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2017 NFL Mock Draft: v 4.0

Based on my Week 3 Power Rankings

Round One
Pick Team Player College Height/Weight Hometown Stats
             
1 (from Rams)
DE/OLB Myles Garrett, Jr Texas A&M 6'5, 270 lbs Arlington, TX 8 tackles, 3 sacks
Myles Garrett is the NCAA's most feared pass rusher since Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, Garrett may be a better prospect. He vows to play every down as his last, even as he works his way into the top five of the 2017 NFL draft. Despite the Clowney treatment, Garrett has 3 sacks through three games, and looks like the top prospect in this draft. The Browns have bunch of picks but even more needs. At this point in the process I cannot see a quarterback worth taking over Garrett.
             
2
QB Deshaun Watson, Jr Clemson 6'3, 215 lbs Gainesville, GA 58-102, 692 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT
That is more like it. Deshaun Watson and Clemson beat up on hapless South Carolina State so bad that the mercy rule had to be envoked for the second half. Watson has Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer breathing down his neck, but I am not ready to remove Watson's crown quite yet. He has the pedigree, history and talent to warrant a top five selection, though his size and strength will continue to be worrisome. The Jay Cutler era has sputtered along far too long in Chicago. It is time for a fresh start.
             
3
DE/DT Jonathan Allen, Sr Alabama 6'3, 295 lbs Leesburg, VA 11 tackles, 3 sacks
Jonathan Allen was the rare Crimson Tide star to not turn pro after his junior year. So far, so good for the stud defensive lineman, with two sacks in a rout against USC week one and another against Western Kentucky. Allen would fit best as a five technique tackle or a 3 technique end. The Redskins defense has been pushed around the first two weeks, and could really use some beef along the defensive line.
             
4
HB Leonard Fournette, Jr LSU 6'1, 235 lbs New Orleans, LA 51 rushes, 285 yards, 2 TD
Leonard Fournette is this generation's Bo Jackson. Quick and brutally tough, he is as complete of a running back as you can possibly find. Fournette came back from a nagging injury to handle his customary 20+ carries and 100+ yards. While his workload continues to be an issue, he is an elite NFL talent. The Jaguars continue to struggle to run the ball. TJ Yeldon has not shown he is a starting caliber back, and Chris Ivory once again cannot stay healthy. Fournette would be huge for that offense.
             
5 (from Rams)
DE/DT Malik McDowell, Jr Michigan State 6'6 280 lbs Hoover, AL 7 tackles
Though the stats may not show it through two games, Malik McDowell has dominated as a junior. He lived in the backfield against Notre Dame, applying constant pressure to a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect. Unlike many past prospects with raw athletic abilities, McDowell plays hard every snap. If he keeps it up, he could challenge Myles Garrett for the top player in this class. The Titans have two first round picks, and how good would a defensive line bookend of McDowell and Jurrell Casey be?
             
6
QB DeShone Kizer, So Notre Dame 6'4, 230 lbs Toledo, OH 50-79, 715 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT
Every year a quarterback emerges from nowhere to become a legitimate top five pick. Early results prove that Notre Dame redshirt sophomore DeShone Kizer could be just that guy. Kizer has the size, arm strength and composure of a franchise talent, though there are always concerns about underclassmen quarterbacks, especially sophomores. Chip Kelly will be chomping at the bit to finally have a legit talent behind center.
             
7
OT Cam Robinson, Jr Alabama 6'6, 324 lbs Monroe, LA  
Former top recruit Cam Robinson has been as good as advertised during his first two seasons at Alabama. A gifted run blocker, he helped pave the way for Derrick Henry, who ran his way to a Heisman trophy. Robinson has the talent of a top five pick, but has to answer quesitons about his effort level and an off the field incident. Robinson could be a good tackle or a tremendous guard, and could help he Colts establish a stagnant running game, and help keep franchise quarterback Andrew Luck upright.
             
