Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Katz 2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Two Rounds
With Black Monday upon us and the regular season having come to a close, it’s time for Mock Draft 2.0 for the 2019 campaign. We’ve got plenty of risers and fallers from the previous mock draft, and more importantly, we’ve got two rounds!
A few pieces of note before we get going. Obviously this draft class is loaded at defensive line, as mentioned by everyone that covers the draft process. However, there are two other positions that are growing on me in terms of its talent and depth; wide receiver and tight end. At the start of the year, many were unsure if this pass catching class had elite targets. Entering the draft season, there’s six first round receiving targets on my personal draft board, and that number could grow as we move along in the process. The long and short here is, we now have multiple positions that have actual depth! Hooray!
The second thing to note is the quarterback class, or lack thereof. With Justin Herbert returning to school, Dwayne Haskins is most assuredly the top quarterback, assuming he declares. And while he’s guaranteed to go in the top 10 come April, I can’t justify him going before the back end of round one. So that’s why you will consistently see him lower on my personal mock drafts rather than my prediction mock drafts.
Lastly, there were plenty of teams looking to trade out of selections, but only a few could actually make a deal. I think this is foreshadowing for what to expect come April. With so little quarterback talent and so little depth at most positions, you could see very little action during the first few rounds of the NFL Draft. Either that, or this take will be wildly inaccurate and everyone will move up and down this draft trying to acquire the premium talent or assets for next year.
Now that we’ve set the scene for you, it’s time to roll. #MockLyfeNeverSleeps.
ROUND ONE
1) Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, EDGE Ohio State- Bosa is the no brainer first overall selection. He’s one of the top edge rushers to come out in the last five years and has all the ability in the world. Bosa can dip and bend around the edge and dictate leverage with his hands. Arizona definitely needs offensive line help, but if you’re a GM picking first overall and don’t take Nick Bosa, just accept the fact you won’t be employed by this time next year.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Jonah Williams, OT Alabama- I love Williams on tape. He excels in the jump set, 45 degree set, and the vertical set. Williams keeps his hands inside the defender’s shoulder pads, which allows him to gain leverage against both the athletic edge rushers as well as the bigger defensive ends. Williams’ foot speed isn’t world class, but he’s smart and incredibly technical. I’ll take smart offensive linemen over a straight athlete at the position any day of the week.
3) New York Jets: Brian Burns, EDGE Florida State- The Jets would love to trade this pick, but as I mentioned in the opening of this mock draft, I can’t justify any team trading up this high for a quarterback. If they can’t trade, they have to take a pass rusher or an offensive linemen, whichever they don’t address in free agency.
Burns is one of the best I’ve seen at bending around the edge. Even when tackles know it’s coming, Burns is so flexible and so athletic that he can explode past that tackle anyway. I think Burns has enough moves as well to keep tackles from constantly expecting him to run the arch. This is a dynamic pass rusher that should go higher than he will on draft day.
4) Oakland Raiders: Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama- Oakland has to get to the passer in 2019 if they wish to improve as a team. Williams is slightly lower on my board compared to Ed Oliver, but he’s a much better pass rusher, which is why he gets selected here instead.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Deionte Thompson, FS Alabama- Thompson has elite range in the back of the defense. He can read and react from his single high position as good as anyone in the past few years. What I think separates him from the other rangy free safeties is Thompson willingly comes into the box and wants to play physical in the run game. His all around ability should have an immediate impact on Tampa Bay’s secondary.
6) New York Giants: Byron Murphy, CB Washington- I know Giants fans are going to want a Quarterback at this selection, but that’s why you pick Sam Darnold at number two last year. With Justin Herbert going back to school, there’s no quarterback worthy of a top 10 selection, and I would argue even if Herbert entered there wasn’t one anyway.
I was blown away by Murphy on tape. His ability to turn his hips and mirror receivers are incredible. Murphy is easily the best man cover corner in this draft, but it’s not his only strength. He has terrific instincts and good ball skills too.
The Giants have a lot of needs defensively so even though Giants fans probably want Dwayne Haskins, Williams fits a need and isn’t a ridiculous overdraft.
Editor’s Note: In regards to the Darnold comment, it’s very simple Giants fans. Despite how unbelievable Saquon Barkley has been this year, the Giants are now stuck waiting until 2020 for their franchise QB. Even if they pick Haskins, he shouldn’t start before 2020, maybe even 2021. Running backs are more easy to come by, see Phillip Lindsay, James Conner, Nick Chubb, Alvin Kamara, David Johnson….
7) *Oakland Raiders via Jacksonville Jaguars: N’Keal Harry, WR Arizona State- Harry leads what is becoming a very underrated wide receiver class. I love Harry’s game on tape; he’s a big body receiver with explosive ability down the field and he makes big time plays one on one. Oakland uses their two back end first rounders to trade up and get a playmaker for Derek Carr.
Editor’s Note: Shout out to Jon Gruden who traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper only to enter this draft needing pass rushers and weapons for Derek Carr.
Second Editor’s Note: Jacksonville passes on Dwayne Haskins as well because he doesn’t warrant a top ten selection on my board. They also pass on Harry in this scenario because a veteran WR would do them a lot of good with DeDe Westbrook and Keelan Cole starting to shine.
8) Detroit Lions: Greedy Williams, CB LSU- Greedy Williams is a long, athletic corner that loves to play physical at the line of scrimmage. He checks all the boxes in man to man coverage, showing the ability to mirror receivers as well as trail them and still make plays.
Detroit needs a corner to play opposite Darius Slay, and because front four talent in this draft is so abundant, they can wait on a pass rusher and jump on one of the top cornerbacks in the draft.
9) Buffalo Bills: DK Metcalf, WR Ole Miss- Metcalf’s neck injury concerns me, but assuming his medical checks out, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a top 15 selection. Metcalf and N’Keal Harry are very similar prospects, big body receivers that can stretch the field and win one on ones with their size as well as their ability to high point the ball. He should compliment Josh Allen’s skill set very well.
Editor’s Note: Like the Jets, the Bills tried to trade out of this pick but were unsuccessful. After staying in the draft slot, Buffalo gets its young quarterback the top wide receiver in this draft class.
10) Denver Broncos: Ed Oliver, DT Houston- Unfortunately, this is a problem I envision for Ed Oliver on draft day. Because Quinnen Williams is a better pass rusher, Oliver could fall down draft boards, even though he’s the more complete player in my opinion. If he makes it to Denver’s pick, which is a real possibility, there’s no way the Broncos can pass on him. Oliver will translate to a 3-4 defensive end just fine.
11) Cincinnati Bengals: Devin White, ILB LSU- White is a top 15 talent if he decides to come out. Cincinnati needs a game changer at the second level of their defense. This is an easy selection.
Editor’s Note: It’s finally time for Cincinnati to start a rebuild, and while they’d love trading down from this selection to get that train rolling, no one wants to come up for the pick (as is customary with this draft).
12) Green Bay Packers: Jachai Polite, EDGE Florida- Easy analysis here. Green Bay needs a 3-4 OLB that can bend and dip around the edge. The best natural edge rusher remaining on my board at the moment is Jachai Polite.
13) Miami Dolphins: Amani Oruwariye, CB Penn State- Oruwariye is a long corner who has good athleticism for his size (6’1, 200). More importantly, Oruwariye’s hips flip naturally and he mirrors receivers well. I know Dolphins fans may want Dwayne Haskins here, but the Dolphins need a second corner, and could need a number one if Xavien Howard walks in free agency after 2019. Therefore, the pick makes sense, even though the Dolphins will be looking for Ryan Tannehill’s replacement as early as this offseason.
