Jordan Katz 2017 NFL Mock Draft 2.0- Post Super Bowl
Following an incredible Super Bowl comeback, it’s time for my second Mock Draft of the 2017 Draft season. For this Mock Draft, I’ve gone three rounds with my opinions of what I think each team should do at each selection. As far as trades are concerned, I only did trades in round one, and I only made trades when the team could get appropriate value according to the Trade Value Chart.
This draft is still based on my rankings and my value of players. It’s also based on my team needs for each team. This doesn’t mean that each team took their top need in the first round. Team needs give General Managers a “road map,” of what they need, but it’s not always the route they take. Sometimes the best player on the board is one you can’t pass on. Balancing when to draft based on team need and when to draft based on best player available is what separates the average General Managers from the great General Managers. I tried to find that balance for every team.
ROUND ONE
1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE/OLB Texas A&M- Myles Garrett remains the top selection simply because he’s the best player in this draft. I can’t see Cleveland passing on his talent for any reason.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Mitch Trubisky, QB North Carolina- I’m concerned about the rumors that Trubisky is going to measure in at 6’1. The lack of size could make him fall a bit in my rankings.
However, Trubisky still has franchise quarterback material. He’s accurate, he’s athletic, and he’s got a bigger arm than people realize.
The combine matters more than it should, and unfortunately for Trubisky, it will make or break his draft stock.
3) Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, DE Alabama- The Bears are in an interesting draft spot because of how much they need. They can create buzz around Deshaun Watson in order to trade down and acquire more assets. Unfortunately for them, I still don’t have a first round grade on Watson, so they’re stuck selecting at the third spot.
Fortunately for them, Jonathan Allen is worthy of a top selection because of his ability to use his hands and be disruptive in all facets of the game.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jamal Adams, FS/SS LSU- Adams is one of my top three players in this draft. I think his technique is great and he’s a complete safety with the ability to play in every coverage. Putting Adams with Ramsey has the makings of a great secondary in the future.
5) Tennessee Titans via LA Rams: Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio State- The Titans need secondary help at this selection. Between Adams, Lattimore and Malik Hooker, they’re going to get it. Lattimore has number one cornerback written all over him. His technique is flawless. Lattimore’s backpedal is strong, his hips swivel quickly and fluidly, and he can trail with the best of them.
6) New Orleans Saints via New York Jets: Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama- If Marshon Lattimore and Mitch Trubisky are off the board, I would trade down if I were the Jets. There are plenty of valuable players at the top of this draft, and the Jets can create enough buzz in order to be able to move this pick.
New Orleans needs defensive help desperately. To ensure they get a game changing defensive player, they move up a few spots to land Reuben Foster.
7) Los Angeles Chargers: Tim Williams, EDGE Alabama- If the Chargers lose Melvin Ingram to free agency, edge rusher becomes their top priority. Tim Williams needs to improve versus the run, but his ability to rush the passer is as good as anyone in this draft.
8) Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB LSU- Something tells me the Panthers are going to do something weird in this draft. If it were me, I’d draft the best player available and not think twice. On my board, that best player is Fournette. Fournette’s ability to run through the tackles would gel nicely with the Panthers offensive strategies.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Teez Tabor, CB Florida- Some may be off the bandwagon, but I’m still a huge Teez Tabor fan. He’s aggressive in man to man coverage, and he’s a ball hawk extraordinaire. Somehow the Bengals need secondary help yet again (assuming they lose Dre Kirkpatrick to free agency), so Tabor makes sense for Cincinnati at this pick.
10) Buffalo Bills: Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan- The Bills need another playmaker opposite Sammy Watkins, regardless of who their quarterback is. Davis might be the best route runner in the draft, which is impressive because his route running is not his best quality. He’s a game changer with he ball in his hands, and his speed along with his size make him a match-up problem for opposing defenses. Davis would change the dynamic of the Bills offense from day one.
11) New York Jets via New Orleans Saints: Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin- The Jets cannot come out of this draft without a tackle of the future. Ramczyk might have torn his labrum during Wisconsin’s bowl game, but he’s still the best offensive lineman in the draft by far.
12) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State- Malik Hooker’s comparison to Ed Reed is very real and not at all overblown. While he’s still very raw, there’s no one in this draft that has his zone coverage potential. He can roam in cover one with the best of them, and can help the Browns force more turnovers (30th in the NFL in takeaways), a stat they need to be better at in 2017.
13) Arizona Cardinals: Sidney Jones, CB Washington- The Cardinals draft depends on what they decide to do at quarterback. If they determine they must have a young quarterback with their first pick, you could see the Cardinals trading out of this pick to acquire future assets and still get that quarterback.
If I were in charge, I wouldn’t neglect the need for a number two cornerback. Not having solid coverage opposite Patrick Peterson drastically changed the dynamic of their defense. Jones is a terrific scheme fit for the Cardinals because his technique is solid and he trails receivers well.
14) Indianapolis Colts: Zach Cunningham, ILB Vanderbilt- As long as the Colts take defense at this pick, their selection is fine by me. Cunningham has good coverage ability and can be a signal caller in the middle of the Colts defense.
15) Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State- Like I said in my first mock draft, the Eagles rebuild is complete with the drafting of Dalvin Cook.
16) Baltimore Ravens: Quincy Wilson, CB Florida- Wilson has ideal size and length for a corner, and his skill set is incredibly solid. Wilson has good technique, solid ball skills, and the makings of a very good press cover corner. He might not have the wow factor of Lattimore or Tabor, but the Ravens would love a player of his talent at this selection.
17) Detroit Lions via Washington Redskins: Taco Charlton, DE Michigan- Taco Charlton has no business being on the board right now. He’s a complete 4-3 defensive end with a terrific pass rushing move set. Detroit is in desperate need of an edge rusher opposite Ziggy Ansah, and because Washington can move down and still get the player they covet, this trade makes sense.
18) Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR Clemson- The Titans need to get Marcus Mariota some true weapons in order to take the next step. Williams is 1A to Corey Davis in this draft. He uses his body well, he’s the best jump ball player in the draft, and while he doesn’t run the cleanest routes, he’s a savvy route runner. He knows how to use his size when he cuts out of his break.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jabril Peppers, ATH Michigan- Peppers is falling on most draft boards because of his size, or lack thereof. However, Jabril Peppers is a football player, and I think there is something to be said for that. If you don’t think he’s a great safety because of his coverage ability, he can play more of a big nickel role. If you doubt his ability to shed blockers, he can be a running back. He’s a football player, and that has a ton of NFL value.
20) Denver Broncos: OJ Howard, TE Alabama- OJ Howard is the big winner of the Senior Bowl because he somehow managed to distance himself from a loaded tight end class. Whoever wins the job this year between Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian needs a safety valve in the middle of the field.
21) Washington Redskins via Detroit Lions: Malik McDowell, DE/DT Michigan State- Washington executes sliding down and still getting Malik McDowell to sure up their defensive front. McDowell has the character concerns, but he will dominate the combine in Indianapolis. His length and quickness can make him a mismatch nightmare in the NFL.
22) Miami Dolphins: David Njoku, TE Miami Florida- The Dolphins are losing both tight ends to free agency. Rather than re-signing one of them, it makes more sense for Miami to draft one of the star tight ends in this draft. Njoku is more of a complete tight end than people think. He would become a valuable weapon for Ryan Tannehill.
23) New York Giants: Solomon Thomas, EDGE Stanford- It’s no secret that the Giants need offensive line help, but there’s not an offensive lineman worth selecting here. I tried to trade down for the Giants, but they couldn’t receive enough value to move the pick.
However, Solomon Thomas is a good consolation prize. He might not be the most explosive athlete, but he gets good leverage on opposing linemen, and he excels as a finesse rusher versus bigger lineman. Thomas sets up linemen with his hands and directs them to where he wants them to go. Jason Pierre-Paul is most likely leaving in free agency, so Thomas could fill a necessary void at defensive end.
24) Cleveland Browns via Oakland Raiders: Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson- I love the idea of the QB needy teams trading back into the first round for Kizer or Watson. Teams want that fifth year option on their rookie quarterbacks, so trading back in rather than selecting one too high makes sense if you’re willing to take the gamble that you can pull it off.
Watson is on the rise on my personal board, and he could be a top 15 pick later on in draft season. If his deep ball accuracy continues to improve, he could find himself in my top ten come April.
25) Houston Texans: Cam Robinson, OT Alabama- This is the only selection I made that isn’t based on my own ratings. Robinson would be a reach pick, but Houston is so desperate for offensive line help that they make the reach.
26) Seattle Seahawks: Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky- Forrest Lamp is another guy who could be a top 15 pick in a few months. I love his athleticism and footwork for a guard. I think he’s got the potential to turn into a Pro Bowl guard at the next level.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: Budda Baker, CB/FS/SS Washington- The Chiefs should be able to re-sign Eric Berry, but they still need secondary pieces to keep their defense at an elite level. Budda Baker has the technique to play at every spot in the secondary (fluid hips, quick feet, exc), and the ball hawk ability to be a difference maker. Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton would love a chess piece like Baker in his defense.
28) Dallas Cowboys: Derek Barnett, EDGE Tennessee- The Cowboys had a very successful 2016 campaign, but they need defensive pieces if they want to make it to the next level. I’m not as high on Barnett as others, but I do think his speed around the edge and his instincts will make him a very good pro.
29) Green Bay Packers: Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- Lawson’s ability to get pressure with his hand in the dirt or standing up will have him coveted by teams in the back end of the first round. The Packers need all the defensive help they can get, so this pick seems obvious.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Harris, EDGE Missouri- I’m not a huge fan of Charles Harris, but he’s easily the best of the “second tier,” of edge rushers in this draft. I’m not sure his move set will translate to the NFL level, but there are plenty who disagree with me on that. Time will tell.
31) Atlanta Falcons: Montravius Adams, DT Auburn- Montravius Adams remains one of my favorite players in this draft. His versatility and athleticism would make him a perfect fit in the middle of Dan Quinn’s defense.
