1. Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, 6’4”, 272lbs, DE, Texas A&M, Jr.
04/15/17 - Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
03/28/17 - Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Cleveland is looking for a difference maker on the defensive side of the football and Myles Garrett is the most dominant pass rusher in this year's draft, so this appears to be a match made in heaven. Garrett finished his three-year career with the Aggies with 32.5 sacks, which will instantly give a boost to a Browns pass rush that finished 30th in the league a season ago, bringing the QB down just 26 times in 2016. Garrett, a Jadeveon Clowney clone, checked off all the boxes at the Combine as well, running 4.64 in the 40, bench pressing 225 pounds 33 times and jumping out of the building with a 41-inch vertical leap. Garrett explodes off the ball, beating the OT off the ball and often has a couple steps into the backfield before the OT is completely out of his stance. He has tremendous flexibility to get really low turning the corner, easily dipping his inside shoulder to get under the OT's pad level and quickly gets his hips around to turn the corner. Once Garrett flattens out, he explodes to the QB, closing very quickly for the sack. He will use the arm over if he gets a great jump, but also has heavy hands to slap the OT's hands aside on the speed rush outside, and can club and rip if he's looking to beat his man inside. For as explosive as Garrett is, he's equally powerful rushing the passer. He gets his hands on the OT and gets under the pad level, driving the OT back into the backfield to disrupt the passer. He will put his shoulder into the chest of the lineman, then muscles through to penetrate the line of scrimmage. Garrett does a good job getting his hands quickly on the OT in the run game, then using his length to control the defender before disengaging and dropping the RB in the backfield. He is strong at the point of attack against the run, easily setting the edge, before shedding the block to make a play on the ball carrier. Don't let the sacks fool you, Garrett is a complete player having amassed 47 tackles behind the line and will get his hands up in passing lanes to affect the pass when he can't get to the QB. He even showed he could block kicks, getting skinny through the line before getting his hands up to block a PAT against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. There is no doubt he's the most explosive player in this draft and has the ability to affect every play when he's on the field. Myles Garrett is a lock to be the 1st overall pick.
2. San Francisco 49ers – Solomon Thomas, 6’3”, 275lbs, DE, Stanford, Jr.
04/15/17 - Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
03/28/17 - Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
New GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan arrived in the Bay Area in desperate need of talent on both sides of the ball. San Francisco signed Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley this offseason and while neither is a long-term answer at QB, the moves should give the Niners the ability to pass on a QB here. Defensively, a centerfielder in the secondary would be a nice addition, so don't rule out LSU's Jamal Adams or Malik Hooker of Ohio State. Reuben Foster of Alabama could be the pick here, which would allow Navorro Bowman to move outside, but then what to do with the newly-signed Malcolm Smith? And does Aaron Lynch move to DE? If Lynch is out of the running for the LEO position in Robert Saleh's defense, would Tennessee's Derek Barnett garner consideration from the 49ers? That would only happen if Carolina trades up from No. 8 to land Leonard Fournette, which isn't out of the realm of possibility considering the Niners could use additional picks. Then there's the debate over whether Marshon Lattimore of Ohio State is the pick. Corner has been a key area to address in this draft as it is, but then Trumaine Brock was cut following a domestic violence arrest. That leaves Rashard Robinson, Keith Reaser and Dontae Johnson vying for starting spots. Then there's Jimmie Ward, who may get moved back to Safety, but in order to do that, they must add a CB like Lattimore to lock down the outside. I think Solomon Thomas actually makes the most sense here, even with San Fran drafting DE's Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner with the last two 1st Round picks, address the D-line and with incredible depth in this year's CB draft class, the Niners can still get a playmaker on the outside early on Day 2. Something else to keep in mind - John Lynch also said they are fielding calls on the No. 2 pick. The Niners could find a trade partner in Jacksonville or Carolina, who are both likely looking to trade up to land Leonard Fournette. San Francisco would then get additional picks, which is what the roster needs, and may still be in position to land Thomas. Thomas is explosive off the ball and can generate speed into power at the point of attack, which allows him to affect both the pass and the run. Thomas is just a third-year sophomore but he's already amassed 24.5 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks in just two seasons with the Cardinal. He took over the Sun Bowl against North Carolina, repeatedly getting penetration off the snap, making Mitchell Trubisky uncomfortable on virtually every snap. Thomas keeps his pad level low of the snap and can create early penetration with violent hands and a quick swim move to shoot the gaps inside. He does a good job getting his hands into his man early, allowing him to drive his man back before disposing of the blocker to make a play on the ball. Thomas has a nonstop motor and is always in pursuit of the football, often chasing RB's all the way to the perimeter. He an beat OT's with speed off the edge (Thomas did run a 4.69 40 at the Combine), he bends well to run the arc, but can also use a spin move back inside to pressure the QB. Thomas also has a feel for the game, often reading the screen and either getting outside to the perimeter or dropping if it's a middle screen to be in on the play. Simply put, he's a disruptor up front, which is something the 49ers absolutely need.
3. Chicago Bears – Jamal Adams, 6’0”, 214lbs, S, LSU, Jr.
04/15/17 - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
03/28/17 - Jonathan Allen DE/DT, Alabama
The signing of Mike Glennon takes QB off the boar here, allowing the Bears to focus on the defensive side of the ball. This pick is going to come down to Adams, DE Jonathan Allen and CB Marshon Lattimore. The Bears finished near the bottom against the run and have virtually no pass rush up front outside of Akiem Hicks. Allen would provide interior pass rush and would be an instant upgrade over Mitch Unrein and a starting front of Allen, Hicks and Eddie Goldman could be formidable.. Lattimore does make a lot of sense as the Bears only mustered only 8 Int. and could use a playmaker in the secondary. With a draft loaded with corners, Chicago could afford to wait until Day 2. There's talk that Ohio State's Malik Hooker could be the guy here, but the Bears already have their deep safety in Quintin Demps, who picked off 6 passes last year with Houston. Hooker may have better ball skills than Adams, but not by much and Adams is the more complete Safety. Hooker misses too many tackles as he ducks his head as he arrives at the football, while Adams is a textbook tackler who arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions. While both would be a huge upgrades for the Bears' secondary, I think Adams is the obvious choice. Adams has excellent range over the top in coverage, consistently getting all the way across the field to make a play on the ball. He can adjust to the ball in the air when the ball is thrown down the field, but also does a good job reading the QB's eyes and driving quickly on the ball. Once he arrives, you can expect he's going to deliver a big hit as the ball arrives to separate the ball from the receiver. While Adams did pick off 5 passes and broke up another 14, it may be the 18 career tackles for loss that are more impressive. Adams plays well in the box, diagnosing plays early then taking the right angle to the ball carrier. When Adams arrives at the ball, he's looking to drive through the ball carrier with perfect form, head up, lowering his shoulder while also bringing his arms to wrap up. You see that form tackling every time he makes a tackle. Questions swirled about his speed after running 4.56 in the 40 at the Combine. Well, he put those questions to rest after he posted a blazing 4.33 40 at his pro day. Adams has proven to be worthy of a top-5 pick and he'll be a Week One starter and an instant leader of the secondary.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Fournette, 6’0”, 240lbs, RB, LSU, Jr.
