With the combine and pro days in the rear view mirror and April 27th approaching rapidly, NFL Draft fever is running rampant amongst football fans eager to know who their team will select. With an extremely talented class, the 2017 NFL Draft looks to be a key night for many teams, some rebuilding and some looking for that key piece they need to compete, to improve their roster. The most talented defensive draft in recent memory paired with the unclear quarterback situation prove this draft to be particularly interesting and will have us all on the edge of our seats when Rodger Goodell takes the stage at 8pm in Philadelphia.
A few things about this mock draft:
- This mock was drawn up so that each team will use their own draft pick on a player and will not trade up or down. Trades will be made during the first round on draft night, and on picks that are rumored to be on the move, that will be addressed.
- This mock will cover the first round
- Every pick will feature the player that will be drafted in that slot, along with two “other fits” at that draft position. “Other fits” will be chosen from the pool of players not previously selected in the mock, saying that once Myles Garrett is taken he will no longer show up on any “other fits” lists
Lets get Started!
1) Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M
At this point, there shouldn’t be any doubts on who the Browns select number one. Myles Garrett is a game-changer with a proven resume, plays a premium position, and is widely recognized as the best prospect in this draft. He measures out at 6’5” and 272 pounds of pure muscle. Garrett pairs that size with a 4.64 40 yard dash, 41 inch vertical leap, and a 128 inch broad jump. Those numbers, as jaw dropping as they are, only scratch the surface of the explosiveness he possesses. Garrett is even better on the film than those numbers suggest. He consistently beat tackles off the ball by using a great first step that will allow him to impact NFL games very early in his career. His only weakness at the college level was his lack of time on the field. He never played more than 70% of the team’s defensive snaps while at Texas A&M and had a tendency to take plays off when he was on the field, seemingly to protect his health for the upcoming draft he was projected to go number one in. Can’t blame a guy for protecting his future, even though it’s admittedly a bad look. He proved himself to be a game-wrecker at the college level, and the Browns are getting a premier pass rusher that will anchor their defense for years to come. Edge rushers’ value has never been higher, and Garrett will join Clowney as the second one to be taken first overall in the last four years.
Other Fits: None.
2) San Francisco 49ers – Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Solomon Thomas is the nicest guy in the 2017 NFL Draft. His Stanford teammates rave about the quality of person he is, and even affectionately nicknamed him “Hercules”. The man defines high character. However, Solomon Thomas is the last guy you want to see on the other side of the line of scrimmage. In his own words during an interview with CBS sports, “When I’m on the field, I don’t really know how it happens, it just hits me. I’m a new person. I grind a different way, I talk a different way. It’s my own little sanctuary to have a little mean streak,” he says with a chuckle. Thomas has an array of moves that will frustrate any offensive lineman matched up against him. He can charge up and bull rush, or rip off a lightning-quick spin move. He also is extremely impactful in the running game. Thomas may very well be the most complete defensive end in this draft class.
Other Fits: Johnathan Allen, DT, Alabama; Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Trade Possibility: SF swaps first round picks with Cleveland (12) and get an additional second round pick (52). Cleveland selects Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
3) Chicago Bears – Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Jamal Adams fears no man. This is apparent in the way he plays. Adams looks to punish anyone that he comes into contact with, whether that’s a receiver coming over to top, a running back with a full head of steam, or a blocker. He will not hesitate to hit you, and hit you as hard as he can. But Adams is more than just a hard hitting safety. Over his last two seasons at LSU, he tallied five interceptions and recovered two fumbles. He does a great job of putting himself into position to make a play on the ball. His most desirable attribute may be his leadership. People around LSU rave about the impact he has on those around him. The Bears could build their defense around a player like Adams, not just because of his fearless and impressive play, but because he is a leader of men.