32) New England Patriots: TJ Watt, OLB Wisconsin- TJ Watt is the prototypical Patriot. He doesn’t do anything spectacular, but he’s a play making, run stopping linebacker with great football instincts. Even if Dont’a Hightower gets a long term extension, the Patriots still need play-makers in their linebacking core.
TRADES
1- New Orleans Saints trade the #11 and the #42 to the New York Jets for the #6 and a 2017 4th round pick
2- Detroit Lions trade the #21 and #85 to the Washington Redskins for the #17 and the #183
3- Cleveland Browns trade the #33, #97 and a 2018 3rd round pick to the Oakland Raiders for the #24 and a 2018 5th round pick
ROUND TWO
33) Oakland Raiders via Cleveland Browns- D’Onta Foreman, RB Texas
34) San Francisco 49ers- Malachi Dupre, WR LSU
35) Jacksonville Jaguars- Dan Feeney, OG Indiana
36) Chicago Bears- Jarrod Davis, OLB//ILB Florida
37) Los Angeles Rams- Obi Melifonwu, FS/SS UCONN
38) Los Angeles Chargers- Pat Elflein, OG/OC Ohio State
39) New York Jets- DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame
40) Carolina Panthers- Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama
41) Cincinnati Bengals- Caleb Brantley, DT Florida
42) New York Jets via New Orleans Saints- Adoree Jackson, CB/FS USC
43) Philadelphia Eagles- Desmond King, CB/FS Iowa
44) Buffalo Bills- Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech
45) Arizona Cardinals- Davis Webb, QB California
46) Minnesota Vikings- Garett Bolles, OT Utah
47) Baltimore Ravens- Cooper Kupp, WR Eastern Washington
48) Indianapolis Colts- Takkarist McKinnley, EDGE UCLA
49) Washington Redskins- Anthony Walker, ILB Northwestern
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- John Ross III, WR Washington
51) Denver Broncos- Chris Wormley, DE/DT Michigan
52) Cleveland Browns via Tennessee Titans- Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan
53) Detroit Lions- Ryan Anderson, OLB Alabama
54) Miami Dolphins- Deatrich Wise Jr, EDGE Arkansas
55) New York Giants- Dion Dawkins, OG Temple
56) Oakland Raiders- Haason Reddick, OLB/ILB Temple
57) Houston Texans- Jarron Jones, NT Notre Dame
58) Seattle Seahawks- Tre’Davious White, CB LSU
59) Kansas City Chiefs- Taylor Moton, OT Western Michigan
60) Dallas Cowboys- Cordrea Tankersley, CB Clemson
61) Green Bay Packers- Elijah Qualls, NT Washington
62) Pittsburgh Steelers- Zay Jones, WR East Carolina
63) Atlanta Falcons- Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
64) New England Patriots- Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford
ROUND THREE
65) Cleveland Browns- Curtis Samuel, WR/RB Ohio State
66) San Francisco 49ers- Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia
67) Chicago Bears- Gareon Conley, CB Ohio State
68) Jacksonville Jaguars- Demarcus Walker, DE Florida State
69) Tennessee Titans via Los Angeles Rams- Marcus Williams, FS Utah
70) New York Jets- Jake Butt, TE Michigan
71) San Diego Chargers- Justin Evans, SS Texas A&M
72) Carolina Panthers- Tarrell Basham, DE Ohio
73) Cincinnati Bengals- Raekwon McMillian, ILB Ohio State
74) Philadelphia Eagles- Amba Etta-Tawo, WR Syracuse
75) Buffalo Bills- Antonio Garcia, OT Troy
76) New Orleans Saints- Dawuane Smoot, EDGE Illinois
77) Arizona Cardinals- Amara Darboh, WR Michigan
78) Baltimore Ravens- Derek Rivers, EDGE Youngstown State
79) Indianapolis Colts- Cameron Sutton, CB/FS Tennessee
80) Minnesota Vikings- Roedrick Johnson, OT Florida State
81) Washington Redskins- Carlos Watkins, DE/DT/NT Clemson
82) Denver Broncos- Ethan Pocic, OG/OC LSU
83) Tennessee Titans- Jordan Leggett, TE Clemson
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Daeshon Hall, EDGE Texas A&M
85) Washington Redskins via Detroit Lions- Eddie Jackson, SS Alabama
86) Minnesota Vikings via Miami Dolphins- Alvin Kamara, RB Tennessee
87) New York Giants- Gerald Everett, TE South Alabama
88) Oakland Raiders- Jaleel Johnson, DT Iowa
89) Houston Texans- Lorenzo Jerome, SS St. Francis PA
90) Seattle Seahawks- Julie’n Davenport, OT Bucknell
91) Kansas City Chiefs- Nathan Peterman, QB Pittsburgh
92) Dallas Cowboys- DeDe Westbrook, WR Oklahoma
93) Green Bay Packers- Wayne Gallman, RB Clemson
94) Pittsburgh Steelers- Damontae Kazee, CB San Diego State
95) Atlanta Falcons- Bryan Cox Jr, DE Florida
96) New England Patriots- Evan Engram, TE Ole Miss
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