2017 NFL Mock Draft: Shake-Up Behind Browns at No. 1
The 2017 NFL Mock Draft ahead of NFL Week 5 has the Cleveland Browns at No. 1 still, but a shake-up behind them and with their pick.
We’re now entering Week 5 of the 2016 NFL season and things are starting to take shape. The elite teams are separating themselves, the pretenders showing signs of weakness, and the mediocre teams looking—well—mediocre. More importantly, though, teams are starting to see what they need if they’re to either improve or remain successful moving forward beyond 2016. Subsequently, it’s time for another 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
The 2016 college football season has been every bit as wild and exciting as the NFL has been this year. What’s clear in the college ranks, though, is that there is a plethora of talent that will be succeeding on Sundays.
While many people weren’t incredibly high on the 2015 draft class, they’re rightfully high on the crop of players coming in for 2016. However, it’s a vastly different class in terms of composition. The offensive linemen are far more scarce than they have been in previous years while the defensive talent is absurdly good. Thus, we’ll see how a lot of teams choose to manage.
As it’s still early, we’ll only be looking at the first round, going picks No. 1-32. The draft order is determined by the latest installment of our team Power Rankings for Week 5. Moreover, we’ll go a bit more in-depth for the top-10 picks before briefly touching on the rest of the picks of the round.
Now that we’re past semantics, let’s dive right in to this 2017 NFL Mock Draft, starting with a predictable team picking at No. 1.
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
There’s no question that the Cleveland Browns need a quarterback. Cody Kessler might be fine, but he doesn’t look like anything close to their long-term answer at the position. But here’s the not-so-secret key when it comes to the Browns moving forward: they need help at just about every other position on the field as well.
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While I know well that quarterback is the most important position on the field, I can’t justify this team not taking Myles Garrett first-overall like I tried to in last week’s NFL Mock Draft. The Texas A&M defensive end is the once-in-a-generation type of talent at the position that can do it all. He has the speed and power to beat almost any tackle off the line and get to the quarterback in the pass-rush. What’s more, though, is that he possesses the natural instincts to also contribute in run defense and generally just be a problem for opponents.
For a team in the talent-deficient position that Cleveland is in, this is the type of player that you can’t look past. Even if you think Deshaun Watson is going to be a high-quality NFL quarterback (I do), I believe that Garrett is simply too talented to pass up with the No. 1 pick. That might lead the Browns to trading back, but even then I think missing out on Garrett is a mistake.
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Deshaun Watson
QB, Clemson
Deshaun Watson isn’t exactly tumbling down in the first round after not going No. 1 like he did last week. One of the interesting things about this draft is that there are a number of teams that we could see look at quarterback in the early rounds—if not the first. One such team is the San Francisco 49ers, hence why I have them taking the signal-caller from Clemson at No. 2 overall.
This might come as a shock to some people (okay, not really), but Blaine Gabbert isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback in the Bay Area. Even more shocking to some (again, not really) is that Colin Kaepernick is also not the answer for the Niners at quarterback as they move forward. However, Watson almost indubitably could be that. In terms of the throws he makes and the physical tools he offers, he has all the makings of a player that will be a major problem for opposing defenses.
You also can’t overlook the fact that the Niners are coached by the infamous Chip Kelly. Say what you will about the head coach, but we’ve seen what he can do with a quarterback that has both the throwing mechanics and ability to take off and stretch plays. People hoped Kaepernick would be that, but it’s clear he may never get back to his former levels of performance. Watson could come in, though, and take the reins in stride.
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Malik McDowell
DT, Michigan State
Don’t get what I’m about to say twisted in any way because Malik McDowell has the tools to be a high-caliber defensive tackle in the NFL. That said, I think he may be a bit overrated with people pushing for him to go in the first-five picks. However, what’s happened here is that the Detroit Lions desperately need to address that area of their defense in this draft. Subsequently, McDowell is indeed the best at his position, so they aren’t left with much of a choice but to take the Michigan State product.
Since the departure of Ndamukong Suh, the interior of the Lions defensive line has been an absolute wreck. While Ziggy Ansah has emerged as a great pass-rush on the edge, they aren’t getting any kind of push on the interior nor are they getting much run support right now. While he might take some work, McDowell has shown he has the physical attributes to be the player that can help at that level for an NFL team.
