2017 NFL Mock Draft – 2/2/17

Hello all. Thank you for checking out my regularly updated 2017 NFL Mock Draft. The version following the Super Bowl will be a full 7 round mock based off of my recently completed rankings, so make sure to be on the lookout for that.

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2017 NFL Draft Rankings

QB | HB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | K
EDGE | 4-3 DE | DT | 4-3 OLB | MLB | CB | FS | SS | P

2017 NFL Draft Early Entrants and Draft Projection List.

Please make sure to click here to view the latest 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

#	Team	Player	H/W	Hometown	Position	School	16-17 Stats
1. Cleveland Browns		Myles Garrett, Jr	6’5, 270 lbs	Arlington, TX	SDE/OLB	Texas A&M	33 tackles, 8.5 sacks
Myles Garrett has been the top prospect during the entire 2017 Draft cycle, and I do not think that has changed. Despite a less than stellar junior season, he remains the best pass rusher in college football. Offenses schemed to keep the ball away from his side of the field. Garrett may not be the perfect fit for the defensive scheme Cleveland currently runs, but as bad teams need to do, they add talent first and figure out how to integrate it later.
2. San Francisco 49ers		Mitch Trubisky, Jr	6’3, 220 lbs	Mentor, OH	QB	North Carolina	304-446, 3748 yard,s 30 TD, 6 INT
With Kyle Shanahan expected to wield a lot of power for a head coach, expect this pick to be a quarterback. While I would still rank Deshaun Watson as the top signal caller in this class, the consensus is leaning towards Mitch Trubisky and DeShone Kizer. It is still way too early in the process to figure things out for sure, but Trubisky would give Shanahan a classic drop back quarterback in the Kirk Cousins mold. Shanahan, of course, coached a young Cousins in Washington and will do everything he can to bring him to San Francisco this off season.
3. Chicago Bears		Jonathan Allen, Sr	6’3, 291 lbs	Leesburg, VA	DE/DT	Alabama	52 tackles, 9.5 sacks
The Bears will likely add a young quarterback at some point in the draft, but with Mitch Trubisky off the board, Jonathan Allen would be the best route to take. The Alabama defense prepares players for NFL schemes, and Allen has the ability to play end in a 3-4 alignment. He is strong, quick for a man his size and a complete end, with the ability to stop the run and get after the quarterback. This would be a very safe pick for Chicago.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars		Jamal Adams, Jr	6’1, 213 lbs	Lewisville, TX	SS	LSU	76 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack
The more things change, the more they remain the same in regards to a top five Jacksonville Jaguars draft selection. This time Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone will hope to change Jacksonville’s fortunes. With Coughlin essentially calling the shots, expect the Jaguars to emphasize physicality and toughness on defense. Jamal Adams has drawn comparisons to Troy Polamalu for his recklessly controlled play. Adams has the ability to cover receivers as well as stop the run, and would be a nice fit in Jacksonville.
5. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)		David Njoku, So	6’4, 245 lbs	Cedar Grove, NJ	TE	Miami	43 rec, 698 yards, 8 TD
Tennessee’s biggest need is secondary help, but this is a very deep draft for those type of players, and with two first round picks, they can afford the luxury of selecting the drafts best receiving weapon. While it may seem outlandish to see David Njoku in the top five, it might not be that far fetched following the combine. Njoku, who is not yet 21 years old, might be the best pound for pound athlete in this class. A true play maker, he is more talented than Eric Ebron, who was a top 12 pick a few years ago. Njoku would initially split time with Delanie Walker and give the mobile Marcus Mariota two big, strong targets to throw to.
6. New York Jets		Solomon Thomas, So	6’3, 273 lbs	Coppell, TX	DE/OLB	Stanford	62 tackles, 8 sacks
Like many other bad teams, the Jets need a quarterback upgrade, but there are no signal callers available worth spending another high pick on, especially after the team foolishly spent a second round selection on Christian Hackenberg last year. Instead, look for New York to upgrade a very leaky back seven on defense. This class is flush with pass rushers and secondary prospects, though guys who can get after the quarterback are usually a higher priority in the top ten. Solomon Thomas is blessed with elite size and strength, and showed great all around ability during his time at Stanford. Though inexperienced, he has the skills to be a complete 3-4 linebacker.
