Tuesday, April 25, 2017

NFL Mock Draft 2017: Edition 5 (Final Edition)

O.J. Howard, Alabama
1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Some people have been quick to criticize Myles Garrett for "laziness" or poor play against SEC competition, but there is no denying he should be the top player off the board come Thursday. His strength, explosive first step and incredible motor all indicate future NFL success and he'll immediately upgrade a weak Cleveland 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
A lot of teams could go in a lot of different directions with their respective picks, but San Francisco still takes the cake as the biggest wild card of the Draft. New GM John Lynch could trade the pick to a team looking for a QB or perhaps the top tailback, Leonard Fournette. He could also go any number of ways to improve his team if he does keep the pick. My bet is still on Thomas; he is the best player on the board here and gives the Niners a defensive stalwart to build around for a long time.
Previous Selection: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Other Possibility: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
3. Chicago Bears: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Given the Bears decision to dump corner Tracy Porter and lean heavily on injury-prone Kyle Fuller, addressing a thin CB spot must be of top concern. Scouts love Lattimore because of his unique skill set, providing incredible range and impressive athleticism. It isn't tough to envision the former Buckeye being a shutdown corner for years and years, which is so critical in a division that includes Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford.
Previous Selection: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Other Possibility: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
There remains a good chance a team later down the board tries trading up to snatch up Fournette, considering the tailback truly is the best prospect at his position since Adrian Peterson, which is really saying something. However, if the top of the draft stays firm and Fournette is available here, Jacksonville should not and will not let him get away. He can add some real bite to an offense that disappeared at times in 2016.
Previous Selection: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Other Possibility: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams): O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
I previously had O.J. Howard mocked going to Tennessee at 18, but recent speculation is that the former Alabama tight end will be a Top 10 selection, and for good reason. With his blend of size and elite-level speed for his position, he is an absolute nightmare. Tennessee may have more pressing needs than tight end, where they have Delanie Walker, but giving youthful Marcus Mariota a scary weapon at the position for years is to attractive to pass up.
Previous Selection: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
6. New York Jets: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
There is some that believe New York will draft a quarterback here, but they did just draft Christian Hackenberg in the second round last season and have other needs, particularly in an aging secondary. Malik Hooker would immediately add a game-changing playmaker to the back, after picking off seven passes last season (third in the country).
Previous Selection: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
7. Los Angeles Chargers: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams has the talent to be the second player off the board come Draft time, but team needs could cause him to drop slightly, and the Chargers would snatch up the opportunity to snag the former LSU Tiger. Adams doesn't have the elite ball skills of Hooker, but makes an impact on the game with his versatility and fabulous hitting ability. He could give new D-coordinator Gus Bradley a playmaker in the back to work with right away.
Previous Selection: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
8. Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
It is becoming increasingly clear that Christian McCaffrey has the chance to rise into the Top 10 with his impressive versatility and explosiveness. Carolina appears to be firmly in the market for a running back; Jonathan Stewart is clearly on the decline and the Panthers have no long term plan. They won't wait at the chance to land the best RB prospect in the Draft not named Fournette.
Previous Selection: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Other Possibility: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
After a disappointing 2016, the Bengals will be eager to upgrade their roster in any way possible. That could mean selecting the best option on the board, which would be Jonathan Allen here. A poor Combine and Pro Day has hurt Allen's stock significantly, but the former Alabama linemen can play inside or out and is a proven disruptor.
Previous Selection: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Other Possibility: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
10. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Following an injury to star receiver Sammy Watkins, Buffalo's offense really limped through 2016 and won't improve much unless they add some new pieces to help QB Tyrod Taylor. Despite some past injury concerns, Williams' athleticism and impressive size all indicate a future star, adding another former Clemson wide out to the fold for the Bills.
Previous Selection: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Other Possibility: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
With Drew Brees getting older and their recent signing of Adrian Peterson, New Orleans is in win-now mode. However, they won't be winning much unless they invest heavily on the defensive side of the ball, starting here. Derek Barnett is by far and away the best prospect available here and will add more pass rushing prowess to a defensive line with some upside.
