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Mock draft: Bob McGinn's projections
Bob McGinn , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Published 9:08 p.m. CT April 26, 2017 | Updated 14 minutes ago
Bob McGinn's projections for Thursday's first round of the 2017 NFL draft:
1. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Owner Jimmy Haslam intercedes at the 11th hour, deciding that a future with Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler is like none at all. He made a comparable move with Johnny Manziel (No. 22) in 2014.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Myles Garrett, DE,Texas A&M
Neophyte GMs aren’t supposed to have it this easy. Having the scouts’ consensus choice as the best player in the draft fall into your lap isn’t a bad way to start for John Lynch.
3. CHICAGO BEARS: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Joins DE Akiem Hicks and NT Eddie Goldman to give the Bears a defensive line rivaling the Vikings’ in the NFC North.
4. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
New personnel czar Tom Coughlin feasted on first-round D-linemen in New York. His developing O-line isn’t capable of fronting an offense built around Leonard Fournette.
5. TENNESSEE TITANS-a: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Looking to trade down for additional picks. In conjunction with Delanie Walker, QB Marcus Mariota would have two major weapons at tight end.
6. NEW YORK JETS: Jamal Adams, S, Louisiana State
Former GM John Idzik didn’t get it right in 2014 by taking SS Calvin Pryor at No. 18, two slots ahead of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Mike Maccagnan, his successor, tries strong safety again with Adams.
7. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
SS Jahleel Addae is the Chargers’ only legitimate safety. Hooker, a free safety, should be an excellent match.
8. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Leonard Fournette, RB, Louisiana State
The Panthers got a lot of mileage from Jonathan Stewart (13th pick, 2008) but he’s 30, entering his 10th year and nearing the end. Fournette gives GM Dave Gettleman all the speed he has been seeking.
9. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
Foster brings risk (medical, character), but the Bengals never have been been bashful in that department. A defense that was 31st overall and against the run just gained an identity.
10. BUFFALO BILLS: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Bills lost No. 1 CB Stephon Gilmore to New England in free agency, starter Ronald Darby wasn’t as effective in 2016 as he was in ’15 and Kevon Seymour is untested.
11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Here’s another team desperate for help in the back end. The nominal starters at corner are Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams.
12. CLEVELAND BROWNS-b: Christian McCaffrey, RB-WR, Stanford
Obviously, the Browns need it all. Their 30th-ranked offense just got better.
13. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Haason Reddick, ILB, Temple
QB Patrick Mahomes was a possibility but in the end GM Steve Keim opts for an ILB. He can apprentice under Karlos Dansby for a year before taking over the defense.
14. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES-c: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Accused of sexual assault at mid-week, Conley made a strong denial Wednesday. In a Journal Sentinel poll of four teams that investigated the incident, two said Conley still would be taken in the first round, one said second round and one indicated he’d fall outside the top 100.
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
RB Dalvin Cook would fit, too. Davis instantly becomes the heart and soul of what was a 30th-ranked defense.
16. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Cam Robinson, T, Alabama
The Ravens took a big hit in March when former Badger RT Ricky Wagner departed for Detroit. Robinson is the Ravens’ No. 1-ranked O-lineman and GM Ozzie Newsome is an old Alabamaguy.
17. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Takk McKinley, OLB, UCLA
The Redskins ranked 32rd in third-down defense and were an average rush team. They’ll have to wait until August or September for McKinley, who underwent shoulder surgery after the combine.
18. TENNESSEE TITANS: John Ross, WR, Washington
Speed outside is a major issue in Nashville. WRs Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe aren’t burners and there is no capable third on the roster.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
RB Doug Martin is in substance-abuse rehabilitation and might be finished. The backups lack appeal, and the Glazer family isn’t the least bit averse to rolling the dice on character.
20. DENVER BRONCOS: Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin
GM John Elway has a big problem that won’t go away without immediate action. Both Menelik Watson and Donald Stephenson are considered more RTs, leaving a void at LT.
21. DETROIT LIONS: Jabrill Peppers, S-RB, Michigan
SS Tavon Wilson is ordinary, which Peppers isn’t. He’ll bring pizzazz on defense, offense and special teams.
22. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Adoree Jackson, CB, Southern California
The Dolphins would prefer an inside linebacker or defensive end but select Jackson, the best defensive player left on the board.
