Jamal Adams, LSU |
So much can change over the course of the long Draft process it is rare to see a player that appears to be a clear-cut lock. However, that is the case with Myles Garrett, who seems like a sure thing for Cleveland. Pass rushers with Garrett's size, strength and explosiveness aren't very common, and the Browns will need him to improve a suspect pass rush.
Previous Selection: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Other Possibility: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
While Garrett has stayed firm at the top of most boards, Solomon Thomas has been rising for months, since a superb showing in the Sun Bowl. Thomas is well-known for his versatility and impressive range, and with his upside, he is one of the top players available. With new GM John Lynch looking for help anywhere, this pick makes plenty of sense.
Previous Selection: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Other Possibility: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
3. Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Despite their questions at quarterback and in their front seven, the need Chicago needs to prioritize is in the secondary, where they are old and thin. The signing of corner Prince Amukamara helps slightly, but the Bears would still love a difference-maker here. Jamal Adams followed up a great Combine with an even better Pro Day, and the ball-hawking safety would be a huge help.
Previous Selection: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Other Possibility: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSUThe Jaguars just invested plenty of money in Chris Ivory last off-season and drafted T.J. Yeldon the year before, but the ground game still has not produced in the way they envision. Adding the best running back in the Draft (and perhaps one of the best in years) will certainly change that. Fournette’s power and bruising running ability should fit in nicely with Tom Coughlin’s vision for the new-look Jags.
Previous Selection: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Other Possibility: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams): Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio StateAfter an impressive Combine showing, Marshon Lattimore has flew up draft boards, and is viewed by many as the top cornerback in the class. His impressive size, physicality and experience will be an asset for any NFL team right away, and the Titans have been looking for an upgrade at corner for years.
Previous Selection: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Other Possibility: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
6. New York Jets: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The Jets have seen a mass exodus of veterans leave over the off-season, and it is reasonable to assume they could be heading towards a rebuild. Despite their glaring hole at signal-caller, it makes sense for New York to add the best young talent on the board, and Hooker fits that. The former Buckeye is as rangy and athletic as they come, and would fit in nicely with the Jets.
Previous Selection: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Other Possibility: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
7. Los Angeles Chargers: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Allen was once in the serious conversation for the No.1 pick but he didn’t help himself out with a poor Combine. Yet, it would be crazy to let him drop too far, because he is still an elite-level prospect. He has all the tools to be a dominant pass rusher at the next level, after being an absolute force for Alabama in 2016. Los Angeles would be very scary with him and Joey Rosa on the edges.
Previous Selection: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
8. Carolina Panthers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Rumor is that Carolina loves Leonard Fournette, but unless they can give up a ton to move up, they’ll have to look elsewhere. Cook is not a bad choice by any means, as the former Seminole would immediately give some bite back to the Panthers’ rushing attack, which has suffered behind aging Jonathan Stewart.
Previous Selection: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The Bengals are extremely thin at defensive end, and it needs to be addressed in this Draft. The good news is that Cincinnati has plenty of options to choose from, in a very deep edge pass rusher class. Barnett might make the most sense; the experienced linemen was very consistent while at Tennessee and has the motor and power to be a force for years.
Previous Selection: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
10. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
If the Bills truly believe Tyrod Taylor is their guy going forward (they are certainly paying him like he is), they need to upgrade a receiver corps that is weak beyond Sammy Watkins. Adding the top pass-catcher in the Draft should change that, as Williams’ freakish athleticism and tremendous size make him a red zone threat from the get-go that should complement Watkins nicely.
Previous Selection: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Other Possibility: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
11. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
Foster has the talent and is at a need position (middle linebacker) to go in the Top 10 but character concerns could drop him slightly. If he does, there is no doubt New Orleans would jump on the chance to bring in the former Alabama linebacker, who would immediately add some tenacity to an aging linebacker corps.
Previous Selection: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Other Possibility: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Reaching on a quarterback in this year's class would be foolish for Cleveland at the No. 1 spot, with Garrett available, but makes more sense here at 12. There remains talk Cleveland could try and trade for Jimmy Garrappolo, but if not, Trubisky has to be their guy. Even though he had just one year as a starter at UNC, Trubisky's accuracy and poise are well beyond his years.
Previous Selection: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Other Possibility: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
13. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
With a wide range of prospects available here the Cardinals could go anywhere to help their talented, but aging, lineup. My hunch would still be a quarterback, considering how much Carson Palmer struggled in 2016, and the fact Arizona has no long term answer behind him. Mahomes impressive arm strength and experience would develop even more while learning from Palmer.
Previous Selection: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Other Possibility: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
14. Philadelphia Eagles: John Ross, WR, Washington
The Eagles went in to the off-season knowing they had to address their receiver corps, and while they threw plenty of money at the position group, it still isn't much better in the long term. Alshon Jeffery signed just a one-year deal, and Torrey Smith is past his prime. That should open the door to another wide out selected here, and Ross would be a nice fit. His speed and explosiveness would give the Eagles an exciting piece they haven't seen since DeSean Jackson was cut.
Previous Selection: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Other Possibility: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
15. Indianapolis Colts: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
For years, Indianapolis had a scary 1-2 punch on the outside of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, which guided their pass rush for years. That pair is long gone, and the Colts have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, which needs to be addressed. Charlton was very productive at Michigan, but could get even better if he matches his vast potential.
Previous Selection: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA
16. Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
With Steve Smith officially retired, Baltimore could have one of the worst group of receivers in the NFL. Davis doesn't have the explosiveness or speed of Ross, but his big body and reliable hands will fit right in for the Ravens.
