2017 Mock Drafts

[Rev]

Would have been nice to keep Darius Jackson.

In retrospect maybe we should have cut Alfred Morris for him.

He might be available after the cuts if we want to grab him back. Don't know why he is so coveted by some here.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Would have been nice to keep Darius Jackson.

In retrospect maybe we should have cut Alfred Morris for him.

Considering Morris was never really used again on a meaningful snap that is definitely true. Of course Alfred Morris is on a 2 year contract so I'm guessing he will be back again next year to backup Zeke.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Anymore? He's like what, 27? How about never has been.

There was a point in 2014 where I thought Crawford looked pretty damn good. He was very disruptive even though his sack numbers don't back it up. But since then he hasn't been nearly as good. He is just sort of a run of the mill DE/DT combo in this defense now. Something not really that difficult to find.

 

[Simpleton]

There's no point in cutting Crawford right now, we wouldn't really save any money and he's still a borderline starting caliber lineman for us. He's definitely way overpaid but I'd keep him around for one more year than cut him after 2017 when his cap hit will be less.

 

[Jiggyfly]

He might be available after the cuts if we want to grab him back. Don't know why he is so coveted by some here.

Agreed, he is the definition of a JAG.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

There's no point in cutting Crawford right now, we wouldn't really save any money and he's still a borderline starting caliber lineman for us. He's definitely way overpaid but I'd keep him around for one more year than cut him after 2017 when his cap hit will be less.

He has a base salary of 7.25 mil. Either take a pay cut or cut his ass. That money can be saved for a legit player.

 

[Cotton]

Jeremiah's latest

_________________________________________

PICK NO.
1
CLE
MYLES GARRETT OLB
TEXAS A&M
The Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback, but I think Garrett will be too tempting to pass up. He has all-pro talent and will be a perfect fit in Cleveland's new defensive scheme.

PICK NO.
2
SF
MITCH TRUBISKY QB
NORTH CAROLINA
The 49ers need to address the quarterback position and Trubisky has a very intriguing skill set. Trading down would also make a lot of sense because of the lack of talent on this roster.

PICK NO.
3
CHI
JONATHAN ALLEN DE
ALABAMA
The addition of Allen would give the Bears one of the best young defensive lines in the NFL. He can play multiple spots and is one of the most technically sound defensive linemen I've ever evaluated

PICK NO.
4
JAX
JAMAL ADAMS S
LSU
Adams is a tone-setter and would team up with Jalen Ramsey to give the Jaguars two superstars in the secondary. Jacksonville needs offensive line help, but Adams is too good to bypass.

PICK NO.
5
TEN
MARSHON LATTIMORE CB
OHIO ST.
The Titans could add Corey Davis -- the draft's best receiver -- in this spot, but Lattimore is a special talent and fills a need on the roster. He has incredible cover skills and will match up well with the elite wideouts in the AFC South.

PICK NO.
6
NYJ
DESHONE KIZER QB
NOTRE DAME

The Jets have a lot of quarterbacks on their roster but none as gifted as Kizer. He will need some time to develop, but he has the size, arm talent and athleticism to become a reliable starting quarterback.

PICK NO.
7
LAC
MALIK HOOKER S
OHIO ST.
With the best ball skills of any safety I've ever evaluated, Hooker would benefit from the pass rush led by Joey Bosa. If Jason Verrett comes back healthy, this could quickly become one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

PICK NO.
8
CAR
LEONARD FOURNETTE RB
LSU

The Panthers need to take some pressure off of Cam Newton, and that's exactly what Fournette would do. He wasn't healthy during his final season at LSU, but his tape was still impressive. He is a true workhorse running back.

PICK NO.
9
CIN
REUBEN FOSTER LB
ALABAMA
The Bengals need to add more playmakers to their defense and Foster is one of the most explosive linebackers to come out in the last few years. He has similar range to Patrick Willis when he was coming out of Ole Miss.

PICK NO.
10
BUF
COREY DAVIS WR
WESTERN MICHIGAN
Davis is a complete receiver who would be an excellent complement to Sammy Watkins. His combination of route running, ball skills and toughness is outstanding.

PICK NO.
11
NO
TRE'DAVIOUS WHITE CB
LSU
White is one of the most improved players in the country and played at a very high level in 2016. His ball skills and toughness would be a great addition to the Saints' defense.

