Photo: NFL.com
Date(s): April 27-29
Location: Philadelphia, PA
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network
2017 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 – Created – 4/20/17
Mock drafts are subject to change based on new information, signings and draft workouts/visits.
Mock Draft Schedule:
1.0 (3/20/17) 2-rounds
2.0 (4/6/17) 2-rounds
3.0 (4/17/17)
4.0 (4/26/17)
Round 1
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A & M
Myles Garrett is the hands down best prospect in this year’s draft, and his combine performance backed that up. The Browns obviously have needs all over the field and quarterback is definitely at the top of that list as well, which makes Mitchell Trubisky an option as well. Trubisky has been gaining steam as the #1 pick, so much so that it is being reported that the Browns brain trust is split on the idea. However, the Browns also have the 12th pick in the draft and hold plenty of stock with first and second rounders over the next couple of years, perhaps holding out hope of a trade for Jimmy Garappolo in the future.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
2. San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas, DE, Standford
Thomas as climbed up draft boards recently, surpassing Jonathan Allen in most spots. Like most teams in the top of the draft, the 49ers need players in all areas, but obtaining a pass rusher in Thomas is a nice start to building that defense back up. Quarterback is always an option here, but they at least have Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley on the roster at this point. There is still a possibility that this pick gets traded to Washington for Kirk Cousins too.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
3. Chicago Bears- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
I can’t see the Bears going with a quarterback here after giving the kind of money they did to Mike Glennon. In my opinion their biggest need is in the secondary, and they will address that here with the very athletic and skilled Lattimore.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
I’m still in the minority here with the Jags pick. Most have slotted Leonard Fournette in this spot, but I’m not ready to do that yet. Maybe in mock 4.0? They have spent a lot of money in free agency building up their already up- and- coming defense, and they will look to continue to add to that in this spot. Jonathan Allen could go as high as #2 so they won’t pass him up at #4.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
5. Tennessee Titans (from LA Rams)– Jamal Adams, SS, LSU
Tennessee could thank the Rams for being able to draft in the top 5. Jamal Adams is the top safety in this years’s class and has the versatility to play both positions, and some even believe he could convert into a full-time cornerback if needed. They’ll fill a need here with one of the more complete players in the class.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
6. New York Jets- O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
The Jets could go in any direction here, and their situation is too complex and confusing to discuss in this spot. I really wanted to change this pick up for this mock draft, and so I found a way to do that without having a QB here as many believe.I also strongly believe that this pick changes hands by the time the clock starts. O.J. Howard fits the bill as what is now a prototypical Tight End. Todd Bowles has said that he wants to be more involved in the offense, so he may very well want to start that with Howard. Perhaps in my heart of hearts, this isn’t the pick I think the Jets make, for mock 3.0, it’s the direction they’ll go.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Mock 2.0 Pick: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Boom! Here is the first real surprise of our mock draft. Phillip Rivers will turn 36 towards the end of the season and has already hinted at retirement in the past. They Chargers, now in Los Angeles, will give their new city a new franchise quarterback, and I think this is the perfect spot for Trubisky. Having started only 1 year at North Carolina, Trubisky can learn from Rivers for a year or two, before being asked to take over the team. I could very well see the Chargers actually giving up an additional pick to the Jets in order to ensure they get their guy. I’m staying the course here in mock #2, but this is one pick that could very well change as we get closer to draft time.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
8. Carolina Panthers- Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The Panthers need help on both lines as well as in the backfield. I think it’s too early for any of the offensive lineman, and the running back position is deep enough to grab one later. Hooker is the best player available for the Panthers.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Mock 2.0 Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Update: Foster has tested positive for a diluted urine sample (failed test) at the NFL Combine. This news will probably result in a slide down draft boards, as the player will enter the league in the protocol. Expect a change in this pick for Mock 4.0
Even after signing 26 year old Kevin Minter, the Bengals still go with another inside linebacker in Reuben Foster. Foster made headlines during the combine, but not for his play. He was sent home after a “heated” argument with a hospital worker. That shouldn’t be enough for the Bengals to pass up on the best ILB in the class. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has even said that Foster is “the best pure football player in this years class”.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Same
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
10- Buffalo Bills- Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
This is our first change from mock draft 1.0. The Bills need a play-maker to go along with the oft-injured Sammy Watkins, and the they’ll go ahead and compliment him with Corey Davis. He won’t be needed to burn defenders down the field (because he can’t) but his excellent hands and route running will have an impact in both the short and intermediate games.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jabril Peppers, SS, Michigan