Other Fits: Johnathan Allen, DT, Alabama; Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
4) Jacksonville Jaguars – Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The number four pick sees the first offensive player drafted, and he’s worthy of the selection. Leonard Fournette has been nothing short of dominant since he stepped on LSU’s campus. He exploded into the national spotlight in his sophomore year, during which he rushed for 1953 yards and scored 22 times on the ground en route to a consensus All-American selection. Fournette dealt with a nagging ankle injury he suffered before the season began and was limited to just 7 games in his junior season. Still, he managed to rush for 100 yards in five games, including a 287 yard, 3 touchdown game against Ole Miss. Fournette’s main weakness is his lack of production in the passing game. Over three seasons at LSU, he totaled only 41 catches for 526 yards and one score. A lack of production in the passing game could lead to Fournette being subbed out in obvious passing situations. This shouldn’t drastically impact his value. Fournette is a rare blend of size, speed, and power that will wreak havoc on NFL defenses. His impressive 4.51 40 time at the combine all but assured he will be a top five selection come draft day.
Other Fits: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama; Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
5) Tennessee Titans (From LAR) – Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
The Titans are a team on the rise. They need help at wide receiver, and they need help all over the secondary. But Jonathan Allen is a rare talent. There are only so many guys that can control a game from the interior on defense, and Allen projects to be one of those guys. He showcased the ability to disrupt both the pass and the run game due to great footwork and surprising speed. He has the versatility to play anywhere on the line at the NFL level, which only increases his value. He’s a little undersized for a DT (6’3”, 286 pounds), but he makes up for it with his excellent athleticism.
Other Fits: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan; Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Trade Possibility: Titans swap picks with Cincinnati (9), and get an additional third rounder (73). Cincinnati selects Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
6) New York Jets – Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Mitchell Trubisky started only 13 games in his college career, but he made them count. Trubisky led the country in completion percentage, sporting a 68% clip to go with 30 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. Even more impressive was his 62.1% completion percentage in intermediate throws. Trubisky has the arm to make any NFL throw, which will allow the Jets to open up their playbook and do things that a lot of teams can’t do once he matures.
Other Fits: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State; O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Trade Possibility: Jets swap first rounders with Cleveland (12), also get a second round pick (52). Cleveland selects Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
7) Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Gus Bradley’s defense is tailor-made for Malik Hooker. The safety from Ohio State has the best instincts out of any defensive back in the draft. Hooker broke out in 2016 for the Buckeyes, tallying 7 interceptions and 4 deflections, and proved to be a playmaker up by the line of scrimmage, tallying 5.5 TFL. These numbers earned him a first-team All-American selection. He’s raw, much more so than the other safeties in this draft, but he may have the highest ceiling.
Other Fits: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan; Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
8) Carolina Panthers – Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford
A few months ago we were talking about McCaffery as a third round pick. Then the combine happened. He ran a 4.48 40, reached 37.5 inches on the vertical, broad jumped 121 inches, and wowed everyone in the cone drills and shuttles. McCaffery possesses incredible footwork and agility that will translate well to the NFL level, and has out of this world vision that allowed him to rip off big plays consistently at the college level. He’s a Swiss-army knife that’ll line up all over the field. He can carry the ball 20 times or catch the ball 10 times depending on the game plan. Cam Newton is in desperate need of a compliment coming out of the backfield, and McCaffery gives him a versatile weapon.
Other Fits: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee; Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
9) Cincinnati Bengals – Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Derrick Barnett is ready to play in the NFL. The Bengals need a NFL ready pass rusher to help aging veterans Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Sounds like a perfect match. Barnett racked up an NCAA-best 33 sacks over the past three seasons while playing in the strongest offensive line conference in college football. He isn’t as physically gifted as some of the other DE available, but what he lacks in sheer explosiveness he makes up for with a quick get off and good hand play.
Other Fits: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama; Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
10) Buffalo Bills – Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The NCAA Division 1’s all-time leading receiver is an alpha dog on the field. Corey Davis has proved that he is capable of handling, and thriving in, a volume target role. His senior season, he caught 97 balls for 1500 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, which led the FBS. Davis can stretch the field vertically, will win jump balls, and will be a red-zone threat in the NFL. He is the perfect wide receiver to build an offense around.
