Time for another 2017 NFL mock draft update….and we’ve already updated our 2018 NFL mock draft twice!
The Sports Bank is the only independently owned, mom and pop on the internet with a mock draft for the top four American professional sports leagues. Be sure to check out our 2017 NBA mock draft, (NBA round two), 2017 MLB mock draft and 2017 NHL mock draft coming soon.
And yes, with only 32 picks, some guy that you feel should be a first rounder will be left out of the top NFL picks! Also, yes, many of you will strongly disagree with projections here, and with the justification, but try to be respectful about it in the comments section. There is no need for name calling and hateful slurs, try to be the adult in the room as you voice your disagreement.
Go here for the list of 70 of the most hilariously awful NFL Draft cliches, buzzwords, catch-phrases and other assorted word salad.
1. Cleveland, Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
According to multiple reports, Cleveland’s evaluation on Garrett is totally off the charts. That was pre-combine too. Now, on the heels of one of the greatest combine performances ever, this decision is done, and the Niners are now on the clock.
“I think Myles Garrett has the most upside of any pass-rusher in this draft. When healthy, he’s easy to do on tape. He’s 6’5″, 262 pounds,” said NFLN’s Mike Mayock.
“He’s got outside edgeability, he’s got ability to come up and underneath, he can set a physical edge in the run game. But most importantly, he can affect quarterbacks. That’s what this league is about. I think he makes a ton of sense at number one.”
2. San Francisco, Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Mayock on Thomas: “Kid can play outside on run down, inside on pass downs. There have been some comparisons to Aaron Donald. I’m not sure I see that, but I love his versatility.”
3. Chicago, Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Shooting up the boards right now, in “the DB Draft.” So much LSU in our NFL mock draft, it’s amazing they didn’t reach the college football final four. Mayock on the high value of safeties in this draft, and Adams leading the way:
“Today’s NFL is a pass-first league, and the safety position is changing. Playing against three wideouts and a tight end at a minimum, 65, 70% of the time. So safeties that can cover are at a premium. That’s a long way of saying that I think both these kids can cover. I wouldn’t be talking about them as Top 10 picks if I didn’t think they were complete safeties. I think Adams is a little bit more physical.”
Be sure to check out Windy City Gridiron for Bears mock draftsourcing
4. Jacksonville, Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
You can heat your home this winter with all the hot takes about this guy since his decision to skip the bowl game. Still, with Ezekiel Elliott last year and Fournette this year; the running back position is coming back in vogue a little bit in the NFL. These things do go in cycles. Go here for more on Fournette.
The Jaguars have some nice pieces on defense, but need help on both sides of the ball still. What Jax really needs, perhaps more than anything, is a true star player who can get some eyeballs on this obscure franchise and more butts in the seats. Fournette, a generational talent at the position, would accomplish both.
5. Tennessee via Los Angeles, Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The first of possibly three Ohio State defensive backs who might go in the first round of the 2017 NFL mock draft. Yes, it’s hard to believe that anyone was able to pass against the Buckeyes last fall, isn’t it.
The Buckeyes are sort of becoming the Kentucky Wildcats of football, lots of 5-stars enter every season, lots of blue chips leave early for the professional ranks. “Succeed and proceed.”
Go here for more on how Ohio State have become the Kentucky Wildcats of the NFL Draft.
6. New York Jets, Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
The New York Jets need to draft a “splash hire,” a true impact player this season. It could be at quarterback, because they haven’t really found anything at all in what they currently have- Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. However, I think the Jets rebuild will entail giving those guys a shot and trying to find a solution that way. This isn’t a deep QB class at all. It is however a very good draft at most other positions, especially defensive back and D line, and at #6 you can find an elite prospect from one of the two position groups.
Said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: “To me, he’s pretty special with his instincts, range and ball skills.”
Go here for more on how Ohio State have become the Kentucky Wildcats of the NFL Draft.
7. Chargers, Jonathan Allen, DE/DT, Alabama
What a perfect pairing with last year’s pick Joey Bosa. The Chargers are in the midst of rebuilding an aging defensive front seven. Mayock on Allen:
“I think he’s one of the two or three best players in this draft. I think you bang the tables for him, he came backs a senior and had a crazy good year. His tape is outstanding, and it doesn’t matter which tape you put in, they’re all good. What I like about him is he dominates outside in the run game.”
“So you could line this 296-pound guy up outside on first down, if you wanted to, and let him set a physical edge. But I think he’s going to make his money as an inside pass-rusher. He’s quick enough to beat some of those guards and tackles, and he’s strong enough to beat those guards and tackles.”
8. Carolina, Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Despite all the hot takes on this kid during bowl season (and the takes were so hot you could hear your home this winter), I like this prospect a lot and think he’s a great fit here. Although McCaffrey projects as a running back first and is thus classified as such, he could also be a slot receiver and a return specialist at the next level. Here’s a link to more on that.
