I love mock drafts, as well! I'm an American, though, so perhaps not as much as you?
Okay, everyone, I know that you're all frothing at the mouth to find out my picks... Here they are! And an analysis for each one!
Caesar's 2017 First Round Mock Draft!1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Garrett is the hand down best player in this draft, and while they haven't been perfect, I trust this new Cleveland front office after last year's draft (which was terrific, IMHO).
2. San Francisco 49ers - Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Assuming that the 49ers can't trade down, I think this pick will come down to Fournette and Adams. The 49ers' new front office has recently spoken about how they're open to trading Hyde and want someone else to be a bell cow. I think Hyde has been tremendous given that he's been an above average starter while surrounded with little other support besides a good tackle. Adams would be the best pick, but I think Lynch and Shanahan want to make a splashy signing, and we know how much Shanahan's Redskins (Back when Alfred Morris was a very talented and relevant player) and Falcons depend upon the running game to take pressure off the QB.
3. Chicago Bears - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
The Bears are just a short bit away from having a great defense. They have quietly built a nice group the past couple of years, and the signing of Prince Amukamara means that they can get a starter CB on day 2. Adams would be the best player to add; RB doesn't make sense, and 3 is one pick too high for OJ Howard, the only non-RB top-5 player on offense. Adams switches their defense from quietly solid to splashy, as this guy is a leader and will bring extra edge to the secondary.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
OJ Howard is probably the safest player in this draft, and will help Jacksonville in a number of ways. They will actually get a TE who cares, they will add another weapon for Bortles (since they said they need to add to his supporting cast), and he will be a quality blocker, too. Howard is going to be great. For the Jaguars, they have no need of Williams or Davis at WR, whom I could see another team grabbing at the bottom half of the top 10, Fournette is gone, and the one defensive player I could see them adding, Jamal Adams, is already gone, as well. Howard should be their plan C (after Fournette and Adams), but a good plan C.
5. Tennessee Titans - Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
I think the Titans need to trade down to the 10-14 range, where they could nab Humphrey and get another pick out of it, but if they can't I think Humphrey's their guy. They don't need a safety anymore, after signing Jonathan Cyprien, so CB is the position to target, and they like Humphrey better than Lattimore, the consensus best corner in the class.
6. New York Jets - Marshon Lattimore, CB, THE Ohio State
Oh, how I hate when people refer to it as THE Ohio State. Well, when it comes to developing NFL talent, I suppose it is THE Ohio State, though, since they produce last year's most productive rookie RB (Zeke Elliot), WR (Michael Thomas), DE (Joey Bosa), and 2nd most productive rookie CB (Eli Apple). Lattimore is the best corner in this class, the Jets like to go BPA, which would narrow this to Jonathan Allen, Solomon Thomas, and Marshon Lattimore, and Lattimore fills a major need to replace Revis Island.
7. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Hooker, S, THE Ohio State
Three consecutive pairs of players from the same schools (2 and 3, LSU; 4 and 5, Alabama; 6 and 7, Ohio State) after Garrett in round 1. It seems like everyone in the world has connected Hooker to the Chargers; I'd hate to find out what would happen if Hooker was drafted before the Chargers were on the board. He'll be a great addition, though, and their defense would be a top-5 unit.
8. Carolina Panthers - Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Remember what I said when I was talking about Jets being BPA (best player available)? It's the same deal for the Panthers, who will also have one of the most productive front sevens this year. They dealt Kony Ealy, and now they're getting a better replacement.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Some people aren't as high on Tak as me, but the Bengals need an OLB, and I think Tak will be a sneaky fit who will also be highly effective on third downs. He has underrated coverage skills, and his pass rush is excellent, while he has more time at his actual position than Haason Reddick.
10. Buffalo Bills - Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Williams will either go here or to the Cardinals. The Bills will add another Clemson stud WR to line up across from Sammy Watkins, and suddenly Tyrod won't be targeting just three players (Watkins, Charles Clay, and LeSean McCoy) every game.
11. New Orleans Saints - Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
The Saints would love to have such a dynamic edge rusher in round 1. Their defense needs to catch up to the offense, and then they will be a Super Bowl contender. Actually, I take that back. Their defense needs to become HALFWAY as decent as their offense, and then they will be a Super Bowl contender. They're just a pass rusher, CB, S, and LB away from that status. Perhaps their 4 picks in rounds 1-3 will remedy that...
12. Cleveland Browns - Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Mitchell Trubisky is Hue Jackson's top-rated QB. You can eat your cake and eat it, too.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Haason Reddick, ILB/OLB, Temple
I know that the Cardinals aren't afraid of players with some baggage (see Robert Nkemdiche, Chandler Jones, Tyrann Mathieu), but I think after Foster's diluted drug test, Reddick is higher on their boards to replace Kevin Minter.
