-
Cleveland Browns: DE, Myles Garrett – Texas A&M:
The Browns should and likely will take Myles Garrett with the first overall pick. Garrett is clearly the best player in the draft and should have an immediate impact on the Browns’ defense.
2. San Francisco 49ers: DE, Solomon Thomas – Stanford:
Most mocks have Thomas going second overall to the 49ers, and if they do not trade down, the 49ers will probably take him. Thomas should be a solid, three down asset to the 49ers’ pass rush.
3. Chicago Bears: S, Jamal Adams – LSU:
Jamal Adams is a great selection for the bears here. He can have a quick and helpful impact on the Bears’ struggling defense. He also has the versatility to defend against both the run and the pass. Adams’ should improve the Bears’ defense immensely, as he is a top-five prospect in the draft.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: HB, Leonard Fournette – LSU:
Leonard Fournette would give the Jaguars one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. After strongly enhancing their defense by acquiring Barry Church, A.J. Bouye, and Calais Campbell, the Jaguars need to strengthen their game on the offensive side of the football. Leonard Fournette, who many have called the next Adrian Peterson, boasts a rare combination of size, strength, and speed that will compliment the Jaguars’ deficient offense.
5. Tennessee Titans: CB, Marshon Lattimore – Ohio State
With Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore is an easy pick for the Titans. Most experts consider Lattimore to be the best CB in the draft (possibly even the best pass defender in the draft). His strong ball skills and freak athleticism should give the Titans’ secondary a strong boost.
6. New York Jets: S, Malik Hooker – Ohio State
The Jets have very little talent on their roster, and Malik Hooker would be a great addition to their secondary. Calvin Pryor, one of the better players on the Jets, is already at SS, so adding Hooker to the lineup would give the Jets a strong combination at safety. Being a free safety, Hooker will be influential whenever he is on the field.
7. San Diego Chargers: DE, Jonathan Allen – Alabama
In 2016, Jonathan Allen was given the Bronco Nagurski Award for being the top defender in the league. There are worries about Jonathan Allen’s size, but he is still one of the best defensive players in this draft class. Picking Allen would give the Chargers one of the most elite pass rushes in the league by pairing Allen with Joey Bosa.
8. Carolina Panthers: DE, Derek Barnett – Tennessee
Barnett would be a great addition to the Panthers’ defensive line. They already have some talent up front on defense in Kawann Short, Thomas Davis, and Luke Kuechly. By picking him, the Panthers would acquire an elite pass rusher in Barnett.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: DE, Taco Charlton – Michigan
Adding Taco Charlton to the Bengals’ front seven would make their defense a force to be reckoned with. His ability as a pass rusher can immediately help the Bengals’ defense, which was one of the top units in the league just a few years ago.
10. Buffalo Bills: WR, Mike Williams – Clemson
With Sammy Watkins injured most of the time, the Bills need a weapon to complete their offense. That receiver is Mike Williams. The 6’4” wide receiver out of Clemson should round out the Bills’ offense by giving Tyrod Taylor a strong, physical wide receiver.
11. New Orleans Saints: CB, Gareon Conley – Ohio State
The Saints’ secondary is in need of immediate help. Their best cornerback is Delvin Breaux and the rest of their secondary isn’t much better. This is why the Saints need Gareon Conley. Conley is one of the top prospects at cornerback in the draft and would compliment the Saints’ defense.
12. Cleveland Browns: QB, Mitchell Trubisky – North Carolina
After finishing last season with a record of 1-15, the Browns need a franchise player who can turn their team around. That player is Mitchell Trubisky. He is a good scrambler, clocking in at a 4.67 second 40-yard dash. Despite only one year of college experience, he has already shown good intangibles and throwing mechanics. While he does hold some risk, Trubisky has enough upside to be picked by the Browns at 12.
13. Arizona Cardinals: QB, Patrick Mahomes – Texas Tech
This is likely to be Carson Palmer’s last season, so the Cardinals need to find a man to replace him. Mahomes is a great choice here to do so. Mahomes has the highest physical skills in the draft and a year working behind Carson Palmer will help develop his intangibles.
