2017 2 Round NFL Mock Draft

Two round mock draft not on what I think is going to happen, but in fact on what I would do if I owned each of these picks. I’ll also offer commentary on why I would do that and the potential impact of each of these selections.

1. Cleveland Browns - DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

The Browns just take the best player available and he’s the best prospect by a long way. The Browns need a pass rusher badly and a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. There isn’t a quarterback even in the conversation as the best player, and the team is so far away from being competitive that you build around a game wrecker on defense.

2. San Francisco 49ers - FS Malik Hooker, Ohio State

I know everyone has San Francisco taking Soloman Thomas here but I think that pick makes little sense for two reasons. Number one is why would you take a very similar player to Buckner and Armstead when you used first round picks on them the past two seasons and both are starting to figure it out. Secondly, I like Thomas but on a team devoid of talent I take the player that’s second on my board and not eighth.

3. Chicago Bears - SS Jamal Adams, LSU

The Bears need playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, and while Jonathan Allen is definitely on the radar here as they could use a three or five technique, Adams is a dynamic player. Chicago solved their quarterback issue with Glennon, whom I believe is a capable starting quarterback in the NFL and Adams is a lot better value as my 3rd overall player instead of reaching for Trubisky, my 35th ranked player.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - RB Leonard Fournette, LSU

I typically am very against taking a running back this early in a draft but Fournette is an elite player. Also as I’m playing GM in this mock draft I really want to know if Bortles can be my quarterback of the future and the best way for me to truly know that is to get him some weapons and some help around him. Fournette gives the team a true bell cow at the running back position and could allow Bortles to see his true potential.

5. Tennessee Titans - WR Mike Williams, Clemson

Yes this is a reach for my overall value chart as I have Williams at 16th overall player. If I were Tennessee here I would do everything I could to move back to a quarterback needy team looking to jump up ahead of the Jets. However, here I wouldn’t try to trade up in front of the Jets for any of these quarterbacks. Williams is a true number one receiver option with great size and he fills a major position of need and a tier one weapon for Mariota.

6. New York Jets - CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State

The Jets are very likely to make a move for a quarterback here as both the GM and the head coach are very much on the hot seat. Likely the only way to save their job(s) is to take a quarterback and hope he develops. I honestly think that if that happens that quarterback is likely doomed as that offensive line is mediocre and their weapons are average at best. The team needs a corner and Lattimore provides significantly more value than reaching a full round for a quarterback.

7. Los Angeles Chargers - DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama

The Chargers hit a major homerun in last year’s draft with Joey Bosa and even to a certain extent with Jatavis Brown. This year they add a piece to pair with Bosa playing a similar position in Allen. Allen will allow them to have two interior pass rushers who can play inside or outside that can truly change games. Bosa was the best rookie in the league last year and he’ll only get better with the addition of a dynamic pass rusher and run stopper in Allen.

8. Carolina Panthers - DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee

I like Barnett a lot, way more than most other scouts but I simply don’t care what they think. The Panthers desperately need help as a pass rusher, particularly after trading Ealy this offseason. Barnett is an elite pass rusher who can also set the edge. This team plays in a division with Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, and Jameis WInston so getting someone who can create pressure and sacks is a must. Barnett is as solid as they come, and while the Panthers would definitely consider McCaffrey here, Barnett is a great player at a better positional value.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Reuben Foster, Alabama

I totally get that there are a ton of off the field issues that you get here but Foster is an elite player and Alabama teammates love the kid. You have to worry a touch about all the red flags but his talent is undeniable. I would do a ton of background on him but at this point I believe he is worth the risk, and is as dynamic at the linebacker spot as Luke Kuechley was coming out.

10. Buffalo Bills - TE OJ Howard, Alabama

I know that tight end isn’t really listed as a position of need for Buffalo but pass catcher is an Howard is by far the best pass catcher in this class. The team needs to figure out if Taylor is a franchise quarterback, my opinion is yes, but let’s get us another weapon for him to truly figure it out. Howard is an elite player who can play in the slot, flexed out, or inline and be a dominant player. The wide receivers and corners aren’t worth the value here and you’d reach a ton on a tackle so Howard is the pick. Best decision would be to move back, but in this scenario they stand pat and take a great player.