PICK NO.
12
CLE
DALVIN COOK RB
FLORIDA ST.
The Browns could look at Deshaun Watson with this pick, but Cook would be tough to pass up. He would fit beautifully in Hue Jackson's offense.

PICK NO.
13
ARI
SIDNEY JONES CB
WASHINGTON
Jones is one of the most reliable players in the entire draft class. He doesn't get the same amount of attention as some other cornerbacks, but he is very highly regarded by NFL evaluators.

PICK NO.
14
IND
DEREK BARNETT DE
TENNESSEE
The Colts are in desperate need of a young edge rusher. Barnett has some tightness but his production speaks for itself.

PICK NO.
15
PHI
MIKE WILLIAMS WR
CLEMSON
Williams would instantly become their top weapon and give Carson Wentz some needed help. He could go much higher than 15, but if he's there, expect the Eagles to run the card up to the table.

PICK NO.
16
BAL
QUINCY WILSON CB
FLORIDA
Wilson is a very talented press cornerback with excellent ball skills. He would upgrade the Ravens' secondary, teaming with Jimmy Smith to give Baltimore two of the biggest corners in the league.

PICK NO.
17
WAS
SOLOMON THOMAS DE
STANFORD
Thomas is a very dynamic interior pass rusher who I'd love to see line up next to Ryan Kerrigan in this defense. His motor never stops, and his performance against North Carolina and QB Mitch Trubisky in the Sun Bowl wowed NFL scouts.

PICK NO.
18
TEN
DAVID NJOKU TE
MIAMI
The Titans need to give Marcus Mariota some more weapons; Njoku has the highest upside of any tight end in the draft. He would team up with Delanie Walker to terrorize opposing safeties and linebackers.

PICK NO.
19
TB
CHARLES HARRIS DE
MISSOURI
The Bucs hit a home run with the selection of Noah Spence in the 2016 draft. Harris would give them another fastball coming off the edge, taking their defense to another level.

PICK NO.
20
DEN
RYAN RAMCZYK T
WISCONSIN
The Broncos need to overhaul their offensive line. Ramczyk, the best tackle in the draft, would be a good start. Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp would also be a good option with this selection.

PICK NO.
21
DET
TACO CHARLTON DE
MICHIGAN
Charlton is a rangy athlete who fits the mold the Lions look for in their edge rushers. He makes plays on all three downs.

PICK NO.
22
MIA
T.J. WATT LB
WISCONSIN
Watt isn't as freaky as his older brother, J.J., but he is a very good football player. He is ultra-versatile, athletic and instinctive.

PICK NO.
23
NYG
GERALD EVERETT TE
SOUTH ALABAMA
Get to know this name. Everett has a lot of similarities to Jordan Reed and he would crush it in the Giants' offensive system, surrounded by Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard.

PICK NO.
24
OAK
TEEZ TABOR CB
FLORIDA
The Raiders are set on the offensive side of the ball but they could use some more playmakers in the secondary. Tabor gives up some plays but he also gets his hands on a lot of footballs.

PICK NO.
25
HOU
DESHAUN WATSON QB
CLEMSON
The Brock Osweiler experiment hasn't worked. Watson could be long gone by this point in the draft, but if he's there, I'd expect the Texans to scoop him up.

PICK NO.
26
SEA
GARETT BOLLES OT
UTAH
In 2016, the Seahawks used a top pick on an offensive lineman (OT Germain Ifedi), and I'd expect them to do the same thing in this year's draft. Bolles is a very athletic pass protector who shows some nastiness in the running game.

PICK NO.
27
KC
JARRAD DAVIS LB
FLORIDA
Derrick Johnson is 34 and coming off a torn Achilles. Davis is a very instinctive linebacker who has enough size to take on guards in the run game. He also has the speed to match up with tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

PICK NO.
28
DAL
TAKKARIST MCKINLEY OLB
UCLA
The Cowboys need pass rushers; they can no longer rely on Randy Gregory. McKinley has double-digit sack potential.

PICK NO.
29
GB
ALVIN KAMARA RB
TENNESSEE
Kamara is a name that's generating a lot of buzz in the scouting community. He's also a player that would fill a need for the Packers. He is a major mismatch for linebackers in the passing game.

PICK NO.
30
PIT
O.J. HOWARD TE
ALABAMA
Howard is a seam-stretching tight end and he's also very reliable as a blocker in the run game. He would be a nice fit in Todd Haley's offense.

