2017 NFL Mock Draft: Picking First Four Rounds
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Myles Garrett
DE, Texas A&M
Cleveland should really have no issues with the number one pick. Myles Garrett is the obvious pick coming out of Texas A&M, and can be an anchor in the Browns defense for years to come.2
Mitch Trubisky
QB, North Carolina
Kyle Shanahan has the ability to mold his own quarterback, and Mitch Trubisky will be the unfinished lump of clay for Shanahan to turn into his own vision.3
Jamal Adams
S, LSU
Chicago goes with the best player available on their board, while also adding a terrific playmaker to their secondary.4
Jonathan Allen
DT, Alabama
Jacksonville took a step back last year, but they have young pieces on defense to build around. Jonathan Allen joins a talented group including Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack, and Dante Fowler down in Jacksonville.5
Mike Williams
WR, Clemson
Marcus Mariota needs a true number one weapon in Tennessee, so the Titans use the first round pick courtesy of the Rams to select the best wide receiver in this years class.Next: 6-10
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Reuben Foster
LB, Alabama
Drafting the best player available comes into play for the Jets. Having Foster and Darron Lee forming a wall in the front seven the Jets can slow down the run heavy teams in their division. 7
Malik Hooker
S, Ohio State
Eric Weddle was never properly replaced last year, giving the Chargers a great opportunity to draft Hooker. Fans saw his terrific range and ball skills last year, and Hooker has an opportunity to be a Pro Bowl safety for years to come for Los Angeles8
Leonard Fournette
RB, LSU
In a running back heavy class the first shoe drops with Carolina. Leonard Fournette carries some questions regarding whether he can dominate against top-level talent, but after seeing Elliot carry Dallas to the playoffs the Panthers make an upgrade over Jonathan Stewart. 9
Derek Barnett
DE, Tennessee
Michael Johnson needs to be replaced at defensive end after a horrendous season for Cincinnati. He’ll either be moved to SAM linebacker or be cut, saving the Bengals about $3 million this year and $5 million in 2018. Barnett is a fierce pass rusher who could help take Cincinnati’s mediocre 33 sacks into the 40-range.10
Corey Davis
WR, Western Michigan
All of this will depend on what happens to Tyrod Taylor. Regardless of who the quarterback is, the Bills need to add more receiving weapons to help whoever the starter is. Sammy Watkins played just eight games this year, and has not played a full season since his rookie year due to injury. Robert Woods will also be a free agent, creating a massive disbalance in the Bills offense between running back LeSean McCoy and the receivers.Next: 11-15
Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Teez Tabor
CB, Florida
New Orleans once again looks to fix a defense that has been at the bottom of the league for far too long. They get one of the better cornerbacks in the draft in Teez Tabor, who comes out of a defensive back factory down in Florida.12
Cam Robinson
OT, Alabama
After passing on a quarterback with the first overall pick, the Browns look to protect whoever will be dropping back for them going forward. Getting the best offensive lineman in the draft with the 12th pick results in the Browns having a new right tackle, and a possible replacement for Joe Thomas on the opposite side in the future. 13
Marshon Lattimore
CB, Ohio State
Patrick Peterson needs help in the secondary, and the Cardinals give him just that. One of many Ohio State cornerbacks vying for a first round designation, Lattimore has the potential to be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate playing against number-two receivers.14
Dalvin Cook
RB, Florida State
Despite Frank Gore rushing for 1,000 yards once again last year, the Colts need a star running back lined up next to Andrew Luck. The lack of balance in the Indianapolis offense is troubling, as they passed the ball approximately 11 times more per game. Getting a power runner who can also catch the ball like Dalvin Cook is a home run for the Colts with this pick.15
John Ross
WR, Washington
Philadelphia needs a speedy playmaker who can be DeSean Jackson without the age, cost, and injuries. John Ross starts on the outside on day one in Philadelphia, with Jordan Matthews returning to the slot. Ross had 17 receiving touchdowns for Washington last year while averaging 14.2 yards per catch. No Eagles receiver with double-digit catches came anywhere close to that average.Next: 16-20
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Marlon Humphrey
CB, Alabama
Baltimore allowed 28 passing touchdowns last year, and several changes need to be made in the secondary. Jerraud Powers will be a free agent, Jimmy Smith struggled despite a major contract extension, and rookie Tavon Young was burned towards the end of the year. 17
Solomon Thomas
DE, Stanford
Chris Baker will be a free agent, and the Redskins have too many expiring contracts to keep everyone. Thomas slips a bit in this mock draft, but the Redskins will happily take the Stanford lineman this late in the first round.18
Jabrill Peppers
SS/LB, Michigan
The hybrid safety/linebacker out of Michigan finally comes off the board with the Titans. Tennessee can either use Peppers to replace the struggling Da’Norris Searcy, play over Kevin Byrd at free safety with Reshad Johnson entering free agency, or play linebacker over Avery Williamson.19
O.J. Howard
TE, Alabama
