Oakland Raiders
Jordan Katz 2017 NFL Mock Draft 3.0- Post NFL Combine
The 2017 NFL Combine was one of the most impressive combines I’ve seen during my time covering the NFL Draft. So many ridiculous performances, and only about half of those were from the Defensive Backs.
The combine often causes scouts and mock draft experts to re-arrange their big board as well as their mock drafts. The reason is not because the combine outweighs game tape. It’s because the combine can expose players weaknesses, as well as reiterate players strengths. Therefore, it’s time for my third mock draft of the year.
While I’ve made a lot of changes when it comes to players and their grades since my last mock draft, the rules of the draft remain the same. This is my evaluation of what I would do if I was in control of all 32 teams. I only made a trade if it made sense for both teams to make the move. Also, if you’re team was desperate for offensive line help, I caved and gave it to them. My condolences in advance.
Round 1
1) Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE Texas A&M- Garrett demonstrated this weekend why he’s the clear cut number one overall selection. He’s an athletic specimen and a star at the next level.
2) San Francisco 49ers: Mitchell Trubisky, QB North Carolina- There’s a lot of talk over the combine that Deshaun Watson had, but I think day two of the combine is easily the most overrated day in Indianapolis. Outside of footwork, there’s not much you learn from guys throwing and catching in workout clothes. Trubisky’s tape is worthy of a first round grade, so he remains my top quarterback off the board.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars via Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, FS/SS LSU- A rare one spot trade down, but it makes sense. Chicago is desperate for more picks in a very talented draft class, and Jacksonville will address a lot of their needs in free agency. Jacksonville needs a second game changer in their secondary and trading up to ensure they land Jamal Adams is worth it.
4) Chicago Bears via Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State- I’m not as concerned about Hooker’s injuries as some are. I also don’t care that safeties are often not top ten picks. Both Hooker and Adams have incredible range, and Hooker’s ability to play “centerfield,” is unlike anyone I’ve scouted.
5) Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams: Marshon Lattimore, CB Ohio State- The Titans are most likely getting a big name wide receiver before the draft, so their number one need becomes cornerback. Fortunately for them, Lattimore is one of the most technically sound corners in recent memory.
6) New York Jets: Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin- First off, I tried to trade out of this pick for Gang Green, but the asking price was too high for teams to move up. If I was in charge of the Jets, I would execute a rebuild instead of a reload. Based on this, the Jets select the top offensive tackle in the draft, even with the injury concerns.
7) Philadelphia Eagles via Los Angeles Chargers: Leonard Fournette, RB LSU- Fournette won’t play at the 240 pounds he weighed in at over the weekend. However, he proved just how athletic he truly is. The Eagles wow the Chargers with value to move up and select a game changing running back to compliment Carson Wentz.
8) Carolina Panthers: Solomon Thomas, DE Stanford- The Panthers took a massive step backwards in 2016 because they lacked the pass rush they had the year before. Solomon Thomas has unique athleticism for someone his size, and his game tape is impressive for someone playing out of position a lot (Stanford used him often as a 3-4 DE). He’s a perfect fit for the Panthers defensive front.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Allen, DE/DT Alabama- Allen has a few medical concerns, but according to a few doctors I spoke to, their belief is that Allen can still have a strong NFL career. If that’s the case, Cincinnati would hit a home run if they put his disruptive game style next to Geno Atkins.
10) Buffalo Bills: Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson- Watson may not be worthy of a top ten selection for me, but quarterbacks are a tricky analysis. You have to judge when to take a chance on a quarterback based on your team and the player’s skill set. Buffalo should be able to retain Stephon Gilmore, which means their top need is at quarterback. Watson would thrive with the Bills offense, so while this is a bit of a reach, I love the fit.
11) New Orleans Saints: Taco Charlton, DE Michigan- Still love this fit. Taco Charlton is one of my favorite guys in this draft because of his ability to gain leverage on opposing offensive lineman. He’d be a great compliment to Cameron Jordan.
12) Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones, CB Washington- With the top two quarterbacks off the board, Cleveland continues to address other needs. Jones’ ability to press, along with his length and his athleticism, will allow him to succeed in the NFL for a long time.
13) Arizona Cardinals: Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama- Foster will have some questions to answer about the incident in Indianapolis, but it shouldn’t affect him too much. When you put the game tape on, there’s no way this guy isn’t one of the top ten players in this draft. His range is incredible, and he’s got a great motor on the field. Arizona is in a best player available situation, and Foster also happens to be a scheme fit.
14) Los Angeles Chargers from Philadelphia Eagles via Minnesota Vikings- Derek Barnett, EDGE Tennessee- The Chargers are able to slide backward, add a second rounder, and still land the edge rusher they desperately need. Barnett is as fundamentally sound as any edge rusher in this draft. This is a perfect match.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Zach Cunningham, ILB/OLB Vanderbilt- The Colts need anything on defense you can think of, but a signal caller would go a long way towards helping them immediately. Cunningham has great length and athleticism, and can immediately help the back seven of the Colts defense.
16) Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR Western Michigan– Ozzie Newsome goes offense in the first round again? Don’t scoff at it. Davis has elite jump ball ability to go along with his terrific route running. He’d be an excellent compliment to Breshad Perriman.
17) Washington Redskins: Malik McDowell, DE/DT Michigan State- As long as a team can get McDowell to compete on ever down, he’s well worth a top 20 selection. McDowell has length, athleticism, and the ability to gain consistent leverage when he wants. If Jay Gruden tamed Desean Jackson, he should be able to do the same with McDowell.
