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Round 1
1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Team needs: QB/RT/S/CB
If the combine proved anything it is that Myles Garrett is going first overall.
2. San Fransisco 49ers - Solomon Thomas DE, Stanford
Team needs: QB/WR/RT/CB/LG
The 49ers biggest need by far is at QB. Kyle Shanahan really wants Kirk Cousins but it doesn’t sound as though the Redskins will give him up without a fight. Would the 49ers be willing to wait until 2018, when Cousins hits free agency again and will be too pricey for the Redskins to franchise a 3rd time in a row, to find their long-term answer at the position?
The S.F. will be switching to a Seattle-style 4-3 defense under new DC Robert Saleh. In that scheme, Arik Armstead will play the 5-technique DE, DeForest Buckner will play 3-tech DT, and newly acquired Earl Mitchell will likely play NT. The 49ers biggest unknown defensively would be who will play the “Leo” position? Maybe Aaron Lynch or Eli Harold, but Solomon Thomas would fix that problem.
3. Chicago Bears - Jonathan Allen DE/DT, Alabama
Team needs: QB/OT/WR/CB/SS
The Bears have Mike Glennon as a placeholder at QB on a 3-yr deal, but could still take Mitchell Trubisky here. Now the defensive-minded John Fox can focus on an elite talent like Jonathan Allen or Jamal Adams with this pick. After signing Quintin Demps to a 3-yr deal to pair with Adrian Amos, a DE to replace 2018 free agent Akiem Hicks makes more sense.
There are rumors that Jonathan Allen will fall because of concerns over his shoulder injuries but we have to remember that draft season is also known as “silly season” because teams leak disinformation in an attempt to get prospects to fall to them in the draft. The same nonsense was rumored about Jadeveon Clowney after his Lisfranc injury but he was still drafted first overall. Allen is an elite talent and it’s unlikely that he will fall out of the top 10.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Fournette RB, LSU
Team needs: OT/OG/SS/RB/QB
With Tom Coughlin back in the organizational fold, there should be a renewed commitment to the running game to bail out struggling QB Blake Bortles. After signing A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell in free agency, the only other option would be a safety to replace Jonathan Cyprien.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams) - O.J. Howard TE, Alabama
Team needs: WR/TE
For months now I’ve had the Titans selecting either Jamal Adams or Malik Hooker here, but by adding free agent Jonathan Cyprien to Da’Norris Searcy and Kevin Byard that makes it unlikely that they will draft a safety. The free agent addition of Logan Ryan also makes it unlikely that they will use this pick at CB as well. A receiving threat to aide Marcus Mariota is the only option that makes sense for the Titans, and O.J. Howard is an elite talent that Tennessee is rumored to love. After a phenomenal Senior Bowl and Combine showing there is no chance that he will be available at pick 18.
6. New York Jets - Jamal Adams S, LSU
Team needs: QB/OT/CB/OLB/S/TE/RB
The Jets spent a 2016 second round pick on Christian Hackenberg so it’s unlikely that they would draft a QB here, despite the rumors that they are highly interested in Mitchell Trubisky. Their biggest needs are in the secondary at both safety and CB. At safety Calvin Pryor has been a complete bust and was drafted by Rex Ryan and not Todd Bowles. FS Marcus Gilchrist ruptured a patellar tendon in December. Don’t count out a trade back either. The Jets have a lot of holes to fill and need a long-term option at LT, and are rumored to love Garett Bolles.
7. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Hooker FS, Ohio State
Team needs: OG/S/DL/CB3
The Chargers are rumored to love Malik Hooker as a replacement for 2016 free agent departee Eric Weddle, will take him or Jamal Adams here.
8. Carolina Panthers - John Ross WR, Washington
Team needs: OT/CB/DE/S/RB
It’s worth noting that the first player that the Panthers brought in for a private workout was not a CB or an offensive lineman but speedster John Ross. 2015 second round pick Devin Funchess has largely been a disappointment and Carolina lost deep threat Ted Ginn jr. in free agency. The Panthers are rumored to be looking to trade up for Leonard Fournette.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Reuben Foster ILB, Alabama
Team needs: OT/DE/SLB/ILB/S
The Bengals chose to retain long-time coach Marvin Lewis, but Lewis will need an impact player who can step in right away and contribute to get the Bengals back into the playoff hunt. A DE to pair with Carlos Dunlap would make a lot of sense as would Reuben Foster considering that newly signed Kevin Minter is on a 1-yr deal and Rey Maualuga was released.