14) *Philadelphia Eagles via Atlanta Falcons: Yodny Cajuste, OT West Virginia- This is a little high for Cajuste based on my grades, but positional need and his upside make this a warranted selection. Cajuste is a big time athlete for a tackle and he possesses a strong kickslide while keeping his hands up and staying inside the edge rusher’s shoulder pads. The Eagles offensive line has not been what it was when they were at their peak, so they trade up for an athletic replacement to Jason Peters.
15) Carolina Panthers: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE Clemson- Ferrell isn’t the same athlete as some of the other edge rushers in this draft class. However, he controls his gaps, he’s stout against the run, and he is very good at long arming defensive tackles and using his power when rushing the passer. The Panthers like bigger defensive ends instead of the quick twitch athletes, so Ferrell makes perfect sense.
16) Washington Redskins: Josh Allen, EDGE Kentucky- Allen is a good talent, with the ability to play multiple positions. He could line up in a 3-4 on the edge, or as a LEO linebacker in a 4-3.
However, Allen is being viewed as a top five prospect, and I think that’s a bit too high. He isn’t the quick twitch, natural edge player that some of the other prospects that have already been picked in this mock draft thus far.
It’s not that he’s a bad pass rusher, I think he has a solid move set and a quick first step. Personally, I just feel Allen is closer to the 10-20 range, and a great fit for Washington at 16.
17) Cleveland Browns: Bryce Hall, CB Virginia- Hall is very similar to Oruwariye, a long corner with great ball skills and fluid hips in coverage. Hall leads college football in pass breakups, so he should fit perfectly into Gregg Williams’ defense in 2019 (there’s no way the incoming Head Coach in Cleveland should let Williams out the door based on what he’s done this year).
18) Minnesota Vikings: Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson- Wilkins is a perfect scheme fit for Minnesota. He’s disruptive in the run game, he understands gap assignments and he’s technically sound, playing with good pad level and a high motor on almost every snap. With Sheldon Richardson presumably out the door, I’d expect the Vikings to look for a defensive tackle early in this draft.
19) *Seattle Seahawks via Pittsburgh Steelers: Noah Fant, TE Iowa- Sometimes trades happen because a team moves up to ensure they don’t miss on their guy. This is the case with this deal. Seattle still needs weapons offensively and Russell Wilson loves throwing to tight ends in the red zone.
Fant’s buzz isn’t as high as his teammate, TJ Hockenson, but I still think Fant is the superior prospect. Fant is a complete tight end in the pass game, showing the ability to high point the ball and win one-one-ones down the field, and he can block as well.
Seattle trades up a couple of spots to land Russell Wilson’s next big time red zone threat.
20) Tennessee Titans: AJ Brown, WR Ole Miss- Brown is a perfect compliment to Corey Davis and the ideal number two receiver for Marcus Mariota. He’s quick out of his cuts and he runs sharp, clean routes, creating a ton of separation at the top of the stem. The draft community is cooling on Brown a little bit, but I think that has more to do with the depth of this receiver class and the realization that the wide outs this year may be better than we originally presumed.
21) *Atlanta Falcons via Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Lindstrom, OG Boston College- Atlanta trading back and picking the same guy they would’ve selected at 14 is exactly what you want. Lindstrom is as complete a prospect as they come. He shows a rare combination of power and agility, not to mention elite level footwork. Then again, would expect anything less from an offensive linemen from Boston College?
22) *Pittsburgh Steelers via Seattle Seahawks: DeAndre Baker, CB Georgia- The Steelers secondary once again needs a massive overhaul. Baker is really good in press coverage, with the ability to jam receivers and force them to the boundary. If he tests well at the combine, he could find himself back near the top half of round one come April.
23) Indianapolis Colts: Rashan Gary, DE Michigan- I think Gary’s ideal fit is as a 3-4 defensive end. He’s more disruptive on the interior and his athleticism plays better inside because of his strong base and his quick first step. If teams look to play him on the interior, I think they’ll see a first round talent.
24) Baltimore Ravens: Kelvin Harmon, WR NC State- Baltimore’s makeshift receiving core has worked well enough this year, but they need a true playmaker to help Lamar Jackson develop. Harmon is yet another big body pass catcher at the top of this draft, but it’s his hands that have me so excited about him as a prospect. I saw almost no double catches on tape, as well as a big time catch radius. Harmon should be a big time player on third down and in the red zone at the next level.
25) Jacksonville Jaguars from Oakland Raiders via Dallas Cowboys: Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State- I’m perfectly okay with a team over-drafting a quarterback in the first round to get that fifth option year of team control. I’m not okay with drafting him so ridiculously high that you mortgage your future for someone with a lot of question marks. That’s why Jacksonville trades backwards, picks up extra assets, and still selects QB1 in this draft, instead of reaching for him at nine.
Haskins has a massive arm and is only 20 years old, so there’s a ton of upside here if you can sit him for a year or two and teach him the finer points of QB play. Yet, he’s incredibly raw, and that’s why it wouldn’t be a complete shock if he chose to stay in school instead of getting thrown to the wolves in the NFL.
26) Houston Texans: Cody Ford, OT/OG Oklahoma- If the Texans don’t pick up offensive line this offseason everyone should be fired. It’s the one thing that’s separating them from being an elite team in the NFL.
Ford is an impressive athlete for someone of his size (6’3, 340). He’s very technical as well, showing a good base, quick feet and proper hand position in the 45 degree set and the jump set at the tackle position. Ford’s stature, technique and athleticism should allow him to make a seamless transition to guard at the next level, assuming his arm length is short for a tackle when he tests at the combine.
27) *Jacksonville Jaguars from Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears: TJ Hockenson, TE Iowa- Hockenson is flying up draft boards, and rightfully so. He’s an elite blocker and he is just as good between the 20’s as his teammate Noah Fant. Jacksonville loves to run the football and play action off of it, which is a perfect scheme fit for Hockenson at the next level.
Editor’s Note: I think Iowa misuses Fant in the pass game, which is why I still have Fant above Hockenson despite Hock’s meteoric rise up draft boards. Fant’s size and catch radius should help him to be elite at the next level.
Second Editor’s Note: As I had mentioned earlier, the reason the Jaguars take a pass catcher down here instead of N’Keal Harry at seven is because they move backwards to land Haskins at an appropriate draft spot, and they need a veteran receiver to compliment their emerging young receiving core.
28) Los Angeles Chargers: Jeffery Simmons, DL Mississippi State- Simmons comes with a bit of off the field baggage, but on the field he’s a first round talent. He’s got a ton of moves on the interior, a quick counter-punch and he wins leverage at the point of attack with his strong base and physicality. The player on the field is a round one talent in a walk.
29) New England Patriots: Mack Wilson, ILB Alabama- New England would love to get one of the Iowa tight ends here at 29, but with both off the board, they go to their next biggest need.
Wilson is stout in the run game and covers a lot of ground sideline to sideline. I know there’s talk of Wilson returning to school, but with the lack of depth in this class at the off ball linebacker position, I think Wilson is a top 40 lock if he declares.
30) Los Angeles Rams: Montez Sweat, EDGE Mississippi State- Obviously the Rams have a ton of pieces still in place for next year, but they will lose Dante Fowler in free agency, making their top need a rusher off the edge.