Ideally, I’d like to see the Lions trade back where I think they could still nab McDowell. Perhaps if a team like the Chicago Bears (at No. 7 in this mock) are worried their guy will be off the board, they’d be willing to deal. That said, the Lions are making a mistake if they don’t leave the first round with McDowell in-tow.
Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after failing on a fourth down play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Fournette
RB, LSU
It’s still baffling to me that everyone looking at the 2017 NFL Draft doesn’t have the Miami Dolphins looking at the running back position. I understand that they have major holes throughout the roster. However, they also have one of the worst rushing attacks (if not the absolute worst) in the NFL. Considering the immense running back depth of this draft and the top-tier talents, I don’t see how they look past a player like Leonard Fournette.
Fournette is currently injured for LSU and his status basically stays day-to-day or game-to-game at this point in terms of when he’s going to play. However, his talent is absolutely jaw-dropping. Every week with the Tigers, he’s tasked with carrying an offense against an opposition that knows all LSU can do is run the ball with BUGA. And somehow he’s still able to have measurable success with the defense keying in on what he wants to do.
Looking at Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins, having even the semblance of a running game would benefit him so greatly. Not only would defenses not be able to take away all of the things he wants to do as a passer, but he’d also benefit from how the play-action plays would open up the field with Fournette in the fold. Oh yeah, they’d also be getting one hell of a weapon.
Oct 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs the ball after a catch during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
JuJu Smith-Schuster
WR, USC
Because of the way the latest Power Rankings shook out, there are obviously a few reaches at the top of the first round. As stated, I think McDowell going at No. 3 is a bit of a reach, but it fills a need and void for the Lions. By that same token, I have the San Diego Chargers reaching with the No. 5 pick a bit to take USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Looking at the receiving core for San Diego currently, Travis Benjamin is ostensibly their No. 1 option at the position. Even if Keenan Allen was never injured this year, their lack of quality depth and playmaking at receiver is far from ideal. They could use a player with the speed, size, and skill-set to make it happen any time that the ball his thrown his way,
The fact that Smith-Schuster has been as productive and great as he has been at USC is a testament to that. Quarterback play has been a perpetual disappointment for the Trojans in recent years and JuJu has still managed to shine. So when you throw him into an offense being run by Philip Rivers, one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL, chances are that good things are going to happen.
Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jabrill Peppers
S/LB, Michigan
Of every pick in the first round of this mock, this one might be my favorite. Yes, part of that has to do with the fact that I have an extreme football-crush on Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. However, it also has to do with the fact that he could legitimately be the missing piece that could help the Bucs start to turn the corner on that side of the ball.
Despite taking Vernon Hargreaves out of Florida last season to help address their secondary issues, the Tampa Bay defense is still paltry on its best day. They need reinforcements and young reinforcements don’t come much better or more versatile than Peppers. His ability to both play safety as a quality level while also playing the relatively new hybrid-linebacker position could really open up the options for the Buccaneers to make them a more dangerous unit.
What’s more, Peppers is one of the best return-men in all of college football. We all know that the Bucs are putting an emphasis on special teams (hello, Roberto Aguayo in the second round) and Peppers has the immense ability so great that he could kill two birds with one stone for the Bucs.
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs the ball against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Deshone Kizer
QB, Notre Dame
There is a good chance considering how his stock has been rapidly rising that DeShone Kizer doesn’t make it out of the top-5. If that’s looking like the case, though, there’s also a good chance that the Chicago Bears would trade up to get him. This is a team that is in dire need of a quarterback that they can bank on for the future and Kizer is proving that he might be just the guy to fill that void in the Windy City.
People might scoff at Kizer because he plays for a Notre Dame team that has been a disappointment in 2016 to this point. However, that speaks far more to their lack of defense than it does to Kizer. All that the quarterback for the Fighting Irish has done is make plays. He has impressive arm strength and accuracy as well as the ability to extend plays and even take off and make guys miss.
Given what the Bears have dealt with for years with Jay Cutler, Kizer could be the antithesis of that. He’s a player that always looks engaged and ready to lead his football team when he’s getting the ball in his hands. The writing appears to be on the wall for Cutler in Chicago and they might as well go ahead and start clearing out someone’s locker and putting Kizer a name-plate above it.
