Adam Schefter tweet on Tuesday in which he reported that Cleveland’s front office was split between the quarterback with only one season of experience and the pass rusher who has been presumed the top pick since the first snap of the 2016 college season. But Cleveland apparently really wants Trubisky, and with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan recently visiting with him (more on that in a second) they don’t believe he’ll still be around by Cleveland’s 12th overall pick. Desperation once again gets the best of Cleveland and they take the Tar Heel first overall. Sorry, Cleveland.
2. San Francisco 49ers — Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Kyle Shanahan is a devious mastermind. As mentioned above, he recently met with Trubisky for a private workout and came away singing his praises. He even echoed a hopeful sentiment when indirectly asked if he thought Trubisky could be a franchise quarterback. Of course, this is all smoke in mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Back when Shanahan first arrived in San Francisco, he said that he didn’t think a rookie could effectively handle his offensive scheme. He’s not going to take a quarterback in the first round, especially with the talent that’s bound to hang around in the second and third rounds. No, he’s just messing with Cleveland to try and trick them into jumping on Trubisky. And they’ll end up taking the bait, leaving the mighty Myles Garrett to fall right into the 49ers’ lap. It’s a Jedi mind trick for sure.
3. Chicago Bears — Jamal Adams, S, LSU
The Bears will ultimately benefit from Cleveland’s mistake too, as the 49ers’ temptation to nab Jamal Adams will be easily overrode by the allure of Garrett. In Adams, Chicago would get an athletic ball hawk who can help transform the backfield and help out Kyle Fuller and recently signed Prince Amukamara.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars — OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
The Jaguars are, for the time being, committed to Blake Bortles as their quarterback. The trade for Branden Albert and signing of Earl Watford beefed up their offensive line to give Bortles more time, and now it’s time to add a dynamic receiving threat at tight end to add to the stellar receiving duo of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Jacksonville is focusing on making things easier for Bortles, and getting OJ Howard on the team would make everything a lot easier for him.
5. Tennessee Titans — Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Another player who drops a bit because of the Cleveland decision, Jonathan Allen is an absolute beast on the defensive line. Tennessee’s aggressive 3–4 defense, run by defensive coaching legend Dick LeBeau, has been solid enough already. However, adding a Fletcher Cox look alike to a defensive line that already features Jurrell Casey would create a fearsome front seven to help out Marcus Mariota’s offense.
6. New York Jets — Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Jets signed Josh McCown at quarterback, which means they’ve deluded themselves into thinking he can be their starter. Also, they seem to have taken a shine to Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes, who will likely be available in the second round. Thus, they can afford to upgrade their secondary. Right now, their best cornerback is free agent signee Morris Claiborne. In the few games Claiborne played for the Cowboys in 2016, he graded out as the best cornerback in the NFL, but then he got injured for the rest of the season. It was just another in a long list of injuries for the former college stud, and depth behind him is…bad, to say the least. Marshon Lattimore represents a highly athletic cornerback that, dare I say it, could eventually offer production similar to that of Darrelle Revis…under the right tutelage. Todd Bowles is a pretty good defensive coach, though, so it might happen. Either way, Lattimore is the top player in a position the Jets desperately need help at.
7. Los Angeles Chargers — Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
This one is pretty simple: the Chargers lost a great safety when Eric Weddle left in free agency. Malik Hooker will be a great safety. There’s honestly not much more to say about this one.
8. Carolina Panthers — Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
I’m sure the Panthers will be really tempted to take Leonard Fournette, but they know that their receiving corps needs more help than their running game. Kelvin Benjamin is a great first option and Devin Funchess is probably best in the slot, so adding Mike Williams would give Carolina the kind of speedy receiver that can take the top off a defense. Ted Ginn provided that threat for them in their magical 15–1 season, but it was noticeably lacking last year. Williams isn’t only speedy, though. He’s also a great receiver. Adding him in the mix with Benjamin and Funchess would give Carolina the best receiving corps in their division and hopefully help rejuvenate Cam Newton.
9. Cincinnati Bengals — Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The Bengals have enjoyed a dominant defensive line for several years now, but many of their stars are getting older and it’s time to slowly introduce young talent to develop and succeed them. They drafted Andrew Billings last year and just traded for Chris Smith, so taking Solomon Thomas would give them another future stud. Thomas’ appeal is that he can play both inside and outside, giving Cincinnati even more options on how to utilize him.