Sweat is another one of the quick twitch edge rushers that highlights this draft class. He’s a fluid athlete and he runs the arch to the QB very well. He should dominate one on one matchups in LA.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Nasir Adderley, FS Delaware- I know the Chiefs have Eric Berry in the back-end, but unfortunately Berry may not be the same player he once was. Ron Parker is an unrestricted free agent as well, so safety is a monster need for the Chiefs in the offseason.
Adderley is a small school prospect generating a ton of first round buzz. He’s a very good single high safety, who will become much better when he learns to trust his instincts instead of hesitating at times and overthinking.
32) Green Bay Packers via New Orleans Saints: Dalton Risner, OG Kansas State- Risner doesn’t have the footwork to play tackle at the next level, but he’s a mauler in the run game. Green Bay seems more committed to using the ground game in the future, so Risner’s nastiness along the interior should help them in their future endeavors.
Trades in Round One (star designates pick was traded by me)
1) Oakland Raiders trade the #25, #27 and #100 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #7.
2) Philadelphia Eagles trade the #21 and #53 to the Atlanta Falcons for the #14.
3) Seattle Seahawks trade the #22, #150 and a 2020 5th round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #19 and a 2020 7th round pick.
ROUND TWO
33) Arizona Cardinals: David Edwards, OT Wisconsin
34) Indianapolis Colts via New York Jets: Dexter Lawrence, NT Clemson
35) Oakland Raiders: Michael Dieter, OT/OG Wisconsin
36) San Francisco 49ers: Trayvon Mullen, CB Clemson
37) New York Giants: Tyler Biadasz, OG/OC Wisconsin
38) Jacksonville Jaguars: Damien Harris, RB Alabama
39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Greg Little, OT Ole Miss
40) Buffalo Bills: Elgton Jenkins, OC Mississippi State
41) Detroit Lions: Jerry Tillery, DL Notre Dame
42) Cincinnati Bengals: Kaden Smith, TE Stanford
43) Denver Broncos: Daniel Jones, QB Duke
44) Green Bay Packers: Dawson Knox, TE Ole Miss
45) Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Brown, DT Auburn
46) Carolina Panthers: Raekwon Davis, DT Alabama
47) Miami Dolphins: Anthony Nelson, EDGE Iowa
48) Washington Redskins: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR Oklahoma
49) Cleveland Browns: Oshane Ximines, EDGE/OLB Old Dominion
50) Minnesota Vikings: Bobby Evans, OT Oklahoma
51) Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush, ILB Michigan
52) Tennessee Titans: Zach Allen, DL Boston College
53) *Atlanta Falcons via Philadelphia Eagles: Julian Love, CB Notre Dame
54) Houston Texans via Seattle Seahawks: Andre Dillard, OT Washington State
55) Philadelphia Eagles via Baltimore Ravens: Gerald Willis, DT Miami
56) Indianapolis Colts: DaMarkus Lodge, WR Ole Miss
57) Dallas Cowboys: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE Missouri
58) Houston Texans: Darrell Henderson, RB Memphis
59) Los Angeles Chargers: David Long, CB Michigan
60) New England Patriots via Chicago Bears: Irv Smith Jr., TE Alabama
61) New England Patriots: Riley Ridley, WR Georgia
62) Kansas City Chiefs via Los Angeles Rams: Kristian Fulton, CB LSU
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Rodney Anderson, RB Oklahoma
64) New Orleans Saints: Taylor Rapp, SS Washington
Jordan Katz: 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are back! With the NFL officially at the midway point and the College Football season hitting its stretch run, it’s time to give a quick peek into where the prospects stand right now. This is always the toughest mock draft of the year because so many things change from now until April. The tape on college players for this season is also incomplete, so it’s hard to give a complete analysis at this stage in the game.
However, y’all know the drill by now (shoutout to those who realize why I chose “y’all,” in that spot)… MOCK DRAFT LYFE NEVER SLEEPS!
This upcoming draft features a ton of defensive line talent. You could see as many as ten defensive lineman go in the first round! Despite this, the rest of the draft is a giant mystery. Is there a quarterback worthy of a top ten selection? Is there a WR1 in this draft? Does the draft have enough depth for day three steals?
While these questions will be answered in time, for now, here’s a peek at some players I expect to be talked about as first round talents in the upcoming draft.
*Editor’s Note: The standings for this mock draft are based on my individual opinion of where teams will finish at the end of the season. Once I got to the playoffs (21-32), it’s based on seeding, not who would win each matchup. There is also no trading in this Mock Draft because it’s way too early to get that crazy.
ROUND ONE
1) Oakland Raiders: Nick Bosa, EDGE Ohio State- The Oakland Raiders and New York Giants are about to enter a good ole fashion NBA Draft style tank-off for the top pick. Regardless of who wins, I think both teams will get the players they covet.
Bosa is easily the top prospect in this draft. I have not seen an edge rusher as polished as Bosa on tape in my years of doing mock drafts. To me, his football ability at this level is better than Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, as well as his brother, Joey Bosa. Depending on how he tests athletically, he could grade as one of my top players ever.
2) New York Giants: Justin Herbert, QB Oregon- Well, the Giants get their man, but is it the right man for the job? Personally, I currently do not have a quarterback worthy of a first round pick. The closest guy is Herbert, because he has the tools to be a NFL starter. He shows intelligence in the intermediate window, good arm strength and he’s athletic.
However, Herbert has been so inconsistent this year on film. I don’t think he takes enough chances with the football, which is a major concern. If a QB is not going to take a chance in college, how can we expect him to give a receiver a one-on-one opportunity in the NFL? The QBs that don’t take chances in college are the ones that don’t see “NFL open,” at the next level.
I’m breaking my rule here by putting a player that doesn’t have a first round grade this high, but let’s face it, the Giants are taking a quarterback this time around.
3) San Francisco 49ers: DeAndre Baker, CB Georgia- I’d call Baker “Denzel Ward 2.0,” but Baker might be better. He’s a wall in man coverage and he’s just as technically sound as Ward was, showing great fluidity when changing directions as well as the ability to trail receivers stride for stride. If he tests well in Indianapolis, he should be the top corner taken in April.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Jonah Williams, OT Alabama- Williams is technical enough to be worthy of a top five selection. As long as his athletic grade checks out, he should be the easy selection for Arizona, a team desperate for offensive line talent.
5) Buffalo Bills: Greedy Williams, CB LSU- This would be a case of a luxury pick, which is rare at the fifth spot. However, there’s not really an offensive player worthy of this selection and the Bills do need a number two corner. Williams has good size and build, and he possesses strong ball skills that would compliment his Bayou brethren Tre’ White.
6) Indianapolis Colts: Ed Oliver, DL Houston- For the second straight year, the Colts get the second best player to fall into their lap at the sixth overall pick (sound familiar Jets fans?). Oliver is an athletic freak, but because he’s an interior defensive lineman, he could fall in this draft if offensive players are over-drafted.
7) Cleveland Browns: David Edwards, OT Wisconsin- “Offensive Line University,” is back at it, with an entire starting unit of NFL talent. Edwards has been up and down this year, but there’s two things I like about him; he’s smart, and he’s shown great improvement for a guy who was recruited as a Quarterback. Offensive lineman that are intelligent almost always wind up being solid pros. In my opinion, I’ll take an intelligent offensive lineman over one that exclusively tests well athletically every time.