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
11. New Orleans Saints- Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
I said in previous mocks that this pick can change if they make a deal for Malcolm Butler. Well, they haven’t, and yet I still went in another direction from mocks 1 and 2 because I ultimately think a deal does get worked out with New England. McCaffrey gives the Saints an ultimate offensive weapon that can be the lead running back, and/or the slot receiver. While Ingram is a nice player, McCaffrey can do things that he can’t.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Mock 2.0 Pick: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
I’m not expecting the Browns to stay in this spot, but if they do it could be Watson here. I still believe the Browns will end up with Garappolo either with this pick or numerous 2nd round picks that they have over the next 2 years. They could be receiving a lot of phone calls here and this is very challenging spot to predict.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
13. Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
The Cardinals have already lost some key guys on defense including Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger, so their window for a championship may be closed. With Palmer turning 38 during the season, they need to look towards the future and getting Mahomes here is a step in the right direction. I believe that Mahomes could be the best quarterback out of this class when we look back on it 5 years from now. Arians has said that there is only one quarterback that can start right away in this draft. We don’t know who he’s referring to but it doesn’t matter in his case. Letting Mahomes sit a year and learn from Palmer would be beneficial to both the team and the player. I wouldn’t rule out a wide receiver or O.J. Howard in this spot, but for now I’m sticking with my first choice.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)– Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Of course Fournette could go as early as the 4th pick, but there are always a few players that stay in the “green room” longer than expected. The Eagles would be thrilled if this was the case here and wouldn’t hesitate filling a need and taking a player of this caliber with the 14th pick.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
15. Indianapolis Colts- Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Indianapolis could use offensive line help as well, but they’ll they jump on the opportunity to grab a play-maker like Dalvin Cook. With Frank Gore entering the season as a 34 year old, the Colts will be able to move on from him without much worry with the addition of the Cook. Cook is the #1 running back in this year’s class in many circles.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
16. Baltimore Ravens- Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
3rd mock and the 3rd change for the Ravens. With multiple needs, Barnett is an immediate assistance to the pass rush.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Mock 2.0 Pick: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
17. Washington Redskins- Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
This pick is not contingent on what happens with the San Francisco 49ers and pick #2. Kirk Cousins doesn’t want to be in Washington and they can’t franchise him again (though they could transition tag him, but that would cost them close to 30 million). Either way, they need to prepare for life without Cousins and they could start by taking the best available quarterback at this point, in Kizer. I wouldn’t be surprised if a trade with SF happens after the first round is over, where the 49ers trade the player they picked at #2 and some for Cousins.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
18. Tennessee Titans- John Ross, WR, Washington
Ross was the hit of the combine when he broke Chris Johnson’s 40 yard record time. He may not be going to his own island, but he will be Marcus Mariota’s main target in short time. The Titans are going to have a tough time deciding between Ross and Mike Williams, but as we all know, the draft is always full of surprises.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
I had McDowell mocked here for the first couple of mocks, but changed my tone here for mock 3. The Bucs need to do a better job of protecting Winston, so they’ll take arguably the best one available here in Robinson.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St.
Mock 2.0 Pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St.
20. Denver Broncos- Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Having lost Russell Okung in free agency, the Broncos have a hole on the left side of their line. The Addition of Ramczyk will be a nice piece to go with center Matt Paradis. Regardless of who the quarterback is there, they will need the protection.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
21. Detroit Lions- Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Many experts have Charlton climbing draft boards, and even into the top 10 in some places. However, he’s available here in our mock draft so the team with the 2nd fewest sacks in the league last year (26) will be thrilled if he fell to them here at 21. Charlton has the strength and athleticism to play in both the 4-3 and the 3-4, making him a nice addition to the Lions.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
22. Miami Dolphins- Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
I initially had Reddick here in mock #1, but he was off the board in the 2nd mock. He’s available once again for the Dolphins so they’ll pull the trigger on someone that could very well go in the top 15.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
Mock 2.0 Pick: Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
23. New York Giants- David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
I was finally able to get O.J. Howard out of the Giants spot (sorry Giants fans). But don’t worry, they’ll take the 2nd best TE prospect, in the super athletic Njoku. Some Giants fans may still be screaming about the lack of improvement on the offensive line, but relax, it will be there. The Giants did sign Rhett Ellison in free agency, and he too will help on the offensive line.
