A bunch of 2017 mock drafts

[Elmgrovegnome]

This can give you an idea who to watch out for in college next year. The Rams wont be picking till late round 2 but still, maybe one of these guys drops that far.


http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-dr...t-deshaun-watson-leonard-fournette-brad-kaaya
1. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Watson’s career arc has him hurtling toward the Heisman Trophy and being the No. 1 pick in the draft. Beyond his deep-ball accuracy, he is an impressive prospect.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
Kaaya has progressed in each of his first two seasons as a starter and could explode under the guidance of new Miami head coach Mark Richt.


3. San Diego Chargers: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
The pick up of Joey Bosa this year gives the Chargers a star on the defensive line. Getting Williams next year will give them one at linebacker.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Robinson had a rocky 2015 season, but he has the skill set to bounce back. He can be the left tackle that Luke Joeckel has thus far failed to become.

5. Tennessee Titans: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern California
Kendall Wright is a free agent after the season, and the Titans don’t have a lot beyond him and Dorial Green-Beckham, who is far from proven.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
Johnson’s development has been a little slower than expected, but he plays at a premium position.

7. New Orleans Saints: Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss
In 2015, Kelly showed flashes of brilliance. He’s an incredibly talented passer who needs to prove wrong those who doubt him because of his character concerns. New Orleans has been evaluating quarterbacks for a reason.

8. Detroit Lions: Raekwon McMillan, MLB, Ohio State
The Lions don’t have much in the way of a middle linebacker, especially with the unresolved weirdness of Stephen Tulloch that’s going on. McMillan is a tackling machine.

9. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia): Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Fournette is a powerhouse running back who throws defenders around with ease. He’s built for the AFC North.

10. Miami Dolphins: Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
Drafting Xavien Howard in the second round was a need-based pick, but Tabor projects as a true No. 1 corner.

11. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles): Adoree' Jackson, CB, Southern California
Jackson is a superstar player who can shut receivers down on the outside and make big plays on special teams.

12. Washington: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
Washington waited until the fifth round to take a defensive tackle this year, and that could be trouble. Vanderdoes can play anywhere on the line of a three-man front.

13. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Garrett will probably go much higher than this in a year, but who knows. None of us know. For the Falcons he can be a pass rusher on the line with Vic Beasley making plays behind him.

14. Chicago Bears: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson are both free agents after the season, so the Bears could look to add a wide out to go with Kevin White.

15. Houston Texans: Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Houston didn’t address the defensive line until their last pick of the draft. With Vince Wilfork potentially entering the last year of his career, Lotulelei can be his replacement.

16. Buffalo Bills: Zach Banner, OT, Southern California
Cordy Glenn’s future in Buffalo is uncertain, and the massive Banner could be his replacement.

17. Oakland Raiders: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Latavius Murray is a free agent after the season, and Cook would be an upgrade.

18. New York Giants: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
This pick assumes Chubb will recover fine from a bad knee injury in October. If so, he can be just as good as the two running backs taken ahead of him.

19. New York Jets: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Muhammad Wilkerson is probably out in New York, and Allen can come right in and fill his spot.

20. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
The Ravens took two cornerbacks in the draft this year, but fourth-rounder Tavon Young is a nickel corner only and sixth-round pick Maurice Canady is, well, a sixth-rounder.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Conor McDermott, OT, UCLA
The Chiefs face another tough offseason with free agency coming for Eric Berry, Eric Fisher and Dontari Poe. For the sake of this mock, let's assume it is Fisher who leaves.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
Mix speed and length and you usually have a first-round pass rusher. That’s Turay.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
The Vikings didn’t take a safety until the seventh round this year, so they need a strong safety. Peppers gets used all over the place at Michigan, but his position in the NFL should be safety.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
White could have gone pro and been a second- or third-round pick in 2016. Another season in a loaded LSU defense should push him higher up the draft.

25. Arizona Cardinals: Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU
Both Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are free agents after the season, so the Cardinals may need receiving help in next year’s draft.