8) Denver Broncos: Dexter Lawrence, DT/NT Clemson- The Broncos run defense has been a shell of its former self in 2018. Lawrence is a rare talent at the nose tackle position. He can occupy space, he can beat interior lineman one-on-one, and he collapses the pocket very well.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Amani Oruwariye, CB Penn State- Oruwariye has emerged as CB3 on my board, which was a huge question mark for this draft class heading into the season. He has elite size, his ball skills are excellent, and he shows the smarts to excel in multiple different coverages. While this is a little high for him, but because the Bucs are desperate for secondary help, it makes sense.
10) Seattle Seahawks: Noah Fant, TE Iowa- If the Seahawks are truly committed to making this a team that wins with its offense as much as it does with its defense, then Russell Wilson needs some more weapons. Fant is the top pass catcher on my board because he has it all. He’s got the size and build, the elite athleticism to stretch the field, and he catches anything in his radius. Fant is a quality blocker as well.
Some might say the top ten is too high for a tight end, but with the emergence of guys like Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and other star tight ends, Fant is easily worthy of this selection.
11) New York Jets: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE Clemson- Ferrell has been one of the most dynamic pass rushers in college football over the past 18 months. His ability to dip and bend around the edge is impressive.
My one concern is his motor, not because he takes plays off, but because Clemson’s defensive front has not been as consistent as you would’ve expected.
Having said that, Ferrell is still a terrific talent, and the Jets are desperate for a pass rusher of his caliber.
12) Oakland Raiders via Dallas Cowboys: N’Keal Harry, WR Arizona State- Now that Jon Gruden has absolutely zero weapons for his franchise quarterback (who may also be on the move), it’s probably a good idea for the Raiders to draft some pass catchers.
Harry leads a group of wide receivers that will have a lot to prove throughout the draft process. Many question whether this group has a true WR1, but I think Harry’s combination of size and speed as well as his ability to high point the football make him the prize of this draft at the receiver position.
13) Detroit Lions: Brian Burns, EDGE Florida State- Burns is an elite pass rusher from a stand-up position. He shows a rare combination of length and athleticism, and possesses a ton of ways to get to the passer. I know the concern here is a 3-4 player going to a 4-3 scheme, but with the recent acquisition of Damon Harrison combined with Matt Patricia’s 3-4 background, Detroit can transition perfectly to accommodate their selection.
14) Miami Dolphins: Rashan Gary, DT Michigan- Many are projecting Gary as a 4-3 defensive end, but I think his skill set sets up much better as an interior lineman. He’s a terrific athlete and a big time run stuffer. There’s definitely parts of his game that need cleaning up (he’s not the most explosive pass rusher and his hands can sometimes sag), but Gary would be a plug and play on any team’s interior defensive line.
15) Atlanta Falcons: Dalton Risner, OT/OG Kansas State- Risner has been really strong in pass protection against the smaller, athletic ends that typically play in the Big 12. He has a great feel for the second level as well. I think he has room to grow technically, specifically with his pad level consistency, but Risner to me can play guard or tackle at the next level, which is a big weapon.
16) Tennessee Titans: AJ Brown, WR Ole Miss- Tennessee desperately needs pass catchers that can separate, and that’s exactly what Brown excels at. He’s incredibly quick and explosive with the football, two things the Titans really lack at wide receiver. Easy fit here.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Allen, OLB Kentucky- Allen really fell in this mock, which is upsetting because he’s one of my favorite players in this draft. He plays downhill with aggression and poise, ranges well sideline to sideline, and he’s got pass rush ability off the edge. Not to mention, he excels in off ball coverage as well. Cincinnati gets a big time steal here to play strong side linebacker.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars: Montez Sweat, EDGE/OLB Mississippi State- Obviously Jacksonville needs a quarterback, but there isn’t one worthy of a first round selection on my board.
Sweat isn’t the best athlete, but you can’t ignore production. He’s a smart pass rusher, he knows how to set up tackles with his hands and he has a solid move-set. I love the idea of Sweat playing the LEO linebacker in a 4-3, which is exactly where Jacksonville would put him.
19) Washington Redskins: Devin White, ILB LSU- White is an incredibly underrated prospect at the moment. He shows tremendous range and plays with passion and intensity. White can do it all from the middle linebacker spot and has the versatility to play outside as well. Washington’s linebacking core gets a major boost.
20) Carolina Panthers: Lukas Denis, FS Boston College- The Panthers secondary is improving, but it still needs a game changer in the backend. Denis has had a down year on the stat sheet, but he’s still been impactful in the BC secondary. On tape, he has good ball skills and shows NFL awareness from the single high position.
With current free safety Mike Adams playing his age 37 season, one would assume Carolina will be looking for his replacement this offseason.
21) Oakland Raiders via Chicago Bears: Tyler Biadasz, OG/OC Wisconsin- Oakland’s offensive line is a shell of what it once was. Biadasz is perfect at guard or center for a power blocking scheme, which is exactly what Gruden likes to run up front.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy, CB Washington- I was blown away by Murphy’s ability to mirror receivers on tape. He lines up on the outside as well as in the nickel and does a terrific job of sticking receivers in man-to-man. This is a name to remember, Murphy could slide up a lot of people’s draft boards as the year goes on.
23) Green Bay Packers: Jachai Polite, EDGE Florida- Regardless of whether Clay Matthews is re-upped or departs in free agency, the Packers pass rush needs a jolt. Polite is an elite 3-4 edge rusher with a good ability to bend around the edge. He’s currently higher on my personal board than this mock draft, but I think that’s an accurate representation of what could happen come April. Because there are so many talented front seven prospects, you could see a lot of them fall in an attempt by teams to draft the limited talent at other positions.
24) Los Angeles Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DL Notre Dame- Tillery is a mammoth on the defensive front (he stands 6’7), but oddly enough it’s his quickness and first step that make him a highly touted prospect. The Chargers pass rush would become even better by adding an interior player like Tillery.
25) Houston Texans: Yodny Cajuste, OT West Virginia- Normally I’m not a fan of spread offensive lineman, but Cajuste has had a strong season thus far. He quick on his first step into his kickslide, and he’s handled athletic pass rushers well. Cajuste needs help in the run game, his pad level is often high and he doesn’t have a great feel for the second level. However, if he continues to shine in pass protection, it would be hard for teams to ignore him in the first 40 picks.
26) Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Little, OT Ole Miss- The Eagles have to find their next starting left tackle this offseason. Jason Peters is probably retiring after this season and Hal Vatai has been very subpar since his performance in the Super Bowl.
Little is lower on my board than most because too often I see him off balance and high with his pad level. However, he’s a former five star recruit and an impressive athlete. Little would be a great fit in Philly.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Christian Wilkins, DL Clemson- Best Player Available; an Ozzie Newsome special to kick off the post Ozzie Newsome era in Baltimore. Wilkins has a quick first step and a high motor. He’s very disciplined in gap assignments as well, a big key for players in the Ravens defense.
28) Green Bay Packers via New Orleans Saints: Jeffery Simmons, DL Mississippi State- The Packers front three has underwhelmed all year. Simmons would be an infusion of youth and athleticism into a front that desperately needs it.
29) Minnesota Vikings: Chris Lindstrom, OG Boston College- Underrated prospect alert! Lindstrom is a four year starter at BC and has a polished game up front. He gets to the second level, he has a low center of gravity so he’s rarely knocked back at the point of attack, and he has great footwork. Lindstrom should wind up higher on many people’s board as the draft process go on.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Deionte Thompson, S Alabama- Thompson is a do-it-all safety that rivals some of the top safeties we’ve seen in recent drafts. He’s strong around the line of scrimmage, and he finds the ball well in the backend of the secondary. Kansas City needs playmakers in the secondary, and Thompson is just that.
