2017 Official Draft Thread - Round 1

[zoom]

Wont happen but i have to admit a double dip at Safety in this draft would not piss me off if we went Jamal Adams SS in the 1st and then took Budda Baker FS in the 2nd. Would be set for a long time. lol

Perryman, Jatavis, Adams, Baker in the middle of the field is a tough group.

Huge Husky homer here. Been trying to figure out how to get Jones, Ross, Baker and Vea/Qualls without trading up

Baker is a good returner as well. Some talk of him moving to CB due to size

[Fleet]

Huge Husky homer here. Been trying to figure out how to get Jones, Ross, Baker and Vea/Qualls without trading up

Baker is a good returner as well. Some talk of him moving to CB due to size

I wouldnt be upset with Jones in the 1st. I think if he comes out he climbs.

[Formula 21]

NFLDraftScout.com
NFL Mock Draft: Browns take Mitch Trubisky at No. 1, Titans, Bolts go WR
Cleveland, still looking for a franchise QB, rolls the dice on the talented Tar Heels junior

by Rob Rang The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com Nov 29, 2016 • 10 min read

Every team in the NFL is hoping to make a splash on draft day and few positions offer more play-making potential than wide receivers. Rookies in New Orleans (Michael Thomas), Kansas City (Tyreek Hill) and New York (Giants' Sterling Shepard) have helped once-sagging offenses soar again this season, providing plenty of incentive for other clubs to follow a similar path this spring.

The 2017 NFL Draft may not boast the same level of talent at receiver as recent years but a handful of prospects have distanced themselves from the competition. Clemson wideout Mike Williams and Washington's John Ross, for example, could provide an immediate shot to the arm of sagging passing attacks in Tennessee and San Diego.
1. Cleveland Browns

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina: With rookie Cody Kessler struggling to remain healthy or very productive (six touchdown passes in eight games), the winless Browns are once again searching for help at the game's most important position. According to CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, the Browns are already honing in on Trubisky, an Ohio native and childhood Browns fan, to be the savior. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Trubisky has the tools and production (including a 28-4 TD to INT ratio) this season to excite scouts. However, Trubisky is a huge projection as an NFL franchise quarterback after only emerging UNC's starter this season.
2. San Francisco 49ers

Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: Like the Browns one pick earlier, the 49ers could reach for a quarterback. Garrett, who many scouts feel is the best player in this draft, would be a terrific consolation prize. Garrett has been limited this season with an ankle injury but is a proven difference-maker when healthy. The 6-5, 262-pound junior possesses an explosive first step and rare flexibility to wreak havoc off the edge.
3. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama: As long as the defensive-minded John Fox is calling the shots in Chicago, reinforcing this side of the ball will be a priority. The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder offers unique position versatility to go along with the production and intangibles the current regime prioritized in draft picks last spring. Allen is stout against the run and a proven pass rusher with 19 sacks in his past 26 games.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: The Jaguars have dropped four consecutive games since firing Greg Olson October 29 and now sit at 2-9.With Blake Bortles regressing and the offense stagnant, adding a difference-maker like Fournette to the backfield might be the only solution. With all due respect to Jacksonville's current running backs, Fournette is a freakish talent, boasting the most exciting combination of size, speed and power since Adrian Peterson.
5. New York Jets

Jabrill Peppers, SS/LB, Michigan: Now as the Jets' head coach and previously as the defensive coordinator in Arizona, Todd Bowles has prioritized versatility in his players. Linebacker, safety, cornerback, returner -- put him wherever you would like -- Peppers is a natural playmaker with the instincts and athleticism to carry over his success and versatility into the NFL.
Jabrill Peppers would be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles' defense. USATSI
6. Cincinnati Bengals

Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama: There could be plenty of shakeups in Cincinnati following a disappointing 2016 season and adding explosiveness and enthusiasm at linebacker could be among them. Foster possesses the athleticism and awareness in coverage to play outside and is arguably the most feared hitter in college football.
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7. Carolina Panthers