26. Carolina Panthers: Greg Pyke, OT, Georgia
My never-ending quest to mock offensive tackles to the Panthers continues with Pyke, a tackle who could have gone pro after last season.

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The Bengals could use another pass rusher, and next year’s draft should have several to choose from.

28. Denver Broncos: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Virgil Green is the top tight end in Denver, and Jeff Heuerman is still an unknown. Butt is a complete tight end who may have been the first player at his position picked this year had he gone pro.

29. Green Bay Packers: Pat Elflein, G, Ohio State
Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang are both free agents after the season, so the Packers could be on the hunt for a new guard. Elflein is widely considered the best in the draft next year.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri
James Harrison is likely entering his final season, and Jarvis Jones is a free agent. Harris is an athletic edge rusher who will likely kick out to linebacker in the NFL.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
If the Seahawks end up picking in this position, there should be some cornerbacks available late in the first round. Of those available, Tankersley has the best length.

32. New England Patriots: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
The year of the running back closes out the first round with the Patriots grabbing a running back who can make big plays in the run and pass offense.

Just for fun, and to include everyone, here are some guesses for the Rams and Eagles in the second round:

Philadelphia Eagles: Malik McDowell, DE/DT, Michigan State

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...l-draft-qbs-go-1-2-for-third-consecutive-year
Note: The draft order for this exercise was determined based on the current Vegas odds to win next season's Super Bowl.

1. Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson: If Cleveland is drafting No. 1 overall, the experiments with Robert Griffin III and rookie Cody Kessler were a failure. Watson lacks ideal size but has the arm, athleticism and moxie to potentially turn into a franchise quarterback.

2. San Francisco 49ers
Chad Kelly, QB, Mississippi: Unless Chip Kelly is able to resurrect the careers of Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert (or get a kick-start out of rookie Jeff Driskel), the 49ers will be looking for an upgrade at quarterback in 2017, if selecting this high. Kelly -- the nephew of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and not related to 49ers coach Chip Kelly -- possesses the arm and athleticism to be an ideal match in Chip's offense. He comes with questions on and off the field, but he is an undeniable talent that could soar up draft boards with a big 2016 season.

3. San Diego Chargers
Jamal Adams, S, LSU: The Chargers failed to adequately replace Eric Weddle in the 2016 draft. They would not likely allow a safety of Adams' caliber to slip by this time around, especially after investing heavily on front-seven defenders in 2016, most notably edge rusher Joey Bosa.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M: Frankly, I'd be shocked if the Jags are selecting this high. I think they are a legitimate contender to win the AFC South this year. But if they're once again picking in the top five, then 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler, Jr. likely did not have the kind of impact expected. Garrett is a special talent, who could push for No. 1 overall consideration if no quarterbacks emerge.

5. Tennessee Titans
Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida: Some clubs seem to annually struggle at certain positions and with not a single cornerback from Tennessee in the modern era having earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, Jon Robinson could find Tabor's talent and tenacity simply too intriguing to pass up.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama: The Bucs are high on young left tackle Donovan Smith. However, they may see him as a better fit on the right side as competition for veteran Gosder Cherilus, especially if a talent like Robinson is available.

7. New Orleans Saints
Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn: The selection of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins should help, but the Saints still need help along the defensive line. Adding the powerful and athletic Lawson to a unit built around Cameron Jordan could turn a relative weakness into a strength.

8. Detroit Lions
Desmond King, CB, Iowa: Most assumed King would bolt for the NFL after winning the Thorpe Award last season. His size, physicality and penchant for the big play would fit in nicely in Detroit.

9. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: Hue Jackson's commitment to running the football could result in production for the backs already on Cleveland's roster, but none of them possess anything close to Fournette's raw talent.

10. Miami Dolphins
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: If the duo of Jay Ajayi and Kenyan Drake does not result in the production Miami is looking for in 2016, the Dolphins could find help in the form of the relatively local star, Cook, who is a do-everything back.

11. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC: The Titans invested heavily in running backs in 2016, but helping Marcus Mariota with a big-play receiver like Smith-Schuster could be the top priority a year from now.

12. Washington Redskins
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State: The culture in Washington is changing with Scot McClougan valuing toughness and physicality over raw athleticism. At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, McDowell has the length and power to play all over the defensive line.

13. Atlanta Falcons
Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama: After leading the Crimson Tide in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (14 1/2) in 2015, Allen surprisingly passed up the NFL to return to Tuscaloosa, Ala.

14. Chicago Bears
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan: Cornerback, safety, returner -- put him wherever you'd like -- Peppers is a natural playmaker with the instincts and athleticism to carry over his success and versatility to the NFL.

15. Houston Texans
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama: Brian Cushing is coming off a good year, but it was the first time in the past five seasons in which he made it through all 16 games unscathed. The Texans could pair Foster as an explosive athlete to complement Cushing and last year's second-round pick Bernardrick McKinney.

16. Buffalo Bills
Zach Banner, OT, Southern Cal: Left tackle Cordy Glenn's long-term future with the club is uncertain after signing a one-year franchise tender. Banner isn't for everyone, but Rex Ryan would probably love his power in the running game.

17. Oakland Raiders
Adoree Jackson, CB, Southern Cal: Like Peppers at No. 14, Jackson is such a dynamic athlete that he has been featured at receiver, cornerback and returner over his career. The Raiders could find his athleticism and versatility intriguing, especially with the need for depth at all three positions.

18. New York Giants
Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State: For the first time in modern franchise history, the Giants did not select an offensive or defensive lineman in the 2016 draft. Reinforcements could be needed next year up front with Johnson possessing the bulk and feet to help immediately.

19. New York Jets
Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama: Ball-hawking safeties are all the rage in the NFL and Jackson showed promise in this area in 2015, intercepting six passes after playing cornerback earlier in his career.

20. Baltimore Ravens
Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida: Instinctive and physical, Davis could be the perfect complement to 2014 first-round pick C.J. Mosley.

21. Kansas City Chiefs
Tim Williams, DE/LB, Alabama: With Tamba Hali aging and Justin Houston coming off surgery, the Chiefs could once again be on the hunt for an edge rusher. Williams was a pass-rush specialist for the Tide last year, generating 10 1/2 sacks despite not starting a single game.

22. Indianapolis Colts
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: Adding some juice to the backfield in Indianapolis could be the perfect way to support Andrew Luck. McCaffrey is a legitimate talent, combining vision, agility, burst and hands to serve as a dynamic weapon. The Stanford background could make the transition that much easier for both Luck and McCaffrey.

23. Minnesota Vikings
Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami: If Teddy Bridgewater takes the next step in 2017 and guides the Vikings back to the playoffs (as this projection indicates), Minnesota might look first to the offensive line. Kaaya's leadership and experience in a run-oriented, pro-style offense could be appealing if Bridgewater's marginal play last season continues in 2016.

24. Dallas Cowboys
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama: Gavin Escobar is a nice player, but he is not a true long-term replacement for Jason Witten, whose lack of speed is starting to catch up with him (along with everyone else). Howard, on the other hand, does have this kind of seam-breaking ability.

25. Arizona Cardinals
Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech: Tight end is not a featured position in Bruce Arians' offense, but this former quarterback is not a traditional tight end, boasting the size and raw athleticism to be a matchup nightmare.

26. Carolina Panthers
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: The Panthers are currently set along the defensive line, but with Charles Johnson on a one-year deal, Dave Gettleman likely would not pass on adding an athletic edge rusher like Harris, who led the SEC with 18 1/2 tackles for loss last year.

27. Cincinnati Bengals
Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina: Size and physicality has been the calling card of Bengals linebackers in recent years, but 2016 third-round pick Nick Vigil could signal a changing of the guard. Like Vigil, Moore has the athleticism to handle coverage responsibilities, as well as be a nuisance in the running game.