04/15/17 - Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
03/28/17 - Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The Jags have been busy this offseason upgrading the defensive side of the ball, signing DE Calais Campbell, CB A.J. Bouye and Safeties Barry Church and Tayshaun Gipson. If Jonathan Allen is available, he could be an option here to play next to Malik Jackson up front. However, Allen is best suited at five-technique. I think the focus on defense in free agency will allow Jacksonville to focus on offense. QB Blake Bortles was supposed to take a huge step forward in 2016, but he completed under 60% of his passes with just 23 TD to 16 Int. A big reason could have been the fact that the Jags' struggled on the ground, producing the 22nd-ranked rushing offense a season ago. Yes, Chris Ivory was brought in as a free agent acquisition a season ago and T.J. Yeldon was drafted in the 2nd Round in 2015, but the two combined for just over 900 yards. Leonard Fournette is the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson, so the chance to bring him in would not only have an impact on the ground game, but would also alleviate some pressure from Bortles. Fournette reminds me a lot of Herschel Walker - he's big, and physical, so he'll run over you and through you, and he has quick acceleration and breakaway speed to run by you and take it to the house. He showed up to the Combine at 240 pounds and still ran a 4.51 40. Fournette is at his best downhill with his shoulders square to the line, which allows him to accelerate to full speed at an alarming rate. Once he has a full head of steam, he's a load to bring down. Fournette burst onto the collegiate scene as the top-rated recruit in 2014. He promptly ran for 1,034 yards and 10 TD, earning him Freshman All-America honors. It was his sophomore year that really put Fournette into the spotlight, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards with 22 TD, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Fournette dealt with an ankle injury that hampered him for much of his junior year. In only 7 games, he still rushed for 843 yards and added 8 scores. While Fournette's production speaks for itself when he's healthy, much like Peterson, his physical, angry running style leaves him susceptible to injury. Fournette wasn't asked to catch the ball often out of the backfield and his pass protection needs some work, but both should come in time with next level coaching. Adding Fournette would give Bortles the support in the running game he's lacked in what could be a put-up-or-shut-up season for the four-year pro.
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams) – Marshon Lattimore, 6’0”, 193lbs, CB, Ohio State, RS Soph.
04/15/17 - Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
03/28/17 - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Tennessee has two 1st Round picks following last season's trade that allowed the Rams to select Jared Goff No. 1 overall. The Titans struggled against the pass in 2016, finishing the year with the 30th-ranked pass defense, and while CB Logan Ryan and FS Jonathan Cyprien were key signings in the offseason, I expect the first of their two selections to be used on the secondary. This pick will come down to one of three prospects: Lattimore, Jamal Adams or Ohio State's Malik Hooker. Adams and Hooker would give the Tennessee secondary a playmaker over the top to pair with Cyprien, whose specialty is playing the run. However, Lattimore is the most physical corner in this year's draft and can be the shutdown corner to pair with Ryan on the outside. Lattimore only started one season for the Buckeyes following a history of hamstring problems, but the redshirt sophomore has already proven to be a lock-down corner on the outside. He's disruptive with his hands off the ball, has fluid hips to turn and run with his man and always seems to be in phase with the receiver. Lattimore also has incredible instincts and ball skills that allow him to make a QB pay. Lattimore picked off four passes, including one that he returned for TD, and broke up another 9 passes in 2016. His route recognition allows him to put himself in position to make a play. He trusts his eyes, drives quickly on the ball and knows what to do when he gets to the ball. Lattimore tracks the ball well when he has inside leverage and times his jumps well to get a hand in on the football. He can also trail the WR on a post pattern before shooting inside to undercut the route to the ball. He's also physical against the run, driving quickly on the ball and wraps up well in space. Can Lattimore stay healthy? If he can, he's a Pro Bowl-caliber corner.
6. New York Jets – Mitchell Trubisky, 6’2”, 222lbs, QB, North Carolina, Jr.
04/15/17 - Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
03/28/17 - Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Would the New York Jets really draft yet another QB after selecting three QB's in the last four drafts? If you remember, Geno Smith was taken in the 2nd Round of the 2013 draft; two years later Bryce Petty was taken in Round 4; and last year Christian Hackenberg was a 2nd Round pick. However, Smith left for the Giants after struggling with his time at QB, while Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg could be trade bait, especially with the addition of Josh McCown, who signed a one-year deal with New York. McCown is certainly not the long-term answer, but the 37-year old brings experience to the QB room. That said, the Jets have been working out the top four QB's prior to the draft. Are they just doing due diligence, or are they not satisfied their franchise QB is currently on the roster? I'm tending to lean toward the latter and if that's the case, there's only one QB that is ready to step in and take the helm right away. Mitchell Trubisky was only a one-year starter for the Tar Heels after playing behind Marquise Williams for his first two seasons. However, his tape is the most consistent of any QB in this year's draft. His completion percentage is off the charts at 68.5%, throwing for over 3,700 yards with 30 TD and just 6 Int., which were thrown in just three games. Trubisky also had eight games with multiple TD and no interceptions. He has good command of the Tar Heel offense, knowing where to go with the football as he goes through his progressions and takes what the defense gives him. Trubisky has good feet in the pocket and feels the rush well, sidestepping defenders or climbing up in the pocket to buy time, all while keeping his eyes down the field. Trubisky is also athletic enough to escape pressure and get up the field, making a play out of nothing. His athleticism also allows him to be a factor rolling out, getting his shoulders square to the target while on the move to deliver an accurate ball. He does a tremendous job with anticipation, throwing his WR's open. Ball placement is the key attribute that leads to his accuracy numbers. He does a tremendous job putting the ball away from the defender so that only his WR can make a play on the ball. The lack of experience is an absolute concern and one-year starters don't always work out (see Akili Smith and Mark Sanchez). If you watch the Sun Bowl, you'll see how pressure led him to making poor decisions, missing the floating Safety twice, including a simple read on a wheel route to RB T.J. Logan. However, Trubisky has shown the consistent accuracy necessary to be a signal caller at the next level and having McCown on the roster would give him a veteran from whom to learn. If the Jets decide to go in a different direction, Darrelle Revis' time in New York has come to an end in New York, so his long-term replacement must be found in this year's draft. If Lattimore is around, he'd get a serious look as he would help the Jets improve their lackluster Int. total of 8 from a season ago. Also, don't rule out Alabama TE O.J. Howard, who proved to be worthy of a top-10 pick as the most complete TE in the draft and showed off his athleticism with a 4.51 40 at the Combine. The Jets need a weapon in the passing game at TE after the position managed just 18 receptions as a group a year ago.
7. Los Angeles Chargers – Jonathan Allen, 6’3”, 286lbs, DE/DT, Alabama
04/15/17 - Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
03/28/17 - Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
The Chargers still need to replace Eric Weddle who left in free agency a season ago and Malik Hooker has the best range in the draft. I've had Hooker penciled in at this spot for quite some time, but that's largely because I was expecting Bama's Jonathan Allen to be off the board by this point. But what if Allen were available here at No. 7? There is a chance given concerns over moderate arthritis in his shoulders following labrum tears. The possibility that this is a long-term issue might drive a top-five talent down the board. The Chargers are converting to Gus Bradley's 43 defense and are in need of DE help opposite Joey Bosa. But is Allen a fit in Los Angeles? There's a lot of talk about how Allen is a five-technique in a 34 defense and can't play DE in a 4-3 scheme. Some also talk about how he won't be able to get to the QB at the next level. Oddly enough, those are the same things that were said about Cameron Jordan, who has recorded 46.5 sacks in six seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Jordan, an All-American 3-4 DE while at Cal, measured in at 6'4" and 287 pounds at the Combine in 2011, measurements similar to those of Allen's, though Jordan's arm length is a little over an inch longer. That said, the Saints didn't let the fact that Jordan was seen as a 34 DE deter them from taking the best player available and in Allen, the Chargers would land as fundamentally sound as a down lineman as you'll find. He does a good job playing with leverage off the ball, using his hands at the point of attack to disengage from blockers early by controlling the blockers hands then ripping through to clear the blocker and get early penetration. He can also set a physical edge against the run. Allen varies his moves to the passer as well, using a combination of speed and power to disrupt the passing game. He has good hips for his size, showing an ability to bend as he turns the corner and again uses those hands of his to free himself from blockers. Once he has the edge, he has a good closing burst to the QB. Allen will also use leverage to provide a powerful bull rush, driving his man into the backfield before disengaging to get to the QB. He pursues the ball well and has a motor that never quits. Allen doesn't have ideal length, which can allow him to get engulfed by large OT's. However, what really speaks to the impact Allen has on the game is his 7th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. If we go back to the Jordan comparisons, let's take a look at their production. In four seasons with the Bears, Jordan finished with 36.0 TFL and 16.5 sacks, never recording more than 6.0 sacks in one season. Allen, on the other hand, racked up 44.5 TFL and 28.0 sacks, including back-to-back double-digit sack seasons the last two years (12 in 2015, 10.5 in 2016). While Hooker makes a lot of sense in the secondary, pairing Allen with Bosa give the Los Angeles Chargers an imposing pair up front.