23. NEW YORK GIANTS: Garett Bolles, T, Utah
Coach Ben McAdoo has keen interest in Mahomes. Still, the Giants have belief in Bolles, a one-year wonder with the best feet in the draft. He’ll man the left side so Ereck Flowers can move to a more suitable berth at RT.
24. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Cunningham isn’t your typical rock ‘em, sock ‘em, Raiders’ type of middle backer. He’s a sleek coverage-type LB more in keeping with the modern game, which GM Reggie McKenzie notes.
25. HOUSTON TEXANS: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
If Mahomes lasts this long coach Bill O’Brien might do a jig. They’d be staring at 0-16 if Tom Savage were to be the starter.
26. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
The plan probably is to take Lamp, install him immediately at RG and move second-year RG Germain Ifedi to RT. Few of the many O-line moves made by coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider worked. Maybe this will.
27. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Chiefs need a RB and a QB but elect not to do it here. Instead, they get a power player to team with Jeremy Maclin.
28. DALLAS COWBOYS: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Pass-rushing DEs Greg Hardy, DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory all came up short. Benson Mayowa, their leading sacker, led the team with six.
29. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Kevin King, CB, Washington
If the draft breaks like this, Ted Thompson will have to choose between King, Tre’Davious White and OLB T.J. Watt. The Packers love King, and cornerback trumps all their other needs.
30. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Martavis Bryant is back on a conditional return from suspension but GM Kevin Colbert can’t count on him.
31. ATLANTA FALCONS: Tre’Davious White, CB, Louisiana State
Like Green Bay, the Falcons have a void at RG. Temple’s Dion Dawkins could factor here. So, too, might DL Malik McDowell, the consummate boom-or-bust prospect.
32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS-d: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Drew Brees, 38, enters his 17th season. If the Saints don’t draft Watson, it’s possible another team will move up and do it.
a – From Rams in 2016 draft-day trade for the top pick that was used to select QB Jared Goff.
b – From Eagles for in 2016 draft-day for the second pick that was used to select QB Carson Wentz.
c – From Vikings in Sept. 3 trade for QB Sam Bradford.
d – From Patriots in March 10 trade for WR Brandin Cooks.
Bob McGinn , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Published 9:08 p.m. CT April 26, 2017 | Updated 14 minutes ago
Bob McGinn's projections for Thursday's first round of the 2017 NFL draft:
1. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Owner Jimmy Haslam intercedes at the 11th hour, deciding that a future with Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler is like none at all. He made a comparable move with Johnny Manziel (No. 22) in 2014.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Myles Garrett, DE,Texas A&M
Neophyte GMs aren’t supposed to have it this easy. Having the scouts’ consensus choice as the best player in the draft fall into your lap isn’t a bad way to start for John Lynch.
3. CHICAGO BEARS: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Joins DE Akiem Hicks and NT Eddie Goldman to give the Bears a defensive line rivaling the Vikings’ in the NFC North.
4. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
New personnel czar Tom Coughlin feasted on first-round D-linemen in New York. His developing O-line isn’t capable of fronting an offense built around Leonard Fournette.
5. TENNESSEE TITANS-a: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Looking to trade down for additional picks. In conjunction with Delanie Walker, QB Marcus Mariota would have two major weapons at tight end.
6. NEW YORK JETS: Jamal Adams, S, Louisiana State
Former GM John Idzik didn’t get it right in 2014 by taking SS Calvin Pryor at No. 18, two slots ahead of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Mike Maccagnan, his successor, tries strong safety again with Adams.
7. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
SS Jahleel Addae is the Chargers’ only legitimate safety. Hooker, a free safety, should be an excellent match.
8. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Leonard Fournette, RB, Louisiana State
The Panthers got a lot of mileage from Jonathan Stewart (13th pick, 2008) but he’s 30, entering his 10th year and nearing the end. Fournette gives GM Dave Gettleman all the speed he has been seeking.
9. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
Foster brings risk (medical, character), but the Bengals never have been been bashful in that department. A defense that was 31st overall and against the run just gained an identity.
10. BUFFALO BILLS: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Bills lost No. 1 CB Stephon Gilmore to New England in free agency, starter Ronald Darby wasn’t as effective in 2016 as he was in ’15 and Kevon Seymour is untested.
