2017 Mock Drafts

boozeman

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Post 'em here...

McShay's first- 12/14

1. Cleveland Browns
Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Let's get this out of the way: No QB in this class is worth the No. 1 pick. The Browns just need more good football players. Allen is a total game-plan wrecker along the defense front (13 tackles for loss, 15 QB hurries). Texas A&M pass-rusher Myles Garrett also figures to be in the mix here.

2. San Francisco 49ers
Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M*
Considering the lack of elite QB/WR talent in this class, the 49ers would be thrilled to see Garrett fall to them at No. 2. Tied with LSU RB Leonard Fournette for my best grade in this class, Garrett is the most disruptive pass-rusher in college football, with 21 sacks and 20 QB hurries in 23 games the past two seasons.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jamal Adams, S, LSU*
Assuming he leaves school early, Adams will be one of the most complete players in this draft. He can stuff the run as an in-the-box safety, he can cover and he's a great leader to bring into your locker room. The Jaguars need to continue to invest resources in their secondary.


4. Chicago Bears
Jabrill Peppers, S/OLB, Michigan*
The Bears are another team likely to be in the market for a QB this offseason without a good option at the top of the draft. Peppers would make sense, given Chicago's lack of difference-makers in the secondary. He's a true hybrid player, with the speed and athleticism to thrive in space and the toughness to play bigger than his 205-pound frame.

5. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)
Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State*
The Titans have the good fortune of not needing to even consider a quarterback with the pick they received in the Jared Goff trade. Lattimore could use some more game experience, but if he leaves Columbus early, CB-needy teams such as the Titans could be enticed by the natural talent he has displayed on the perimeter in his first year as a starter.

6. New York Jets
Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
Williams is disruptive -- if a little inconsistent -- with excellent first-step quickness off the edge. Nearly all of his tackles for loss this season came against SEC opponents (14 of the 15.5 total). A pass-rusher could very well be near the top of the Jets' needs by the time April rolls around.

7. Carolina Panthers
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU*
Fournette hasn't budged from the No. 1 spot in my prospect rankings all season. He is a rare talent for the position, the best college running back I've evaluated since Adrian Peterson in 2007. And though he has been hampered by an ankle injury all season, he has put up off-the-charts production when healthy. It would be great value for the Panthers if Fournette were to fall out of the top five.

8. New Orleans Saints
Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama*
At 6-foot-1, 196 pounds, Humphrey has ideal size for the cornerback position. He has 27 games of experience against high-level competition in his career, racking up five interceptions and 12 pass breakups. The Saints need to continue to add pieces to their defense, particularly in the secondary.

9. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)
Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Taking the versatile Jonathan Allen with the No. 1 overall pick would allow the Browns to target McKinley with the second of their first-round picks. The UCLA pass-rusher has elite speed off the edge, which has helped make him one of the biggest draft risers this season (18.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks in 11 games). Florida State RB Dalvin Cook also could be in the conversation here for an offense that will be looking for more home run hitters.

10. San Diego Chargers
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson*
At 6-foot-3, Williams profiles as a legitimate No. 1 weapon at the next level. He shows an excellent ability to create late separation when the ball is in the air, scoring 10 touchdowns this season. Coming off a scary neck injury to open the 2015 campaign, Williams has done it all for the Tigers in his return to the field.

11. Arizona Cardinals
Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
A tackling machine who flies to the ball, Foster shows a good combination of agility and speed for a 240-pounder. He's one of the 10 best players in this class, but positional value could cause him to slip a little bit. QB is also a possibility for Arizona, given Carson Palmer's age (37) and declining play.

12. Cincinnati Bengals
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee*
Barnett's production was outstanding in his first two seasons at Tennessee, but he has taken it to another level in 2016 with an SEC-leading 12.0 sacks. He has good size (6-3, 265) and agility and a consistent motor. The Bengals need more speed at defensive end and linebacker.

13. Indianapolis Colts
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama*
Andrew Luck has been constantly under siege behind an offensive line that is still searching for answers. So whether it's in the first round or in free agency, the Colts need to devote resources to protect Luck and improve the running game. Robinson isn't an elite pass-blocker, but he's a plug-and-play right tackle who can develop at the next level.

14. Buffalo Bills
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Ramczyk has just one year of full-time starting experience at the FBS level after transferring from UW-Stevens Points (Division III), but he's loaded with talent. With a long and sturdy frame (6-6, 314), he's very effective in pass protection and as a run-blocker. Cornerback and wide receiver also could be options for the Bills.

