2017 NFL Mock Draft: Week 13 Update
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) grabs Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
This updated version my 2017 NFL Mock Draft features several changes including a new player at No. 1.
We are inching closer to having a set order for the top of the NFL Draft which will make things easier when developing a 2017 NFL Mock Draft. Until then, all mock drafts will need to work with projections of the draft order.
Either way, it looks like the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars will all be selecting inside the top-10.
The Browns, 49ers and Bears are teams that are in the need of major upgrades at several positions. They are also teams that need a long-term answer at quarterback. Unfortunately, this draft doesn’t have a quarterback prospect worthy of such a high pick.
Defense is where these teams will likely have to look with the majority of top prospects coming from that side of the ball. My top overall player is Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett is figures to be a dynamic pass rusher early in his career.
The top offensive player on my board is Clemson’s Mike Williams. He’s a long and explosive wide receiver who is a major mismatch problem. His skill set makes him a good bet to develop into a difference maker.
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns- Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
Like the other teams at the top of the draft, Cleveland is in a less than ideal position to address their biggest need—Quarterback. The good thing is that they still have a chance to add an impact player like Jonathan Allen.
Allen is a dominant presence along the defensive line who can stuff the run and rush the passer. His versatility is just one of the reasons he’s in the running for the No. 1 pick.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Myles Garrett, Edge, Texas A&M
San Francisco needs to add some blue-chip players on both sides of the ball. Myles Garrett is my top rated player in the draft and a potentially dominant pass rusher. He not only has elite talent, but also plays with a non-stop motor.
3. Chicago Bears- Jabrill Peppers, DB/LB, Michigan
Chicago must avoid the urge to overdraft a quarterback at this spot. This roster has plenty of other needs they can address such as the secondary. Jabrill Peppers is a unique talent who could fit at cornerback, linebacker, safety and even running back.
He’d give the Bears a playmaker in the secondary capable of making game changing plays and creating turnovers.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Personally, I have Leonard Fournette rated as a mid-1st round prospect. He has the talent to be a top-end running back in the NFL, but there are real questions about his durability. The Jaguars situation puts them in prime position to add Fournette to the mix.
He’d serve as another weapon to help Blake Bortles develop into a reliable NFL quarterback. Fournette would also help protect Bortles from himself by demanding a high number of touches.
Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) catches a touchdown pass in front of South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jamarcus King (7) at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
5. Cincinnati Bengals- Tim Williams, Edge, Alabama
The Bengals are suffering through an injury-plagued season that will likely keep them out of the playoffs. However, the bright side is that they’ll get a chance to add an elite talent and potential playmaker. Alabama’s Tim Williams is an explosive edge-rusher who’ll increase the Bengals ability to get after the quarterback.
6. Tennessee Titans (via LA)- Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Tennessee’s roster is starting to take shape and look like future playoff contenders. The biggest development has been the strong play of Marcus Mariota and the fact he’s making progress. Tennessee now needs to surround him with more talent to help take his development to the next level.
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Mike Williams has the athleticism and skill set needed to develop into a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. His combination of length, leaping ability and strong hands make him a quarterback’s best friend.
7. New York Jets- Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
The Jets are facing a potential change at the quarterback position next season with youngsters Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg in the mix. If one of them land the starting job they’ll need all the help they can get.
Christian McCaffrey is a versatility playmaker who can contribute as a running back, receiver and return man. He is the type of player who helps sustain drives while also producing big plays.
8. Indianapolis Colts- Carl Lawson, Edge, Auburn
The Colts would heavily consider adding either Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey with this pick but both are off the board. Instead, they get a chance to add a dynamic pass rusher in Carl Lawson. Indianapolis needs to put together better balance on the roster which includes adding defensive star power.
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
9. Green Bay Packers- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The inside linebacker position has been a revolving door for the Green Bay Packers. By adding Reuben Foster they add an elite talent at the position and can move Clay Matthews back outside for good. Foster is the type of tone setter who’ll instantly become one of the team leaders.