7. Los Angeles Chargers		Mike Williams, Jr	6’3, 225 lbs	Vance, SC	WR	Clemson	90 rec, 1267 yards, 10 TD
Keenan Allen would qualify as a number one receiver, but his ability to ever stay healthy for more than a game or two will forever remain in question. Guys such as Dontrelle Inman and Tyrell Williams have stepped up here and there, but Philip Rivers needs a legit target as he enters the twilight of his career. Mike Williams fits what the Chargers look for in wideouts. He is not on the AJ Green/Julio Jones level of receiver talent, but could be another Mike Evans type. He could be what Vincent Jackson once was for Rivers.
8. Carolina Panthers		Leonard Fournette, Jr	6’1, 235 lbs	New Orleans, LA	HB	LSU	129 rushes, 843 yards, 8 TD
Secondary and offensive line are the biggest needs in Carolina, but the Panthers usually just draft the best player available. Leonard Fournette would definitely qualify, and it is not like the running game set the NFL on fire in 2016. Although Fournette has dealt with nicks and bruises during his time at LSU, scouts are not overly concerned, as his injuries are not expected to linger. If anything, it saved some mileage on his tires. Fournette is a strong, violent runner that garners comparisons to Bo Jackson, and has the talent to be a foundation back in the NFL.
9. Cincinnati Bengals		Derek Barnett, Jr	6’3, 265 lbs	Nashville, TN	DE/OLB	Tennessee	56 tackles, 13 sacks
Even though he has been able to consistently win for over a decade while coaching under a notoriously cheap owner, Marvin Lewis always seems to be on the hot seat. It is up to the front office to continue to draft well and replace departing free agents, as the Bengals never splurge for talent. Carlos Dunlap is a stud at defensive end, but a legitimate counterpart would take some pressure off of him. Scouts and analysts have been trying to discredit Derek Barnett since the day he stepped foot in Knoxville, but all he has done is become the NCAA’s current career sack leader. Barnett is not the most athletic, but has a non stop motor and an advanced knowledge of his position, and could give the Jets some much needed pass rushing.
10. Buffalo Bills		Deshaun Watson, Jr	6’3, 215 lbs	Gainesville, GA	QB	Clemson	352-523, 4173 yards, 38 TD, 17 INT
Quarterback should not be a draft need in Buffalo. Tyrod Taylor has two good years on tape, and has shown that he can be a quality starter in this league. So of course the lowly Bills bench him during a meaningless Week 17 game so they do not have to pay him a bonus. The team is delusional in their thoughts that Taylor will come back. Taylor will have his fair share of suitors who actually will want him around, meaning it is back to the drawing board in Buffalo. Deshaun Watson makes sense on many levels; most of which could be Buffalo’s constant penchant for drafting Clemson Tigers. What I am trying to say with all of these words is the Bills once again need to find a franchise quarterback; something the team has needed since Jim Kelly retired.
11. New Orleans Saints		Marlon Humphrey, So	6’1, 196 lbs	Hoover, AL	CB	Alabama	33 tackles, 2 INT
Always in the market for defensive upgrades, the Saints should be able to land a pretty good contributor here. Marlon Humphrey is one of a number of impact redshirt sophomores who could sprinkle the first round. He is tall, strong, has the bloodlines of a former NFL player, Bobby Humphrey, and has the look of a future number one cornerback. This is a great class for secondary players, and the Saints should look to reinforce that position.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)		DeShone Kizer, So	6’4, 230 lbs	Toledo, OH	QB	Notre Dame	212-361, 2925 yards, 26 TD, 9 INT
This would be an ideal scenario for both the Browns and DeShone Kizer. Cleveland was able to draft the best player in the class instead of passing for a quarterback, but they still get the guy who is reportedly on the top of their quarterback board. Kizer goes to a team that knows it’s bad, and would likely let him sit for a while behind Cody Kessler. Kizer has ideal size and arm strength, he just lacks awareness and experience, both things that underrated head coach Hue Jackson could teach.
13. Arizona Cardinals		Teez Tabor, Jr	6’0, 201 lbs	Washington, DC	CB	Florida	33 tackles, 4 INT
The Cardinals would love to land one of this drafts top three quarterback, but unless they trade up, that will not happen under this scenario. Instead, Arizona opts to shore up the cornerback spot opposite Patrick Peterson, which has been a black hole in recent seasons. Teez Tabor may be the most talented secondary prospect in this class, but lacks focus and technique at time. If he can learn from one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, he could be a future Pro Bowler himself.