Previous Selection: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
Other Possibility: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
While Cleveland will entertain the option of taking Trubisky No. 1, there remains a good chance he will drop out of the Top 10 if New York doesn't take a chance on him. That would be the perfect chance for the Browns to snag the talented signal-caller. Despite some of his flaws in his mechanics and experience, Trubisky fits perfectly in head coach Hue Jackson's offense and brings significant potential.
Previous Selection: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Other Possibility: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
13. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
Now just a few days before the Draft, Arizona still remains a very interesting team. They have enough to make one last Super Bowl run but their age at some significant positions (namely quarterback) makes them quite a wild card. I've mocked Patrick Mahomes here for awhile but if Foster drops, Arizona may want to go with him. He is the top linebacker in the class and could give them a stud in the middle to build their front seven around.
Previous Selection: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Other Possibility: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota): Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
With John Ross and Corey Davis both available here, Philadelphia could take a chance on improving their receiver corps for Carson Wentz, but they may be best suited to upgrade a poor cornerback corps. If that is the case taking a chance on Conley would be smart; the former OSU corner doesn't have Lattimore's elite athleticism but offers more experience and length.
Previous Selection: John Ross, WR, Washington
Other Possibility: John Ross, WR, Washington
15. Indianapolis Colts: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
New Colts GM Chris Ballard does inherit one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL in Andrew Luck, but still has hit work cut out for him in rebuilding this defense. The Colts could go anywhere on that side of the ball, but with many top edge rushers off the board, cornerback may be the best bet. Humphrey was terrific throughout his time with Alabama and has the physicality and toughness to play at the next level.
Previous Selection: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Other Possibility: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
16. Baltimore Ravens: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
General manager Ozzie Newsome has long favored tough, physical football in Baltimore, which could indicate the Ravens upgrading their offensive line here. There isn't any top-flight offensive linemen in the class, but Robinson may fit the bill as top tackle off the board. Another former Alabama player, he brings immediate ferocity to a thin Baltimore O-Line.
Previous Selection: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Other Possibility: John Ross, WR, Washington
17. Washington Redskins: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
The addition of cornerback Josh Norman greatly helped Washington's defense as a whole last season, but the front seven could still use upgrades in order to keep the unit in tip-top shape. Reddick has risen up the boards quickly over the past few months after an impressive Combine and his ability to play inside or outside linebacker will be a huge asset for the 'Skins.
Previous Selection: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Other Possibility: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
18. Tennessee Titans: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
The Titans could definitely upgrade their defense with the No. 5 selection but if they choose to go with Howard or somebody else offensively, taking a defensive back must happen at 18. With Conley, Lattimore and Humphrey gone, they could take a chance on Awuzie out of Colorado. Despite being a relatively quiet name throughout the Draft process, Awuzie has a chance to hear his name in the first round because of his athleticism and insane potential.
Previous Selection: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Other Possibility: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
With Doug Martin's future in Tampa in question (suspended first four games of season, rumors Tampa wants to move on), picking up a running back seems likely for the Bucs here. Cook has slipped down many boards due to off-the-field concerns but is still a top-flight rusher who can reacquaint with Jameis Winston, his former teammate at FSU.
Previous Selection: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Other Possibility: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
20. Denver Broncos: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
There are reasons beyond offensive line play that has contributed to Denver's lack of offensive success over the past few years, but beefing up the weak unit still has to be a priority. Something about the smart and experienced Bolles staying in the area just makes sense.
Previous Selection: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
Other Possibility: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
21. Detroit Lions: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
Despite the mistakes Detroit has made drafting tight ends too high in the past (Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron), they still could look to add Njoku here. The former Hurricane isn't quite the prospect O.J. Howard is, but his combination of blocking and pass-catching abilities still makes him very desirable. He could spell Ebron, while giving Matt Stafford plenty of help.
Previous Selection: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Other Possibility: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
22. Miami Dolphins: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA
The Dolphins were a pleasant surprise in 2016 and appear close to being a clear-cut contender in the AFC. Adding another pass rusher or two would go along way in achieving that goal, and McKinley makes sense. The versatile linemen is still very raw, but has all the tools to be a dominant force for years.
