The NFL Draft is tomorrow, with the first round starting Thursday at 8 pm in Philadelphia. We’ve got the first round covered in our mock draft for everyone and their favorite teams. This did not include trades. We’ve split it into two parts. This is part one.
Round 1
- Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
The Browns have the #1 pick, and you shouldn’t be surprised. The Browns were really bad last year, with very few bright spots. The RG3 experiment failed, as he was run out of town after more injuries and his car was broken into. Which leads us to their pick. It’s between Mitchell Trubisky, the Quarterback for UNC and Myles Garrett, the Pass Rusher from Texas A&M. The Browns should pick Myles Garrett; he’s one of the best prospects in a long time, and could help provide some pass rush to a horrendous defense. Trubisky, a local boy from Cleveland, seems to be the Owner’s choice here, but he’s only had one season of starting, and Garrett is just better, and better than pretty much everyone in the draft.
- San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The 49ers have a new regime, lead by former Falcons Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. They signed Pierre Garcon and Brian Hoyer, to be their new WR and QB, at least for now. The 49ers have shown interest in Washington Redskins QB, Kirk Cousins, but don’t want to trade for Cousins, at least not presenting Dan Snyder with an offer worth Cousins’ value. They could pick a QB, like DeShaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky, but this year’s QB class isn’t nearly as deep as 2018. That’s why I have Solomon Thomas slotted at this pick. He’s the second best pass rusher in the draft, behind Garrett, and he’s close to San Francisco already, having played at Stanford for his college career. Truthfully, I think it’s between Thomas and Watson, but reaching for a QB allows people like Blaine Gabbert to be drafted before JJ Watt. Thomas should be the pick.
- Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
The Bears offense is probably not going to be good. The Bears just don’t have a quarterback, and haven’t for quite some time. Cutler was decent during his first few seasons in the Windy City, but ultimately he was a JAG, and sat out his team’s biggest playoff game. Before that, their QB was “Sexy” Rex Grossman, who somehow started in a Super Bowl despite his consistently mediocre play. Yet, I don’t think the Bears pick a QB here. They wasted $45 million to bring Mike Glennon, the pride of Westfield High School (shout out Fairfax County), to quarterback the team. Glennon is unproven, but not necessarily bad. His lack of weapons will probably be his downfall, but Jordan Howard is a good running back, so that’ll alleviate some pressure on him. Look for the Bears to draft defense here. Their turnover margin for 2016 was -20, and they only had eight total interceptions. They signed safety Quintin Demps to a three year deal, but Demps is a journeyman who will be 34 at the end of that contract. Jamal Adams, on the other hand, is probably the best healthy safety in the draft class. Malik Hooker from Ohio State, might have more potential, and turn out to be a better pro, but Hooker also is out for the next 2-4 months, and teams aren’t always keen on drafting an injured player in the first round.
- Jacksonville Jaguars:Leonard Fournette , RB, LSU
I believe Jonathan Allen is the second best player in the draft behind Garrett. He can play any position on the defensive line, and his lateral speed is insane. He can fill gaps, he can shoot gaps and he demands a double team. That said, the Jags defense already looks dangerous, and they don’t necessarily need a defensive lineman, having signed Calais Campbell this offseason, and bolstered their defense with the likes of Barry Church and AJ Bouye in their secondary. That eliminates almost all of the secondary. Likewise, they drafted Jalen Ramsey last year with the 4th pick. Quarterback could be a choice here for the Black and Teal, but new GM, Tom Coughlin, seems committed to Blake Bortles; why I have no idea, dude is a TD machine, but for opposing teams. He’s thrown more pick sixes than he has career wins. And while management is committed to the Bortles train, a pick like Leonard Fournette would greatly help Bortles with his development. A workhorse running back like Fournette would help take pressure off of Bortles shoulders, and even better, will probably still be there when the Jags get rid of Bortles. Injuries and weight might be a concern for Fournette, but given the success of Zeke Elliott and Todd Gurley (at least his first season) has shown how important the RB actually is to teams with young(ish) quarterbacks.
- Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams) OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
This is the pick the Rams used to get Jared Goff. They might regret this pick, but I doubt the Titans will. Marcus Mariota looks like a real NFL starting QB, and his athleticism has helped mask some of his deficiencies. Make no mistake, he’s not Tom Brady, but he’s certainly not RG3 either. No, Mariota is a rising star in the NFL, and I think the Titans use this pick to help him. I think it comes down to OJ Howard, the tight end from Alabama, or Mike Williams, the wide out from Clemson. Both players are offensive spark plugs, who can literally change games with their play. I think Howard is just more explosive, and teams are desperate to get a game changing TE, one like Gronk, Greg Olsen or Jordan Reed. Pairing Mariota with Howard seems like a scary match, especially considering that the Titans were a Mariota injury away from the playoffs. Watch for this team to be really good this season.
