The off-season in the NFL no longer exists. With the NFL Combine, free agency and the NFL Draft all strategically staggered between the Super Bowl and the following year’s pre-season opener, the NFL has done a great job at staying in the headlines year round. With this constant coverage, speculation litters the headlines writers rush to publish their 2017 NFL mock draft. The difference between this mock draft and most is LastWordonProFootball.com has assembled writers representing each NFL team to give the local perspective on the needs of their hometown teams.
With that being said, onto the mock draft.
LWOS 2017 NFL Mock Draft: First Round
1. Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett, defensive end – Texas A&M (Michael Dean Stewart)
Garrett is a physical freak who can be the cornerstone of a defense for the next decade. The Browns have holes all across the team, but they can’t pass up on the opportunity to grab the best player in the draft.
2. San Francisco 49ers
DeShaun Watson, quarterback – Clemson (Jay Eastman)
Watson has all the intangibles. Work ethic, determination, and heart. If San Francisco truly wants to rebuild then start at the most important position: quarterback.
3. Chicago Bears
Mitch Trubisky, quarterback – North Carolina (Cole Finup)
Jay Cutler has proven time and again that he is not the Bears’ quarterback of the future. Enter Trubisky who could patiently learn behind Cutler for his first year as he continues to learn the nuances of the game. Many thought head coach John Fox would be let go after going 9-23 in his first two seasons with the organization. Transitioning away from the Cutler era while drafting a young quarterback with potential could be just the spark Fox needs to make this team competitive again.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle – Alabama (James Plumb)
The Jaguars can become a great defensive unit by adding an elite pass rusher. Jonathan Allen is that guy. He can add explosive play, bullish strength and pure athletic skill to an already strong Jags defensive line.
5. Tennessee Titans (from LA Rams)
Mike Williams, wide receiver – Clemson (Michael Larson)
It is so tempting to take Jamal Adams here. Their defense has several holes, and the Tennessee Titans have excellent options like Adams and Marshon Lattimore available at the fifth pick. However, giving Marcus Mariota an elite option at wide receiver would turn the Titans into a top five offense and possibly better. The Titans already have their powerful offensive line and dynamic running back duo of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. Improving the passing attack by adding Mike Williams would make the Titans a favorite for the AFC South division crown.
6. New York Jets
Leonard Fournette, running back – LSU (John Jackson)
The Jets have used their last eight first-round picks on defense with defensive end being the only position which has been truly strengthened from those picks. It’s time for them to finally focus on offense and while the running back position isn’t a dire need for them right now, all of football saw how Ezekiel Elliott helped transform the Cowboys.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
Ryan Ramcyzk, offensive tackle – Washington (Jay Flannagan)
The Los Angeles Chargers could make a splashier pick (such as wide receiver or Philip Rivers‘ replacement) but lacking any real marquee quarterback options, the better pick is to keep Rivers’ upright. Ryan Ramczyk is a better option at tackle than Cam Robinson. He’s faster and leaner and had an excellent season at tackle for Wisconsin. He is quick out of his stance and is a strong run blocker and will solidify this need for Los Angeles.
8. Carolina Panthers
Malik Hooker, safety – Ohio State (Nathan Gabler)
Rookie James Bradberry made significant leaps during his 2016 campaign, but the secondary still needs help. Adding Hooker alongside Kurt Coleman would help shore up a defense that ranked 21st in passing yards against. In a division with Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Brandon Cooks, the Panthers need to improve the pass coverage in order to get back to the playoffs.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Derek Barnett, defensive end – Tennessee (Matt Minich)
The Bengals’ number one need is for a pass rusher, and in Barnett they get arguably the best in the draft. Barnett has exceptional hands and has drawn comparisons to former Volunteer and NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White. Barnett can play all three downs as he is also a staunch run defender.
10. Buffalo Bills
Corey Davis, wide receiver – Western Michigan (John Bava)
Whether or not Tyrod Taylor is starting quarterback for the Bills in 2017, the fact of the matter is that Buffalo’s receiving corps needs depth. And adding Corey Davis into the mix would certainly accomplish that. The Western Michigan product finished his collegiate career with 5,278 receiving yards, more than any other wideout in FBS history.
