Jabril Peppers
Jordan Katz: 2017 NFL Mock Draft 1.0- Two Rounds
With the calendar turning to January, and the NFL regular season coming to an end, it is officially the greatest time of the year… it’s Mock Draft Season! The NFL draft is where teams rebuild and reload. It’s the most important offseason event for every NFL team. The impact that a good draft has on a franchise is much more significant than if a team has a good free agent period. The draft is where dynasties are formed.
As we delve deeper into the draft season, I’ll also add a few “NFL Buzz,” Mock Drafts. In these mock drafts, I’ll try to predict what teams will do, rather than giving the selections I feel teams should make. However, this mock draft is based on my own rankings, as well as my own evaluations of team needs.
Where this mock draft is a little different is the lack of trades. For this draft, I only included trades if they mutually benefited both teams. If one team was forced to trade down, I didn’t take lesser value just to move out of the draft slot. That will change as teams draft strategies become more apparent in the next few months.
Round One
1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE Texas A&M- Garrett is the clear number one overall pick this year. Much like Jadeveon Clowney from a few years ago, Garrett has all the moves, and the athleticism to match.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Mitch Trubisky, QB North Carolina- I know many draft pundits feel there isn’t a franchise quarterback in this draft, but I think Trubisky can be one. His release is quick and smooth, he makes accurate throws both in the pocket and on the move, and he’s smart with the ball. If the Niners can get Trubisky some weapons, he can turn their franchise around quickly.
3) Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, DE Alabama- Jonathan Allen made the decision to return to school last year after receiving a second round grade from the draft committee. Needless to say, that decision will pay off big time. Allen polished his move set and dominated college football in 2016. He’ll be an impact 3-4 defensive end at the next level.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen “Teez” Tabor, CB Florida- I think Teez Tabor is being severely undervalued. He checks every box for a top flight corner. Tabor has good size, great speed, and he mirrors receivers very well. He’s also got the ball skills you want in a number one corner. The Jaguars need a cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey, and Tabor could give them one of the best young quarterback duos in the NFL.
5) Tennessee Titans via Los Angeles Rams: Jamal Adams, FS/SS LSU- I’m not sure if Adams will go this high, but he’s a top five player in this draft. Adams is a phenomenal athlete with good ball skills and the ability to play in multiple schemes and coverage packages. He’s a dynamic player, and the top player in a ridiculously talented safety class.
6) New York Jets: Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin- The Jets have a few major needs this offseason, and one of them is a left tackle of the future. This draft doesn’t have a lot of talent on the offensive line, but it does have one diamond in the rough; Ryan Ramczyk.
Ramczyk is still improving in his technique, but his footwork and his ability to gain leverage at the point of attack are traits of a dominant left tackle in the future.
7) San Diego Chargers: Tim Williams, EDGE Alabama- Williams may not be relevant against the run just yet, but he’s the best pass rusher in this draft by a mile. This may be a slight reach, but Williams has the upside to be one of the top three to five players in this draft. With the Chargers preparing to lose Melvin Ingram to free agency, edge rusher will be a necessity come April.
8) Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB LSU- Carolina has other needs, but don’t think they will pass on Fournette or Dalvin Cook just because it’s not a primary need. Jonathan Stewart has lost a step, and is on the back end of his contract. For Carolina’s offense to run smoothly, they need a premier running back.
Many feel that Leonard Fournette is a generational runner. While I don’t have him rated quite as high as I had Zeke Elliott, there’s no denying Fournette is a special player. He would have a major impact on Cam Newton and the Panthers offense.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama- Reuben Foster is your prototypical 4-3 middle linebacker. His range from sideline to sideline is incredible, and his ability to find the ball and make plays is reminiscent of the top linebackers in the NFL. The Bengals get a defensive game changer with this pick.
10) Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR Clemson- The Bills need a true playmaker opposite Sammy Watkins, regardless of what they plan to do with Tyrod Taylor. Williams is a big body, possession receiver with a great catch radius. He’s not a deep threat, nor will he ever grow into one. However, neither was Plaxico Burress, and the two are very similar.
11) New Orleans Saints: Taco Charlton, EDGE Michigan- Jabril Peppers might get the most attention on the Wolverines defense, but Taco Charlton might wind up being the best pro. Charlton is a monster in the pass game. He uses his hands well, his move set is polished, and he’s got a great first step with the speed to match. New Orleans struggled to get to the passer this year, and it’s no guarantee last year’s second round pick Hau’oli Kikaha is able to return to form after a third knee surgery. Edge rusher is a need for the Saints.
12) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Jabril Peppers, S/ATH Michigan- Peppers has fell a bit because of his inability to play in zone coverage. Despite this, I still think he’s worthy of a top 15 selection. He’s a thumper in the run game, and shows terrific range sideline to sideline.
Unlike some draft experts, I believe he has coverage ability. His hips are a bit tight in coverage, and his backpedal isn’t great.Despite this, I think he has the ability to play nickel in the NFL if he’s taught better technique.
Worst comes to worst, he’s a terrific running back, and some think he’s a potential pro bowler at that position if given the chance (I’m in that camp).
13) Arizona Cardinals: Quincy Wilson, CB Florida- Arizona is in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, but right now, I only have one quarterback with a first round grade.Therefore, Arizona can go best player available at a position of need.
Wilson has the size, length and ball skills to be one of the top corners in this draft, and some think he already is.
14) Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State- The Eagles defense and Carson Wentz proved that with a few upgrades on offense, Philadelphia could be a playoff team in 2017. So why not get an explosive, do-it-all running back to take pressure off of Wentz?
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Indianapolis Colts: Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan- The Colts need approximately 11 new defensive players this offseason, give or take a few. It would behoove them to move down in the first few rounds at some point.The Bucs need a weapon opposite Mike Evans, and need to jump the Tennessee Titans to get him. This is a trade that makes a lot of sense.
Corey Davis is 1A to Mike Williams this year. He attacks the ball in the air, and his route running ability along with his size make him a matchup nightmare. If Davis turns in a good combine, he could overtake Williams as the top wide out in the class.
16) Baltimore Ravens: Sidney Jones, CB Washington- One of the reasons the Ravens missed the playoffs this year was because they lacked a number two corner. When Jimmy Smith went down due to injury, the Ravens secondary wasn’t nearly the same. Sidney Jones is a little slight, but he’s got NFL length, and he uses it well. Jones is good at mirroring receivers, and he uses the boundary as an extra defender, which shows a high football IQ.
17) Washington Redskins: Malik McDowell, DE/DT Michigan State– McDowell comes with his baggage (effort is inconsistent and his pad level can get too high), but he’s a matcup problem because of his size and athleticism. He’s got a good first step, and his ability to gain leverage at the point of attack is solid. Washington is desperate for help along their defensive front, so it will be on Jay Gruden to keep McDowell at all systems go all the time.
18) New York Giants via Tennessee Titans: Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame- Tennessee missed out on Corey Davis, so they can slide down a few spots if an offer was on the table that blew them away. With the Giants desperate for offensive line help, and Quenton Nelson destined to go before they select, this trade also makes sense for both teams.
Nelson is easily the best guard in this draft. He might not have a lot of national buzz, but he’s easily the most polished offensive lineman in the draft.
19) Indianapolis Colts via Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zach Cunningham, ILB Vanderbilt- The Colts could use just about anything on defense, but a signal calling linebacker that can cover would be at the top of my list. Therefore, Cunningham is the logical selection.
20) Denver Broncos: Montravius Adams, DE/DT Auburn- Adams is one of my favorite players in this draft. He’s super athletic and very versatile. Because Auburn asked him to move around a ton on the defensive line, he’s got the ability to play multiple techniques at a high level. That gives a defense like Denver’s an extreme amount of versatility.
21) Detroit Lions: Solomon Thomas, EDGE Stanford– Thomas isn’t my best edge rusher on the board, but he’s a perfect scheme fit for Detroit. He’s a true 4-3 defensive end because of his ability to set the edge versus the run, as well as his ability to get off the ball with his hand in the dirt.
22) Miami Dolphins: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State- Hooker is a little raw, but don’t drop him too far on your draft boards. His coverage ability and ball skills remind me a lot of Ed Reed. Give him time to become more polished in his technique and he could be the top player in this draft.
23) Tennessee Titans via New York Giants: Malachi Dupre, WR LSU- I’ve been waiting for Malachi Dupre to show me why I thought he was a first round pick before the season started. It took a while, but after Les Miles left, I finally saw it. The explosive 6’4 receiver with good hands showed up on tape. So I’m going to say that the real Malachi Dupre has stood up, and he’s here to stay.