14. Indianapolis Colts		Malik Hooker, So	6’2, 205 lbs	New Castle, PA	FS	Ohio State	74 tackles, 7 INT, 1 sack
Other than quarterback, if you name a position on the football field, the Colts need an upgrade, so they should just go with the best player available. Malik Hooker was a big time tackler and play maker during his only season as a starter, and has the look and game of a prototypical NFL safety. He would instantly improve the physicality and pressure of a weak Colts defense. One big concern is labrum surgery which could keep him out of the pre draft festivities, which could cause his stock to slip a bit like it did here. He is too talented to fall out of the first round, however.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Vikings)		Corey Davis, Sr	6’3, 213 lbs	Wheaton, IL	WR	Western Michigan	97 rec, 1500 yards, 19 TD
During the Chip Kelly era, plenty of high picks were spent on receivers, but few of those players panned out, and weapons for Carson Wentz remains a huge need. One of the most productive receivers in college football history, (career totals of 332 receptions, 5385 yards, 52 TD) Corey Davis is more than just another Mid Major receiver beating up on cup cakes. Davis has great size, good hands and is the best route runner in this class. He should come in and produce right away, and will be picked much higher than people realize. He did have minor ankle surgery but that is not expected to keep him out of combine drills.
16. Baltimore Ravens		Carl Lawson, Jr	6’2, 253 lbs	Alpharetta, GA	DE/OLB	Auburn	31 tackles, 9 sacks
While Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dummervil remain productive, Dummervil is a free agent and Suggs is coming off of another serious injury, which makes a young pass rusher a priority. Carl Lawson has dealt with major injury concerns in the past, but put together a healthy and dominating junior campaign. True sack artists rarely get out of the first round, and Lawson would qualify.
17. Washington Redskins		Reuben Foster, Sr	6’1, 236 lbs	Auburn, AL	MLB	Alabama	103 tackles, 4 sacks
The Redskins defense was not horrible in 2016, but really struggled to stop the run. The team will look to upgrade it’s front seven this off season in an effort to build a more cohesive unit. Reuben Foster is a tackling machine who can also get after the quarterback. More athletic than former Crimson Tide inside linebackers CJ Mosley, Donta Hightower and Reggie Ragland, Foster would be an instant starter as the quarterback of the Redskins defense.
18. Tennessee Titans		Marshon Lattimore, So	6’1, 192 lbs	Cleveland, OH	CB	Alabama	41 tackles, 4 INT
The Titans went luxury with David Njoku earlier in the draft, so they look to upgrade the weakest part of the roster with secondary help here. Marshon Lattimore is as talented as any cornerback in this class, but only has one year of starting experience under his belt, making him a bit of a question mark. That one year was fantastic, however, and he has the ability to be a number one corner at the NFL level.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers		Dalvin Cook, Jr	5’11, 213 lbs	Miami, FL	HB	Florida State	288 rushes, 1765 yards, 19 TD
Tampa Bay’s record has somewhat masked the fact that team has major needs on both sides of the ball. One thing the Buccaneers struggled with mightily in 2016 was running the ball. Doug Martin fell apart during the first year of his fat, new contract. Couple that with the fact that a drug suspension voided any remaining money, and chances are high that he has played his last down in Tampa. Dalvin Cook would be a fantastic replacement. Cook is quick, shifty and a solid receiver. One big issue could be some off the field incidents, including an animal cruelty issue. It will be up to Cook to interview well, and if he does he could be a top ten pick.
20. Denver Broncos		Garett Bolles, Jr	6’6, 300 lbs	Lehi, UT	OT	Utah	N/A
Who knows how the Broncos will look next year without Gary Kubiak. One can assume this will still be a team that leans on the defense and running game, so improving a very leaky offensive line is a must. Without an elite offensive line talent in this draft, the Broncos, and other teams will have to do their homework in determining the best fit. Garett Bolles had a very good season for Utah, and is a top notch athlete, albeit as a 24 year old playing against players five years younger than him. While Bolles lacks the upside of someone like Cam Robinson or Ryan Ramczyk, he should be able to step right in and start at right tackle in Denver.
