2017 NFL Mock Draft: Week 15 Update
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
My updated 2017 NFL Mock draft comes with plenty of changes based on draft order and big board changes.
The NFL regular season is coming to a close which makes it prime time to do a 2017 NFL Mock Draft. Things are starting to become clearer as far as the draft order is concerned and what prospects have set themselves up to come off the board early.
This verision of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft features a run on defensive prospects in the top-half off the 1st round. It also has the 1st round going ending without a quarterback being selected. The quarterback group just doesn’t have a sure-fire 1st round prospect.
It’s setting up nicely for the Cleveland Browns to add some major talent to their roster. The Philadelphia Eagles are on a losing streak which benefits the Browns thanks to their draft in last year’s draft.
Unfortunately, the Browns would have to reach in order to address their need at the quarterback position. This mock draft has them going defense with both their 1st round picks. Cleveland has more than enough needs that they can justify passing on what is a questionable quarterback class.
The back-end of the 1st round features a run on cornerbacks which may be the deepest position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) celebrates with linebacker Tim Williams (56) during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Edge, Texas A&M
The Cleveland Browns can’t afford to get cute and force a quarterback with this pick. Myles Garrett is the best player in this draft and is capable of being a difference maker from day one. He’s an elite pass rusher who plays with a lot of tenacity.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Tim Williams, Edge, Alabama
San Francisco would love to land Garrett, but will have to settle for the explosive Tim Williams. He’s a different type of prospect in that he’s more athleticism than polish. However, Williams is the most explosive edge rushers in this draft class.
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jabrill Peppers, DB/LB, Michigan
Jacksonville has a ton of young talent on the roster which makes it tough to pinpoint where they’ll go with this pick. They need help along the offensive line but there isn’t a lineman worthy of coming off the board this high.
Jabrill Peppers is a versatile defender who can help in coverage and support the run. He’s a tremendous athlete with the potential to develop into a real playmaker. His ability in the return game brings added value to the pick.
4. Chicago Bears- Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
The Chicago Bears need help at the quarterback position, but again it would be a major reach to select one here. Their best bet is to target the best player available and that would Jonathan Allen. His addition would give the Bears one of the more dynamic front-7s in the league.
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. Tennessee Titans (via LA)- Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Titans are in the thick of a playoff race, but are still likely to land a top-10 pick thanks to their trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Tennessee desperately needs help at the cornerback position, but would get better value targeting one with their second 1st round pick.
Here they can address their need for a No. 1 wide receiver with Mike Williams. This is a long and fluid athlete who consistently makes plays down the field. Williams is a reliable target who aggressively attacks the football.
6. Cleveland Browns (via Phi)- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
This is a spot where the Browns could take a shot on a young quarterback. However, it’s still way to early for where I have the quarterback prospects rated. Cleveland is a team that has holes all over the roster and would be better served targeting the most talented player available.
Reuben Foster is a tone setter and a defensive leader. He has excellent quickness that allows him to make plays from sideline to sideline. The combination of Foster and Myles Garrett would give the Browns two elite players on the defensive side of the ball.
7. New York Jets- Carl Lawson, Edge, Auburn
The Jets are in an odd position where they have two young quarterbacks on the roster, but don’t appear to be sold on either. They are highly unlikely to select a quarterback with this pick and could set their sights on grabbing a pass rusher.
Carl Lawson is a good fit for Todd Bowels’ 3-4 system and would bring immediate pressure off the edge.
8. Buffalo Bills- Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
Buffalo needs to beef up the defensive line and can do so by targeting Malik McDowell. He’s a versatile defender who can hold up against the run but also generate some pressure. This pick could go in a completely different direction should Rex Ryan get fired.
Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
9. Indianapolis Colts- Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of work to do in the offseason, but one of their top priorities should be giving Andrew Luck some help. Adding a game-breaking running back like Leonard Fournette would take a ton of pressure off of Luck.
10. New Orleans Saints- Takkarist McKinley, Edge, UCLA
New Orleans has done a solid job adding some young talent on the defensive over the past few drafts. However, the defensive rebuild isn’t over and they need to add another edge rusher. Takkarist McKinley is a late riser but someone capable to getting after the quarterback.
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11. Carolina Panthers- Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Carolina’s season has been a complete disaster for a number of reasons. One of the bigger problems has been the secondary which needs help at both safety and cornerback. Sidney Jones is a solid cover-guy who plays an aggressive brand of football.
He’s the type of corner who doesn’t hesitate to jump the route in order to create turnovers.
12. San Diego Chargers- Jamal Adams, S, LSU
San Diego has some nice young building blocks on defense and adding Jamal Adams could take the unit’s production to the next level. Philip Rivers isn’t getting any younger and would benefit from not having to chase points.
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
13. Cincinnati Bengals- JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
The Bengals are a team that’s much better than their record. They’ve seen a large number of injuries impact the consistency of the team. A way to put a positive spin on missing the playoffs is that they get an early draft pick and chance to add a more talented player.
JuJu Smith-Schuster would be a nice complement to A.J. Green as someone capable to both make plays down the field and work across the middle.
14. Arizona Cardinals- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals need to find a cornerback capable of working opposite Patrick Peterson. Marshon Lattimore is only a Redshirt Sophomore, but extremely talented and wise beyond his years. Lattimore is has the potential to quickly develop into a shutdown corner.
15. Miami Dolphins- Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
Miami has turned their season around and are in the playoff mix. However, this is a roster that still has plenty of needs. The secondary is a concern where they’ve gotten below average play from Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett.
