The 2016 NFL season concluded last month (Super Bowl) and the 2017 season is already upon us. No, not games or even training camp, but free agency is well underway and we’ve seen quite a few developments. Teams are changing in a hurry, which obviously alters draft plans. Speaking of the draft, it’s nearly one month away and the prospects are being analyzed much more in depth. The combine is over and done with, and pro days are happening as we speak. With all of that stuff in mind, it’s time for our third mock (technically 4th but the last one was mixed in with free agency plans/predictions):
The Sports Guys 2017 NFL Mock Draft #3
1. Cleveland Browns select: Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M)
1st and 2nd Mock: Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M)
Don’t mean to be boring, but the combine confirmed that Garrett is clearly the best prospect and there is basically no way he doesn’t go #1 overall. The Browns will take the best player and worry about the rest (namely QB) later.
2. San Francisco 49ers select: Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
2nd Mock: DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Jonathan Allen (DL, Alabama)
The 49ers still don’t have a long-term QB, but they did add Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley at the position in free agency. Due to that, I think they ride veterans this season and try to add a better quarterback next year as opposed to reaching here. They will be the favorite to land Kirk Cousins in free agency and there are some top notch prospects that should also be in the draft a year from now. At the combine, Thomas wowed scouts and shot up draft boards even higher. Pass rushers are more important than ever and the 49ers need a feared man coming off the edge.
3. Chicago Bears select: Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
2nd Mock: Jonathan Allen (DL, Alabama)
1st Mock: Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
Similar to the 49ers, the Bears found a short term solution at QB in free agency when they signed Mike Glennon. Their commitment is really just for a year (in terms of guaranteed money), so that means if he doesn’t work out, they can adjust their approach a year from now as well. Despite adding some punch to their secondary, it remains a weakness, particularly safety. I chose Adams here over Hooker simply because Hooker has been injured recently and has been unable to work out for teams. That leaves Adams slightly ahead on the draft board.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
2nd Mock: Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
The Jags spent money the last two offseasons now investing massively in their defense. They also spent their top picks in the 2016 draft on their defense. Due to that, this pick will surely be to improve the offense. While I think they should think about every position on offense, Fournette is the top available offensively player, and he could fix the problems they have had running the football. Ironically, last year’s top RB went #4 as well and that worked out well...
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles) select: Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
1st and 2nd Mock: Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
For the third mock in a row, I have Williams going to the Titans. They struck out in free agency when it came to wide receivers and that remains their largest need. Mariota needs a #1 target and Williams will be that. He beats out Corey Davis in my book as the top wideout in the draft.
6. New York Jets select: Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
2nd Mock: Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
1st Mock: DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
I personally like Watson the best now, but a lot of scouts will say Trubisky is the top signal caller this year. The Jets haven’t done much in free agency to solve their QB issues, so this is where the first quarterback will be taken. And since Trubisky seems like the top guy, he’s the pick.
7. Los Angeles Chargers select: Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
1st Mock: Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
The Chargers still have not found an adequate replacement for Eric Weddle. The secondary struggled without a great “center fielder” out there this past season. Hooker is an exciting prospect that creates turnovers constantly and will likely be a major difference maker at the next level. He just beats out Lattimore as the best option to improve LA’s secondary.
8. Carolina Panthers select: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Carolina must improve the secondary, as they were awful there last season. Lattimore is my #1 corner and an obvious selection based on how the board fell. He may not be Josh Norman right away, but he will clearly help fill the void left by Norman, and that’s good enough for right now.
9. Cincinnati Bengals select: Jonathan Allen (DL, Alabama)
1st and 2nd Mock: Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
I think this is a team that will be trying to trade down. There are lots of options here but there isn’t a no-brainer for the Bengals. If another team feels strongly about someone specific, this pick will be on the move. But I don’t see that happening at this point based on the board and mix of teams drafting close to this position. So when stuck to make a pick, Allen is the most logical choice. The combine exposed some red flags about his health, notably his shoulder, but he was the second best prospect entering the combine and the tape still backs that up. He could be a great run stopper for them, and is versatile enough to play multiple positions on the line.