31) New England Patriots: Kaden Smith, TE Stanford- If the Patriots truly want to start the process of replacing Rob Gronkowski, this is the year to do it. There’s multiple big time pass catching tight ends, including Kaden Smith who is a freakish athlete. He’s not the most fluid route runner yet, but he high points the ball well and he’s a tough cover for linebackers because of his speed.
32) Los Angeles Rams: Mack Wilson, ILB Alabama- If the Rams have a weakness, it’s their linebacking core. Wilson is one of the better off ball linebackers in this draft, showing good range and reaction skills on tape.
Then again, the NFL might force the Rams to forfeit their pick because they’re too good.
Jordan Katz 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final
The Draft has finally arrived! In just a few hours we will officially begin the 2017 NFL season. Most teams started forming their rosters for 2017 during free agency, but the draft is where teams rebuild and reload. The draft is where every team, regardless of their record from the previous season, is renewed with a sense of hope. Hope that the the players added will help their team take massive strides in the upcoming season. Hope that the players they draft will help them achieve the ultimate goal; winning a championship.
This mock draft is my final one for 2017. Each pick is based on what I would do at each spot. A trade is only made if I felt it was a good deal for both sides. These selections are based on my personal rankings and my personal evaluation of team needs. I didn’t analyze every selection because, if you’ve followed my mock drafts thus far, you know the players I like as well as the players I don’t. Thanks to those who kept up with my content, I really appreciate it.
*If you’re looking for my predictions mock draft, click on the link (https://draftstock.net/2017/04/19/2017-nfl-media-mock-draft/)
ROUND ONE
1- Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, EDGE Texas A&M
2- San Francisco 49ers- Mitchell Trubisky, QB North Carolina
3- Chicago Bears- Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio State
4- Jacksonville Jaguars- Solomon Thomas, DE Stanford
5- Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams- Jamal Adams, FS/SS LSU
6- New York Jets- Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin
7- Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State
8- Carolina Panthers- Leonard Fournette, RB LSU
9- Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama
10- Buffalo Bills- Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan
11- New Orleans Saints- Taco Charlton, DE Michigan
12- Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles- Jonathan Allen, DE/DT Alabama
13- Miami Dolphins via Arizona Cardinals- Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky
14- Denver Broncos from Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings- OJ Howard, TE Alabama
15- Indianapolis Colts- Zach Cunningham, OLB/ILB Vanderbilt
16- New York Giants via Baltimore Ravens- David Njoku, TE Miami Florida
17- Washington Redskins- Montravius Adams, DE/DT Auburn
18- Tennessee Titans- Evan Engram, WR/TE Ole Miss
19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Budda Baker, FS Washington
20- Philadelphia Eagles via Denver Broncos- Gareon Conley, CB Ohio State
21- Detroit Lions- Haason Reddick, OLB/ILB Temple
22- Arizona Cardinals via Miami Dolphins- Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson
23- Baltimore Ravens via New York Giants- TJ Watt, OLB Wisconsin
24- Oakland Raiders- Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State
25- Houston Texans- Obi Melifonwu, FS/SS UCONN
26- Seattle Seahawks- Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama
27- Kansas City Chiefs- Jarrad Davis, OLB/ILB Florida
28- Dallas Cowboys- Adoree Jackson, CB/FS USC
29- Green Bay Packers- Derek Barnett, EDGE Tennessee
30- Pittsburgh Steelers- Tre’Davious White, CB LSU
31- Atlanta Falcons- Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn
32- Los Angeles Rams via New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints via New England Patriots- Mike Williams, WR Clemson
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1- Miami Dolphins trade the #22, the #54 and the #206 to the Arizona Cardinals for the #13.
2- Denver Broncos trade the #20, #82 and a 2018 3rd to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #14 and a 2018 5th.
3- New York Giants trade the #23 the #87 and a 2018 3rd to the Baltimore Ravens for the #16.
4- New England Patriots trade Malcolm Butler and a 2018 3rd to the New Orleans Saints for the #32. The Patriots then trade the #32 to the Los Angeles Rams for the #37 and the #112.
ROUND TWO
33- Cleveland Browns- Sidney Jones, CB Washington
34- San Francisco 49ers- Zay Jones, WR East Carolina
35- Houston Texans via Jacksonville Jaguars- Patrick Mahomes II, QB Texas Tech
36- Chicago Bears- Cam Robinson, OT Alabama
37- New England Patriots via Los Angeles Rams- Derek Rivers, EDGE Youngstown State
38- Los Angeles Chargers- Jordan Willis, EDGE Kansas State
39- New York Jets- Fabian Moreau, CB UCLA
40- Carolina Panthers- Tarell Basham, DE Ohio
41- Cincinnati Bengals- Alvin Kamara, RB Tennessee
42- New Orleans Saints- DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame
43- Philadelphia Eagles- Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford
44- Buffalo Bills- Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia
45- Arizona Cardinals- Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Colorado
46- Indianapolis Colts- Marcus Maye, FS Florida
47- Baltimore Ravens- Chris Godwin, WR Penn State
48- Minnesota Vikings- Pat Elflein, G/C Ohio State
49- Washington Redskins- Jabrill Peppers, SS/LB/RB Michigan
50- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Garett Bolles, OT Utah
51- Denver Broncos- Dion Dawkins, OT/OG Temple
52- Cleveland Browns via Tennessee Titans- DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame
53- Detroit Lions- Chidobe Awuzie, CB/FS Colorado
54- Arizona Cardinals via Miami Dolphins- John Ross III, WR Washington
55- New York Giants- D’Onta Foreman, RB Texas
56- Oakland Raiders- Jaleel Johnson, DT Iowa
57- Jacksonville Jaguars via Houston Texans- Dan Feeney, OG Indiana
58- Seattle Seahawks- Taylor Moton, OT/OG Western Michigan
59- Kansas City Chiefs- Damontae Kazee, CB San Diego State
60- Dallas Cowboys- Charles Harris, EDGE Missouri
61- Green Bay Packers- Malik McDowell, DE/DT Michigan State
62- Pittsburgh Steelers- Tim Williams, EDGE Alabama
63- San Francisco 49ers via Atlanta Falcons- Quincy Wilson, CB Florida
64- Carolina Panthers via New England Patriots- Amara Darboh, WR Michigan
TRADES IN ROUND TWO
1- Houston Texans trade #57 and a 2018 2nd to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #35.
2- San Francisco 49ers trade the #66 and the #198 to the Atlanta Falcons for the #63.