- New York Jets: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State.
Hey, the Jets are going to be bad in 2017. That’s not an opinion, just a fact. They kind of gutted their roster at the end of last year. Gone is Brandon Marshall, Ryan Fitzpatrick (Fitzmagic), Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis and kicker Nick Folk. They also might get rid of Sheldon Richardson before the season starts. Really any position would work here. Knowing the Jets, they draft a quarterback here, because why the hell not. It’s not like they just drafted Christian Hackenberg last year in the second round, right? And of course, I doubt the Jets will follow traditional knowledge and reach for a QB like Pat Mahomes at the #6 pick. But I think that would be stupid. Roll with Hackenberg, Luke McCown (signed this offseason) or Bryce Petty and upgrade your team in general. Malik Hooker, before he was injured, was thought to be the best safety prospect in the draft. Despite being out for the next 2-4 months, Hooker is a center fielder at the safety position. It could also be Jonathan Allen, though their defensive line is solid with Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams take the defensive end positions. Allen would be an upgrade over current NT, Steve McLendon, but Hooker is a bigger upgrade than Allen.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Jonathan Allen, DE/DT, Alabama
I’ve already gushed about Allen throughout the mock draft. He’s an amazing prospect, and pairing him with Joey Bosa and Brandon Mebane would help create a dominant defensive line. At this point, the only other possible pick here is Derek Barnett out of Tennessee, but I highly doubt he would be drafted if Allen is still on the board. The LA Chargers could draft Marshon Lattimore, the cornerback out of Ohio State here, and it would make just as much sense. Teams might view him as a better player than Allen, and draft him because he’s the BPA. The Chargers have Jason Vernett and Casey Hayward, both who are talented corners, with Hayward leading the league in INTs last season. Adding Lattimore would create an embarrassment of riches at the cornerback position. That’s not a bad thing though, as they have to face Derek Carr and game manager extraordinaire Alex Smith, twice this season. Bolstering their secondary wouldn’t be the worst thing and Lattimore would probably overtake the starting job from Verrett. I still think that Allen’s the pick here, though.
- Carolina Panthers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State.
Really, either Cook or Christian McCaffrey could be the pick here. Cam Newton needs more help around him if Carolina hopes to return to the Super Bowl in the near future. Players like Solomon Thomas or Jonathan Allen would be in play if they were available, but for this mock they aren’t. Hell, Derek Barnett, DE out of Tennessee, or Marshon Lattimore could be a pick here. The Panthers desperately tried to replace Josh Norman last year, but no one really filled his place, instead having a committee of rookies and journeymen. James Bradberry could be an answer in the future, but Captain Munnerlyn is just a guy. You could probably plug in half of the corners in the NFL, and they would do a serviceable job, as does Munnerlyn, but serviceable is not good enough in this NFL. So why do I have Cook over Lattimore or McCaffrey? Jonathan Stewart is getting older, and his legs aren’t holding up. Last year, he missed time, three games, due to a hamstring injury. Adding an explosive back like Cook or McCaffrey, would limit Stewart’s carries, and potentially allow him a longer career. It would also create an additional running threat to take attention away from Cam Newton. Cook’s body just looks like it will hold up better in the NFL than McCaffrey.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The Bengals need help rushing the passer. Sure, Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are good, and combined to have over half the team’s sacks. They need more production from their D-line. I would say that either Barnett or Taco Charlton would be the pick here. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Reuben Foster, LB Alabama, was picked here. Foster has fallen down draft board ever since an altercation at the NFL Combine, when Foster was sent home. That might deter teams, but the guy is a top ten pick. Still, I think he drops and the Bengals select Derek Barnett to help boost their pass rush.
- Buffalo Bills: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State.
The Bills need help almost everywhere, but specifically at cornerback, because their rivals (can it be called a rivalry if it’s this one sided?) the New England Patriots, stole their best cornerback in free agency, signing Stephon Gilmore. Lattimore is the top corner in this draft, and would have a lot of value for the Bills. He also shouldn’t be available this late, but because of needs, it’s very possible he will be. If he’s there, the Bills better jump on this. They could also shock the world and draft a QB, specifically Watson here. Tyrod Taylor may have come back to Buffalo, but how much longer will he be there? Mike Williams could also be the choice here, but I think Lattimore is just too good to pass up if he’s there at 10.