28. Denver Broncos
Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt: With Von Miller seeking a monster contract, the Broncos will be looking for inexpensive and dynamic front-seven defenders to complement him. Cunningham isn't a national name, but the Commodores star is well known in the SEC, especially among coaches who voted him to the first-team squad with 16 1/2 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in 2015.

29. Green Bay Packers
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State: It seems the Packers are annually in search of athletic linebackers. Powerful and athletic, Miller could be the end to Green Bay's troubles at the position.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Elflein, OL, Ohio State: Some would argue injuries to stars Le'Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger the past couple of seasons were predictably the startling lack of attention Pittsburgh has paid to its offensive line, with just two of the club's 33 draft picks during that time used on blockers. A powerful blocker with the versatility to play guard or center, Elflein could help immediately.

31. Seattle Seahawks
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: The Seahawks are hoping to squeeze another year or two of production out of Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons, but they will be on the lookout for fresh blood among edge rushers next year. Barnett is not the elite athlete his production indicates, but he possesses a relatively pro-ready game.

32. New England Patriots
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU: Bill Belichick investing in early picks in the secondary is nearly an annual exercise, and White possesses the buttery smooth athleticism to excel in coverage and on special teams.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/bl...no-1-to-browns-in-pffs-early-2017-mock-draft/
Here’s the first look at 2017, with team standings drawn from Las Vegas odds to win the Super Bowl:

1. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Before the 2015 season, we asked if Watson was the best quarterback prospect in all of college football. While Cal’s Jared Goff likely surpassed him in that department, Watson’s all-around tools are difficult to match. He has the strong arm to drive the ball into tight windows, though it’s his touch on two-level throws that impresses most. There’s still room to grow from a quarterbacking standpoint as he can learn to get through his reads better and his accuracy wanes at times, but Watson is poised for a huge season and he’s the early favorite to be the first quarterback off the board. The Browns waited to invest heavily in a new franchise quarterback and that may pay off next year.

1. San Diego Chargers: Myles Garrett, OLB, Texas A&M

The first explosive edge rusher is off the board in Garrett, whose two-year production has been outstanding. His +49.7 pass rush grade ranked second in the nation in 2014 as a true freshman and a +42.4 mark ranked fourth in 2015. He continues to improve against the run, and with his frame, burst and production, Garrett looks like a top-5 lock heading into the season.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Barnett brings a different style from Garrett, but he’s nearly matched his on-field production with a No. 30 national ranking as a true freshman in 2014 and a No. 2 finish at +54.7 last season. He stepped into the SEC as an excellent run defender as a freshman, then took his pass rushing to a new level as a sophomore with 62 pressures that ranked fifth in the nation. Barnett adds yet another piece to the ever-evolving Jaguars defense.

1. San Francisco 49ers: Desmond King, CB, Iowa

King would have been in the first-round discussion had he come out this season after finishing 25th in the nation overall in 2014 and third last year at +20.0. He’s strong in coverage, picking off eight passes and knocking away 12 others on only 80 targets, and his +9.5 grade against the run ranked third in the nation. King’s all-around game translates well to the next level.

1. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida

While teammate Vernon Hargreaves was a first-rounder this year, Tabor outplayed him last fall and that has put him on the NFL’s first-round radar. Tabor’s +12.7 coverage grade ranked 13th in the country and quarterbacks posted a passer rating of 33.0 into his coverage, fifth-best in the FBS. Tabor’s size, speed, and production should land him in the first round, and the cornerback-needy Titans can be the beneficiary.

1. Detroit Lions: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn

Hindered by injury the last two seasons, Lawson opted to come back to college and a strong full season should put him squarely in the first-round mix. He looked nothing like a freshman in 2013 during Auburn’s near-championship run and after missing the entire 2014 season, Lawson posted a strong +14.1 grade on 416 snaps last season. His quick burst and strong hands should lead to a monster grade and first-round hype next season.

1. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles): Malik McDowell, DE, Michigan State

Get your DeForest Buckner comparisons ready. McDowell features a similar long frame and disruptive interior presence. The former top recruit posted the third-best pass rush grade of returning interior defensive linemen in the country and he’s poised to become one of the nation’s best in 2016.

1. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams): Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

It’s the Titans’ turn to take the second of their two top-10 picks and they add one of the most dynamic receivers in the draft. Davis has the route running, burst and downfield ball skills to be an all-around threat in the NFL. Davis’ +27.0 receiving grade leads all returnees from last year and he averaged a gaudy 8.2 yards after the catch per reception.

1. New Orleans Saints: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

The year of the running back features a number of different options and the Saints go with the best big-play threat of the bunch. Cook picked up a 15-plus yard gain on 14.8 percent of his carries and 62.9 percent of his rushing yards came on breakaway runs — the highest percentage in the nation. His second gear makes him a scoring threat on every touch, whether in the run game or catching the ball out of the backfield.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Atlanta has their choice of edge rushers and they go with Harris, who ranks sixth among returning edge defenders with a +30.1 pass rush grade. He rushes the passer with a variety of moves, including an effective swim move, and he improved his work against the run after a lackluster freshman season.

1. Miami Dolphins: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

The second running back off the board, Fournette is combination of speed, power, and quickness in the draft, and he’s coming off an outstanding 2015 that saw him lead the nation with a +30.8 run grade. After a freshman season in which he looked more like a straight-line runner, Fournette added some wiggle to his game as a sophomore, so if he has any more improvements in store for 2016 – such as his work in the passing game – he becomes even scarier.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

The Bucs add an explosive playmaker in Smith-Schuster who is capable of turning short passes into long gains while also showing the ability to get behind the defense. He averaged 6.1 yards after the catch per reception and he adds a much-needed YAC option to go with the big bodied receivers in Tampa Bay.

1. Washington Redskins: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

Allen returned to school for another year after picking up 13 sacks, six QB hits, and 17 hurries on only 258 rushes and he’s posted an absurd +57.3 overall grade on 903 snaps the last two years. Expect him to see more time on early downs next season which should increase his draft stock.

1. Chicago Bears: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

There’s some projection to this pick as Robinson has the size, look, and flashes of on-field dominance, but the consistency has been lacking in his first two seasons. He was banged up for much of last season, but he played much better down the stretch. It’s also hard to overlook Robinson’s performance his freshman year against Florida, as he handled eventual first-round pick Dante Fowler in pass protection and he showed the ability to make every block in the run game. That Robinson has to show up in 2016 to warrant the first-round selection.

1. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

After missing all of 2015, Williams will return to form one of the nation’s most formidable pass-catching duos with Watson. They had good chemistry during Watson’s freshman year (2014) when Williams had the second-highest receiving grade among this group of returnees and he averaged 18.1 yards per reception and 7.6 yards after the catch per reception. He brings a downfield threat to the Bills’ offense.

1. Houston Texans: Deatrich Wise Jr, DE, Arkansas

A late riser in 2015, Wise put on a show down the stretch, finishing with a +18.8 pass rush grade on only 258 rushes (10 sacks, 12 QB hits, 21 hurries). Wise is an athletic 6-foot-6, 272-pounder with the frame to grow into a classic 3-4 defensive end and interior disruptor at the next level.

1. New York Jets: Devonte Fields, OLB, Louisville

After transferring from TCU, Fields had a productive season at Louisville, finishing with 13 sacks, seven QB hits and 29 hurries. At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, he fits the mold of 3-4 rush linebacker and the Jets get an edge rusher mocked to them for about the 10th straight year.

1. New York Giants: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois

Yet another edge rusher off the board, Smoot quietly posted the third-best pass rush grade among FBS edge defenders, just behind Barnett and Garrett. He was solid against the run and with Jason Pierre-Paul’s future up in the air after the season, re-loading at defensive end may be the move for the Giants.