ROUND THREE
65- Cleveland Browns- Marcus Williams, FS Utah
66- Atlanta Falcons via San Francisco 49ers- Josh Jones, FS/SS NC State
67- Chicago Bears- Alex Anzalone, OLB/ILB Florida
68- Jacksonville Jaguars- Ryan Anderson, OLB Alabama
69- Los Angeles Rams- Chris Wormley, DE/DT Michigan
70- New York Jets- Jake Butt, TE Michigan
71- Los Angeles Chargers- Chad Hansen, WR California
72- New England Patriots via Carolina Panthers- Desmond King, CB/FS Iowa
73- Cincinnati Bengals- Elijah Qualls, NT Washington
74- Philadelphia Eagles- Teez Tabor, CB/FS Florida
75- Buffalo Bills- Delano Hill, FS Michigan
76- New Orleans Saints- Raekwon McMillian, ILB Ohio State
77- Arizona Cardinals- Tyler Orlosky, G/C West Virginia
78- Baltimore Ravens- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE Villanova
79- Minnesota Vikings- Eddie Jackson, SS Alabama
80- Indianapolis Colts- Trey Hendrickson, EDGE Florida Atlantic
81- Washington Redskins- Anthony Walker, ILB Northwestern
82- Philadelphia Eagles via Denver Broncos- Ryan Switzer, WR North Carolina
83- Tennessee Titans- Cameron Sutton, CB/FS Tennessee
84- Pittsburgh Steelers via Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jordan Leggett, TE Clemson
85- Detroit Lions- Bucky Hodges, TE Virginia Tech
86- Minnesota Vikings from Miami Dolphins- Eddie Vanderdoes, DT UCLA
87- Baltimore Ravens via New York Giants- Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan
88- Oakland Raiders- Duke Riley, OLB LSU
89- Houston Texans- Adam Shaheen, TE Ashland
90- Seattle Seahawks- Daeshon Hall, EDGE Texas A&M
91- Kansas City Chiefs- Davis Webb, QB California
92- Dallas Cowboys- Tyus Bowser, OLB Houston
93- Green Bay Packers- Semaje Perine, RB Oklahoma
94- Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Pittsburgh Steelers- Vince Beigel, OLB Wisconsin
95- Atlanta Falcons- Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
96- New England Patriots- Larry Ogunjobi, DT Charlotte
97- Miami Dolphins (Compensatory Selection)- Bryan Cox Jr., DE Florida
98- Carolina Panthers (Compensatory Selection)- George Kittle, TE Iowa
99- Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection)- Will Holden, OT Vanderbilt
100- Chicago Bears via Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection)- Kenny Golladay, WR Northern Illinois
101- Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection)- Demarcus Walker, DE Florida State
102- Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection)- Ar’Darius Stewart, WR Alabama
103- New England Patriots from Cleveland Browns (Compensatory Selection)- Lorenzo Jerome, SS St. Francis PA
104- Kansas City Chiefs (Compensatory Selection)- Wayne Gallman, RB Clemson
105- Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection)- Nathan Peterman, QB Pittsburgh
106- Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection)- Jarron Jones, DT/NT Notre Dame
107- New York Jets (Compensatory Selection)- Takkarist McKinnley, EDGE UCLA
TRADES IN ROUND THREE
1- Pittsburgh Steelers trade the #94 and the #135 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the #84.
2- Chicago Bears trade the #111 and the #147 to the Tennessee Titans for the #100 and the #214.
2017 NFL Media Mock Draft
Welcome to the only edition of my Media Mock Draft for 2017. This will be more of a conventional mock draft. In this one, I try to predict what every team will do in each spot. If a team is looking to trade out of their pick, I tried to make a trade happen with the teams that are interested in players on the board, not the teams that I felt should move up. For example, if a quarterback needy team had to move up to ensure they got their guy, they attempted to do so, regardless of what I thought of the quarterback. In short, this is not based on my individual analysis on players. Each selection is based on pre-draft visits and reports among scouts and reporters on what they think teams should take. I also take into account the fans perspective, because sometimes they can play a role (even though they never should).
Now every player does not have to have visited with the team they get drafted by. Plenty of players are drafted without having visited privately with the team that picks them. However, visits can be a good indication as to which way a team is leaning come draft day.
For those curious as to where the information comes from, teams release their visits with players during the draft process. After gathering the information, we have to determine which rumors are true, and which are smoke screens. I won’t get every pick right, but hopefully I will squash some of the rumors that make no sense. Let’s get started.
Round One
1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE Texas A&M- We squash the first smoke screen of the draft with this pick. I believe that the Browns are very high on Mitchell Trubisky. I believe that they want him bad.
However, there is… cue Vince McMahon’s music… “NO CHANCE,” the Browns take him over Myles Garrett.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE Stanford- I think the Niners hold the keys to this draft. If they decide to trade this pick, the domino effect will be massive, regardless of what team trades up and who they select.
If they choose to stay put, then the player they select will create the same domino effect. Whether that’s Marshon Lattimore, insert quarterback here, or Solomon Thomas (I think they go Thomas to complete their transition to 4-3), the Niners will determine the outcome of this draft.
3) Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, DE/DT Alabama- Allen and the Bears have been matched up for a while now. The Bears used a pre-draft visit on Allen and they met with him at the combine as well. Based on the Bears infatuation with DeShone Kizer, I sense they’ll draft their quarterback of the future on day two, and address a different need in round one.
4) Cincinnati Bengals via Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB LSU- This is a weird call, but let’s play this out. The Jags could definitely stay here and take Fournette. However, I have a feeling they are one of the few teams with Joe Mixon at the top of their running back boards. If that’s the case, then the Fournette rumors are a smoke screen.
It’s no secret the Bengals would love to pick Fournette and stabilize their running game. Jeremy Hill can be a UFA after the upcoming season, and he’s under-performed as of late. Therefore, the Jags use Fournette to swap places with the Bengals and add some draft capital.
5) Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams: Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio State- This is an easy fit. The Titans added Logan Ryan, but they still need a corner to play on the other side.
Where this pick could become interesting is if the 49ers take Lattimore at the two. In that case, I would expect Tennessee to take Malik Hooker.
6) Cleveland Browns via New York Jets: Mitchell Trubisky, QB North Carolina- It’s time to squash the second rumor of this draft; the Jets selecting a quarterback in round one.
I think the Jets are talking up Trubisky and Deshaun Watson to get one of the Browns, Cardinals or Texans to come up and take this spot. The Jets have a ton of roster holes and they need more assets in this draft to help address those needs.
7) Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State- The Chargers haven’t met with Malik Hooker, but he’s one of the best players in the draft at a position of need for the Chargers. I’ll take my chances on this one.
8) Washington Redskins via Carolina Panthers: Jamal Adams, FS/SS LSU- Jamal Adams recently visited with the Panthers, and they could easily draft him here. The more likely alternative option is that the Panthers are using Adams’ recent fall on draft boards as leverage to move down and gain a few assets in a very talented draft.
Enter the Washington Redskins. Washington needs a second playmaker in their secondary, and it’s no secret that Adams is still an extremely good prospect. Washington trades up to land a game-changer in the secondary, while Carolina slides down and still lands a player they covet.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars via Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama- Foster can anchor the middle of the Jaguars defense from day one. They can save money by cutting Paul Posluszny and improve their front seven, all in one selection.
10) Buffalo Bills: Cam Robinson, OT Alabama- Third rumor of the draft going by the wayside here. Get ready for an offensive lineman to go in the first ten picks. Even though this year’s offensive line class isn’t good, every team needs offensive line in excess. If there’s anyone who can be an everyday starter, you better believe they’ll be drafted highly this year.
11) New Orleans Saints: Takkarist McKinnley, EDGE UCLA- I think the “Vic Beasley,” LEO pass rusher is going to become a lot more common among NFL defenses, and that’s the rational behind this pick. For the Saints, Takk McKinnley will serve that role and attempt to cause havoc opposite Cameron Jordan.
12) New York Jets from Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin King, CB Washington- After trading backwards, the Jets land one of the fastest risers in the draft. King is a fourth rounder on my personal board because I think his technique is average at best.
Despite this, many think he has the size, length and athleticism to dominant in the NFL.
13) Arizona Cardinals: Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson- The Cardinals have to get a quarterback of the future in this draft. This QB class has actually become underrated by the media as time has gone on. Most will still be over-drafted, but the talent level among them is solid. If Watson makes it out of the top ten, the Cardinals would be wise to scoop him up at 13.
