With just a few more weeks until the 2017 NFL Draft, here’s a look at projected first-round picks for each team.
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1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett (DE – Texas A&M)
In a class lacking any slam-dunk, can’t-miss prospects, the Browns are in a unique position to grab the best player on their board and not feel pressure to overdraft a signal caller. Now, let’s just hope they don’t screw this up and miss out on one of the best defensive ends to come out of college since Julius Peppers.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas (DL – Stanford)
While it’s still anyone’s guess as to which direction this new regime will go with the second-overall pick, at the end of the day trading back and selecting their new franchise quarterback to develop would be the dream scenario. If forced to stay put, Thomas is a player that you just can’t pass up. In a game won and lost in the trenches, Thomas can dominate, consistently soaking up two and even three blockers at a time.
Many can argue the position simply isn’t a need, but rest assured you can’t have enough big men who can move late in the fourth quarter, helping stuff the run and get after the passer. Trust me, adding him to the mix with fellow first-rounders Deforest Buckner and Arik Armstead is a great problem to have. Now, it’s up to new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to maximize their talent and versatility.
3) Chicago Bears: Cam Robinson (OT – Alabama)
A shock to some, as groupthink tells us Robinson isn’t worthy of a top-five pick. However, with a loaded secondary and tight end class, it will behoove the Bears to wait until day two to maximize their value. Also, in the worst tackle class we’ve seen in a decade, it’s wise to grab the best of the bunch now before it’s too late. It’s slim pickings at the bottom of the barrel. Robinson will immediately add more physicality and tenacity on a team that will look to play ball control offense and pound the rock. What seems like a reach now will prove to be the best value possible, as the Bears will steal players of deeper position pools later on.
John Fox doesn’t have time to draft a young quarterback and develop him for the next guy. It’s “win now” time in Chicago, and we should expect to see guys drafted that can come in and have a major impact, right away. In a copycat league, the Bears try to replicate the Dallas Cowboys by building their offensive line so well that it won’t matter which quarterback is under center.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Marshon Lattimore (CB – Ohio State)
In an ultra-rich class of cornerback, Lattimore is starting to separate himself from his peers as the consensus number one guy. With lightning quick feet and smooth hips and movement skills Lattimore has all the tools to be that lock-down cornerback defensive coordinators dream of. Given proper time and seasoning, it won’t be long before Lattimore is shadowing opposing team’s number one wideouts all over the field. Pairing him up with last year’s top-five pick Jalen Ramsey will be a nightmare for Marcus Mariota and Andrew Luck twice a year.
5) Tennessee Titans: Jamal Adams (S – LSU)
After putting together rock-solid drafts the past two years the Titans are in a unique position to step on the gas with two more first-round selections. Grabbing a blue-chip defensive back is top priority making Adams a no brainer with Lattimore gone. Flip on the tape and Adams jumps off the screen with incredible play speed and acceleration. Whether you want him in the box against the run or guarding the pass in the back end Adams has the football instincts and quickness to shut down his man, regardless of the situation.
6) New York Jets: Malik Hooker (S – Ohio State)
You could argue the Jets need help at just about every position, and whether you like it or not, Christian Hackenberg is going to get his shot this season. Adding a power running back to help take the pressure off the passing game wouldn’t shock me, but finding viable tailbacks later will be a piece of cake. Instead, grabbing a playmaker in the back-end of the defense makes the most sense. Jamal Adams and Hooker would be welcomed with open arms. Here, the Jets add Hooker who displays some of the best range for a safety since Ed Reed. It’s true he didn’t have the same production as the future Hall of Famer, but Hooker is a ball-hawk and will enter the league as one of the better centerfielders right out the gate.
7) San Diego Chargers: Mike Williams (WR – Clemson)
Not going to lie, Hooker is the guy the Chargers are targeting. A perfect fit in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme with the safety playing a majority of “single high” looks. Unfortunately for them, there is a good chance Hooker just doesn’t fall this far. Instead, helping and investing into Philip Rivers during his final run is the next best option. Offensive tackle cannot be disregarded, however, Mike Williams can be that playmaker that will put this offense over the top.
Williams is a guy who’s open even when he’s covered, and he will stretch the field vertically on a consistent basis. Adding him to the mix of an already solid group of talent with the likes of Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, and Melvin Gordon will give Rivers options on every play, and give defenses fits for four quarters.
8) Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette (RB – LSU)
It almost makes too much sense. A power-run option team that likes to control the clock and wear you down. Fournette gives the Panthers a fresh set of legs and an ability to hit a home-run on every touch. Combine that ability with Cam Newton keeping the ball and doing serious damage of his own, and you’ve got a 1-2 punch that is a nightmare to try and contain.
When defenses focus on Newton and shut down the passing game, Fournette can be relied on to take 25-30 touches a game and be successful controlling the clock while moving the chains.
This pick is as much to help alleviate pressure off Newton moving forward when looking at his long term health. I fully expect Fournette to have over 1,000 yards and 10 or more touchdowns in his rookie season given his generational talent combined with the number of touches he will get.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster (ILB – Alabama)
I don’t know what the hell happened at the combine, but in three years people will be calling this the steal of the draft. Foster is on that Patrick Willis- and Luke Kuechly-type level, and like them he too falls farther than he should. A shot of youth and talent into the Bengals linebacking unit is just what the doctor ordered in a physical, beat ’em up division.
10) Buffalo Bills: O.J. Howard (TE – Alabama)
The total package from blocking, size, speed, and durability. In this pass-happy league, Howard will be used all over as a chess piece for the Bills offense as both an in-line tight end and a wide receiver. There is a new O.J. in Buffalo, and it’s time for the juice to get loose.
11) New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Allen (DL – Alabama)
Thanks to some health concerns, the Saints get a top-five player to fall in their lap. Allen will enter the league with a chip on his shoulder, literally. After it was announced he has arthritis, teams could now pass on him. However, there’s no way a team desperate to rebuild their consistently bottom of the league defense can pass on him here. You could argue the Saints now have stolen the two best interior defensive players in back-to-back drafts after the selection of Sheldon Rankins in 2016.
If you want to rebuild the house, you start with the foundation. The Saints may have one of the best and youngest defensive lines in the division. Plus, with three more picks in the top-75 this front office can turn their attention to cornerback and safety, turning a weakness into a strength.
12) Cleveland Browns (via Eagles): Deshaun Watson (QB – Clemson)
He’s the number one quarterback on my board along with many other draft pundits thanks to his intangibles. With great accuracy, just enough mobility to keep you honest, and a switch that turns on when the pressure’s on and the lights are at their brightest, Watson is the guy you want to build around.
After grabbing the best player in the draft in Myles Garrett, this is really the dream scenario, having the best quarterback fall to you without having to trade up. If the front office wants to get cocky and hope one of the top quarterbacks fall to them at pick 33, then adding another unique playmaker like Corey Davis, Dalvin Cook, or David Njoku could all be viable options.
13) Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes (QB – Texas Tech)
My sources told me the Cardinals were after a quarterback to groom last year in the draft but never found the right value. This year, they have no choice but to pull the trigger early and get a young, live arm in the room to start learning the playbook. No one fits the vertical passing game of Bruce Arians like Mahomes who owns the biggest arm of any signal caller of the class. With his ability to make every throw and create plays outside of the pocket, Mahomes offers the most upside of the big four with the proper guidance and grooming. With the help of Arians and Carson Palmer, and surrounding weapons like David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, Mahomes has serious dynasty appeal when looking at his draft stock.
14) Philadelphia Eagles (via Vikings): Kevin King (CB – Washington)
Another big winner from the combine was King who measured in at almost 6’4” with a long wingspan teams covet at the cornerback position. King was overshadowed by teammate Sidney Jones most of his career, but he shut down his opponents when teams threw his way. Physically, King has everything coaches will drool over to mold into the next Richard Sherman.
Everything seems easier now that the team has their new franchise quarterback in place. With the signing of Alshon Jeffery and the ability to draft a talented running back later on, this front office will be focused on building a defense capable of closing out games.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Christian McCaffrey (RB – Stanford)
The Colts were lucky enough to go from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck but have been horrible in building anything around him. They’ve thrown away early picks on guys like Trent Richardson (via trade) and Phillip Dorsett instead of investing into defense or polished skill players. McCaffrey may not be a 25-carry running back, but he’s a guy who will finally take some much-needed pressure off Luck, with the ability to hit a home run every time he touches the ball. Of all the offensive skill players, no one will be in a better position for major production like McCaffrey. Playing with Luck forces defenses to respect the passing game giving him plenty of room and open space to work with both in the run and short passing game.
