The 2017 NFL Draft is less than two months away and with the NFL Combine complete, the draft buzz is starting to pick up. Now that the NFL Combine is over, it's time for my two-round post-combine mock draft.
This mock doesn't include all the free agent signings and is accurate up to what's happen at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 8th. Much can, and will, change between now and the actual draft. And frankly, a lot will change in the next week. This is an exercise about trying to project team needs and where a player could go.
By the way, Chat Sports is doing a live mock draft show featuring this mock draft with special guests. Check it out below.
Full disclosure, this mock ended up having several of the top CBs fall in the draft. I'm not sure that's actually going to happen, but some really good players at key positions will end up sliding. With all that out of the way, here's my two-round post combine NFL mock draft.
FIRST ROUND:
1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M
Don't mess this up, Cleveland. QB is a need, but Garrett is the best player in the class. Plus, the Browns need almost everything, so this also fills a need. Garrett is the best prospect to come along since that Clowney/Mack draft. He's that good and would provided a need boost for the Browns defense.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC
The 49ers would LOVE if Garrett fell to them, but that doesn't seem likely. They need weapons for a QB badly, but also a QB in general. New coaches (Kyle Shanahan in this case) means new QBs, and that's going to be the case in San Francisco. Trubisky, not Deshaun Watson, is the early favorite to be the first QB taken, as he's accurate and a solid decision maker. Trubisky has just one year of starting experience, but has risen throughout the season. Plus, if this pick does end up being traded to the Redskins as part of a deal for Kirk Cousins, a QB still makes sense. The signing of Brian Hoyer doesn't mean the Niners won't take a QB early. Hoyer is a stop-gap or backup QB.
3. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
QB is very much an option here, but is the Bears sign someone, GM Ryan Pace will focus on another position early. Defense seems likely, but it's matter of the trenches or secondary. There are serious worries about Allen's shoulders and that could cause a draft day slide. However, if the shoulder is stable (and it appears it is), I don't think there's too much to worry about for a defensive lineman. For the time being, I'll slot the Bears the best player on the board. Don't rule out someone like Malik Hooker here either.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Jamal Adams could have been the selection, but the Jags landed Barry Church. So, I'll slot them the best RB in the class. The Jags did spend some notable money on Chris Ivory, but he struggled. With Fournette in the backfield, they'd have a whole new (and improved) look on offense. This also likely fills the BPA strategy.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams): Jamal Adams, S, LSU
The Titans need secondary help and wide out help. Adams happens to be the best player on the board and I think he'd fit with Kevin Byard at safety. Don't rule out Malik Hooker or one of the top WRs or CBs.
6. New York Jets: Marshon Lattimore, CB, OSU
The Jets routinely take the best player available, and that could be Lattimore on their board. Plus, he happens to fill a major need. QB could be an option, but I don't think the Jets will reach. Lattimore was impressive at the Combine and although there some injury worries, he should be the top corner off the board.
7. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker, FS, OSU
Don't let their record fool you: the Chargers have a lot of talent, it just could stay healthy the past two year. They might just take the best player available, and that might be Hooker. He also happens to fill a need, as the Chargers need an impact safety. Hooker would be a great fit as the rangy free safety in Los Angeles (that's still weird to write) if they re-sign SS Jahleel Addae.
8. Carolina Panthers: Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford
I'd feel better about this pick if the Panthers hadn't already brought back Charles Johnson and Mario Addison. But the Panthers take the best player on their board, and in this mock, it's Thomas, Mike Williams, O.J. Howard or Corey Davis. Thomas fits the Panthers' love of defensive linemen and he could replace either Kony Ealy or one of the defensive tackles if they leave. In the end, it's a value pick for the Panthers.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The Bengals haven't played up to their talent level, which makes things a bit tricky here. They could use some impact players regardless of position on defense and that's what Foster provides. Foster is the best player on the board, even if the Bengals don't badly need a LB. It's a value pick and he can help the defense right away. The incident at the hospital shouldn't hurt Foster too much, but it makes it a bit more likely he's on the board here for the Bengals.
10. Buffalo Bills: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
The Bills are keeping Tyrod Taylor, which eliminates the need for a QB. They've been linked to Martellus Bennett and Charles Clay has been inconsistent. What the Bills need are weapons and there's a chance they view Howard as better than Mike Williams or Corey Davis (all three make sense here).