8. Carolina Panthers – Christian McCaffrey, 5’11”, 202lbs, RB, Stanford, Jr.
04/15/17 - Chritian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
03/28/17 - O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Carolina may be all-in for Leonard Fournette here should the RB fall to this point, especially considering Jonathan Stewart is 30 and will be a free agent after next season. However, after McCaffrey's performance at the Combine, he's proven he stacks up as a top-10 prospect. Christian McCaffrey, a jack-of-all-trades while at Stanford who is explosive with the ball in his hands in all three facets of the game. McCaffrey broke Barry Sanders' single season record for total yards with 3,864 in 2015. At the Combine, McCaffrey ran a 4.48 40, posted a 37 1/2-inch vertical leap and was incredibly smooth in the drills, showing off quick feet, flexibility in his cuts and fluidity as a receiver. He's a very sudden athlete, has the flexibility to plant and quickly explode up the field and also has tremendous balance between the tackles. McCaffrey is also a patient runner, allowing holes to develop, vision to see cutback lanes and the burst to get through it. He has a tremendous feel for the defense, taking advantage of the flow by putting his foot in the ground and cutting against it in a hurry. McCaffrey is also a threat as a receiver, showing off improved hands and route running while lining up all over the field. His immediate impact may be in the return game, where he racked up over 1,500 yards for the Cardinal. McCaffrey is a unique weapon for Cam Newton. If McCaffrey isn't the guy here, the Panthers may turn to an unlikely position to give Newton another weapon. Greg Olsen has been one of the league's top TE's during his time in Carolina, finishing with over 1,000 yards receiving in each of the last three seasons. Adding Howard would give the Panthers another weapon at the position, much like New England had last year with Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, and would be Olsen's eventual replacement. Only two TE's have been drafted in the top 10 in the last 11 drafts (Eric Ebron 2014; Vernon Davis 2006), but Howard is one of the most complete TE prospects in quite some time. Defensively, Carolina brought back Julius Peppers to team with Charles Johnson, but both are over the age of 30 and there's little depth behind them, so Derek Barnett is also an option here.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Derek Barnett, 6’3”, 259lbs, DE, Tennessee
03/28/17 - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The Bengals have yet to re-sign Carlos Dunlap this offseason, which makes finding an edge rusher to complement Michael Johnson a key area of focus in this year's draft and Tennessee's Derek Barnett would be the obvious choice here. The passing game took a major hit without Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, while All-Pro A.J. Green has struggled to stay healthy. It's possible we could see either Corey Davis of Western Michigan or Clemson's Mike Williams here. I also think Reuben Foster will get a long look here, especially considering Kevin Minter was only signed to a one-year deal and Rey Maualuga was released. I think if this pick comes down to Foster and Barnett, the nod will go to Barnett, as edge rusher would be the more immediate need, especially if Dunlap isn't brought back. Barnett surpassed Reggie White this past season as Tennessee's all-time leading sack artist with 33.0 sacks in his three years with the Vols. Barnett is a tireless worker with good first-step quickness, powerful hands and good closing speed. He does an excellent job timing his jumps to beat his man off the ball. Barnett plays with leverage, staying low off the ball and dipping his inside shoulder to get to the corner. He uses his hands to quickly club the OT's hands aside, then ripping through to get by. He does such a good job attacking the OT's outside shoulder and gets his hips around quickly to get to the edge. Once Barnett is free from blockers, he has a closing burst to get to the QB in a hurry and is relentless in his pursuit of the football and never gives up on a play. Barnett is equally disruptive against the run, as evidenced by his 52 career tackles for loss. He's stout at the point of attack and can set the edge against the run. He also stays at home along the backside of a play to take away cutback lanes. Barnett needs to add size to be a 4-3 DE in the NFL and some question his athleticism, but few have his ability to get after the QB. His versatility to also set the edge against the run will make him a top-10 pick.
10. Buffalo Bills – Malik Hooker, 6’1”, 206lbs, FS, Ohio State, RS Soph.
04/15/17 - Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
03/28/17 - Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Bills should be looking to snag a corner early in this year's draft, especially with the departure of Stephon Gilmore. I would expect LSU's TreDavious White, Ohio State's Gareon Conley and even Alabama's Marlon Humphrey to garner consideration here. I just think with a a deep draft at the CB position, Buffalo can be patient and still land a top CB, especially if they get the chance to take the top WR in this year's draft. Western Michigan's Corey Davis would be the perfect complement to Sammy Watkins' vertical speed. Granted, Watkins has not been healthy the last two seasons and only caught 28 passes a season ago, good for fifth on the team. If Watkins is on the shelf again this season, Davis would take the reins as the go-to target for Tyrod Taylor. However, if Malik Hooker were to fall this far, expect Buffalo to jump at the chance to get the best safety over the top in the draft. A season ago, the Bills managed just 12 Int. that were hauled in by six different defensive players. All but one of those players are gone in free agency, meaning the Bills have to regroup. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer were brought in to man the safety spots and while Hyde is a keeper at the Strong Safety spot, Poyer only managed 2 Int. in his five-year career, so he is not the guy to jump-start the Buffalo's pass defense. Hooker, on the other hand, proved to be a ballhawk at the Safety position for the Buckeyes in his first year as a starter. He picked off 7 passes, which tied him for 3rd in the FBS, and led the country with three Int. returns for TD. Hooker has tremendous range to get across the field and be in on a play. He can be on the left hash, but will shoot across the field to make a play on the football thrown up the sideline on the wide side of the field. He always seems to take the right angle , tracking the ball and reading the trajectory, then timing his jump to make a play on the football. Hooker adjusts to the ball in the air and has has tremendous hands to pluck the ball out of the air. He can also jump routes in front of him, driving quickly to beat the WR to the ball. However, for as instinctive as he is against the pass, he struggles with angles coming downhill against the run. Even when Hooker knifes in to make a play, he seems to duck his head and going low. Hooker finished the 2016 season with a staggering 17 missed tackles. He has to improve his tackling to be a complete safety in the league. Hooker's immediate impact will be over the top in the passing game.