Other Fits: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson; Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
11) New Orleans Saints – O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Remember when the Saints had a tight end that could stretch the field vertically? NFL defenses certainly do. O.J. Howard can be what Jimmy Graham was in New Orleans. At 6’6 inches and 251 pounds while possessing a 4.51 40 yard dash, Howard looks the part of a tight end that can make plays on the ball downfield, and will grab his fair share of red-zone receptions in the pass-heavy offense of the Drew Brees era. The Saints desperately need defense, but with a deep defensive draft, they can afford to take Howard here and get a special weapon in the passing game.
Other Fits: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama; Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
12) Cleveland Browns (From PHI) – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
DeShaun Watson is a winner. Plain and simple. In the two national championship games he played against Alabama, he accounted for an average of 472 yards and scored 8 total touchdowns, while only throwing one interception. He has undeniable arm talent, and has great touch on his throws. Watson was great at avoiding sacks during his time at Clemson, only getting sacked 32 times over his last 1181 drop backs. This can be attributed to his quick release and poise in the pocket, as he stands in and delivers the ball when he sees a defender barreling down on him instead of running and trying to buy time. He does however, have weaknesses. Watson threw 17 interceptions in his final season at Clemson. His deep ball accuracy needs some serious work. Time will tell what Watson will become, and the Browns are going to go on the ride with him.
Other Fits: Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech; DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
13) Arizona Cardinals – Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
Air raid quarterbacks don’t fare well in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes II is looking to prove that stigma wrong. He won’t get the chance to do that for a few years. Mahomes is no doubt a project, and will most likely need multiple years to be NFL ready. Regardless of this, his arm talent in undeniable. Mahomes threw for 5052 yards in the 2016 season, featuring a 66% completion percentage and 41 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. Mahomes was said to wow the Cardinals staff, including notable air-raid hater Bruce Arians, during his private workout with the team. If anyone can make Mohomes an NFL quarterback, it’s Bruce Arians. And he knows this.
Other Fits: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson; Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
14) Philadelphia Eagles (From MIN) – Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Marshon Lattimore is the best cornerback in a very good cornerback class. It’s possible that six corners will be taken in the first 40 picks. Those players, however, are not the cover corner that Lattimore is. A pure park-at-the-line-of-the-line-of-scrimmage man to man corner, Lattimore uses a combination of athleticism and great technique to lock receivers down. A 4.36 40, 38.5 inch vertical, and 132 inch broad jump shows just how gifted he is athletically. So why is such a gifted player at a premium position slipping all the way to the 14th pick? There are plenty of corner-needy teams picking above the Eagles. It seems that Lattimore’s hamstrings are scaring teams away. The issue was so bad that he had to undergo surgery his freshman year at Ohio State, forcing him to redshirt. It limited him to 7 games the following year. 2016 was his first full season without having hamstring issues, and he was phenomenal collecting 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups, looking every part of an NFL cornerback. The Eagles desperately need help at corner, as the ones currently on their roster have combined for a total of 10 NFL starts.
Other Fits: Mike Williams,WR, Clemson; Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
15) Indianapolis Colts – Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
The Colts are putting Andrew Luck in danger every Sunday. The offensive line was in shambles last year due to injuries, and Luck paid the price. The O line surrendered 44 sacks in 2016, good for the 5th highest total in the NFL, and gave up a whopping 128 quarterback hits, the 2nd most in the NFL, besting the lowly Cleveland Browns. They need a player that can step in right away and contribute, and Ramczyk fits the bill. Starting out at division 3 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Ramczyk was a two time all conference pick at left tackle before transferring to Wisconsin, where he had to sit out the 2015 season as a transfer. He started every game at left tackle for Wisconsin in the 2016 season, and earned an AP All-American nod.