11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Go defense. It doesn't matter what position (well, maybe not safety), the Saints just need to pick a defensive player. We'll slot them another edge rusher for the time being, since Cam Jordan is the only proven, reliable option out there right now. I like Barnett quite a bit and despite battling a virus at the Combine, he actually tested well enough. Barnett is a really good fit for the Saints, although I wouldn't rule out someone like Taco Charlton either.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles): Desahun Watson, QB, Clemson
Don't rule out O.J. Howard if he's on the board. But with Watson still here, thanks to other teams addressing the QB position in free agency. I'm not sure the Browns love Watson, but if he (or Deshone Kizer) is on the board at No. 12, they might pull the trigger.
13. Arizona Cardinals: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
QB is an option, if one of the top three are on the board. That's the case here, as the Cardinals pull the trigger on a QB earlier than some might expect. Kizer is a perfect fit for Bruce Arians and he can sit a year behind Carson Palmer. A WR like Mike Williams makes a lot of sense here too.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings): Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Eagles need CB help, but they also have to get some weapons for Carson Wentz. Williams can be the bona-fide No. 1 option the Eagles desperately need. This is about as far as Williams should fall and he could be a Top 5 pick if the Titans love him. Don't rule out Dalvin Cook here either, if he's still on the board.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri
I had Tim Williams slotted here in the past, but the reports of a drug issue were confirmed at the combine. I think he ends up as a round two pick. Harris wasn't great at the combine, but he does fit very well as a 3-4 edge rusher.
16. Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Corner is a need as well, but Davis is great value here. He could very well go in the Top 13 picks or so, and this would give the Ravens a more reliable No. 1 option. Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman are deep threats, while Kamar Aiken is a slot. Here's Joe Flacco's No. 1 option.
17. Washington Redskins: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
The Redskins want to build through the trenches and that's exactly what this pick allows them to do. McDowell hasn't lived up to his potential yet, but he has all the tools. However, he reportedly didn't test well at the Combine and he could be in for a draft day slide. Still, he has the talent and fills a massive need for the Redskins (especially if they lose Chris Baker) as a 3-4 DE.
18. Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington
After that absurd 4.22 40-yard dash, I'll be surprised if Ross doesn't go in the first. There are still concerns about his injury history and his route-running, but he gives the Titans the deep threat they don't truly have. He's a young DeSean Jackson. Corner is also an option, but the Titans could look towards free agency.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
There are some worries about Cook's injury history (plus the general lack of value NFL teams place on RBs and off-the-field worries), but I'd be surprised if he fell further than this. With Doug Martin's future in doubt, Cook makes perfect sense as a 3-down replacement.
20. Denver Broncos: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
OT is a need and Robinson might be the best one. I worry about his ability to hold up against edge rushers, which might make him a RT and not a LT. Still, the Broncos need both. He could go earlier than this if a tackle-needy team reaches.
21. Detroit Lions: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
The Lions have some major questions marks at linebacker. And Reddick is one of the biggest pre-draft risers. It's a fit for both parties and I expect Reddick to end up as a first rounder, especially after Zach Cunningham's iffy combine.
22. Miami Dolphins: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
There are two major needs for the Dolphins: LB and edge rusher. Charlton can contribute early and forms a solid three-headed attack with Cam Wake and the recently re-signed Andre Branch (who moves inside some too). Zach Cunningham also makes sense, but this good value for Charlton, who some think could be a Top 15 pick.
23. New York Giants: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
Assuming the Giants are able to address their massive tackle need in free agency, they'll be able to focus elsewhere in the first round. Njoku is a fantastic athlete and could easily find his way into the first round.
24. Oakland Raiders: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
Cunningham should be the pick if he's on the board, although an iffy combine could push him down. But he's perhaps the best player on the board and fills a major need.
25. Houston Texans: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
In a down tackle class, Ramczyk could be the first one taken. The hip injury should push him down, but he could be a future left tackle. Ideally for the Texans, he starts at RT before making the switch. The Texans don't have many needs, so don't rule out a QB like Patrick Mahomes.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Seahawks need to pick an offensive lineman. Any offensive line, be it a guard or tackle. It's a massive need and Bolles has potential. There are worries about his age, but he would be an instant starter for Seattle. Heck, he could even be a starter at left tackle. Don't rule out Marlon Humphrey here either.