8
LB/CB/S Jabrill Peppers, So Michigan 6'1, 205 lbs East Orange, NJ 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Is Jabrill Peppers a cornerback or a linebacker or a safety or a kick returner? The answer: Yes. Peppers is an athlete, playmaker and difference maker. Not many players lead their teams in tackles and return yards, but Peppers does just that for the Wolverines. Throw in 2.5 sacks, and it is easy to get excited about his NFL prospects. Some scouts may be turned off by his lack of a true position, but I think he will fit in best as an in-the-box safety who makes plays. The Bills are a mess, and need a talent like Peppers.
             
9
CB Teez Tabor, Jr Florida 6'0, 201 lbs Washington, DC 3 tackles, 1 INT
Vernon Hargreaves III was the hot name in Florida's secondary last year, but Jalen (now Teez) Tabor might have been even better. Now the junior will have the spotlight to himself. Tabor is often times an unwilling tackler, but as a cover man, there may not be a better one in the country. A practice fight led to a suspension, but that should be an isolated incident for a player who has no other off the field concerns. The Lions often draft best player available, and they have little opposite star corner Darius Slay.
             
10
CB Marlon Humphrey, So Alabama 6'1, 196 lbs Hoover, AL 4 tackles, 1 INT
Eli Apple was the 10th pick in 2016 as a redshirt sophomore cornerback, and fellow sophomore Marlon Humphrey could be even better. A top recruit, Alabama had the luxury to redshirt him, and it has paid off so far. The son of former running back Bobby Humphrey, he has good size, and the bloodlines and athletic ability to be a number one corner at the next level. With two first round picks and needs across the board on defense, this is a solid pick for Tennessee.
             
11
RB Dalvin Cook, Jr Florida State 5'11, 213 lbs Miami, FL 50 rushes, 228 yards, 2 TD
Like the rest of the Florida State team, Dalvin Cook was bottled up by Louisville week 3. Still, his blend of strength, quickness and receiving ability makes him a complete back, and he would be the first back off the board most other years. Miami's offense has struggled badly to generate any consistency, and a lack of a running game is a big reason why. Perhaps they will use this Miami native better than the last South Florida back, Lamar Miller.
             
12
DE/OLB Charles Harris, Jr Missouri 6'3, 260 lbs Kansas City, MO 12 tackles, 3 sacks
Welcome to the show, Charles Harris. Even though the bad Missouri Tigers lost again, Harris racked up 3 sacks and showed why he is one of the most fared pass rushing threats in college. He led the SEC with 18.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore, and could be a top ten pick when all is said and done. It seems like the Buccaneers have been looking for a replacement for Simeon Rice for the past 85 years. 
             
13
DE Derek Barnett, Jr Tennessee 6'3, 265 lbs Nashville, TN 13 tackles
Derek Barnett is a decisive prospect amongst the draft community. On one hand, he is a former top recruit who has been fantastic through his first two seasons, routinely living in the opponent's back field, racking up tackles for losses and sacks. On the other hand, he is not overly strong or athletic, and could struggle against NFL quality offensive lineman. We have seen players like Bjoern Werner and Damonte Moore dominate in college, yet struggle in the NFL. He is a solid gamble for the Falcons, who continue to field a respectable defense.
             
14
SS Jamal Adams, Jr LSU 6'1, 213 lbs Lewisville, TX 17 tackles
Another in a long line of elite LSU secondary prospects, Jamal Adams is far and away the best safety prospect in this draft. A hard hitter and ballhawk, he has the look of a future top ten pick if he can clean up bad habits, including taking poor angles to the ball. San Diego has played better than expected, but with injuries and bad drafting, they need help everywhere.
             