11. New Orleans Saints - LB Haason Reddick, Temple

The Saints are definitely going to consider corner here but with a draft so deep at that position I’d look for a versatile freak defender in Reddick. I thought about Peppers but I want someone who can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and tackle in space. Reddick is a really good player who is still improving, that’s a scary proposition for the rest of the NFL.

12. Cleveland Browns - QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina

This is a big reach and I totally get that but the value isn’t there anywhere else and Trubisky as a really high upside. I wouldn’t play him right away and might set a game 9-12 type scenario for him to get his first action but the kid has a lot of talent. After taking Garrett first overall maybe I try to find my franchise guy here at 12. It’s a big risk and if Howard were still on the board here I’d take him but since he’s not I try to get my quarterback.

13. Arizona Cardinals - DE Soloman Thomas, Stanford

He might go second overall in real life but Thomas slips to 13 here for Arizona. I know that everyone wants them to draft Palmer’s replacement here but losing Calais Campbell was a big loss and Thomas plays a similar role. They don’t reach on quarterback yet, hoping to find a big strong armed kid left in round two and take the best player remaining at a position of need in Thomas.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Tre’Davious White, LSU

I really considered McCaffrey here but the team needs corner help badly and I’m a big fan of White. He gives them a really good player at that position who can match up pretty well with most receivers. White can play inside or outside and is a higher positional value than McCaffrey so I will take the more important position with White.

15. Indianapolis Colts - RB Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

I really considered Forrest Lamp here but the Colts need a running back so badly that they go with McCaffrey here at 15. I think they would have preferred a defender but Luck has been beaten up so badly in the past two seasons you need to take some pressure off him. Plus this plays a dual role, in that Houston really struggles to defend pass catching running backs and McCaffrey is the best one in the draft by a mile. You always look to exploit division rivals when you draft.

16. Baltimore Ravens - WR John Ross, Washington

The Ravens biggest offensive strength is Flacco’s ability to throw the ball deep down the field and Ross is an elite deep ball guy. Ross is the fastest guy in the history of the NFL combine and can get deep on anyone in the league. The position of need is here for Baltimore as well as a perfect schematic fit. Add him to a potentially healthy Perriman and you have a scary fast duo for NFL defensive backs.

17. Washington Redskins - S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

I get that some people have Peppers falling out of the first round but I simply can’t let that happen. His versatility and athleticism are completely elite, and while I really believe that he could be a starter at linebacker or running back that he’ll be an excellent safety. Pairing him with Sua Cravens means this team could be really good in sub packages. He’s too good to slide very far, and he was my last remaining 90 ranked player on the board.

18. Tennessee Titans - CB Quincy Wilson, Florida

I’m a huge fan of Wilson, and have him ranked higher than any draft analyst that I’ve seen at this point. The Titans solved a major hole at receiver with pick 5 but get a really good corner with the 18th overall selection. The Titans may have “reached” from what everyone else says but they get two good players and potentially a number one corner and a number one receiver so it’s a damn good draft for them at two positions of need.

19. New York Giants (mock trade from Tampa Bay) - OT Ryan Ramcyzk, Wisconsin

The Broncos are still looking to bolster their offensive line and the GIants desperately need help up front so they give up 4 spots and give up a 3rd round pick to get a left tackle. This move would allow them to shore up the left tackle and right tackle spots by moving Flowers to his better position on the right side. Ramcyzk is the safest tackle in the class and can maybe help prolong Eli’s career.

20. Denver Broncos - OT Garrett Bolles, Utah

The Broncos go with an exceptionally athletic tackle in Bolles to continue their offensive line overhaul. While Bolles needs to prove he can keep his weight up and gain some strength, his athleticism and footwork is ridiculous and could give them a better player with potential blindside ability. He’s an upgrade for them.