27. Kansas City Chiefs: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
It looks like Jamaal Charles won't be back. McCaffrey had an impressive combine, with a stupid fast 3-cone drill. He fits the Chiefs' scheme and I think he ends up as a late first round pick. A corner also makes sense and I wouldn't rule out QB.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Secondary or edge rusher, where do the Cowboys go? An edge rusher remains a massive need, despite several young players. But with Barry Church gone, and potentially J.J. Wilcox, the Cowboys need a new strong safety. That's what Peppers is going to be in the NFL. He still needs work in coverage, but the presence of Byron Jones helps that. Obi Melifonwu also makes sense here.
29. Green Bay Packers: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Packers could go a few different directions, but with Sam Shields cut, they could spend another high pick on a corner. Humphrey has a great size/speed combo and in a deep CB class, he's worth a first rounder.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Takkarist McKinley, EDGE, UCLA
McKinleky's draft stock could slide just a bit because he needs shoulder surgery. A team like the Steelers, who can wait a little bit because of the presence of Bud Dupree and James Harrison, is a perfect landing spot.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Forrest Lamp, OG, WKU
The Falcons need a new guard and Lamp is the best one in this year's class. I suspect he'll go in the first round and this is a logical landing spot. If it's not Lamp, watch out for some more defensive help.
32. New England Patriots: Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn
Perhaps the biggest winner from the NFL Combine, Melifonwu could end up in the first round and even earlier than this. He is a fantastic athlete, and looks like a strong safety. But he could see snaps at LB, FS or even CB in the NFL. That type of versatility will appeal to Bill Belichick.
Looking for more first round mock drafts? Check out the DC Pro Sports Report Mock Draft Database!
SECOND ROUND:
33. Browns: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
I wanted to find a first round spot for Wilson, despite a down combine, but someone really good is going to fall to the Browns. In this case, it's Wilson. He wasn't great at the combine, but could easily be a first rounder.
after an amazing combine, but I couldn't quite find one. There are 39 players with a round 1-2 grade for me after all. The Browns need impact players on defense and Melifonwu can be one. He's gifted athlete and I think he'd be best as a strong safety.
34. 49ers: Tim Williams, EDGE, Alabama
Size is a worry with Williams in a 4-3 scheme, but he fills a massive need. The 49ers need to find someone who can rush the passer and that's a role Williams filled perfectly at Alabama. I think he could fit as a 4-3 LEO, which the Niners badly need.
35. Jaguars: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
With Davon House cut and Prince Amukamara a free agent, the Jags need another CB if they don't sign one. Jones is a first round talent and could easily go in the first. But if he (and the others corners) slide because of the depth at the position, the Jags should grab him quickly.
36. Bears: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Yes, there are reports the Bears are going to land Mike Glennon. But that doesn't mean they won't spend a high draft pick too. Mahomes is at least a year, probably two, away. So unless the Bears give Glennon a massive contract, they'll still be searching for a long-term option. Don't rule out a first round selection for Mahomes either. A CB or WR also makes sense.
37. Rams: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Jared Goff badly needs better protection, but the Rams have other needs to. With the rumors around Trumaine Johnson (and a need if he's re-signed), taking a potential first rounder in Tabor makes sense. A bad combine really hurts Tabor, but don't be surprised if he's a first round pick.
38. Chargers: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
The Chargers have cut D.J. Fluker, making OG an big need. Feeney can start from day one on the line.
39. Jets: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin
The Jets need help at corner, but also at edge rusher. There are options at both and this is the might be the right range for Williams given his off-the-field issues. But, he could easily go before this selection. Williams is a fantastic pass rusher. Based on their BPA approach, this makes sense if Williams checks out off the field.
40. Panthers: Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
The Panthers need offensive tackle help badly. Garcia might not go this early, but I suspect many of the pass protectors will rise as we get closer to the draft. He could start at right tackle early for the Panthers.
41. Bengals: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
Lawson is a quality edge rusher and in a lesser class, he could be a first rounder. The Bengals need some depth and a long-term replacement for an aging Michael Johnson. Lawson has some size issues, which could be a concern, but it's a value and need fit.
42. Saints: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
No surprise here, it's another defender for the Saints. They really need linebacker help and that's what Davis will provide. There's even a chance he ends up sneaking into the first round.
43. Eagles: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
Corner or running back seems like the likely options here, and this is really good value for Conley. He could easily go in the first and fills a pretty big need.
44. Bills: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
There's a good chance that Stephon Gilmore walks in free agency. If that's the case, the Bills will need to take a corner early in the draft (or sign someone). Tank could go earlier than this and fits the size the Bills want.
45. Cardinals: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Kupp's idol is Larry Fitzgerald. Now, he gets to play with him and be the eventual Fitz replacement. Kupp could go a bit earlier than this and he fills the Cardinals' need for another WR. A CB could also be the pick.