- New Orleans Saints: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
I think that if Marshon Lattimore is available before the 10th pick, the Saints should make an effort to trade up for him. They gave up the most passing yards in the league last year, and only intercepted the ball 9 time. Lattimore, or any of the top safeties would be a good choice here. Even someone like Gareon Conley, another corner from Ohio State, would be a good pick up here. But I think that it’s a little early for Conley, and in order to do better against the pass, I think the Saints draft a pass rusher. Charlton is massive, standing at 6’6ft and 277 lbs. He is slated available at the current pick, but Derek Barnett and Charles Harris, out of Missouri, could be the pick here, depending how the first ten picks go. Look for the Saints to look to make their defense better.
- Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC
As I said earlier, the Browns are looking at Trubisky at the #1 pick, but they would miss out on a once in a generation talent in Myles Garrett. Ultimately, I think they can get both players, using the 12th pick on Trubisky, and bringing the local guy home to Cleveland. I doubt they would draft another QB if Trubisky is available, but if he isn’t I wouldn’t be surprised if DeShaun Watson or Mike Williams was the pick here. Watson would make sense in the same way Trubisky would, as the Browns need a QB. Mike Williams might show that the Browns trust Cody Kessler for another year, before maybe drafting a QB in 2018. It would also help replace the void left by Terrelle Pryor, and pairing Williams with Corey Coleman would create a dangerous wide receiver group in Cleveland.
- Arizona Cardinals: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Cardinals have put all their eggs in the Carson Palmer basket, hoping that he doesn’t continue to regress after a disappointing last season. That said I think they would easily pick a QB here. Watson, Mahomes or Kizer could fit here, and be the future of the franchise, but I doubt that management wants to punt on a that was supposed to be in the Super Bowl last year. Likewise, I don’t think there will be a rush on QBs in the first round, because none of these QB’s are that good of prospects. But Mike Williams is, and he’s a pick that would allow Palmer to try and extend his career, while also being a young solid target for a QB of the future. Plus, Williams would help Larry Fitzgerald extend his career as well, adding another young pass catcher to the Arizona roster. If they choose to pick defensively, I think either Reuben Foster (if he’s there) or Haasan Reddick could be the pick. Both would help stable their defense that lost players like Calais Campbell and DJ Swearinger, and help establish a younger leadership on the team.
- Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
The Eagles have a young core with some decent weapons around their ginger quarterback. Carson Wentz looks like the real deal, and I think this draft needs to help get more talent around him. The only decent running back on the roster last year was Darren Sproles, and he’s old and short. I think either Cook or McCaffrey will be the pick here, depending on who is available. McCaffrey would be a better weapon for Wentz because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. If Howie Roseman doesn’t want to waste this high of a pick on a running back, I could see them taking a wide receiver like Williams or Washington’s John Ross. Williams is just a complete receiver, being able to do anything to get the ball, and is a deep threat because of his height and leaping ability. Ross on the other hand, is the second coming of DeSean Jackson, with his speed. Ross’ speed is unmatched and also is a deep threat because of his breakaway speed. I could even see a Tight End here, if Howard is still available, or if Roseman is sold on David Njoku as a game changer. Watch for the Iggles to go offensive with their first pick.
- Indianapolis Colts: Haasan Reddick, LB, Temple
The Colts look like the mid 2000’s Colts. They have a beast at Quarterback, but not much talent on defense. If the defense fixes it’s troubles, it would be hard to imagine Andrew Luck not playing well this season. That said I think the biggest need for the Colts would have to be a linebacker. Which is why I have Reddick at this pick. Reddick has risen up the draft boards recently and looks like a lock for a first round pick. Likewise, if Foster is there, the Colts would probably take him instead of Reddick. Charles Harris, the DE from Missouri, could be the position here, as Robert Mathis, the Colts current sack leader, retired from the NFL, and therefore Indianapolis needs some production from their pass rush. If the Irsay’s want to draft offensively, I could see them picking any three of the potential first round running backs. Likewise, Forrest Lamp, the guard from Western Kentucky, could be picked here if the Colts are prioritizing protecting Luck instead of focusing on helping their defense.
- Baltimore Ravens: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
The Ravens have a lot of holes, specifically at WR and pass rusher. Their number one receiver, Steve Smith Sr, retired at the end of the season, leaving Joe Flacco (is he elite?) without really any one to throw too. Williams and Ross would be ideal here, but I don’t think they make it to the second half of the first round. Additionally, most of the pass rushers, at least the elite ones have been drafted at this point. Ideally, they get Charles Harris, but I think it’s too early to reach for a Malik McDowell or a Takkarist McKinley here. If all of the pass rushers are gone, I could see the Ravens drafting a Tackle to help protect Flacco, most likely either Cam Robinson from Alabama, or Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin. Either would help the Ravens’ offense become more rounded.
To continue to Picks 17-32, click here.
