One Mock To Rule Them All

The draft is almost upon us and that means one thing…We’re bored and we demonstrating how much we think we know. Here is a first-round mock on where the hottest NFL prospects are going to land. We know every year there are trades and all

types of craziness occur in the draft (ask Laremy Tunsil) so this mock will include a couple of trades in a very talented pool for the 2017 mock draft of all mock drafts.

1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A & M

The outlandish rumours that the Browns “Money Ball” front office are considering taking North Carolina product Mitch Trubisky, which by all accounts is a monumental mistake that only the Browns could make. We’ll give the new regime the benefit of the doubt here and give them the best Defensive End prospect since the likes of Mario Williams or Julius Peppers. While his power is unequivocal, the former Aggie’s speed and burst will set up bull-rushes when the tackles are on their heels and be a player teams must game plan for like the Khalil Mack’s and Von Miller’s of the league.

With the need at Quarterback and a coach in Hue Jackson that grooms young signal callers nearly better than anyone, look for the Browns to make an aggressive move and take a young signal caller with their bounty of draft picks, later in the draft.

PFF said it best saying;

• "If Michelangelo were sculpting the perfect edge rusher, he’d likely come up with something like Myles Garrett"

Please don’t whiff Cleveland…

2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

We haven’t seen former safety, now General Manager John Lynch draft a team so his philosophy is anyone’s guess. The 49ers are devoid of talent and need to take who they think is the best player available for them. With a multitude of needs San Francisco could go any route, however, the run defense last season was the league’s worse and former selections would suggest that the trenches will still be a priority.

Lynch will be tempted to go a fellow safety such as Ohio State’s Malik Hooker or LSU’s Jamal Adams but with a versatile scheme fit and same level talent in Solomon Thomas the 9ers will have no trouble placing him on an already young talented defensive line. Trading down with the 2nd pick will probably be the first option but the defensive depth in this class won’t give Lynch enough reason to pass on a player of Thomas’ caliber.

*Alert* Dark Horse Leonard Fournette is making waves

3. Chicago Bears *TRADE* Carolina Panthers: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

The Panthers are the perfect landing spot for Leonard Fournette and are reportedly by all accounts in love with the former Tiger running back. Fournette has been compared to the great Adrian Peterson due to his freakish size, speed and power. Even with concerns as a receiver and blocker the Panthers scheme fit is too perfect to pass up. Newton needs a weapon and Stewart has lost his game breaking ability. At 6-0, 240 pounds and 4.5 speed there isn’t a chance Carolina risks not getting their guy.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnathon Allen, DT, Alabama

Even though it hasn’t translated into many wins yet the Jaguars have assembled one of the most exciting cores of young talent in the league. As a result, Jacksonville, doesn’t have nearly as many glaring needs as one might expect. The optimal fit from a talent and need perspective would probably be Alabama DT Jonathan from Alabama since they probably would have taken Fournette if not for Carolina’s bold move. This reminds me of the stacked defensive lines Tom Coughlin groomed in New York in their Superbowl heydays.

Dante Fowler, Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Ngakoue, Day now add a versatile Allen to a versatile scheme. Allen can play 3-4 DE and 4-3 DT and fills a need as a run defender and solid rusher inside and on the end. Concerns about Allen’s health is worth noting however there is no recent news to suggest that it wouldn’t affect Jacksonville’s heavy interest all along.

*Alert* Tom Coughlin is the new sheriff in town so if he likes a quarterback don’t be surprised (well try not to be) if Jacksonville ironically reaches for a QB much like they did for Blake Bortles if they can’t trade out.

5. Tennessee Titans: O.J. Howard, Tight End, Alabama

Ok here me out, a lot of people expect defense here and rightfully so but here is my logic. When you’re the Titans and have heard rumblings of heavy interest from the Jets in Howard, you take the best available player on your board, even if it isn’t necessarily a huge need.

Howard is the best Tightend prospect in the last decade and when you think about pairing him up with an aging yet still effective Delanie Walker now you have an elite weapon for Mariota to play with. Not to mention he can block in that ‘Exotic Smash mouth’ run scheme so now you have a two-tight end set which has proven to be very effective in seasons past for other franchises. This draft is extremely deep in the secondary so Tennessee has a chance to get a game changing safety and or corner with their second pick in the first round.

6. New York Jets, Jamal Adams, S, LSU

The Jets parted ways with Darrelle Revis and there is a major hole at cornerback in New York, so the opportunity to add the top cover corner in the draft is a good start. However, the Jets need a dominant player and leader which is what Jamal Adams brings. The Jets in the last eight previous seasons have added a defender and they keep the streak alive with the LSU Thumper and begin the rebuild in New York.