15. Baltimore Ravens
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri*
A twitchy athlete off the edge, Harris led the SEC with 18.5 tackles for loss in 2015 and finished this season with 5.5 sacks and six QB hurries in his final four games. He has tons of raw ability as a pass-rusher, and Baltimore needs to continue to add youth off the edge with Terrell Suggs turning 35 next season.

16. Miami Dolphins
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Luckily for teams like the Dolphins who have a need at the position, this is a class loaded with tight ends at the top. Howard, Michigan's Jake Butt and Virginia Tech's Bucky Hodges all look like top-40 picks. Howard's size-speed combination gives him a lot of upside, but his production has been streaky in Alabama's run-heavy offense.

17. Tennessee Titans
John Ross, WR, Washington*
Ross has always had great speed, but he improved his route running this year and saw immediate dividends with a 17-touchdown season. If he runs as fast as expected at the NFL combine, he could very well be a first-rounder.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from Vikings)
Teez Tabor, CB, Florida*
Tabor has terrific ball skills, with four interceptions, five pass breakups and a defensive TD in 11 games this season -- and that comes on the heels of a 2015 season in which he had four interceptions and 14 pass breakups. Tabor's natural anticipation skills would fill a big need for the Eagles.

19. Houston Texans
Carl Lawson, OLB, Auburn*
Not many pass-rushers in this class can match Lawson's combination of production, upside and intangibles. He's a film junkie who posted an astounding 24 QB hurries and nine sacks this season. Plus, he's an elite run defender. Lawson's medical reports will be critical; he endured back-to-back injury-plagued seasons in 2014 and 2015.

20. Green Bay Packers
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State*
Yes, I know GM Ted Thompson has never drafted a running back this high, but there's no doubt the Packers need more explosive playmakers like Cook, who ranks tied for second among all Power 5 RBs this season with 15 touches of 25 yards or more. It would be good value to get a top-10 player at this stage of the first round.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State*
McDowell has supreme talent, and he can be a menace as an inside rusher when he's locked in. But McDowell could fall a bit, because he's not the consistent grinder that typically comes out of Michigan State. Tampa will be in the market for more pass-rushers.

22. Washington Redskins
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC*
Watching Smith-Schuster's tape, it's clear that he loves the game and works hard. He's not a burner by any stretch, but his good size (6-2, 220), ball skills and toughness will keep him in the first-round mix for teams with a need at the position, such as Washington, which could lose Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson to free agency.

23. Denver Broncos
Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida*
Brantley can be a load to handle in the running game, as he showed in back-to-back games this season against LSU and Florida State (five tackles for loss). His combination of quickness and functional strength would make him a good fit for the Broncos, who will be looking for help along the D-line this offseason.

24. Detroit Lions
Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Davis finds so many ways to affect a game. He makes plays in the backfield (six tackles for loss and five QB hurries) and is athletic enough to hold up in coverage. Davis' game is similar to that of Bucs OLB Kwon Alexander because of his excellent range and a relentless motor.

25. New York Giants
D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas*
Foreman is one of the most underrated prospects in this class. You can tell by looking at him that he's a load to bring down (6-1, 249), but what makes him special are his quick feet. Foreman, who led the FBS in rushing this season with 2,028 yards, also has some ability as a blocker and pass-catcher.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
If you were watching the Michigan-Ohio State game, you might've noticed Charlton's game-wrecking ability (2.5 sacks). He was Michigan's best pass-rusher this season (nine sacks in 10 games). He has the versatility to convert to a 3-4 OLB in the Steelers' base defense. Jarvis Jones and James Harrison are both set to be free agents.

27. Atlanta Falcons
Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida*
I haven't done as much tape on Wilson as I have on his teammate Teez Tabor, but some scouts I've talked to think Wilson's ceiling is higher. At 6-foot-1, he has a good length/speed combination, and he's experienced, with 38 games played, including 23 starts. The Falcons need to find a way to bolster their secondary and defensive line.

28. Oakland Raiders
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Lewis has some size limitations (5-11, 186), which makes him a bit of a reach here, but he's the best pure cover corner in college football. He had two interceptions and 10 pass breakups, despite opponents often shying away from throwing to his side of the field. The Raiders' secondary has been an issue this season as they continue to rebuild the defense.

29. Seattle Seahawks
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame*
McGlinchey has held firm that he's likely to return to school, but for now he's eligible. While he'd benefit from one more year of physical development and technique work, an OT-needy team such as the Seahawks would give McGlinchey a long look because of his length and upside if he decided to leave early.