24) Oakland Raiders: Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- Lawson doesn’t have off the chart measurables, nor does he have tremendous athleticism. What Lawson excels at is, quite simply, football. He’s got a big time pass rushing move set, and he sets the edge well. Oakland needs a true edge rusher opposite Khalil Mack in order for their defense to take the next step forward.
25) Houston Texans: Vita Vea, DT/NT Washington- The Texans are desperate for a true nose tackle in the middle of their defense. Vita Vea is one of the few nose tackles in this draft that has the ability to be an impact player. He eats space well, and frees up rushers because he can win one-on-ones. For Houston, that’s a valuable piece.
26) Green Bay Packers: Derek Barnett, EDGE Clemson-Most would think this is a steal of a pick because many have Barnett as a top ten player. While he’s not that high for me, Barnett to Green Bay is a match made in heaven. Clay Matthews and Derek Barnett have some similarities. Both are quick off the edge, both are pass rushing dynamos, and both are versatile enough to drop into coverage. With Matthews there to help Barnett develop, Barnett could thrive in Lambeau.
27) Seattle Seahawks: Pat Elflein, OG/OC Ohio State- The Seahawks need offensive line, and Elflein is the best on my board. This pick is as straight forward as it gets.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers: Harold Landry, EDGE Boston College- Harold Landry isn’t going to be a draft secret for long. He’s developed into a talented edge rusher with a great first step. Landry isn’t completely polished yet, his move set can still be developed. However, Landry is a big time athlete, and showed it all season. He will fly up draft boards after he tests of the charts in Indy come February.
29) Atlanta Falcons: Caleb Brantley, DT Florida- In my opinion, the Falcons have overachieved defensively this year. They have some glaring weaknesses in the middle of their defensive line. Atlanta’s veterans have performed well, but they’re not particularly talented. Caleb Brantley is the run stopper and space eater that Dan Quinn values in the middle of his defense.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama- Marlon Humphrey is an interesting case. On the one hand, he’s shutting down receivers left and right. John Ross struggled when matched up with Humphrey, as did Antonio Callaway a few weeks ago. On the other hand, Humphrey has a tendency to get his head caught in the backfield a lot. He’s a hit or miss player in zone coverage because of this. Scheme and coaching are key for Humphrey to succeed in the NFL, and I like this fit in Kansas City.
31) New England Patriots: Charles Harris, EDGE Missouri- The Patriots are more tough to judge than usual because their entire draft strategy depends on who Bill Belichick opts to re-sign. Assuming they prioritize Malcolm Butler and Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots will need to replace Chris Long (they might want to do that anyway).
Charles Harris isn’t one of my favorite edge rushers in this draft class, but he’s solid across the board, and the best of the “second tier,” of edge rushers.
32) Dallas Cowboys: David Njoku, TE Miami Florida- In this scenario of seeding, the Dallas Cowboys obviously win the Super Bowl. If that happens, I think Jason Witten will walk away a winner. That makes tight end the Cowboys top need, in my opinion.
This pick would’ve been Jake Butt a week ago, but after the torn ACL he will fall a bit. David Njoku is a name to remember for the next few months. Not only is he a complete tight end, but his athleticism is going to wow everyone at the combine. Njoku will easily be the first tight end off the board in April.