15
MLB Zach Cunningham, Jr Vanderbilt 6'4, 230 lbs Pinson, AL 29 tackles
Name the last Vanderbilt defender to be selected in the first round? You will have to go back to 1984, when Leonard Coleman was a top ten pick. Zach Cunningham is the best 4-3 linebacker in this class. He is quick, instinctive and has the strength to play in either the middle or the outside. He can close quickly, as edivenced by his 3 tackle's for loss in Week 1. 4-3 linebackers do not often go in the first half of round one, but Cunningham is special. He would instantly become the leader of that Saints defense.
             
16
DT Lowell Lotulelei, Jr Utah 6'2, 310 lbs South Jordan, UT 7 tackles, 1 sack
The Raiders defense has been pummeled during the first two weeks of the season, and needs help everywhere. Lowell Lotulelei does not have the hype that his older brother Star generated when he was at Utah, but the younger Ute has had a fantastic career in his own right. Like Star, Lowell excells at occupying blockers and allowing ends to get after the quarterback. He could quickly become Khalil Mack's best friend.
             
17
CB Adoree' Jackson, Jr USC 5'11, 185 lbs Belleville, IL 10 tackles, 1 INT
The Cowboys need pass rushing help, but there is no one worth reaching for here. Jerry Jones always loves athletes, and there might not be a better one in this class than Adoree' Jackson. An Olympic level sprinter, he has played cornerback, wide receiver and kick returner at USC. As a cornerback, Jackson is a project, but he should be able to help out immediately on special teams and as a nickel back as he learns the nuances of the position.
             
18
RB Royce Freeman, Jr Oregon 5'11, 230 lbs Imperial, CA 37 rushes, 325 yards, 4 TD
There is a reason I loaded up on first round picks in my Fantasy Football Dynasty league. This could be the best running back class we have ever seen. Freeman is a lot like former Duck Jonathan Stewart, in that he uses his strong, compact frame to overpower defenders, but can surprise with his quickness as well. He suffered an injury during Oregon's week 3 win but it is not expected to be serious. He would give the Giants a running game, something an aging Eli Manning would appreciate.
             
19
WR Mike Williams, Sr Clemson 6'3, 225 lbs Vance, SC 15 receptions, 245 yards
Mike Williams would have been the top receiver taken in the 2016 draft had he not suffered a season ending injury. He showed why during week one of the season, as he shredded the Auburn defense for 9 catches and 174 yards. Big and strong, he reminds me of Mike Evans. Though there are injury concerns, he has the look of a number one receiver. Ozzie Newsome may not like drafting receiver this early, but he is the best prospect on the board and gives the Ravens insurance behind aging starters Mike Wallace and Steve Smith Sr.
             
20
RB Christian McCaffrey, Jr Stanford 6'0, 200 lbs Castle Rock, CO 53 rushes, 298 yards, 3 TD. 10 receptions, 106 yards, 1 TD
I will admit, I have had a tough time throwing away my stereotypes when evaluating Christian McCaffrey as an NFL prospect. Whatever you think about him, he is college football's most explosive weapon. In today's NFL, coordinators are creative enough to figure out ways to use him. He could be in the NFL what Reggie Bush should have been. The Jets are leaning on Matt Forte heavily, but he is a 30 year old running back. He would be the perfect back to groom McCaffrey, as they share some similar skills.
             
21
OT Mike McGlinchey, Sr Notre Dame 6'7, 310 lbs Philadelphia, PA  
The more success DeShShone Kizer has, the better things will look for Mike McGlinchey, who has taken over as his blindside protector. He did struggle some against Malik McDowell, and he might be a better fit on the right side, but Seattle's offensive line is so bad, he would be an upgrade pretty much anywhere.
             
22 (from Eagles)
QB Chad Kelly, Sr Ole' Miss 6'2, 224 lbs Buffalo, NY 41-66, 532 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT
Chad Kelly has had a rocky college career, but has become one of the most feared quarterbacks in college. Kelly rebounded from a 3 interception week one, and has 7 touchdowns to no picks the past two weeks. He could have an Eli Manning-like career. He will always throw interceptions, but has the guts, arm strength and ability to be a solid quarterback. Then again, he could fizzle out before he makes a dent in the league. The Browns will start five quarterbacks in five weeks. Ugh. Keep looking for "the guy".
             