10. Buffalo Bills select: Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
2nd Mock: Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
1st Mock: Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
With Tyrod Taylor back on board, the Bills need to give him some more weapons to utilize. Davis gets the nod over OJ Howard simply because he offers the passing game more upside and there is clearly a need for a second WR on this team (after Sammy Watkins). The Bills may also consider a CB to replace Gilmore (now on the Patriots), but the depth at that position is better than receiver.
11. New Orleans Saints select: Haason Reddick (OLB, Temple)
2nd Mock: Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
1st Mock: Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
The Saints defense is broke, and has been for some time. They clearly need to upgrade that unit with the two selections they have in the first round. While I think cornerback is a big need, the team may address via trade (for Malcolm Butler… see #32). So I instead went with one of the big risers on my board in Reddick. He had a great season in his last go around with Temple, and has followed that up with dominant performances at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He has shown me versatility in coverage and getting after the quarterback. This pick will allow New Orleans to be create in scheming for teams.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) select: Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
1st Mock: Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
I still believe this is the draft dream scenario for Cleveland. Garrett and Watson is a great haul and could pay dividends for the next decade. Watson isn’t a perfect prospect, but he offers a lot of upside and showed me at his pro day that he’s willing to put in the work and improve his weaknesses. He’s already looking more polished than he did at Clemson. This selection should be an easy one to make.
13. Arizona Cardinals select: Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
1st Mock: Tim Williams (OLB, Alabama)
This is the third mock I’ve posted and the third different Alabama player I’ve now projected to the Cardinals. While they have needs at a variety of positions due to losing out in free agency, their secondary needs a boost the most. They lost Jefferson, Swearinger, and Cooper to other teams, all of whom played over 800 snaps this past season. Humphrey is the best player available in the secondary and gives them someone that could thrive playing opposite Peterson.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota) select: Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
1st and 2nd Mock: Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida St.)
The last two mocks I’ve had Philly take Dalvin Cook. That’s still a major possibility in my mind. However, there is great depth at RB and the defense hasn’t been addressed in free agency. Their defensive line and their cornerbacks are extremely weak. Of those positions, Derek Barnett is the best player remaining in my opinion. He could become a great defensive end for them getting after quarterbacks and creating havoc in the backfield. That pick makes the most sense right now.
15. Indianapolis Colts select: Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin)
1st Mock: Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
While the offensive line remains a priority, the strength of this draft is on defense. The Colts need to take advantage and beef up that porous unit. Despite the red flags that seem to exist with Foster, I absolutely love him as a football player. I see him developing into a leader on the defensive side of the ball and could be a stud for the Colts for a long time.
16. Baltimore Ravens select: O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
1st and 2nd Mock: Takkarist McKinley (OLB, UCLA)
Howard is a tantalizing prospect that could end up in the top ten. The Ravens always seem to scoop up players that are of good draft value. Howard is not only that, but he fills a need for them as a pass catching weapon for Joe Flacco. The Ravens may end up choosing to take an offensive tackle, wide receiver, outside linebacker, defensive end, or even a running back (all needs), but in this scenario Howard is the best pick.
17. Washington Redskins select: Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State)
2nd Mock: Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
1st Mock: John Ross (WR, Washington)
The Redskins are one of the most confusing teams in football. It’s tough to get a read on what they are wanting to accomplish. Nearly every prospect that’s still available was one I considered in this spot. Ultimately, getting some beef up front on defense made the most sense. McDowell isn’t the perfect prospect for them, but I think he’d make an impact on the front line and provide better depth which they are lacking. They could do worse.
18. Tennessee Titans select: Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Teez Tabor (CB, Florida)
1st Mock: Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Peppers could be taken anywhere in the first round, or nowhere in the first round. Teams are all over the place when evaluating him. The reason I chose Tennessee is that they need impact players. Period, end of story. They addressed their secondary in free agency pretty well with Ryan and Cyprien, and then got a #1 wideout with their first selection. These things give them a little more freedom to go big with the Peppers pick.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
2nd Mock: John Ross (WR, Washington)
1st Mock: Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
While they haven’t parted ways with Doug Martin yet, it seems like they will at some point after the issues he had on and off the field last season. Like the Bucs QB, Cook is a product of Florida State and will likely become a great pro. In fact, I personally like him better than Fournette as he reminds me a little of Zeke. He would be the perfect partner for “Famous Jameis.”