21. Detroit Lions - LB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

The Lions need a linebacker who can run and cover while making plays all over the field and Cunningham is that guy. I know they need a pass rusher but I believe every pass rusher is a reach here so they get their linebacker first. He’s a nice player, he misses a few too many tackles, but he can cover and run and he’s an instant upgrade for a mediocre front 7.

22. Miami Dolphins - G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

The best offensive lineman in this entire draft goes to Miami. Tannehill really improved last season and he will continue to ascend with the addition of a great interior lineman in Lamp. While people think he’ll have a hard time adjusting to the NFL his rookie season, I simply don’t think so because his Alabama tape was dominant. He doesn’t just not give up sacks, he doesn’t even give up pressure. Great player at a position of need and high value.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State

A dynamic multiple running back with off the field issues, Cook gets taken and gives WInston yet another offensive weapon. Cook is a top 10 player who I set back on my board because of off the field issues but the team has a need here and Cook is ridiculous. He catches the ball well, runs routes like a receiver, and is a 1000 yard back. If he keeps his nose clean this Tampa offense could be terrifying.

24. Oakland Raiders - LB Jarrad Davis, Florida

The Raiders considered McDowell here definitely but they go really safe at a position of need and take a nice player in Davis. The Raiders need help at defensive tackle and it’s probably their biggest issue but I can’t take McDowell in the first even though you could easily argue he’s a top 5 talent in this entire draft. His red flags and inconsistent tape scare me and I think you can find solid defensive tackles later in draft classes. Davis is a high floor guy who improves the defense immediately.

25. Houston Texans - QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

I don’t have him ranked as high as Watson but all the top 5 quarterbacks are essentially equal minus one or two points it all depends on system. Houston wants to throw the deep ball to Hopkins and Fuller and O’Brien loves Mahomes so I get my coach what he wants. I would rather have Cam Robinson at right tackle but you can’t win without good quarterback play. Mahomes has erratic footwork and throws too many picks but he also has a cannon arm and makes big time plays. The scheme fit and coach wanting him makes me grab Mahomes here at 25.

26. Seattle Seahawks - OT Cam Robinson, Alabama

The Hawks’ are ecstatic that Robinson is still around at 26. He can play right tackle or either guard spot and is a solid and athletic lineman who helps them at a major position of need. At 26 he provides good value, particularly because their are the three top tackles and then a MAJOR drop off after that unless you want to play a likely guard at tackle early. This is a great scenario for Seattle.

27. Kansas City Chiefs - QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson

The Chiefs are starting to look for the heir apparent to Alex Smith and they take Watson here. The main reason that I do that here is that I believe Watson is perfect for Andy Reid’s system. Again these quarterbacks are all so damn close to each other that system is the most important thing. If Watson went to Houston or Arizona I don’t think he’d be as successful there but in KC, the kid could turn into a pro-bowl caliber quarterback by year 3. He’s not perfect by any chance but it’s a GREAT fit.

28. Dallas Cowboys - CB Adoree Jackson, USC
Jackson is a really explosive playmaker who lacks some size but makes up for it with crazy quickness and athleticism. Jackson is a beast return guy with tremendous ball skills and may be better in the return ability than anything else but he’s also an elite slot corner. His lack of size means he’s likely stuck inside but teams are in sub packages 70% of the time now so essentially drafting a great return man and slot corner is drafting a starter.

29. Green Bay Packers - CB Jourdan Lewis, Michigan

I thought about Moreau here because I have him ranked higher but the injury thing is scary and Lewis is really good as well. I know he’s mostly a slot guy but the team losing Micah Hyde was an enormous loss and another one of the Ted Thompson thing he’s done lately that makes zero sense. Letting Heyward go for cheap and Hyde go for even less makes no sense and honestly I think Thompson should get fired. If he didn’t do those two things the Packers would be arguably the favorite this season, instead they have to take a good slot corner in the first round.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers -  CB Fabian Moreau, UCLA
He’s injured but should be ready to roll at worst early in the season and the Steelers defensive backs need serious help. I know they drafted Burns last year in the first round but they double dip in going and getting who I think had the best tape in the entire draft. I’m a huge Moreau guy and don’t really care that everyone else thinks it’s a reach, he’s a damn good player and helps that secondary immediately.