11. New Orleans Saints
Solomon Thomas, defensive end – Stanford (John Butler)
Often times, general managers are torn between the “fill the biggest need” and the “take the top talent” approaches. Thomas works with either approach as not only is he a top five talent, he meets the Saints biggest need on defense. He has the speed for outside pass rush and the power to come inside and will be a great bookend with Cameron Jordan.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles)
Jamal Adams, safety – LSU (Martin McConnell)
Jamal Adams is a dynamic safety that will help out a weak secondary in Cleveland. His football IQ is through the roof and his physical ability is second to none. The Browns get a downright steal with this pick.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Cam Robinson, offensive tackle – Alabama (Michael Wilson)
The Arizona Cardinals need all the depth they can get on the offensive line. Protecting Carson Palmer is essential to winning games. Cam Robinson shows the potential to grow and succeed at the NFL level.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Takkarist McKinley, defensive end – UCLA
With Jonathan Allen, Derek Barnett, and Solomon Thomas already off the board, the Colts choose Takkarist McKinley from UCLA with the 14th pick in the draft. Prior to his off the field issues, Indianapolis would have most likely chosen Tim Williams from Alabama. Considering how most experts are expecting his draft stock to fall considerably, the Colts may try to pick him up in the second round if he’s still available. McKinley provides a plug and play pass rushing specialist for a defense that sorely needs new blood at the position.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings)
Marshon Lattimore, cornerback – Ohio State (Matt Harvey)
He is the top corner in this draft with the greatest potential to be a shutdown cornerback. He has tremendous athleticism, length, and doesn’t give up home run plays. The Eagles are losing their starting two cornerbacks and this is a tough position to replace in free agency.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Quincy Wilson, cornerback – Florida (Parmida Schahhosseini)
Struggles in the secondary have plagued the Baltimore Ravens for several seasons. From recurring injuries to cornerback Jimmy Smith to inept play from players suck as Shareece Wright, Florida cornerback Quincy Wilson can be the upgrade the Ravens desperately need. At 6’1″, 213 pounds, Wilson has the ideal size and his ball handing skills is ideal for a team striving toward ranking among the league’s top defenses.
17. Washington Redskins
Zach Cunningham, linebacker – Vanderbilt (Al Preziosi)
The Redskins allowed 119.8 rushing yards per game in 2016 (24th in the NFL). Some interior defensive help is clearly needed, so this pick came down to stud linebackers Zach Cunningham and Rueben Foster. Both are excellent run defenders, but Cunningham is the superior coverage guy, so he earned the selection.
18. Tennessee Titans
Jabrill Peppers, safety – Michigan (Michael Larson)
The Tennessee Titans passed up on Jamal Adams and took a powerful weapon for their franchise quarterback earlier in the first round. With their second pick in the first round, they go defense here. The Titans are stacked up front, but could use help everywhere, especially in the secondary. Jabrill Peppers gives the Titans a versatile tool that will instantly become a fan favorite, sell tickets and make an impact all over the field. He can play linebacker, safety and even as a cornerback. He’s not the answer to fixing the Titans and their secondary issues, but his talent and impact on the field is unquestionable. Adding Mike Williams and Jabrill Peppers in the first round will generate buzz and excitement for the Titans, as well as improve them on all sides of the field.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dalvin Cook, running back – Florida State (Christian Southards)
The Buccaneers already have Doug Martin in their backfield. But if 2016 proved anything, it’s that Tampa desperately needs stability at the position. Doug Martin’s injury history is highly problematic and no other back on the roster can lead the backfield consistently. Adding a do-it-all type back like Dalvin Cook to the mix would not only offer said stability, but former-teammate Jameis Winston would have a valuable second receiver at his disposal as well. In the first round of the draft you pick the best player available and worry about fit later.
20. Denver Broncos
Reuben Foster, linebacker – Alabama (David Fleurant)
John Elway has a reputation of doing this. He took Shane Ray even though he already had Von Miller and Demarcus Ware, and also took Bradley Roby despite having Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. Most mock drafts have Denver going offensive lineman in round one, but if a talent like Foster falls to them, expect John Elway to pounce.
21. Detroit Lions
O.J. Howard, tight end – Alabama (Sam Goldsmith)
The Lions offense struggled at times to move the ball after losing Calvin Johnson to retirement before the season. O.J. Howard provides Matthew Stafford and Jim Bob Cooter‘s pass heavy offense with another weapon alongside Marvin Jones and Golden Tate. Coming from a pro style program like Alabama, Howard will transition seamlessly to the next level and become an immediate asset for the Lions air attack.