7. Los Angeles Chargers, Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

The Chargers have never been able to replace Eric Weddle, who in many ways was the heart and soul of their defense. The aspect of Weddle’s game they miss the most may be his playmaking ability, with their starting safeties combining for just two interceptions last season.

Enter Malik Hooker and his ability to pick off the ball, which is what he does better than anyone in the draft. A true centerfielder and ballhawk, although there are concerns on his limited experience and health his natural ability is the best we have seen since the great Ed Reed.

8. Chicago Bears, (Trade w/ Carolina), Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Chicago signed unknown Mike Glennon to a large deal in free agency which removes them from the quarterback sweep stakes so to help Vic Fangio craft his defense the way he likes he needs a shutdown corner in Lattimore. The Bears did miss out on the A.J. Bouye stakes and the team has too many questions in the secondary. Jamal Adams has an equal chance to land here but cornerback fills a real need and Lattimore is one of the best defenders in this class so it’s an easy selection.

9.Cincinnati Bengals, Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

The Bengals were rumored to draft Josh Doctson and Will Fuller last year to help take pressure off AJ Green but elected to go a different direction. Rueben Foster is a favorite to land here however with rumblings of character, the Bengals elect to help Dalton with another big framed dominant receiver. It could be argued that he's the best player available, and he'd fill an enormous need for a Cincinnati team sorely lacking in receiving talent outside of A.J. Green.

10. Buffalo Bills, Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

With the absence of Stephen Gilmore many would think that one of the many options at cornerback or a weapon for Taylor in Corey Davis or John Ross would make sense here. However, The Bills go for quote unquote the biggest “Reach” so far in the draft value wise. Peppers is a physical specimen with natural ability to play all over the secondary of the defense. He can fill a nickel corner in certain packages and act as a safety in other scenarios. This will immediately add value to a ravished secondary.

11. New Orleans Saints, Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

New Orleans’ pass rush last year was almost as bad as any team in the league and they had fewer sacks (30). The only way they get can hope to sniff another Super Bowl in Brees' twilight years is to seriously upgrade their defense. Barnett gives them a much-needed pass rusher to pair with Cam Jordan. With so many holes on the defense adding an impact player will pay the biggest dividends. Barnett was a prolific sack artist in college, breaking the Vols career record that had previously been held by none other than Reggie White. Despite that impressive production there are concerns about how Barnett’s game will translate to the next level due to a smaller frame.

12. Cleveland Browns, Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

The Browns grab their quarterback of the future here and it will be between either Trubisky or Deshaun Watson. Right now, I think the Browns are leaning toward the North Carolina prodigy. Trubisky looks like a second-round caliber prospect in many scout’s eyes but that doesn't preclude teams from reaching on him in Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-2 and 220-pounds, Trubisky was very efficient in 2016, flashing all pro ability and natural talent. However, across the history of the NFL, there have been very few 1-year college starters who turned into good pro starters so Hue Jackson has his work cut out for him if things take a turn for the worst. 13. Arizona Cardinals, Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

You need linebackers who are, simply put are willing to smash something, and Foster is exactly that and is the most tenacious defender in recent years. It fills a need for the Cardinals who lost linebacker depth in the off-season. With recent rumours of a failed drug test and other character concerns do not be surprised if he falls a tad from grace..But it wont be far

14. Philadelphia Eagles, Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

With a huge need at cornerback and Gareon Conlely and Marlon Humphrey still on the board in Philly, they will take their chances on a very deep secondary draft class to get their guy in the second round. I also wanted to give the Eagles a receiver with the speed of John Ross to play alongside the physical Alshon Jeffery however I went with the BPA in Christian McCaffrey. The best comparison for McCaffrey is probably Reggie Bush because his skill set is basically interchangeable between running back, wide receiver and return specialist. He isn’t a workhorse though and it will take a creative offensive mind to utilize his entire skill set.

With an unreliable back field in place and the human joystick in 34-year-old Darren Sproles wearing out and the potentially jettisoning Ryan Matthews, McCaffrey is a 3-down, home-run hitter, dependable and a threat to rip off a huge gain every time he touches the ball. McCaffrey has a tremendous burst to break into the open field with vision, cutting ability and elusiveness. In 2015, he averaged six yards per carry for 2,019 yards with eight touchdowns. As a receiver, he had 45 catches for 645 yards and five scores. Let’s help out Mr. Wentz Philly.