11. New Orleans Saints – Haason Reddick, 6’1”, 237lbs, LB, Temple
04/15/17 - Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
03/28/17 - Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
The Saints gave up a league worst 273.8 passing yards per game in 2016. Playing in a division with Drew Brees, Jameis Winston and Cam Newton means help at the CB position has to be a high priority, especially considering Saints corners . generated just three Int. in 2016. Ohio State's Gareon Conley, UW's Kevin King and local product Tre'Davious White of LSU should garner consideration here. I had Reuben Foster penciled in here for the Saints, but after the free agency activity surrounding the MIKE with the signings of A.J. Klein and Manti Te'o, you can expect them to look in another direction. Adding a pass rusher would be huge to pair with Cameron Jordan, but the only value at DE at this point would be if Jonathan Allen or Derek Barnett were to fall. What about at OLB? Stephone Anthony is hoping to return to his rookie form, but New Orleans can do better than Dannell Ellerbe, making Temple's Haason Reddick a real possibility here. Reddick has been soaring up draft charts during the postseason process. He turned heads with his athleticism and ability to drop into coverage at the Senior Bowl, then ran a 4.52 40 and showed how comfortable he was in space while at the Combine. We knew he could rush the passer standing up off the edge and pursue the ball well against the run. However, it was the cover skills that really got teams excited. Reddick showed off in coverage, jamming RB's at the line, then extending to knock the pass away while closing the distance with his lateral quickness. It was an interesting journey to get to this point for Reddick. He came to Temple as a DB, which is why the cover skills were so effortless. However, he wasn't on draft radar when the season started, as he played with his hand in the ground as an undersized DE. However, he recorded 62 tackles, 22.5 for loss, with 9.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. I think Reddick can man the WILL, playing in space and getting after the QB on 3rd downs.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) – O.J. Howard, 6’6”, 251lbs, TE, Alabama
04/15/17 - O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
03/28/17 - Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Cleveland made the deal to secure Brock Osweiler and his contract from the Texans so they can land Houston's 2nd Round pick, but don't expect Osweiler to remain in Cleveland when draft day rolls around. A long-term answer at QB is a must for the Browns, someone that Hue Jackson can groom to quickly take over as the face of th04/15/e franchise. While No. 12 overall is a bit of a reach for all QB's in this year's draft, Cleveland may not have a choice. I think Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes will be the guy the Browns target if Mitchell Trubisky is off the board, but the question will be whether they feel this is the time to take him. Mahomes needs time to develop, which means he does not bring great value in the top half of the 1st Round. The better bet is for Cleveland to use this pick to upgrade another position, then package some of the 11 picks they currently have to trade back into the 1st Round to get Mahomes. The question then becomes, if this pick isn't used on a QB, where would the Browns look? Why not TE? Granted, Gary Barnidge was a Pro Bowler in 2015, but he's not an elite player. However, we've seen what can happen to an offense when you have dual receiving threats at TE. Why not select O.J. Howard to pair with Barnidge and give whoever is under center a legit weapon in the passing game? If you were to take a look at Howard's stat line from a year ago (45 rec. 595 yds 3 TD), it's not going to blow you away. It was almost as if former Bama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin didn't want to use every weapon in his arsenal. However, Howard stepped up when called upon in the biggest games, logging his only 100-yard games in the Tide's two national championship games. Howard caught 5 passes for 208 yards and 2 scores as the Tide beat Clemson 45-40 to win the title in 2016, then went had a 4-catch 106-yard performance with a TD in the rematch against Clemson, a game where the Tigers won 35-31. Howard proved to be a downfield threat time and time again, not only up the seam, but also on the outside. He creates mismatches down the football field and does a great job hauling in the difficult catch, showing off exceptional hands for the TE position. Howard's 4.51 40 at the Combine was second among TE's and was faster than 26 WR's. For as good as Howard is in the passing game, he what makes him a lock as a top-15 pick is his versatility. beHe does a tremendous job as an in-line blocker, with a wide base and an ability to seal the edge to open holes for the RB. Adding the most complete TE in the draft would give the Browns a weapon they currently don't have on their roster and would be a much-needed target for Cleveland's future QB.
13. Arizona Cardinals – Reuben Foster, 6’0”, 229lbs, ILB, Alabama
04/15/17 - Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
03/28/17 - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Carson Palmer is 37 years of age and is entering the final two years of his contract in the twilight of his career. Arizona must begin thinking about life after Palmer and nabbing a QB in one of the next two drafts is imperative if they want Palmer to act as a mentor before retirement. While the Cards could opt to wait for a QB in next year's draft class, USC's Sam Darnold and UCLA's Josh Rosen come to mind as being draft eligible, there's no guarantee they'll be in the same position in 2018. Clemson's Deshaun Watson may be the pick here. However, the Cards also need to find an eventual replacement for Karlos Dansby at ILB to play alongside Deone Bucannon. While Reuben Foster may be considered one of the top players in this year's draft, there's a chance that Foster could fall out of the top 10. Foster will be one of the more intriguing prospects in this year's draft. Throughout the season, it was clear Foster was one of the top playmakers in the country. However, after getting kicked out of the Combine for an argument with a nurse, teams started questioning his maturity. Additionally, the inside linebacker position has been largely undervalued in the draft, as only two inside backers (Rolando McClain and Luke Kuechly) were drafted in the top 10 since 2010. Then there's possible durability concerns as Foster recently had shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. At the same time, he has the talent to start right away at the next level and you can bet Bruce Arians and Steve Keim would jump at the chance to take a top-5 talent. Foster was dynamic against the run, showing a knack for being able to work through traffic and shoot gaps to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. He does a great job mirroring RB's on the outside before squaring his man up. Foster is also known for delivering a big hit when arriving at the ball carrier. While Foster demonstrated excellent range, racking up 115 tackles, 13 of which were behind the line of scrimmage, he also showed the ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Foster showed good timing on his blitzes with a burst to close, finishing 2016 with 7.0 sacks. He also was able to pick up TE's and RB's in coverage and has enough athleticism to line up against slot receivers, taking away in-breaking routes with lateral quickness. He even broke up 10 passes in 2015, which was proof of his range at ILB. Foster isn't a finished product as he needs to work on his tackling, instincts and shedding blockers but his range allows him to make plays all over the football field.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota) – Dalvin Cook, 5'10", 210lbs, RB, Florida State, Jr.