1. Baltimore Ravens: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan

Our top-graded cornerback from 2015, Lewis was targeted often with little to show for it. Of his 90 targets, only 33 were completed (36.7 percent) and he tied for the national lead with 15 passes defensed to go with two interceptions. At a listed 5-foot-10, Lewis will battle the NFL’s preference for bigger cornerbacks, but another playmaking season like 2015 should put him right into the first-round mix.

1. Oakland Raiders: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

One of the draft’s wild cards, McCaffrey’s all-around ability has to be attractive in the first round. His natural running style fits any scheme and his +33.3 run grade ranked second in the nation while his +15.5 receiving grade led all running backs. He can line up all over the field as a mismatch problem and Oakland continues to add to their explosive offense with another playmaker. McCaffrey is one of the stars of this draft class, but falls in this mock due to the aforementioned positional value of the running back position.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Coming off a knee injury, Chubb’s freshman season was as good as anyone in the class as his elusive rating of 108.5 ranked third in the nation. He was off to another strong start before going own to injury after only 183 snaps last season. Chubb’s running style reminds of Maurice Jones-Drew and if he can regain his form, he’ll be yet another first-round hopeful at running back.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

While Peppers may be moving to linebacker on Michigan’s depth chart this fall, he’s the athletic hybrid player for which the NFL is looking. Peppers was strong against the run (+8.3) and in coverage (+6.5) and he has the athleticism to play near the line of scrimmage while matching up with slot receivers and tight ends.

1. Minnesota Vikings: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

The third Michigan defender in the last five picks, Hurst fires off the ball and his +38.0 overall grade ranks third among returning interior defensive linemen despite playing only 418 snaps in 2015. Hurst shows the power to push the pocket and disrupt in the backfield, though he does need to do a better job of handling double teams and finishing plays.

1. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

After a strong 2014 that saw him post the second-best coverage grade of the returnees, Sutton took a step back in 2015. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he has the size that the NFL will covet, but he has to return to his 2014 ways when he allowed only 43.3 percent of targets to be completed and his 10 passes defensed tied for 10th in the nation.

1. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Perhaps a surprise first-round pick, but Rudolph’s size and arm will be enticing for NFL teams during the scouting process. He’ll alternate between amazing and head-scratching with his accuracy, but there’s more good than bad and his 2015 passing grade was the second-best out of the returning signal-callers. Rudolph has the tools to fit nicely into head coach Bruce Arians’ scheme.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama

Jackson started his career at cornerback, but the move to free safety as a true sophomore worked out well for him, as his +8.9 coverage grade ranks second among returnees. Given his background at corner, he adds versatility to the back end of a defense, capable of playing deep coverage or manning up on receivers if necessary.

1. Carolina Panthers: Pat Elflein, G, Ohio State

While Carolina has two good young guards, they are both hitting the end of their respective contracts and Elflein looks like the best guard in the draft. He had the third-best run block grade in the class against Power-5 competition and his two-year run blocking grade of +35.5 makes him a good fit for Carolina’s power-running scheme.

1. Denver Broncos: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA

Vanderdoes had a ridiculous +7.7 grade on only 32 snaps in the 2015 opener against Virginia before going down to injury, but he appeared to be building on a strong freshman season and he’s poised to show his five-star hype for a full season. He sheds blocks as well as any defensive tackle in the class and if he can continue to improve as a pass rusher, he’ll be a hot name come next April.

1. Green Bay Packers: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama

A pass-rush specialist, Williams has pressured the quarterback at an incredible rate over the last two years. He picked up 52 total pressures (11 sacks, 8 QB hits, 33 hurries) on only 147 rushes in 2015, good for a pass rush productivity of 28.4 that lead the nation. While he’s only played 256 total snaps the last two seasons, only 47 of which have been against the run. Williams’ explosiveness off the edge makes him a first-round candidate, although gaining experience on early downs this fall can only help his cause.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Banner, OT, USC

At 6-foot-9, 350 pounds, Banner is an imposing presence and he started to live up to his potential with a +22.1 overall grade in 2015 that included the No. 2 returning pass block grade at +12.5. He surrendered only nine pressures on the season, while showing well in the run game, and Banner is a good fit as Pittsburgh replenishes their tackle position.