“(I want) to show coaches I can play running back, I can play receiver. I can do all the return game stuff, that’s important to me,” he said at the scouting combine last month. McCaffrey took full advantage of the event to showcase his talent at the returner, receiver and running back roles.
If McCaffrey falls past the top 10-15, and isn’t selected by the Eagles, Panthers or Colts, he becomes a great value pick to anyone who might select him.
9. Cincinnati, Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Speculation over where Foster goes is all over the map. The Bengals at #9 seems like a reasonable projection on numerous levels. Remember when his disastrous combine dominated the news cycle for a few days? Now, no one really remembers it, and it doesn’t seem like it will sour NFL teams on Foster’s character.
It’s just what happens when you take an event that has no real purpose or use for anyone outside of scouts, and then mainstream it to the rest of the population. Seriously, no one should be watching the combine on television, and now when something news-worthy happens, at an event that’s over-blown to begin with, it gets magnified a zillion times more than it should and the result is utter madness. The Foster story is such an example.
10. Buffalo, Hasson Reddick, DE/OLB, Temple
A draft wildcard prospect who keeps shooting up the boards
11. New Orleans, Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Saints pass defense needs means that they could go pass rusher or DB first in this draft. Taco Charlton has often been described “really gifted, a long-edge guy.”
Go here for more on how Michigan could challenge Ohio State for most total selections in a single draft.
12. Cleveland (from Philadelphia), O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Tight ends are like centers these days, not often receiving a first round valuation, but this guy is too valuable to pass up. Howard is a guy who has really seen his stock rise throughout this process, and it looks like he’s now top 20 guaranteed, and perhaps top 15 very likely.
NFLN’s Daniel Jeremiah on Howard: “He’s the best tight end in this draft. All the way through, this is one of the best groups we’ve seen in a long time. We haven’t seen guys like that very often.”
13. Arizona, DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Said Mayock: “when you look at Deshaun Watson, I see a kid that went 28-2 in his last two years as a starter. I thought he played his best when the lights were brightest against the best defenses. His two games of 15 and 16 against Alabama. Put the tape on and watch the kid play.
“He’s a competitor. When the game’s on the line, he gets better. He does not shrink.”
You know a lot about Watson already, go to this link to learn more, specifically, how his combine went, where he he excelled and where he left some things to be desired, and also how all that will affect his stock.
14. Philadelphia via Minnesota, Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Williams going at #5 or #18, but we disagree with both picks and essentially “split the difference at #14. Jeremiah’s rationale for mocking Williams to the Titans
“To me, with Mike Williams, his skill set, how he fits, some of the best things Mariota does, quick release, gets the ball out of his hands. Mike Williams will use that big body, wall people off. I think you’d have some success. In the red zone, Mike Williams could have a big-time impact. Throw it up, let him go get it. He would be a nice complementary piece.”
15. Indianapolis, Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
This offensive tackle class isn’t as strong as we’ve seen in recent years, but Bolles is among the best available at this position in 2017.
16. Baltimore, Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Ravens could focus on upgrading their pass rush this off-season, as their main weapons in that regard are approaching their mid-30s. Here’s a link to more on what the Ravens might do, should they choose to prioritize WR in this draft.
17. Washington, Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Skins might want to think pass defense first and foremost at this pick. “Conley is a really good player who has plenty of size as well. I think he’s a plug-and-play guy,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
Go here for more on how Ohio State have become the Kentucky Wildcats of the NFL Draft.
Be sure to check out Let’s Go Redskins.com for Skins mock draftsourcing
18. Tennessee, Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Titans could always use another edge rusher to help in their pass defense.
19. Tampa Bay, Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Despite the fact that his stock has taken a tumble in recent months, I still love this guy as a NFL prospect.
He’s ahead of most of the top notch running back prospects that we’ve seen in recent years when it comes to blocking and pass catching. Rushing the football? All he’s done is go out and break Warrick Dunn’s school records, and you know what a solid career Dunn had in the NFL. You recall what team drafted Dunn, so here’s a great chance for history to repeat itself.
20. Denver, Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Not the best class for OL, so this is kind of a reach, but at the same time, about the right place for the Broncos to pick up a guard.
21. Detroit, Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
The Lions could really use an improvement in this position group. “Davis has a little more thump to him in terms of his toughness. He can roam sideline to sideline, make plays,” said NFLN’s Bucky Brooks.
“Looking at their defense, they need someone that’s kind of stout on the edge, can replace what they had in DeAndre Levy.”
22. Miami, Dawaune Smoot, DE, Illinois
Dolphins have added pass rushers in recent years, but they have all been of the older and over-paid variety. Time to get a better infusion of youth and talent in the position group.
