The 2016 draft was a meat and potatoes draft, all about the trenches. The 2017 edition looks to be about star power, with quarterbacks, running backs and track star defensive backs abound.
Things can, and will, change of course, but here is an early look on some of the best draft eligible prospects in the country.
Draft order determined by the most recent Super Bowl odds.
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1. Cleveland BrownsQB Deshaun Watson, Jr, Clemson
6'2, 205 lbs
Hometown: Gainesville, GA
2015 Stats: 333-491, 4104 yards, 35 TD, 13 INT
Cleveland chose to build up the rest of it's roster and wait on a quarterback. That will most likely mean a lot of losses in 2016, but possible future success for whoever Cleveland does end up with. Deshaun Watson offers everything you look for in a quarterback prospect except size; arm strength, decision making, character, leadership and running ability. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.
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2. San Diego ChargersDE/OLB Myles Garrett, Jr, Texas A&M
6'5, 260 lbs
Hometown: Arlington, TX
2015 Stats: 68 tackles, 12.5 tackles, 1 INT
Myles Garrett is the most feared pass rusher in college football. As a true sophomore, he had 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. If he can replicate that success as a junior, he will be in high demand. Pass rushing is at a premium. The Chargers double up on pass rushers with Garrett after taking Joey Bosa in 2016.
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette, Jr, LSU
6'1, 240 lbs
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
2015 Stats: 300 rushes, 1953 yards, 22 TD
Unless injuries strike, the 2017 NFL Draft could be the year of the running back. Leading the way is superstar talent Leonard Fournette. The most talented college running back since Adrian Peterson, Fournette has earned comparisons to Bo Jackson for his violent, tough running style. A load at 240 pounds, he is not just a bowling ball. Simply put, he has Hall of Fame potential. The only worry is the very large load he is likely to handle as a junior after rushing 487 times during his first two years. If he can stay healthy and productive, he is a top five lock, and would add a completely different element to a rapidly improving Jaguars offense.
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4. San Francisco 49ersQB Chad Kelly, Sr, Ole' Miss
6'2, 215 lbs
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
2015 Stats: 298-458, 4042 yards, 31 TD, 13 INT
The 49ers are going ahead with Blaine Gabbert this year. Yes, Blaine Gabbert will be a starting NFL quarterback in 2016. Needless to say, the 49ers will be in the running for the top overall pick. On the field, Chad Kelly has the look of a solid starting NFL quarterback. He has the size, arm and bloodlines (uncle Jim Kelly). Of course, he has taken a long, interesting path to get to where he is, and teams will dissect his brain about it. As a prospect, I think he is better than Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, and has serious top five potential.
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5. Tennessee TitansDE/OLB Derek Barnett, Jr, Tennessee
6'3, 257 lbs
Hometown: Nashville, TN
2015 Stats: 68 tackles, 10 sacks
If Myles Garrett is Defensive Prospect A in this class, then Derek Barnett is A1. What separates Barnett from other pass rushers is his ability to stop the run. Note his 20.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman in 2014. Similar to Joey Bosa, he might not ever be a double digit sack artist in the NFL, but can play all three downs at a variety of positions. The hometown kid would instantly push Derrick Morgan in Tennessee.
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6. Detroit LionsOT Cam Robinson, Jr, Alabama
6'6, 326 lbs
Hometown: Monroe, LA
There is a reason that Alabama has produced two Heisman winners and four early round running backs since 2010. The offensive line is always among the very best in college football. Cam Robinson has handled the left side since his freshman season. He offers prototypical size and is an adept run blocker. With tackles always in high demand, he looks like a future top ten pick. Detroit drafted Taylor Decker in 2016, but still needs to rebuild a weak line. Robinson would be a day one starter at left tackle.
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7. Cleveland Browns(from Philadelphia Eagles)
CB Jalen Tabor, Jr, Florida
6'1, 191 lbs
Hometown: Washington, DC
2015 Stats: 39 tackles, 4 INT, 1 sack
Vernon Hargreaves and Keanu Neal were first round picks in 2016, but Jalon Tabor was probably Florida's most talented defensive back. Now the man, the former top recruit will look to build upon a four interception season. Tabor has great size and technique, and looks like the best defensive back in this class. One small worry is that he has gotten into a bit of hot water due to Twitter posts. As Laremy Tunsil has tought everyone, staying off social media might not be a bad idea. The Browns swung and missed on Justin Gilbert a couple of years ago, and need a legit starting option opposite fellow Gator Joe Haden.