04/15/17 - Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
03/28/17 - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
The Eagles landed their QB of the future when they took Carson Wentz with the 2nd overall pick a season ago. The focus has already been on finding Wentz some weapons this offseason with the signings of receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Now, the focus needs to shift to the ground game. Philly finished last season with the 11th-ranked rushing offense, yet none of the top three on the ground - Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood - was able to gain 700 yards. Plus, Sproles is entering the final year of his contract and at 33 years of age, he may not be back for the 2018 season, which would leave the Eagles without their third-leading receiver and top returner. While Leonard Fournette may be the most impressive physical talent at RB, Cook may be the most versatile. Cook finished as the first RB In ACC history to rush for over 4,000 yards in just three seasons; he’s Florida State’s all-time leading rusher and ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons for the Seminoles. Cook also had a nose for the end zone with 46 in his career, including back-to-back seasons with 19 apiece in his sophomore and junior campaigns. Cook finished his career with 22 games with over 100 yards rushing, 14 games with multiple rushing TD’s and 17 games with at least 3 receptions. He has tremendously quick feet, showing an ability to put his foot in the ground and making a jump cut laterally without losing speed. He's powerfully built, running with a low pad level, and has a tremendous burst through the hole. Cook is also electrifying once he’s in space, showing an ability to make you miss in the open field, then accelerate away to go the distance. He’s also a tremendous receiver out of the backfield, showing crisp route running and soft hands and finished his career at FSU with 79 receptions. Cook's stock took a tumble following a subpar performance at the Combine. Cook ran a respectable 4.49 40 time, but his 30 1/2-inch vertical leap and broad jump of 9 feet, 8 inches were among the lowest numbers among RB's. He also has durability concerns following three shoulder surgeries, which may have something to with his issues with ball security. Cook's 13 total fumbles and 9 fumbles lost are second to only Coastal Carolina's DeAngelo Henderson (16 and 10) among RB prospects in this year's draft. Cook also had off-field issues, with charges of robbery in 2009, firing and possessing a weapon on school property in 2010 and misdemeanor battery outside a bar in 2015. While charges were dropped in all three instances, his history of run-ins with the law will be cause for concern.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Takkarist McKinley, 6’2”, 250lbs, DE, UCLA
04/15/17 - Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
03/28/17 - Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Keeping Andrew Luck upright has to continue to be a focus for the Colts, especially considering he was sacked 44 times a season ago. His health is becoming more and more alarming as he's missed 10 games over the last two seasons. Indy drafted Ryan Kelly to play Center in last year's draft and at 15, and by taking Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp, Indy would be selecting the best offensive lineman in this year's draft to play OG. While upgrading the O-line makes a lot of sense, the Colts must look to the defensive side of the ball to upgrade the 30th-ranked defense. The Colts let D'Qwell Jackson go earlier this offseason and have struggled to replace Jerell Freeman. If Reuben Foster or Haason Reddick were still available here, it would be hard to pass on either one. After 14 seasons and 123.0 career sacks in a Colts uniform, Robert Mathis has retired. Indy must try to move on, but with last year's sack leader Erik Walden and fellow edge rusher Trent Cole currently free agents, finding an edge rusher will be the Colts' focus early in the draft. Few players had a bigger breakout season than McKinley, who burst onto the national scene with 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and 6 pass breakups as a senior. His first step is one of the quickest in the draft, as his 1.61 10-yard split in the 40 at the Combine was third to only Jordan Willis (1.58) and Haason Reddick (1.60). McKinley bends well running the arc, dipping his inside shoulder to allow him to quickly turn the corner before flattening out and closing on the QB. He also has quick hands at the point to slap the OT's hands aside before getting to the edge. Few players also have the motor of McKinley's as he is always working hard to get after the football. You can expect McKinley won't give up on the play and will chase down ball carriers from behind.
16. Baltimore Ravens – Corey Davis, 6’3”, 209lbs, WR, Western Michigan
04/15/17 - Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA
03/28/17 - Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Baltimore needs to upgrade a pass rush that finished 24th in the league in sacks and while Terrell Suggs led the team with 8.0 sacks a season ago, the trio of Albert McClellan, Matt Judon and ZaDarius Smith combined to bring down the QB six times. Plus, at 34 years of age, Suggs isn't getting any younger, so the Ravens need to begin preparing for life without their All-Pro OLB. Takkarist McKinley and Missouri's Charles Harris will be the focus here. However, Steve Smith's retirement puts a focus on the WR position this offseason. Mike Wallace did prove to be a nice addition in 2016, recording a 1000-yard season in his first season with the Ravens. However, it was TE Dennis Pitta that led the team with 86 receptions in 2016. Breshad Perriman failed to make much of an impact in his first healthy season, finishing 6th on the team in receptions and 4th in yards. Joe Flacco could use another weapon at WR and GM Ozzie Newsome just might pull the trigger on the draft's top wideout. Corey Davis, the most prolific WR in MAC history, has the blend of size, speed and strength teams look for in a No. 1 receiver. He does a good job beating his man off the line and runs clean routes to create separation. Davis uses his big body to his advantage to shield defenders from the ball and shows off excellent ball skills, contorting his body to make the tough catch while attacking the ball in the air. He's also difficult to bring down in the open field as he's physical with the ball in his hands and has the speed to take it to the house. Davis was a model of consistency for the Broncos. Davis finished his career with 331 receptions and never had a season with less than 67 catches. He also had three straight seasons with at least 1,400 yards and double-digit TD's. Davis has not been healthy during the postseason process, battling a high-ankle sprain that has kept him from competing at the Combine or in his Pro Day, which could cause his draft stock to slide a bit. I wouldn't see Newsome passing on Davis here as he'd provide Flacco with a true No.1 WR for the first time in his career.
17. Washington Redskins – Taco Charlton, 6’6”, 277lbs, DE, Michigan
04/15/17 - Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
03/28/17 - Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Washington is on the market for a DE, especially considering both starters likely won't be back as Chris Baker left in free agency and Cullen Jenkins is an unrestricted free agent. While the Skins have already brought in Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain in free agency, both should be considered role players. Charlton has the size and length to play the five-technique at the next level. He's a bit of a late bloomer, having started just 15 games with the Wolverines. After battling an ankle injury to begin the 2016 season, Charlton racked up 10 sacks and 10 QB hurries in the final 10 games of the season. He displays a quick first step off the ball and uses his heavy hands to jolt the OT to get him off balance, then uses quick hands and length to rip or swim his man to get by and pursue the QB. He can bend and run the arc on the outside, but will also set up his man for a spin move back inside to the QB. Charlton can also play the run, showing the physicality at the point of attack to set the edge and he can pursue the ball down the line from the back side. Surprisingly, Charlton was also able to make a 45-degree drop in coverage look easy at the Combine, which allowed him to show off his athleticism. Charlton continued to show improvement as the season progressed, so we're just scratching the surface of his potential.
18. Tennessee Titans – Mike Williams, 6’4”, 218lbs, WR, Clemson, Jr.
04/15/17 - Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
03/28/17 - Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Titans will use one of their two 1st Round picks to bring in a No. 1 WR for Marcus Mariota because former top target Kendall Wright left in free agency and, let's face it, Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe are more complementary pieces. Williams has the look of a top 10 WR with his size and aggressiveness for the position. The question was his speed, but he answered the call at his Pro Day, where he ran in the low 4.5's, which is good enough to be one of the first two WR's off the board. Williams had a huge scare in 2015 after breaking his neck following a collision with a goal post, but he battled back and received a clean bill of health for his junior season in 2016. Williams may be the best wideout in this year's draft at attacking the 50-50 balls. Williams has a knack for creating separation late, then elevating and highpointing the football over the defender, attacking the ball in the air with both hands. Williams has exceptional body control with the ability to adjust to the football in the air. There also may not be a more powerful runner after the catch. If you caught Clemson's 56-7 win over South Carolina, there was a particular play that stood out. Williams caught a slant over the middle and had CB Jamarcus King on his back at the 8-yard line, he spun around with King on his back to the 5, where he carried two additional defenders to the end zone for a 19-yard TD. Williams may not be a burner, but the bulk of his 1,361 receiving yards and 11 TD came from winning jump balls, making him an obvious target in the red zone. He will instantly be a favorite target for Mariota, who can just throw the ball up and let him go up and get it.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – David Njoku, 6’4”, 246lbs, TE, Miami, Fla., Jr.
04/15/17 - David Njoku, TE, Miami, Fla.
03/28/17 - David Njoku, TE, Miami, Fla.
At 9-7, Tampa finished just out of the playoffs, but are hoping to build on the continued development of Jameis Winston, who again threw for over 4,000 yards while completing over 60% of his passes. Vincent Jackson is 34 years of age and is an unrestricted free agent, but the Bucs signed Desean Jackson in anticipation of Jackson's possible departure. What may have been surprising was the emergence of Cameron Brate at TE. The undrafted free agent was second to Mike Evans in receptions, yards and TD in 2016. However, the 25-year old will be in the final year of his contract and will be in line for a huge pay increase. Adding Njoku would give Winston multiple weapons at the TE position and would be an insurance policy should Brate leave in free agency after the season. Njoku is a freakish athlete who once high jumped 6'11" in high school. He has good size for the position with a frame that is conducive to adding weight without sacrificing quickness. Njoku has good hands and is able to extend for the ball away from his body. He's also a strong runner with the ball in his hands, showing off a vicious stiff arm while also running away from defenders at the second level. He averaged 17.7 yards per reception in 2016 which led all FBS TE's. Njoku is far from a finished product as a blocker, often struggling as an in-line blocker and in space, but he can line up all over the field as a receiving threat and can make an immediate impact in the passing game.