30. Kansas City Chiefs
Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina*
Inside linebacker and safety will be bigger needs, but everyone knows how much Andy Reid likes to draft quarterbacks. Trubisky has some red flags as a prospect, including just 12 college starts to his name, but the opportunity to draft a quarterback to sit and develop behind Alex Smith could entice the Chiefs' front office. Trubisky has shown impressive accuracy (68.9 completion percentage) and an ability to limit mistakes (only four turnovers all season).

31. Dallas Cowboys
Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The Cowboys will be in the market for defensive line help this offseason; I'm just not sure who will be available this late in the first round. Thomas has good size (6-3, 273) and strength, he's stout against the run and he rushes the QB with quickness and power (13 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven QB hurries).

32. New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford*
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady would have fun figuring out creative ways to utilize McCaffrey's versatile skill set. He's a true threat in both the running and passing games, finishing his college career with nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 1,206 receiving yards. He has a rare combination of vision, lateral agility and acceleration, which shows up in the return game too.
 

Cotton

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I refuse to look to the next draft just yet. We still have a Lombardi to win first.
 

L.T. Fan

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This presumes that New England wins the SB.
 

boozeman

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Rob Rang - 12/27

NFL Mock Draft: Browns take Mitch Trubisky No. 1, 49ers, Bears pass on QBs

DeShone Kizer is the only other QB to come off the board in the first round
by Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Dec 27, 2016 •


With the NCAA and NFL seasons winding down, here is my look ahead to the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.


1. Cleveland Browns

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina: If any of the quarterbacks on Cleveland's current roster had shown flashes of being a franchise savior this season, the Browns might consider taking Myles Garrett or Jonathan Allen, the best players in the draft. Barring the addition of a veteran in the offseason, the most likely scenario come spring has Cleveland giving Hue Jackson his pick of a shaky quarterback class. CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora has reported that the Browns are already honing in on Trubisky, an Ohio native and childhood Browns fan. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Trubisky has the tools and intangibles to excite but is a huge projection as an NFL franchise quarterback after only emerging UNC's starter this season.


2. San Francisco 49ers

Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: Like the Browns at No. 1, the 49ers are so desperate for help at quarterback that rolling the dice might be the only choice. It is hard to fathom a potential Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher like Garrett falling past defensive minded-GM Trent Baalke, however. Garrett plays defensive end for the Aggies but projects to a stand-up edge rusher in the 49ers' scheme and would complement recent early first-round picks Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner.


3. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama: As long as the defensive-minded John Fox is calling the shots in Chicago, reinforcing this side of the ball will be a priority. The 6-3, 292-pound Allen offers unique position versatility to go along with the production and intangibles the current regime prioritized in draft picks last spring. Allen is stout against the run and a proven pass rusher with 19 sacks in his past 26 games.


4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: Whoever is tabbed as the Jaguars' next head coach will want to boost the running game, the only one in the NFL to fumble the ball away more times (nine) than score touchdowns (seven). Fournette is a freakish talent with the most exciting combination of size, speed and power since Adrian Peterson.


5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles)

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama: Some clubs seem to annually struggle at certain positions and with not a single cornerback from Tennessee in the modern era having earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, general manager Jon Robinson could be looking for an upgrade at the position. Humphrey, the son of former first-round running back Bobby Humphrey, possesses the length, speed and physicality scouts covet at the position.


6. New York Jets

Jamal Adams, S, LSU: Now as the Jets' head coach and previously as the defensive coordinator in Arizona, Todd Bowles has prioritized versatility in his players. Adams might remind Bowles of former pupil Tyrann Mathieu, possessing similar range and instincts of the Cardinals' star while bigger at 6-feet, 211 pounds.


7. San Diego Chargers

Mike Williams, WR, Clemson: Though each has stepped up his play following another injury-plagued season from Keenan Allen, the Chargers' trio of Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman scares no one. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says that the 6-foot-3, 220 pound Williams is an even better all-around receiver than previous Tigers stars Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins.


8. Cincinnati Bengals

Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama: With head coach Marvin Lewis reportedly on the chopping block and longtime standouts like Andrew Whitworth and Domato Peko pending free agents, there could be plenty of changes in Cincinnati during the offseason. Boosting a run defense that allowed 115.9 yards per game -- the worst in Cincinnati since 2008 -- would be an obvious focus and few are better suited to help than Foster, the most intimidating hitter in college football.