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8. Miami DolphinsRB Dalvin Cook, Jr, Florida State
6'0, 203 lbs
Hometown: Miami, FL
2015 Stats: 229 rushes, 1691 yards, 19 TD
The Dolphins tried, and failed, to upgrade their backfield in 2016. They should have a great chance to land a feature back in the 2017 draft. Leonard Fournette gets all the hype, but Dalvin Cook is right behind him; both as a Heisman candidate and NFL prospect. In fact, some teams may value Cook's explosiveness and pass catching ability over Fournette. Cook has a great chance to be a top ten selection, and would be a welcome addition to his home town Dolphins.
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9. Tennessee Titans(from Los Angeles Rams)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jr, USC
6'2, 215 lbs
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
2015 Stats: 89 rec, 1454 yards, 10 TD
The Falcons have devoted a lot of recent attention to the defense. That has been the right call, but the offense has suffered. With Roddy White out of the picture, Julio Jones could get double and triple teamed. Drafting a compliment here would be more than just a luxury pick. Despite the madness that was USC's coaching staff and quarterback play, JuJu Smith-Schuster put together a fanstastic sophomore season. Blessed with ideal size and speed, all he has to do as a junior is not fall apart, and he will be a first round pick.
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10. Atlanta FalconsOT Roderick Johnson, Jr, Florida State
6'7, 312 lbs
Hometown: Florissant, MO
Roderick Johnson took over at left tackle following Cameron Irving's transition to center during the 2014 season and has remained at that spot ever since. He is still a work in progress, but scouts have to love his size and potential. If he can work on consistency as a junior, he could challenge Cam Robinson as the first offensive lineman drafted. The Falcons have needs everywhere, and could just go best player available.
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11. New Orleans SaintsDE Jonathan Allen, Sr, Alabama
6'3, 272 lbs
Hometown: Leesburg, VA
2015 Stats: 36 tackles, 12 sacks
Jonathan Allen was one of the few Alabama juniors who did not declare for the draft. He returns for his senior season as one of the most accomplished pass rushers in college football. He is not overly athletic, but is a smart defender who can play all three downs. The Saints continue to remake a historically bad defense, and should continue to draft the best defender available.
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12. Tampa Bay BuccaneersS Jamal Adams, Jr, LSU
6'1, 211 lbs
Hometown: Carrollton, TX
2015 Stats: 67 tackles, 4 INT
The LSU Tigers routinely produce first round defensive backs, and Jamal Adams looks like the latest budding superstar. He was great as a sophomore, showing solid tackling ability and even picking off three passes. He is an ideal all around free safety, not just an undersized linebacker like a lot of other safeties. The Buccaneers are relying on castoffs to handle safety snaps, and need big upgrades.
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13. Chicago BearsCB Desmond King, Sr, Iowa
5'11, 200 lbs
Hometown: Detroit, MI
2015 Stats: 72 tackles, 8 INT
Desmond King was a one man wrecking crew as a junior, and could have been a first round pick. He came back as a senior to hone his skills, and has the looks of a clear first rounder. A stout 5'11, 200 pounds, he tackles like a linebacker, and even through in 8 interceptions to boot. Not a physical freak, but one of the smartest players at his position, he would form a fine cornerback duo with fellow Bear Kyle Fuller.
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14. Washington RedskinsDE/OLB Charles Harris, Jr, Missouri
6'3, 255 lbs
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
2015 Stats: 56 tackles, 7 sacks
Missouri has been a pass rush factory in recent seasons, and Charles Harris could be the best of the bunch. He notched 8 sacks as a part tine player, and that number should go over 10 as he gains strength and stamina. Harris has the look of a prototypical 3-4 pass rusher and would allow the run stopping Trent Murphy to move to end in Washington.