Other Fits: Hasaan Reddick, OLB, Temple; Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
16) Baltimore Ravens – Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Mike Williams has the potential to be a real problem in the NFL. A beautiful combination of height and speed, Williams is capable of making catches in any part of the field. He has a tendency to win 50/50 balls, as we saw him demonstrate against a fellow member of this list Marlon Humphry. A 32.5 inch vertical leap paired with his 6’4” body seems like a recipe for highlight catches and plenty of red-zone targets. The only cog in Williams’ game is his seeming lack of breakaway speed. Williams is fast enough to hold his own and make defensive backs respect his deep routes, but it doesn’t look like he’ll win routes based off of his speed alone. Not running the 40 at the combine only furthered concern. Despite this, he’ll have NFL defensive coordinators worried come fall.
Other Fits: John Ross, WR, Washington; Hasaan Reddick, OLB, Temple
17) Washington – Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Marlon Humphrey is an all-around corner. He’s strong off the line in press coverage. He plays great in zone. He’s eager to stop the run. Humphrey may the best zone corner in this draft, and he showed it in 2016. An uncanny ability to accelerate extremely quickly allows him to react quickly to jump throwing lanes or try to separate the ball from the receiver. He does need work in man coverage, but his 6’0”, 200 pound frame paired with his 4.41 40 time suggest that he can, and will, improve.
Other Fits: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama; Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Marlon Humphrey is an all-around corner
18) Tennessee Titans – John Ross III, WR, Washington
4.22. That’s the number that puts John Ross III in this spot. The fastest 40 time in NFL combine history turned Ross from a mid-2nd round pick into a 1st rounder. He has the speed to take the top off of any defense in the NFL and will be a big play threat from day one. He needs to improve his short route running to be anything more than a slot receiver or a 40-catches-per-season deep ball threat.
Other Fits: David Njoku, TE, Miami; Hasaan Reddick, OLB, Temple
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Dalvin Cook leaves Florida State as the school’s all-time leading rusher. He took the title from three time Pro Bowler Warrick Dunn, who compiled 3959 yards over four seasons in Tallahassee. Dalvin Cook rushed for 4464 in three. Cook is ready to be an every-down back in the NFL. He’s excellent outside of the tackles running the ball, and is good enough on interior rushes to make you respect it. Cook is also dangerous out of the backfield, catching 33 balls for 488 yards as a junior. Fumbles plagued Cook’s career as a Seminole, as he compiled 13 in his three seasons. If he can cut back on those, he looks the part of a very productive and complete NFL running back.
Other Fits: Marlon Humphry, CB, Alabama; Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
20) Denver Broncos – Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Garett Bolles has overcome the troubled years of his childhood and has emerged as an elite NFL prospect. Bolles has a tendency of finishing his blocks by putting his victims on the ground. He plays with the intensity that you want to see out of an offensive lineman; Bolles is one mean dude. Considering that Bolles only played one year of FBS football (spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Snow College in Utah, a JuCo), taking Bolles with the 20th pick requires projection. It’s fair to assume that once he gets into an NFL strength-and-conditioning program, he will begin to develop quickly. The athleticism makes it reasonable to project him as a potential future Pro Bowler.
Other Fits: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama; Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Michigan
21) Detroit Lions – Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
Not everyone can change positions once they reach an elite level. Haason Reddick is not one of those people. Reddick walked on to Temple as a safety and made the switch to outside linebacker and has excelled. His senior year he finished 3rd in the FBS with 22.5 TFL and also led Temple with 10.5 sacks. Reddick is an explosive athlete, possessing a 4.52 40 yard dash, a 36.5 inch vertical, and a 133 inch broad jump. His background as a safety makes him a prize as pass rushing 3-4 linebacker that can drop back into coverage when asked. Reddick is small for an NFL linebacker, but his athleticism makes up for what he lacks in size.