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Tyler Ferguson (7) tries to get away from Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dakota Ball (44) and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Allen
DE, Alabama
Pick a spot on the defense and there’s a good chance that’s an area that the New Orleans Saints need to address either in the draft or free agency. With a great deal of defensive prospects being graded as first-round talents, though, they have their pick of the litter in the draft and can address their most pressing needs. Namely, they need someone on the edge of their defensive line that is going to be able to make an impact.
Jonathan Allen is the heart of arguably the best defense in college football with Alabama. Yes, he’s obviously flanked by some other first-round draft prospects or future first-rounders as well. That certainly helps, but what Allen is able to do off the edge is undeniably impressive. He’s an absolute force at 6-3, 291 pounds, but he also has shocking quickness for a guy his size. Allen can beat his man in almost any matchup more often than not.
As the Saints hopefully look to add talent to the defense after this season, starting with a player like Allen seems like a great strategy. Not only does having that kind of presence on the edge alleviate pressure throughout the rest of the defense, but also gives them a building block to build around so that they can return to being respectable on that side of the ball.
Oct 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen ‘Teez’ Tabor
CB, Florida
If you happened to watch the Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Week 4, you noticed that Will Fuller was torching the secondary on every single play. Specifically, Perrish Cox couldn’t do a damn thing to match up with a player like Fuller. This has been the trend all season as well, with Cox lining up across from a team’s No. 2 receiver and then getting picked on all game. Thus, it figures that their top need in the draft is at cornerback.
There’s no better way to do that in 2017 than by selecting Jalen ‘Teez’ Tabor out of Florida. At 6-0, he has solid size to help him match up on the edge. However, he’s not a lumbering defensive back by any means as he also has the quickness and burst to not get burned by a player like Fuller over the top. What’s more is that Tabor’s instincts at the position are those of a player with far more experience than just a stint in college. He’s fantastic.
With how they’ve drafted in recent years, you have to believe that the Titans are closer than not to being relevant once again in terms of competing in the AFC South and the conference as a whole. If they could grab Tabor to shore up their most glaring weakness, that certainly gets them one giant step closer to that ultimate goal.
Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jared Cornelius (1) carries the ball beside LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) in the second half at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas Razorbacks defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Jamal Adams
S, LSU
Jabrill Peppers is great at safety, but the hybrid role in his versatility leave him not being what you’d call a “pure” safety heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. The distinction of being the best in that regard in this draft class certainly belongs to Jamal Adams out of LSU. And with the Colts needing help defending over the top more than anything else on their defense (though there are clearly other weaknesses), taking Adams seems like the right move for them.
When you draw comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu (another LSU product) coming out of college, that’s a quality sign that you might be doing something right. Like the Honey Badger, there are some scouts that will talk about Adams’ size as a detriment to his NFL prospects. But when he’s consistently displayed the mechanics, playmaking, and even hard-hitting ability that you want from a strong safety, should size really be of that much importance?
As it pertains to a team like Indianapolis, absolutely not. Adams should be the guy to come in and really start to change both the culture and look of the Colts defense. They’ve been horrendous in this regard for so long that something has to change and they have to start addressing areas of concern. Drafting Adams would go a long way in accomplishing that.
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) blocks USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Robinson
OT, Alabama
You’ll see me say this again, but this isn’t a great draft for those needing offensive line help early. However, Cam Robinson is the exception to that rule. And the Jaguars will once again try to find their long-term answer at tackle to keep Blake Bortles on his feet.
Desmond King
CB, Iowa
There are plenty of aging parts around the New York Jets on both sides of the ball. However, I think they react to Darrell Revis slowing down and choose to look at cornerback. Desmond King has all the tools to be fantastic at the next level.
Reuben Foster
ILB, Alabama
Arizona might have more holes in their team than we expected, but one area in particular is in the middle of the field at linebacker. Reuben Foster coming out of Alabama feels like a more than adequate option in how they address that need.
Dalvin Cook
RB, Florida State
This isn’t a particularly deep draft at offensive tackle, which is the biggest need for this Carolina Panthers club. However, Jonathan Stewart isn’t getting any younger and his backups don’t inspire confidence. Dalvin Cook sure as hell will, though, as they’ll address the line later in the draft.