10. Buffalo Bills - Mike Williams WR, Clemson
Team needs: RT/WR/CB/QB
The restructuring of Tyrod Taylor’s contract kicks the QB replacement can down the road into 2018. Buffalo has nothing at WR outside of Sammy Watkins, and will likely use this pick on a WR or a CB to replace Stephon Gilmore. There are also rumors that the Bills love O.J. Howard.
11. New Orleans Saints - Taco Charlton DE, Michigan
Team needs: CB/LB/DE/DT/WR
The Saints are rumored to be targeting Taco Charlton with this pick. If he’s off the board they will likely take the highest rated CB here and take Jordan Willis, whom they are also rumored to really like, at pick 32.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles) - Mitchell Trubisky QB, North Carolina
Team needs: QB/RT/S/CB
Will the Browns pull the trigger on a QB? It sounds as though they will be one of several teams trying to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, but if hometown prospect Mitchell Trubisky is available here he will likely be the pick.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Marshon Lattimore CB, Ohio State
Team needs: WR/CB/QB/DE/OG
It sounds as though the soon-to-be 37 year old Carson Palmer will retire after this season, and as such the Cardinals could use this pick on his replacement. If the Cardinals focus more on the present, they would certainly take Mike Williams to replace Michael Floyd. Defensively they need to replace Calais Campbell, and would take Taco Charlton if he were available, and an upgrade at CB opposite of Patrick Peterson.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings) - Derek Barnett DE/OLB, Tennessee
Team needs: CB/OC/RB/OT/DE
After signing Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in free agency it likely means that Philly will take Dalvin Cook or the best available CB here, especially with Mike Williams and John Ross both off of the board. The Eagles are also rumored to be looking at DE. They released Connor Barwin, view Vinny Curry more as a rotational piece, and Marcus Smith is a first round bust of the Chip Kelly regime.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Marlon Humphrey CB, Alabama
Team needs: RG/CB/S/ILB/OLB
The Colts have a lot of issues on defense and could easily take the highest rated defensive player available, especially at CB. Vontae Davis has been banged up, Patrick Robinson as released, and Darius Butler is on a 1-yr deal.
16. Baltimore Ravens - Cam Robinson OT/OG, Alabama
Team needs: WR/CB/RT/LG/OC/OLB
The Ravens would love to get John Ross, Cam Robinson, or Marlon Humphrey here as a replacement for the retired Steve Smith, replacement for free agent departee Rickey Wagner, and to pair with Jimmy Smith which would move Tavon Young to nickel CB.
17. Washington Redskins - Dalvin Cook RB, Florida State
Team needs: DL/OC/RG/S/CB/ILB
Washington could use this pick on the highest rated defensive player available, as they have issues on the defensive line, at ILB, CB, and especially at safety. On offense, HC Jay Gruden was quoted on ESPN as saying, with regards to the RB position, “When you get a great one, it makes the team different. And it takes a team from a pretender to an immediate contender. We’re all looking for that.”
18. Tennessee Titans - Corey Davis WR, Western Michigan
Team needs: WR/TE
And just like that the Titans have filled every need in one off-season with the free agent additions of Jonathan Cyprien and Logan Ryan, and using their two first round picks on O.J. Howard and Corey Davis.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Obi Melifonwu S/CB, Connecticut
Team needs: S/RB/SLB/CB/TE
Tampa would love to get O.J. Howard here to pair with Cameron Brate to run more 2-TE formations, and will consider David Njoku. At RB Doug Martin will likely be released at some point, and so Christian McCaffrey or Dalvin Cook would make sense. T.B. is rumored to be infatuated with the fast rising Obi Melifonwu who would replace Bradley McDougald at free safety.
20. Denver Broncos - Christian McCaffrey RB, Stanford
Team needs: OT/ILB/DE/NT/TE
Rumor has it that the Broncos will be targeting Christian McCaffrey here to upgrade an anemic rushing attack and give whomever is starting at QB a better weapon out of the backfield. The Broncos have also shown interest in Garett Bolles to replace Russell Okung at LT.