22. Miami Dolphins
Taco Charlton, defensive end – Michigan (Jordan Bowling)
With Cameron Wake still producing but getting up there in age, adding depth at the defensive end position is vital for Miami. Andre Branch is still a question mark to return, so Michigan’s Taco Charlton would be an adequate addition under a revamped defense. With Miami making the playoffs, drafting a shutdown corner or top tier linebacker is not out of the question here.
23. New York Giants
David Njoku, tight end – Miami (Aidan Semple)
David Njoku is still developing as a tight end, with the ability to gain some more weight too. But he’s remains one of the top tight ends in the draft. A tremendous athlete, he can line up both in the slot and on the outside with acceleration to gain further yards-after-catch. The 6’4”, 245 pound sophomore had 43 receptions for 698 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. Not only would he spark the Giants offense in the passing game, but he can also help with a running game lacking in productivity as a strong blocking tight end too, an area where the Giants have been lacking in recent years. Njoku would provide some much needed strength and athleticism as a versatile tight end for the Giants, contributing greatly in both the running game and as a pass catcher.
24. Oakland Raiders
Jarrad Davis, linebacker – Florida (writer: Ryan Smith)
For years, the Raiders have been notoriously bad at covering tight ends. While Jarrad Davis lacks the ideal weight, he more than makes up with athleticism and a mind for the game. Davis gives the Raiders front seven some much needed punch in the middle.
25. Houston Texans
DeShone Kizer, QB – Notre Dame (Dee Maxwell)
Although Brock Osweiler‘s contract will almost certainly remain on the books in 2017, the Texans make a move to address the position for the future, and acquire the signal caller who many pundits regard as having the most upside in this class. Boasting NFL level size (6’4″, 230 pounds) arm strength, toughness, and mobility, Kizer has a skill set that will surely appeal to a quarterback guru like head coach Bill O’Brien. For a team that is perennially regarded as being a quarterback away from serious contention, this selection could be a franchise changer.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Sidney Jones, cornerback – Washington (Coleman Crawford)
Jones can be a day one starter for Seattle, filling a gap left by injured DeShawn Shead. His coverage and ball skills, along with his size and physicality are a great fit for an aging secondary seeking an infusion of youth.
27 Kansas City Chiefs
Teez Tabor, cornerback – Florida (Jocelyn Berg)
The Chiefs select Teez Tabor to solidify the corner position opposite Marcus Peters and create a truly deadly secondary. One of their biggest problems in 2016 was their second corner getting burned consistently, and Tabor would fix that hole.
28 Dallas Cowboys
Obi Melifonwu, safety – UConn (Mark Profound Evans)
With free agency looming, it’s possible the Cowboys could lose their starting strong safety Barry Church. Pairing the 6’4″, 219 pound Obi Melifonwu with starting free safety Byron Jones will give the Cowboys back-line a much needed boost. Melifonwu has the size to bang into the bodies of the NFC’s biggest and brightest offensive starts. His 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash should allow him to display his coverage skills and also help improve an already impressive run defense.
29. Green Bay Packers
Tre’Davious White, cornerback – LSU (J-Evans Barnett)
The Packers need edge rush and coverage. Tre’Davious White matches the Packers ideals in a cornerback. He is just over 5’11” with good size. He has quickness and can be left in man coverage. Should help shore up a weak pass defense.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ryan Anderson, outside linebacker – Alabama (Ryan Seiple)
The Steelers take Ryan Anderson here to bolster their pass rush since James Harrison can’t dominate forever. The sexy pick here may be his teammate Tim Williams, but with his off field issues and boom or bust play ability, Anderson is the safe pick here.
31. Atlanta Falcons
DeMarcus Walker, defensive end – Florida State (Justin Halper)
For the 31st pick, the Falcons are looking for another pass rusher to add to a defensive line that already has rising star Vic Beasley Jr. With Derek Barnett and Taco Charlton off the board, the perfect pick is Demarcus Walker, who shined on Florida State’s defensive line for all of 2016.
32. New England Patriots
Dawaune Smoot, defensive end – Illinois (Andre Earls)
The defending champs don’t need much of anything, but an athletic pass-rusher would be nice to have waiting in the wings behind aging defensive linemen Alan Branch & Rob Ninkovich. With an amazing motor, Smoot has the potential to play at the outside linebacker position, but is most disruptive with his hand in the ground. Ultimately this fits right into New England’s 4-3 play style.