18) Tennessee Titans: OJ Howard, TE Alabama- Marcus Mariota definitely needs a big time target, but based on the type of quarterback he is, it might help him more if that top target is a tight end. Howard paired with Delanie Walker would add a different dimension to a team poised to break out in 2017.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State- Cook had a terrible combine, and it has made a lot of scouts question his value in the NFL. The tape is still incredible, so I think he’s still worthy of a top tier selection. However, if his pro day is another struggle, that may raise more red flags.
20) Denver Broncos: Forrest Lamp, OG Western Kentucky- Forrest Lamp is going to be an all pro guard in the NFL. I love his athleticism and his ability to control the point of attack. He may go higher than this on my final mock draft, but for now he’s a still at 20 for the Broncos.
21) Detroit Lions: Adoree Jackson, CB/FS USC- Jackson is one of my favorite players in this draft. He may not have the most technically sound footwork, but he’s a ball-hawk extraordinaire. I’ll ride with Jackson as a first round talent until the end this year.
22) Miami Dolphins: Carl Lawson, EDGE Auburn- What makes so many of the edge rushers so good in this draft class is how good they are technically. They may not all have Myles Garrett’s athleticism, but they have a good move set and their technique allows them to gain leverage on opposing tackles. Lawson isn’t the best athlete, but his ability to use his hands to direct O-Lineman is excellent. He’s an NFL player on tape.
23) New York Giants: Cam Robinson, OT/OG Alabama- The Giants need offensive line help so badly, that they overdraft Cam Robinson. A lot of people would love this value pick, but I think Robinson is a day two right tackle or a day two guard.
24) Oakland Raiders: Montravius Adams, DT Auburn- Adams is so disruptive on the interior. Putting him with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin might honestly be illegal in most states. A great way to take pressure of a secondary is to develop a dominant pass rush. The Raiders have done that with this selection.
25) Houston Texans: Obi Melifonwu, FS/SS UCONN- Shoutout to my fellow DraftStock contributor (Mike Reynolds) on this one. Obi Melifonwu was on his radar as a top two round selection way back in October. After the combine Melifonwu had, if he’s not a round one guy I’d be stunned.
26) Cleveland Browns via Seattle Seahawks: Budda Baker, CB/FS/SS Washington- Seattle is desperate for offensive line. Because the big three are gone, they can easily move down and get the player they desire. Cleveland shouldn’t overdraft a quarterback just because it’s a quarterback driven league, but they should use their extra picks to get back into the first round for a player they covet.
Baker is going to be a big time player at the next level. He doesn’t possess the best ball skills just yet, but he flies to the football and makes impact plays defensively. With Jones at the 12 and Baker at the 26, the Browns have rebuilt their secondary.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: Jarrad Davis, OLB/ILB Florida- Davis is much higher on my personal board than most. I think he’s a complete linebacker and can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4. The Chiefs start Ramik Wilson. Any questions?
28) Dallas Cowboys: Mike Williams, WR Clemson- Williams’ decision to not run the 40 brings his ability to separate from defenders at the next level into question. I think he’ll be okay because of the way he uses his size, but until he proves his speed, he falls a bit in this draft.
29) Green Bay Packers: Tim Williams, EDGE Alabama- Tim Williams didn’t have a good combine, but I still believe in the player I saw on film. Putting him opposite a premier edge rusher like Clay Matthews will allow him to flourish in the NFL.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt, EDGE/OLB Wisconsin- The Steelers are in need of a second edge rusher, but they also need linebacker depth in general. Watt is incredibly versatile. He can be a 4-3 outside linebacker, a 3-4 weak-side linebacker, or a straight edge rusher. Pittsburgh will use his versatility well.
31) Atlanta Falcons: Jabril Peppers, ATH Michigan- Dan Quinn loves players that compete on every down, and Jabril Peppers does just that. I still believe in Peppers’ ability to be a SS in the NFL, but his offensive ability will also be valuable to a lot of NFL teams.
32) New England Patriots: Hasson Reddick, OLB/ILB Temple- Reddick can rush the passer off the edge, but in the NFL he will be asked to be a complete linebacker. Fortunately for him, there’s no greater teacher than “The Hoodie,” in New England.
Trades in Round One
1- Jacksonville Jaguars trade the #4, #68, #110 and a 2018 4th to the Chicago Bears for the #3, #221 and a 2018 6th round pick
2- Philadelphia Eagles trade the #14 and the #43 to the Los Angeles Chargers for the #7 and the #113
3- Cleveland Browns trade the #33, #53 and the #108 to the Seattle Seahawks for the #26 and the #58
Round 2
33) Seattle Seahawks via Cleveland Browns: Garett Bolles, OT Utah- Bolles isn’t polished yet but he’s a good athlete with solid upside.
34) San Francisco 49ers: John Ross III, WR Washington- 4.22?! He might have some focus drops but you can’t teach that speed.
35) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tre’Davious White, CB LSU- Tre White is a steal here for a team well on their way towards a dominant secondary.
36) Chicago Bears: DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame- Kizer could benefit from sitting a year, and hopefully Chicago will do that if they pick him.
37) Los Angeles Rams: Dion Dawkins, OT/OG Temple- Dawkins had a very good combine. He showed athleticism that I didn’t think he had based on his tape.
38) Los Angeles Chargers: Desmond King, CB/FS Iowa- I still think King can be an NFL corner. If he does convert to safety, he’s a smart enough player to make a smooth transition.
39) New York Jets: Gareon Conley, CB Ohio State- Conley has great length and athleticism. If his technique catches up to his physical traits, lookout.