21. Detroit Lions - Takkarist McKinley DE/OLB, UCLA
Team needs: LB/DT/TE/DE
Detroit needs to rebuild their linebackers corps, especially after releasing DeAndre Levy, and they need a pass-rushing option at DT. At DE across from Ziggy Ansah, Devin Taylor is a free agent not expected to be re-signed and Kerry Hyder will be a 2018 unrestricted free agent. The Lions, much like the Giants, love athletic freaks like Takkarist McKinley.
The Sporting News is reporting that the Lions “will be focused on the 2017 tight end class...even though the Lions took Eric Ebron in the top 10 just three years ago.” Ebron, who has been unable to stay healthy throughout his career in Detroit as well having have major issues with drops, was drafted by the previous regime. Expect the Lions to take a TE in the first three rounds, and could take David Njoku here.
22. Miami Dolphins - Forrest Lamp OT/OG, Western Kentucky
Team needs: LB/DE/OG/TE
Miami is starting to show a lot of interest in Forrest Lamp. After trading Brandon Albert to Jacksonville, Laremy Tunsil will shift to LT, opening up a hole at the LG spot. They are also rumored to really like Zach Cunningham.
23. New York Giants - David Njoku TE, Miami
Team needs: RT/TE/DT/LB/RB
The Giants were very high on Jack Conklin in the 2016 draft, so there's no reason why they wouldn't be interested in upgrading the RT position here. This pick should come down to Garret Bolles or David Njoku, who would replace Larry Donnell at TE. A backup plan might be Zach Cunningham. The Giants do not typically spend early round picks at LB, but Giants GM Jerry Reese was in attendance at Vanderbilt’s pro day.
24. Oakland Raiders - Zach Cunningham OLB, Vanderbilt
Team needs: RB/LB/DT/CB3/OT
The Raiders want to focus on defense early in the draft, and will likely take a pass-rushing 3-technique DT or a linebacker here. If either slides, Dalvin Cook or Christian McCaffrey will get a lot of consideration as a replacement for Latavius Murray.
25. Houston Texans - Garett Bolles OT, Utah
Team needs: QB/RT/TE/S/DL
After likely signing Tony Romo, wherein the Texans wouldn’t have to use this pick on Pat Mahomes or some other QB, Houston’s biggest need is at RT. Derek Newton may not play football again because he tore the patellar tendon in both knees. Both OG spots could be addressed as well. Defensively the Texans biggest issue is at safety after allowing Quintin Demps to walk in free agency.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Gareon Conley CB, Ohio State
Team needs: OT/OG/CB/SLB/DT
The Seahawks will be holding out hope that Cam Robinson or Garret Bolles falls to them here. They are also rumored to be very interested in Forrest Lamp. Absent an OT, the likely pick here will be a CB or safety. They’ve needed a CB to pair with Richard Sherman for a while now, and rumors have surfaced that the team is open to trading Sherman. At safety, Earl Thomas will be coming back from a broken leg and Kam Chancellor, who has already attempted to hold out for a new contract previously, will be a free agent in 2018. The Seahawks are rumored to love Obi Melifonwu who is likely to have a high SPARQ rating.
27. Kansas City Chiefs - Haason Reddick LB, Temple
Team needs: ILB/OG/CB/WR
The Chiefs need a long-term replacement for 34 year old Derrick Johnson, who is working his way back from a second ruptured Achilles tendon. On offense Jeremy Macklin is injury-prone, Jamal Charles was released, and Chris Conley has not developed so a play-maker at RB or WR would be an option.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Jordan Willis DE/OLB, Kansas State
Team needs: CB/SS/DE/LB/WR
Dallas lost Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox, and Morris Claiborne to free agency, so drafting some help for the secondary makes a lot of sense here but the Cowboys must upgrade their pass-rush.
After lighting up the combine and his pro day, Jordan Willis is getting late-1st round consideration, and the Cowboys are one of several teams rumored to be very interested in him.
29. Green Bay Packers - T.J. Watt LB, Wisconsin
Team needs: OL/RB/CB/ILB
As their loss to the Falcons in the NFC championship showed, the Packers biggest deficiencies are in coverage, and now they’ve released Sam Shields and let Micah Hyde walk in free agency. Another position that needs to be addressed is at ILB.
Local product T.J. Watt is often compared to his older brother, but looking at his game film he reminds me of another perennial All-Pro, Clay Matthews. Their combine numbers are eerily similar, and Watt’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker should make him a valuable target here towards the end of the first round.