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15. Buffalo BillsWR Mike Williams, Sr, Clemson
6'5, 205 lbs
Hometown: Vance, SC
2015 Stats: 2 rec, 20 yards, 1 TD
If Mike Williams had not suffered a season ending neck injury during Clemson's first game of the season, he might have been the first receiver chosen in the 2016 draft. Williams has tremendous size, and is a mismatch against any cornerback on the college level. Of course, neck injuries are scary, and scouts will have to be convinced he is fully recovered before they sign off on him as a first round pick. It is no secret that the Buffalo Bills are fans of Clemson prospects, and Williams would be a tremendous compliment to former college teammate Sammy Watkins.
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16. New York JetsOLB Tim Williams, Sr, Alabama
6'4, 230 lbs
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
2015 Stats: 19 tackles, 10.5 sacks
No one earned the term "pass rushing specialist" in 2015 quite like Alabama junior Tim Williams. Playing in about a quarter of the teams snaps, Williams went crazy for 10.5 sacks. He is expected to move into the lineup full time as a senior, which will give scouts ample opportunity to see how he holds up full time. If he can show he can be a three down linebacker, he could be a very high draft pick. Even if he is relegated to passing downs, he could still find his way into the first round. The Jets have a deep defense, but lack athletes who can get after the quarterback. Williams would be a great passing down defender.
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17. Houston TexansDE/DT Malik McDowell, Jr, Michigan State
6'6, 275 lbs
Hometown: Detroit, MI
2015 Stats: 41 tackles, 4.5 sacks
The Texans devoted the 2016 off season towards fixing a sluggish offense, but could go back to the defensive side of the ball in 2017. Malik McDowell dominated for stretches as a rotational player, and is set for a much bigger role. If the 6'6, 275 pound end/tackle hybrid can improve his strength and show his all around game, he could be a very high pick in the 2017 draft. He would give JJ Watt a pass rushing partner, and that would take some of the blocking schemes off of the best defensive player in the NFL.
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18. New York GiantsOG Pat Elflein, Sr, Ohio State
6'3, 300 lbs
Hometown: Pickerington, OH
The term "plug and play" is overused, but it basically applies to an NFL ready interior lineman who can come in and start right away. Pat Elflein would qualify as "plug and play". He has quite a few snaps under his belt, blocking for running backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Carlos Hyde. The Giants are still reworking their offensive line, and Elflein would immediately be an upgrade over John Jerry.
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19. Oakland RaidersCB/S Jibrill Peppers, So, Michigan
6'1, 215 lbs
Hometown: East Orange, NJ
2015 Stats: 45 tackles
Still more athlete than football player, Jibrill Peppers, the former number two recruit in the country, might be the most naturally gifted football player in college. He played cornerback, safety, linebacker and wide receiver during his freshman season. Most scouts think cornerback or safety will be his long term position. Whatever it is, his combine workouts are sure to evoke comparisons to Jalen Ramsey. Peppers would slide in at cornerback on the Raiders, and give Oakland the tallest cornerback duo in the league.
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20. Baltimore RavensCB Marlon Humphrey, So, Alabama
6'1, 192 lbs
Hometown: Hoover, AL
2015 Stats: 45 tackles, 3 INT
Marlon Humphrey, son of ex Crimson Tide running back Bobby, had a very good redshirt freshman year for Alabama. He has good size, and showed strong all around ability. He will be a full time starter as a sophomore, and has first round potential. The Ravnes failed to address the troublesome cornerback position in 2016, but there are several good secondary prospects in this class.
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21. Kansas City ChiefsOT Mike McGlinchey, Sr, Notre Dame
6'7, 310 lbs
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Mike McGlinchey will take over for first round pick Ronnie Stanley at left tackle for Notre Dame in 2016. McGlinchey is a great athlete and former basketball player, with ideal size for the NFL tackle. Eric Fisher has been nothing but mediocre since he was the first overall pick a few years ago. McGlinchey will immediately push him at left tackle.
