NFL Draft Recent Links:





*** 2017 NFL MOCK DRAFT (7 rounds) updated April 27. This mock draft will be updated occasionally. Check out old versions of this 2017 NFL Mock Draft in the archived mock section. Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates. ***

Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

This pick is now down to two candidates: Myles Garrett and Mitchell Trubisky. The Browns obviously need a quarterback, and I believe Trubisky is what Hue Jackson is looking for. Trubisky has his flaws, but he's very accurate and has a quick release. Jackson may envision Trubisky as his new Andy Dalton.



However, Garrett amazed at the combine, posting astronomical numbers at his size. The Browns were reportedly floored by the performance. This happened after Adam Schefter reported that the Browns have an "astronomical grade" on Garrett. Cleveland needs a pass-rusher as well, and Garrett would be an enormous upgrade.



The question is, would the Browns take Garrett over Trubisky when they're desperate for a franchise quarterback? Well, there is precedent for this, as the Texans picked Jadeveon Clowney when they really needed a signal-caller in the 2014 NFL Draft. Houston simply had Clowney way above all the quarterbacks, and that could be the case with Cleveland and Garrett. Plus, there is a chance Trubisky could be available at No. 12 overall.



By the way, we have our grade for the Browns drafting Myles Garrett posted already. We'll have live draft grades throughout the weekend, so check it out!



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Mitchell Trubisky, QB - The Browns are apparently debating Trubisky. Only they would be foolish enough to repeat Jacksonville's mistake of selecting Blaine Gabbert over J.J. Watt.



Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!





San Francisco 49ers: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

I was talking to Charlie Campbell on Saturday afternoon, and neither of us can remember a draft in which the No. 2 overall pick was such a huge question mark. The 49ers could literally pick one of eight players, and I wouldn't be surprised. If John Lynch opted to select someone out of the blue, like Christian McCaffrey, I wouldn't be shocked at all. We're trying to find out whom the 49ers will take, so hopefully we unearth something prior to Thursday evening. Then again, San Francisco may not be picking here; Charlie reported in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill that the 49ers are desperate to move down. In that link, you can read about how one team heard the 49ers will take Pat Mahomes!



I considered Jonathan Allen the overwhelming favorite here prior to the combine, and I then switched this pick to Solomon Thomas, but only really by default. There was no obvious selection that stood out to me. I then switched to Leonard Fournette because of the Carlos Hyde news, but after some discussions, it was pointed out that Fournette isn't a great fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense either. So, I went back to Thomas.



However, given the amount of resources the 49ers have spent on the defensive line, it could be possible that they'll select Jamal Adams instead. John Lynch is obviously a former safety, so he could see himself in Adams and opt for the LSU play-maker. A safety hasn't gone as high as No. 2 since the 1991 NFL Draft, but this class is weak, so this might be the right time for it.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Solomon Thomas, DE - If the pick is Thomas, I'll be kicking myself for changing my mind at the 11th hour.



2. Mitchell Trubisky, QB - I listed Trubisky as my "not" pick in my 2017 NFL NOT Draft, but the 49ers appear to be incompetent enough to completely block the possibility of landing Cousins by selecting a pedestrian quarterback prospect at No. 2 overall.



Pick change; previously Solomon Thomas, DE



Chicago Bears: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

I had the Bears selecting Mitchell Trubisky prior to free agency, but I don't think they'll go in that direction in the wake of Chicago paying Mike Glennon a ton of money for some reason.



Instead, Chicago can focus on its defense. I've had Jonathan Allen slotted here for a while now, but I've moved on from that selection. Allen's shoulders might be a concern, but as Aaron Leming pointed out on Twitter, Allen wouldn't play a high percentage of snaps in Chicago's scheme. Plus, it seems like the Bears like the safeties more.



The Bears like Hooker a lot, but the one issue happens to be his medical. Adams is a strong choice as well, but he's off the board. Solomon Thomas makes a ton of sense to bolster Chicago's pass rush.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Jamal Adams, S - If the 49ers choose Thomas, I expect Chicago to pick Adams.



2. Deshaun Watson, QB - The Bears have shown a lot of interest in Watson, yet haven't been eager to publicize it. That said, it would make more sense for the Bears to obtain Watson by moving up from No. 36 overall.



Pick change; previously Jamal Adams, S







Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Allen, DE/DT, Alabama

Jacksonville could select one of seven players, and none would surprise me. Leonard Fournette is certainly an option, and he could end up being my final pick for Jacksonville. Jonathan Allen would be the favorite if it weren't for his shoulders, but perhaps that's being overblown. If so, the Jaguars could definitely take him with the fourth-overall choice. Sure, they signed Calais Campbell, but he won't be around for very long. Allen could study under Campbell and rotate inside on passing downs to rush the quarterback. Tom Coughlin has a track record of building a roster from the inside-out, and he's chosen numerous pass-rushers when he hasn't needed to upgrade the position. This could be another instance.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Leonard Fournette, RB - There's a good chance Fournette will be the pick here if he's available.