14. Philadelphia Eagles - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Conley is considered to be the #3 CB this year by a number of teams (he's been reported as high as #2), and I believe the Eagles would love to have a CB that would actually be pretty good. They don't want an RB round 1. They just signed their #1 and #2 WRs. Their slot receiver (Jordan Matthews) is already on the roster. I think CB will be their 1st choice.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Anywhere on defense besides DT, please... And I really think that the secondary will be the place to target. I think Tabor will be one of the top candidates for this pick, or else someone like Tre'Davious White, Kevin King, Adoree Jackson, or Quincy Wilson. Tabor's upside tops the others.
16. Baltimore Ravens - Cam Robinson, OT/G, Alabama
The Ravens haven't made their favorite player a secret.
17. Washington Redskins - Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford
Jay Gruden said that he wants his team to select a playmaker round 1. Stanford's triple-threat, who also holds the FBS record for total yardage, definitely qualifies as a playmaker. It's either him or Cook, and McCaffery's character is considered to be much higher. He also doesn't randomly fumble like Cook does.
18. Tennessee Titans - John Ross, WR, Washington
You saw this coming, didn't you? Nope, you didn't! You couldn't because Ross was moving too fast for you to see. Look. His hands and route tree are both better than Will Fuller or Corey Coleman's. His speed is much better than either of them. They were both 1st rounders, and Ross will be another speedy first rounder, but I expect him to be used the same way Titan division rival Colts have used T.Y. Hilton.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU
Cook is from the state of Florida. The Buccaneers love players from Florida. Jameis Winston, Vernon Hargreaves III, Roberto Aguayo... They would love to have another Florida State University connection as well as a dynamic RB playmaker.
20. Denver Broncos - Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
This shouldn't need an explanation, besides that some teams like Bolles better than Ramczyk, and I know for a fact that he's cleaned up his act from his former years. It takes a lot to be an LDS missionary and stay on the mission full-time.
21. Detroit Lions - Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
The Detroit Lions suddenly have a top-5 offensive line AND defensive line. Ziggy Ansah, A'Shawn Robinson, Jonathan Allen... sounds like a recipe for success. His fall came from his less than spectacular combine and the concerns with his shoulders. I could see the Colts, Ravens, or Redskins taking him and ending his fall, but in this mock, he fell more than he probably will.
22. Miami Dolphins - Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Jackson would boost the Dolphins' return game (Jarvis Landry is good, but Jackson is even better) and secondary. He's tremendous as a cover corner, and Tom Brady will suddenly be less than perfect (blasphemous, I know) when facing the 1-2 punch of Adoree Jackson and Xavien Howard. Did I mention that Jackson's speed will allow him to cover Brandin Cooks and Sammy Watkins?
23. New York Giants - Forrest Lamp, OG, WKU
The Giants need more juice on the OLine, and Lamp will provide that. They may even experiment with him at tackle, and who knows, maybe his arm length won't be an issue. He's the best offensive lineman in this class, regardless of position, and will make their running game more potent while keeping the aging Eli Manning on his feet.
24. Oakland Raiders - Rueben Foster, ILB, Alabama
The Raiders need 2-3 more starting LBs, and Foster's slide will end here. They don't care if he's a criminal. If they did, they would kick out their fan base and move to Oklahoma City, instead of Las Vegas.
25. Houston Texans - Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
Mahomes could be the 13th overall pick to the Cardinals, but they didn't select him in this mock and instead focused on winning now. The Texans are 1 QB and 1 RT away from a SB title, maybe 1 receiving TE, depending upon who it is. Mahomes can make all the throws from every platform, which means that, unlike with Brock Osweiler, the Texans' top-2 WRs can be targeted downfield. He's a gunslinger, he played in the spread, and his decisions aren't always 100% (actually, some are really scary) but somehow he makes it work, he has the "it" factor that drives him to improve, compete, and be great, he has the best arm strength in this class (he throws a 98 MPH fastball and was drafted by the MLB's Detroit Tigers in 2014), and his dad was an MLB pitcher. Mahomes is my #1 QB in this class, as I think what he does just can't be taught, and his upside is potentially higher than guys like Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston, Derek Carr, and Marcus Mariota.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
No explanation needed.