Jalen Tabor is a talented cornerback who can matchup with anyone on the field. He has good ball skills which make him a threat to generate turnovers.
16. Houston Texans- Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Houston needs to take a hard look at the long-term future of both Duane Brown and Derek Newton. They are both talented players but have had injury problems over the past few years. Cam Robinson is a highly talented offensive tackle prospect who’s capable of playing either left or right tackle.
Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs past Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Gary Baker (51) and Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
17. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minn)- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Eagles started the season on fire but are now in the middle of a slump. Some of the issues have been to Carson Wentz hitting a wall, but all the blame shouldn’t fall on his shoulders. Philadelphia needs some help along the offensive line, a reliable running back and receivers that can catch the ball.
Mike McGlinchey is a steady performer who fits at both tackle positions and could even bump inside to guard.
18. Washington Redskins- Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Washington has survived this year leaning on undrafted rookie Rob Kelley at running back. He has done enough to earn himself a roster spot for next year, but the Redskins need someone with more explosiveness.
Christian McCaffrey is a dynamic offensive weapon capable of making a major impact in both the running and passing game. He’d add a new dimension to the Redskins offensive attack.
19. Denver Broncos- Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Zach Cunningham is a long and rangy linebacker prospect. He’s an asset in both the running and passing game. It’s his athleticism that helps him hold up in pass coverage and matchup against running backs or receivers.
The Broncos need an athletic linebacker with Cunningham’s skills to replace Danny Trevathan.
20. Green Bay Packers- D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Eddie Lacy has worn out his welcome in Green Bay. His inability to stay in shape has put the Packers in a really tough position. D’Onta Foreman is a difference maker who can grind out the tough yards and break off long runs.
He’d give the Packers a running back capable of carrying the load and taking pressure off of Aaron Rodgers.
Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs the ball for a td in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
21. Tennessee Titans- Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
The Tennessee Titans secondary is a major issue and could be what keeps them out of the playoffs this year. Luckily, the 2017 NFL Draft has a talented and deep group of cornerbacks. Tennessee can easily find two starters in the 1st two rounds of the draft.
Cordrea Tankersley is a big-bodied cornerback who has experience in big-game situations. He has the makings of a No. 1 corner.
22. Baltimore Ravens- Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Corey Davis is an explosive athlete who has put up huge numbers throughout his college career. He’s someone capable of taking the top off a defense, but also working the underneath routes. This is someone that could rise up draft boards as teams get to see him in individual workouts.
The Baltimore Ravens could use someone like Davis on the outside to replace Steve Smith. They already have bigger targets on the roster, but could use a vertical threat outside of Mike Wallace.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Tampa Bay is a team on the rise with a lot of young talent on the roster. They added a top-flight cornerback last year in Vernon Hargreaves III, but the position lacks depth. Marlon Humphrey would give the Buccaneers a bigger corner capable of matching up with the more physical receivers in the NFL.
24. Detroit Lions- Dawaune Smoot, DE, Illinois
The Lions are enjoying a great season that has been filled with a lot of close games. Things on the offensive side of the ball are running smoothly, but the defense could use some additional talent. Dawuane Smoot is a developing edge rusher who’d fit in nicely opposite Ziggy Ansah.
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Ben Niemann (44) tackles Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- DeMarcus Walker, Edge, Florida State
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing some possible turnover at the outside linebacker position. James Harrison can’t play forever and Jarvis Jones is a pending free agent. That doesn’t factor in the questions surround Bud Dupree’s development.
DeMarcus Walker is a tremendous athlete who is still learning the game. He’d be a nice piece of clay for the Pittsburgh coaches to mold.
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26. Seattle Seahawks- Pat Elflein, C/G, Ohio State
Seattle’s offensive line is once again threatening to derail the team’s Super Bowl hopes. They need help across the unit and should target the top rated offensive lineman on their board. Pat Elflein is a versatile lineman who has played at a high level at both guard and center.
27. New York Giants- Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Eli Manning knows how to make good use of the tight end position, but has been working with mediocre talent over the past few years. Jake Butt would give Eli someone to work down the seam while also pulling some coverage away from Odell Beckham Jr.
28. Oakland Raiders- Desmond King, CB, Iowa
The Raiders are set on the offensive side of the ball, but still need to add a few pieces on defense. They need to make a decision on DJ Hayden who has yet to live up to his draft status. Desmond King is a steady performer who should be able to step in and contribute from day one.
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. Atlanta Falcons- Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee
Vic Beasley has been a terror off the edge this season for the Atlanta Falcons. His emergence has played a major role in the team’s success. However, the Falcons could use another passing rushing threat to make their defense more dangerous.
Derek Barnett isn’t going to wow anyone with his measurables, but he’s someone who gets the job done and knows how to produce.
30. Kansas City Chiefs- Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Malik Hooker is just a Redshirt Sophomore, but is at least considering entering the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s a tremendous athlete who has improved each week. Hooker would sever as a potential replacement for Eric Berry who figures to hit free agency this offseason.
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31. Dallas Cowboys- Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Cowboys need to focus the majority of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. They have everything they need on offense, but the defense has holes on every level. Ohio State’s Gareon Conley is a high upside cornerback who could replace either Brandon Carr or Morris Claiborne.
32. New England Patriots- Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
New England took a gamble when they traded Jamie Collins in the middle of the season. So far, they have been able to find adequate replacements. However, they don’t have a long-term replacement on the roster.
Jarrad Davis is a solid athlete who can make plays from sideline to sideline. He’s versatile enough to fit what the Patriots like to do on defense.