10. Arizona Cardinals- Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Patrick Peterson is still one of the best cornerbacks in the league and thus rarely tested. However, opposing teams have found success working against the Arizona Cardinals No. 2 cornerbacks. Washington’ Sidney Jones has the talent needed to turn the tables.
Jones is an aggressive cornerback who excels at creating turnovers. Those teams looking to avoid Peterson would be playing a risky game by attacking Jones.
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11. Carolina Panthers- Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Carolina needs to add some talent in the backend of their defense. They could ideally add help at both the cornerback and safety position. The value here is going with LSU’s Jamal Adams who is one of the better overall players in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Adams is a big-hitter who likes to play close to the line of scrimmage. However, he also has the quickness and fluid movements needed to hold up in coverage.
12. New Orleans Saints- Takkarist McKinley, Edge, UCLA
Takkarist McKinley is a fast rising prospect who knows how to get to the quarterback. He’s an explosive athlete that also features good length and balance. The Saints would have one of the better defensive lines in the NFL with McKinley in the mix.
Imagine having to keep McKinley, Cameron Jordan and Sheldon Rankins out of the backfield.
Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
13. Cleveland Browns (via Phi)- Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Owning two 1st round picks gives the Cleveland Browns some flexability. This is a team that desperately needs help at the quarterback position and could land one with this pick. Deshaun Watson’s draft stock has really fallen off this year, but the fact remains he’s a top-end talent.
Hue Jackson is the right coach to get the most out of someone like Watson. The thing that makes this pick different than the Browns recent quarterback selections is that Watson combines his natural talent with a strong work ethic and leadership.
14. Tennessee Titans- Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
The Titans can go in several directions with this pick, but Malik McDowell represents the best player on the board. He’s a versatile defensive lineman who can stuff the run, shoot the gap and get after the quarterback.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minn)- JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
Philadelphia needs to get Carson Wentz some wide receivers capable of catching the football. His development is being hurt by the many drops suffered by Jordan Matthews, Nelson Aghlor and company.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is a big target who features reliable hands. He’s someone that fights for the football and wins in contested situations.
16. Buffalo Bills- Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
The Bills offensive line is a bit of a mess—especially at the right tackle position. Cam Robinson is a talented individual who can handle left tackle, but might be better suited for the right side. His ability as a run blocker would fit in perfectly with Rex Ryan’s philosophy.
Nov 25, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D
17. San Diego Chargers- Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Chargers need to start planning for life without Keenan Allen who has missed time the past two years with injuries. They’ve benefited from the emergence of Tyrell Williams, but another weapon would help increase the production of the offense.
Corey Davis is an underrated prospect mainly because he plays at Western Michigan. However, he’s an explosive athlete who can both take the top off the defense and run crisp routes.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
Tampa Bay is a team on the rise and just needs upgrades at several positions to become realistic playoff contenders. The biggest need is in the secondary where they are shuffling out middling veterans. Adding Jalen Tabor alongside Vernon Hargreaves III would give Tampa a strong tandem.
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19. Baltimore Ravens- D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens offense has really struggled with the lack of a strong running attack. This isn’t a team built to throw the ball 50 times a game as they’re more comfortable controlling the clock and relying on the defense.
D’Onta Foreman is an explosive runner who also works well between the tackles. He’s the type of back who can move the chains and allow the Ravens to reestablish their play action attack.
20. Miami Dolphins- Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
The Miami Dolphins have really turned their season around and are in the hunt for a playoff spot. Adam Gase’s ability to develop an offensive game plan to suit Ryan Tannehill has been the key. Miami should continue giving their young quarterback help.
Jake Butt is a top-end athlete who is a major threat in the passing game. He’d provide Tannehill with a reliable receiving option over the middle of the field.
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Marcus Davis (80) is tackled by by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
21. Houston Texans- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Houston Texans offensive line is in a state of flux thanks to a string of injuries. Derek Newton’s double knee problems are the biggest cause for concern. There’s no way to know how, if or when he’ll be fully recovered.