Previous Selection: John Ross, WR, Washington
Other Possibility: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
17. Washington Redskins: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
No matter what happens to Washington offensively over the coming months (where QB Kirk Cousins' future hangs in limbo), the Redskins still need to upgrade their defense. With the top linebacker, Foster, off the board adding Reddick, who has shot up draft boards over the past couple months, makes sense.
Previous Selection: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
Other Possibility: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
18. Tennessee Titans: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
The Titans are already equipped with a great tight end in Delanie Walker, but Tennessee is still looking for more weapons offensively, and Howard fits the bill. The former Alabama tight end never really got the targets he deserved, but he tended to show out in the biggest games. He would be a great long term answer at the position for the Titans.
Previous Selection: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Other Possibility: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Scouts love the dynamic McCaffrey, and there is talk of the Stanford product perhaps rising into the Top 10. That may be a slight stretch with the talent available at the top of the Class, but McCaffrey would be quite the steal at 19. The Doug Martin situation, and the lack of much playmaking beyond DeSean Jackson makes this pick essential for Tampa.
Previous Selection: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Other Possibility: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
20. Denver Broncos: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
This is a very weak offensive line class, but there is still options available here for a Denver team looking to upgrade that O-Line. Bolles was a long-time starter for the Utes, and he would bring a proven left tackle to Denver.
Previous Selection: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
Other Possibility: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
21. Detroit Lions: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Matt Stafford's clutch play for much of 2016 masked some of the big issues the Lions still have to address, namely a spotty pass defense that has not improved this off-season. It would be a huge win for Detroit to snag Wilson, a proven defender out of Florida who has the tools to go in the Top 10, but could slip slightly.
Previous Selection: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Other Possibility: Kevin King, CB, Washington
22. Miami Dolphins: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA
The Dolphins cut Mario Williams this off-season, shedding themselves of a hefty investment in an aging defensive end. The move was the right one, but still leaves them perilously thin at end. They can mitigate that issue by adding McKinley here. McKinley is still incredibly raw and will need time to adjust to the NFL, but his upside is off the charts.
Previous Selection: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Other Possibility: David Njoku, TE, Miami
23. New York Giants: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Talent-wise, Cam Robinson is probably the best offensive tackle in the class by far, and a Top 10 pick. However, he had some ups-and-downs this season with the Crimson Tide, including some off-the-field issues that could cause him to slide. If he does, the Giants would jump on the chance to add another tackle to pair with Ereck Flowers.
Previous Selection: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
24. Oakland Raiders: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
The Raiders have done little to address their major defensive woes this off-season, making it pretty clear they'll target plenty of defenders in the Draft. Zach Cunningham makes the most sense; the former Vanderbilt linebacker has the leadership traits and experience that GM Reggie McKenzie loves.
Previous Selection: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Other Possibility: DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
25. Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
How about this for a steal? Watson has his drawbacks like many young quarterbacks, but I still think he is the best signal-caller in the Draft, even if he does slip. Houston was eager to get rid of Brock Osweiler and missed out on Tony Romo, so they won't hesitate to pull the trigger on Watson, whose winning ways should continue on to the next level.
Previous Selection: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
26. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Even with rumors swirling about Richard Sherman's future in Seattle, the Seahawks have to stay focused on fixing their biggest issue: the offensive line. They would love if Ramczyk dropped to them here at 26. He is a proven run blocker and has a great mind for the game, which would greatly help an average Seattle offense.
Previous Selection: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Other Possibility: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
27. Kansas City Chiefs: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
It may not be the prettiest pick, but the Chiefs could get a high quality offensive linemen in Forrest Lamp. Lamp made 39 straight starts at Western Kentucky and proved to be one of the nation's most reliable offensive linemen, and his presence would greatly help a KC running attack finding itself without Jamaal Charles.
Previous Selection: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
28. Dallas Cowboys: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
White nearly left for last year's Draft before opting to stay one more season in Baton Rouge, which likely helped his stock. The 5'11" corner still struggles with more physical receivers, but his speed and closing abilities are top-notch and he has plenty of upside to warrant a first-round pick, especially for a Dallas team desperate for CB help.
Previous Selection: Tim Williams, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
29. Green Bay Packers: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
While Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore got most of the attention in the Ohio State secondary last season, Conley proved he could match up against anybody and still shut them down. He is an athletic, veteran corner who will be a major help to Green Bay, desperate for defensive back support after being dominated by Julio Jones and Atlanta in the NFC Championship Game.
Previous Selection: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA
Other Possibility: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
Over the years, Missouri has become a factory for prime defensive line talent, with guys like Shane Ray, Markus Golden and Kony Ealy all passing through Columbia over the years. Harris is next on the list, after 16 sacks over two years with the Tigers, he should go in the first round. Pittsburgh wants to add pass rushing help, and Harris fits the bill.
Previous Selection: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
Other Possibility: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
31. Atlanta Falcons: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
Despite grabbing Keanu Neal in the first round last season, Atlanta will likely be looking for more help in their secondary, which is where Peppers comes in. The ultra-versatile athlete can make plays all over the field, but NFL teams are worried about his size and where he fits in a pro defense. Even with those concerns, his talent and playmaking ability keep in Round One.
Previous Selection: Caleb Brantley, DL, Florida
Other Possibility: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
32. New Orleans Saints (from New England): Kevin King, CB, WashingtonThe Saints acquired this pick after trading Brandin Cooks to New England, making it clear they want to focus on defense. Already snagging Foster to aid their rush defense, they should pick up King, who will work wonders for their pass defense. King is a big, physical corner who was extremely productive while at Washington, and impressed at the Combine.
Previous Selection: None
Other Possibility: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
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