23
OT Roderick Johnson, Jr Florida State 6'7, 311 lbs Florissant, MO  
Roderick Johnson has solid talent but was hit or miss for Florida State as a sophomore. A plus run blocker, he has mechanical issues and mental lapses during passing plays. Whether he ends up at tackle or guard, he could be a solid piece for a Chiefs team that always seems to need offensive line help.
             
24
WR Isaiah Ford, Jr Virginia Tech 6'2, 190 lbs Jacksonville, FL 20 receptions, 259 yards, 3 TD
Virginia Tech has adopted an up tempo scheme, and that could do wonders for Isaiah Ford's already impressive resume. A true outside burner, Ford hauled in 11 catches during the Hokies opening game and should be a lock to hit the century mark in receptions. He is not very physical, but should make a fine compliment to AJ Green and Tyler Boyd at receiver in Cincinnati.
             
25
DE/OLB Tim Williams, Sr Alabama 6'4, 252 lbs Baton Rouge, LA 3 tackles, 1 sack
Specialists are usually not drafted in the first round in the NFL draft with one exception; the ability to get after the quarterback. Tim Williams was fantastic at that in part time duty in 2015. He is a tweener who can't defend the run or cover, but as a Dee Ford/Shane Ray type rotational pass rusher, he should be just fine, and the Packers would be okay with that.
             
26
DE/DT Folorunso Fatukasi, Jr Connecticut 6'4, 310 lbs Far Rockaway, NY 12 tackles, 1 sack
Folorunso Fatukasi may be the one prospect in my mock that even most hardcore NFL Draft fans have not heard of. Get used to his name. He was tremendous as a sophomore, and had a statement game in Connecticut's win over Virginia, with 9 tackles and a sack. Fatukasi is raw, but he has some Muhammad Wilkerson in his game, and could theoretically give the Texans a legit playmaking defensive end opposite JJ Watt.
             
27
CB/S Eddie Jackson, Sr Alabama 6'0, 194 lbs Lauderdale Lakes, FL 6 tackles, 1 INT
Eddie Jackson has a ton of experience, and played cornerback before moving to safety last year. He has already returned one interception to the house. The Eagles have a very good defense, but the secondary is mediocre talent wise. Jackson could help out at any position in the back four.
             
28
OG Dan Feeney, Sr Indiana 6'4, 305 lbs Orland Park, IL  
Every year we see an experienced interior lineman go in the first round. These guys are labeled as "plug and play" draft picks. Dan Feeney looks like that guy this year. He has years of starting experience and could be an asset at any offensive line position. The Broncos are rebuilding a line that was ravaged by age and injuries. Feeney could step right in at one of the guard spots and hold down the fort for the next eight years.
             
29
QB Brad Kaaya, Jr Miami 6'4, 215 lbs Los Angeles, CA 50-76, 694 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT
Brad Kaaya bounced back from a poor week 2 performance, delivering the Hurricanes an easy win over West Virginia. His poise in the pocket and decision making stand out. He reminds me of Teddy Bridgewater. He is a smart quarterback, but may lack the elite arm strength to be a true blue chip prospect. He is still squarely in the first round consideration. Bruce Arians will be tempted by the arm of Luke Falk, but Kaaya is probably a better pro prospect at this point.
             
30
CB Desmond King, Sr Iowa 5'11, 203 lbs Detroit, MI 15 tackles
So far Desmond King has not been able to replicate his success as a Junior, but he remains a solid first round selection. What could cause him to drop is a lack of elite athleticism. Scouts want to see their defensive backs run fast and jump high. Though King might not set the combine on fire, his college tape speaks for itself, and the Steelers could once again nab a steal late in the first round.
             