27. Kansas City Chiefs - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
I read an interesting player comp the other day. Deshaun Watson was compared to Alex Smith. They both win A LOT, they both have pretty releases, they both have underrated athleticism and can hurt defenses with their legs. They're both very bright. With a year of grooming behind the aging Smith (who could help Watson with decision making and ball placement), I like Watson better than the playoff regular.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Not sure why Barnett slid... I guess he flew under my radar. I suppose that could be a thing in the actual draft, (he's not the most athletic player in the world, but is a steady pass rusher who produces really well with great character) otherwise switch Barnett with Tak McKinley. Both fit the bill of what the Cowboys are looking for - a pass rusher.
29. Green Bay Packers - Kevin King, CB, Washington
I really like Kevin King, and he will do a ton for the Packers. He can play safety to replace Micah Hyde, or else he can play CB and help solve another major issue on the Packers' roster.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
This pick came down to two players: Quincy Wilson or Corey Davis. The Steelers would love Quincy Wilson, because they are looking for a physical, press-man corner, and Quincy fits the bill. Corey Davis, however, is another brilliant weapon to place in Big Ben's hands. A really big problem last year (especially in the playoffs) was that without LeVeon Bell and when Antonio Brown was getting quadruple teamed, the offense became impotent. It wasn't Ben; it was the lack of other playmakers. Well, they're getting Martavis Bryant back from suspension, but both Bell and Bryant have missed a lot of time due to suspension and they're attendance has become unreliable. I think getting Corey Davis will make the Steelers offense unstoppable, especially when Ladarius Green is healthy.
31. Atlanta Falcons - Tim Williams, DE/OLB, Alabama
Williams is exactly what the Falcons are looking for.
32. New Orleans Saints - Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn
Melifonwu is a safety, something that the Saints need. He’s an explosive athlete, something that the Saints need to add on defense. He can also match up in man coverage against big receivers, ya know, like Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Julio Jones… all players that the Saints’ defense will be facing twice a year, not counting the playoffs.
Caesar's Official 2017 2nd Round Mock Draft!33. Cleveland Browns - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
White is undoubtedly a round 1 level cornerback, but he slid a bit due to the depth at the position. He's pretty talented and should immediately give the Browns a quality starter across from Joe Haden.
34. San Francisco 49ers - David Njoku, TE, Miami, FL
I know the 49ers signed Vance McDonald to a big contract, but there's no way they can pass up someone as athletically gifted as Njoku to start round 2. If they somehow DO, I suppose Jabrill Peppers (who had a diluted drug test, and thus fell out of round 1), Zay Jones, Curtis Samuel, or Quincy Wilson could be the pick. All are good options at this point in round 2. If that were the case, I believe that Njoku would be grabbed by the Bears.
35. Jacksonville Jaguars - Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
They wanted Fournette, but couldn't get him because the 49ers took him. Now, they get a shot at another 1st round RB. Kamara didn't run super fast at the Combine, but his game tape is what really matters, and it shows a fast, slashing RB who, despite limited touches, made defenses pay. He can also play slot receiver and, if he doesn't pan out as a bell-cow, instantly becomes one of the top-3 third down/ receiving backs in the league.
36. Chicago Bears - Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
McDowell is a good DT, and while there are concerns with inconsistency, he will be a nice addition to the Bears' front seven. Between the additions of McDowell and Adams, the Bears should have a strong, splashy defense.
37. Los Angeles Rams - Dion Dawkins, OT/G, Temple
Some people think that Dawkins can become a starting LT or RT in the NFL. He played really well as an offensive lineman at Temple, and a few teams have him rated higher than Forrest Lamp as a guard. I think that Lamp is still better, but Dawkins should be very valuable in creating a clean pocket for Jared Goff and making sure that Gurley's numbers aren't ONLY made up of yards after contact.
38. Los Angeles Chargers - DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
If the Steelers don't end up nabbing Kizer, I'm sure that the Chargers would love to have their next franchise QB to develop behind Philip Rivers.
39. New York Jets - Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan
Peppers is going to improve the Jets' pass defense with his aggressiveness and athleticism. If they move him to LB, he should still make a big impact. This guy doesn't have a set position, but is versatile and can move anywhere. I could see a role similar to Mark Barron's role with the Rams, or the role that the Redskins envision for Su'a Cravens.
40. Carolina Panthers - Curtis Samuel, WR/RB, Ohio State
Samuel is a talented athlete. He ran the second-fastest WR time at the Combine and would have been the fastest man at the Combine in most years. He is an excellent technician when it comes to route-running. His size limits him to primarily slot work, but he can flip outside on occasion. I think he has the potential to eventually be a no. 1 receiver. He can also carry the ball 5-10 times a game, which would help a ton in taking pressure off of Cam Newton.
41. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
Some teams have Mixon "off their boards", but would actually jump on him in round 5 or later. Some teams haven't removed Mixon, reportedly, and have given him a round 2 grade. The Bengals are reportedly discussing taking him in round 1, so I think it's either Mixon to the Chiefs at the end of round 1, or Mixon to the Bengals at the start of round 2. With the Chiefs taking a potential franchise QB, the Bengals are getting their RB. They already have Bernard and Hill, but both have struggled for the past two seasons, so Mixon could be the guy.
42. New Orleans Saints - Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
Some teams have Witherspoon rated higher than players like Quincy Wilson, Fabian Moreau, Cordrea Tankersley, and Kevin King, all of whom have round 1 ceilings. The Saints might not be one of those teams, but if they are, I think they'll leap all over him. Wilson has some issues in off man coverage and zone coverage, thought he's great in press man and would help against Julio Jones, Kelvin Benjamin, and Mike Evans. The Saints drafted Obi Melifonwu at the end of round 1 to take that role, so they might add Witherspoon to cover fast receivers like DeSean Jackson or Taylor Gabriel. He can also cover the top three guys in this division, I think. He has serious speed and athleticism. His only knocks are that some teams think he's too smart, a know-it-all, and thus uncoachable, but I'm sure that he can thrive as a pro, since teams thought the same thing about Richard Sherman.
43. Philadelphia Eagles - Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
NCAA's all-time leading receiver will have a potential franchise QB in Carson Wentz throwing to him, and will be a safety blanket in the case that Torrey Smith, Alshon Jeffery, or Jordan Matthews don't work out. Matthews is in a contract year, Smith has a history of checking out, and Jeffrey has a history of suspensions and injuries, plus he's only on a one year deal and may cash-in elsewhere. Thus, I think taking a superb receiver like Zay Jones (who was great in the Senior Bowl and Combine) would make sense.
44. Buffalo Bills - Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
The Saints passed on Wilson, but the Bills certainly won't, especially after losing Stephon Gilmore to division rival Patriots. He'll be able to match up in man coverage, and should help to improve their unit.
45. Arizona Cardinals - JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
There's a lot of talk about the Cardinals grabbing Mike Williams or Corey Davis in round one. They need a possession receiver to pair up with their young speedsters. Larry Fitzgerald, owner of the best hands of his generation, is still playing quality football, but Fitz has contemplated retirement each of the last two offseasons, and the Cards need someone who can take over afterwards. JuJu struggled at the start of the season with a below-average college QB throwing him the ball, but once a talented and big-armed QB took over, he played with a vengeance. There are a lot of teams that think JuJu is a great value pick in round 2 and can be a no. 1 receiver. I think he's essentially Corey Davis, but a little smaller, and will benefit the Cardinals a lot. They can grab a CB to line up across from Patrick Petersen in round 3, given how deep this draft is at the position.
46. Indianapolis Colts - Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Cunningham is a sneaky, high-character addition to this unit. I bet you didn't even notice he slid, did you? Neither did I, which is why it makes perfect sense that he'll be drafted by a defense-needy team in round 2.
47. Baltimore Ravens - Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
The Ravens' pass rushers aren't getting any younger, and Harris would be a welcome addition to their tough defense. They're definitely building in the trenches, and sources have said that they want to focus on building the Cowboys' offensive line and the Rams' defensive line. Harris will be a big part of that.
48. Minnesota Vikings - D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Adrian Peterson was hurt last year, and was cut by the team in order to bring them under the salary cap. Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnion struggled, and not just due to Minnesota's awful O-line. They tried to remedy the OL in free agency; now it's time to try to remedy the RB position. Foreman is a tremendous runner, and racked up over 2,000 rushing yards last year on a dynamic YPC figure. He's a strong runner, so even if the O-line isn't great, he should generate good yards after contact.
49. Washington Redskins - Desmond King, FS/CB, Iowa
The Redskins have had struggles at FS every season lately, because DeAngelo Hall is aging and gets hurt a lot. Desmond King has 1st round CB and 1st round FS grades by some teams. He could play free safety for the team in the future, and if Bashaud Breeland continues to struggle in his contract year (which I doubt, because I think Breeland wants dough), King can line up across from Josh Norman and Kendall Fuller. Wherever he ends up, King will upgrade the Skins' defense.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Evan Engram, TE/WR, Ole Miss
Engram ran a 4.42 forty yard dash. Before that, he was well-known as the best receiving TE in this class. After that, he's well-known as the fastest and best receiving tight end in this class. He's not a blocker against defensive linemen, and struggles in that regard, but there are whispers of some teams wanting to draft him and move him to WR. He has superb hands, excellent speed, and runs beautiful routes. I think he can be a WR1 in the NFL, and that's not a hot-take; reports from the Buccaneers scouting organization say the same. Well, they already have a WR1 and a WR2, but DeSean Jackson won't be around forever, and they want a TE1 for their two tight end sets (Cameron Brate is the second). I think Engram is a great fit and will be another weapon to add to the Bucs' now-potent offense.