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22. Indianapolis ColtsRB Nick Chubb, Jr, Georgia
5'10, 220 lbs
Hometown: Cedartown, GA
2015 Stats: 92 rushes, 747 yards, 7 TD
Assuming Nick Chubb can make a full recovery from a serious injury, he is an easy first round selection. The Bulldogs backfield did not miss a beat when Chubb took over for Todd Gurley midway through the 2014 season. Chubb is ideally built as a lead back, with the power and speed to dominate. The Colts have been working on improving the interior of the offensive line with an eye towards a more powerful running game, and Chubb would fit that perfectly.
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23. Minnesota VikingsOT/OG Avery Gennesy, Sr, Texas A&M
6'5, 300 lbs
Hometown: Southaven, MS
When Germaine Ifedi squeaked into the first round of the 2016 draft, he put the streak of Texas A&M offensive lineman gone in the first day at four straight years. Avery Gennesy could make it five. It was Gennesy who took over for Cedric Ogbuehi at left tackle in 2015, not Ifedi. Gennesy has worked his way from a lightly recruited JUCO transfer to one of the best left tackles in college football. His future may be at right tackle or guard, thanks to a lack of strength, but the Vikings have big needs at all offensive line positions.
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24. Dallas CowboysCB Adoree' Jackson, Jr, USC
5'11, 185 lbs
Hometown: Belleville, IL
2015 Stats: 35 tackles, 1 INT
In a class full of athletes, Adoree' Jackson may be the best of them all. He has played both offense and defense for the Trojans, and has spent his off-season training for the Olympics as a high jumper. He is still raw as a cornerback, but that is likely his NFL position. Jackson is expected to blow the doors off the combine, and would contribute right away as a nickel back and kick returner for the Cowboys.
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25. Arizona CardinalsQB Brad Kaaya, Jr, Miami
6'4, 210 lbs
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
2015 Stats: 238-389, 3238 yards, 16 TD, 5 INT
Brad Kaaya is a popular pick among draftniks to be the second quarterback taken after Deshaun Watson. He has good size, a nice arm and weathered the Al Golden era quite nicely. With new coach Mark Richt, who has developed NFL quarterbacks at Georgia, aboard, expect Kaaya to take another leap forward as a junior. He has top pick potential. The Cardinals need to plan for life after Carson Palmer, and this would be a good spot to do it.
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26. Cincinnati BengalsWR Malachi Dupre, Jr, LSU
6'3, 190 lbs
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
2015 Stats: 43 rec, 698 yards, 6 TD
Malachi Dupre was one of the top receiver recruits a couple of seasons ago, but has not put up elite statistics. That happens when you play in an offense that features Leonard Fournette. Dupre has the talent to warrant a first round selection. He is tall and blazing quick, having produced several 50 yard gains during his sophomore season. The Bengals drafted slot man Tyler Boyd in the 2016 draft, but still need an outside compliment to AJ Green.
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27. Carolina PanthersCB Jordan Thomas, Jr, Oklahoma
6'1, 194 lbs
Hometown: Klein, TX
2015 Stats: 46 tackles, 5 INT
Zack Sanchez may have gotten all the recognition in Oklahoma's secondary, but Jordan Thomas was the superior NFL prospect. With great size and ball hawking ability, he has number one cornerback potential. There are some off the field incidents, including an arrest in late 2015, but he could help fill the giant hole left by Josh Norman in Carolina's secondary.
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28. Denver BroncosMLB Raekwon McMillan, Jr, Ohio State
6'2, 240 lbs
Hometown: Hinesville, GA
2015 Stats: 119 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Wu-Tang heads rejoice, Chef Raekwon is in the building. Raekwon McMillan has proven to be a sideline to sideline tackling machine during his time at Ohio State. He would make an ideal middle linebacker in Denver's 3-4 defense, which has lost a lot of personnel to free agency.
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29. Green Bay PackersDE/OLB Carl Lawson, Jr, Auburn
6'2, 257 lbs
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
2015 Stats: 17 tackles, 1 sack
Based on pure talent alone, Carl Lawson ranks right up there with Myles Garrett and Derek Barnett. Unfortunately for Lawson, he has played in only seven games the past two years combined, due to a variety of serious injuries. If Lawson can shake that bug and put together a productive junior year, he will be an easy first round pick. He has the talent to be a star. The Packers would easily pull the trigger late in the first round, as they have struggled to find consistent pass rushers.