GM Ted Thompson loves to draft versatile offensive lineman, and the Packers are rumored to really like Forrest Lamp and could take him if he’s available.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Carl Lawson DE/OLB, Auburn
Team needs: OLB/CB/ILB/DL2/RB2/OL2
By now we all know the Steelers needs as well as the prospects who could fill those needs. The recent signings of Justin Hunter, Knile Davis, Coty Sensabaugh, and Tyson Alualu should not have any impact on the Steelers draft plans.
So who do the Steelers take here? Well, barring an unexpected player falling it will likely be an edge rusher, with the culprits will be T.J. Watt, Takkarist McKinley, or Carl Lawson.
Many mock drafts, some of my own previous ones included, have had UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley as the pick. The raw but uber-athletic McKinley has the physical profile of the types of players the Steelers have drafted on defense recently. But a torn labrum has kept the linebacker out of draft season, and after the shoulder woes suffered by 2015 second round pick Senquez Golson the Steelers may not want to use an early round pick on an injured prospect.
Were he available I believe that J.J. Watt would be the pick. The versatile linebacker would be a boon at both edge-rusher or at inside linebacker to replace Lawrence Timmons. The Younger brother of J.J. Watt reminds me a lot of Clay Matthews, and his surprising athleticism showcased at the combine and Wisconsin pro day all but assures his first round status. This is despite rumors by draft analyst Tony Pauline that the Steelers do not value him at pick 30. Based on recent comments by GM Kevin Colbert in an interview with the media, and pointed out by our own Jeff Hartman, the concern with 80-90 percent of college edge rushers is that they “don’t play on their feet in college.” Meaning that there is a lot of projection as to whether they can also drop into coverage. Watt’s experience as a stand-up linebacker gives him an edge over the other linebackers expected to be available in this range.
Opinions vary on the very well built 6-foot-2, 261 pounds Carl Lawson. The biggest concern is his injury history. An ACL tear and hip injury in 2014 and 2015 caused Lawson to miss 19 of 26 games in two seasons. Finally healthy in 2016, he started all 13 games and accumulated 13.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Other issues are his lack of height/length which could hamper him in coverage and his lack of bend around the edge, although it’s that lack of height which allows him to dip under tackles a la James Harrison style. A 4.67 40 time and 35 reps on the bench press at the combine gives Lawson that speed/power profile that the Steelers are looking for in an edge-rusher. At the Auburn pro day Mike Tomlin was seen chatting up Lawson for quite some time.
The first round curve ball in all of this might be combine stud and physical marvel Obi Melifonwu. The 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds safety from Connecticut has teams and drafts fans alike drooling over his potential after posting a 4.40 40, 44 inch vertical, and an 11-9 broad jump. Rumor has it that multiple teams are viewing him as a CB prospect, someone who can cover TE’s and big WR’s. The Steelers seem genuinely interested in Obi, having interviewed him at the combine as well as having him brought in for a pre-draft interview. In the modern pass-happy NFL Obi would be a very versatile weapon who could play deep safety, nickel, and ILB in the Steelers defense.
31. Atlanta Falcons - Adoree Jackson CB, USC
Team needs: DT/DE/OG
Despite having Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett, the Falcons could still stand to upgrade their pass-rush either at DT or DE. Offensively their biggest weak link is 34 year old free agent Chris Chester and they will draft Forrest Lamp if he’s available. Even though CB isn’t a big need the Falcons are rumored to really like Adoree Jackson’s overall athleticism.
32.New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots) - Kevin King CB, Washington
Team needs: CB/LB/DE/DT/WR
The Saints will likely draft the best cornerback available here after filling their DE need with Taco Charlton, provided that they don’t trade this pick back to N.E. for Malcolm Butler.
Round 2:
33. Cleveland Browns - Jabrill Peppers S, Michigan
Cleveland's safety play has been atrocious since they lost Donte Whitner and Tashaun Gipson in free agency.
34. San Francisco 49ers - Alvin Kamara RB, Tennessee
Kyle Shanahan has been cautious and non-committal when talking about injury-prone Carlos Hyde.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ryan Ramczyk OT, Wisconsin
Hip surgery and reportedly poor combine interviews see Ramczyk fall out of the first round.
36. Chicago Bears - DeShone Kizer QB, Notre Dame
Mike Glennon is a short-term solution at QB.
37. Los Angeles Rams - Evan Engram TE, Ole' Miss.
Team needs: WR/OC/OG/CB/SS/TE
The Rams need to take the best available pass-catcher to aide in Jared Goff’s development.