40) Carolina Panthers: Alvin Kamara, RB Tennessee- Kamara is a terrific runner in space, but he’s better between the tackles than people think.
41) Cincinnati Bengals: Quincy Wilson, CB Florida- Wilson will need a solid pro day after a bad combine. Despite this, his tape still has him as a top tier player in this draft.
42) New Orleans Saints: Marlon Humphrey, CB Alabama- Humphrey has a tendency to gamble too much. He’s much better when he mirrors receivers and stays disciplined. New Orleans needs a turnover guy though, and Humphrey has that ability.
43) Los Angeles Chargers via Philadelphia Eagles: Zay Jones, WR East Carolina- Zay Jones is the big winner this draft season. He’d fit right in with the Chargers offense and help take pressure off of Keenan Allen.
44) Denver Broncos via Buffalo Bills: David Njoku, TE Miami Florida- Denver moves up to land a game changing tight end in Njoku.
45) Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech- As someone who loves to play backyard football, you can’t help but root for the “backyard artist,” himself.
46) Indianapolis Colts: Teez Tabor, CB Florida- Teez Tabor had a horrendous combine. He looked slow footed during every test. However, his technique shined during the drills, so he has become a very tough evaluation moving forward.
47) Baltimore Ravens: Jourdan Lewis, CB Michigan- Lewis will excel as a nickel corner in the NFL. Fortunately for Baltimore, that’s what they need.
48) Minnesota Vikings: Pat Elflein, OG/OC Ohio State- Elflein would be a third round guy for me in a normal offensive line year. However, this isn’t that year.
49) Washington Redskins: Elijah Qualls, NT Washington– Qualls eats blockers as well as anyone in this draft, a necessity for a strong nose tackle.
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Williams, FS Utah- I think a lot of people are sleeping on Marcus Williams this year. I love his ability to hawk the ball on tape.
51) Buffalo Bills via Denver Broncos: Chris Godwin, WR Penn State- Buffalo trades down and still gets the receiver they would’ve taken in their original spot.
52) Seattle Seahawks from Cleveland Browns via Tennessee Titans- Taylor Moton, OG/OT Western Michigan- Moton is a mixed bag. He has good athleticism and a strong frame, but his footwork is often clunky. I think Seattle should be able to utilize his strengths and make him a solid pro.
53) Detroit Lions: Tarell Basham, DE Ohio- Basham showed elite athleticism in Indy. This guy could become an elite pass rusher in a few years.
54) Miami Dolphins: Evan Engram, TE Ole Miss- Engram is a game changer in the pass game. If a team uses him as a hybrid between a receiver and a tight end, the sky is the limit.
55) New York Giants: Caleb Brantley, DT Florida- Brantley is disruptive as a one tech or a three tech. His versatility will compliment Snack Harrison in the middle of the Giants defense.
56) Oakland Raiders: D’Onta Foreman, RB Texas- Foreman is a mammoth and a skilled runner between the tackles. He’d be a great fit in Oakland.
57) New England Patriots via Houston Texans: Jordan Willis, EDGE Kansas State- Jordan Willis could be the winner from the weekend in Indy. New England trades up to land the pass rusher they need.
58) Cleveland Browns via Seattle Seahawks: Davis Webb, QB California- Webb is another developmental quarterback. Much like Mahomes and Kizer, if the Browns are patient with Webb, he can turn into an NFL starter.
59) Kansas City Chiefs: Damontae Kazee, CB San Diego State- Kazee needs to improve his footwork, but he’s a beast when the ball is in his vicinity.
60) Dallas Cowboys: Cordrea Tankersley, CB Clemson- Tankersley is a solid corner in all forms of coverage. Dallas needs stability in the back end of their defense.
61) Green Bay Packers: Christian McCaffrey, RB Stanford- McCaffrey in the Packers offense is a match made in heaven.
62) Pittsburgh Steelers: Curtis Samuel, WR/RB Ohio State- Samuel’s speed and ability to space will make him a matchup problem in the NFL.
63) Atlanta Falcons: Jaleel Johnson, DT Iowa- Johnson fell down my board a bit, but that’s not a reflection on his talent. He eats space and gets good leverage on opposing lineman.
64) Houston Texans via New England Patriots: Jarron Jones, NT Notre Dame- Jones is the only other nose tackle with a day two grade or better for me, so Houston slides down and still gets their guy.
Trades in Round Two
1- Denver Broncos trade #51 and #101 to the Buffalo Bills for the #44
2- New England Patriots trade the #64, #137 and #163 to the Houston Texans for the #57 and the #243.