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30. Pittsburgh SteelersCB/S Eddie Jackson, Sr, Alabama
6'0, 194 lbs
Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes, FL
2015 Stats: 44 tackles, 6 INT
The Alabama Crimson Tide continue to have a staggering number of NFL prospects on the roster. Eddie Jackson would have been a day two selection in the 2016 draft, but chose to return to Alabama for his senior year to continue to work on his cornerback skills. The converted safety showed great coverage ability, picking off six passes. The Steelers drafted two cornerbacks early in 2016, but should continue to address the secondary.
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31. Seattle SeahawksDE Sam Hubbard, Jr, Ohio State
6'5, 265 lbs
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
2015 Stats: 28 tackles, 6.5 sacks
Highly talented Sam Hubbard will take over for Joey Bosa at end for Ohio State in 2016. As a part time player, he showed his pass rushing ability with 6.5 sacks. Hubbard still needs to gain strength, but could be the next great Buckeye defender. The Seahawks continue to have trouble with Michael Bennett and his contract, and could look to draft insurance.
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32. New England PatriotsRB Christian McCaffrey, Jr, Stanford
6'1, 201 lbs
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
2015 Stats: 337 rushes, 2019 yards, 8 TD
Christian McCaffrey was college football's Rodney Dangerfield in 2015, and somehow was not a Heisman finalist. He will look to build upon his record breaking sophomore campaign. McCaffrey might not ever be an every down NFL back, but he could be a rich man's Danny Woodhead, or what Reggie Bush should have been. The Patriots would love to find another Woodhead, and the coaching staff could figure out how to maximize McCaffrey's talents.
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Round 2
33. Cleveland Browns - WR James Washington, Jr, Oklahoma State
34. San Diego Chargers - S Quin Blanding, Jr, Virginia
35. Jacksonville Jaguars - OLB Jarrad Davis, Sr, Florida
36. San Francisco 49ers - WR KD Cannon, Jr, Baylor
37. Tennessee Titans - CB Jourdan Lewis, Sr, Michigan
38. Detroit Lions - DE Dawuane Smoot, Sr, Illinois
39. Philadelphia Eagles - RB Elijah Hood, Jr, North Carolina
40. Miami Dolphins - MLB Anthony Walker, Jr, Northwestern
41. Los Angeles Rams - CB Sidney Jones, Jr, Washington
42. Atlanta Falcons - WR Corey Davis, Sr, Western Michigan
43. New Orleans Saints - CB Cameron Sutton, sr, Tennessee
44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Isaiah Ford, Jr, Virginia Tech
45. Chicago Bears - QB Mason Rudolph, Jr, Oklahoma State
46. Washington Redskins - RB Jalen Hurd, Jr, Tennessee
47. Buffalo Bills - OLB Jarrad Davis, Sr, Florida
48. New York Jets - RB Royce Freeman, Jr, Oregon
49. Houston Texans - TE Jake Butt, Sr, Michigan
50. New York Giants - OT Conor McDermott, Sr, UCLA
51. Oakland Raiders - RB Sony Michel, Jr, Georgia
52. Baltimore Ravens - DE/OLB Marquis Haynes, Jr, Ole' Miss
53. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Da'Shawn Hand, Jr, Alabama
54. Indianapolis Colts - DE/OLB Devonte Fields, Sr, Louisville
55. Minnesota Vikings - DT Caleb Brantley, Jr, Florida
56. Dallas Cowboys - DT Lowell Lotulelei, Jr, Utah
57. Arizona Cardinals - CB Tre'Davious White, Sr, UCLA
58. Cincinnati Bengals - OLB Zach Cunningham, Jr, Vanderbilt
59. Carolina Panthers - OT Zach Banner, Sr, USC
60. Denver Broncos - OG Dan Feeney, Sr, Indiana
61. Green Bay Packers - TE OJ Howard, Sr, Alabama
62. Pittsburgh Steelers - RB Joe Yearby, Jr, Miami
63. Seattle Seahawks - OT Jon Heck, Sr, North Carolina
64. New England Patriots - S Armani Watts, Jr, Texas A&M
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