Previous Selection: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA
Other Possibility: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
23. New York Giants: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
A major reason for the Giants return to the Playoffs in Ben McAdoo's first season at the helm was a greatly improved defense, yet the defense still could use another run-stopping linebacker to take the next step. Teams love Davis' smarts and character and he would certainly be a major help in run support right away.
Previous Selection: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
24. Oakland Raiders: Kevin King, CB, Washington
Despite snagging hard-hitting safety Karl Joseph last Draft, Oakland still has to do a major facelift of their secondary, which has lagged behind for years. This is a deep enough cornerback class they should have an abundance of options, but King makes the most sense. His length and physicality are extremely impressive and also traits Oakland has been known to covet.
Previous Selection: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Other Possibility: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
25. Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Over the course of their franchise's existence, Houston has had to suffer through some truly pitiful quarterback play, frustrating fans and wasting the primes of Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. That should no longer be the case, as Houston could have the choice of DeShone Kizer, Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes here. Watson doesn't have the ceiling of the other two but is a proven winner that seems like a great fit in Houston.
Previous Selection: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Other Possibility: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
26. Seattle Seahawks: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
The Seahawks' front office is in an interesting spot right now. Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman could both be dealt, but no matter what happens upgrading the back-end of the defense, once a strength, has to be important. Many of the elite-level corners are long gone, but Quincy Wilson's shutdown ability will obviously help Seattle, no matter Sherman's future.
Previous Selection: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Other Possibility: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
27. Kansas City Chiefs: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
An ankle injury has hurt Davis' stock significantly, as he hasn't had the chance to really showcase his stuff in front of NFL teams. If that does cause him to drop, Kansas City should jump on the opportunity to add the incredibly reliable wide out. Even with the addition of Jeremy Maclin last season, the Chiefs must continue to add weapons for an offense that is still improving.
Previous Selection: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
Other Possibility: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
28. Dallas Cowboys: Adoree Jackson, CB/WR, USC
The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award in 2016 (awarded to the country's top defensive back), Jackson would immediately help Dallas. The Cowboys' secondary needs plenty of work, and Jackson brings elite coverage skills, but the former USC Trojan can help in other ways, such as a kick returner or receiver, where he played some in college.
Previous Selection: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Other Possibility: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
29. Green Bay Packers: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
With Julius Peppers heading back to Carolina and a serious lack of depth, Green Bay would be wise to add a pass rusher here, particularly with most of the defensive backs gone. Harris certainly appears to be the next playmaking pass rusher out of Missouri, and should bring plenty of pressure off the edge.
Previous Selection: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
Rumors have linked Jabrill Peppers to Pittsburgh for awhile, and it certainly makes plenty of sense. The electric playmaker can literally do it all, from linebacker and safety to nearly running back and receiver, as well as returner. His most likely role in the NFL will be at safety, where he could give the Steelers a ton of secondary help.
Previous Selection: Charles Harris, DE/LB, Missouri
Other Possibility: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
31. Atlanta Falcons: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
With such a weak offensive line class (particularly in the interior), there remains a chance a team could take a chance on Lamp earlier in the Draft, perhaps somewhere in the early teens. However, if he does last until late in the first round, Atlanta should land him. He will help solve the Falcons only significant hole on the O-Line, the guard position, which will only help their offense become more lethal.
Previous Selection: Jabrill Peppers, LB/S, Michigan
Other Possibility: Derek Rivers, DE/LB, Youngstown State
32. New Orleans Saints (from New England): Obi Melifonwu, DB, UConn
An impressive Combine has elevated Melifonwu's stock in a huge way, and many now see the former UConn Husky as a possible first-round selection. With a 6'4" frame and blazing speed, he certainly has the tools to be a productive defensive back at the next level. Already adding Barnett earlier, the Saints could snag Melifonwu to shore up their secondary.
Previous Selection: Kevin King, CB, Washington
Other Possibility: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

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