Other Fits: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin; Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
22) Miami Dolphins – Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
The Dolphins are building their team the right way. They have made a clear effort to improve their offensive line play, using first round draft picks on Ja’wan James and Laremy Tunsil in 2014 and 2016, respectively. They also spent $28.6 million on their offensive lineman last season. That accounts for 19% of the salary cap, the 5th highest total in the NFL. Despite their efforts, the Dolphins offensive line was ranked 29th by Pro Football Focus. With Miami trading Brandon Albert to Jacksonville and Laremy Tunsil moving to LT next season, the Dolphins are in need of a new LG, and Forrest Lamp is far and away the best guard in this class.
Other Fits: David Njoku, TE, Miami; Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
23) New York Giants – Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
There’s a high possibility Cam Robinson is the first offensive lineman taken in this draft. He has good enough footwork and athleticism to take on NFL pass rushers and is strong enough to be a factor in the running game. Playing LT in the SEC means taking on future NFL edge rushers every Saturday, and Cam Robinson was up for the challenge. Inconsistencies in pass protection are a concern, which may lead to the other tackles being selected ahead of him. The Giants are desperate for offensive line help, and assuming he’s still around at pick 23, they’ll be sprinting to get this pick in.
Other Fits: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana; Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
24) Oakland Raiders – Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
At one point Reuben Foster seemed like a lock to go to Cincinnati at number 9. Now he reportedly wasn’t even invited to the draft. Foster’s slide started when he was sent home from the combine after taking part in a heated exchange with a hospital employee. It only got worse last week when it was reported that he gave a diluted urine sample at the combine, which is treated like a positive test in the NFL. Factor in the shoulder issues that he has had in his career, including a surgery as recently as February, and you have cause to pause when considering taking Foster. However, you cannot deny talent, and you cannot demand positional needs, as the Raiders desperately need help at ILB, and Reuben Foster’s 2016 unanimous All-American selection and Butkus Award speak for themselves.
Other Fits: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State; Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
25) Houston Texans – Kevin King, CB, Washington
Losing AJ Bouye to the Jaguars in free agency is a big blow for the Houston Texans. Kevin King can help with that. King possesses rare height for the cornerback position, coming in at 6’3”. He finished his career with six interceptions and has incredible hands that suggest he can make jaw-dropping plays. He needs some work in press coverage, but is already adept at playing zone. He makes for a good day one replacement for Bouye, and has room to grow into an excellent NFL corner.
Other Fits: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame; Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
26) Seattle Seahawks – Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
Dan Feeney was used as a right tackle in his senior season, where he earned a unanimous first-team All-American nod. Feeney was a four year starter for the Hoosiers and was twice voted to be a team captain. He’s great in zone blocking schemes, but has the skillset to handle any scheme. Feeney profiles better at guard in the NFL, but the ability to play multiple positions should be attractive to a Seattle Seahawks team that has what Pro Football Focus ranks as the worst offensive line in the NFL.
Other Fits: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple; Chris Wormley, DE, Michigan
27) Kansas City Chiefs – Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
The intangibles are obvious with Jarrad Davis. So much so, that Todd McShay called them “Top 5 in the class”. He has a diverse skillset and excels in pursuit and in the blitz, where impressive closing speed is his greatest weapon. Durability seems to be the biggest concern with him amongst NFL front offices. Davis has the athleticism to stick at ILB long term, but his quickest route to playing time may be as an OLB, especially if he’s taken here.
Other Fits: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame; Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
28) Dallas Cowboys – Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Hot take alert: Jerry Jones likes to get people talking. Jabrill Peppers has been one of the biggest talking points of this draft cycle. It just makes sense. Everything from what position he will play at the next level to what round he’ll get drafted in have been discussed. Jabrill Peppers is an outstanding athlete that can no doubt play a role in the NFL. He can be a strong safety and play primarily in zone coverage, which he did exceptionally well. He can drop down and play a hybrid linebacker in the way that Deone Bucannon does for the Cardinals. He can play slot corner and run man to man coverage. The main concern with Peppers is the seeming lack of playmaking ability. He only intercepted 1 pass and didn’t force or recover a single fumble in his entire career at Michigan. He also gave a diluted urine sample at the NFL combine. These will both factor into his draft slide, and will give Jerry Jones the perfect opportunity to steal the show.