Teez Tabor, CB, Florida: Growing pains had to be expected with GM Dave Gettlemen opting to go with youth at cornerback over paying Josh Norman. The results haven't always been pretty, though rookie James Bradberry has been a relative bright spot. Tabor talks a good game and backs it up, with his four interceptions currently tied for the SEC lead.
8. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles)

Mike Williams, WR, Clemson: The three-headed monster of Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry would be that much more effective with a true speed threat challenging the safeties cheating toward the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-3, 220 pound Williams offers a similar combination of agility, speed and aggression at the catch point as former Clemson stars Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins.
9. Arizona Cardinals

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson: Poor performances and injury concerns for Carson Palmer has rekindled questions about the Cardinals' long-term plans at the position. Watson is not the polished pocket passer that Bruce Arians has preferred in the past but his mobility could be a perfect complement to young star running back David Johnson.
Deshaun-watson-clemson.jpg
DeShaun Watson is one of the wild cards of the first round. USATSI

10. San Diego Chargers

John Ross, WR, Washington: Though each has stepped up his play following another injury-plagued season from Keenan Allen, the Chargers' trio of Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman scares no one. Ross is a DeSean Jackson clone, boasting this year's best combination of acceleration and agility among receivers. He would provide San Diego with an instant boost in the passing game and as returner.
11. New Orleans Saints

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama: As long as Drew Brees is leading the charge, the Saints can outscore opponents ... just don't ask them to stop anyone. Reinforcing the depth chart at cornerback would go a long way towards improving this unit. The Saints prioritize size and physicality in the defensive backfield and could get an immediate boost at both with the 6-foot-1, 196 pound Humphrey, Alabama's latest star in the secondary.
12. Green Bay Packers

Derek Barnett, DE/OLB, Tennessee: With edge rushers Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones all in the final year of their respective deals, the Packers will once again be looking for help at the position. The 6-3, 257-pound Barnett lacks the length and pure explosiveness scouts would prefer, but he's a well-rounded player who combines quickness, strength and technique to be effective against the pass and run, alike.
13. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)

Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt: Hue Jackson and his staff deserve credit for an improving offense. The defense remains a quagmire, despite several premium draft picks being spent on the unit in recent years. With the need for an edge rusher filled with the trade for former New England Patriots standout Jamie Collins, the Browns could double down at linebacker with the rangy Cunningham.
14. Indianapolis Colts

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: Adding some juice to the backfield in Indianapolis could be the perfect way to support Andrew Luck and few are better than Cook, who last season shattered Florida State's all-time single-season all-purpose record with 1,691 yards -- nearly 450 more than the great Warrick Dunn registered 20 years earlier.
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15. Tennessee Titans

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: The three-headed monster of Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry running the football has made the Titans competitive but to take the next step, but a true playmaker must emerge among receivers. The 6-3, 213 pound Davis is certainly that, setting a new all-time FBS record with 5,068 receiving yards for the undefeated Broncos.
16. Buffalo Bills

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC: As long as defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan is calling the shots, the Bills will have to find unique athletes at the skill positions to make up for a lack of creative play-calling. Pairing the physical and highly competitive Smith-Schuster with the explosive Sammy Watson would give the Bills a legitimate 1-2 punch on the perimeter.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Sidney Jones IV, CB, Washington: The great Steelers teams of the 1970s were best known for their ferocious Steel Curtain defense. The stars for the current squad, however, play on offense. As long as the Steelers' plan is to throw the ball all over the field, reinforcing the secondary will be an annual priority. Jones isn't as long or physical as last year's first-round pick Artie Burns but he is a superb athlete with pure cover skills.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamal Adams, SS, LSU: The Bucs' duo of Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald is one of the league's least athletic. Adams possesses the range, agility and playmaking ability to warrant comparison to former LSU (and current Arizona Cardinals) star Tyrann Mathieu and is bigger at 6-feet and 211 pounds.
19. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)