2. O.J. Howard, TE - I don't think Howard will be the pick based on Coughlin's draft history. However, I wanted to point out that several teams believe Jacksonville will select Howard.



Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

The Titans made great strides in 2016, and they figure to keep improving, thanks to this selection. Owning the No. 5 overall pick because of the Rams' incompetence, Tennessee wouldn't be in a position to snatch a blue-chip prospect if they never moved down last year. That, however, is the case, as the Titans won one of the most lopsided trades in NFL history.



Many expect this to be a defensive selection, but don't be surprised if Mike Williams is the pick. This may seem early for Williams because he didn't test well at the combine, but believe it or not, there are still teams that study film to determine where they have prospects on their board. Williams would give Marcus Mariota another dynamic weapon to work with, making Mariota even more dangerous in the red zone, which is scary.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. O.J. Howard, TE - It appears as though the Titans want an offensive weapon to help Marcus Mariota. Howard is a better prospect than Williams, so he could be the choice even though it's a bit early for a tight end.



2. Marshon Lattimore, CB - I have the Titans taking a cornerback with their second first-round choice, but perhaps they'll opt for a corner at No. 5 overall instead.







New York Jets: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

New York's philosophy is to select the best player available. Thus, I think this is the floor for Leonard Fournette. If the LSU running back is available, he'll be too good for the Jets to pass up.



I had Fournette being picked at Nos. 2 and 4 in previous mock drafts, but he's available in this edition. If Fournette is still on the board, and Jamal Adams isn't available, I'd have to believe that New York would take the LSU runner unless a trade is available to them.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Jamal Adams or Malik Hooker, S - This is also Adams' floor. I think he'll be the pick if available. If both Adams and Fournette are off the board, I could see Malik Hooker being the choice.



2. Trade Down - Charlie Campbell reported in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill that the Jets are discussing a trade with the Browns, as Cleveland wants to move up for Mitchell Trubisky.



Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

This is like the "Back to the Future" mock draft because I'm going with picks I had earlier in the process. Solomon Thomas to the 49ers; Leonard Fournette to the Jets; and now Malik Hooker to the Chargers.



Charlie Campbell reported months prior to the 2016 NFL Draft that the Chargers loved Joey Bosa. We all forgot about it and were stumped by their pick last April. Well, I'm not making the same mistake again. Charlie wrote early in the process that the Chargers wanted Hooker, and so here we are. Some consider Hooker to be a better prospect than Jamal Adams, as he projects to have Ed Reed-type play-making ability. He'd be a great replacement for Eric Weddle.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Solomon Thomas, DE - I had Thomas here in a previous update, and he makes sense with the Chargers moving to a 4-3.



2. Jonathan Allen, DE/DT - There's a chance Allen could slip to the Chargers if teams are concerned about his shoulders. If so, I think San Diego will take him.



Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, RB/WR, Stanford

Numerous reports suggest that Christian McCaffrey will be chosen in the top 10. There's been mixed reaction to that around the league, but I could see it happening, especially considering that coaches could see McCaffrey as a matchup nightmare. Charlie Campbell discussed this in a NFL Draft Stock Report update.



If McCaffrey is picked in the top 10, Carolina is an obvious landing spot. The Panthers need a new running back with Jonathan Stewart hitting 30 this offseason. Plus, I'm sure Cam Newton would love having a dynamic player like McCaffrey with him in the backfield.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Solomon Thomas, DE - Here's another spot for Thomas if McCaffrey happens to be off the board. Carolina has a couple of older edge rushers, so young blood is needed.



2. Marshon Lattimore, CB - The Panthers tend to take the top player on their board, so if that's Lattimore, it would make a lot of sense as a replacement for Josh Norman.







Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross, WR, Washington

The Bengals would love Solomon Thomas or Leonard Fournette to be available. If both are gone, I expect John Ross to be the pick.



Cincinnati was set to take either Will Fuller or Corey Coleman last year, but missed out on both. John Ross is a better version of both prospects, and his 4.21 40 will surely entice the Bengals, who would love him to stretch the defense and open up opportunities for the running game.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Solomon Thomas, DE - I believe this to be Thomas' floor. Same with Fournette.



2. Reuben Foster, LB - Foster would garner consideration as well.



Buffalo Bills: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Getting the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the NFL Draft with the 10th pick seems like a pretty sweet deal. I don't think the Bills would hesitate to select Marshon Lattimore if he's available. They lost Stephon Gilmore to the Patriots, and they needed cornerback help even before he departed. Lattimore could be chosen much earlier than this, so he provides very good value at No. 10 overall.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Mitchell Trubisky, QB - The Bills have had a major internal struggle about what to do with Tyrod Taylor, and the way the contract is set up, they can part ways with Taylor after this season. Trubisky can sit for a year and learn behind Taylor, which is ideal because he doesn't have the appropriate amount of collegiate experience to play right away.



2. Reuben Foster, LB - The Bills could use another linebacker to play alongside Reggie Ragland, and I don't think Foster's failed drug test will drop him.







New Orleans Saints: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

We've had Taco Charlton here for a long time, but it sounds like he's more of a candidate for No. 32 than 11.