31. Atlanta Falcons - G Dan Feeney, Illinois

My 24th ranked player and an immediate good starter for a movement based offensive line. The team needs help at right guard and so they take a really good player who can help them this season. Feeney might not be a perfect guard prospect but he’s very solid. Easy selection for Atlanta here.

32. New Orleans Saints - WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan

The team let go of Brandin Cooks and needs another weapon at wide receiver, and while they still need help at corner, they get too good of value with Davis here. I think that Davis injury stuff is freaking some people out but he’s too damn good to fall out of the first round. While a number of corners are on the board here the Saints  just have to take the value at a position of need here.

33. Cleveland Browns - TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss

The Browns missed out on Howard in the first but instead went and got their quarterback with the 12th pick. Here they get a ridiculous athlete at tight end with tremendous hands. Trubisky if he does start right away needs some security blankets and a 6’5 guy who runs 4.42 is a pretty comfy blanky. I love Engram and while he isn’t a great blocker yet, he’s an insane slot option and can really help a young qb adjust to the league.

34. San Francisco 49ers - CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

While Humphrey doesn’t have great ball skills, he does have excellent H/W/S combination. I think that a good defensive back coach can help him become better and you can’t teach his skill set. Humphrey fills a void at corner and this 49ers team has gotten seriously better in the secondary with their first two selections. I firmly believe that the 9ers are going to get Kirk Cousins next offseason and this team is devoid of talent  so why draft a qb to fail when you can wait one season and pay Cousins 25 million per year and get Shanahan his guy.

35. Jacksonville Jaguars - TE David Njoku, Miami

The Jaguars continue to give Bortles weapons to see what the hell he actually is. Njoku is a really good player who is another security option for the Jags. He is a first round talent who can help the team in the redzone and gives them an option to move the chains. Bortles now has easier throws to make and checks to the run with Fournette. The Jaguars have so much talent now with these two additions.

36. New York Jets (trade with the Bears) - QB Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame

In this scenario the Jets start to get scared of not having a quarterback so they make a move with the Bears and give up a fourth rounder to do it. They took the biggest position of need and don’t lose too much value by taking Kizer here. There’s a lot of talent that Kizer has but he’s got a long way to go consistency wise to be a starting NFL quarterback.

37. LA Rams - TE Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

The Rams need weapons in a bad way and Hodges can be that guy. They want another receiver but Hodges is better value here than any of the other wide receivers who would likely just be slot guys anyway. Hodges is a bigger target and since the Rams went out and got the criminally underrated Whitworth at tackle, they go weapon here. A redzone threat and chain mover with upside Hodges helps develop Goff.

38. Los Angeles Chargers - S Josh Jones, North Carolina State

A versatile defensive weapon, Jones is steadily rising draft boards and for good reason. He could go as high as 25 overall to Houston on the regular draft so there’s an argument you’re getting good value here as well. Jones fills a position of need at safety for LAC and with he and Allen added to their defense. These two guys with the addition of Bosa and Brown last year, we’re all of a sudden cooking with gas on defense for the Chargers.

39. Chicago Bears - LB Raekwon MacMillan, Ohio State

The Bears need a linebacker to pair with Trevathan and they get a good one in MacMillan. He’s a good tackler who can run a bit and ends up giving the team some quality pieces on the interior. The Bears still need a defensive lineman but there isn’t one worth the selection here so they go with a solid player at a position of need.

40. Carolina Panthers - RB Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

The Panthers need to get back to running the football with power and while they need a tackle, this draft is so bad at that spot that they start in the backfield. With Stewart on his last legs the team goes after someone who could get taken in round one. Kamara is a true number one back and fills a position of need.

