Tyler Raymond's 2017 Mock Draft 2.0 Part 1

The NFL Draft is right around the corner. It’s time for some mock drafts! With needs fluctuating every other week, I tackle the hardest decisions around the league by analyzing who gets selected by each team in the first round.

For those who are interested, you can view my previous mock draft here. With the Super Bowl finished the teams are now finalized, and with bigger events like the Senior Bowl already passed needs and big boards are changing every week. And yes, I’m a New Orleans Saints fan. But to get a clear picture of how the board might fall, I’ve done a full-league mock.

Note: I’ve made these predictions as if none of these teams address their needs via free agency. They will, of course, do so.

During the last few weeks, I’ve been using and compiling my own 2017 Draft Big Board, adding and moving players up and down the ranks based off of their performances. That list is my key for whom I ultimately think will land with which team. That and a simple needs-list for each team.

Let’s get started, with the 1st pick of the 2017 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns select …

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 12: Myles Garrett #15 of the Texas A&M Aggies during warm ups before playing the Mississippi Rebels at Kyle Field on November 12, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns Needs: QB, EDGE, LB, OL, RB

Reason for Selection: Despite Cleveland having the lingering need at quarterback, in this scenario Cleveland selects the best player available: an edge rusher who simply can’t be passed on. To read my full analysis of Myles Garrett, click here.

With the 2nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select …

Mitch Trubisky

Quarterback, North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Mitch Trubisky #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers Needs: QB, LB, OG

Reason For Selection: Similar to the team above them, San Francisco also has a desperate need at quarterback. Current quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick, and Blaine Gabbert simply won’t cut it.

New head coach and former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was hired to help alleviate the team’s situation. That will most likely include drafting a quarterback with their top selection.

With the 3rd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select …

Jonathan Allen

DL, Alabama

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Jonathan Allen #93 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Myles Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies during the 2016 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears Needs: QB, DL, S, CB, OL

Reason for Selection: Although Chicago could very well use a quarterback with the decline of aging veteran Jay Cutler, in this mock I have Chicago adding a literal beast on the defensive line to help Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.

Why reach for a quarterback when you can have a talented lineman instead? Battles are won in the trenches.

Adding such a dominant force to Chicago would provide penetration on the defensive line. They’ll need that against teams like the Packers and the Lions in the NFC North.

With the 4th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select …

Jamal Adams

Safety, LSU

BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Jamal Adams #33 of the LSU Tigers reacts during a game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Florida won 16-10. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Jacksonville Jaguars Needs: OL, S, DL

Reason for Selection: Despite Jacksonville needing a disruptive defensive lineman, in this mock I see them picking the best safety in this class to accompany Jalen Ramsey.

I’m sure there would be plenty of play-making linemen from the second round to choose from. There’s enough talent there to assist Dante Fowler Jr. and company.

With the 5th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select …

Mike Williams

Wide Receiver, Clemson

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans Needs: WR, CB, LB, TE

Reason for Selection: Sitting at pick No. 5, the Titans have a few options. First and foremost, the Titans have two important needs that they’ll need to fill, at cornerback and at wide receiver.

In this situation, I almost had the Titans select from the endless options at cornerback. But then I realized: that’s what their other first round selection will be for.

In my opinion, the depth at wide receiver is thinner than the depth at corner back, which results in the best receiver in this draft class heading to the Titans.

With the 6th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select…

DeShone Kizer

Quarterback, Notre Dame

JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 05: DeShone Kizer #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts a pass during the game against the Navy Midshipmen at EverBank Field on November 5, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

New York Jets Needs: Secondary, QB, RB, OLB, WR

Reason for Selection: At first I was hesitant selecting a quarterback at six for the Jets, I figured honestly, they have bigger needs to address. Darelle Revis is regressing, leaving a huge hole in the secondary.

Then the more I thought about it the more I realized the true inexperience of Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg plays a huge factor for this team’s chances in 2017. The Jets need a functioning quarterback to compete in the AFC East. So I thought, why not give them a little competition.

Besides, with the immense amount of depth in this year’s class in regards to cornerbacks and safeties, the Jets can always select one of those positions in the second round.

With the 7th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select…

Malik Hooker

Safety, Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Malik Hooker #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Wilton Speight #3 (not pictured) of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Chargers Needs: S, WR, OL

Reason for Selection: The Chargers could very well end up going several ways come the seventh pick. They need better protection for quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon. They could honestly also use a receiver to help in Keenan Allen’s absence. In this scenario, the Chargers get an explosive safety to assist cornerback Jason Verrett, and defensive end Joey Bosa.

With the 8th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select…

Christian McCaffrey

Running Back, Stanford

PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Christian McCaffrey #5 of the Stanford Cardinal scores on a nineteen yard touchdown run against the Rice Owls in the third quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Carolina Panthers Needs: RB, OL, WR

Reason for Selection: The Panthers could go several ways here, including star running backs Leonard Fournette of LSU and Dalvin Cook of Florida State. In this scenario I have them speaking loudly and nabbing Christian McCaffrey just outside where he’s projected to go (later in the first round). After seeing the report that Carolina has interest, what better suitor than the Panthers, obtaining an athlete the team is so high on.

With the 9th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select …

Reuben Fostrer

Linebacker, Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL – APRIL 18: Reuben Foster #10 of the Crimson team reacts to a play during the University of Alabama Crimson Tide A-day spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals Needs: LB, EDGE, OL

Reason for Selection: Believe it or not the Cincinnati Bengals produced the 4th worst run defense in the NFL this past season. Top that with linebacker Karlos Dansby, who’s currently 35 years old, and nearing the end of his career seems, it seems like the perfect time for the Bengals to add Reuben Foster.