38. Los Angeles Chargers - Dion Dawkins OT/OG, Temple
King Dunlap and D.J. Fluker were released and Russell Okung is injury-prone.
39. New York Jets - Charles Harris DE/OLB, Missouri
The Jets are looking to improve their pass-rush at OLB.
40. Carolina Panthers - Taylor Moton OT/OG, Western Michigan
Carolina showed a lot of interest in Moton at his pro day.
41. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Mixon RB, Oklahoma
Giovanni Bernard is coming back from injury while Rex Burkhead and Cedric Peerman are both free agents.
42. New Orleans Saints - Pat Mahomes QB, Texas Tech
The Saints need a long-term successor to 38 year old Drew Brees.
43. Philadelphia Eagles - Chidobe Awuzie CB, Colorado
CB is Philly’s greatest position of need.
44. Buffalo Bills - Jarrad Davis OLB, Florida
Zach Brown is a free agent and Reggie Ragland doesn’t fit the Tampa-2 scheme.
45. Arizona Cardinals - Deshaun Watson QB, Clemson
The 2017 season is likely Carson Palmer’s final one before retirement.
46. Minnesota Vikings - Malik McDowell DT/DE, Michigan State
Team needs: OT/OG/WLB/WR/RB
Brandon Fusco and Mike Harris were both released so an OG like Dan Feeney would make a lot of sense, but the Vikings front office and HC Mike Zimmer seemed enamored with Malik McDowell at his pro day.
47. Baltimore Ravens - Chris Wormley DT/DE, Michigan
The Ravens need another DE to pair with Timmy Jernigan, who is being discussed in trade rumors.
48. Indianapolis Colts - Marcus Maye S, Florida
Mike Adams signed with Carolina.
49. Washington Redskins - Budda Baker FS, Washington
The Redskins have seemingly interviewed every safety prospect while at the combine.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chris Godwin WR, Penn State
Signing 30-year old DeSean Jackson shouldn’t prevent T.B. from drafting a WR early.
51. Denver Broncos - Dan Feeney OG, Indiana
Denver’s biggest issues by far are on the offensive line.
52. Cleveland Browns (via Tennessee Titans) - Adam Shaheen TE, Ashland
Local Cleveland area product Adam Shaheen is being called “the next Rob Gronkowski”.
53. Detroit Lions - Fabian Moreau CB, UCLA
Nevin Lawson would work better in the slot.
54. Miami Dolphins - Raekwon McMillan ILB, Ohio State
Koa Misi is coming back from neck surgery and will be a 2018 free agent.
55. New York Giants - Caleb Brantley DT, Florida
Johnathan Hankins is unlikely to be re-signed.
56. Oakland Raiders - Tanoh Kpassagnon DE, Villanova
Oakland is rumored to love Tanoh Kpassagnon.
57. Houston Texans - Marcus Williams FS, Utah
Quintin Demps signed with Chicago.
58. Seattle Seahawks - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Best player available, Seattle could red-shirt Sidney Jones while they attempt to trade Richard Sherman next off-season as he enters the final year of his contract.
A torn Achilles suffered at the Washington pro day means that Sidney Jones will miss the 2017 season, but getting potentially the top CB in a loaded CB class is worth the gamble here.
59. Kansas City Chiefs - Tre'Davious White CB, LSU
K.C. needs a starter opposite of Marcus Peters.
60. Dallas Cowboys - Justin Evans S, Texas A&M
Dallas lost Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox in free agency.
61. Green Bay Packers - Curtis Samuel WR/RB, Ohio State
Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are both injury-prone.
62. Pittsburgh Steelers - Josh Jones SS, North Carolina State
Who says a nickel defender has to be a CB? The Steelers have tried using Robert Golden as the third safety and it hasn’t worked out so well. With the Steelers losing faith in injury-plagued 2015 second round pick Senquez Golson, and 32-year old Willie Gay on the decline, it’s necessary for Pittsburgh to invest another early draft pick in the secondary, and Coty Sensabaugh’s recent signing should not have an impact on this.