51. Denver Broncos - Taylor Moton, OT/G, Western Michigan
Moton can play all five offensive line positions, and the line-needy Broncos will be able to play him wherever they need him in order to upgrade both their pass protection and run blocking.
52. Cleveland Browns - Marcus Williams, S, Utah
The Browns need to upgrade their secondary, even after adding Tre'Davious White. Some people have Williams listed as the #3 safety prospect in this class, after Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker. Multiple teams reportedly have a 1st round grade on Williams, and feel that he could immediately become an above-average NFL starter. With Myles Garrett, Mitchell Trubisky, Tre'Davious White, and Marcus Williams, the Browns will have four potential 1st rounders across their first four picks of the draft, and should have the foundations for a decent squad.
53. Detroit Lions - Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
The Lions need a third CB to add to the talented duo of Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson. Chidobe Awuzie is the #1 slot corner in this class. With added pass rush and another talented CB, the Lions' pass defense should be significantly better than last year.
54. Miami Dolphins - Dan Feeney, G, Indiana
The Dolphins like Forrest Lamp, and some team sources say he's the top candidate for their 1st rounder, but instead, they got Adoree Jackson. Adding Dan Feeney would replace the hole left from moving Laremy Tunsil from G to LT in order to replace Brandon Albert.
55. New York Giants - Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
The Giants need to upgrade the LB position in order to complete their excellent defense, and Jarrad Davis is another player who could be a potential first rounder. He's an excellent player, and some teams love him. If Davis falls this far in a crowded draft at every position besides QB and Offensive Line (which would cause teams needy of those two positions to reach instead of drafting top talents), expect the Giants to swoop in and snatch him.
56. Oakland Raiders - TJ Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
What?! The Raiders have come into this mock needing to upgrade their severely weakened LB corps. A combo of Bruce Irvin, Perry Riley, Rueben Foster, and TJ Watt would wreak havoc on opposing defenses focused on occupying one-man wrecking crew Khalil Mack, two DL big fish in Oakland. Imagine the pass rushing trio of Mack, Irvin and Watt. Is it too early to predict Raiders versus Patriots in the AFC Championship Game?
57. Houston Texans - Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
Everett was recently predicted by WalterFootball.com to be the offensive steal of the draft. The Texans, with Patrick Mahomes, theoretically only have two holes on their roster - RT and receiving TE. Everett will give them a pro bowl TE who has slid because there are so many excellent TEs and weapons in this draft.
58. Seattle Seahawks - Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
Garcia isn't a pro bowler, but the Seahawks severely need an upgrade on the offensive line, or five, and Garcia and Ramczyk will provide those upgrades.
59. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston
Bowser can play ILB or OLB, and will prepare the Chiefs for life after Derrick Johnson, one of the best ILBs in the league.
60. Dallas Cowboys - Justin Evans, SS, Texas A&M
Justin Evans will fill one of the huge holes in the Cowboys' void at the secondary after losing starting safeties Barry Church and JJ Wilcox, as well as cornerback Morris Claiborne.
61. Green Bay Packers - Budda Baker, S, Washington
Budda Baker will help to shore up the Packers' defensive backfield. A combination of Washington teammates Kevin King and Budda Baker would instantly bring instincts to the secondary and will improve the Packers' defense.
62. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
The Steelers need a CB who can match up in man coverage, and Tankerlsey can play a combo of press and off man, and would be a 1st rounder or early 2nd rounder in most drafts.
63. Atlanta Falcons - Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
The Falcons' focus of the offseason is improving the defensive line and creating better pressure. Vic Beasley was an excellent player last year, and got the most sacks in the league, and Tim Williams will help to improve the pass rush, but according to Pro Football Focus, Carl Lawson had the highest pass-rushing grade in the nation last year, outperforming Myles Garrett, Jonathan Allen, and Derek Barnett at pressuring the QB.
64. Carolina Panthers - Sydney Jones, CB, Washington
In a couple of years, when Jones is one of the top 5 CBs in football, people will love this pick. I originally had this designated as a pick for the Patriots, but I think that despite the Panthers' win-now philosophy this offseason, Jones qualifies as the best player available and will tempt to Panthers too much for them to pass up. I suppose he may fall to the Browns in the next pick or somewhere in the next ten picks, but I don't expect him to fall past pick no. 75.
Last edited at 4/25/2017 5:20 pm