PICK NO.
31
ATL
GAREON CONLEY CB
OHIO ST.
Conley is a gifted athlete with excellent football awareness. The Falcons have quietly built a very good roster, which should allow them to take the best available player in this spot.

PICK NO.
32
NE
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY RB
STANFORD

Some players are perfectly suited to play in the Patriots' offense. McCaffrey's versatility, toughness and intelligence is exactly what Bill Belichick covets in the draft.

 

[boozeman]

McKinley is going to blow up the Combine. No chance at him.

Sincerely,
DFDC

 

[NoDak]

Heard on the radio this morning a hypothetical. Cowboys trade their first, second, and next years second along with Romo to Cleveland for the first pick to take Myles Garrett.

Wouldja? I would. But I think it would take more than that to move up that far.

 

[Deuce]

Heard on the radio this morning a hypothetical. Cowboys trade their first, second, and next years second along with Romo to Cleveland for the first pick to take Myles Garrett.

Wouldja? I would. But I think it would take more than that to move up that far.

F no. He's not some once in a lifetime pass rusher and that's a hell of a lot to give up for anything less.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

F no. He's not some once in a lifetime pass rusher and that's a hell of a lot to give up for anything less.

That's a lot to stomach but you're moving up a lot of picks and not giving up any firsts. I might just do it. But would prefer to keep next years second out of it.

 

[NoDak]

F no. He's not some once in a lifetime pass rusher and that's a hell of a lot to give up for anything less.

You'd basically be giving up two low 2nd rounders and Romo for the first overall pick. And swapping firsts. Doesn't seem like a hell of a lot to me.

 

[Rev]

You'd basically be giving up two low 2nd rounders and Romo for the first overall pick. And swapping firsts. Doesn't seem like a hell of a lot to me.

I would do it but like you said I think it's going to take more than that.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

You'd basically be giving up two low 2nd rounders and Romo for the first overall pick. And swapping firsts. Doesn't seem like a hell of a lot to me.

I mean Garrett and Jaylon Smith as the only two new starters to this defense next year could really propel us from average to great. To me its worth sacrificing a couple late second round picks. Then just resign everyone else in free agency.

 

[boozeman]

Heard on the radio this morning a hypothetical. Cowboys trade their first, second, and next years second along with Romo to Cleveland for the first pick to take Myles Garrett.

Wouldja? I would. But I think it would take more than that to move up that far.

Of course. But you know Jones would never trade Romo to an armpit like Cleveland.

 

[GForce78NJ]

Of course. But you know Jones would never trade Romo to an armpit like Cleveland.

I wouldn't. We aren't a DE away from the Superbowl and thats a lot to give when you can probably pick up a third from some team for Romo. Plenty of DL in this draft and I'm not absolutely blown away with Myles Garrett

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I wouldn't. We aren't a DE away from the Superbowl and thats a lot to give when you can probably pick up a third from some team for Romo. Plenty of DL in this draft and I'm not absolutely blown away with Myles Garrett

I actually think we could be a DE away from the Superbowl. We weren't that far away this year. Give me an elite pass rusher on the defense this year and I think we would be in the Superbowl. I mean you're literally talking about someone who could have caused maybe one more negative play for Aaron Rodgers and that game goes a totally different direction.

 

[Smitty]

I actually think we could be a DE away from the Superbowl. We weren't that far away this year. Give me an elite pass rusher on the defense this year and I think we would be in the Superbowl. I mean you're literally talking about someone who could have caused maybe one more negative play for Aaron Rodgers and that game goes a totally different direction.

I think we are more than a DE away, but we are already plus an impact LB.

So drafting a stud DE means we are already adding a DE and LB upgrade.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

And so it begins... Let Kiper and the Cowboys corner whoring begin. But Barnett who he has going after is who I really want. That guy broke Reggie White's sack record and the last game I saw he was just an unstoppable force at DE.

_______________________________________

Kiper's 2017 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
play
Mel Kiper Jr. shares his expectations for where Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson could be drafted, and sees the Bills as a possibility. (0:36)
8:00 AM CT
Mel Kiper Jr.


The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2017 NFL draft has passed, and the field is set. That means it's time for Mock Draft 1.0.

A few reminders:

NFL teams are still early in their evaluations. No team has a draft board yet, and we still have to get through postseason all-star games, combine testing, medicals, pro days and individual workouts.