Any team looking to draft Obi Melifonwu in the first round will be considering North Carolina’s Josh Jones in the second round. The 6-foot-1, 220 pounds Jones blazed a 4.41 40 at the combine to go along with an 11-0 broad jump and a 37.5 inch vertical. Tony Pauline is reporting that the Jones could ultimately end up in the top 50 and already has a private visit scheduled with the Steelers. He could be that hybrid nickel defender who plays some safety, inside linebacker, and cornerback depending on the formation, which in the modern pass-happy NFL would make him an every-down defender. His late rise in the drafting rankings and athletic profile make him very similar to the Steelers 2016 second round pick Sean Davis.
63. Atlanta Falcons - Tyus Bowser DE/OLB, Houston
Atlanta needs another outside rusher to pair with Vic Beasley.
64. Carolina Panthers (via New England Patriots) - Cordera Tankersley CB, Clemson
2016 second round pick James Bradberry is the only dependable CB on the roster.
Round 3:
65. Cleveland Browns - Roderick Johnson OT, Florida State
Austin Pasztor is a free agent who needs to be replaced.
66. San Francisco 49ers - Carlos Henderson WR, Louisiana Tech
WR is the 49ers second biggest need.
67. Chicago Bears - Quincy Wilson CB, Florida
Kyle Fuller has been a bust and Price Amukamara is on a 1-year deal.
68. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jalen "Teez" Tabor CB, Florida
Jacksonville needs a nickel CB to go with Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye.
69. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams) - Dalvin Tomlinson DT/DE, Alabama
Karl Klug is coming back from a torn Achilles.
70. New York Jets - Ahkello Weatherspoon CB, Colorado
Darrelle Revis was released.
71. Los Angeles Chargers - Tarell Basham DE/OLB, Ohio
In the chargers new 4-man front Melvin Ingram will play OLB.
72. New England Patriots (via CAR) - Derek Rivers DE/OLB, Youngstown State
N.E. needs to replace Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones.
73. Cincinnati Bengals - Zay Jones WR, East Carolina
Cincy needs a long-term 3rd WR to go with A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd.
74. Philadelphia Eagles - Duke Riley OLB, LSU
Nigel Bradham is facing felony assault charges.
75. Buffalo Bills - Monte Nicholson S, Michigan State
Buffalo needs to replace Aaron Williams.
76. New Orleans Saints - Jake Butt TE, Michigan
Coby Fleener has been a bust free agent signing.
77. Arizona Cardinals - Montravius Adams DT, Auburn
Calais Campbell signed with Jacksonville.
78. Baltimore Ravens - Ethan Pocic OC/OG, LSU
Jeremy Zuttah was traded to the 49ers.
79. Indianapolis Colts - D'Onta Foreman RB, Texas
Frank Gore is 33 years old.
80. Minnesota Vikings - Samaje Perine RB, Oklahoma
Minnesota needs to replace Adrian Peterson.
81. Washington Redskins - William Holden OT, Vanderbilt
Shawn Lauvao is the weak link on the offensive line.
82. Denver Broncos - Gerald Everett TE, South Alabama
2015 third round pick Jeff Heuerman has been injury-plagued and Virgil Green is used mainly as a blocking TE.
83. Tennessee Titans - Cameron Sutton CB/S, Tennessee
The Titans need long-term replacements for Jason McCourty and Brice McCain.
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Marlon Mack RB, South Florida
T.B. is rumored to really like Marlon Mack as a replacement for Doug Martin.
85. Detroit Lions - Bucky Hodges TE, Virginia Tech
Rumor has it that the Lions really like Bucky Hodges.
86. Minnesota Vikings (via Miami Dolphins) - Elijah Lee LB, Kansas State
The Vikings are rumored to like Elijah Lee as a replacement for Chad Greenway.
87. New York Giants - Antonio Garcia OT/OG, Troy
The Giants need an upgrade at RT.
88. Oakland Raiders - Jordan Leggett TE, Clemson
Clive Walford has been a bust and Jared Cook is essentially on a 1-yr deal.
89. Houston Texans - Larry Ogunjobi DT, Charlotte
Houston needs a DE opposite of J.J. Watt.
90. Seattle Seahawks - Carroll Phillips DE/OLB, Illinois
Michael Morgan is a free agent.
91. Kansas City Chiefs - Tim Williams DE/OLB, Alabama
33-year old Tamba Hali may be a cap casualty at some point.
92. Dallas Cowboys - DeMarcus Walker DE/DT, FSU
Another DT is needed to pair with Maliek Collins.
93. Green Bay Packers - Desmond King CB/S, Iowa
Sam Shields was released and Davon House is on a 1-yr deal.
