2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

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Last update: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. Updated for compensatory picks.
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The order of this 2017 NFL Mock Draft is based on the 2017 NFL Draft Order.

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Cleveland Browns: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee
This is way too early for Joshua Dobbs, but the Browns aren't scared to reach for a quarterback prospect if they like him, as they spent a third-round pick on Cody Kessler last year when everyone thought Kessler would be taken in the sixth or seventh frame. The scuttlebutt is that the Browns like Dobbs, as they coached him in the Senior Bowl.

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San Francisco 49ers: Noah Brown, WR, Ohio State
It shouldn't surprise anyone if the 49ers double up on receivers, given how weak they are at the positon.
Chicago Bears: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Alshon Jeffery is an impending free agent, and both he and Kevin White are difficult to trust anyway, given the amount of time they've missed over the years.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcus Maye, S, Florida
John Cyprien finally had a breakout year for the Jaguars. However, he's an impending free agent, so the Jaguars will need a new safety if they can't retain him.
Los Angeles Rams: ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama
It shouldn't surprise anyone if the Rams attempt to double up on receivers, especially if Kenny Britt departs, as expected.
New York Jets: Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech
There's speculation that the Jets could release Brandon Marshall. Doing so would provide some much-needed cap relief. If that happens, New York will need a new receiver.

Pick change; previously Fabian Moreau, CB

Los Angeles Chargers: Erik Magnuson, OT, Michigan
King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale have both regressed this year, so ~~San Diego~~ Los Angeles has to find a new tackle to help protect Philip Rivers as he enters his final seasons in the NFL.
Carolina Panthers: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M
There are some quality safeties still remaining on the board, and the Panthers will take one if they stay true to their "best player available" policy.
Cincinnati Bengals: Budda Baker, S, Washington
The Bengals missed Reggie Nelson, as he left for Oakland this past offseason. Their defense was much weaker on the back end as a result, so they could spend one of their early selections on a replacement.

Philadelphia Eagles: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
The Eagles need to provide Carson Wentz with a better running back. Ryan Mathews has his moments, but he's unreliable, and the coaching staff doesn't seem to like him too much anyway.
Buffalo Bills: Marcus Williams, S, Utah
It's unfortunate, but it's possible that Aaron Williams' career could be over because of that ridiculous hit he took from Jarvis Landry. If so, the Bills will have to target a safety in free agency or the early stages of the 2017 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints: Nico Siragusa, G, San Diego State
The Saints have taken care of two big problem areas on defense already. They can now turn their attention toward the offense, which could be even better if Drew Brees had stronger interior protection.

Pick change; previously Dion Dawkins, G/OT

Arizona Cardinals: Davis Webb, QB, California
General manager Steve Keim discussed finding a long-term quarterback this offseason. The Cardinals could take a shot on a signal-caller on the second day of the draft, rather than spending the No. 13 overall pick on Carson Palmer's successor.
Baltimore Ravens: Carroll Phillips, DE/OLB, Illinois
The Ravens struggled to get pressure on the quarterback most of the year. A part of the problem is that Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs will be 33 and 34, respectively, by the 2017 NFL Draft. Some young blood will be needed on the edge.

Carroll Phillips is a first-round talent, but is expected to fall to Day 2 because of character issues. The Ravens have taken chances on troubled players before and have had success in doing so.

Indianapolis Colts: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
The Colts have some of the worst linebackers in the NFL, and they've struggled to cover tight ends and running backs as pass-catchers out of the backfield as a result. Here's a much-needed upgrade.
Minnesota Vikings: Nazair Jones, DE/DT, North Carolina
Missing Sharrif Floyd hurt this past season, and Mike Zimmer didn't sound like he'd be able to trust Floyd going forward. Here's an insurance policy.

Washington Redskins: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
Kirk Cousins is reportedly frustrated with the Redskins, and it's sounding like he could leave either this offseason or the next. It might not be a bad idea for the Redskins to select a potential successor.

Pick change; previously Jaleel Johnson, DT
Denver Broncos: Charles Walker, DT, Oklahoma
Charles Walker would be a nice fit in Denver's defense, as the Broncos have to bolster the interior of their front to improve against the rush.
Tennessee Titans: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
The Titans spent one of their first-round picks on O.J. Howard, but they still need to find a receiver to start across from Rishard Matthews.

Pick change; previously Chris Godwin, WR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeMarcus Walker, DE/DT, Florida State
The Buccaneers are getting quite the bargain with DeMarcus Walker in the middle of the third round. They need another edge rusher, as Robert Ayers, who turns 32 in August, is just a short-term solution at defensive end.