1. Seattle Seahawks: Cordera Tankersley, CB, Clemson

Another long cornerback, Tankersley had a strong 2015 with a +9.3 coverage grade while surrendering only 39.5 percent completions into his coverage — seventh-best among the returnees. Tankersley does a nice job staying on top of routes and his long 6-foot-1 frame is a good fit for Seattle’s system.

1. New England Patriots: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

 

[DaveFan'51]

11. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC: The Titans invested heavily in running backs in 2016, but helping Marcus Mariota with a big-play receiver like Smith-Schuster could be the top priority a year from now.

I really don't see the Rams pick being here! They would have to do worse than last year. And No Way is that going to happen!
I'll take Vegas to the Cleaners on this one!!:mrburnsevil:

 

[OldSchool]

Interesting but they hold less of my attention than normal years

 

[Mr. Walker]

There aren't really any good QBs in next years draft, at least none that stand out right now. Watson, Kaaya or Kelly have no business even going in the 1st round. and I don't think Fournette is special enough to take that high.

But who knows, that's just my two cents, still a long way to go.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Interesting but they hold less of my attention than normal years

Hmm, I wonder why.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

There aren't really any good QBs in next years draft, at least none that stand out right now. Watson, Kaaya or Kelly have no business even going in the 1st round. and I don't think Fournette is special enough to take that high.

But who knows, that's just my two cents, still a long way to go.

I would have to agree with you. Watson is on the small side, Kayaa would have to make a lot of progress to be top ten, and Kelly is a raving lunatic.

 

[Tron]

Interesting but they hold less of my attention than normal years

Ditto, Usually at this time of year I start looking into the next years prospects. Right now I dont care hardly, Just hoping a few fall to the 2nd, which some will.

 

[OldSchool]

Ditto, Usually at this time of year I start looking into the next years prospects. Right now I dont care hardly, Just hoping a few fall to the 2nd, which some will.

Same, maybe we should look at who they project to be 1st rounders cause half the time their 1st round this time of year is 2nd or 3rd rounders.

 

[Tron]

Same, maybe we should look at who they project to be 1st rounders cause half the time their 1st round this time of year is 2nd or 3rd rounders.

Wanted Corey Davis in the 2nd round this year till he decided to stay in school. Would love him or Mike Williams from Clemson. Hoping one falls to our slot. At worst we could get a top center in the 2nd or a good CB.

 

[Memento]

There aren't really any good QBs in next years draft, at least none that stand out right now. Watson, Kaaya or Kelly have no business even going in the 1st round. and I don't think Fournette is special enough to take that high.

But who knows, that's just my two cents, still a long way to go.

I highly disagree when it comes to Kaaya. He's the guy from that class who I'd have taken if not for Goff. I think he easily goes first round, and I'm hoping it's not to the Whiners or Cardinals.

 

[CGI_Ram]

There aren't really any good QBs in next years draft, at least none that stand out right now. Watson, Kaaya or Kelly have no business even going in the 1st round. and I don't think Fournette is special enough to take that high.

But who knows, that's just my two cents, still a long way to go.

I think a big reason the Rams were aggressive to trade up 2016.

But... I just don't get into any mock drafts for 2017. Who the hell knows? The top guys now are NEVER the top guys after the college season.

 

[NateDawg122]

I think Fournette will go in the top 10 barring any injury. The guy is legit. I think Nick Chubb can be just as good or better if he can come back 100% from that knee injury. Neither guy is quite on Gurley's level but they are damned good. There are a ton of good running backs for 2017 and I love it.

 

[Roman Snow]

I think QB Jake Browning from Washington will develop into something. He started as a true freshman last year, like Goff. Broke all kinds of national high school records. Has the right temperament.