10. Buffalo Bills — Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The Bills are short at linebacker outside of Reggie Ragland, and new head coach Sean McDermott needs a rangy and powerful tackling linebacker to play at weak side. Reuben Foster, former teammate of Ragland, would fit that mold very nicely. As defensive coordinator for Carolina, McDermott almost exclusively ran nickel packages anyway, so a linebacking duo of Ragland and Foster would significantly help out his defense for years to come.
11. New Orleans Saints — Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
After Garrett, Derek Barnett is the best pure edge rusher in this draft. The Saints need to help their secondary, but with no cornerbacks worth taking this high, Barnett is the way to go. He would join a defensive line already featuring Nick Fairley and Cameron Jordan, as well as free agent acquisition Alex Okafor. Barnett’s high athleticism off the edge should get him some free shots at the quarterback behind those other names. And an active pass rush makes any secondary better.
12. Cleveland Browns — Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The Cleveland Browns try to copy the rookie QB-RB duo success that Dallas had in 2016. They think Trubisky can be their Dak Prescott, and Fournette can definitely be as productive as Ezekiel Elliott, especially after Cleveland’s spending spree on their offensive line. Being able to hand the ball to Fournette 25 times a game would certainly help Trubisky as well. This combo might actually work, but it still doesn’t excuse passing on Garrett.
13. Arizona Cardinals — DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
The biggest criticism of DeShone Kizer (unless you’re his bitter college coach) is that he tends to rely too heavily on his arm strength rather than reading the defense and throwing to the open guy. In his defense, though, his arm is basically an old-timey canon from a pirate ship. In short, Kizer needs to hone his mental awareness as a passer despite having great physical tools. In Arizona, he’d get at least one year to develop behind Carson Palmer and learn from quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians before eventually taking over the franchise.
14. Philadelphia Eagles — Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Gareon Conley pretty much came out of nowhere to become a trendy first round pick. After watching his tape, it’s no wonder why. Conley is really great in press coverage and can play anywhere on the field. That versatility alone makes him attractive to an Eagles team in need of good cornerbacks.
15. Indianapolis Colts — Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
The Colts’ top need is the same it’s always been since Andrew Luck arrived: protect Andrew Luck. Anthony Castonzo is a good left tackle and Ryan Kelly had a promising rookie year at center. Jack Mewhort is at the very least a serviceable guard. But the draft plan should still be taking an offensive lineman. And there’s no better school to take lineman from than Wisconsin. Ryan Ramczyk is no exception. He can start at right tackle from day one and eventually take over as left tackle. He would help Luck and the offense almost immediately.
16. Baltimore Ravens — Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Whaaatttttt???????? Look, Joe Flacco is 32 and isn’t even that good anymore. Baltimore will need a new quarterback sooner rather than later, and Ozzie Newsome always takes the best player available. If that means stashing Deshaun Watson for a couple years, he’ll have no problem doing it. Watson is a very talented player and, most of all, he has something Trubisky and Kizer don’t: poise. That’s what was so integral in Dak Prescott’s record shattering rookie year, and Watson’s clutch performance in the national championship game showed that same calm demeanor that helped Prescott so much. Watson’s intangibles will make him a star someday, and getting time to develop behind Flacco will only make him better.
17. Washington Redskins — Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
The Redskins shook up their defensive coaching staff after a dismal season on that side of the ball. Their linebacking corps and secondary are full of depth, but they have a deficiency on the defensive line. Malik McDowell is the kind of disruptive presence they desperately need.
18. Tennessee Titans — John Ross, WR, Washington
Tennessee gets an absolute gift here. John Ross broke Chris Johnson’s long standing 40 yard dash record at the NFL Combine, running a 4.22 speed. Beyond his blinding speed, he’s got incredible hands that can pull in just about any ball thrown his way. After nabbing Jonathan Allen earlier, getting this electric receiver is just icing on the cake, as Mariota gets a top target to throw to as this franchise continues its rebuild.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Speaking of receiver targets for a young franchise quarterback, Jameis Winston gets some added help here. Mike Evans is obviously the top receiver, and Tampa Bay added DeSean Jackson in free agency, but Corey Davis could still come in and produce out of the slot very nicely. Also, Jackson could always slide inside given his speed. Davis is one of those guys who doesn’t do any one thing great, but he does almost everything very good. He won’t become a number one receiving threat, but with Evans and Jackson, he won’t have to.
20. Denver Broncos — Garett Bolles, OL, Utah
Garett Bolles has versatility on the offensive line and the toughness to play through anything. He’ll need to improve his upper body strength, but he’s still be attractive to the Broncos, who are still repairing their offensive line and need all the help they can get.