46. Vikings: Pat Elflein, OG, Ohio State
The Vikings had terrible offensive line play this year and Elflein can help shore that up. They need both tackles and guards, with Elflein filling the latter of the two needs. He could also play center. A running back is also an option here.
47. Ravens: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
With WR out of the way, the Ravens would look at CB or an EDGE rusher. I'll slot them White, who could sneak his way into the late first round is there's a run on corners.
Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Anderson was one of several talented players on the Alabama defense and there's actually a chance he goes earlier than this. The Ravens need linebacker help, both inside and out with the retirement of Zach Orr. Anderson fills the edge rusher need.
48. Colts: Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
With a pass rusher added already, the Colts can find their Frank Gore replacement. Kamara didn't get a ton of work with the Vols, but has the potential to be a three-down back. Andrew Luck will love him.
49. Redskins: Budda Baker, S, Washington
Getting Baker here would be a steal for the Redskins, as he could go in the late first. He'll be a Day One starter at free safety, paired with Su'a Cravens.
50. Buccaneers: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M
The Bucs need another safety, unless they think the Keith Tandy-Bradley McDougal combo is good enough. Plus, McDougal is a free agent.
51. Broncos: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
The Broncos don't have a true pass catching threat at TE. Taking Engram and his 4.43 speed would fill that need. He, and several other tight ends, really helped themselves at the NFL Combine.
52. Browns (via Tennessee Titans): Caleb Brantley, DL, Florida
The Browns are moving to a 4-3 scheme and they need a disruptive 3-technique. Enter Brantley. This is great value and Brantley could even go in the first round.
53. Lions: Montravius Adams, DL, Auburn
The Lions need another DL to pair with Jarran Reed and ideally that's a disruptive player. That is what Adams can be. He has first round talent, but has an inconsistent motor and will disappear at times.
54. Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, LB, OSU
The Dolphins went DE in round one and now they get their linebacker in round two. McMillan likely cemented his spot in the second round with a quality combine effort.
55. Giants: D'onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Remember the prime Brandon Jacobs years for the Giants? Drafting Foreman can bring that type of bruising, powerful running game back to New York. Foreman might only be a two-down back, but if that's the case, he'll make a perfect pairing with Paul Perkins.
56. Raiders: Adoree' Jackson, CB, USC
The Raiders didn't get the play they wanted from their secondary, so don't be surprised if he address it early and often this offseason. Jackson can play nickel corner for the Raiders, a big need for them. He could easily go before this, but the corners all slide in this mock.
57. Texans: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL)
Well, hello. Brock Osweiler doesn't look the answer at all. Kaaya doesn't have the strongest arm and lacks mobility, but he has almost everything else. Perhaps he can finally be the QB Bill O'Brien is looking for. If the Texans sign Tony Romo, drafting a QB this year becomes complicated. They'd have to cut Tom Savage too.
58. Seahawks: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
With DeShawn Shead hurt, the Seahawks need another corner. Moreau has the size they like (although he's not as big as they'd ideally want), and this is the proper range for him.
59. Kansas City Chiefs: Davis Webb, QB, Cal
Webb is going to go earlier than he should. Like, Day 2 early. I'm not a huge fan, although he does have a good arm. The Chiefs need a long-term guy to groom behind
60. Cowboys: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
The Cowboys took care of safety, but still need help on the defensive line and cornerback. We'll give them an edge rusher here, with the hope a corner is either signed or drafted in the 3rd. Willis again helped his stock at the NFL combine and he looks like a second round pick now. He should be able to contribute early for the Cowboys.
61. Packers: Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Anderson could easily go before this, but a deep edge rusher class means someone has to slide a bit. The Packers could find themselves needing another pass rusher, with Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones about to hit free agency. Plus, Clay Matthews is aging. Anderson should be able to help out early.
62. Steelers: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Among nickel corners this year, their really isn't a better one. Lewis has great ball skills, but a severe lack of size will push him down. But for a team like the Steelers, who need a young nickel, it makes sense.
63. Falcons: Dawuane Smoot, EDGE, Illinois
More help up front for the Falcons. They need another pass rusher to pair with Vic Beasley and I think Smoot can fill that role.
64. Patriots: Cam Sutton, CB, Tennessee
If the Patriots lose Logan Ryan in free agency, they'll need another corner. In a loaded class, Sutton is worth a higher pick than this. He can contribute right away.