41. Cincinnati Bengals - S Budda Baker, Washington

The Bengals have drafted poorly over the past couple of seasons so they have needs at tackle even though they drafted two highly recently. The Bengals have to rely on them to play better because of the draft capital they expended their so here they take a versatile safety who can play in the box, slot, or deep with Baker. He’s a good player but I believe the Bengals are on the downside of the past few years of consistency.

42. New Orleans Saints - CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State

I like Howard Wilson better but I believe I can wait another full round and still get Wilson in round 3 so I’ll take Conley here and try to double up later at the position. Conley won’t last this long on draft day but people drop every year and this year he does. I like him, just not nearly as much as everyone else but he’s a good player and is an upgrade for them at a position of need.

43. Philadelphia Eagles - DE Taco Charlton, MIchigan

Charlton is a player with some upside and some size but didn’t deliver very consistently at Michigan. Here he gets a chance to play opposite Brandon Graham, one of the best players in the league that no one talks about. Charlton can develop and rotate in as a rookie while Chris Long gets reps in front of him and then by year two he’ll step in as a starter. The Eagles are still considering running back here but Charlton is a position that’s more important so they go DE here.

44. Buffalo Bills - CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

The Bills lost Gilmore last season so they take Tankersley here, still looking for a slot guy in round 3. Tankersley isn’t as explosive or dynamic as other players but his analytics are very good. He didn’t give up much against him the past two seasons and while he’s not perfect, he’s probably an NFL starter at the position.

45. Arizona Cardinals - CB Howard Wilson, Houston

I lied, Wilson didn’t last that long. Cardinals fans got super sick of watching the person opposite Patrick Peterson get smoked so the team gets a super underrated player out of Houston. Wilson’s tape is exceptional, and I have no idea why he isn’t more highly regarded. The team considers Peterman and Webb here but instead takes Wilson and will try to get a quarterback in next year’s talent laden qb class.

46. Indianapolis Colts - Edge Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

The Colts have some other needs but getting a high motor pass rusher is always a good decision. McKinley isn’t the explosive athlete of some but he gets effort sacks and can help set the edge as an outside linebacker, defensive end hybrid. He’s a good piece and provides good value at this spot in the draft.

47. Baltimore Ravens - DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State

The team needs an interior presence and while McDowell comes with major baggage and effort concerns, he is as talented as any player in this class. When he gives full effort he’s as good as any player I’ve seen on the interior. That being said his tape is inconsistent and at times he plays too high, but the kid can absolutely play and if the Ravens get it all out of him it’s a tremendous value.

48. Minnesota Vikings - G/T Dion Dawkins, Temple

The VIkings continue to get better on their offensive line with the addition of a really solid player in Dawkins. While he could potentially play tackle in the NFL he’ll be a much better guard. He can play immediately and is an upgrade at that position for the Vikes.

49. Washington Redskins - LB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

I thought about running back here but the Redskins still need someone else to rush the passer and get a pretty good one in Watt. Another versatile piece Watt has NFL pedigree and good overall athleticism. He’s still a bit raw but with Peppers and Watt the team gets significantly better on the defensive side of the ball.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - SS Obi Melinfonwu, UCONN

The Bucs were bad at safety in 2016 so they take a crazy athlete in Melinfonwu. The guy put on an absolute show at the combine and has tremendous size and speed. His tape got better every year and while he’s still not refined there he continues to get better. He’s a good player with HUGE upside.

51. Denver Broncos - TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama

The team needs to figure out if it has a quarterback and personally I like both guys and think they can play a bit. Everett gives them a talented tight end who can run and make plays. He’s raw still but there’s talent here and he does a lot of good things. This pick will help out the quarterback, whomever it is.