20. Denver Broncos – Ryan Ramczyk, 6’6”, 310lbs, OT, Wisconsin, Jr.
04/15/17 - Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
03/28/17 - Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Russell Okung's departure in free agency has left a hole at the LT position, making it arguably the top need for the Broncos this offseason. While this is a weak draft for OT's overall, Denver will likely have their choice of the top three OT's in this year's draft - Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk, Utah's Garett Bolles and Alabama's Cam Robinson. There are still questions about Ramczyk's hip following offseason surgery, Bolles will be a 25-year old rookie, while Robinson comes has to answer to the off-field incident where he was arrested for possession of marijuana and a stolen firearm, though charges were ultimately dismissed and Robinson did not miss any time on the field. If he gets a clean bill of health, Ramczyk is the best OT in this year's draft. He has only one year of FBS experience after transferring to Madison from Division III University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Ramczyk has long arms and quick feet, which make him a prototypical blind side protector as he can move laterally to keep the defender in front and uses his long arms to keep his man at a distance. He's a knee bender and is physical at the point of attack. Ramczyk also has a lot of power in the run game, generating movement and sustaining his block to the whistle. He can also cave in the left side washing down the line Ramczyk uses his agility to easily seal off his man to open holes and can climb to the second level to block the LB on the move. There shouldn't be any question about his toughness as he played through a torn labrum in his hip. Ramczyk will be a Day One starter at the next level.
21. Detroit Lions – Charles Harris, 6’3”, 253lbs, DE, Missouri
04/15/17 - Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
03/28/17 - Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
The Lions made only their third playoff appearance since 1999, but a 26-6 loss to Seattle in the Wild Card Game exposed some holes. One glaring hole is Detroit's anemic pass rush, which finished 31st in the league with just 26 sacks a season ago. Kerry Hyder was a bright spot leading the team with 8.0 sacks, but Ziggy Ansah missed three games and was largely ineffective. Both players are in conract years and with a lack of depth up front, landing a pass rusher has to be a top priority. Harris is the next Mizzou D-lineman to make an impact at the next level, joining the likes of Aldon Smith, Kony Ealy, Sheldon Richardson and Shane Ray. Harris is has a tremendously quick first step off the ball and uses several pass rush moves to get to the QB. He has quick hands to get his man off balance, has the flexibility to turn the corner and run the arc and has a quick spin move to beat his man back to the inside. Harris has a tremendous motor, always working to the football. He not only racked up 16.0 sacks in the last two seasons, but also recorded 30.5 tackles behind the line. Harris showed he's comfortable in space at the Combine, so I would anticipate a seamless transition to OLB at the next level.
22. Miami Dolphins – Forrest Lamp, 6’4”, 309lbs, OG, Western Kentucky
04/15/17 - Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
03/28/17 - Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
The Dolphins lack playmakers at the LB position and while adding Lawrence Timmons to the fold will help, adding another athletic LB should be a priority. With Jelani Jenkins leaving for Oakland and Spencer Paysinger an unrestricted free agent, Neville Hewitt and Koa Misi, who battled an injury last season, are currently set to battle for the other starting LB position. Both are underwhelming options, meaning Miami will be looking for an upgrade early in this draft, which makes in-state product Jarrad Davis of Florida a target here. However, the interior of the offensive line will also need to be addressed. The trade of Branden Albert allowed Laremy Tunsil to move outside to LT and while Jermon Bushrod was re-signed to hold down one OG position, a replacement for Tunsil is absolutely needed. Why you may ask? Well, remember that Ryan Tannehill missed the final three games and the entire playoffs with a partially torn ACL and a Grade 2 MCL sprain. If Miami wants to get back to the postseason, the health of its QB has to be top priority and if they have a chance at landing this year's top O-lineman, they need to jump at the chance. Lamp was a stalwart on the Hilltoppers O-line, starting all 51 games in his collegiate career. However, he didn't capture the attention of the nation until he got the better of Alabama's defense on September 10th. Lamp used his footwork, lateral agility and hand usage to get the better of Tim Williams and anchored against Jonathan Allen's bull rush. He's technically sound as a pass protector, showing excellent hand placement, locking out his arms and then using his foot speed to ride his man away from the pocket. In the ground game, Lamp generates movement with leverage and quick feet and he bends well to seal off the edge to allow the back to get to the outside. Lamp lack ideal length, but he compares favorably to the likes of Joel Bitonio and Cody Whitehair, both of whom were starting OT's in college, but kicked inside and were immediate starters at OG in the league. An O-line consisting of Tunsil, Lamp, Mike Pouncey, Bushrod and Jawuan James would be a big step forward in keeping Tannehill upright.
23. New York Giants – Garett Bolles, 6’6”, 297lbs, OT, Utah, Jr.
04/15/17 - Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
03/28/17 - Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
A key question this offseason is the future of Ereck Flowers at left tackle. In 2016, Pro Football Focus had Flowers rated the 64th OT in the NFL, with an overall rating below 50 out of 100 and a pass blocking rating below 40 out of 100. His struggles to protect Eli Manning were evident and the former 2015 1st Round pick may be best suited on the right side. If the move takes place, an immediate need at LT would open up and at No. 23, the Giants are sitting in position to land one of the top three OT's in the draft. Bolles is one of the more physical OT's in this year's draft while also showing off some of the most athleticism at the same time. He's also going to be 25 years of age when the season begins, so you're getting a more mature player. Bolles had a rough upbringing, but after finding religion, Bolles set out for Snow College, where he was a JUCO All-American. Bolles transferred to Utah for the 2016 season, which means he's yet another OT with just one year of FBS playing experience. He's one of the more athletic OT's you'll find, showing an ability to pop out of his stance to quick set against edge rushers and uses his lateral quickness to pick up secondary moves. He's heavy-handed, delivering a violent punch at the point of attack. Bolles is extremely light on his feet, making every angle block, is quick to seal off his man and moves well to the second level to block in space. He also plays with a mean streak, driving his man down the field and sustaining his block before burying his man. Bolles has a bit of a narrow frame, but he can easily add weight in an NFL weight room. If the Giants dare look elsewhere, this could be where they consider a future replacement for Manning, who will be 36 years of age this upcoming season. Patrick Mahomes and Deshone Kizer will be options here.
24. Oakland Raiders – Tre'Davious White, 5’11”, 192lbs, CB, LSU
04/22/17 - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
04/15/17 - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
03/28/17 - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Oakland should be on the market for help at corner and along the interior of the defensive front early in this year's draft. The Raiders finished 2016 with the 24th-ranked pass defense following an offseason that saw Oakland bring in Sean Smith and David Amerson. Free agency didn't help upgrade the position, so I'd expect the focus turn to the draft. The interior of the defensive line saw the release of Dan Williams, leaving Justin Ellis as the only option at NT and they are still lacking a pure three-technique. Michigan State's Malik McDowell has elite physical ability, but his motor runs hot and cold and doesn't live up to the potential. Oakland already has a history of taking a chance on a player in that mold as they took Mario Edwards at the top of Round 2 in 2015. Edwards has developed into a starter who will be counted on to produce in 2017. So while the Raiders already have success in motivating a player, do they want to take a chance on another and would the 1st Round be the place to select such a player? I think corner makes sense here, allowing Oakland to wait until the 2nd Day to land a DT. White is a physical presence with good feet, closing speed and a knack for making a play on the football, having broken up 34 passes in his career with the Tigers. He does a good job taking away the inside off the ball and always seems to be in position when the ball arrives. White also offers return ability, having returned three punts for TD in his collegiate career.