Other Fits: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan; Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
29) Green Bay Packers – Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
It’s no secret that the Packers secondary was terrible last season, and most of that stemmed from their banged up collection of cornerbacks. Tre’Davious White would give the Packers secondary the shot in the arm it desperately needed last season. A man on man corner by trade, White spent time on the outside and in the slot corner positions during his junior and senior seasons. He tallied 15 pass deflections on 42 targets during his senior season. He’s also valuable in the return game, returning a punt for a touchdown in each of his final three seasons. His slender frame, measuring at 5’11” and 192 pounds, may bring up some concerns amongst front offices, but shouldn’t impact his stock too much as a finesse cornerback.
Other Fits: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin; Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
30) Pittsburgh Steelers – Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
Obi Melifonwi is a freak. His NFL combine was one of the most impressive showings of athleticism in the combine’s history. His measurables: 6’4”, 225 pounds. His combine numbers: 4.40 40 yard dash, 44 inch vertical leap, 141 inch broad jump. Those broad jump and vertical scores were both tops at the combine. Melifonwi isn’t just a freak athlete, he’s a football player up and down. He totaled 6 interceptions over the last two seasons. He’s also a tackling machine, racking up 118 total tackles in his senior season. The Steelers already have two starting safeties, but that shouldn’t deter them from taking Melifonwi at number 30. The Steelers used sub-packages a whopping 73% of their defensive snaps in 2016. Melifonwi could also take a shot at one of the two current safeties spots, most likely Mike Mitchell’s.
Other Fits: Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida; Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
31) Atlanta Falcons – T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin
It’s no secret that T.J. Watt’s stock is on the rise. His impressive combine results should come as a shock to no one when you consider who his brother is. Any guesses? He inherited J.J.’s talent of leaping up and disrupting passing lanes from the line. Watt is a project at the number 31 pick. He needs to get stronger and develop a better arsenal of pass rushing moves before he truly unlocks his potential as an edge rusher. His lineage and athletic ability will score him major points, and the Falcons take him here.
Other Fits: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan; David Njoku, TE, Miami
32) New Orleans Saints (From NE) – Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
There’s no doubt that Quincy Wilson has the swagger that you want to see in an NFL cornerback. He also gets the results you want to see. Wilson totaled 6 interceptions and 14 pass breakups during his three seasons at Florida. The 6’2”, 211 pound cornerback is big and physical and uses that to his advantage to make up for his average foot speed. He’s a willing tackler and doesn’t shy away from contact. The Saints, as mentioned before, are desperate for defense, and they get a future defensive stud here in Quincy Wilson.
Other Fits: Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida; DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
Notables Left Out
Gareon Conly, CB, Ohio State: Easily a top 20 talent, but showing up on a Cleveland police report accusing him of rape will lead to him falling out of the first round, and possibly out of the draft entirely.
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: Flashes playmaking ability that can translate to the next level, but inconsistencies at Michigan have him fall into the second round.
David Njoku, TE, Miami: Elite athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect for any NFL team, but an 11% drop percentage will scare teams away from using a first round pick on him. He’ll go early in the second round.
Budda Baker, S, Washington: Impressive ball skills and footspeed make it easy to project him as a solid NFL safety, but Baker’s 5’10” 195 pound frame will limit how NFL teams can use him. He very well may be the first pick of the second round (Cleveland).
DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: His rocket of a throwing arm and athleticism are obvious, but inconsistencies with his accuracy and the system he played in college project him as a project. Expect to see him taken in the second or third rounds.