Round 3
65) Cleveland Browns: Antonio Garcia, OT Troy
66) San Francisco 49ers: Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia
67) Chicago Bears: Julie’n Davenport, OT Bucknell
68) Chicago Bears via Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Butt, TE Michigan
69) Los Angeles Rams: Malachi Dupre, WR LSU
70) New York Jets: Jordan Leggett, TE Clemson
71) Los Angeles Chargers: Eddie Jackson, SS Alabama
72) Carolina Panthers: Chidobe Awuzie, CB/FS Colorado
73) Cincinnati Bengals: Dan Feeney, OG Indiana
74) Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Wormley, DT Michigan
75) Buffalo Bills: Cameron Sutton, CB/FS Tennessee
76) New Orleans Saints: Raekwon McMillian, ILB Ohio State
77) Arizona Cardinals: Fabian Moreau, CB UCLA
78) Baltimore Ravens: Takkarist McKinnley, EDGE UCLA
79) Minnesota Vikings: Alex Anzalone, OLB/ILB Florida
80) Indianapolis Colts: Lorenzo Jerome, SS St. Francis PA
81) Washington Redskins: Justin Evans, SS Texas A&M
82) Denver Broncos: Carlos Watkins, DE/DT Clemson
83) Tennessee Titans: Dawuane Smoot, EDGE Illinois
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Anderson, OLB Alabama
85) Detroit Lions: Bucky Hodges, TE Virginia Tech
86) Minnesota Vikings from Miami Dolphins: Bryan Cox Jr., DE Florida
87) New York Giants: Nathan Peterman, QB Pittsburgh
88) Oakland Raiders: Marcus Maye, FS Florida
89) Houston Texans: Gerald Everett, TE South Alabama
90) Seattle Seahawks: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Colorado
91) Kansas City Chiefs: DJ Jones, NT Ole Miss
92) Dallas Cowboys: Adam Shaheen, TE Ashland
93) Green Bay Packers: Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
94) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Myrick, CB Minnesota
95) Atlanta Falcons: Daeshon Hall, EDGE Texas A&M
96) New England Patriots: John Johnson, FS Boston College
97) Miami Dolphins (Compensatory Selection): Ethan Pocic, OG LSU
98) Carolina Panthers (Compensatory Selection): Ar’Darius Stewart, WR Alabama
99) Baltimore Ravens (Compensatory Selection): Demarcus Walker, DE Florida State
100) Tennessee Titans from Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): Eddie Vanderdoes, DE/DT UCLA
101) Buffalo Bills via Denver Broncos (Compensatory Selection)- Aviante Collins, OT TCU
102) Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection): Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE Villanova
103) New England Patriots from Cleveland Browns (Compensatory Selection): George Kittle, TE Iowa
104) Kansas City Chiefs (Compensatory Selection): Brad Kaaya, QB Miami Florida
105) Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory Selection): Josh Jones, FS/SS NC State
106) Seattle Seahawks (Compensatory Selection): Cooper Kupp, WR Eastern Washington
107) New York Jets (Compensatory Selection): Jeremy McNichols, RB Boise State
2015 NFL Draft Grades: AFC
One of the best sports weekends ever has come and went, and with it, the NFL Draft has been completed. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle in recent years, and while some fans may not know every player their favorite team selected, every fan has the same question after the draft ends. “How did my team do?” Well, here are my 2015 NFL Draft Grades for the AFC teams.
AFC EAST
New York Jets (A-)
Picks: DE Leonard Williams (6th), WR Devin Smith (37th), OLB Lorenzo Mauldin (82nd), QB Bryce Petty (103rd), OG Jarvis Harrison (152nd), NT Deon Simon (223rd)- The Jets hit a home run with their first pick in the draft when they selected Leonard Williams. Any time you get the best player in the draft outside of the top five, you basically can snooze for the next six rounds. While I would’ve rather seen the Jets take Jaelen Strong at the 37, they needed a guy that could stretch the field, and Devin Smith is that. Mauldin and Petty were good value picks (I had Brett Hundley over Petty), and you can’t forget that the Jets turned a fifth and seventh round pick in a horrifically weak draft class into Brandon Marshall and Zac Stacy. This was a great first draft for Mike Maccagnan.
New England Patriots (B-)
Picks: DT Malcom Brown (32nd), SS Jordan Richards (64th), DL Geneo Grissom (97th), DE Trey Flowers (101st), OG Tre Jackson (111th), OG/C Shaq Mason (131st), LS Joe Cardona (166th), LB Matthew Wells (178th), TE A.J Derby (202nd), CB Darryl Roberts (247th), LB Xzavier Dickson (253rd)- This draft was a tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good was Malcom Brown. Belichick stole someone who many, including myself, was a top 20 player in this draft. Brown will be a force in the middle of the Pats defensive line. The bad were the Patriots later round picks. Now in New England’s defense, there was not a lot of back end talent in this draft. However, any time you take a long snapper, you’ve got some explaining to do. Many felt that Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason were good value, but I never felt either team would be a key contributor at the next level. Then there were the Patriots day two selections, aka the ugly. Jordan Richards and Geneo Grissom were extreme reach picks, and both will probably be special teams players. Overall, Malcom Brown and Trey Flowers keep this draft afloat, but it was average at best.
Buffalo Bills (F)
Picks: CB Ronald Darby (50th), OG John Miller (81st), RB Karlos Williams (155th), LB Tony Steward (188th), TE Nick O’Leary (194th), WR Dezmin Lewis (234th)- The Bills easily had the worst draft in the AFC. Ronald Darby is a good player, and he will be a solid addition to the Bills secondary. Outside of that, the Bills did not address a need, nor did they take anyone that was a good value pick. Not a good first draft for Rex Ryan and company. However, there’s no reason to panic in Buffalo. Rex is great at maximizing talent, and his teams are typically not built through the draft anyway.