31
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jr USC 6'2, 220 lbs Long Beach, CA 11 receptions, 99 yards, 2 TD
Dwayne Jarett. Robert Woods. Marqise Lee. Before Nelson Agholor, these were perhaps the Trojans three best receivers. All were possible top ten picks after their sophomore seasons, but drastically fell off as juniors. Whether it is shoddy quarterback play, a lack of concentration or skill issues, JuJu Smith-Schuster is following that path. The talent is there to be a top ten pick, but Smith-Schuster will need to start producing before some other pass catchers pass him on the board.
             
32
RB Nick Chubb, Jr Georgia 5'10, 228 lbs Cedartown, GA 71 rushes, 365 yards, 3 TD
20 years ago Nick Chubb would have been a no brainer top five pick. These days, scouts will not draft a back who cannot catch passes in the top fifteen. It is not that Chubb is a bad receiver, the Bulldogs just prefer to feed him the rock and let him bowl over defenders like Christian Okoye in Tecmo Super Bowl. Think of Chubb as an All-Madden version of current Patriots halfback LaGarrette Blount. Pair him in New England's backfield with a pass catching counterpart, and they could be very tough to stop.
Round Two
33. Cleveland Browns - WR/TE Evan Engram, Sr, Ole' Miss      
34. Chicago Bears - DE/OLB Sam Hubbard, Jr, Ohio State      
35. Washington Redskins - CB Sidney Jones, Jr, Washington      
36. Jacksonville Jaguars - OG/C Pat Elflein, Sr, Ohio State      
37. Los Angeles Rams - OLB Jarrad Davis, Sr, Florida        
38. San Francisco 49ers - WR James Washington, Jr, Oklahoma State      
39. Indianapolis Colts - RB Elijah Hood, Jr, North Carolina      
40. Buffalo Bills - OT Tyrell Crosby, Jr, Oregon        
41. Detroit Lions - DE Carl Lawson, Jr, Auburn        
42. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans) - DE/DT Caleb Brantley, Jr, Florida    
43. Miami Dolphins - CB Cameron Sutton, Sr, Tennessee      
44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR KD Cannon, Jr, Baylor        
45. Atlanta Falcons - MLB Reuben Foster, Sr, Alabama        
46. San Diego Chargers - WR Corey Davis, Sr, Western Michigan      
47. New Orleans Saints - DE DeMarcus Walker, Sr, Florida State      
48. Oakland Raiders - RB Semaj Perine, Jr, Oklahoma        
49. Dallas Cowboys - DE Dawuane Smoot, Sr, Illinois        
50. New York Giants - OT Adam Bisnowaty, Sr, Pittsburgh      
51. Baltimore Ravens - OLB Ryan Anderson, Sr, Alabama      
52. New York Jets - OLB Marquis Haynes, Jr, Ole' Miss        
53. Seattle Seahawks - DT Carlos Watkins, Sr, Clemson      
54. Philadelphia Eagles - MLB Raekwon McMillan, Jr, Ohio State      
55. Kansas City Chiefs - QB Nick Falk, Jr, Washington State      
56. Cincinnati Bengals - OLB/S Josh Harvey-Clemons, Sr, Louisville      
57. Green Bay Packers - TE Bucky Hodges, Jr, Virginia Tech      
58. Houston Texans - OT Conor McDermott, Sr, UCLA        
59. Minnesota Vikings - OG Dorian Johnson, Sr, Pittsburgh      
60. Denver Broncos - DE/DT Chris Wormley, Sr, Michigan      
61. Arizona Cardinals - DE/OLB DeVonte Fields, Sr, Louisville      
62. Pittsburgh Steelers - S Quin Blanding, Sr, Virginia        
63. Carolina Panthers - CB Tre'Davious White, Sr, LSU        
64. New England Patriots - DE/DT Isaac Rochell, Sr, Notre Dame      

Jonathan Carrano

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