20. Denver Broncos select: David Njoku (TE, Miami)
2nd Mock: Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
1st Mock: Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State)
Whether they end up signing Tony Romo or stick with one of their two young quarterbacks, I think another quality pass catcher is needed (especially after they addressed their offensive line in free agency). Njoku is a dynamic tight end that will be a mismatch for defenses in the NFL. With Njoku in the middle, and Thomas/Sanders on the edge, this offense will improve.
21. Detroit Lions select: Taco Charlton (DE, Michigan)
2nd Mock: Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
1st Mock: Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
The front seven needs to improve and Charlton would help accomplish that. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s an in-state prospect that I’m sure Detroit knows a lot about. His size on the edge is will give them a presence up front they currently don’t have.
22. Miami Dolphins select: Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
2nd Mock: O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
1st Mock: Charles Harris (DE, Missouri)
Acquiring Julius Thomas and re-signing Kenny Stills pretty much wrapped up their needs on offense. But the needs on defense are everywhere, beginning with the secondary. When you compete with the Patriots twice a year, it’s important to load up on corners. Wilson is a prospect with very high upside and comes from a program that’s been developing some nice CB’s recently there in the state.
23. New York Giants select: Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin)
2nd Mock: Taco Charlton (DE, Michigan)
1st Mock: Ryan Ramczyk (OT, Wisconsin)
The Giants were awful last season at tackle, and they’ve done nothing in free agency to address the problem. With no o-linemen drafted at this point, the Giants can have their pick. Ramczyk, to me, is still the surest thing and would likely be the pick if available here for the Giants.
24. Oakland Raiders select: Teez Tabor (CB, Florida)
2nd Mock: Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
1st Mock: Teez Tabor (CB, Florida)
I think Oakland clearly needs to address their linebacker positions, but let’s not forget that corner is still a big need. The best value at this point is at corner where Teez Tabor could end up being a massive steal. I think he’d start immediately for them and that’s what you’d like from your first round pick. Linebacker will have to be addressed later.
25. Houston Texans select: Patrick Mahomes II (QB, Texas Tech)
2nd Mock: Garett Bolles (OT, Utah)
1st Mock: O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
This pick will change if the Texans land Tony Romo, but the team has no plan at the position this season outside of Tom Savage since Osweiler was traded. Mahomes continues to creep up the board due to his big arm and big upside. As good as Houston is in certain areas, they cannot take their next step as a team without a good signal caller. Mahomes may be worth the risk.
26. Seattle Seahawks select: Garett Bolles (OT, Utah)
2nd Mock: Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
1st Mock: D’Onta Foreman (RB, Texas)
Without a doubt, the Seahawks clear top need is offensive tackle. In my opinion, they need two. Bolles has steadily climbed up draft boards since the end of the season and has made his way into the late first round here. If the top tackles are gone, they won’t reach, but in this scenario it worked out that Bolles was still available.
27. Kansas City Chiefs select: Takkarist McKinley (OLB, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State)
1st Mock: Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
The Chiefs really just need to land a good young player. Unlike most teams in the league, they have no glaring holes, yet they could use a dose of youth at nearly every position on the roster. McKinley is solid value and is a perfect fit for this defense. Justin Houston won’t be around forever...
28. Dallas Cowboys select: Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
2nd Mock: Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
1st Mock: Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
The Cowboys were railroaded in free agency when it came to their secondary. They said goodbye to Carr, Claiborne, Church, and Wilcox. So even though they need to improve their defensive front (particularly on the edge), they must find guys to fill out their secondary. White is a player I’ve loved for a couple years now. I had him here in my first mock before any other services were putting him in the first round. Now he’s proving he belongs.