Round Two
33) Cleveland Browns: DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame
34) San Francisco 49ers: John Ross III, WR Washington
35) Jacksonville Jaguars: Dan Feeney, OG Indiana
36) Chicago Bears: Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio State
37) Los Angeles Rams: Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky
38) San Diego Chargers: Marcus Maye, S Florida
39) New York Jets: Adoree Jackson, CB/FS Southern California
40) Carolina Panthers: Cam Robinson, OT/OG Alabama
41) Cincinnati Bengals: Jarron Jones, DT/NT Notre Dame
42) New Orleans Saints: Desmond King, CB/S Iowa
43) Philadelphia Eagles: Jarrad Davis, OLB/ILB Florida
44) Buffalo Bills: Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson
45) Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech
46) Indianapolis Colts: Chris Wormley, DE/DT Michigan
47) Baltimore Ravens: Daeshon Hall, EDGE Texas A&M
48) Minnesota Vikings: Mike McGlinchey, OT Notre Dame
49) Washington Redskins: Anthony Walker, ILB Northwestern
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Budda Baker, CB/S Washington
51) Denver Broncos: Julie’n Davenport, OT Bucknell
52) Cleveland Browns via Tennessee Titans: Justin Evans, S Texas A&M
53) Detroit Lions: Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan
54) Miami Dolphins: Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
55) New York Giants: OJ Howard, TE Alabama
56) Oakland Raiders: Raekwon McMillian, ILB Ohio State
57) Houston Texans: Mason Cole, OG/OC Michigan
58) Green Bay Packers: Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford
59) Seattle Seahawks: Cordrea Tankersley, CB Clemson
60) Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre’Davious White, CB LSU
61) Atlanta Falcons: Marcus Williams, FS Utah
62) Kansas City Chiefs: Davon Godchaux, DE/DT LSU
63) New England Patriots: Jake Butt, TE Michigan
64) Dallas Cowboys: TJ Watt, OLB/ILB Wisconsin
Jordan Katz- 2017 Way Too Early Mock Draft
Who says it’s too early to project the NFL Draft? Sure the halfway point of the NFL season just passed, but for some teams, it’s already time to look towards 2017. Due to the fact that I can’t possibly project the end of the year standings, I took the inverse of the NFL standings as of now for this mock draft. I also didn’t project any trades, because it’s way too early to determine who would be willing to move up or down.
1) Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Allen, DL Alabama- Allen went back to school to refine his technique and raise his draft stock. It’s safe to say he achieved his goals. Allen looks like a more athletic Joey Bosa on tape, and has the versatility to play in a 4-3 or a 3-4.
2) San Francisco 49ers: DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame- Kizer is my top quarterback in this class right now. He’s got a big arm, he’s athletic, and he has ideal NFL size. It might be a weak quarterback class, but I think Kizer is one of the diamonds in the rough
.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Garrett, EDGE Texas A&M- The Jaguars are near the bottom of the league in sacks, despite adding Malik Jackson in the offseason. Garrett is the most complete pass rusher in the draft, and would make an immediate impact on the Jags front line.
4) Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky, QB North Carolina- Trubisky is this year’s version of Jared Goff. He’s a little more athletic, but the system questions will run rampant when draft season gets underway. I think the primary difference between the two is Trubisky’s ability to see when the first read isn’t there. That was why I had Wentz slightly higher than Goff last year. It’s also why I might put Trubisky over Kizer this year.
5) New York Jets: Jabril Peppers, LB/CB/FS/SS/OTHER Michigan- The Jets are desperate for a franchise quarterback, but the two worth considering this year are off the board. They are also desperate for secondary help. Peppers would become Todd Bowles’ master chess piece. He can play single high safety, he can cover tight ends and he can stop the run like a linebacker. This is one of the ideal fits for Peppers come April.
6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malik McDowell, DT Michigan State- The common comparison for McDowell is DeForest Buckner, and it’s not just because of the measurables. His ability to pass rush from the interior makes him a mismatch for offensive lineman, and his quickness is equally as devastating. It’s a weak year for defensive tackles, but McDowell is the prize.
7) Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams: Teez Tabor, CB Florida- The Titans still have a bunch of needs despite a promising start to the season. One of those is a true number one cornerback. Defensive backs are easily the deepest position in the draft right now, and Tabor’s ability to play press man along with his nose for the football make him the top man in the cornerback class.
8) Carolina Panthers: Derek Barnett, EDGE Tennessee- While many will point to Carolina’s awful secondary play, they have a ton of youth at that position. If they address their need for cornerbacks, it’ll be in free agency. The Panthers need a pass rusher equally as badly, and that they’ll opt to address in the draft.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Jamal Adams, SS LSU- Adams is a do-it-all strong safety, which is a rare combination in the modern NFL. His strength is definitely his ability to come up and stop the run, but his well polished game will make him an attractive option for many teams.
10) Arizona Cardinals: Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama- The Cardinals need a quarterback of the future, but the two worthy of first round selections are off the board (I’m not a Deshaun Watson fan). That gives them the option to take the best player available at a need position. Humphrey is a strong man-to-man cornerback with a good nose for the football.
11) Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR Clemson- This wide receiver class might not have any true superstars like the last few years, but I think it’s being criminally underrated. Williams is a big, physical receiver with terrific hands. Williams would instantly be the Titans number one target.