9. Carolina Panthers

Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama: A "big" part of the Panthers' struggles this season is due to injuries and ineffectiveness at offensive tackle. A former five-star recruit, Robinson has starred the past three years at left tackle for the Tide, earning the Outland Trophy this season as the best blocker in college football. Powerful and aggressive, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Robinson could be the perfect fit for a team looking to re-establish its identity.


10. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)

Teez Tabor, CB, Florida: Hue Jackson and his staff deserve credit for an improving offense. The defense remains a quagmire, despite several premium draft picks being spent on the unit in recent years. With the need for an edge rusher filled with the trade for former New England Patriots standout Jamie Collins, the Browns might opt to pair Tabor with former Gators star Joe Haden to add some bite to the secondary.


11. Arizona Cardinals

DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: Poor performances and injury concerns for Carson Palmer have rekindled questions about the Cardinals' long-term plans at the position. As just a redshirt sophomore, Kizer is understandably raw but he possesses the size, arm strength and field vision to be an ideal developmental project for Bruce Arians.


12. Buffalo Bills

John Ross, WR, Washington: As long as defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan is calling the shots, the Bills will have to find unique athletes at the skill positions to make up for a lack of creative play-calling. Pairing the speedy Ross, a DeSean Jackson clone, with Sammy Watkins would give the Bills a legitimate 1-2 punch on the perimeter, as well as boost the return game with Percy Harvin unlikely to return next season.

13. Indianapolis Colts

Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: Adding some juice to the backfield in Indianapolis could be the perfect way to support Andrew Luck and few are better than Cook, who has rushed for more than 1,600 yards each of the past two seasons while gaining 2,046 yards from scrimmage in 2016 -- more than 500 better than the great Warrick Dunn's school record 20 years earlier.


14. New Orleans Saints

Sidney Jones IV, CB, Washington: As long as Drew Brees is leading the charge, the Saints can outscore opponents ... just don't ask them to stop anyone. Reinforcing the depth chart at cornerback would go a long way toward improving this unit. Jones is a silky smooth athlete with the poise and ball skills scouts covet at the position and is more physical in run support than his 6-foot, 181-pound frame implies.


15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)

Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan: While rookie quarterback Carson Wentz earned most of the hype, a big reason for Philadelphia's early success this season was a vastly improved defense. Both, however, have struggled in the Eagles' second-half slide. Linebacker, safety, cornerback, returner - put him wherever you would like - Peppers is a natural playmaker with the instincts and athleticism to carry over his success and versatility into the NFL.


16. Tennessee Titans

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: The three-headed monster of Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry would be that much more effective with a true No. 1 receiver drawing coverage. Starring in the MAC rather than a Power 5 conference, Davis does not earn the attention he deserves but he's a polished route-runner with an ideal combination of size (6-3, 213) with 4.4 speed.


17. Baltimore Ravens

Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama: Terrell Suggs remains a marvel at 34, but his 32-year old counterpart, Elvis Dumervil, has missed most of the season with a mysterious foot ailment. Possessing a lightning-quick burst off the snap, Williams has starred as a rush specialist for Alabama (GM Ozzie Newsome's alma mater) and could play an even greater role in the pass-happy NFL after learning from Suggs and Dumervil.


18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Desmond King, CB, Iowa: The Bucs' safety duo of Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald is one of the league's least athletic. King has starred at cornerback over his career but some scouts feel that his best fit in the NFL will be inside. While perhaps lacking in straight-line speed, King's instincts, physicality and ball skills are top notch.


19. Denver Broncos

Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin: The Broncos gave veteran left tackle Russell Okung a one-year "show me" type of deal but his play in Denver has thus far been just as inconsistent as it was in Seattle. Ramczyk has been one of this year's most pleasant surprises, starring at left tackle for the Badgers after transferring from D-III UW-Stevens Point. The 6-6, 314-pounder is long and surprisingly agile, making him a potentially perfect fit in Gary Kubiak's zone blocking scheme.


20. Washington Redskins

Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt: GM Scot McCloughan faces a big decision in the offseason with quarterback Kirk Cousins a looming a free agent, but there are other concerns with this club, including a leaky run defense. Cunningham, the SEC's leading tackler, is the kind of rangy, athletic inside linebacker capable of making an impact on all three downs.


21. Houston Texans

Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State: The Texans have quietly assembled one of the better young rosters in the NFL. Due in part to the injury to three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, one area that could use improvement is along the defensive line. At 6-5, 282 pounds, McDowell has the size and athleticism to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line. Talented but inconsistent and injury-prone, he could blossom under Watt's wing.