Desmond King, CB, Iowa: While rookie quarterback Carson Wentz earned most of the hype, a big reason for Philadelphia's early success this season has been a vastly improved defense. That was not the case in back-to-back division losses to the Cowboys and Giants, when the Eagles' secondary was torched. While perhaps lacking in straight-line speed, King's instincts, physicality and ball skills are top notch.
20. Miami Dolphins

Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech: With current tight ends Dion Sims, Jordan Cameron and MarQueis Gray each in the final year of their respective contracts, the Dolphins could be looking for an upgrade at the position. Hodges is more of a big receiver than a traditional in-line tight end but the 6-6, 245-pounder could be an intriguing weapon in Adam Gase's offense.
21. Baltimore Ravens

Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama: Terrell Suggs remains a marvel at 34, leading the Ravens with five sacks through eight games but his 32-year old counterpart, Elvis Dumervil, has missed most of the season with a mysterious foot ailment. Possessing a lightning-quick burst off the snap, Williams has starred as a rush specialist for Alabama (GM Ozzie Newsome's alma mater) and could play an even greater role in the pass-happy NFL after learning from Suggs and Dumervil.
22. Houston Texans

Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State: The Texans have quietly assembled one of the better young rosters in the NFL. Due in part to the injury to former Defensive MVP J.J. Watt,one area that could use improvement is along the defensive line, At 6-5, 282 pounds, McDowell has the size and athleticism to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line. Talented but inconsistent and injury-prone, he could blossom under Watt's wing.
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23. Washington Redskins

Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State: In previous stops in Seattle, San Francisco and Green Bay, Washington GM Scot McCloughan saw in person the benefit of building around play-making defensive backs. Hooker, just a redshirt sophomore, has already shown the range and ball-hawking skills to project as a frontline starter, intercepting six passes and returning three of them for touchdowns over the regular season.
24. Detroit Lions

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: The Lions have just four rushing touchdowns (each by a different player) over their first 11 games of the season, easily among the worst totals in the NFL and lack juice in the return game, as well. Adding a playmaker like McCaffrey might finally give Matthew Stafford the complementary rushing threat he's lacked in Detroit. McCaffrey struggled a bit with injuries early in the year but he's a proven difference-maker as a runner, receiver and returner.
25. Atlanta Falcons

Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn: The Falcons' pass rush has taken off this season due to the emergence of second-year pro Vic Beasley, but a complementary threat is needed for Atlanta to take the next step. Lawson has struggled a bit with injuries over his career, but he is a power-packed edge rusher well-suited to Dan Quinn's aggressive scheme.
26. Denver Broncos

Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin: The Broncos gave veteran left tackle Russell Okung a one-year "show me" type of deal but his play in Denver has thus far been just as inconsistent as it was in Seattle. Ramczyk has been one of this year's most pleasant surprises, starring at left tackle for the Badgers after transferring from D-III UW-Stevens Point. The 6-6, 314-pounder is long and surprisingly agile, making him a potentially perfect fit in Gary Kubiak's zone blocking scheme.
27. Seattle Seahawks

Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA: The Seahawks already have a good pass rush, but Pete Carroll and John Schneider are known to gamble early on freakish athletes. McKinley, the Pac-12's current sack leader, is certainly that, running a 10.58 100 meters in his first year of track in high school. McKinley may lack ideal length at 6-2, 258 pounds but he's explosive, tenacious and potentially capable of helping Seattle's pass rush and at strongside linebacker.
28. New York Giants

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama: Rookie Sterling Shepard has diversified the Giants' offense, but the team remains too reliant upon Odell Beckham Jr. and is in need of more weapons, especially down the seam. Howard lacks the flashy statistics most often associated with first-round prospects, but he is a freakish athlete at 6-6, 242 pounds who may very well wind up being more productive in the NFL than he has been for the Crimson Tide.
29. Kansas City Chiefs

Dan Feeney, G, Indiana: Former offensive line coach Andy Reid prioritizes athleticism and smarts among his blockers, one of the reasons why his clubs consistently rank among the best at running draws and screens. This is precisely where Feeney excels, projecting as an upgrade over Kansas City's current starting guards Parker Ehinger and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.
30. Oakland Raiders

Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: The Raiders envisioned an immediate improvement in the pass rush by pairing pricey free-agent addition Bruce Irvin with young superstar Khalil Mack. Though the wins are up in Oakland, sacks are down with the Raiders ranking among the league's least-effective pass-rushing teams. Charlton possesses exciting initial quickness and bend given his 6-5, 272-pound frame.
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31. New England Patriots

DeMarcus Walker, DL, Florida State: With Jamie Collins traded to Cleveland and Dont'a Hightower, Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long each in the final year of their respective deals, the Patriots will likely be focusing on pass rushers in the 2017 draft. The 6-foot-2, 273 pound Walker is tied (with Boston College's Harold Landry) for the national lead with 15 sacks through 12 games, showing more refined pass rush technique than the similarly-sized Dominique Easley, the Patriots' first round pick in 2014.
32. Dallas Cowboys

Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: The Cowboys success this season is all the more surprising given their lack of a consistent pass rush. After investing in troubled edge rushers in recent years, Dallas may be intrigued by the motor, versatility and work ethic of the 6-3, 255 pound Harris.

[Formula 21]

Rob Rang now has one OT going in the 1st, Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin at pick 26.

Not a lot of choice if we want to go OL.

[Formula 21]

The scoop: "John Ross is probably the fastest player in college football right now and I think he's going to end up being a better pro than Brandin Cooks. (Jake) Browning is a solid quarterback, but Ross is making his life really easy." -- NFC scout on the Washington WR

The skinny: Washington is one of the hottest teams in college football right now and Browning, UW's sophomore quarterback, is getting his share of national notice. It might be flying under the radar, but Ross, a junior, is piling up touchdowns. Between receptions (30), rushes (4) and kick returns (5), Ross has just 39 touches, but his 11 total touchdowns show just how dangerous he is when the ball is in his hands. Ross has average size (5-foot-11, 190 pounds, per school measurements) and will be viewed as a slot option with return abilities at the next level, but his elite speed will be tantalizing for scouts.

UPDATE: The Huskies’ official Twitter account has announced the top five finishers in each of the events at today’s Husky Combine, and it appears junior receiver John Ross III might be even faster after missing last season due to a knee injury.

Ross was hand-timed at 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash, faster than the time of 4.29 seconds he ran at this event in 2014.

Now that's real speed.

[Steve]

The thing is not to get too enamoured with his speed. Remember that Benjamin has elite speed, and while he is a good WR, his speed alone isn't making that many big plays. Another guy with almost world class speed is Stallworth for Minn. What has he done ? Speed alone means nothing.

Now, that being said, Ross is a very elusive player. For a guy who is a marked man, he is incredibly wide open. He does it when he has the ball, when he runs routes, whenever. It's like he makes people take bad angles on him. He has some bad habits he will need to break. I see him running backwards on a lot of plays to get around poeple and then get positive yards, and those yards aren't there in the NFL. He needs to learn to run better routes too. But he seems to be learning to both run routes and set people up with his speed.

If you draft him, it's going to be a year or two before he is in the starting lineup. He could be a very productive bench player, but he is not ready to start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD2YvvMCmrs#t=320.003507

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-SNXNjuoPY#t=1.505657

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8HN7dz0qDM

[Mister Hoarse]

I think Ty Williams has just as much potential as Ross. Address the lines, please.

[Fleet]

I really think that this offense is difficult for WRs to get a fast take on. So i expect Benjamin to put up better numbers next year. Williams could be a 1200 yard guy this year. With Allen back im probably ok with our WR situation. We will get even better with a stout OL. And will only make Gordon better and in turn our play action.

I really wouldn't mind going D in the first. Its not a great draft for OL. I do like Ramczyk though like i said a few posts up. Hes held some stud DEs in check. And that scheme is a good fit for us. I wouldn't mind him at all. I think hes a true LT. He should climb imo.

DB is going to be loaded this draft. Lots of good defensive players in this draft.

[JDA21]

Ramczyk apparently has a questionable love for the game. I don't like that.

