Thursday, April 27th. The date we have all been waiting for since Atlanta blew a 28-3 lead at the Lady Gaga concert. THE 2017 NFL DRAFT. Where dreams are made and the Cleveland Browns make terrible decisions. After weeks of research, following up on rumors, excessive googling, and looking back at my favorite college players I have compiled my first round predictions:
1. Cleveland Browns (1-15)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
PICK: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A & M
The Cleveland Browns have been the laughing stock of the NFL for as long as I can remember. With 19 different starting QB’s since 1999, and the inability to retain their one positive story line in Tyrell Pryor it is hard to be hopeful. They can help themselves in the 2017 NFL Draft by selecting the best player available, Myles Garrett. His game tape and stellar combine leave nothing to the imagination. He will join the youthful front seven including Emmanuel Ogbah, Danny Shelton, Christian Kirksey, and Jamie Collins.
2. San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
Top needs: QB, OLB, OL
PICK: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
When it’s all said and done, I actually think Brian Hoyer can do well with the right pieces. Right now the 49ers don’t have the right pieces. Solomon Thomas is the best available talent and will add depth to their current squad and help with their transition to a 4-3 defense. (DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Aaron Lynch)
3. Chicago Bears (3-13)
Top needs: DB, OL, TE
PICK: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Will Mike Glennon be the savior the Bears need to be relevant again? Probably not, but it does push the need of QB to a later round. Their secondary is a clear area of improvement, so a versatile safety with the ability to stuff the run is a good fit. Jamal Adams was an established leader for the LSU Tigers and will be a great addition to an unmotivated locker room.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)
Top needs: TE, DT, OL
PICK: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
After the large spend in Free Agency on names like Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye, they need to revive an unexciting offensive squad. With the passing offense struggling behind Blake Bortles and not crossing into the top 20 rushing squads since 2011, the Jaguars add a new workhorse back behind Leonard Fournette. Although they have Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon in the backfield, neither presents the power and skill of Fournette. They can address their offensive line and tight end needs later in the draft.
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams) (9-7)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
PICK: Marshon Lattimore, CB, OSU
Although Marcus Mariota could use some help on the offensive side of the ball, the 29th ranked secondary of the Titans needs to be addressed early in the draft. Marshon Lattimore is the top candidate from the NFL secondary farm team Ohio State. Lattimore can cover ground quickly with his 4.36 40 yard dash and lock-down receivers.
6. New York Jets (5-11)
Top needs: QB, OLB, CB
PICK: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC
Look, whether or not Christian Hackenberg is their QB of the future they need to get an identity. Aside from the fact that they have shown great interest in Mitchell Trubisky, he actually makes sense as the most pro-ready QB prospect in this year’s draft.
7. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
Top needs: WR, DE, OG
PICK: Malik Hooker, S, OSU
With the Chargers moving to LA there is a clear need to win over a new fan base. Shouldn’t be hard to beat out the Ram’s, right? I went with the best talent on the board pick to ensure the longevity of their defense. Malik Hooker had a crazy good 2016 campaign and looks to be an Ed Reed type defensive back at his very best. Look for him to add depth behind the aging Dwight Lowery.
8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)
Top needs: OT, DE, RB
PICK: Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU
The Panther’s clearly took a step back after their stellar season leading to a super bowl loss the year prior. Their defense is still sound and added Julius Peppers, which should allow them to pick up some more depth later in the draft. Dalvin Cook’s elite combination of speed and strength would be hard to pass up.
9. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9-1)
Top needs: OL, LB, Edge
PICK: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
While the Bengal’s need to deal with the departures of Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler, it will be hard to overlook a defensive lineman of Allen’s caliber. The loss of Domata Peko also leaves an opening for depth. Allen’s tape proves he is versatile, technically sound, and a real force on opposing o-lines.