22. Detroit Lions

Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: Stellar play from quarterback Matthew Stafford has diverted attention away from a pass rush in Detroit which has struggled with star Ziggy Ansah limited with an ankle injury. The Lions need not look far for help. Only emerging as a full-time starter for Michigan this season, Charlton has developed into the country's better edge rushing prospects, boasting exciting initial quickness and bend given his 6-5, 272 pound frame.


23. Green Bay Packers

Derek Barnett, DE/OLB, Tennessee: With edge rushers Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones all in the final year of their respective deals, the Packers will once again be looking for help at the position. The 6-3, 257-pound Barnett lacks the length and pure explosiveness scouts would prefer, but he is a well-rounded player who combines quickness, strength and technique to be effective against the pass and run.


24. Seattle Seahawks

Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA: The Seahawks already have a good pass rush, but Pete Carroll and John Schneider are known to gamble early on freakish athletes. McKinley, the Pac-12's current sack leader, is certainly that, running a 10.58 100 meters in his first year of track in high school. McKinley may lack ideal length at 6-2 and 258 pounds but he's explosive, tenacious and potentially capable of helping Seattle's pass rush and at strongside linebacker.


25. Miami Dolphins

Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech: With current tight ends Dion Sims, Jordan Cameron and MarQueis Gray each in the final year of their respective contracts, the Dolphins could be looking for an upgrade at the position. Hodges is more of a big receiver than a traditional in-line tight end but the 6-6, 245-pounder could be an intriguing weapon in Adam Gase's offense.


26. Atlanta Falcons

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama: Howard lacks the flashy statistics most often associated with first-round prospects, but at 6-6 and 242 pounds he is a freakish athlete who may very well wind up being more productive in the NFL than he has been for the Crimson Tide. Pairing him with former Alabama star Julio Jones would give Matt Ryan a dominant 1-2 punch of pass-catchers while also complementing the Falcons' improved running game as a blocker and seam threat.


27. New York Giants

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern California: Rookie Sterling Shepard has diversified the Giants' offense, but the team remains too reliant on Odell Beckham Jr. and is in need of more weapons. Smith-Schuster has the size, strength and aggressive nature the Giants are currently lacking on the outside.


28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn: Lawson has struggled a bit with injuries over his career, but he is a power-packed edge rusher who could step right in for the Steelers with former first-round pick Jarvis Jones and the great James Harrison in the final year of their respective deals.


29. Kansas City Chiefs

Dan Feeney, G, Indiana: Former offensive line coach Andy Reid prioritizes athleticism and smarts among his blockers, one of the reasons why his clubs consistently rank among the best at running draws and screens. This is precisely where Feeney excels, projecting as an upgrade over Kansas City's current starting guards Parker Ehinger and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.


30. Oakland Raiders

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: In large part due to the development of young stars Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, the Raiders have emerged as a legitimate Super Bowl candidate. Adding a playmaker like McCaffrey would make an already explosive Oakland offense that much more difficult to defend, and running back is a concern with Latavius Murray in the final year of his deal.


31. New England Patriots

DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State: With Jamie Collins traded to Cleveland and Don't'a Hightower, Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long each in the final year of their respective deals, the Patriots will likely be focusing on pass rushers in the 2017 draft. The 6-2, 273 pound Walker tied (with Boston College's Harold Landry) for the national lead with 15 sacks over the regular season, showing more refined pass rush technique than the similarly sized Dominique Easley, the Patriots' first-round pick in 2014.


32. Dallas Cowboys

Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: The Cowboys' success this season is all the more surprising given their lack of a consistent pass rush. After investing in troubled edge rushers in recent years, Dallas might be intrigued by the motor, versatility and work ethic of the 6-3, 255 pound Harris.
 

1bigfan13

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I have to disagree with McShay's Fournette over Cook positioning.

I think Cook's game transitions better to what modern NFL offenses are running. Cook looks like he has the skills to be a 3 down. He plays in a pro-style offense and has shown that he's solid in pass protection.

However rather than definitively declaring that Fournette is not a reliable receiver or blocker, I think you could make the argument that he could just be another victim of Les Miles' unimaginative offense. The same offense that stifled a number of talented receivers who went on to have pretty good NFL careers.

We'll find out at the combine and at LSU's pro day. But as of now, just going by what I've seen so far, I'm taking Cook over Fournette.
 