Jameis Winston needs a target other than Mike Evans in the red zone. With no wide receiver worthy of this pick, the Buccaneers take the first tight end of the draft. Howard could be a major receiving weapon despite his limited stats at Alabama. With a young quarterback like Winston, the Bucs need to do everything they possibly can to help his development and make a strong playoff push.20
Ryan Ramczyk
OT, Wisconsin
Denver has a major hole at right tackle after a disappointing year from Ty Sambrailo and Donald Stephenson. The Broncos allowed 40 sacks last year, and need to better protect their young quarterbacks. Ryan Ramczyk fills an immediate need, and is a great value pick for John ElwayNext: 21-25
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Quincy Wilson
CB, Florida
After allowing the second-most passing touchdowns last year, the Lions need to make several upgrades in their secondary. Besides Darius Slay, the cornerbacks need to be upgraded. Like Teez Tabor, Wilson comes out of the cornerback factory of Florida, and will be a dynamic pairing with Slay.22
Malik McDowell
DL, Michigan State
Despite backing the truck up for Ndamukong Suh, the Dolphins run defense struggles to stay afloat. They allowed the third-most rushing yards last year, and Jordan Phillips is one of the worst run defenders in the league. Malik McDowell provides help on the interior for Miami’s defensive line, and is an incredible value selection with the 22nd pick.23
David Njoku
TE, Miami
New York can not solely rely on having Odell Beckham Jr. for offense. The Giants can add a tight end, especially considering none of their current starters had over 400 receiving yards. 24
Gaeron Conley
CB, Ohio State
Oakland was one of six teams that allowed over 4,000 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, presenting a glaring need for an upgrade in the secondary. Sean Smith provided little help in free agency, while backup DJ Hayden will be looking for a job after his contract expires at the start of the new year.25
Garrett Bolles
OT, Utah
Brock Osweiler was a major disappointment for Houston after they signed the quarterback to a long-term contract. Financially the team can not realistically move on from Osweiler this offseason, so helping him as much as they can becomes priority number one. Replacing right tackle Derek Newton, whose pass blocking suffered, with Garrett Bolles is the first step to giving Osweiler the best chance to succeed. Not only can Bolles be the right tackle of the present, but he could potentially be the left tackle of the future once Duane Brown is gone.Next: 26-28
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) celebrates after the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
Sidney Jones
CB, Washington
Seattle takes the local star in an effort to rebuild the Legion of Boom. Having lost some of their depth at the cornerback position in recent years, Seattle gets a star who can take the load off of Richard Sherman. Having two dominant cornerbacks makes the Seahawks undoubtedly stronger, and an even bigger favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 52.27
Zach Cunningham
LB, Vanderbilt
Having suffered a ruptured achillies at the age of 34, Derrick Johnson’s time in Kansas City may be complete. Adding more youth to the Chiefs front seven will be a theme this offseason, even with the possible loss of Dontari Poe in free agency.28
DeMarcus Walker
DE, Florida State
Dallas stands to lose several key members of their 13 win team in free agency but keeps their focus on addressing the pass rush. With DeMarcus Lawrence facing back surgery and the future of Randy Gregory in doubt, the Cowboys get a fierce pass rusher who fits in perfectly with this defense in this mock draft.Next: 29-32
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) celebrate during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Williams
LB, Alabama
Both Nick Perry and Julius Peppers will be free agents, and the lack of depth on Green Bay’s defense was glaring in the playoffs. Despite some character questions, Tim Williams is the best player available, and goes to the perfect situation in Green Bay. He avoids the glitz and glamor of a big city and has some great mentors around him.30
Haason Riddick
OLB, Temple
The Senior Bowl star slides into the first round and has the opportunity to play with former teammate Tyler Matakevich. Haason Riddick is extremely versatile coming out of Temple, having experience standing up and putting his hand in the dirt. Jarvis Jones and James Harrison are both free agents, presenting the perfect situation for Riddick.31
Dan Feeney
OG, Indiana
Alex Mack was arguably the best free agent signing of the offseason. Protection from the interior offensive line gave Matt Ryan enough time to find his playmakers, while also creating holes for Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Knowing right guard Chris Chester will be a free agent, the Falcons add the best guard in the class to continue protecting the MVP candidate taking snaps from under center.32
Christian McCaffery
RB, Stanford
Bill Belichick can/has/will win with whoever gets their hands on the football. LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis, Shane Vereen, and Brandon Bolden are all prime examples of that. Both Blount and Bolden will be free agents this offseason, while Lewis will be in the final year of his deal. Instead of having a revolving door of mediocre backs, the Patriots get a feature back who can do everything.Next: 33-37
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates with the trophy after beating Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Deshaun Watson