11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Here’s another team desperate for help in the back end. The nominal starters at corner are Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams.
12. CLEVELAND BROWNS-b: Christian McCaffrey, RB-WR, Stanford
Obviously, the Browns need it all. Their 30th-ranked offense just got better.
13. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Haason Reddick, ILB, Temple
QB Patrick Mahomes was a possibility but in the end GM Steve Keim opts for an ILB. He can apprentice under Karlos Dansby for a year before taking over the defense.
14. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES-c: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Accused of sexual assault at mid-week, Conley made a strong denial Wednesday. In a Journal Sentinel poll of four teams that investigated the incident, two said Conley still would be taken in the first round, one said second round and one indicated he’d fall outside the top 100.
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
RB Dalvin Cook would fit, too. Davis instantly becomes the heart and soul of what was a 30th-ranked defense.
16. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Cam Robinson, T, Alabama
The Ravens took a big hit in March when former Badger RT Ricky Wagner departed for Detroit. Robinson is the Ravens’ No. 1-ranked O-lineman and GM Ozzie Newsome is an old Alabamaguy.
17. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Takk McKinley, OLB, UCLA
The Redskins ranked 32rd in third-down defense and were an average rush team. They’ll have to wait until August or September for McKinley, who underwent shoulder surgery after the combine.
18. TENNESSEE TITANS: John Ross, WR, Washington
Speed outside is a major issue in Nashville. WRs Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe aren’t burners and there is no capable third on the roster.
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
RB Doug Martin is in substance-abuse rehabilitation and might be finished. The backups lack appeal, and the Glazer family isn’t the least bit averse to rolling the dice on character.
20. DENVER BRONCOS: Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin
GM John Elway has a big problem that won’t go away without immediate action. Both Menelik Watson and Donald Stephenson are considered more RTs, leaving a void at LT.
21. DETROIT LIONS: Jabrill Peppers, S-RB, Michigan
SS Tavon Wilson is ordinary, which Peppers isn’t. He’ll bring pizzazz on defense, offense and special teams.
22. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Adoree Jackson, CB, Southern California
The Dolphins would prefer an inside linebacker or defensive end but select Jackson, the best defensive player left on the board.
23. NEW YORK GIANTS: Garett Bolles, T, Utah
Coach Ben McAdoo has keen interest in Mahomes. Still, the Giants have belief in Bolles, a one-year wonder with the best feet in the draft. He’ll man the left side so Ereck Flowers can move to a more suitable berth at RT.
24. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Cunningham isn’t your typical rock ‘em, sock ‘em, Raiders’ type of middle backer. He’s a sleek coverage-type LB more in keeping with the modern game, which GM Reggie McKenzie notes.
25. HOUSTON TEXANS: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
If Mahomes lasts this long coach Bill O’Brien might do a jig. They’d be staring at 0-16 if Tom Savage were to be the starter.
26. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
The plan probably is to take Lamp, install him immediately at RG and move second-year RG Germain Ifedi to RT. Few of the many O-line moves made by coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider worked. Maybe this will.
27. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Chiefs need a RB and a QB but elect not to do it here. Instead, they get a power player to team with Jeremy Maclin.
28. DALLAS COWBOYS: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Pass-rushing DEs Greg Hardy, DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory all came up short. Benson Mayowa, their leading sacker, led the team with six.
29. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Kevin King, CB, Washington
If the draft breaks like this, Ted Thompson will have to choose between King, Tre’Davious White and OLB T.J. Watt. The Packers love King, and cornerback trumps all their other needs.
30. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Martavis Bryant is back on a conditional return from suspension but GM Kevin Colbert can’t count on him.
31. ATLANTA FALCONS: Tre’Davious White, CB, Louisiana State
Like Green Bay, the Falcons have a void at RG. Temple’s Dion Dawkins could factor here. So, too, might DL Malik McDowell, the consummate boom-or-bust prospect.
32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS-d: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Drew Brees, 38, enters his 17th season. If the Saints don’t draft Watson, it’s possible another team will move up and do it.
a – From Rams in 2016 draft-day trade for the top pick that was used to select QB Jared Goff.
b – From Eagles for in 2016 draft-day for the second pick that was used to select QB Carson Wentz.
c – From Vikings in Sept. 3 trade for QB Sam Bradford.
d – From Patriots in March 10 trade for WR Brandin Cooks.