12) San Diego Chargers: Tim Williams, OLB Alabama- Melvin Ingram is a free agent to be, but even if he returns, the Chargers need an edge rusher opposite him to evolve into a big time defense. Williams may be a specialty player (he doesn’t play on run downs at Alabama), but in my opinion, he’s the best pass rusher in the draft class.
13) Indianapolis Colts: Zach Cunningham, ILB Vanderbilt- The Colts need everything on defense. Cunningham is a complete middle linebacker that will captain the defense from day one.
14) Buffalo Bills: John Ross III, WR Washington- The Bills need to find a true number two wide receiver opposite Sammy Watkins this offseason. John Ross is not only a deep threat for Tyrod Taylor, but his speed makes him a chess piece for Rex Ryan “offensive scheme.”
15) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jake Butt, TE Michigan- Many people have Bucky Hodges as their top tight end in this class, but I think Jake Butt is the star. He reminds me of Rob Gronkowski on tape. Butt is the best blocker in the class and he’s a red zone machine. I think he’s a pro bowler for years to come.
16) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama- The Browns need to acquire all the talent they can, and Foster is the best player on my board.
17) New Orleans Saints: Desmond King, CB Iowa- King was very high on my board last year, and not much changed this year. Despite not having ideal size, his ability in man coverage gives him the capability to be a shutdown corner in the NFL.
18) Miami Dolphins: Sidney Jones IV, CB Washington- The Dolphins secondary is garbage, so they take BPA in the secondary and move on.
19) Green Bay Packers: Leonard Fournette, RB LSU- I would be shocked if Green Bay didn’t attempt to move up for Fournette in April. However, he fell to them here, so they take him and immediately cash in their Money in the Bank briefcase.
20) Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan- I know the Ravens are unlikely to draft an offensive skill position in the first round, but they need more weapons badly. Mike Wallace is a stop gap, Steve Smith might be forced to retire, and Breshad Perriman has injury problems. Davis is a big receiver with big time ball skills.
21) Detroit Lions: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State- Glover Quin is a good candidate to be a cap cut in the offseason, which means the Lions need a replacement. Hooker is unpolished, but a big time ball hawk. He would fit in right away with Detroit’s defense.
22) Washington Redskins: Taco Charlton, DE Michigan- Charlton has the versatility to be a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive end. The Redskins need to overhaul their front seven this year in order to take the next step.
23) New York Giants: Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin- Ramczyk is an interesting prospect. He transferred into a big time program, started immediately at left tackle, and shined from day one. He’ll be on every team’s radar come February.
24) Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State- First Carson Wentz, now Dalvin Cook? Congratulations Philly, rebuild accomplished.
25) Houston Texans: Mason Cole, C Michigan- Keep an eye on the center position this year. Cole and Pat Elflein could be top 40 picks come April. The Texans need a center desperately and Cole fits into their scheme perfectly.
26) Seattle Seahawks: Cam Robinson, OT Alabama- If the Seahawks don’t draft offensive line this year, I’d be astonished. Unfortunately for them, this isn’t the guy they want. Robinson might surprise me, but I think he’s a bust at the next level.
27) Denver Broncos: Dan Feeney, OG Indiana- The Broncos need interior line help on offense and Feeney is far and away the best guard in the draft right now.
28) Atlanta Falcons: Cordrea Tankersley, CB Clemson- The Falcons are probably going to lose Robert Alford to free agency, which means unless Jalen Collins miraculously becomes a number two cornerback, they will need one.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan- Another potential playoff team that’s without a number two cornerback. Lewis is a tremendous man cover corner. If he runs a good 40 time, he should be a top 50 talent easy.
30) Oakland Raiders: Lowell Lotulelei, DT Utah- If the Raiders plan on paying Derek Carr this offseason, then cutting Dan Williams is a way to recoup some money. Lotulelei would be an ideal replacement if the Raiders went that route.
31) Dallas Cowboys: Carl Lawson, DE Auburn- One of the things the Cowboys need to address this offseason is finding a dominant pass rusher. Lawson might be undersized, but his technique is as good as any edge rusher in this draft.
32) New England Patriots: Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford- I dare anyone to come up with a reason that McCaffrey wouldn’t flourish in New England. This is a match made in heaven.
DraftStock.Net 