Not sure I like an undersized WR with our #1 either, no matter how fast he is. How is Tavon Austin working out for the Rams? He is a decent player but not worth a top 10-15 pick. I'd much rather get Ryan Switzer in the 3rd or 4th.

[Formula 21]

Ramczyk apparently has a questionable love for the game. I don't like that.

Not sure I like an undersized WR with our #1 either, no matter how fast he is. How is Tavon Austin working out for the Rams? He is a decent player but not worth a top 10-15 pick. I'd much rather get Ryan Switzer in the 3rd or 4th.

Both are question marks.

[zoom]

I think Ty Williams has just as much potential as Ross. Address the lines, please.

Very different players. Ross helps in many ways that could help. Speed, returns, and stretching the field for Henry (new Te's). Gates is most likely done. U don't replace him, you tweak the system. Ross does that.

Not saying he is my pick , but we could do worse. Especially forward thinking (this is benjamins last year, allen's injuries).

[Fleet]

Im not sure this is Benjamins last year. Unless we plan on cutting him after 2017 and eating 4 million. I think TT probably lets his contract run out realizing that new WRs need time to acclimate to our offense. Even James Jones said it was discouraging how difficult our offense is to pick up. You roll out Williams, Allen and Henry and Benjamin is likely to have wide open opportunities. I think its too early to count him out. If we draft another WR i would love to get a value guy. Like we did with Allen. Like we could have done with Moncrief. If we are going to eat dead money in 2018 its likely going to be Franklin and Barksdale IMO. Maybe Liuget. Lets not forget how overhyped and overvalued WRs get when there isnt a lot of top end talent. If we want to wait on a WR who may drop due to mediocre combine numbers id look long and hard at Corey Davis. Kid is a monster.

Id be taking advantage of this years crops of DBs. There will probably be 10 defensive players taken in the top 15 this draft. Its a much better defensive draft than offensive imo. Im not a fan of the QBs. There is probably 1 WR worthy of a top 15. The RBs will be ranked too high. No OL players.

Shit is Jatavis going to stay healthy 16 games at his size? I love the moneybacker idea but id feel even better if he could handle SS on rush downs and coverage LB on pass plays. Reuben Foster would maul next to Perryman. I know ILB is the last thing we need. But those 3 together intrigues me. Raekwon McMillan is another. These guys are monsters. Id groom Perry at OLB.

Jamal Adams S, Teez Tabor CB, Malik Mcdowell DE, Reuben Foster LB, Tim Williams OLB, Derek Barnett OLB, Marlon Humphries CB, Malik Hooker S, Sidney Jones CB, Adoree Jackson CB, Cordrea Tankersely, Desmond King.

All these guys are really good players. And could help us. I think its a somewhat safe draft for defense in the first round if a lot of the underclassmen come out. Especially if the redshirt sophs come out. This may be the most lopsided defensive/offensive draft in years.

Another guy that is under the radar is Charles Harris DE Missouri. Ive always liked Mizzou pass rushers. I was a huge fan of Marcus Golden despite many saying he couldn't play OLB. Hes done very well in Arizona.

I know we need OL. DL etc. But imo we are competitive with 17 players on the DL. I still think we could play the BPA theory in the draft instead of just reaching for need. And that even includes WR. Because i wouldn't hesitate on Mike Williams. But we could end up with one of the best defenses in the league if we keep building around Bosa. We need to figure out how to get the OL better with it being a weak draft for OL. Do we trade a pick for a guy like Thomas or Joe Staley? Staley has the longer contract and gives us more years. Thomas and Staley are older though so ideally a 3rd rounder would be nice. I think a 2nd would get it done.

We may have to trade for OL if TT feels we need to improve. I was listening to Helton yesterday who used to be Tuerks coach and he said hes never seen such a gifted player who can play all the spots on the OL. I really think Tuerk will be special for us. We just need a LT. Move Dunlap to RT until he gets hurt. Then use Barksdale. Maybe even Franklin. Even with a trade our financial investment on the OL is probably the most in the league.