25. Houston Texans – Cam Robinson, 6’6”, 322lbs, OT, Alabama, Jr.
04/15/17 - Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
03/28/17 - Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
The Texans are on the market for a QB after trading Brock Osweiler to Browns this offseason, especially considering Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden are the only QB's listed on the depth chart. The speculation around a QB here only intensified when Tony Romo walked away from the game in favor of the broadcast booth at CBS. However, I'm not sold that the Texans will use this pick on Deshone Kizer or Patrick Mahomes. Protecting whoever is undr center may be the greater need. Duane Brown is the starter at LT and the 31-year old has two more years left on his contract. I expect him to handle the blind side of whoever is going to be QB for the duration of his contract. The other side is a bit cloudier as Derek Newton, who had not missed a game since the start of 2013, tore both of his patellar tendons against the Broncos last season and likely won't be available in 2017. That would leave Chris Clark as the starter, but he struggled in relief work last season. Robinson is athletic enough to play on the left side, but he also has the nasty disposition needed to play on the right side. Robinson, the 2016 Outland Trophy winner, starting every game protecting the QB's blind side at LT in his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Robinson generates a ton of power at the point of attack, generating movement with a violent punch and strong leg drive. He has enough quickness out of his stance to easily get out and pull and does a good job sealing his man off to open holes. Robinson slides well laterally against edge rushers and has a quick power step to the inside to cut off defenders trying for an inside move. However, it's his lack of balance that offers some inconsistency in pass protection. Robinson tends to lean a lot and bend at the waist, which causes his weight to get out in front of his feet. Too often he's unable to sustain blocks because he isn't balanced and under control. If an NFL O-line coach can work on his technique and balance, Robinson has the athletic ability to play either OT position.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Kevin King, 6’3”, 200lbs, CB, Washington
04/15/17 - Kevin King, CB, Washington
03/28/17 - Kevin King, CB, Washington
The Seattle secondary may have a completely different look in 2017 as it appears they are shopping Richard Sherman. Even if Sherman is still wearing a Seahawks uniform on the first week of the season, corner will still be a key need, especially considering Jeremy Lane struggled mightily a season ago, while DeShawn Shead is still recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus. Local product Kevin King has the length Seattle is looking for in their secondary and is a viable option to start Week 1. King is one of the tallest corners in this year's draft, but also proved at the Combine he is one of the fastest, posting a 4.43 40 time, which was a top 10 time among CB's in Indy. King is a physical corner who does a good job pushing his man to the boundary and cuts off the receiver by getting into their path, ultimately slowing him down. King also does a good job not allowing separation over the middle. He has a good feel for the route and is instinctive when the ball is in the air. He has excellent hands and uses his length to go up and make a play. King hauled in 6 Int. with the Huskies, while also breaking up 22 passes and allowed just 1 TD in the last 101 targets. He's not overly physical as a tackler, but he's effective. King showed he can bring down a big back in short yardage situations, as evidenced by knifing into the backfield and dropping Bama's Bo Scarbrough for a loss in the Peach Bowl. King is also a local product, which would be a welcome site for Seahawk fans.
27. Kansas City Chiefs – Deshaun Watson, 6’2”, 221lbs, QB, Clemson, Jr.
04/15/17 - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
03/28/17 - John Ross, WR, Washington
Jeremy Maclin had a down season in 2016, which left Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill as the leading receivers for KC. Chris Conley and Albert Wilson are nice role players, but the Chiefs really need a receiver that can take over a starting role. There is a chance Washington's John Ross will be the pick to stretch defenses vertically. However, the RB position is the need that has to be addressed in this draft. After five 1,000-yard seasons and multiple ACL injuries, Jamaal Charles has moved on from KC. That leaves the RB-by-committee trio of Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and the newly-signed C.,J. Spiller, who came to the Chiefs this offseason on a one-year deal. Ware did rush for 921 yards, but he managed just 3 TD and averaged just 51 yards on the ground in their two playoff games. The Chiefs lack the versatile playmaker in the backfield who can be a homerun hitter. If Dalvin Cook falls in their laps, expect KC to hurry to the podium. I think there's a chance this pick is actually used on a QB. Alex Smith did finish the regular season with the 11th-highest QB rating in the league, but after putting up the fourth-lowest passer rating in a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round, questions began to swirl regarding whether Alex Smith is the guy to get the Chiefs past the divisional playoff game for the first time since 1993. The Chiefs may consider moving on from Smith after his contract is up after next season. Now may be the time to bring in a QB to challenge Smith, especially considering there may not be a QB with the same credentials as Watson, who twice guided the Clemson Tigers to the National Championship against Alabama. He's a two-time Heisman finalist, 2016 Heisman runner-up and a two-time Davey O'Brien Award winner for the nation's top QB, having thrown for over 10,000 yards in his illustrious career. He's seemingly at his best when the lights are brightest, throwing for over 400 yards in each of the National Title games with 7 TD to just 1 Int. He even racked up over 1,000 yards on the ground as a redshirt sophomore in 2015. So why isn't he talked about as a top 10 pick? While Watson has proven to be deadly accurate on the move, his accuracy took a hit within the pocket. His decision making also really needs to improve. No FBS QB had more Int. than Watson's 30 over the last two seasons. Too often he was baited into making a throw that he shouldn't, making you wonder how well he sees the field. Watson will need a couple of years of development before he'd be ready to take the reins from Smith as starter.
28. Dallas Cowboys – Jordan Willis, 6’4”, 255lbs, DE, Kansas State
04/15/17 - Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
03/28/17 - Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
The retirement of Doug Free makes the RT position an area of focus this offseason. Is Chaz Green the answer? If any of the top three OT's were to fall this far, expect Dallas to jump at the chance to secure the right side of the line. However, if they're off the board, I believe the focus will turn to the defensive side and focus on either the secondary or on finding an edge rusher that can make an immediate impact. At the CB position, Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr are out and while Nolan Carroll was signed, Anthony Brown and Orlando Scandrick are best suited as the nickel. Depth at the CB position means Dallas can wait until Day 2. The same might be for the Safety position. Dallas hit a home run with free safety Byron Jones two years ago, but Strong Safety is a big ned. UConn's Obi Melifonwu can play over the top, Washington's Budda Baker can play in the box and Michigan's Jabrill Peppers can be a little of both. Randy Gregory was supposed to be that guy when he was taken two seasons ago, but following suspensions due to substance abuse, he can't be counted on to be on the field in 2017. Benson Mayowa led the team in 2016 with just 6.0 sacks, while Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence and Charles Tapper have been underwhelming rushing the passer. Jordan Willis would be a nice fit as he's been rising up draft boards following a tremendous performance at the Combine. His 4.53 40 time was just 0.01 slower than Haason Reddick's top time for defensive linemen, while he showed off agility and fluidity in the three-cone drill where his time of 6.85 as tops among DL. Willis even showed off lower-body explosion with a 39-inch vertical leap. However, he also knows how to get to the QB, finishing his career with 25.5 sacks. Willis is powerful at the point of attack, uses his hands well to get off blocks and runs the arc well to get to the QB. He proved he can be a three-down defender as he also makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by the 39.5 career tackles for loss, 31 of which were recorded in the last two seasons. Willis is one of the more underrated players in this year's draft and should make an immediate impact at the next level.
