2017 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Board falls perfectly for Browns' rebuild
Draft season is almost here.
Well, not exactly. But with the order officially set for non-playoff teams, it's certainly not too early to dive into projections for how the opening night could shake out.
1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Quarterback is a clear possibility here, and perhaps that's the direction the Browns ultimately take after working out the top prospects. As things currently stand, though, Garrett is the top player in the draft. Hue Jackson would have to be supremely confident that he's getting a franchise signal-caller to pass up a potential All-Pro pass-rusher.
2. San Francisco 49ers - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Colin Kaepernick showed flashes of brilliance after settling back in as the starter, but the 49ers will almost certainly be moving on. A top-two pick is the perfect opportunity to do so, and Watson has plenty of long-term upside with the ability to start from day one.
3. Chicago Bears - Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
The opportunity to land an impact defender could help the Bears avoid reaching in hopes of finding Jay Cutler's replacement. Allen is just that, as both an interior pass-rusher and run defender.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Ezekiel Elliott dominating as a rookie can put an end to all questions about the value of running backs. Cook is a similarly rare talent who could carry a Jaguars offense probably stuck giving Blake Bortles another chance to put it all together.
5. Tennessee Titans (via LA) - Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Tennessee has already done a tremendous job building around Marcus Mariota with a strong offensive line and group of running backs. Now's the time to add a reliable wideout, and Williams would instantly become the No. 1 target.
6. New York Jets - DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
Kizer may need a transition period before he can be expected to make the most of his raw tools, but the Jets can afford to be patient as their rebuild gets underway. Taking the upside here could pay off in a big way by the time this team is again ready to compete.
7. San Diego Chargers - Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Hooker is true ballhawk capable of covering sideline to sideline. Adding that ability alongside Jason Verrett and Casey Heyward would put the Chargers' secondary over the top.
8. Carolina Panthers - Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
The Panthers will finally have to address the offensive line if they expect Cam Newton to bounce back from a tough season. Robinson is ready for the NFL after stifling SEC pass-rushers as a junior, and adding him to the lineup at left tackle allows Mike Remmers to move back to the right side.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap can't do it all by themselves. Barnett upgrades the pass-rush talent up front, and his effectiveness against the run should immediately make him an every-down player on the edge.
10. Buffalo Bills - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams is one of the most complete strong safety prospects in recent memory. The LSU product makes plays all over the field and his arrival would completely change the look of the Bills' defense.