21. Detroit Lions		Jabrill Peppers, So	6’1, 205 lbs	East Orange, NJ	CB/SS	Michigan	72 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT
The Lions have surprisingly made the playoffs two times in the past three years despite a major talent deficiency on defense. Jabrill Peppers played everywhere for Michigan this season, but will likely settle in at safety, where his athleticism and tackling could be utilized most successfully. Peppers starred at college in the state of Michigan, and should quickly become a fan favorite in Detroit.
22. Miami Dolphins		Zach Cunningham, Jr	6’4, 230 lbs	Pinson, AL	MLB	Vanderbilt	125 tackles
A traditional 4-3 linebacker has to be truly special to be taken in the first round, and Reuben Foster and Zach Cunningham qualify as just that this year. Despite the plethora of talent in the SEC, Vanderbilt’s Cunningham is coming off back to back All SEC Team selections. A tackler reminiscent of Luke Kuechly, Cunningham would be the best linebacker the Miami Dolphins have had in quite a while, and would improve the run defense as a whole.
23. New York Giants		Cam Robinson, Jr	6’6, 310 lbs	Monroe, LA	OT	Alabama	N/A
Consistency and off the field issues have caused Cam Robinson’s stock to slip, but the Giants will gladly snatch him up here. New York has been trying to reshape a weak offensive line for the past few seasons, and Robinson has the skills to start at left tackle for New York over the overmatched Ereck Flowers. At the worst, he would make a fine run blocking right tackle or offensive guard.
24. Oakland Raiders		Carlos Watkins, Sr	6’3, 305 lbs	Mooresboro, NC	DT	Clemson	50 tackles, 10.5 sacks
The Raiders boast one of the best young rosters in the NFL, but the defense struggled at times in 2016. Carlos Watkins is not exactly the flashiest pick, but he had a tremendous senior season for the champion Tigers. Watkins has experience at end and tackle, and his ability to get after the quarterback would play well for the Raiders defense, which boasts several defensive looks.
25. Houston Texans		Ryan Ramczyk, Jr	6’6, 314 lbs	Stevens Point, WI	OT	Wisconsin	N/A
It is a shame that the Texans cannot find a quarterback, because this is a Super Bowl caliber roster otherwise. Thanks to his huge contract, Houston is stuck with Brock Osweiler for a while, and they are too low in the draft to select an immediate replacement. A bit of Osweiler’s struggles could be contributed to an injury plagued and leaky offensive line. Ryan Ramczyk has some injury issues which could cause his stock to slide, but showed during his year at Wisconsin that he is a nasty run blocker with a mean streak, and has what it takes to be a long term starting tackle.
26. Seattle Seahawks		Rasul Douglas, Jr	6’2, 203 lbs	East Orange, NJ	CB	West Virginia	70 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 INT
Perhaps the biggest positional need amongst any team in the NFL is offensive line and Seattle, but with three offensive tackles just coming off the board, the Seahawks choose to go a different direction. A former invincible secondary is starting to show major cracks. Fortunately Rasul Douglas is available. Douglas is the prototypical big, strong Seattle Seahawks cornerback. His one year at the Division 1 level was a huge success, as he led the nation with eight interceptions. He would make an imposing counterpart to Richard Sherman, if SHerman does not crazy himself out of Seattle first.
27. Kansas City Chiefs		Christian McCaffrey, Jr	6’0, 200 lbs	Castle Rock, CO	RB	Stanford	253 rushes, 1603 yards, 13 TD
This would be a very un-Andy Reid like pick, but it would make a ton of sense. Jamaal Charles is 30 years old and coming off of two serious injuries, and is no longer worth his large salary. Spencer Ware was decent as his replacement, but might not be a 20 carry per game back. Christian McCaffrey would fill that Brian Westbrook/Jamaal Charles in an Andy Reid offense perfectly. McCaffrey is not a foundation back, but is a lethal weapon who could be what Reggie Bush should have been coming out of USC. If anything, check down king Alex Smith will love his ability to catch the ball and gain five yards.
28. Dallas Cowboys		John Ross, Jr	5’11, 190 lbs	Long Beach, CA	WR	Washington	81 rec, 1150 yards, 17 TD
While a talent starved defense is the obvious draft focus, Dallas needs to put new franchise quarterback Dak Prescott in the best position to succeed. He has Dez Bryant and an ageless Jason Witten, but a deep threat like John Ross would do wonders for the offense. Ross may be the fastest player in this draft, and had an extremely productive junior season. The only concern is his lengthy injury history, though injuries tend to not be as taxing on receivers. He could shoot up the draft board once the combine rolls around, as he ran a reported 4.25 40 yard dash in college.