Miami Dolphins (A-)
Picks: WR DeVante Parker (14th), DT/NT Jordan Phillips (52nd), OL Jamil Douglas (114th), CB Bobby McCain (145th), RB Jay Ajayi (149th), S Cedric Thompson (150th), CB/WR Tony Lippett (156th)- The Dolphins had a great draft. They got a wide receiver with true number one potential in Parker. They nabbed one of my favorite players in the in Jordan Phillips, who will bolster their defensive line even further. Phillips will help gap the run and free up Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake. Jay Ajayi in the fourth round was incredible value. He will help take pressure off Lamar Miller, and, in my opinion, replace him one day. The final piece was Tony Lippett, who is a terrific football player. He may not be great at one particular thing, but he will contribute from day one.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (A-)
Picks: WR Breshad Perriman (26th), TE Maxx Williams (55th), NT Carl Davis (90th), OLB Za’Darius Smith (122nd), RB Buck Allen (125th), CB Tray Walker (136th), TE Nick Boyle (171st), OL Robert Myers (176th), WR Darren Waller (204th)- Ozzie Newsome addressed offense early in the draft, a rarity in the Ozzie Newsome regime. Perriman has a lot of upside, but he’s raw. Just like the Jets earlier, I think Jaelen Strong should’ve been the pick. However, just like Devin Smith, I had Perriman with a top 40 grade, so I don’t mind the selection. Maxx Williams makes a lot of sense as well. While I would’ve rather seen the Ravens go with an impact defensive player, Williams can help the Ravens offense from day one. Of course, in classic Ozzie Newsome fashion, he got his impact defensive player in round three. Carl Davis was an absolute steal. Buck Allen was an underrated pick as well. He will be an impact player on third down. Overall, Ozzie Newsome got a lot of weapons for Joe Flacco in this draft, and helped sure up the middle of the Ravens defense.
Cincinnati Bengals (A-)
Picks: OT Cedric Ogbuehi (21st), OT/OG Jake Fisher (53rd), TE Tyler Kroft (85th), LB Paul Dawson (99th), CB/S Josh Shaw (120th), DE Marcus Hardison (153rd), TE C.J Uzomah (157th), FS Derron Smith (197th), WR Mario Alford (238th)- The Bengals had a great draft, because they preemptively addressed their needs for next year. Ogbuehi and Fisher are great insurance for Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, both of whom are expiring contracts and neither of whom appear to be high on the Bengals priority list. Ogbuehi can sit the year and fully recover from his injury. Fisher can move to guard for the time being and replace Clint Boling. Tyler Kroft is a good blocking tight end, and while he may have been a reach, the Bengals needed a blocking tight end after losing Jermaine Gresham. Paul Dawson can play anywhere on the Bengals linebacking core, and Derron Smith or Josh Shaw is bound to be productive enough to replace Reggie Nelson. This was a great draft for Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh Steelers (C+)
Picks: OLB Bud Dupree (22nd), CB Senquez Golson (56th), WR Sammie Coates (87th), CB Doran Grant (121st), TE Jesse James (160th), DT Leterrius Walton (199th), DE Anthony Chickillo (212th), FS Gerod Holliman (239th)- This is a polarizing draft for me. On the one hand, they nabbed Bud Dupree about ten picks later than he should’ve gone. On the other hand, every single other pick was either a reach or a risk. Golson is undersized, and there were plenty of other corners I would’ve rather have seen them selected. Sammie Coates has a bad case of the drops and I’m not sure it’ll be corrected during his NFL career. Last but certainly not least, Doran Grant wasn’t worth drafting. The Steelers got good value in Dupree and Gerod Holliman, but other than that the draft was below average.
Cleveland Browns (B)
Picks: NT Danny Shelton (12th), C/OG Cameron Erving (19th), OLB Nate Orchard (51st), RB Duke Johnson (77th), DE/DT Xavier Cooper (96th), S Ibraheim Campbell (115th), WR Vince Mayle (123rd), CB Charles Gaines (189th), TE Malcolm Johnson (195th), TE Randall Telfer (198th), ILB Hayes Pullard (219th), CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (241st)- The Browns drafted a ton of players that I really like, yet I’m not a huge fan of this draft. Shelton is a big body to put in the middle of an improving defense, but I would’ve rather have seen them take the versatility of Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips. Cameron Erving is best suited at center, but unless Alex Mack opts out of his contract after this season, Erving will be playing guard for the Browns, and I’m not a huge fan of him there. Nate Orchard was better served as a 4-3 defensive end, Duke Johnson was unnecessary because of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, and Xavier Cooper will have to convert to a 3-4 defensive end. Having said all of that, I can’t get on the Browns too much, because they took a lot of talent in this draft, and addressed needs in the process (minus wide receiver).
AFC South
Tennessee Titans (B)
Picks: QB Marcus Mariota (2nd), WR Dorial Green-Beckham (40th), OL Jeremiah Poutasi (66th), DE/DT Angelo Blackson (100th), FB Jalston Fowler (108th), RB David Cobb (138th), LB Delontrez Mount (177th), C Andy Galilk (208th), WR Tre McBride (245th)- The Titans made the difficult, yet correct decision in taking Marcus Mariota. I believe he can be a franchise quarterback, and Ken Whisenhunt should be able to work with him to get the best out of him. DGB is a great risk/reward pick because he can learn to grow on a team that is still a few years away. Also, I fully expect David Cobb to compete for the majority of touches in the Titans backfield as early as next season. Outside of those three, there wasn’t much value. Yet, the Titans did what they had to do.
Jacksonville Jaguars (A-)
Picks: DE Dante Fowler (3rd), RB T.J Yeldon (36th), OG A.J Cann (67th), S James Sample (104th), WR Rashad Greene (139th), DT Michael Bennett (180th), WR Neal Sterling (220th), TE Ben Koyack (229th)- The Jags draft would’ve been the best of all the 32 teams if it weren’t for unnecessarily reaching on T.J Yeldon, who I full on expect to be a waste of a pick. Fowler, Cann, Sample, Greene and Bennett can all contribute from day one, and Greene and Bennett were absolute steals. The Jags are on the rise.