There's a long time until the draft, and we have to get through free agency before we truly know each team's needs. That's why several of these picks are based on who I think is the best player available. In some cases, I have identified a few needs that could be targeted.

Any questions? Good. Off we go.

Note: One asterisk denotes a junior, and two asterisks denote a redshirt sophomore.



1. Cleveland Browns

*Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M


Garrett is the top prospect on my Big Board, and he's a premier pass-rushing talent who had 32.5 sacks in three seasons for the Aggies. The Browns are in the beginning stages of a rebuild, and Garrett would be a foundational piece. Keep an eye on a potential trade down from Cleveland, though, as it did last year out of the No. 2 spot. The Browns want to keep acquiring picks. They could also fall in love with one of the talented but green quarterbacks.


2. San Francisco 49ers

*Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

This isn't a strong draft for quarterbacks. Trubisky is the best QB in the draft, but he's only No. 16 on my Big Board. He has only one season of collegiate starting experience, completing 68.2 percent of his passes with 30 touchdown passes and six interceptions. The 49ers still don't have a general manager or coach, and Colin Kaepernick could be on his way out.


3. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

Allen, who had 22.5 sacks over the past two seasons, could play defensive end or defensive tackle in the NFL. Positional flexibility is a big selling point, and he'd likely play end in the Bears' 3-4 in this scenario. He was one of the best players in college football in 2016. The Bears had a disappointing 2016 season and have needs across the board, including at quarterback, safety and potentially receiver, depending on what happens with free agent Alshon Jeffery.


4. Jacksonville Jaguars

*Jamal Adams, S, LSU

Adams is built for today's NFL as a versatile safety who can play in the box effectively, make tackles against the run and move to the edges and track slot receivers. Jacksonville hit on a couple of defenders in the 2016 draft (Jalen Ramsey and Yannick Ngakoue; Myles Jack is still an unknown), but the Jags need more help.


5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)

*Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

One of the stars in the Tigers' national title game win, Williams finished the season with 98 catches for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's the top wideout in this draft. Marcus Mariota could use a deep threat and chain-mover -- Williams was fifth in the country in 2016 with 60 catches that resulted in first downs.


6. New York Jets

**Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Lattimore is another first-year starter who jumped to the top of my cornerback rankings with a stellar season. A hamstring injury limited his time on the field in Columbus in 2014 and 2015. Speed, size (6-foot-1, 190) -- he has all the traits to be a star. Darrelle Revis could be on his way out with the Jets -- or move to safety -- and Lattimore would slide into his spot on Day 1.


7. San Diego Chargers

*Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

This isn't a great class for top-tier blindside protectors, but Robinson is at the top of the list, though I think his best skill -- run-blocking -- means he'd be better as a right tackle at the next level. A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, he's a known commodity in the NFL. The Chargers ranked in the bottom third of the league in rushing (3.8 yards per carry, 97.9 yards per game) in 2016, and tackles Joe Barksdale and King Dunlap have underwhelmed.


8. Carolina Panthers

*Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

This is really the first spot I see that could be a good fit for Fournette, barring a trade up. He's a special athlete with an incredible combination of size (6-1, 235), speed and power, but he won't get a grade as high as I gave Ezekiel Elliott last year. Elliott went No. 4 in 2016, but backs have been devalued in recent years -- he was the only back taken in the first round. Jonathan Stewart turns 30 this year and averaged only 3.8 yards per carry in 2016.


9. Cincinnati Bengals

**Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

Thomas, one of the biggest risers of the year, had eight sacks in 2016. At 6-3, 270, he could move inside and play tackle, too. The Bengals need pass-rushing help -- they had only 33 total sacks in a disappointing 2016 -- and this is a good draft for edge rushers.


10. Buffalo Bills

*Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

I'm a believer in franchises with new head coaches starting fresh with new quarterbacks, and it appears likely the Bills move on from Tyrod Taylor after hiring Sean McDermott. That leaves Buffalo with a huge hole and a top-10 pick to fill it. I wrote last week that I didn't think Watson would get a post-title game draft bounce, but I've heard differently from people around the NFL. Though he had an up-and-down season -- and threw 17 interceptions -- Watson is extremely talented. He's the second quarterback off the board in this projection, ahead of Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer.