29. Green Bay Packers		Sidney Jones, Jr	6’0, 180 lbs	Diamond Bar, CA	CB	Washington	39 tackles, 3 INT
Anybody who watched the Packers loss against Atlanta in the playoffs realized that the secondary needs some major reinforcements. Sidney Jones is a bit thin and lanky, and may struggle a bit against the tougher receivers of the NFL, but is a great cover guy who was the best player in one of the most talented secondaries in college football. He has the chance to be a number one cornerback in the NFL.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers		Ryan Anderson, Sr	6’2, 253 lbs	Daphne, AL	EDGE	Alabama	61 tackles, 8.5 sacks
Not many publications have Ryan Anderson ranked ahead of Charles Harris and Tim Williams, but I think Anderson has the best chance of the three to make an impact at the NFL level. The Steelers have swung and missed on pass rushers recently, and cannot rely on James Harrison forever. Pittsburgh chooses to play it safe with Anderson, who is very experienced and has the ability to get after the quarterback as well as stop the run.
31. Atlanta Falcons		DeMarcus Walker, Sr	6’4, 280 lbs	Jacksonville, FL	DE	Florida State	67 tackles, 16 sacks
DeMarcus Walker is not the most dynamic pass rusher, but few players in college were more productive. Walker is strong and a solid run defender as well. Every team seems to need more pass rushing and the Falcons are no exception.
32. New England Patriots		Cooper Kupp, Sr	6’2, 215 lbs	Yakima, WA	WR	Eastern Washington	6’2, 215 lbs
One thing you can always expect from a New England Patriots draft is the unexpected. Cooper Kupp had one of the most productive college football seasons of all time, and has shown well enough during Senior Bowl week to be considered a fringe first round prospect, with the ability to rise even higher. Perhaps one of these days New England will try to give the ageless Tom Brady a legit, big, strong number one wideout.

Round 2

33. Cleveland Browns – CB Gareon Conley, Jr, Ohio State
34. San Francisco 49ers – TE OJ Howard, Sr, Alabama
35. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Antonio Garcia, Sr, Troy
36. Chicago Bears – OT Dion Dawkins, Sr, Temple
37. Los Angeles Rams – CB Quincy Wilson, Jr, Florida
38. Los Angeles Chargers – FS Marcus Williams, Jr, Utah
39. New York Jets – CB Cordrea Tankersley, Sr, Clemson
40. Carolina Panthers – CB Tre’Davious White, Sr, LSU
41. Cincinnati Bengals – OLB Haason Reddick, Sr, Temple
42. New Orleans Saints – DE Taco Charlton, Sr, Michigan
43. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Damontae Kazee, Sr, San Diego State
44. Buffalo Bills – WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jr, USC
45. Arizona Cardinals – QB Patrick Mahomes II, Jr, Texas Tech
46. Minnesota Vikings – OG Dan Feeney, Sr, Indiana
47. Baltimore Ravens – EDGE Charles Harris, Jr, Missouri
48. Indianapolis Colts – EDGE Tim Williams, Sr, Alabama
49. Washington Redskins – DT Chris Wormley, Sr, Michigan
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Zay Jones, Sr, East Carolina
51. Denver Broncos – DT Jaleel Johnson, Sr, Iowa
52. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans) – C Ethan Pocic, Sr, LSU
53. Detroit Lions – EDGE Takkarist McKinley, Sr, UCLA
54. Miami Dolphins – OG Forrest Lamp, Sr, Western Kentucky
55. New York Giants – DT Davon Godchaux, Jr, LSU
56. Oakland Raiders – HB Brian Hill, Jr, Wyoming
57. Houston Texans – EDGE TJ Watt, Jr, Clemson
58. Seattle Seahawks – OT Taylor Moton, Sr, Western Michigan
59. Kansas City Chiefs – MLB Raekwon McMillan, Jr, Ohio State
60. Dallas Cowboys – DT Elijah Qualls, Jr, Washington
61. Green Bay Packers – OG Dorian Johnson, Sr, Pittsburgh
62. Pittsburgh Steelers – FS Budda Baker, Jr, Washington
63. Atlanta Falcons – WR Curtis Samuel, Jr, Ohio State
64. New England Patriots – DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Sr, Villanova