Houston Texans (C)
Picks: CB Kevin Johnson (16th), ILB Benardrick McKinney (43rd), WR Jaelen Strong (70th), WR Keith Mumphery (175th), LB Reshard Cliett (211th), DT Christian Covington (216th), RB Kenny Hilliard (235th)- The Texans draft didn’t start off great. I felt Kevin Johnson was a major reach, even though they needed a corner. Benardrick McKinney is just very overrated, and I’ve made my opinions on him well known. However, their draft took a turn when they grabbed Jaelen Strong in round three. I think Strong might just be their number one receiver by the end of this year. Unfortunately, there were no day three value picks at all. Overall, the draft was sub par, despite addressing needs. Despite that, draft Strong late in your fantasy football leagues this year, especially in keeper leagues.
Indianapolis Colts (C-)
Picks: Phillip Dorsett (29th), CB D’Joun Smith (65th), DE Henry Anderson (95th), S Clayton Geathers (109th), NT David Parry (151st), RB Josh Robinson (205th), LB Amarlo Herrera (207th), OL Denzell Goode (255th)- I was baffled when the Colts selected Phillip Dorsett with their first pick. Dorsett is a good player, but he won’t play much his first year and wide receiver wasn’t a need. The first pick needed to be an impact defensive player. I like Smith and Anderson in the second and third rounds. Both are needs on defense, and both have a lot of upside. However, there was no late round value picks and they missed on their first selection.
AFC West
Denver Broncos (C-)
Picks: DE Shane Ray (23rd), OG Ty Sambrailo (59th), TE Jeff Heuerman (92nd), C Max Garcia (133rd), CB Lorenzo Doss (164th), DT Darius Kilgo (203rd), QB Trevor Siemian (250th), CB Taurean Nixon (251st), S Josh Furman (252nd): Shane Ray was a good value pick if you talked to most, however I had him as a second round grade. I like the fit because he can learn from Demarcus Ware and Von Miller, but I still say Ray shouldn’t have been a first round pick. Now, Sambrailo was a good selection because he adds versatility to the Broncos offensive line. Other than that though, this was a very weak draft. There’s no value in the picks in the later rounds, and just not enough contributors to their team for the upcoming season.
Oakland Raiders (B)
Picks: WR Amari Cooper (4th) DE/DT Mario Edwards Jr. (35th) TE Clive Walford (68th) OG Jon Feliciano (128th) LB Ben Heeney (140th) LB Neiron Ball (161st) LB Max Valles (179th) OL Anthony Morris (218th) WR Andre Debose (221st) CB Dexter McDonald (242nd): Mike and I said throughout the whole draft process that scouts would make their money in the second, third and fourth round. The Raiders had a very solid draft in the first four rounds. I’ll move past the Amari Cooper selection because it’s self-explanatory. Mario Edwards isn’t a 4-3 fit as a defensive end, so he’ll probably move inside as a defensive tackle. I’m not opposed to that, but I felt there were a number of better players on the board for the Raiders to take. Clive Walford will provide a good safety blanket for Derek Carr on third down, assuming Walford can keep his head on straight. Lastly, Feliciano has good upside and could become a starting guard. It wasn’t a particularly “sexy,” draft, but the Raiders drafted players of need and a true number one wide receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs (B+)
Picks: CB Marcus Peters (18th), C Mitch Morse (49th), WR Chris Conley (76th), CB Steven “Mighty Mouse” Nelson (98th), ILB Ramik Wilson (118th), LB D.J Alexander (172nd), TE James O’Shaughnessy (173rd), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (217th), WR Da’Ron Brown (233rd): I was surprised the Chiefs didn’t address offensive tackle in this draft, but other than that this was another solid draft from Andy Reid and company. Peters has a ton of upside, and Reid has done well with guys with character issues in the past. Morse and Conley both elevated their stocks during the NFL Combine, and both have very good upside themselves. I loved the selections of Nelson and Wilson. Nelson should develop into a very solid nickel corner and Ramik Wilson could become their second ILB in the Chiefs 3-4 set. This was a really good draft for Kansas City.
San Diego Chargers (B-)
Picks: RB Melvin Gordon (15th), ILB Denzel Perryman (48th), CB Craig Mager (83rd), OLB Kyle Emanuel (153rd), DE/DT Darius Philon (192nd): The Chargers went into this draft with the intention of getting a number one running back, and they did that with Melvin Gordon. Even though I think it was a little too high for Gordon, after Gurley went tenth, can you really blame San Diego for being cautious and trading up? Perryman was a solid choice because his biggest asset is stopping the run, and the Chargers needed help in the middle of their defense. The Chargers draft will hinge upon Craig Mager. He’s raw, but his upside is immense. If they get a productive corner out of Mager, and Perryman pans out, this could prove to be a very good draft. For now, it’s an average one with potential.
Jordan Katz NFL Mock Draft 4.0- Final Mock Draft (3 Rounds)
The NFL Draft is upon us, which means it’s time for one final mock draft from yours truly. Unlike most mock draft analysts, I’m not going to overreact to things teams are reporting to try to “be right.” This mock draft is more about my opinion of what teams should do based on the way the draft fell in front of them. It’s also based on team needs as well as my own evaluation of player.
To sum up, this is not your average mock draft around this time of year. I am giving you the selections and trades I would make if I were running the draft for all 32 teams. Also, I provided a little less analysis in this mock draft, because most of my analysis of players is well documented by now.
Round One
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State- Eat. Sleep. Draft Jameis Winston. Repeat.