14) Denver Broncos from Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings: Garett Bolles, OT Utah- Once we hit the middle of the draft, trades become more about teams jumping others to get players they covet. The Broncos need help at both tackle spots, so they jump a few teams to ensure they land Bolles.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Gareon Conley, CB Ohio State- Unless there’s a tackle on the board that the Colts love, they should go defense with this pick. Conley’s slight dip in draft value makes him the perfect selection at 15.
16) Baltimore Ravens: John Ross, WR Washington- Following his 4.22 at the combine, many felt that John Ross would be the first wide out off the board. This is a rumor I actually agree with. The Ravens have met with him on a number of occasions, therefore they choose him over Corey Davis and prove the experts correct.
17) Carolina Panthers via Washington Redskins: OJ Howard, TE Alabama- This is a bold call on my part, but I don’t buy the rumors that OJ Howard will be a top 15 pick. He’s a terrific prospect, but I think NFL teams know that he has a lower ceiling than the top tier tight ends in the NFL.
Having said that, Howard is a terrific prospect and a perfect fit for the Panthers.
18) Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan- The Titans are in a terrific position to grab two game changers in round one, a pass catcher and a defensive back. Those opportunities don’t come often, so expect Tennessee to capitalize on it.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Haason Reddick, OLB/ILB Temple- Reddick’s versatility will have him a highly coveted prospect in the middle of round one. If he makes it to Tampa Bay, a team that needs a strong side pass rusher, he should come off the board.
20) Philadelphia Eagles via Denver Broncos: Chidobe Awuzie, CB Colorado- Awuzie is going to surprise on draft day. Scouts love his versatility and aggressiveness. Having traded down a few spots, the Eagles land the player they probably would’ve selected at 14.
21) Seattle Seahawks via Detroit Lions: Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky- The Seahawks are going to have to move past the Dolphins and Giants in order to get one of the top offensive lineman in this draft. Fortunately, Detroit can trade out of the 21 and still get the player at the top of their board.
22) Dallas Cowboys via Miami Dolphins: Obi Melifonwu, FS/SS UCONN- Having just watched the top guard, and the Dolphins top target, go off the board, the Dolphins sell this pick to the highest bidder (their next target is a bit further down the board).
The Cowboys need secondary help desperately, and someone they love is bound to fall. In this case, it’s Melifonwu.
23) New York Giants: Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin- The Giants pick is simple. If OJ Howard is off the board, then insert the best available offensive lineman here.
24) Oakland Raiders: Zach Cunningham, LB Vanderbilt- For those wondering why this isn’t a running back, the Raiders love DeAndre Washington. He showed flashes of feature back potential last year. Combine that with the impending addition of Marshawn Lynch, and the Raiders choose to address middle linebacker instead.
25) Houston Texans: Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech- The Texans are currently starting Tom Savage. “But Jordan, Patrick Mahomes in round one?” The Texans are currently starting Tom Savage. “But Jordan, what about their need for a safety like Jabrill Peppers or Budda Baker?” The Texans are currently starting Tom Savage.
The only way the Texans don’t pick a quarterback in round one is if they’ve traded out of round one (cough, Jimmy Garoppolo, cough).
26) Detroit Lions via Seattle Seahawks: Taco Charlton, DE Michigan- Taco Charlton, like Jonathan Allen, is another enigma in this draft. I can see Charlton going anywhere from 11 to 31. If he winds up in the back end of round one, he becomes the steal of day one.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: Tre’Davious White, CB LSU- The Chiefs need to solidify their number two cornerback, but they also need to upgrade at the nickel cornerback position. Fortunately for them, Tre White accomplishes both goals.
28) Miami Dolphins via Dallas Cowboys: Jarrad Davis, LB Florida- Outside of Kiko Alonso, the Dolphins linebacking core is a mess. Davis gets to stay in Florida and provide stability to the Dolphins linebacker unit.
29) Green Bay Packers: Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford- Okay, so there’s a very good chance that McCaffrey is a top 20 pick. However, here’s the counter argument. Running backs don’t have the same value they used to. While McCaffrey is a better runner between the tackles than he’s ever been given credit for, he’s still at his best in the pass game. Scheme is as important for him as anything else, and that’s why he could fall on draft day… but he probably won’t.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt, EDGE/OLB Wisconsin- Watt was a fast riser the past few months, and now he’s almost assured a top 40 selection. The Steelers did piece together a decent pass rushing unit last year. However, in order for this defense to take the next step, they need an edge rusher that can change games.
31) Atlanta Falcons: Derek Barnett, EDGE Tennessee- The Falcons could go a number of different ways with this selection. If they opt to keep the pick, expect them to go best player available, regardless of need.
32) Philadelphia Eagles via New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints via New England Patriots- Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State- All the talk surrounding the New England Patriots is them trading Jimmy Garoppolo to get themselves into round one. However, they have a second trade chip that is much more likely to move; Malcolm Butler.
The Saints still need a number one cornerback, and they still have interest in Malcolm Butler. I think that when push comes to shove, the two sides will find a way to get a deal done involving the 32nd pick.
Having jumped back into the first round, the Patriots then proceed to do the most Patriots thing ever; trade down. Dalvin Cook will fall on draft day, but his tape is too good for him to fall out of round one. I expect a team like Philadelphia to try to scoop him up in the back end of round one.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1- Cincinnati Bengals trade the #9 and the #41 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #4 and the #148.
2- Cleveland Browns trade the #12, #52 and the #108 to the New York Jets for the #6, a 2018 6th round pick and Sheldon Richardson.
3- Washington Redskins trade the #17 and the #49 to the Carolina Panthers for the #8 and a 2018 6th round pick.
4- Denver Broncos trade the #20, #82 and the #101 to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #14,
5- Seattle Seahawks trade the #26 and the #102 to the Detroit Lions for the #21.
6- Dallas Cowboys trade the #28, #92, and a 2018 6th round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the #22 and the #178
7- New Orleans Saints acquire Malcolm Butler and a 2018 3rd round pick from the New England Patriots for the #32. The Patriots then trade the #32 to the Philadelphia Eagles for the #47 and a 2018 3rd round pick.
Round Two
33) Cleveland Browns: Marcus Maye, FS Florida- Maye has the tools to be a day one pick. Cleveland takes him at the top of round two to boost their secondary.
34) San Francisco 49ers: Adoree Jackson, CB/S USC- Adoree Jackson will be in the green room at the NFL draft, which means his camp expects him to be picked either on day one, or very early on day two.
35) Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor Moton, OT Western Michigan- Eat, sleep, overdraft offensive lineman, repeat. That will be the theme of the first two days.
36) Chicago Bears: DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame- Kizer appears to be very high on the Bears board. It would surprise me if Chicago didn’t take him on day two.
37) Los Angeles Rams: Evan Engram, WR/TE Ole Miss- The Rams have to get another playmaker on offense in this draft.
38) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Willis, EDGE Kansas State- Willis had a phenomenal showing at the combine, and his draft stock has only risen since.
39) New York Jets: Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- The Jets could do a number of different things with this second round pick, especially if they added more assets along the way. However, if an edge rusher falls, like Lawson, I expect them to go in that direction.
40) Carolina Panthers: Tarell Basham, DE Ohio- This might be a little too high for Basham, but he’s a perfect scheme fit with the Panthers.