Why is this important? McCaffrey is the best player I’ve seen on tape with the ball in open space. A blend of vision, lightning quick feet, and the ability to make anyone and everyone miss in the open field. McCaffrey will take advantage of the open space given to him and form a dangerous duo with Luck for many years to come.
Here is your early Rookie of the Year candidate and the most likely to reproduce the production Zeke Elliot had in Dallas as a rookie.
16) Baltimore Ravens: Forrest Lamp (OL – Western Kentucky)
Many assume the Ravens will look elsewhere after using a top-10 pick last year on Ronnie Stanley. However, the en vogue thing in today’s NFL is building through the trenches and winning up front, much like the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders blueprint for success.
The Ravens lost Ricky Wagner to the Detroit Lions and won’t be shy about replacing him immediately. Lamp is the best overall offensive line prospect in the entire draft with his ability to play all five positions. Like Zach Martin, though, Lamp’s talent will be maximized inside at guard giving the Ravens a young and nasty 1-2 punch for the next decade with back-to-back first-round picks.
17) Washington Redskins: John Ross (WR – Washington)
It’s very rare to select the same skill position early in consecutive years. However, offensive mind Jay Gruden has major question marks at the position after signing Terrell Pryor to just a one-year deal and Josh Doctson‘s health and development still a question mark.
But forget about all that for a second and realize that Ross is the most electric receiver in the entire draft and would be a huge asset for any team, regardless of need. With a record setting 4.22 speed that helped him notch 17 touchdowns in 2016, Ross constantly exploded over the top of defenses even when they knew what was coming.
When both Doctson and Ross (plus Jordan Reed) are healthy, this could quickly turn into a “worse case scenario” for the rest of the NFC East. With Kirk Cousins and offensive mastermind Gruden calling the shots, it won’t surprise me to watch Ross become the best wide receiver in the class sooner than later.
18) Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis (WR – Western Michigan)
They nailed a franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota, now the focus needs to be on getting him playmakers to help continue his development. He wasn’t at the combine, but Davis will show off superb athleticism for a big-boy frame in the mold of Denver Bronco Demaryius Thomas. Davis will be a day-one starter and should see plenty of one-on-one looks on the boundary for big chunk plays, and inside the red zone given his aggressive ball skills. Projecting 800 yards and eight touchdowns seems more than reasonable given his supporting cast and NFL-ready talent.
While John Ross will likely be gone, given his blazing speed, he seems like the best fit for the Titans, given Mariota’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket and allow his targets to get open down field. Don’t be surprised if the Titans trade up to secure Ross on draft day.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook (RB – FSU)
The Buccaneers are closer to making a playoff run than you may think. With a good young core of talent already in the fold the front office is just a few pieces away from taking good to great. Enter Cook.
After holding their breath too long on once promising middle-round tailbacks like Doug Martin and Charles Sims, it’s time to get what you pay for and pull the trigger on one of this year’s best playmakers. Cook was a big-play machine, churning out long rips consistently both in between the tackles and through the air.
A once possible top-10 pick, Cook has received some guff from onlookers for his off-the-field posse and attitude. However, you can’t argue with his play on the field, resembling Jamaal Charles with his speed and explosiveness into the second and third level of defenses. Reuniting this Seminole with another in budding quarterback Jameis Winston could be enough chemistry to take this offense to the next level and become an elite unit.
20) Denver Broncos: Ryan Ramczyk (OL – Wisconsin)
The Broncos are hoping one of the “big three” offensive tackles falls to them, in hopes of getting back to running the football which in turn will help take some pressure of the once dominating defense, finally. More importantly, though, it’s vital to be able to protect their young quarterback as he tries to develop into a bonafide franchise signal caller. While it’s not sexy, adding a premier blocker into the starting five will pay huge dividends later on.
Some will tell you Ramczyk is the best of the bunch, with outstanding play strength and tenacity. He was playing Division III ball just a few years ago, but the raw talent and country strength he showed for the Badgers is more than enough to take a chance on a potential starting tackle in an ultra-weak class.
21) Detroit Lions: Haason Reddick (OLB – Temple)
I’ve heard from inside sources the Lions have grown to love Reddick throughout the process. This guy stole the show at the Senior Bowl and was hands down the best defender on the squad. Not only did he show an explosion off the ball and into the backfield that was unmatched, but also the smooth hips to follow running backs and tight ends all over the field. His 4.52 40-yard dash all but sealed his fate falling no further than 21.