2) Tennessee Titans- Leonard Williams, DT Southern California- I don’t think the Titans will get anyone to trade with them, because I don’t think they genuinely want Marcus Mariota. Teams can dare Tennessee to take Mariota, rather than “giving the farm,” to move up.
3) New York Jets via Jacksonville Jaguars- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon- Tennessee not trading down puts Jacksonville in a perfect position to do so. In terms of the Jets moving up, I still believe the Jets will win the Mariota sweepstakes.
4) Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama- After four months of evaluations, Cooper over Kevin White is my final answer.
5) Cleveland Browns via Washington Redskins- Kevin White, WR West Virginia- Washington wants to trade down, and Cleveland needs a number one wide receiver. This seems like a perfect match.
6) Jacksonville Jaguars via New York Jets- Dante Fowler Jr., DE Florida- Where does Jacksonville sign for this draft outcome? The Jags manage to land Fowler, despite trading down.
7) New Orleans Saints via Chicago Bears- Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson- I think this is an out of the box trade that could happen on Thursday. New Orleans has an extra first rounder, so they can afford to give a couple of later picks to move up and get an impact defensive player.
8) Atlanta Falcons- Alvin “Bud” Dupree, DE/OLB Kentucky- Bud Dupree is a great fit, but I would imagine it would be difficult for Thomas Dimitroff and company to watch their NFC South rival trade up past them and take Beasley.
9) New York Giants- Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa- The Giants drafting a first round offensive lineman with versatility and high character? Oh, unknowable universe.
10) St. Louis Rams- DeVante Parker, WR Louisville- The Rams desperately need a top tier wide receiver for newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles.
11) Minnesota Vikings- Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State- The Vikings could go a number of different directions on draft day, but based on the way this draft played out (Scherff and Parker off the board), Waynes seems like the obvious pick.
12) Washington Redskins via Cleveland Browns- Eli Harold, OLB Virginia- The Redskins could have gone edge rusher at the five, but I think they recognize the need to get more picks in the early portions of this draft.
13) Chicago Bears via New Orleans Saints- Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma- This is great value for the Bears. They trade down, grab an extra pick, and get an impactful nose tackle.
14) Miami Dolphins- Shaq Thompson, OLB Washington- This may be a bit of a luxury pick, but it’s a perfect fit. Thompson’s coverage ability will take pressure off the rest of the linebacking core.
15) San Francisco 49ers- Eric Kendricks, ILB UCLA- The 49ers have a lot of needs, but after losing Pat Willis and Chris Borland, inside linebacker is a must early in this draft.
16) Houston Texans- Marcus Peters, CB Washington- Jonathan Joseph is looking more and more like a cap casualty cut next year, which means the Texans need his replacement now.
17) San Diego Chargers- Danny Shelton, NT Washington- The Chargers need a nose tackle above everything else. With Shelton on the board, I suspect they’ll race to the podium in this scenario.
18) Kansas City Chiefs- T.J. Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh- Eric Fisher doesn’t have the support of management in Kansas City, which means they could draft the best tackle on the board at the 18. In this scenario, that’s Clemmings.
19) Washington Redskins via Cleveland Browns from Buffalo Bills- Stephone Anthony, ILB Clemson- Stephone Anthony is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s a well-rounded inside linebacker, something the Redskins definitely need. Anthony will improve the middle of the Redskins front seven.
20) Philadelphia Eagles- Landon Collins, SS Alabama- The Eagles need any kind of secondary help they can get.
21) Cincinnati Bengals- Eddie Goldman, DT/NT Florida State- Domata Peko struggled last season. Adding an impact player next to Geno Atkins could make this the best front four in the league.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers- Byron Jones, CB Connecticut- The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t selected a first round cornerback since 1997. It’s time to change that.
23) Detroit Lions- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE UCLA- With this pick, the Lions would have Odighizuwa opposite Ziggy Ansah and next to Haloti Ngata. That’s one heck of a front four.
24) Arizona Cardinals- Malcom Brown, NT Texas- Malcom Brown has the versatility to play a 3-4 defensive end and a 3-4 nose tackle. His ability to play multiple techniques in different schemes will make him an attractive pick on draft day.
25) Carolina Panthers- Andrus Peat, OT Stanford- I think many are overthinking this pick for the Panthers. Yes, they signed Michael Oher. However, they still need a left tackle.
26) Baltimore Ravens- Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State- Despite Joe Flacco’s reported trust in his receivers, I doubt a great football mind like Ozzie Newsome is going to feel the same way.
27) Dallas Cowboys- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia- Even though I have a sneaky suspicion Gurley goes higher than this, I can’t put a running back higher than the 20th overall in the modern NFL.
28) Oakland Raiders via Denver Broncos- Preston Smith, DE Mississippi State- Preston Smith has great versatility, something Oakland has lacked in their front four for a long time.
29) Indianapolis Colts- Carl Davis, NT Iowa- By virtue of a glaring need I have Carl Davis here. I personally have Davis at a second round grade, but he has a lot of upside.
30) Green Bay Packers- Arik Armstead, DE Oregon- Armstead is arguably the biggest risk/reward pick in the draft. Green Bay can afford to take the risk.
31) New Orleans Saints via Seattle Seahawks- Jake Fisher, OT/OG Oregon– After losing Ben Grubbs, guard is a must in this draft for the Saints. While I think Fisher is a fine tackle, he could be a terrific left guard in the Saints offense.
32) Minnesota Vikings via New England Patriots- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Oklahoma- New England may shock people on draft day and try to move up, but the one thing I think is certain is that they don’t select at the 32nd overall.