14. Philadelphia Eagles: CB, Marlon Humphrey – Alabama
Humphrey is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft class. Philadelphia needs a strong corner to bolster their secondary, which is the weakest part of their defense. Humphrey elite coverage skills makes him a good fit for the eagles
15. Indianapolis Colts: OT, Ryan Ramczyk – Wisonsin
Ramczyk’s impressive 2016 performance and strong combine makes him one of the best offensive tackles. The Colts need an offensive tackle to protect the injury-prone Andrew Luck, and Ramcyzk is the answer to fixing their 25th-ranked offensive line (Pro Football Focus).
16. Baltimore Ravens: WR, Corey Davis – Western Michigan
After Steve Smith retired last season, the Ravens’ receiving core is crippled. The Ravens should select Corey Davis to give their deficient receiving corps a boost.
17. Washington Redskins: LB, Haason Reddick – Temple
The Redskins have a very weak defensive front, but Haason Reddick could change that. His effectiveness against the run and the pass will make him a very useful asset.
18. Tennessee Titans: WR, John Ross – Washington
After running a 4.22 40-yard dash, John Ross’ draft stock has skyrocketed since the end of last season. The Titans should take the top 3 WR prospect here, as they need to fill their ranks with better receivers than Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe..
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB, Christian McCaffrey – Stanford
Doug Martin is suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The Buccaneers have the chance to opt out of his contract, which lasts through 2020, and free 5.7 million dollars in cap space. This makes McCafrey a perfect addition to the Bucs. His versatility on the offense will make him a good fit for Jameis Winston’s offense.
20. Denver Broncos: OT, Garett Bolles – Utah
The Broncos’ offense is in need of help at most positions, but the place to start is offensive tackle. Bolles is one of the best offensive tackles in the draft and will help protect the Broncos’ young quarterbacks.
21. Detroit Lions: DE, Takkarist McKinley – UCLA
The Detroit Lions have one of the better offenses in the league due to Matthew Stafford’s proficiency. They also have a decent secondary highlighted by Darius Slay and Glover Quinn. McKinley is the addition they need to bolster their defensive line.
22. Miami Dolphins: CB, Teez Tabor – Florida
Teez Tabor is a top-five cornerback prospect in this draft class and the Dolphins need a lockdown corner. Tabor could be their guy.
23. New York Giants: OT, Cam Robinson – Alabama
Cam Robinson is one of the top offensive lineman in the draft. His draft stock has dropped slightly due to injury concerns, but he is still a great addition to the Giants’ line.
24. Oakland Raiders: TE, O.J. Howard – Alabama
The big-play receiver out of Alabama is considered the best tight end in the 2017 draft by most scouts. The Raiders; are struggling at tight end and Howard is the perfect weapon to take Derek Carr’s passing attack to the next level.
25. Houston Texans: QB, Deshaun Watson – Clemson
The Texans have one of the better rosters in the league. Despite losing A.J. Bouye in the offseason, their defense is still full of talent. They also have weapons on offense. However, they need a quarterback who can step up and make smart decisions. That man is Deshaun Watson, as he has the skills and leadership to win games with the Texans.
26. Seattle Seahawks: OG, Forrest Lamp – Western Kentucky
The Seahawks’ line is one of the league, and Lamp could change that. He is considered the best offensive guard in the league and can help protect the injury-prone Russel Wilson.
27. Kansas City Chiefs: DT, Malik McDowell – Michigan State
The Chiefs’ defensive front took a hit this offseason when they lost Dontari Poe, and McDowell is the right man to replace him. McDowell is a large run stopper who can contribute to the Chiefs’ elite defense.
28. Dallas Cowboys: CB, Tre’Davious White – LSU
After losing Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys need another cornerback next season. White, a first team all American, should be a worthy addition to Dallas’ secondary.
29. Green Bay Packers: RB, Dalvin Cook – Florida State
While their rushing attack was not very strong last year, after losing Eddie Lacy this offseason, the Packers need help at running back. The help they need can be found in Dalvin Cook. Cook does have slight injury concerns, but his talent makes him a great selection here.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: TE, David Njoku – Miami
Big Ben has told the media that he wants a new tight end. Njoku is an athletic freak and should have an immediate impact on the Steelers’ offense.
31. Atlanta Falcons: LB, Tim Williams – Alabama
In Tim Williams the Falcons would be acquiring a great edge rusher. If they were to pair him with Vic Beasley, they would have a premier pass rush for years.
32. New Orleans Saints: DT, Caleb Brantley – Florida
After picking a cornerback earlier in the draft, the Saints will want to add to their defensive front. The self proclaimed “best defensive tackle in the country” will be effective in stopping the run in New Orleans.