22) Miami Dolphins: Zach Cunningham (OLB – Vanderbilt)
Blame it on his lack of flash or smaller school, but Cunningham might be the best prospect no one seems to talk about. An All-SEC selection, Cunningham dominated versus the run with 125 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. At 6’3”, 245 pounds Cunningham is your prototypical outside linebacker who will immediately give the Dolphins a shot of youth and talent to the unit, while giving standout Kiko Alonso much-needed help.
Great value here as after Cunningham true stand up linebackers become tougher to find. Meanwhile, the Dolphins can hit on cornerback and safety on day two thanks to an ultra deep class at both positions.
23) New York Giants: David Njoku (TE – Miami)
Every year it’s the same needs for this team. A starter in the trenches, depth at linebacker, and talent anywhere and everywhere in the secondary. This time, though, Jerry Reese can’t pass up the value of a playmaking tight end like Njoku. A better athlete and polished prospect than Eric Ebron (who went 9th overall), Njoku has rare skills you don’t see on a player that big or young (just 20 years old!).
While defense will be the priority from here on out, adding a player like Njoku to the mix with young superstars Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard could be a game-changing pick for the next decade. Look for Njoku to take advantage of single coverage immediately and post serious damage in the middle of the field and inside the red zone. With a capable quarterback who knows how to get him the ball, 60 catches and seven touchdowns could be just the tip of the iceberg inside an offense that will be forced into shootout situations.
24) Oakland Raiders: Malik McDowell (DE – Michigan State)
The middle of their defense is what the Raiders should be targeting come draft weekend. Whether that’s tackle, inside linebacker, or even safety, the team needs to get stronger up the core of their defense by hoping someone falls in their lap. The top two safeties along with Reuben Foster will all be long gone by now. However, a standout like McDowell might drop further than his talent says due to red flags about his motor and passion.
Ask three different guys and you’ll get three different answers on McDowell, who flashes dominant (and I mean dominant) top-five potential. After a down season for the Spartans, though, McDowell seemed to quit on his coaches and teammates and that will raise major questions about his first-round worth. Keep him motivated and he’s a building block that wreaks havoc in the middle.
Last year we saw a top-10 player at the same position fall to pick 30 when Robert Nkemdiche plummeted after off the field mishaps. Look for a similar drop for McDowell when it’s all said and done.
25) Houston Texans: Mitch Trubisky (QB – North Carolina)
The Texans get a gift as one of the top-tier quarterback prospects falls in their lap. Trubisky had early buzz as a top pick, but he’s watched his stock slowly drip down the totem poll for the last few weeks. With his inconsistent play and accuracy (especially in critical moments of games), I’ll be surprised if any general manager has the guts to pull the trigger on him inside the top-10 picks.
Here, though, the Texans get a young quarterback (that for all intents and purposes should’ve stayed for his senior year) to sit on the bench and mold. Trubisky still has loads of talent and ability but needs to be put in a situation that can afford to let him develop behind the scenes for at least one season and learn from a veteran starter.
(Enter Jay Cutler)
26) Seattle Seahawks: Garett Bolles (OT – Utah)
If you’re a casual football fan you might not have realized just how bad the Seahawks offensive line was, thanks to the magician-like play of one Russell Wilson who was able to dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dodge pass rushers on nearly every play. That can’t last forever as the Seahawks watched a banged up Wilson limp his way through the first half of the season.
Have I mentioned this is a bad class of tackles yet? In any other year Bolles would drop to the second round because of his lack of experience. However, even after starting for just one season, he showcased outstanding size and athleticism making him one of the best prospects at the position.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: DeShone Kizer (QB – Notre Dame)
Physically you can argue he owns the best frame to mold into a franchise signal caller and on tape made plenty of NFL throws throughout his career. Kizer failed to put any momentum together, though, and too often became a shell of himself when his team needed him in the fourth quarter.
Under Andy Reid and the Chiefs, Kaizer can sit like every rookie quarterback should do and will ultimately learn from one of the better quarterback coaches in the NFL. Don’t expect much from him early, but five years down the road Kizer may end up being the best of the bunch, and the team’s long-term starter.
28) Dallas Cowboys: Evan Engram (TE – Ole Miss)
The Cowboys had a magical season but look to build off 2016 and prove it was no fluke. You do that by surrounding your new franchise quarterback with weapons and help to continue to develop and grow his confidence. Engram owns some freaky physical skills with a lethal combination of size and speed for the position.