29. Green Bay Packers select: Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
2nd Mock: Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
1st Mock: Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
Outside of adding Martellus Bennett, the Packers didn’t have that great of an offseason. That means they have multiple holes to fill, starting with the interior of the offensive line. Lamp is another recent riser and has established himself as the top guard in the draft. That’s just what the Packers need.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
2nd Mock: Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
1st Mock: JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
I’m predicting some sort of linebacker here, inside or outside. Cunningham, Williams, Watt, McMillan, or any of the guys taken above this spot will all be on Pittsburgh’s radar. They still use an aging Harrison and just lost Timmons this offseason. So despite all the options, I went with Cunningham because he was constantly around the ball at Vandy. He will partner with Shazier and create a great duo on the interior of the linebacking corps. Corner is another option, as is wide receiver (if M. Bryant isn’t able to return).
31. Atlanta Falcons select: Charles Harris (DE, Missouri)
2nd Mock: Charles Harris (DE, Missouri)
1st Mock: Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
Dan Quinn will continue to piece together his defense, and an edge rusher opposite Vic Beasley is a great way to do it. Harris offers massive upside, particularly if he adds strength and plays with other great players. That’s why Atlanta would be perfect for him, as he will play with Beasley, Poe, Reed, Jarrett, etc.
32. New England Patriots (via trade with New Orleans from New England) select: Fabian Moreau (CB, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Tim Williams (OLB, Alabama)
1st Mock: Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
That’s right, my first predicted trade of this mock. New England will re-acquire their original pick by trading Malcolm Butler to New Orleans. While I disagree with the logic of the move (I love Butler), I think it will end up happening. The funny thing is, by trading Butler I think they create a big need at cornerback. I know they signed Gilmore, but that will end up costing them Butler and Ryan. That’s a downgrade! Moreau is a huge riser, as I didn’t even have him in my 3-round mock that I did as a part of my offseason planning blog. Now I have him slipping into the first round. Funny how things happen.
2nd Round
33. Cleveland Browns select: John Ross (WR, Washington)
NOTE: I’ve consistently put Ross in the first round before this, and he actually improved his draft stock at the combine. However, the board didn’t fall right and he was the guy that slipped more than I would have guessed. The Browns are lucky.
34. San Francisco 49ers select: DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
35. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
36. Chicago Bears select: Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama)
37. Los Angeles Rams select: Budda Baker (S, Washington)
38. Los Angeles Chargers select: Raekwon McMillan (ILB, Ohio State)
39. New York Jets select: Adoree Jackson (CB, USC)
40. Carolina Panthers select: Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
41. Cincinnati Bengals select: Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
42. New Orleans Saints select: Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
43. Philadelphia Eagles select: Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan)
44. Buffalo Bills select: Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
45. Arizona Cardinals select: Davis Webb (QB, California)
46. Indianapolis Colts select: Tim Williams (OLB, Alabama)
47. Baltimore Ravens select: T.J. Watt (OLB, Wisconsin)
48. Minnesota Vikings select: Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
49. Washington Redskins select: Jarrad Davis (ILB, Florida)
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
NOTE: Sidney Jones is a first round prospect, but with his recent injury, he is likely to fall. Tampa Bay, or some other team, should consider themselves lucky to steal a talent this Jones this late in the draft.
51. Denver Broncos select: Chris Wormley (DL, Michigan)
52. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee) select: Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Colorado)
53. Detroit Lions select: Zay Jones (WR, East Carolina)
54. Miami Dolphins select: Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
55. New York Giants select: Montravius Adams (DT, Auburn)
56. Oakland Raiders select: Tyus Bowser (OLB, Houston)
57. Houston Texans select: Bucky Hodges (TE, Virginia Tech)
58. Seattle Seahawks select: Cooper Kupp (WR, Eastern Washington)
59. Kansas City Chiefs select: Cordrea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
60. Dallas Cowboys select: Jordan Willis (DE, Kansas State)
61. Green Bay Packers select: Kevin King (CB, Washington)
62. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Curtis Samuel (WR, Ohio State)
63. Atlanta Falcons select: Ahkello Witherspoon (CB, Colorado)
64. Carolina Panthers (from New England) select: Joe Mixon (RB, Oklahoma)
Hope you enjoyed both rounds today. Next time, we’ll finish Day Two and give you a three rounder. The draft is getting closer and we will learn more and more each day. Peace!
By: The Sports Guys