11. New Orleans Saints

Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

Foster is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. At 6-1, 240 pounds, he has stellar range, runs sideline to sideline and is a complete linebacker. He's a terrific blitzer, too, and recorded five sacks in 2016. The Saints need defensive help -- 2015 first-round pick Stephone Anthony played just 127 defensive snaps this season.


12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles)

*Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

After picking Myles Garrett No. 1, this would give the Browns two prospects in the top five of my Big Board. Cook is a speedy home run hitter who rushed for 4,464 yards and had 48 total touchdowns in three seasons for the Seminoles. Cleveland also could look at an offensive lineman, cornerback or linebacker.


13. Arizona Cardinals

*Teez Tabor, CB, Florida

Tabor, my No. 2 cornerback, is a playmaker who had eight interceptions -- with three returned for touchdowns -- the past two seasons. Arizona struggled to find a No. 2 corner opposite Patrick Peterson all of 2016, and in Tabor the Cardinals would get a guy who could step in and start on Day 1. Arizona could take a look at a pass-rusher, too, depending on what happens with free agents Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones.


14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings)

*Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

That Florida secondary was loaded the past few seasons with Wilson, Tabor and 2016 first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves III. Wilson is right there with Tabor on my board. He's a little bigger (6-1, 213) than Tabor (6-0, 201) and has good ball skills and instincts. This is a spot in which the Eagles need immediate help.


15. Indianapolis Colts

Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA

A dominant speed rusher, McKinley gave Pac-12 offensive tackles nightmares in 2016. He took a big leap as a senior with 10 sacks, going from fringe prospect to first-rounder. At 6-2, 240 pounds, he's not huge, but his explosion off the line is suited for today's NFL. Indianapolis needs playmakers on defense, and McKinley is a great fit.


16. Baltimore Ravens

**Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

The Harbaugh connection is interesting here. Who has better intel on Peppers than his college coach, Jim Harbaugh? And Jim's brother, John, is the Ravens' coach. Peppers is a fantastic talent, but he's a tweener and is more of a rover back. He could be an in-the-box safety or linebacker who helps in run support and goes out and covers slot receivers and tight ends. The right team will get creative with him and get a star playmaker.


17. Washington Redskins

**Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

Hooker was the best center-field-type safety I saw this season -- he has incredible speed and range and was all over the field for the Buckeyes. He had seven interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Washington could also have a need at wide receiver, even after taking Josh Doctson in the first round last year. Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are both free agents. Keep an eye on a pass-rusher here, too.


18. Tennessee Titans

**Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

I've mentioned this before, but 2017 could be the year of the third-year sophomore. Humphrey is the fifth such player I listed in the first round. A hamstring injury slowed him down toward the end of the 2016 season, but he's an outstanding prospect with great size (6-1, 196). The Titans have two first-round picks -- I gave them Mike Williams at No. 5 -- and cornerback should be a spot they target.


19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

Charlton plays with good leverage for his height (6-5) and has active hands and an incredible wingspan. I'm curious what he'll measure at the combine. He can play on his feet, too, which means he could fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. The Bucs took Noah Spence in the second round last year, and he improved in their 4-3 as the season progressed (5.5 sacks). Charlton would be a great pick.


20. Denver Broncos

*Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

Bolles started only one season for the Utes after coming over from a junior college, but he was tremendous. He has nice feet and can drive defenders off the ball at 6-5, 300 pounds. Denver has to get some help at tackle in order to get back on top of an AFC West that features two games every season against Justin Houston, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Russell Okung has a team option at $11.7 million, and Donald Stephenson had a poor first season with the Broncos.


21. Detroit Lions

Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama

Williams (6-4, 250) is a fantastic pass-rushing talent who can be unblockable at times. He had 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. Williams would have to put on some weight to play end in a 4-3, but his talent is undeniable. The Lions were second to last in sacks in 2016 (26), and Ezekiel Ansah had only two after a breakout 2015 season in which he had 14.5. This is a clear need, especially with few pass-rushers available in free agency.


22. Miami Dolphins

Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

As a steady and reliable linebacker with a nose for the football, Davis' versatility stands out. He could play inside or outside linebacker at the next level, though he's not a guy who will get 10 sacks on the outside in a 3-4. He can be an every-down guy.


