2017 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Thursday, May 5, 2016. Round 2 added.
Next update: Occasionally. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2017 NFL Mock Draft based on the current NFL Draft Order.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25)

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Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
The Browns traded away the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to the Eagles, passing on the possibility of drafting a quarterback. Cleveland did the smart thing. Not only did it acquire tons of selections to bolster the roster, but it also made sure that it would have a better chance of securing a better quarterback in a stronger draft class.

College football's version of Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson had an amazing run despite being just a mere sophomore. The sky's the limit for him.

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San Francisco 49ers: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
As I posted in the Eagles-Browns Trade Winners and Losers page, the 49ers were a winner because they'd have a blue-chip prospect fall to them at No. 7 in this year's draft. Sure enough, they were able to land DeForest Buckner.

However, the 49ers weren't be able to obtain a potential franchise quarterback, meaning they'll have to wait until the 2017 NFL Draft to do so. This actually might be for the best, given that next year's class is superior compared to the 2016 edition.
Miami Dolphins: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Myles Garrett is a monstrous pass-rusher, and he's currently the odds-on favorite to be the first non-quarterback prospect chosen in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Dolphins would love to obtain Garrett. They signed Mario Williams this offseason, but he's just a temporary solution at defensive end. Cameron Wake, meanwhile, will be a 35-year-old free agent by the time the 2017 NFL Draft rolls around.

Tennessee Titans: Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
Tennessee's glaring weakness on the defensive side of the ball is in the secondary. Upgrades have to be made at cornerback, which wasn't addressed in the 2016 NFL Draft. Fortunately for the Titans, they'll have two chances to land the top corner in next year's class.
Tennessee Titans: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
The Titans selected Tajae Sharpe in the middle rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, but he's not enough to bolster a pretty weak receiving corps. If Kendall Wright disappoints once again, Tennessee could pick up the best receiver in the 2017 class.
New Orleans Saints: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Mark Ingram is a solid running back, but he pales in comparison to Leonard Fournette, who is talented enough to be a top-three selection. Need has pushed him down to the Saints' spot, but I doubt New Orleans will complain all that much, as Fournette would completely morph the offense.

Atlanta Falcons: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
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 another year of struggling to get to the quarterback, they'll be desperate for an edge rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Derek Barnett had a whopping 10 sacks as a freshman and recorded that same number in his second season at Tennessee. He could help a Chicago stop unit that has a pass rush with some impending free agents.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
If you didn't catch it in the 2016 NFL Draft Team Grades page, the Jaguars put together the best class in the 2016 NFL Draft. Obtaining both Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack was unreal. If Jacksonville plans on using Ramsey at corner, it'll be on the lookout for safety help, which is still an issue.
Detroit Lions: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Consecutive first-round picks on tackles is very realistic. Taylor Decker was selected to upgrade the right tackle spot, but Detroit still needs to find a better blind-side protector than Riley Reiff.

Chicago Bears: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
The Bears had the opportunity to draft Vernon Hargreaves when they moved up to No. 9, but they passed on him. As it turns out, they didn't fix the glaring issue they have at cornerback, so this has to be a priority in the 2017 NFL Draft.
San Diego Chargers: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
It appears as though the Chargers blew it, as they had an opportunity to draft Laremy Tunsil, but took a player who is a questionable fit for their defense. They'll likely regret it once King Dunlap sustains another injury. San Diego will almost certainly aim to upgrade Philip Rivers' protection next offseason.
Cleveland Browns: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
It's difficult to imagine the Browns passing on Ezekiel Elliott had he fallen to them in the 2016 NFL Draft. They need more play-makers, and they'd certainly be getting one with Dalvin Cook.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri
Noah Spence seems like a promising player to help Tampa's defense - as long as he stays clean off the field, of course. However, the Buccaneers could stand to find another pass-rusher, as Spence alone won't solve their inability to generate consistent heat on opposing quarterbacks.
New York Giants: Lewis Neal, DE/OLB, LSU
One of the players the Giants were targeting at No. 10 was Leonard Floyd, but they weren't able to obtain him, thanks to the Bears' trade. With upgrading the pass rush still a priority, they'll be happy to land one of the talented edge rushers in the 2017 NFL Draft class.
Washington Redskins: Ethan Pocic, C/G, LSU
It wouldn't have been surprising had the Redskins spent their 2016 first-round pick on Ryan Kelly as a way to shore up their offensive line. However, Kelly was snatched off the board three picks earlier, so here's Washington's chance to obtain a stud center.
New York Jets: Adoree Jackson, CB/WR/KR, USC
Darrelle Revis didn't play as well in 2015 as he did in previous years. Signs of regression? Perhaps, as Revis will be months shy of turning 32 during the 2017 NFL Draft. The Jets will undoubtedly be scouting cornerbacks to eventually replace the future Hall of Famer.

Go to 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I've received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.

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