94. Pittsburgh Steelers - Davis Webb QB, Cal
No one believed Steelers QB Ben Roethisberger’s retirement contemplation back in January, where on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan he was quoted as saying “I’m going to take this off-season to evaluate, to consider all options. To consider health and family and things like that, and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there’s going to be a next season.” But nevertheless, it could mean that the Steelers two-time Super Bowl Champion QB could retire in 2018 or 2019.
Given that the Steelers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders for 2017 it is unlikely that they would use their first or second round pick on a QB, especially on one with so many question marks like Pat Mahomes, DeShone Kizer, or Deshaun Watson. But that doesn’t mean they won’t spend a mid-round pick on one if they feel that player has long-term starting potential.
Cal’s 6-foot-4, 229 pounds Davis Webb has an arm comparable to Pat Mahomes’, with the ability to rifle the ball down field. Much like Mahomes though, as well as Jared Goff before him, Webb comes from a gimmicky “Air-Raid” offense and will need time to adjust to a pro-style offense. He’ll need to learn how to take snaps from under center, read through progressions, and develop his footwork.
95. Atlanta Falcons - Julie'n Davenport OT, Bucknell
Free agent Chris Chester is the weak link on the offensive line.
96. New England Patriots - Rasul Douglas CB, West Virginia
Malcolm Butler is a 2018 free agent.
97. Miami Dolphins comp pick - Trey Hendrickson DE/OLB, Florida Atlantic
Mario Williams was released and William Hayes will be a free agent in 2018.
98. Carolina Panthers comp pick - Daeshon Hall DE, Texas A&M
Carolina needs long-term replacements for Charles Johnson and Julius Peppers.
99. Baltimore Ravens comp pick - Ryan Anderson DE/OLB, Alabama
Elvis Dumervil was released.
100. Tennessee Titans (via L.A. Rams) comp pick - Alex Anzalone LB, Florida
Sean Spence signed with the Colts.
101. Denver Broncos comp pick - ArDarius Stewart WR, Alabama
Cody Latimer has been a bust.
102. Seattle Seahawks comp pick - Isaac Asiata OG/OC, Utah
Seattle has to address the offensive line at some point.
103. New Orleans Saints (from N.E. via CLE ) comp pick - Kendell Beckwith ILB, LSU
N.O. needs multiple upgrades at LB.
104. Kansas City Chiefs comp pick - Brian Hill RB, Wyoming
Jamaal Charles was released.
105. Pittsburgh Steelers comp pick - Vince Biegel ILB, Wisconsin
The Steelers have a very capable replace for Lawrence Timmons with Vince Williams, but it shouldn’t stop them from investing in the position if the value is worth the pick. In the same Tony Pauline article that mentions the Steelers interest in teammate T.J. Watt, the Steelers are also reportedly targeting Vince Biegel in the third round after having taken the pair out to dinner the night before the Wisconsin pro day, wherein Steelers outside linebacker coach Joey Porter put the pair through drills. At the combine Biegel had a respectable 40 time of 4.67 40 time, and excelled in the drills at both the combine and his pro day. He’s known as a “blue collar” type with an extremely high character who loves the game.
106. Seattle Seahawks comp pick - Carlos Watkins DT, Clemson
Ahtyba Rubin doesn’t provide much pass-rush.
107. New York Jets comp pick - Pat Elflein OC, Ohio State
Nick Mangold was released.
Round 4:
108. Cleveland Browns - Cooper Kupp WR, Eastern Washington
Terrelle Pryor signed with Washington.
109. San Francisco 49ers - Sam Tevi OT, Utah
S.F. needs an upgrade at RT.
110. Jacksonville Jaguars - Danny Isidora OG, Miami
Jacksonville’s offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL.
111. Chicago Bears - JuJu Smith-Schuster WR, USC
Kendall Wright is on a 1-yr deal and Kevin White has been a bust.
112. Los Angeles Rams - Dawuane Smoot DE/OLB, Illinois
Connor Barwin is on a 1-yr deal, the Rams need OLB’s for Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense.
113. Los Angeles Chargers - Jaleel Johnson DT, Iowa
Brandon Mebane will be coming back from a torn biceps.
114. Washington Redskins (via New York Jets) - Amara Darboh WR, Michigan
Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick are both on 1-yr deals.
115. Carolina Panthers - Wayne Gallman RB, Clemson
30-year old Jonathan Stewart is injury-plagued.