Dawuane Smoot finished 31st in the nation, sixth in the Big Ten in TFLs per game (1.7), third in the Big Ten in TFLs during conference game (13.0) and eighth in the Big Ten in sacks during conference games (5.0)
Illini football Coach Lovie Smith offered this analysis of his former player during the final week of 2017 spring practice.
“He can of course be a 4-3, left end ideally, he can be a stand-up 4-3 linebacker too, so it’s kind of the preference, he has skills that are pretty flexible, play a couple different ways”
Be sure to check out Phinsider for Dolphins mock draftsourcing
23. New York Giants, Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin
You know what they produce a ton of in Wisconsin? Other than cheese, beer and yogurt of course? Big beefy NFL offensive linemen.
24. Oakland, Adoree Jackson, DB/KR, USC
Raiders have to address pass defense, in all ways shape or form, first and foremost in this draft. Yes, it’s a “value GM” culture of a franchise, but they should go DB first.
Be sure to check out Silver and Black Pride for Raiders mock draftsourcing
25. Houston, Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Texans need a QB inspired to make this pick by the overall ineffectiveness of Brock Osweiler. What a poor, over-priced signing that turned out to be. Go here for much more on Trubisky.
26. Seattle, Kevin King, CB, Washington
Seahawks stay local, and once again we have teammates going back to back in our 2017 NFL mock draft. Coincidentally, it’s also at the CB position.
27. Kansas City, Chidobie Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Such a deep corner class. It’s the DB draft, and while this name is a bit outside the box, I’m going with it.
28. Dallas, John Ross, WR, Washington
UW receiver ran a record 40-yard-dash time and thus propelled himself into the first round discussion. John Ross is dynamic, really explosive,” said Jeremiah. “But you have some durability issues with him. You have a shoulder, some lower leg stuff, some leg injuries. There’s a little bit of risk there health-wise.”
Be sure to check out Blogging the Boys for Cowboys mock draftsourcing
29. Green Bay, Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
A good press man style cover corner who could fit in well with both Green Bay’s needs for DB depth and their value based selection ethos.
30. Pittsburgh, DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch said DeShone Kizer “blew the doors off” his interview at the NFL Scouting Combine. That was totally expected by anybody who has ever interviewed him. During postgame media availability at his final home game, Kizer answered one of our questions by saying that he’s a proud intellectual.
That’s really saying something, and we must applaud him for it, especially given the current backlash against intelligence, expertise and just even basic facts in our country right now.
Looking at all the mocks this past fall and winter, and you would see the name DeShone Kizer as #1 or #2 overall, certainly top five at least, in almost every single one. However, once we entered the offseason and thus the NFL draft evaluative period, Kizer’s stock dropped like shares of United Airlines.
Go here for much more on DeShone Kizer.
Here’s a link to more on what Pittsburgh could decide to do in later rounds, and where they might go if they want to draft Big Ben’s successor on day two or day three.
What about the very arrogant, or you could call them conceited, remarks that Kizer made last week? How will claiming he has the body of Cam Newton and the the brain of Tom Brady gel with NFL teams? Well, it obviously won’t help, but it won’t be as devastating as you might think either. Here’s a link to much more on that.
31. Atlanta, T.J. Watt, DE/OLB, Wisconsin
Watt is the third and final member of his family to play football for the University of Wisconsin. They are basically the football Plumlees at Duke, except way more talented and just plain better; especially on the professional level.
“He’s a monster, he’s a darn good player,” said Wisconsin starting Center Michael Dieter, who often goes against him in practice.
“It’s really no surprise the success he’d had on the season. His work ethic, physical size, strength, his athleticism and his smarts it all adds up to being a really great player who’s done really great things for us and given us chances.”
Go here for more on Watt and his two famous older brothers.
32. New Orleans, Jabrill Peppers, Multiple Positions, Michigan
Good ol’ #5 began his UM career as a DB but now he’s moved on to doing that and so much more. Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh listed out everything Peppers can, should and does do for the Wolverines this preseason. You can read the very long quote.
He’ll like be prioritized as a safety at the next level. At the combine Peppers worked out with both the safeties and the linebackers, showing off his chops not once but twice. His back-flip became the viral video moment of “this shirt and shorts olympics” in Indy last week. NFL GMs will love that fact that he prioritized the team needs ahead of individual self-interest.
He played where he was needed at Michigan, and that took precedence over developing his own professional vocational skills.
Here’s a link to much more on Jabrill Peppers.
Go here for more on how Michigan could challenge Ohio State for most total selections in a single draft.
This 2017 NFL mock draft is over, and it’s listed on numerous databases, including Walter Football, Eat Drink and Sleep Football, Silver and Black Pride, Windy City Gridiron, Blogging the Boys, Phinsider and Let’s go Redskins.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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