23. New York Giants

*Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

Picking another tackle would allow the Giants to move 2015 top-10 pick Ereck Flowers over to the right side -- he struggled in 2016. Ramczyk, who has had an amazing path to the NFL, is a 6-6, 314-pound road grader with all the traits of an NFL starter, but he's not a talent on the level of former Badger Joe Thomas (who is?). New York could also target a pass-rusher or tight end (none are off the board so far).


24. Oakland Raiders

*Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

How can a team with Khalil Mack rank last in the league in sacks? That happened this season -- he had 11 and the rest of the defense had 14. McDowell had only 7.5 sacks in his career, but the talent is there to produce much more in the NFL. He's a tremendous athlete with a 6-6, 290-pound frame who is still raw. One position to keep an eye on: running back. Latavius Murray is a free agent, and this class is loaded.


25. Houston Texans

*Budda Baker, S, Washington

Baker, the fourth safety off the board so far, is a dynamic athlete with a small frame -- he's only 5-10, 173. He was a tackling machine for the Huskies, and he had two picks and three sacks in 2016. Quintin Demps is a free agent, and the Texans need to upgrade their defensive backfield.


26. Seattle Seahawks

Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson

The Seahawks like big corners, and Tankersley (6-1, 190) fits their style as a guy who could hold up opposite Richard Sherman, and DeShawn Shead's knee injury opens up a spot. Tankersley had nine interceptions over his last two seasons and was a big part of the Tigers' success. Seattle will be in the market for offensive linemen, too, but I don't have much first-round talent available here at No. 26. There's still a long time until draft day, however.


27. Kansas City Chiefs

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Chiefs' top pass-catchers in 2016 were a tight end (Travis Kelce) and rookie fifth-round pick who was better known for his return skills (Tyreek Hill). Davis was one of the most productive wideouts in the country during his career at Western Michigan, catching 331 passes for 5,278 yards and 52 touchdowns. He has ideal size (6-2, 212) and length to be a great NFL wideout. Kansas City has an interesting offseason ahead -- it doesn't have a ton of cap room, and it has to find a way to bring back top free agents Eric Berry and Dontari Poe.


28. Dallas Cowboys

*Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

Jones, a three-year starter for the Huskies, is the sixth corner off the board. At 6-1, 170, he's agile and fast with nice ball skills. He had nine interceptions in his career. Dallas has a glaring need at defensive end, but don't count out a corner here. Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are free agents.


29. Green Bay Packers

*Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

McCaffrey fits what the Packers want on offense. He's versatile like college quarterback-turned-receiver Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery, who switched to running back in 2016. McCaffrey can return kicks, catch the ball out of the backfield -- he's dynamic with the ball in his hands. The Packers have a few needs on defense, but running back Eddie Lacy is a free agent, and they don't have an internal replacement.


30. Pittsburgh Steelers

*Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri

Harris had an up-and-down 2016 with nine sacks and two forced fumbles, but his ceiling his high. In this scenario, Harris (6-3, 255) would be an outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4, but he could play end in a 4-3 or even move inside to rush the passer from a tackle spot. Pass-rushers Jarvis Jones (a 2013 first-round pick) and James Harrison (who turns 39 this summer) will be free agents.


31. Atlanta Falcons

*Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee


Barnett (6-3, 265) is the eighth defensive end or outside linebacker to go in my first round -- this is a great class for pass-rushers. He is an all-around defender who beats double-teams and makes plays in the running game, and he's versatile enough to play in a 4-3 or 3-4. The light came on for Vic Beasley Jr. in Year 2 in the NFL, but his 15.5 sacks accounted for 45.5 percent of the Falcons' total in 2016. He needs some help.


32. New England Patriots

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Howard, my top-ranked tight end, had only seven touchdowns in his four-year career, but three came in national title games. The Crimson Tide didn't use Howard (6-6, 250) much in the passing game, and he could be more productive in the NFL. He can stretch the deep middle of the field and be a dynamic weapon. New England's No. 2 tight end, Martellus Bennett, could get a big deal in free agency this offseason, and it's too early to tell how Rob Gronkowski's back injury will heal. Another tight end to keep an eye on here: David Njoku, a talented and athletic guy from Miami (Fla.) who had a great junior season.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I think we are more than a DE away, but we are already plus an impact LB.

So drafting a stud DE means we are already adding a DE and LB upgrade.

If you can add an elite LBer and an elite DE prospect to your defense, that's a big deal. We were already on the verge with a rookie QB and rookie RB. So I'd say those two things could easily make this a Superbowl team next year.