15. Indianapolis Colts, Gareon Conely, CB, Ohio State

The Colts desperately need a second CB to start opposite Vontae Davis. Conley is arguably the best press-man cover CB in this draft and would be a perfect fit in this system. This team has added to the front seven through new GM Chris Ballard so there are solid options there as well as a pressing need at offensive line. The Colts neglect to protect Andrew Luck yet again and take a top 10 talent in the Ohio State defender.

16. Baltimore Ravens, Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Ravens are in the mix for an elite pass rusher and running back but settle for a top-flight receiver in Davis. Another pass catcher had to be added in Baltimore after losing Steve Smith to retirement and Kamar Aiken walking out the door. Many scouts find Davis, not Williams to be the best wideout in this class and a surefire top ten pick so the value is defiantly incredible for Baltimore. A polished pass catcher who does everything well, Davis would be an ideal complement to Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace. This also feels like a possible trade spot as General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best in knowing the depth that this draft offers he could be looking to move down to stockpile additional picks on the second and third days.

17. Washington Redskins, Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

The skins have needs in the second level of their defense but with the addition of Zach Brown they go the luxury route with the electrifying Cook. Dalvin is an elusive speedster and dynamic playmaker with terrific patience. A handful of scouts believe he is good if not a better prospect than LSU’s Leonard Fournette. However, there are questions about his size, durability, blocking, ball security and character that could push him into the latter part of the first round. But the Skins aren’t opposed to taking risks on big talents with baggage Cough! Albert Haynesworth…Cough! Josh Norman

But by all accounts, from a talent perspective, Washington so far gets the steal of the draft.

18. Tennessee Titans, John Ross, WR, Washington

The Titans are in dire need of help in the secondary but opt to take the receiver to help take Marcus Mariota to the next level by selecting the fastest prospect well…ever. After inquiring about the playmaker Brandin Cooks through a potential trade, what better way to supplement that need than by selecting Ross, who broke Chris Johnson’s iconic 40-yard dash record at the Scouting Combine by running a blistering 4.22 time. Durability and inconsistencies aside, Ross was a very productive wideout for Washington with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns. For the NFL, If Ross can add some weight, he could be a Brandin Cooks-type receiver. Adding Ross and Howard to the same team on paper puts Tennessee’s offense in top 10 territory and is scary considering how young they are collectively.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ryan Ramczyk, OT Wisconsin

The Bucs are in need of playmakers but with the top 3 running backs already finding homes this leaves Tampa Bay in choice between replacing the 34 year Brent Grimes or growing an already dynamic offense by protecting the blindside of its leader in Jameis Winston. Ramczyk is physical in the run game and has been efficient against top pass-rushers. Wisconsin’s system prepares prospects to be NFL-ready with their pro-style system. I give the edge to Ryan due to his consistent play against top-caliber competition along the likes of Michigan and Ohio State.

20. Denver Broncos, Cam Robison, LT, Alabama

Robinson may not be in the same class as some of the top prospects to come along at the position in recent years but he is solid to the point that merits a 1st round grade. This is a need pick for Denver who need more insurance over the departure of Russell Okung and often injured Menalik Watson. Denver could also use this chance to bring in the weapon they’ve been lacking at tight end since Julius Thomas’ departure in David Njoku of Miami.

Simply put; their going offense.

21. Detroit Lions, Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

The Lions may have finally found their long-term solution to compliment Ziggy Ansah in Charlton. Pass rushers could start running off the board in this range so Detroit doesn’t take any chances and tries to avoid any more voodoo magic from the likes of Aaron Rodgers. DeAndre Levy’s departure may lean the team to take a look at linebacker, however, the trenches are viewed as a more pressing need for the boys in blue.

22. Miami Dolphins, Forest Lamp, OG, Eastern Kentucky

Lamp’s stock has risen since the end of the college football season. Lamp, who is projected as an NFL guard, does everything well and can solidify the left side of the Dolphins line alongside Laremy Tunsil. Lamp draws similarities to Dallas star Zack Martin which is exactly what Miami needs along the offensive front.

23. New York Giants Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah

The Ereck Flowers experiment at left tackle is over to the relief of Giant fans, so kicking Flowers to the right in an attempt to resurrect his career while moving Bolles to the left side would be a wise move for the G-men. A fantastic athlete with a large frame and nimble feet to protect the blindside, Bolles is also an aggressive blocker who plays the game with an edge.Oakland Raiders

24. Oakland Raiders*TRADE* Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes Texas Tech

Yet again, The Texans are left scrambling for a reason to not start Tom Savage and lose out on the Red Raider star in Patrick Mahomes to the more assertive Chiefs that make a surprising trade with their division rival to get their guy. Under the tutelage of Andy Reid, Mahomes has the luxury of sitting early in his career and learn from the steady Alex Smith, which is in total contrast to the young gun slingers.