Simpleton

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Out on Solomon Thomas. From what I've seen he isn't particularly explosive on the outside or when lined up inside.
 

boozeman

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Out on Solomon Thomas. From what I've seen he isn't particularly explosive on the outside or when lined up inside.
Yeah, he has never really impressed me either.
 

Simpleton

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Yeah, he has never really impressed me either.
I don't really want another jumbo-DE/nickel and dime interior pass-rusher since we have so many of those types in Irving and both of the Crawford's, and that's exactly what Thomas looks like to me.

Now, Walker fits that mold also, but I'll be god damned if he isn't one of the most explosive interior pass-rushers I've seen in years so I'd be much more willing to take him in the 1st.
 

boozeman

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I don't really want another jumbo-DE/nickel and dime interior pass-rusher since we have so many of those types in Irving and both of the Crawford's, and that's exactly what Thomas looks like to me.

Now, Walker fits that mold also, but I'll be god damned if he isn't one of the most explosive interior pass-rushers I've seen in years so I'd be much more willing to take him in the 1st.
Willis from Kansas State also looks good, but may be a LDE only. Fits as an RKG too.
 

Rev

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Taco or bust!!
 

Simpleton

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Willis from Kansas State also looks good, but may be a LDE only. Fits as an RKG too.
Indeed, it's a good group of DE's, we may be able to get a guy like him or Harold Landry in the 2nd or Dawuane Smoot in the 3rd.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I have to disagree with McShay's Fournette over Cook positioning.

I think Cook's game transitions better to what modern NFL offenses are running. Cook looks like he has the skills to be a 3 down. He plays in a pro-style offense and has shown that he's solid in pass protection.

However rather than definitively declaring that Fournette is not a reliable receiver or blocker, I think you could make the argument that he could just be another victim of Les Miles' unimaginative offense. The same offense that stifled a number of talented receivers who went on to have pretty good NFL careers.

We'll find out at the combine and at LSU's pro day. But as of now, just going by what I've seen so far, I'm taking Cook over Fournette.
I want to start by saying I really like Cook. I think he is sort of the complete package at RB. But Fournette is a special runner. If you look at pure running ability Fournette looks to me like a generational talent. That guys power, balance and speed are off the charts. Cook just isn't in that same class in terms of pure running ability.

That isn't to say Cook won't be great or a real weapon in the NFL. He has all the skills you want in a RB. And hell maybe Fournette won't hold up physically in the NFL but his running ability is something you just don't see in every draft.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Also the WR I really like is John Ross right now. He is just something that our offense doesn't have. And I know we need pass rushers and all of that (Although in recent weeks it is at least looking like less of a need) but if the right pass rusher isn't there I have no problem setting our offense up for success for the next decade.
 

boozeman

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Also the WR I really like is John Ross right now. He is just something that our offense doesn't have. And I know we need pass rushers and all of that (Although in recent weeks it is at least looking like less of a need) but if the right pass rusher isn't there I have no problem setting our offense up for success for the next decade.
Ross will be long gone by our pick in all likelihood.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Ross will be long gone by our pick in all likelihood.
Yeah I think so too. I think in the late first round we will be able to get a top notch talent but we just might not be able to pick the position we want. It's seems like a great spot in most drafts to pick a great talent that has fallen but you have to sort of be open to that talent not being a DE. This is certainly a draft where I think we can really just go BPA. Obviously we would all prefer it to be a DE but ultimately this team has proven they can generate a pass rush with guys like Irving and Mayowa if need be. We just need to get high end impact players that late in the first.
 

GForce78NJ

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I have to disagree with McShay's Fournette over Cook positioning.

I think Cook's game transitions better to what modern NFL offenses are running. Cook looks like he has the skills to be a 3 down. He plays in a pro-style offense and has shown that he's solid in pass protection.

However rather than definitively declaring that Fournette is not a reliable receiver or blocker, I think you could make the argument that he could just be another victim of Les Miles' unimaginative offense. The same offense that stifled a number of talented receivers who went on to have pretty good NFL careers.

We'll find out at the combine and at LSU's pro day. But as of now, just going by what I've seen so far, I'm taking Cook over Fournette.
I'm calling Fournette a bust in the NFL. Not because of his athletic talent but strictly because I think he will battle the injury bug. The guy can flat out play and chances are I will eat my words, but I also agree Dalvin Cook will be the better of the two.
 
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I think they're both going to be great. It's McCaffrey I don't trust. I think he'll be a nice complimentary player for someone, but not give the type of production you want a 1st rounder to give.
 
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