Engram can be split outside and in the slot creating mismatches and opening up space for guys like Zeke Elliot and Dez Bryant. It’s true O.J. Howard is the better overall tight end prospect, but Engram lands in a far better situation for immediate production with a superstar running back and quarterback on his side. Even with Jason Witten still kicking it, I’d expect to see Engram engrained in the offense early on, even if that means more of a traditional wide receiver role.
29) Green Bay Packers: Jordan Willis (EDGE – Kansas State)
The Packers could go a few different ways here. Rest assured adding some serious talent to every level of the defense will be the priority. Willis has been one of the draft’s biggest risers to date, starting back at the Senior Bowl where he had a solid week of practice and sealed the deal with two forced fumbles and two sacks.
Willis carried that momentum with him into the combine where he exploded with mind-boggling numbers for his position and size, comparing to the best prospect in all the land, Myles Garrett.
Willis will need refinement on his technique and may never bend the edge like some of the league’s best, but he has a high floor and should be a major contributor for a long time on a defense that needs to get more talent inside their front seven.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: Budda Baker (S – Washington)
The Steelers run deep in the playoffs nearly every year, but seem to be a few pieces away from the promise land. Linebacker, secondary, and tight end will be the focus early on in this year’s draft.
Size is the issue for Baker. Two inches taller and he’s in the discussion to Jacksonville at four. He is, however, a torpedo on the field with unmatched acceleration and game speed. Baker finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage with the ability to cover like a slot cornerback. Think Honey Badger-lite. This pick kills two birds with one stone with Baker’s ability to play both in the box and cover in the slot as a cornerback.
31) Atlanta Falcons: Charles Harris (EDGE – Missouri)
Speed. Speed. Speed. If they got it, Dan Quinn wants it. I’ll say right now Harris has the best first step off the snap and can get into the backfield in a hurry. Adding him into the rotation with guys like Vic Beasley and Deion Jones gives Quinn another page of options when disguising his pass rushers. While Derek Barnett and Taco Charlton have more production on their resume, its Harris’ speed that Quinn always prioritizes first and foremost.
The Falcons could look to bolster their offensive line here too with someone like Taylor Moton from Western Michigan.
32) New Orleans Saints: Obi Melifonwu (S – UConn)
With four picks in the top-75 and a loaded class of defensive talent, the Saints are in a prime position to finally turn around their porous unit taking some much-needed pressure off Drew Brees during his final few seasons. After stealing Jonathan Allen earlier, the front office focuses on the back end of the defense where this draft seems particularly deep.
You could make a case no other player flashed at the combine like Obi did. This kid displayed a size and athletic ability you just can’t find at the safety position at a towering 6’4” and fluid movement skills. Someone will take a shot on this talented prospect that has the ceiling of a top safety in the league if given the proper coaching and development.
Best of the Rest
- Taco Charlton (DE – Michigan)
Lost in the mix with peers like Jordan Willis and Charles Harris, don’t be surprised to hear Charlton go early on day two.
- Teez Tabor (CB – Florida)
The second best cornerback on tape is plummeting due to two horrible showings at both the combine and his pro day. Is his slow 40 time a sign for bad things to come, or will a team trust the tape and pull the trigger on day one?
- Marlon Humphrey (CB – Alabama)
The best cornerback in run support I saw on film, Humphrey has great size and the physicality you love to see. His technique and hand placement will take time, though.
- Taylor Moton (OT – Western Michigan)
He’s one of my favorite risers, and I think he should be viewed in the top tier of offensive tackles. A mammoth of a man that can move with his head on a swivel. Right tackle is the ideal scenario, however, if you slide him inside to right guard you might get the next Gabe Jackson.
- Davis Webb (QB – California)
I’m not nearly as high on him as most, but that’s not stopping the first-round rumors and buzz. Is it just smoke? Won’t shock me to see a team trade back up at the end of round one to grab this big-armed gunslinger.
- Gareon Conley (CB – Ohio State)
He’s a first rounder for all intensive purposes, but this time around I couldn’t find a spot for him. Another Ohio State cornerback with speed, length, and tools to mold, don’t be surprised if he’s better than his teammate Marshawn Lattimore in five years.
- Derek Barnett (DE – Tennessee)
From a production standpoint, there really isn’t anyone better posting over 50 tackles for loss and over 30 sacks during his collegiate career.
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Luke Inman is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Luke, follow him @luke_spinman.