21. Detroit Lions — Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Despite playing mostly as a pass rushing outside linebacker in college, Takkarist McKinley projects better as a defensive end in a 4–3 defense. The Lions had trouble getting to the quarterback last year, and they need an edge rusher to take some attention away from Ezekiel Ansah. McKinley would fit perfectly in Detroit.
22. Miami Dolphins — Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
The Dolphins need to strengthen their secondary if they want to make another playoff appearance. Byron Maxwell is a solid cover guy, but Tony Lippett figures better as a slot corner in nickel packages. Tre’Davious White is the next talented cornerback to come out of LSU, and he can offer solid man coverage opposite of Maxwell.
23. New York Giants — Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
I think the Giants realized that Ereck Flowers isn’t the answer at left tackle. Maybe Flowers can find better success at right tackle, but either the Giants need to get a new left tackle. Cam Robinson has been a very good left tackle for Alabama, clearing the way for Derrick Henry’s Heisman campaign and keeping Jalen Hurts upright en route to an undefeated regular season last year. Put him next to Justin Pugh and the Giants’ blindside is taken care of for years, extending Eli Manning’s career a bit longer and making life easier for their running game.
24. Oakland Raiders — Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
It seems more and more likely that Marshawn Lynch will come out of retirement and play for the Oakland Raiders, which would make them the second best offense in the AFC. But Lynch can’t possibly be considered the long term option at running back. Getting Dalvin Cook to learn from Beast Mode would solidify the offense’s long term future, as he’s a surefire home run hitter who needs to get smarter on runs and better at blocking.
25. Houston Texans — Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
The Texans were supposed to get Tony Romo either through trade or free agency, but the Cowboys star decided to retire to the CBS booth instead. The next best option, then, is Patrick Mahomes. He’s everything the Texans thought they were getting with Brock Osweiler: big, but mobile, quarterback who can sling it downfield and isn’t afraid to risk it. He’ll have to adjust to NFL defenses, and growing pains can be expected, but Mahomes has a swagger that is undeniable and getting to stay local and play in Houston would be a great opportunity for him.
26. Seattle Seahawks — Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
The Seahawks, like the Colts, are still trying to solve their offensive line issues. They pieced together an okay enough unit in 2016, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Forrest Lamp is more than just a crazy awesome name. He’s got great strength and agility that would make him a stellar interior lineman. He won’t be as good as Zack Martin, but he could definitely come close.
27. Kansas City Chiefs — Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
Brad Kaaya is definitely the safest quarterback in this draft. His fundamentals are insanely fine tuned, especially his footwork in the pocket. He’s a three year starter and with that brings a great mind that can dissect plays and read progressions easily. His accuracy is a point of weakness and he often gets too caught up in the mechanics rather than just feeling it, but that can all be fixed with a guy like Andy Reid. Kaaya would ride the bench for a bit behind Alex Smith, who’s definitely on his way out, but Kansas City probably can’t resist the opportunity here.
28. Dallas Cowboys — Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
The Cowboys need a pass rush like I need money, which is to say, badly. DeMarcus Lawrence, Maliek Collins, and Tyrone Crawford all figure nicely in the defensive line rotation, but adding someone like Taco Charlton would help in a big way. Charlton has a rare combination of size and speed, and while he needs to get more consistent in snap-to-snap effort, he’s a solid starter at worst. At best, he could be a perennial All-Pro pass rusher.
29. Green Bay Packers — Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
I want to just say “Duh!” and be done with it. Christian McCaffrey is an explosive runner who also excels in catching passes pretty much anywhere. The Packers need a running back and Aaron Rodgers could always use more weapons. This pairing might just be too good to actually happen.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers — Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
Haason Reddick’s stock skyrocketed after the NFL Combine, and he could find a home in Pittsburgh as a speedy pass rusher on the other side of Bud Dupree. It would really aid their ailing pass rush.
31. Atlanta Falcons — Tim Williams, DE, Alabama
I listed Tim Williams as a defensive end, but he can also play outside linebacker. The point here is that Williams, a lethal pass rusher in college, would be a perfect fit for the convoluted LEO position in Dan Quinn’s defense. Alongside the likes of Vic Beasley, Ra’Shede Hageman, and Dontari Poe, Williams would wreak havoc in the offensive backfield and help the Falcons defense match the talent and production of their offense.
32. New Orleans Saints — Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Remember earlier when New Orleans ignored their secondary for Derek Barnett? Well, they still get a secondary player here, and it’s a good one at that. Marlon Humphrey has all the physical traits, especially the ideal frame of a cornerback, but he’s got to improve his technique in press coverage. Still, he’s a welcome addition to the Saints’ dismal secondary.