116. Cincinnati Bengals - Keionta Davis DE, Tennessee-Chattanooga
Cincy needs a pass-rusher opposite of Carlos Dunlap.
117. Chicago Bears (via Buffalo Bills) - Eric Magnuson OT, Michigan
Charles Leno and Bob Massie both need to be replaced.
New England Patriots (via New Orleans Saints)
FORFEITED FOR DEFLATEGATE
118. Philadelphia Eagles - James Conner RB, Pittsburgh
Ryan Mathews may not play this season due to a neck injury.
119. Arizona Cardinals - Nico Siragusa OG, San Diego State
Evan Mathis retired.
120. Minnesota Vikings - Eddie Jackson S, Alabama
Andrew Sendejo is injury-plagued.
121. Indianapolis Colts - Davon Godchaux DT, LSU
Arthur Jones was released.
122. Baltimore Ravens - Taywan Taylor WR, Western Kentucky
Steve Smith retired.
123. Washington Redskins - Vincent Taylor DT, Oklahoma State
Chris Baker signed with T.B.
124. Tennessee Titans - Malachi Dupre WR, LSU
Tennessee could use multiple upgrades at WR.
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tyler Orlosky OC, West Virginia
Joe Hawley is a free agent.
126. Denver Broncos - Harvey Langi ILB, BYU
Denver never replaced Danny Trevethan.
127. Detroit Lions - Kareem Hunt RB, Toledo
Ameer Abdullah has been injury-plagued.
128. Minnesota Vikings (via Miami Dolphins) - Damien Mama OG, USC
Brandon Fusco was released.
129. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy McNichols RB, Boise State
Latavius Murray signed with Minnesota.
130. Houston Texans - George Kittle TE, Iowa
Houston needs a receiving threat at TE.
131. New England Patriots (via Seattle Seahawks) - Deatrich Wise DE, Arkansas
Kony Ealy is a 2018 free agent.
132. Kansas City Chiefs - Brad Kaaya QB, Miami
K.C. needs a QB to groom behind 33-yr old Alex Smith.
133. Dallas Cowboys - K.D. Cannon WR, Baylor
Terrence Williams is a mediocre WR2.
134. Green Bay Packers - Conor McDermott OT, UCLA
G.B. lost T.J. Lang and J.C. Tretter in free agency.
135. Pittsburgh Steelers - Josh Reynolds WR, Texas A&M
Outside of Antonio Brown the Steelers don’t have much certainty at the WR position. Martavis Bryant should be coming back from suspension but who knows when that will happen or how long it will last? Eli Rogers and Cobi Hamilton have shown some promise but not enough to be counted on at this point. Sammy Coates’ size/speed combo continues to tantalize as much as his propensity for drops is infuriating. As such, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Steelers selected Corey Davis or Mike Williams if either manages to fall to pick 30 or if Chris Godwin falls to pick 62.
The 6-foot-3, 194 pounds Josh Reynolds is a bit of a poor man’s Martavis Bryant without the off-the-field baggage. With a 4.52 40 time he’s not quite a burner but he does have deceptive deep speed. He uses his long, lean frame and loose hips to track deep balls very well. The downside with Reynolds is a thin frame that won’t get much bigger and a lack of strength to beat a jam.
136. Atlanta Falcons - Elijah Qualls NT, Washington
Dontari Poe is on a 1-yr deal.
137. Indianapolis Colts (via New England Patriots) - Brandon Wilson CB, Houston
Patrick Robinson was cut and Darius Butler is on a 1-yr deal.
138. Cincinnati Bengals comp pick - Jessamen Dunker OG, Tennessee State
Cincy lost Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler in free agency.
139. Philadelphia Eagles (via CLE) comp pick - Ryan Glasgow DT, Michigan
Bennie Logan signed with K.C.
140. New York Giants - Paul Magloire OLB, Arizona
NYG likes to use the middle rounds to upgrade at LB.
141. Los Angeles Rams comp pick - Kyle Fuller OC, Baylor
Tim Barnes was released.
142. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns) comp pick - Jalen Myrick CB, Minnesota
A.J. Bouye signed with Jacksonville.
143. San Francisco 49ers comp pick - Brian Allen CB, Utah
Jimmie Ward will be moving to safety.
144. Indianapolis Colts comp pick - Adam Bisnowaty OT/OG, Pittsburgh
Indy has a hole at RG.