Mock 1.0 Pick: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
Mock 2.0 Pick: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
24. Oakland Raiders- Kevin King, CB, Washington
They might need a linebacker more than corner, but with the way King has been jumping up draft boards, they won’t let King get passed them.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
25. Houston Texans- Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
Sorry Texans fans, the top 4 quarterbacks are already off the board, and Tony Romo is leading the CBS booth. If you’d like to reach on Davis Webb or Nathan Peterman here then go ahead. We aren’t going to do that for you though. The offensive line is the biggest need for this team, and they get a good one here with Garrett Bolles.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
Mock 2.0 Pick: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
26. Seattle Seahawks- Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
Another team in need of offensive line help is the Seahawks. They have added some pieces in free agency and will look to add more in the draft. Lamp may arguably be the best O-lineman in the draft, and could make an immediate impact for the Seahawks. The team could very well elect to go with a cornerback here and there are still some very good ones.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Mike Williams will finally be able to shake Roger Goodell’s hand. Williams is as big a reason as anyone as to why Clemson won the National Title. He could end up being the best wide receiver in this class, but his combine performance may have caused him to get passed by Corey Davis and John Ross.
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
28. Dallas Cowboys- Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
The Cowboys lost 4 starting defensive backs to free agency. They’ll start replacing then here with the selection of Peppers. I’m pretty confident in the positional selection, but I have gone back and forth between Peppers, King and Conley. Peppers is the biggest “name” available and can play either safety position and nickel.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
29. Green Bay Packers- Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Green Bay was able to luck out in the first 2 mocks with McCaffrey falling to them. Not so much here, but they are able to get a versatile, quick linebacker off the edge.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Mock 2.0 Pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarrad Davis, LB Florida
Linebacker (both inside and outside)is the biggest need for the Steelers in my opinion. They’ll be able to snag Davis in this mock, who has been climbing up boards since his pro-day. Davis could very well be off the board at this point, but he’s available here in mock 2.0.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
31. Atlanta Falcons- Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Atlanta won’t pass up on the chance to get Harris, who can very well be off the boards much sooner. The hope is he can help Vic Beasley get to the quarterback.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Forest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
32. New Orleans Saints (from New England)- Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
We’ll see what happens with Malcolm Butler, as this pick could end up back with the Patriots. Otherwise, the Saints will double up with CB’s in the first round if they hold the pick. Even if the pick is in New England’s hgands, Conley could be it.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Mock 1.0 Pick: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Mock 2.0 Pick: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
34. San Francisco 49ers: Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut
Mock 1.0 Pick: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
35. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Mock 1.0 Pick: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
Mock 2.0 Pick: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
36. Chicago Bears: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Mock 1.0 Pick: T.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Mock 2.0 Pick: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
37. Los Angeles Rams: T.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
38. Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Mock 1.0 Pick: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Mock 2.0 Pick: Same
39. New York Jets: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
40. Carolina Panthers: Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St.
Mock 1.0 Pick:Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
Mock 2.0 Pick: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
42. New Orleans Saints: Davis Webb, QB, California
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
43. Philadelphia Eagles: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
44. Buffalo Bills: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Mock 1.0 Pick: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
45. Arizona Cardinals: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
Mock 1.0 Pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Mock 2.0 Pick: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
46. Indianapolis Colts: Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
47. Baltimore Ravens: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Mock 1.0 Pick: Tim Williams, DE, Alabama
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
48. Minnesota Vikings: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
49. Washington Redskins: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Fabian Moreau, DB, UCLA
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
51. Denver Broncos: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
Mock 1.0 Pick: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
52. Cleveland Browns: Budda Baker, S, Washington
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
53. Detroit Lions: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Mock 1.0 Pick: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Mock 2.0 Pick: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
54. Miami Dolphins: Marcus Williams, DB, Utah
Mock 1.0 Pick: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
Mock 2.0 Pick: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
55. New York Giants: Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
56. Oakland Raiders: Tyus Bowser, DE, OLB, Houston
Mock 1.0 Pick: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
Mock 2.0 Pick: Tim Williams, DE, Alabama
57. Houston Texans: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
58. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
59. Kansas City Chiefs: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
Mock 1.0 Pick: Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
60. Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
Mock 1.0 Pick: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
61. Green Bay Packers: Tim Williams, DE, Alabama
Mock 1.0 Pick: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illonois
Mock 2.0 Pick: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illonois
62. Pittsburgh Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
Mock 1.0 Pick: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
63. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond King, CB/S, Iowa
Mock 1.0 Pick: same
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
64. Carolina Panthers: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Mock 1.0 Pick: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
Mock 2.0 Pick: same
**Picks and analysis are that of my own.
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