In terms of the trade from the Vikings perspective, I don’t think Mike Zimmer will fear DGB’s character issues. He’s a no nonsense coach, and sometimes that’s exactly what a guy with “character issues,” needs.
Trades
– New York Jets trade the #6 and the #37 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #3
– Cleveland Browns trade the #12 and the #19 to the Washington Redskins for the #5 and the #69
– New Orleans Saints trade the #13 and the #44 to the Chicago Bears for the #7
– Oakland Raiders trade the #35 and the #99 to the Denver Broncos for the #28.
– Minnesota Vikings trade the #45 and the #76 to the New England Patriots for the #32 and the #131
Round Two
33) Tennessee Titans- D.J Humphries, OT Florida
34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nate Orchard, DE Utah
35) Denver Broncos via Oakland Raiders- Ty Sambrailo, OG Colorado State
36) Jacksonville Jaguars- Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Texas A&M
37) Jacksonville Jaguars via New York Jets- Duke Johnson, RB Miami Florida
38) Washington Redskins- Ali Marpet, OG Hobart
39) Chicago Bears- Nelson Agholor, WR Southern California
40) New York Giants- Cameron Erving, C Florida State
41) St. Louis Rams- La’El Collins, OT/OG LSU
42) Atlanta Falcons- Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
43) Cleveland Browns- Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
44) Chicago Bears via New Orleans Saints- Ereck Flowers, OT Miami Florida
45) New England Patriots via Minnesota Vikings- Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest
46) San Francisco 49ers- Ronald Darby, CB Florida State
47) Miami Dolphins- Quentin Rollins, CB Miami (Ohio)
48) San Diego Chargers- Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana
49) Kansas City Chiefs- Rashad Greene, WR Florida State
50) Buffalo Bills- Benadrick McKinney, ILB Mississippi State
51) New England Patriots via Houston Texans- Laken Tomlinson, OG Duke
52) Philadelphia Eagles- Breshad Perriman, WR UCF
53) Carolina Panthers via Cincinnati Bengals- Devin Smith, WR Ohio State
54) Detroit Lions- Jay Ajayi, RB Boise State
55) Arizona Cardinals- Danielle Hunter, OLB LSU
56) Pittsburgh Steelers- Randy Gregory, OLB Nebraska
57) Cincinnati Bengals via Carolina Panthers- A.J Cann, OG South Carolina
58) Baltimore Ravens- Mario Edwards Jr., DE Florida State
59) Denver Broncos- Xavier Cooper, DT Washington State
60) Jacksonville Jaguars via Dallas Cowboys- Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami Florida
61) Indianapolis Colts- Damarious Randall, FS Arizona State
62) New York Giants via Green Bay Packers- Derron Smith, FS Fresno State
63) Seattle Seahawks- Michael Bennett, DT Ohio State
64) Houston Texans via New England Patriots- Cody Prewitt, FS Ole Miss
Trades in Round Two
– New England Patriots trade the #64 and the #96 to the Houston Texans for the #51
– Carolina Panthers trade the #57 and a 2016 5th round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the #53.
– Jacksonville Jaguars trade the #67, #139 and a 2016 7th round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for the #60.
– New York Giants trade the #74 and the #108 to the Green Bay Packers for the #62 and the #166
Round Three
65) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anthony Harris, SS Virginia
66) Tennessee Titans- Shane Ray, OLB Missouri
67) Dallas Cowboys via Jacksonville Jaguars- Gabe Wright, DT/NT Auburn
68) Oakland Raiders- David Cobb, RB Minnesota
69) Cleveland Browns via Washington Redskins- Grady Jarrett, DT/NT Clemson
70) New York Jets- Tyler Lockett, WR Kansas State
71) Chicago Bears- Gerod Holliman, FS Louisville
72) St. Louis Rams- Rob Havenstein, OT Wisconsin
73) Atlanta Falcons- Clive Walford, TE Miami Florida
74) Green Bay Packers via New York Giants- Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB Washington
75) New Orleans Saints- Garrett Grayson, QB Colorado State
76) New England Patriots via Minnesota Vikings- Justin Hardy, WR East Carolina
77) Cleveland Browns- Donovan Smith, OG Penn State
78) New Orleans Saints via Miami Dolphins- Josh Harper, WR Fresno State
79) San Francisco 49ers- Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB Lousiville
80) Kansas City Chiefs- Hroniss Grassu, C Oregon
81) Buffalo Bills- Brett Hundley, QB UCLA
82) Houston Texans- Paul Dawson, ILB TCU
83) San Diego Chargers- Trey Flowers, DE/OLB Arkansas
84) Philadelphia Eagles- Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon
85) Cincinnati Bengals- Jake Ryan, OLB Michigan
86) Arizona Cardinals- David Johnson, RB Northern Iowa
87) Pittsburgh Steelers- Jaquiski Tartt, SS Samford
88) Detroit Lions- Kevin White, CB TCU
89) Carolina Panthers- Za’Darius Smith, DE Kentucky
90) Baltimore Ravens- Steven Nelson, CB Oregon State
91) Dallas Cowboys- Chris Hackett, S TCU
92) Denver Broncos- Eric Rowe, CB/S Utah
93) Indianapolis Colts- Charles Gaines, CB Louisville
94) Green Bay Packers- Kwon Alexander, ILB LSU
95) Seattle Seahawks- Tre Jackson, OG Florida State
96) Houston Texans via New England Patriots- B.J Finney, C Kansas State
97) New England Patriots (compensatory)- Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami Florida
98) Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory)- Henry Anderson, DE Stanford
99) Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory)- Devin Funchess, WR/TE Michigan
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