52. Cleveland Browns - RB Curtis Samuel, Ohio State

I don’t know where Samuel will play in the NFL but he’s a damn good player and so I’ll just add him here and figure out what to do with him later. Trubisky adds Engram and Samuel here so this team could be scary to watch grow together in the future. I want to give my quarterback every chance to succeed and Samuel’s ability is elite. I will figure out how to get him the ball.

53. Detroit Lions - DE Jordan Willis, Kansas State

The team needs a pass rusher opposite Ansah and they get him here with Willis. The kid is screaming up draft boards so I doubt he’s here but to be honest I considered him in round 1 with Detroit’s pick but went safer. Now I get both guys I want and my team is much improved.

54. Miami Dolphins - S Marcus Williams, Utah

A ball hawking safety is a nice idea opposite Jones to give them a talented 1-2 tandem on the backend. I like Williams and while he’s not perfect he finds the football and helps them become a better takeaway defense.

55. New York Giants - RB D’onta Foreman, Texas

The Giants have to find a big strong back that can carry the load and Foreman is that guy. While I like Marlon Mack better Foreman is a better fit for what they want to do, particularly because Perkins can be that complementary back.

56. Oakland Raiders - DT Caleb Brantley, Florida
The team needs a defensive tackle and gets one with upside in Brantley. I don’t love him as much as some of the others but for their system I like him a lot. He can play and do the 3 technique in an even front if need be on passing downs. While only play 50% of the snaps and be considerably better than he was in Gainesville.

57. Houston Texans - OT Antonio Garcia, Troy

I seriously considered a safety here but the team’s need at tackle is too big and I think Garcia is the next best at the position. Eventually he can kick to the left side when Brown retires and gives them an upgrade at the position immediately this season.

58. Seattle Seahawks - CB Teez Tabor, Florida

The Seahawks don’t really care about speed on the outside they like players who can play and Tabor fits that bill. His 40 time dropped his stock a full round and I didn’t love his tape but he’s still a starting caliber corner and if the team trades Sherman they desperately need a corner who can play cover 3. I think Tabor can do that.

59. Kansas City Chiefs - DB Desmond King, Iowa

The Chiefs love corners with ball skills and while KIng doesn’t have great speed or quickness he is a ballhawk. I think King would likely play safety as his best position in the league but maybe he can play corner opposite Peters in KC. Not sure where I’d play him but I’ll always take a guy with ball skills.

60. Dallas Cowboys - Edge Charles Harris, Missouri

The Cowboys take a corner in round one and then an edge rusher in round two to help their defense. Harris is a guy I think is vastly overrated but at 60 you’re getting good value at a position of need. He knows how to get the qb so take him here and you improve.

61. Green Bay Packers - OLB Tim Williams, Alabama

Williams is a good player and the Packers need another guy to get the quarterback. Williams fits the scheme well and after going cb in round one they take a nice player in round two. They filled two needs and will look corner again and running back in the next couple of rounds.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers - DE Chris Wormley, Michigan

The Steelers could really use a 5 technique to push the pocket and they get one here in Wormley. He has great size and length and uses it to set the edge as well as push the pocket. I think he’s going to be a lunch pail solid NFL starter for a decade and it’s a safe solid pick in round 2.

63. Arizona Cardinals (trade from Atlanta) - QB Nate Peterman, Pittsburgh

The Cardinals gave up their 3rd round pick in 2017 and 2018 to move up to get a good deep ball thrower in Peterman. While he won’t wow you with his arm he was very accurate down the field and is probably the closest to being NFL ready. I like him more than Webb and although I think Webb will likely go first come draft days I’d take Peterman here to be the heir to Palmer.

64. Carolina Panthers - OT Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

I think this is a bit of a reach for Moton here but their need at tackle is so high that I pull the trigger here. They addressed their two biggest needs their first two picks and do it again with pick number three. This draft would be a really solid one for Carolina and they should be ecstatic that this is where they ended up.

Best remaining players:

#38 SS Justin Evans

#48 Slot Ryan Switzer

#55 FS John Johnson

#57 DT Jaleel Johnson

#59 DE Tarrell Basham