2017 NFL Free Agent Draft: Picks 17-32

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Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

I did this the past six years, and I thought it would be pretty fun to do it again. It's exactly what it sounds like - if free agency occurred in a draft format, who would be the top picks? I've excluded all the free agents who are either restricted or franchised.

Go here for my 2017 NFL Mock Draft or follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2017 NFL Free Agent Draft: Picks 1-16

  1. Washington Redskins: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Patriots. Age: 27.
    As I've been mentioning in my real 2017 NFL Mock Draft, the Redskins will be focusing on upgrading the interior of their defense, trying to bolster the five-technique, inside linebacker and safety positions. They can solve their linebacker woes by obtaining Hightower, though they'd have to worry about his injury history.

  2. Tennessee Titans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Jaguars. Age: 28.
    What's with the Titans signing the few talented players the Jaguars had last year? Prince Amukamara would be another nice addition, joining John Cyprien to improve Tennessee's secondary. Amukamara signed a "prove it" contract last offseason, and did just that, thriving in 2016.



  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins. Age: 31.
    There's been some talk that the Buccaneers will be signing DeSean Jackson. With that in mind, why not give them the better Redskin receiver? Unlike Jackson, Pierre Garcon will be able to play much longer because of his elite route-running ability.

  4. Denver Broncos: Russell Okung, OT, Broncos. Age: 28.
    Here's an instance where a team signs back its own player. I'm aware that the Broncos released Russell Okung, but they did so for financial purposes and have expressed interest in bringing him back. They need to do whatever it takes to bolster their putrid offensive line.

  5. Detroit Lions: Morris Claiborne, CB, Cowboys. Age: 27.
    With Nevin Lawson entering free agency next year, the Lions could be in the market for a talented cornerback. I have them taking one in my 2017 NFL Mock Draft, but signing late-bloomer Morris Claiborne works just as well.



  6. Miami Dolphins: Gerald Hodges, ILB, 49ers. Age: 26.
    Gerald Hodges was the one lone bright spot in San Francisco's defense last year following NaVorro Bowman's injury. The Dolphins are desperate for linebacker help, and I'm sure they'd love to have Hodges' services.

  7. New York Giants: Ricky Wagner, OT, Ravens. Age: 27.
    The Giants' issues on the offensive line are very well documented. They tried to draft Jack Conklin last year, but the Titans jumped in front of them. As a result, they struggled to block all year. Signing the talented Ricky Wagner to play right tackle would help tremendously.

  8. Oakland Raiders: Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Age: 32.
    The Raiders are ready to make a Super Bowl run in 2017. One of the few things they're missing is a talented running back. Adrian Peterson would likely cost them too much, but finances aren't an issue in this fake free agency mock draft. Peterson would run wild behind one of the league's best offensive lines, and teams wouldn't be able to focus on him for the first time in his career.



  9. Houston Texans: Barry Church, S, Cowboys. Age: 29.
    The Texans met with quite a few safeties at the combine, which is an indication that they'll target the position early in the 2017 NFL Draft. That won't happen if they can sign a talented safety like Barry Church, who thrived in 2016.

  10. Seattle Seahawks: Evan Mathis, G, Cardinals. Age: 35.
    Evan Mathis is one of the better guards in the NFL when healthy. His age is a concern, but the Seahawks are ready to win now, so they won't care about that. Mathis would provide a massive upgrade for Seattle.



  11. Kansas City Chiefs: DeSean Jackson, WR, Redskins. Age: 30.
    DeSean Jackson played under Andy Reid, so he would join his former coach again, providing more weapons for Alex Smith. Jeremy Maclin and Tyreek Hill are nice targets to have, but the Chiefs could stand to add another receiver, especially with Maclin becoming too expensive in the near future.

  12. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Bengals. Age: 27.
    The Cowboys appear as though they'll be losing Morris Claiborne in free agency this spring, so they'll be targeting a cornerback early in the 2017 NFL Draft. Dre Kirkpatrick, like Claiborne, disappointed for most of his career, but performed on a high level in 2016.



  13. Green Bay Packers: Captain Munnerlyn, CB, Vikings. Age: 29.
    It's all about finding talented players on defense for the Packers, and Captain Munnerlyn would certainly qualify. This is another instance in which a team would weaken an opponent by signing a key free agent of theirs.

  14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Brown, ILB, Bills. Age: 27.
    There are quite a few players in this fake mock draft who struggled prior to 2016 before thriving last season. Zach Brown qualifies as such a player, but the Steelers would be interested if Lawrence Timmons departs via the open market.

  15. Atlanta Falcons: J.C. Tretter, C/G, Packers. Age: 26.
    Atlanta's offensive line is a major reason why the team advanced to the Super Bowl. However, the unit has one liability in Chris Chester, who could stand to be upgraded. J.C. Tretter, who can play all three interior line positions, would slot in at guard and provide insurance in case Alex Mack gets hurt.

  16. New England Patriots: Nick Mangold, C, Jets. Age: 33.
    It was difficult to find a spot for Nick Mangold, a great center who happens to be too old for rebuilding teams. The Patriots make sense, however. They have a weakness at center, and they're obviously looking to win now while Tom Brady can still play. Mangold would certainly help Tom Brady earn a sixth ring.



  17. Back to 2017 NFL Free Agent Draft: Picks 1-16


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