10. Buffalo Bills (7-9)
Top needs: DB, WR, OT
PICK: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
After plugging some holes in their WR contingent the Bills will look to add another dynamic offensive weapon. Tyrod Taylor is no stud, but with Charles Clay and Howard running a two tight end set he has a way better chance of dicing up the defense. Along with added run blocking ability this offense could become two-dimensional and scary.
11. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
Top needs: DB, LB, WR
PICK: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
A few top DB’s are already off the table, but the Saints defense needs a real bad facelift all around. Most people are going to assume that a WR would be taken here, but with two picks in the first round you can’t pass up the strong defensive talent on the board. Barnett will provide consistent pressure off the edge and create a scary defensive front alongside Cam Jordan and Nick Fairley.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles) (1-15)
Top needs: QB, pass rusher, DB
PICK: Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
In Hue Jacksons second year as Browns head coach, he needs to build confidence in a city that has struggled since I can remember. The first pick addressed their defense by selecting the most NFL ready edge rusher. What better way to boost their offense, then to select a pro-style quarterback he can build a future around.
13. Arizona Cardinals (7-8-1)
Top needs: ILB, QB, DB
PICK: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Cardinals have lost quite a few important pieces of their defense in the offseason. Lucky for them, there are quite a few options at play. Safety, Inside Linebacker, and Corner are all needs. With Marlon Humphrey’s height, speed, and ability to run stuff he will be hard to pass up. Don’t be surprised if the cardinals look to deal this pick though.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings) (7-9)
Top needs: CB, RB, DE
PICK: Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford
The Eagles have done well giving their future franchise QB an assault of weapons with Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Don’t be surprised if they snag up the Stanford Stud, Christian McCaffery, with this pick to sure up their offensive prowess. There is a lot of depth at CB and DE which they will surely explore in the next rounds.
15. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)
Top needs: OL, DL, RB
PICK: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
Although Reuben Foster has recently been in the media for the wrong reasons, it’s easy to overlook a small scuffle at the combine when you review his talent level. Three down linebacker, check. Vision and speed to work sideline to sideline, check. Size and technique to track and tackle most tight ends and running backs, check.
16. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Top needs: OLB, WR, CB
PICK: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
If and when Mike Williams lands in your lap at the 16th overall pick, you take him. With Breshad Perriman as your only notable option at WR, you have to give the overrated Joe Flacco some support. The ravens will fill the needs on the edge and cornerback in the next few rounds to solidify their defensive squad.
17. Washington Redskins (8-7-1)
Top needs: ILB, S, RB
PICK: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
With Reuben Foster off of the board, the redskins will look to sure up their secondary. Jabrill Peppers provides support in the return game, can track and tackle defenders across the field, and has an uncanny ability to be part of every play.
18. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
Top needs: CB, WR, ILB
PICK: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Titans added some great depth to their secondary, now what? Add a deep threat and an intriguing offensive monster. Corey Davis may have some injury concerns, but have you watched him play? He can beat defenders on the ground, in the air, and has amazing hands.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Top needs: DL, S, RB
PICK: David Njoku, TE, Miami
Jameis must be going crazy waiting to take the field with his new and improved wideout combination of Desean Jackson and Mike Evans. Wanna know what is going to make him even more excited? Adding a big framed big play machine in David Njoku. Yes they have Cameron Brate, but Njoku adds a whole new dimension to the passing game.
20. Denver Broncos (9-7)
Top needs: OT, ILB, DE
PICK: Garrett Bowles, OT, Alabama
Trevor Siemian can’t take all the blame for the lackluster Bronco’s offense. No they don’t have an explosive run game, but it has been apparent that their o-line can’t protect long enough to give their offense a chance. With Bowles out of Utah being the most complete tackle in the draft, they essentially have to pick him. Him and Ronald Leary are a start to improving the trenches.