Pick change; previously Amara Darboh, WR

Detroit Lions: Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson
The Lions could use someone to challenge Eric Ebron, who has dropped countless passes over his career.
Minnesota Vikings: Ethan Pocic, C/G, LSU
Joe Berger played well at center this past season, but he's an impending free agent. If he's not re-signed, the Vikings could target a center in the first half of the 2017 NFL Draft.
New York Giants: Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech
The Giants will want to select a blocker or a weapon for their new quarterback with this pick. They have a big need at tight end.

Oakland Raiders: Chad Hansen, WR, California
The Raiders have two stud receivers in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, but they have one of the weakest No. 3 wideouts in the NFL, as Seth Roberts dropped countless passes in 2016.

Pick change; previously Carlos Henderson, WR
Houston Texans: Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt
It's unfortunate that Derek Newton's career could be over because of a double patellar tendon tear. The Texans will have to find a new right tackle.
Seattle Seahawks: Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State
Seattle's secondary fell apart whenever Kam Chancellor or Earl Thomas was out of the lineup. Here's some much-needed insurance.

Pick change; previously Haason Reddick, DE/OLB

Kansas City Chiefs: Montravius Adams, DE/DT, Auburn
Andy Reid loves bolstering the trenches, and I imagine he'll do so after seeing his defense get gashed against the run all year.

Pick change; previously Jordan Willis, DE/OLB
Dallas Cowboys: Garrett Sickels, DE, Penn State
The Cowboys could stand to bolster their pass rush, which tends to be pretty inconsistent. It would help if Randy Gregory could play, but Dallas has to move on, given that he can't stay out of trouble.
Green Bay Packers: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
The Packers' problems at cornerback are pretty well documented. Sam Shields may never play again, and reports have indicated that he'll be released this offseason. Fortunately for Green Bay, there are a number of talented corners in this draft class.

Pick change; previously Ryan Anderson, DE/OLB

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa
The Steelers could stand to add some depth on the defensive line. Doing so will be worth it if Cameron Heyward gets hurt again.

Pick change; previously Chad Hansen, WR
Atlanta Falcons: Jordan Willis, DE/OLB, Kansas State
It was a bit odd to see the Falcons eschew their pass rush in the 2016 NFL Draft, especially when Shaq Lawson dropped to them at No. 17. I'm sure that after seeing their defenders struggle to get to the quarterback - save for Vic Beasley, who has improved - they'll be desperate for someone who can apply pressure on opposing signal-callers in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Pick change; previously Carl Lawson, DE/OLB
New England Patriots: Ryan Anderson, DE/OLB, Alabama
Chris Long was a nice short-term option, but the Patriots need to find another pass-rusher to complement Trey Flowers.

Pick change; previously Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB
Miami Dolphins: Duke Riley, LB, LSU
The Dolphins upgraded their defensive line earlier. They'll have to shift focus to the other part of their front seven now, as the linebacker position is weak outside of Kiko Alonso.
Carolina Panthers: Adam Bisnowaty, OT, Pittsburgh
It's very possible that the Panthers will spend multiple picks on offensive tackles in the first three or four rounds, given how dire the situation is for them at the position.
Baltimore Ravens: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan
The Ravens are hurting at receiver, especially in the wake of Steve Smith's retirement. A wideout will need to be acquired in the early stages of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Tennessee Titans: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
The Titans, as mentioned, have major problems in their secondary, so I think they'd have to be thrilled if they can get both an elite safety and a promising cornerback prospect with their two picks in the first round. If not, a solid cornerback can be chosen in the third frame.
Denver Broncos: Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern
Todd Davis wasn't a horrible replacement for Danny Trevathan, but he was a liability at times. The Broncos could do better next to Brandon Marshall.
Seattle Seahawks: Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB, Houston
The Seahawks could use a young edge rusher, as Cliff Avril doesn't have much time remaining as an NFL starter. They can take Tyus Bowser, who came out of his shell to have a great Senior Bowl.
New England Patriots: Tyler Orlosky, C, West Virginia
The Patriots' offensive line has improved, but they could do better at center.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Andy Reid loves using multiple tight ends, so this is an option despite Travis Kelce being on the roster. This is some major value, as Jake Butt getting hurt caused him to drop two rounds.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU
The Steelers have been hesitant to say if Lawrence Timmons will be returning. If Timmons leaves via free agency, Pittsburgh will likely spend a mid-round pick on a linebacker.
Seattle Seahawks: Kevin King, CB, Washington
It's about that time of the draft when the Seahawks select a tall cornerback who turns into a Pro Bowler.
New York Jets: Lorenzo Jerome, S, St. Francis
I had the Jets upgrade the cornerback spot earlier, but that's not the only position they need to address in their putrid secondary.

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