29. Green Bay Packers – T.J. Watt, 6’4”, 252lbs, LB, Wisconsin, Jr.
04/15/17 - T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin
03/28/17 - T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin
Green Bay is on the market for a boundary CB to pair with Davon House on the outside, allowing Damarious Randall and Ladarius Gunter to man the slot inside. Ohio State's Gareon Conley makes a lot of sense here if he does fall. Conley was often the forgotten man playing in a secondary with Marshon Lattimore and Malik Hooker, but he quietly put up solid numbers, picking off four passes while breaking up another eight. However, what may be a bigger need is finding help off the edge rushing the passer. Julius Peppers and his 7.5 sacks from a season ago are gone in free agency and Datone Jones, who bounced back and forth between DE and LB, is also gone. Then there's Clay Matthews, who is hoping to return to his All-Pro form, but battled injuries in 2016 and only registered 5.0 sacks in just 12 games. Nick Perry had a career year, leading the Pack with 11.0 sacks, which ultimately helped him ink a new 5-year, $59 million contract. The depth at the corner position in this year's draft, coupled with the fact that Green Bay could land an in-state edge rusher the caliber of Watt may tip the scales in favor of the edge rusher at No. 29. Cheeseheads will be quite familiar with Watt, J.J.'s younger brother who started for the Badgers the last three seasons. The former TE has battled a left ACL injury in 2014 before moving to defense, where he tore his right knee during spring practice in 2015. Watt finally was able to make an impact at OLB in 2016 and he did not disappoint, recording 63 tackles, 15.5 for loss, with 11.5 sacks, an Int. for TD, 4 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. Watt is quicker than fast, showing first step quickness to beat his man off the ball. His hands are always active, showing the ability to jack the lineman back with power or swiping the OT's hands down with a quick hand movement. He takes advantage of his long arms to create separation and once he gets to the edge, Watt is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. Watt reads plays well, allowing him to follow the ball, and has good lateral quickness, which allows him to work through traffic. He does need to add some size to allow him to set the edge against the run, but if there was any question of his athleticism, his Combine performance should put that to rest. Watt ran a 4.69 40 time, which was the 11th fastest among LB's and his time in the three-cone drill of 6.79 was not only 2nd among LB's, but was also faster than 23 DB's! Keep in mind, T.J. is a Watt and if the play of J.J. and Derek is any indication, the Pack is going to get a tireless worker who is only going to continue to get better.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers – John Ross, 5’11”, 182lbs, WR, Washington, Jr.
04/15/17 - John Ross, WR, Washington
03/28/17 - Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Pittsburgh is still waiting on the NFL to rule on Martavis Bryant's future after being suspended for all of 2016 due to substance abuse. With Bryant's future up in the air and nearly all of the WR corps set to become free agents following the season (Bryant, Eli Rogers, Sammie Coates, DeMarcus Ayers and the newly-signed Justin Hunter), it would behoove the Steelers to find another WR to complement Antonio Brown. would give Pittsburgh yet another weapon on the outside. Ross is an absolute speed merchant, breaking Chris Johnson's 40 record at the Combine running a 4.22 40 time. The speed was evident with the Huskies last season, where he racked up 1,150 yards on 81 receptions and 17 TD. What may be even more impressive is that 12 of his TD's were scored in the red zone. Ross was also a threat in the return game, having scored 4 TD on kick returns in his career. The question on where Ross will be drafted comes down to his long-term health as he has had major knee surgeries on both of his knees. When you have a WR whose game is his speed, ACL tears have to be a concern. He also went under the knife after the Combine to repair a torn labrum. While there's no doubt Ross has the quickest feet in the draft, teams will have to make sure his knees can hold up before he can be considered as a top-15 pick. Those health concerns could send him down in the draft, which would be just fine with the Steelers, as pairing Ross with Brown would put pressure on defenses vertically.
31. Atlanta Falcons – Dan Feeney, 6'4", 305lbs, OG, Indiana
04/15/17 - Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
03/28/17 - Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
Expect the NFC Champs to continue to upgrade their pass rush early in this year's draft. 2015's 1st Round pick Vic Beasley had a breakout year with 15.5 sacks, but the next highest sack total was Adrian Clayborn's 4.5. At the DE position, incumbent starters Brooks Reed and Rashede Hageman struggled to put pressure on the QB. Then there's the aging Dwight Freeney who is a free agent and may decide to hang it up. Jordan Willis would make sense here, but it's a little early to take th likes of Ohio's Tarell Basham. Atlanta drafted Keanu Neal at Safety a year ago. Could we see the Falcons take another Safety? Jabrill Peppers is a versatile player in the mold of Neal and Deion Jones.. However, Atlanta is also looking or a plug-and-play OG to play opposite Andy Levitre. One of the more consistent O-linemen in this year's draft is Indiana's Dan Feeney, who started all 46 games in his career and gave up just two sacks with the Hoosiers. Feeney plays with good leverage, has heavy hands and generates movement with a powerful leg drive. He's a technician who plays to the whistle and knows how to finish. Feeney played out of position at RT for much of 2016 where he seemed to be a step slow against speed rushers and showed some balance issues on the edge. Keep Feeney inside, let him anchor along the interior of the line or get out and pull to lead the run game. Feeney can be a 10-year starter in the league and will start Week 1.
32. New Orleans Saints (from New England) - Adoree' Jackson, 5'10", 186lbs, CB, USC, Jr.
04/15/17 - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
03/28/17 - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Saints had the league's worst pass defense in 2016, so they would be elated to secure two players who can make an immediate impact defensively in the 1st Round. Only four teams had fewer than the 9 Int. New Orleans put up a season ago and depth is also a concern as Kyle Wilson and B.W. Webb are free agents, while Sterling Moore and Delvin Breaux are in the final year of their respective deals. Why not bring in last year's Jim Thorpe Award winner? Jackson was one of the most dynamic players in all of college football, scoring a TD as a WR, CB, KR and PR in his three-year career with the Trojans. Jackson has used his time as a WR (he caught 39 passes and scored 6 TD at WR) to recognize routes and put himself in position to make a play. He has excellent closing speed, takes the proper angle to the ball and times his jumps well to get a hand in on the football. His ball skills allowed him to make key plays on the football, as he finished with 6 Int. and 28 pass breakups while at USC. Jackson is also dynamic in the return game where a big return can change the entire complexion of a game. Jackson is so sudden, he's able to make the first man miss, then uses his vision and sprinter speed to take it to the house. Jackson finished with 6 punts and 4 kickoffs returned for TD in his career. Imagine Jackson returning kicks with Ted Ginn, Jr.! Jackson is one of the more intriguing players in this year's draft, but his lack of ideal size will likely drop him to Day 2. He also struggled transitioning out of his back pedal, which led to key TD's. Against Utah, Jackson stumbled out of a break, which led to he game-winning 18-yard TD pass to Tin Patrick with just 16 seconds to play. When the Trojans faced off against Washington in Seattle, Jackson stumbled out of his back pedal against John Ross, leading to a 70-yard TD which brought the score to 17-13 early in the 3rd quarter. The Trojans managed to win 26-13, but the TD was definitely a momentum shifter. Finally, the Rose Bowl game saw Chris Godwin burn Jackson for a TD on a corner route after he was turned around, then slipped as he went to turn and run. Jackson has to work with his transitions if he's going to be wants to see action early on defense. However, as he continues to improve at corner, his athleticism will get him on the field early in the slot.
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