The Saints would love to address cornerback and defensive end in the first round, and it appears as though the best player at either position happens to be Marlon Humphrey. There are some who consider Humphrey to be a second-round prospect, but we're hearing he's secure as a top-20 selection.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Taco Charlton or Charles Harris, DE - Here are some defensive end possibilities, as the Saints want to upgrade their poor pass rush.



2. Haason Reddick, LB - Reddick is gaining a ton of momentum. The Saints need to upgrade the position.



Cleveland Browns: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

I wrote earlier that Cleveland's No. 1 overall pick would come down to Myles Garrett and Mitchell Trubisky. Well, as a Hall of Fame running back once said, they can eat their cake and eat it, too.



Trubisky, as discussed, fits Hue Jackson's offense perfectly. He seems like he'll be the first quarterback chosen in the 2017 NFL Draft, despite his inexperience. The Browns shouldn't take him at No. 1, but the value is certainly there with the 12th-overall selection. There's a good chance Trubisky will be available here, as the quarterback spots in the top 10 have completely dried up, save for the Jets at No. 6.



Speaking of the Jets, as discussed earlier, the Browns are talking with New York for a trade up. There's a good chance Cleveland obtains Trubisky with the sixth-overall selection.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Marlon Humphrey, CB - The Browns can pretty much address any position here, save for the offensive line, and it would make sense. Cleveland's awful secondary needs multiple upgrades.



2. O.J. Howard, TE - Howard could play in two-tight end formations with Gary Barnidge and eventually take over as the full-time starter.



Arizona Cardinals: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The Cardinals have several talented defensive players to choose from at No. 13 overall. I've had them taking a cornerback for a while, but if either Haason Reddick or Reuben Foster is available, I see them having a difficult time passing on one of them. Arizona has a big need at inside linebacker, as Karlos Dansby can't be counted on to start next to Deone Bucannon.



Reddick's stock has been on fire, and it sounds like he's going to be chosen in the top 15. Arizona is a very realistic landing spot.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Reuben Foster, LB - Foster tested positive at the combine, and there's been some speculation that his stock could fall. However, the Cardinals have selected Robert Nkemdiche and Tyrann Mathieu in the past, so I don't think they'll pass on Foster for any off-the-field concerns.



2. Kevin King, CB - King has been gaining a ton of momentum and could be taken in the teens.



Philadelphia Eagles: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

O.J. Howard may seem like an odd selection, considering the Eagles have Zach Ertz, Brent Celek and Trey Burton on the roster. However, Philadelphia wants to pick the best player available, and if that's the case, Howard would be the choice if he's still available at No. 14 overall.



Besides, it's not like the Eagles couldn't use someone of Howard's immense talent level. He'd provide another weapon for Carson Wentz to go along with Ertz. Celek would be phased out - or released - while Burton will be a free agent after this season.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Marlon Humphrey, CB - There was some speculation around the league that the Eagles would spend the 14th-overall pick on Conley. Given their huge need for a top cornerback, the Ohio State product made a lot of sense. That's not the case anymore, but perhaps Philadelphia will pick another corner.



2. Charles Harris, DE - The Eagles need an edge rusher, as the departed Connor Barwin didn't mesh well into Philadelphia's new defense.



Indianapolis Colts: Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Colts have so many needs on defense, but the primary thing they need to address is finding a talented edge rusher. Their current top pass-rushers are Jabaal Sheard, who was benched last year, and John Simon, a rotational player for the Texans. Charles Harris would potentially solve a huge problem for the Colts.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Takkarist McKinley or Derek Barnett, DE - Here are two other possibilities at outside linebacker.



2. Reuben Foster, ILB - There are lots of picks that make sense for the Colts. Kevin King, Marlon Humphrey, Haason Reddick, McKinley, T.J. Watt and several others are all logical choices. New Colts general manager Chris Ballard came from Kansas City, and Andy Reid used to take second chances on players all the time. Perhaps Ballard will do the same with Foster.



Pick change; previously Derek Barnett, DE



Baltimore Ravens: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

The Ravens lost Ricky Wagner to free agency and have failed to replace him. This tackle class isn't very strong, but Cam Robinson provides decent value at No. 16 overall. If Ozzie Newsome's affinity for Alabama players wasn't enough to convince you that this is a likely pick, check out the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, where Charlie Campbell reported that the Ravens really like Robinson.



*** OTHER 2017 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***



1. Derek Barnett or Charles Harris, DE - If the Ravens don't select Robinson, I expect them to go after an edge rusher. They like Harris, while Barnett remarkably tested exactly like Terrell Suggs coming out of college.



2. Mike Williams, WR - The Ravens are rumored to be targeting a receiver, but I imagine they'd prefer a larger target like Williams. Baltimore would finally be able to replace Anquan Boldin. However, I don't think Williams will be available.





Go to 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32



Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I've received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.













NFL Draft Links:

Last update:Major changes.Next update: Thursday afternoon. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.The order of this 2017 NFL Mock Draft is based on the 2017 NFL Draft Order