21. Detroit Lions (9-7)
Top needs: Pass rusher, LB, WR
PICK: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
The release of DeAndre Levy was written on the wall as he continued missing seasons with injuries. That leaves a pretty important gap in linebacker depth, and Haason Reddick is the type of talent that could bring a whole new look. A freak athlete at the combine (4.52 40yd dash, 11-1 broad jump) and the versatility to play a few different positions. While I would be happy with a defensive end here, I feel the draft will have some talent left in the second round to bolster the defensive line.
22. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
Top needs: LB, OG, CB
PICK: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Honestly, Forrest Lamp is the only name I have heard being thrown around as a first round guard talent. This is a key need for a team that is looking to compete with the ever improving Patriots. Lamp will provide quality protection for Tannehill and make holes for Ajayi out of the backfield.
23. New York Giants (11-5)
Top needs: LT, MLB, QB
PICK: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
As the giants continue to spend a lot of money on their defense, they need to start thinking of the offensive side of the ball. With an aging Eli Manning, the left tackle position becomes an area of improvement. Cam Robinson out of Alabama presents a mountain of a man capable of taking the reigns from current left tackle incumbent Ereck Flowers.
24. Oakland Raiders (12-4)
Top needs: MLB, DT, CB
PICK: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
The Raiders have made some great additions to the offensive unit, aside from losing Latavius Murray, so I think they look to sure up their secondary. Quincy Wilson was a force to be reckoned with at Florida and will continue to help the raiders get closer to that Super Bowl push.
25. Houston Texans (9-7)
Top needs: QB, OL, LB
PICK: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Regardless if Tony Romo decides to move over to Houston to make a last ditch effort to win a super bowl, Tom Savage is clearly not the answer. The Texans will look to add a signal caller with experience in winning in clutch situations and Watson is that guy. Next rounds they will look to bolster the o-line to protect the future of their organization.
26. Seattle Seahawks (10-5-1)
Top needs: OT, DT, CB
PICK: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
It is sad how deprived the Seahawks o-line is…With little money to dole out during free agency they need to attack both offensive and defensive lines in the draft. Both tackle positions are in dire need of improvement. Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin would be a great addition, having the ability to take on either of those roles.
27. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
Top needs: ILB, DL, CB
PICK: Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
The Chiefs are that team that is so close to greatness, but something isn’t quite there. Inside linebacker is a vital part of this team, and they need to start thinking about replacements for Derrick Johnson at age 34. Zach Cunningham is a great option for the chiefs to pick up.
28. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
Top needs: DB, DE, TE
PICK: Obi Melifonwu, S, UCONN
Jerry Jones is always known for making splash picks like Zeke Elliott, and Obi Melifonwu is no different. Obi is an exciting play disrupter and Dallas has a long way to go in patching up its departures in free agency.
29. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Top needs: CB, pass rusher, RB
PICK: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Although cornerback is a top need here, I feel there is better value at edge rusher for the Packers defense. Charles Harris will provide some balance for the young cornerbacks they will select later in the draft.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Top needs: ILB, OLB, WR
PICK: Takkarist Mckinley, DE, UCLA
The Steeler’s just rained down money on the offensive side of the ball for Le’veon Bell and Antonio Brown, which was much deserved. Now they need to turn to their aging defense and add a workhorse on the Edge. Takkarist Mckinley will provide just that!
31. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Top needs: OG, DE, DT
PICK: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Atlanta needs to add some power to both lines in the draft. With Taco Charlton still on the board, it will be hard to pass up this 6’5″ 277 pound animal. If only he would slide to the Lions for round two, sigh.
32. New Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots) (7-9)
Top needs: DB, LB, WR
PICK: John Ross, WR, Washington
Losing Brandon Cooks makes this pick a guarantee. Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger and they have a clear need for playmaker in their WR Corps. Ross breaking Chris Johnson’s 40-yard dash record (4.22) at the combine is a clear identification of his speed.
I would love to hear your thoughts, arguments, and insights regarding the 2017 NFL Draft and look forward to seeing everyone’s team improve. But mostly the Lions! Comment below or tweet me @evbtuesdays.
Stay casual until next Tie Tuesday!
EVB
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