Adding Mike McGlinchey would give the Texans an immediate replacement for Newton and someone with the upside to eventually replace left tackle Duane Brown.
22. Washington Redskins- Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Zach Cunningham is an explosive linebacker who makes plays from sideline to sideline. He’s the type of athlete capable of doing multiple things including rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. The fact that he plays at Vanderbilt has him flying under the radar.
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23. New York Giants- Pat Elflein, C/G, Ohio State
The Giants lack of consistency along the offensive line has been an issue for the past several years. It has put Eli Manning in some tough situations and made it a struggle to establish a running game. Pat Elflein is the type of consistent performer who’d provide a major upgrade.
Elflein adds value with his versatility having started a large number of games at both center and guard.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
Pittsburgh added some nice young players to the secondary in the last draft, but they still lack depth at the position. LSU’s Tre’Davious White is a tremendous athlete who has increased his overall value by improving his ball skills.
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) breaks up a pass to Oklahoma Sooners tight end Mark Andrews (81) during the second quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
25. Atlanta Falcons- Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
The Atlanta Falcons are having a great season, but were just dealt a major blow with the loss of Desmond Trufant. However, this is a defense that needs help at the cornerback position even with Trufant in the mix.
Cordrea Tankersley is a bigger cornerback who also possesses the necessary speed and fluidity to succeed in the NFL. His size is something Atlanta’s head coach, Dan Quinn, has coveted since his time in Seattle.
26. Detroit Lions- Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
Detroit is in prime position to earn a playoff spot this year, but the roster still has some glaring needs. One area they could address is adding another pass-rushing threat opposite Ziggy Ansah. Illinois Dawuane Smoot is a true defensive end prospect who’d fit perfectly in Detroit’s system.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Marcus Peters has quickly established himself as a dynamic playmakers. However, the Chiefs need to find someone to work on the other side of the field. It would be nice if they found a shutdown corner who’d force teams to attack Peters more often.
Marlon Humphrey has the upside to be that shutdown corner and provide Peters with more chances to create turnovers.
28. Denver Broncos- Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Denver is committed to winning with a strong defense which is why I expect them to continue to collect talent on that side of the ball. Jarrad Davis is a good all-around defender who can support the run and hold up in coverage.
That ability to hold up in coverage is important since the Broncos are still trying to overcome the loss of Danny Trevathan.
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
29. Seattle Seahawks- Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
The Seahawks offense has struggled over the past few years because of the lack of consistency along the offensive line. This year has been a real struggle both protecting Russell Wilson and establishing a reliable running game.
Quenton Nelson is a powerful guard prospect who excels at moving defenders off the line of scrimmage. He’d immediately help the Seahawks ground attack and thus the overall consistency of the offense.
30. New England Patriots- DeMarcus Walker, Edge, Florida State
New England has lost two big-time defenders over the past year when they traded Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins. Both these trades were risky moves and the Patriots now need to add some young talent into the mix.
DeMarcus Walker is an elite athlete who’s still developing as a player. He’s the type of prospect the Patriots can mold into their style of play.
31. Oakland Raiders- Desmond King, CB, Iowa
Oakland is on fire right now with all the attention being paid to Derek Carr and the offense. However, they’ll need their defense to play better if they want to make a realistic run at the Super Bowl. One of the biggest areas of concern is at cornerback where they’ve struggled to find consistency.
Sean Smith is locked in as one of the starters but there’s room for improvement on the other side. Desmond King is a physical and technically savvy defender who is always in the right position. This is someone who should perform well early in his career.
32. Dallas Cowboys- Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee
The Cowboys are set on the offensive side of the ball, but defensively they need some help. Their biggest need is along the defensive line where they need someone capable of generate pressure on the quarterback.
Derek Barnett is a steady performer who knows how to work his way into the backfield and disrupt the timing of the offense.