41) Jacksonville Jaguars via Cincinnati Bengals: Malik McDowell, DT Michigan State- I think the question about McDowell’s motor will keep him out of round one.
42) New Orleans Saints: Davis Webb, QB California- In my opinion, Davis Webb is the most interesting developmental quarterback in the draft. Sit him behind Drew Brees for two years and reap the benefits.
43) New England Patriots via Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Rivers, EDGE Youngstown State- If the Patriots can get into the top 50 this year, I think they’ll try to take an edge rusher. New England doesn’t have many weaknesses, but they need to pressure the QB better in 2017.
44) Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR Clemson- It wouldn’t shock me if Mike Williams fell out of the top 50, but I think the Williams supporters saw enough at his pro day to still make him a valuable second round pick.
45) Arizona Cardinals: Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama- Because the DB class is so good, there are bound to be several that fall into the second and third round. In this case, the Cardinals steal Marlon Humphrey.
46) Indianapolis Colts: Tyus Bowser, OLB Houston- Many draft experts and scouts love Tyus Bowser’s athleticism. I think his tape is inconsistent but he’ll be a day two pick for sure.
47) New York Giants via Baltimore Ravens: David Njoku, TE Miami Florida- I think the tight ends could fall in this draft because there’s so many that are good. If that happens, the Giants will fly up the draft board for whomever they covet.
48) Minnesota Vikings: Alvin Kamara, RB Tennessee- Despite signing Latavius Murray, the Vikings need a running back of the future.
49) Carolina Panthers via Washington Redskins: Chris Godwin, WR Penn State- The Panthers need a deep threat to replace Tedd Ginn. Godwin has tremendous upside and he could be the steal of the draft among offensive weapons.
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jabrill Peppers, SS/LB Michigan- Peppers is another draft enigma. He could be a top 20 pick, or he could fall into the third round. Regardless of where in the draft he winds up, Tampa Bay is a team I expect to covet the Michigan product.
51) Denver Broncos: Bucky Hodges, TE Virginia Tech- Hodges isn’t a great blocker, but as a “move Tight End,” he should excel in the NFL.
52) New York Jets from Cleveland Browns via Tennessee Titans: Budda Baker, FS Washington- In a loaded secondary class, it would behoove the Jets to come out of this draft with multiple starters in the secondary.
53) Detroit Lions: Duke Riley, OLB LSU- Riley is quite similar to his former teammate Deion Jones. As a 4-3 weakside ‘backer, many feel he will be a solid pro.
54) Miami Dolphins: Dan Feeney, OG Indiana- Feeney is the forgotten man among this offensive line class. He should be a plug in play right guard from day one.
55) Baltimore Ravens via New York Giants: Charles Harris, EDGE Missouri- I think Harris is better served in a 4-3, but many think he can play in any situation.
56) Oakland Raiders: Chris Wormley, DT Michigan- Wormley gives the Raiders an athletic pass rusher next to the space-eater Dan Williams.
57) Chicago Bears via Houston Texans: Quincy Wilson, CB Florida- The Bears move up to land a potential number one cornerback.
58) Seattle Seahawks: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Colorado- Witherspoon has the height and length that the Seahawks look for in their corners. Many feel that this a layup in round two.
59) Kansas City Chiefs: Raekwon McMillian, ILB Ohio State- If the Chiefs go into the season starting Ramik Wilson, they’re asking for disaster.
60) Dallas Cowboys: Fabian Moreau, CB UCLA- Had Moreau not torn his pectoral at his pro day, he would’ve been a first round selection.
61) Green Bay Packers: Elijah Qualls, NT Washington- Qualls is the space eater that the Packers defense is desperately missing.
62) Pittsburgh Steelers: Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia- The Steelers defense still needs help in the secondary. In my opinion, Douglas has number one cornerback potential, and he would be a great scheme fit in Pittsburgh.
63) Atlanta Falcons: Dion Dawkins, OG/OT Temple- Atlanta still needs a right guard to solidify their offensive line as one of the best in football.
64) Carolina Panthers via New England Patriots: Josh Jones, FS/SS NC State- Josh Jones has the versatility to play both safety spots, which should help him go early in this draft.
TRADES IN ROUND TWO
1- New York Giants trade the #55, #140 and #167 to the Baltimore Ravens for the #47.
2- Chicago Bears trade the #67 and the #111 to the Houston Texans for the #57.
Round Three
65) Cleveland Browns: Sidney Jones, CB Washington
66) San Francisco 49ers: Zay Jones, WR East Carolina
67) Houston Texans via Chicago Bears: Tim Williams, EDGE Alabama
68) Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Mixon, RB Oklahoma
69) Los Angeles Rams: Will Holden, OT Vanderbilt
70) New York Jets: Pat Elflein, OG/OC Ohio State
71) Los Angeles Chargers: Ethan Pocic, OL LSU
72) New England Patriots via Carolina Panthers: D’Onta Foreman, RB Texas
73) Cincinnati Bengals: Desmond King, CB/FS Iowa
74) Philadelphia Eagles: Damontae Kazee, CB San Diego State
75) Buffalo Bills: Alex Anzalone, OLB/ILB Florida
76) New Orleans Saints: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE Villanova
77) Arizona Cardinals: Amara Darboh, WR Michigan
78) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Orlosky, C West Virginia
79) Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Woods, SS Louisiana Tech
80) Indianapolis Colts: Antonio Garcia, OT Troy
81) Washington Redskins: Anthony Walker, ILB Northwestern
82) Philadelphia Eagles via Denver Broncos: Isaac Asiata, OG Utah
83) Tennessee Titans: Jake Butt, TE Michigan
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marlon Mack, RB South Florida
85) Detroit Lions: Delano Hill, FS Michigan
86) Minnesota Vikings from Miami Dolphins: Jaleel Johnson, DT Iowa
87) New York Giants: Caleb Brantley, DT Florida
88) Oakland Raiders: Howard Wilson, CB Houston
89) Houston Texans: Justin Evans, SS Texas A&M
90) Detroit Lions via Seattle Seahawks: Kennay Golladay, WR Northern Illinois
91) Kansas City Chiefs: Nathan Peterman, QB Pittsburgh
92) Miami Dolphins via Dallas Cowboys: Teez Tabor, CB/FS Florida
93) Green Bay Packers: Trey Hendrickson, EDGE Florida Atlantic
94) Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Reynolds, WR Texas A&M
95) Atlanta Falcons: Cameron Sutton, CB/FS Tennessee
96) New England Patriots: Roderick Johnson, OT Florida State
97) Miami Dolphins (Compensatory Selection): Vince Biegel, OLB Wisconsin
98) Carolina Panthers (Compensatory Selection): Julie’n Davenport, OT Bucknell
99) Philadelphia Eagles from Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection): Ryan Anderson, OLB Alabama
100) Tennessee Titans via Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan
101) Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection): Wayne Gallman, RB Clemson
102) Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection): Aviante Collins, OT/OG TCU
103) Los Angeles Chargers via New Orleans Saints from New England Patriots via Cleveland Browns (Compensatory Selection): Chad Hansen, WR California
104) Kansas City Chiefs (Compensatory Selection): Danny Isidora, OG Miami Florida
105) Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection): Nico Siragusa, OG San Diego State
106) Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection): Demarcus Walker, DE Florida State
107) New York Jets (Compensatory Selection): Adam Shaheen, TE Ashland
TRADES IN ROUND THREE
1- Los Angeles Chargers trade the #113 and the #151 to the New Orleans Saints for the #103 and #196.
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