Sure the team could address this situation several ways. They could add an explosive edge rusher to help beef up the defensive line, or even an offensive linemen to help protect Andy Dalton. But in this case, Reuben Foster is the most logical choice.

With the 10th selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select …

John Ross

Wide Receiver, Washington

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) covers Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) during the Semi-Final Peach Bowl between the Washington Huskies and the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 31, 2016, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Buffalo Bills Needs: WR, CB, OT

Reason for Selection: At the very start of the offseason I was convinced Buffalo would draft a quarterback. The team simply didn’t want to pay Tyrod Taylor almost $30 million dollars.

As time has progressed, I’m leaning against this assumption and have learned Taylor has captured the trust of the team, which is why it’s now time to draft a receiver to compliment Sammy Watkins and the Bills offense.

John Ross is a more than capable receiver, talented enough to get open in space and provide one on one matchups for some of the other receivers for the Bills. The receiver will do wonders for that offense if drafted.

With the 11th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select …

Derek Barnett

EDGE, Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Derek Barnett #9 of the University of Tennessee Volunteers plays against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints Needs: EDGE, LB, OL, CB

Reason for Selection: Analysts and fans alike at this point must sound like a broken record: the Saints NEED an EDGE rusher on the opposite side of Cameron Jordan to compliment him. In this scenario, as tempting as it was to almost select a cornerback, I’m falling back on a simple thought: the Saints will NOT improve with the current pressure they are producing from their defensive line.

Derek Barnett is one of the best edge rushers, in my opinion, in this years class. He will absolutely do wonders for this team. In my film studies of Barnett I quickly noticed how easily Barnett is able to use his body and size as leverage when pushing opposing offensive linemen backwards. The athlete has solid play recognition. He is able to anticipate and break up plays before they get out of his reach.

Needless to say, Derek Barnett is an explosive freak on the defensive line, who would, no doubt in my mind, make an impact for the New Orleans Saints. Now given, at times I’d like to see more of an arsenal to his rushing techniques. But nonetheless, Barnett would be a solid selection for the Saints.

With the 12th selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select …

Jabrill Peppers

Linebacker / Safety, Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 05: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the Michigan Wolverines THROWS A PASS against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns Needs: QB, OL, LB, Secondary

Reason for Selection: In my personal opinion, the Browns need to break the cycle at failing miserably at quarterback, and that starts with not drafting one with their second first round pick.

I was reading a news article on the Washington Post by Neil Greenberg, who actually thinks Cleveland, despite its long list of issues, shouldn’t wait for the draft to select a quarterback. The real issue is trying to fix everything beyond who takes snaps under center. I have to completely agree with this man. Although I’m clearly a Saints fan, it’s obvious enough that drafting quarterbacks every year isn’t the answer.

If the Cleveland Browns want to stop being the laughing stock of the National Football League, changes can be made, starting with drafting players who won’t be busts, or on other teams in a few years. Believe it or not, as stated by Greenberg’s article and by Pro Football Focus, the Browns had the 28th worst pass coverage as a team last season.

Jabrill Peppers is a dynamic, versatile athlete who is more than capable of playing multiple positions in not only linebacker but also safety, who I’m sure could make some kind of impact for this Browns team. For those who are interested, Peppers played 11 positions last season, and yes for all of the Cleveland Browns fans, that included quarterback.

With the 13th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select …

DeShaun Watson

Quarterback, Clemson

TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after throwing a 2-yard game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals Needs: QB, WR, CB, ILB

Reason for Selection: With Larry Fitzgerald likely playing his last season in the NFL next year, the loss of Michael Floyd draws attention to the now lingering hole at wide receiver for the Cardinals. But with former Clemson star quarterback, DeShaun Watson still on the board at this point, Arizona has the perfect opportunity to find Carson Palmer’s replacement.

Bruce Arians is a brilliant coach who will do wonders for Watson going forward. With Watson’s skill set, and Arians’ mind, it could lead to an upset come the NFC West division champion come future years. As for the wide receiver need, I’m sure that could be addressed come the second round.

With the 14th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select …

Quincy Wilson

Cornerback, Florida

TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 02: Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during the 2017 Outback Bowl between the Florida Gators and Iowa Hawkeyes on January 2, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles Needs: CB, WR, RB

Reason for Selection: Pairing veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins with a young, fresh, stud of a cornerback could certainly make an interesting secondary for Philadelphia. Considering the Eagles have to face gunslingers in Eli Manning with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and Dak Prescott with wide receiver Dez Bryant twice a year, this isn’t a bad move at all for the Eagles.

With the 15th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select …

Leonard Fournette

Running Back, LSU

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 12: Leonard Fournette #7 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 38-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts Needs: OL, RB, WR, EDGE,

Reason for Selection: Leonard Fournette could finally bring an explosive edge to Indianapolis. Paired with a great duo in quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver TY Hilton, look out AFC South. Although Fournette is one heck of a flashy draft pick, the need for offensive linemen is still a great concern. For the sake of the team going forward, I truly hope that hole gets filled.

With the 16th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select …

Solomon Thomas

EDGE, Stanford

PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #90 of the Stanford Cardinal warms up before an NCAA football game against the Rice Owls played on November 26, 2016 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens Needs: EDGE, Secondary, WR

Reason for Selection: If Baltimore wants to keep up with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, there must be some sort of pressure coming form the defensive line, and Solomon Thomas would certainly help in bringing said pressure. Given, the secondary and wide receiver are also issues. But going forward, this one of the Ravens bigger concerns.

The first half of this draft certainly featured some surprises going forward, but stay tuned as I soon reveal the remaining selections in this draft!