A sexy comparison to Mahomes is Brett Favre coming out of college because it’s the wild west watching Mahomes play as he is all over the place. He is going to sling the ball and worry about it later. His arm strength is elite and has good mobility inside and outside the pocket. However, Mahomes is a project and thinking of him as a ready-to-play rookie would be a mistake because of his current cognitive grasp of the game.

25. Houston Texans, Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame

The Texans get a Quarterback with a questionable first round grade but all in all it could have been a lot worse. Kizer is in the conversation in terms of being the best Quarterback by some however, there is little doubt the 6-4 233 pounder is streaky in terms of touch and accuracy. Kizer’s upside is hard to deny as the guy can make all the throws and has the excuse of losing his best players to prior drafts in No.1 receiver (Will Fuller), left tackle (Ronnie Stanley), center (Nick Martin), and running back (C.J. Prosise). The Texans are run heavy and if Kizer were to start, he would utilize the running game, he had a 154.7 rating when using play action in 2016, best in the nation (Per PFF).

26. Seattle Seahawks, Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Value wise, Seattle may get the pick of the draft by nabbing the best tackling corner in the entire class. Humphrey is extremely aggressive, tackles well and seems to embrace the physical aspects of the game. The big knock on Humphrey are his ball skills and awareness but what better environment to learn from then Seattle. The Seahawk front office signed Bradley McDougal this offseason to help address that problem. However, DeShawn Shead is lost for months due to a knee injury he sustained in the final game against the Atlanta Falcons and with trade whispers floating around regarding Richard Sherman, this inspires Seattle to add another physical corner, which is the correct choice here.

27. Oakland Raiders, Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida

The Silver and Black could use an upgrade at middle linebacker. Davis a riser who would appeal to Reggie McKenzie because of his injury history (joking). Davis is an instant plug-and-play contributor who has great leadership traits that fit with other McKenzie selections like Khalil Mack and Derek Carr.

While tallying 60 tackles, two sacks and four passes broken up in 2016, Davis was a strong inside presence who made a ton of clutch tackles for Florida in 2015. He was an unsung hero of one of the best defenses in the nation and came up huge in clutch games such as the SEC Championship along with the other late-season games against elite competition.

The 6-foot-1, 238-pounder is fast, physical and instinctive. He has sideline-to-sideline speed with the athleticism to be a threat at multiple positions if needed. However his home is Middle linebacker for Las Veee..uh I mean Oakland?

28. Dallas Cowboys, Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA:

The Cowboys were stout against the run last season, but were nonexistent in the pass rush department. McKinley can fill that void, especially with Randy Gregory expected to miss most of the season with another suspension. McKinley was first-team All-Pac-12 after recording 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss with six pass breakups. He’s a high-motor player who should have a productive NFL career.

29. Green Bay Packers, Hasson Reddick, OLB, Temple

Reddick is dramatically undersized for a d-lineman and will defiantly have to transition to either inside or outside linebacker at the next level. We got a glimpse of that process at the Senior Bowl where he had a great week in Mobile, alleviating a lot of the concerns teams had about his ability to make the switch. Reddick is a Dynamic pass rusher with a non-stop motor and the Packers would be thrilled to enthuse an ailing pass defense with a potentially dominating sack artist.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Pittsburgh needs cornerbacks and general help in the secondary. But, since James Harrison can’t play forever, and T.J Watt fits in that, physical Steeler mold who can set the edge and is a terror as a rusher. The Steelers will believe in bloodlines and receive a very skilled edge defender. Watt was one of the breakout players of the 2016 season.

31. Atlanta Falcons, Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State:

McDowell is another defensive lineman with amazing measurable in both size (6-6, 295) and length (35-inch arms). Although he could add extra strength, he has an explosive first step. His lower body is extremely strong and he understands how to create leverage to get penetration. Despite Atlanta’s Superbowl appearance, they had the NFL’s eighth-worst defense and were 17th against the rush. McDowell can help shore up things inside to help pass-rushers like Vic Beasley avoid double teams.

32. New Orleans Saints, Kevin King, CB, Washington

The Saints selected a premier pass rusher in Derek Barett at 11 and now address the secondary with the long and fast King who played all positions in the back 4 for Washington.

He's good in press coverage and only allowed 1 touchdown over last 101 targets. TFihe linebacker position is in desperate need of repairs but for the Saints it’s between King and Budda Baker and the Saints go with cornerback.