QB, Clemson
34
Raekwon McMillian
ILB, Ohio State
35
Patrick Mahomes
QB, Texas Tech
36
Roderick Johnson
OT, Florida State
37
Adoree' Jackson
CB, USC
Next: 38-42
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D
D'Onta Foreman
RB, Texas
39
DeShone Kizer
QB, Notre Dame
40
Cordrea Tankersley
CB, Tennessee
41
JuJu Smith-Shuster
WR, USC
42
Tre'Davious White
CB, LSU
Next: 43-47
Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Carl Lawson
DE, Auburn
44
Jourdan Lewis
CB, Michigan
45
Brad Kaaya
QB, Miami
46
Dede Westbrook
WR, Oklahoma
47
Quenton Nelson
OG, Notre Dame
Next: 48-52
Sep 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman Adam Bisnowaty (69) knocks the helmet from Akron Zips defensive lineman Cody Grice (36) while blocking during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Akron won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Bisnowaty
OT, Pittsburgh
49
Budda Baker
S, Washington
50
Jordan Leggett
TE, Clemson
51
Isaiah Ford
WR, Virginia Tech
52
Charles Harris
DL, Missouri
Next: 53-57
Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Brantley
DL, Florida
54
Jarrad Davis
LB, Florida
55
Samaje Perine
RB, Oklahoma
56
Alvin Kamara
RB, Tennessee
57
Dalvin Tomlinson
DT, Alabama
Next: 58-60
Sep 6, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass for a touchdown over Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper Kupp
WR, Eastern Washington
59
Desmond King
CB, Iowa
60
Evan Engram
TE, Ole Miss
Next: 60-64
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne Gallman
RB, Clemson
62
Nathan Peterman
QB, Pittsburgh
63
Cameron Sutton
CB, Tennessee
64
Ethan Pocic
C, LSU
Next: 65-69
Nov 12, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) runs during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Curtis Samuel
WR/RB, Ohio State
66
ArDarius Stewart
WR, Alabama
67
Chidobe Awuzie
CB, Colorado
68
Eddie Jackson
S, Alabama
69
Marcus Williams
S, Utah
Next: 70-74
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Pat Elflein
C, Ohio State
71
Chris Wormley
DL, Michigan
72
Taco Charlton
DL, Michigan
73
Devonte Fields
OLB, Louisville
74
Jake Butt
TE, Michigan
Next: 75-79
Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Dawuane Smoot
DT, Utah
76
Joe Mixon
RB, Oklahoma
77
Amara Dabroh
WR, Michigan
78
Marquis Haynes
DL/LB, Ole Miss
79
Dorian Johnson
OG, Pittsburgh
Next: 80-84
Apr 16, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks the tackle of linebacker Duke Riley (40) during the first quarter of the Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Duke Riley
ILB, LSU
81
Artavis Scott
WR, Clemson
82
Rasul Douglas
CB, West Virginia
83
Erik Magnuson
OL, Florida
84
T.J. Watt
LB, Wisconsin
Next: 85-89
Oct 20, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) catches a touchdown pass during first half action against the Brigham Young Cougars at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremy McNichols
RB, Boise State
86
Zay Jones
WR, Eastern Carolina
87
Elijah Qualls
DT, Washington
88
Marcus Maye
S, Florida
89
Chris Godwin
WR, Penn State
Next: 90-93
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack running back Don Jackson (6) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) after a reception during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeated the Wolf Pack 44-27. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Evans
S, Texas A&M
91
Forrest Lamp
OL, Western Kentucky
92
Noah Brown
WR, Ohio State
93
Jarron Jones
DT, Notre Dame
Next: 94-96
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) celebrates as he made a sack against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Walker
ILB, Northwestern
95
Stacy Coley
WR, Miami
96
Kendell Beckwith
LB, LSU
Next: 97-101
Jul 19, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers center Tyler Orlosky speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Orlosky
C, West Virginia
98
Tyrone Crowder
OG, Clemson
99
Zach Banner
OG, USC
100
Travis Rudolph
WR, Florida State
101
Dion Dawkins
OT, Temple
Next: 102-106
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) warms up prior to the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Switzer
WR, North Carolina
103
Corn Elder
CB, Miami
104
Lowell Lotulelei
DT, Utah
105
Taylor Moton
OT, Western Michigan
106
Steven Taylor
LB, Houston
Next: 107-111
Nov 19, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) celebrates after picking up a deflected Alabama A&M Bulldogs pass during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Montravious Adams
DL, Auburn
108
Jake Wieneke
WR, South Dakota State
109
Tanoh Kpassagnon
DE, Villanova
110
Damien Mama
OL, USC
111
Elijah Hood
RB, North Carolina
Next: 112-116
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) in the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Eddie Vanderdoes
OL, UCLA
113
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
OLB, Tennessee
114
Nico Siragusa
OG, San Diego State
115
Kareem Hunt
RB, Toledo
116
Travin Dural
WR, LSU
Josh Reynolds
WR, Texas A&M
118
Davis Webb
QB, Cal
119
Taywan Taylor
WR, Western Kentucky
120
Josh Dobbs
QB, Tennessee
121
Gerold Everett
TE, South Alabama
Next: 122-125
Jan 26, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Travin Dural of LSU (83) catches a pass against cornerback Cameron Sutton of Tennessee (33) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Travin Dural
WR, LSU
123
Damontae Kazee
CB, San Diego State
124
Howard Wilson
CB, Houston
125
Fabian Moreau
CB, UCLA
126
Larry Ogunjobi
DT, Charlotte
127
Will Holden
OT, Vanderbilt
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