Derek Barnett
DE, Tennessee
Between departures, off-field issues, and aging veterans, the Bills need defensive line and edge help. I think Derek Barnett is going to be a star at the next level. Throw him in a Rex Ryan defense and the rest of the NFL should be frightened.
Charles Harris
DE, Missouri
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Washington’s defense still needs some assistance. Charles Harris has proven to be more than capable of providing such assistance off the edge throughout his time at Missouri.
Raekwon McMillan
ILB, Ohio State
In fairness, I think Raekwon McMillan might be a bit overrated. He’s still talented, though, and Kansas City has the coaching staff to develop him properly. As he also addresses a need, this could be a great pick-up in the mid-first.
O.J. Howard
TE, Alabama
Weapon after weapon was signed by the Houston Texans this offseason. However, they lack seriously at the tight end position. To help give Brock Osweiler a more dangerous check-down option, O.J. Howard is a wonderful pick.
Mike Williams
WR, Clemson
Pick via Los Angeles Rams
Looking at the receiving core of the Titans, they lack that big-bodied red zone target that’s vital to a successful offense. At 6-3, 220 pounds with hands soft as toilet tissue, Mike Williams would be the answer.
Carl Lawson
DE, Auburn
Carl Lawson is the type of player with the potential to be a sack-mongrel and pass-rush monster. The Giants addressed their defense this offseason, but clearly need more assistance in that department.
Christian McCaffrey
RB, Stanford
Looking at the Ravens, it would seem that addressing wide receiver would be more likely. However, their running backs seem questionable at best (especially with Kenneth Dixon’s already shaky injury track-record). Moreover, any receiver here would be a reach. You could do worse than all-purpose monster, Christian McCaffrey.
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) celebrates after recovering an onside kick during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Marlon Humphrey
CB, Alabama
There are a number of areas where the Bengals could use some young life, even if they’re solid as of right now. To me, cornerback seems where they’d be most likely to fall off soon and Marlon Humphrey could be an absolute steal at No. 22.
Mike McGlinchey
OT, Notre Dame
Oakland spent a ton of money, time, and energy on the offensive line. However, they could still use a young tackle to make sure they don’t miss a beat. Mike McGlinchey looks like he could be that guy for them.
Tim Williams
OLB, Alabama
In terms of talent, Tim Williams is a Top-12 prospect overall. However, his recent off-field issues are going to have an affect, whether that’s bogus or not. Thus, I think he falls to a team that could desperately use his services in the Cowboys.
Lowell Lotulelei
DT, Utah
Suffice it to say that the Falcons are humming on offense. That defense, though, remains a question mark in my eyes. Adding a talented interior presence on the line like Lowell Lotulelei would help tremendously.
Jarrad Davis
OLB, Florida
Considering current draft evaluations, this might look like a reach. However, I’ve been nothing but impressed with the potential of Jarrad Davis. The Steelers need young blood at linebacker and Davis is the high-upside player they’d enjoy.
Roderick Johnson
OT, Florida State
Because Russell Wilson is a freak, many people have forgotten about Seattle’s offensive line issues. They’re still there, though, and drafting a tackle to help shore it up would be a solid move.
Brad Kaaya
QB, Miami
Pick via Philadelphia Eagles
Let me be clear in saying that I’m not a fan of Brad Kaaya and what he’s shown over his career at Miami. However, the Browns need a quarterback. And with them taking Garrett at No. 1, Kaaya is the best option for them with this late-first-round selection.
Dan Feeney
OG, Indiana
Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger, so keeping him protected is of paramount importance. Now that Josh Sitton is gone, they need to get new blood on the interior of the offensive line and Dan Feeney is a quality offensive guard prospect.
Sidney Jones
CB, Washington
Pick via Minnesota Vikings
As impressive as the Philadelphia Eagles have been up to now, they still have weaknesses they could stand to improve upon. One such need is their defensive back core and cornerback Sidney Jones might be one of the most underrated players in this draft class.
Adoree’ Jackson
CB, USC
I said it last week, but I’ll reiterate the point. Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots love physically gifted players with tremendous versatility. Adoree’ Jackson is certainly that.
Budda Baker
S, Washington
It shouldn’t shock anyone that the Denver Broncos are pretty well-off in terms of assets on both sides of the ball. However, quality secondary depth never hurt a soul and Budda Baker is a rising prospect at safety.