With the 2017 NFL draft just hours away it’s officially the end of mock draft season, so here’s a final look at how I see the first round playing out.

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

Sure the Browns are needy at quarterback, but the chance to snag a talent like Garrett cannot be passed up. The former Aggie tested off the charts at the combine and his pro day, displaying the kind of speed and explosive power that project to an elite edge rusher at the next level.

At 6’4, 272 lbs and boasting a 4.64 forty time, Garrett is the best player in the draft and it would be a shock should he not go off the board here.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

Thomas is a versatile lineman who will be an immediate starter on a line that struggled to generate a consistent pass rush in 2016. The Stanford product is a staunch run defender and has the ability to rush the quarterback from both inside and outside, something that will appeal greatly to new GM John Lynch.

His combination of speed, power, and elite hand usage to get off blocks will translate well to the next level and his unrelenting approach to each and every play allows him to overcome any concerns about his size.

3. Chicago Bears: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

The Bears desperately need a true CB1 in a division that includes Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, and Lattimore is the best out there in a deep class. Despite only starting one full season for the Buckeyes, the sophomore’s talent is undeniable and his athleticism is freakish.

Lattimore ran a 4.36 forty at the combine highlighting his speed and would be a great fit opposite veteran Prince Amukamara in Vic Fangio’s defense. An excellent tackler with high end ball skills and instincts who will instantly upgrade an uncertain secondary in Chicago.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

The Jags could well have gone defense here in the shape of Jonathan Allen or Jamal Adams, but after picking up Calais Campbell and Barry Church in free agency, GM David Caldwell should look to add a workhorse back to an offense that struggled to establish the run last season.

Fournette is a powerful, predominantly between the tackles rusher who can take pressure of Blake Bortles and the pass game to give the Jags more balance on offense in 2017. The former LSU tiger is a violent runner who finishes runs and has a rare blend of size, power and speed that has drawn comparisons to Adrian Peterson.

5. Tennessee Titans: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

Safety isn't a pressing need for the Titans but Adams is an elite playmaker capable of filling both safety roles and is equally adept in coverage and up in the box. A physical presence over the middle and a leader in the locker room, Adams would present an upgrade over Da’Norris Searcy and would fit well in Dick LeBeau’s defense. Somewhat of a field general in his time at LSU, Adams combination of outstanding physical traits and ability to lead a defense make him a home run pick.

6. New York Jets: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

The Jets added Josh McCown this offseason but nobody should be convinced that they believe the future of the franchise is on this roster as of today. McCown is 37 and really nothing more than a career backup, whilst neither Bryce Petty nor Christian Hackenberg did anything to fill the gang green faithful with much confidence in 2016. 

Watson has been heavily scrutinised throughout the draft process but the Clemson product has proven time and again in the college ranks that he is able to perform on the biggest stage against elite talent. The two time Heisman finalist willed the Tigers to a national championship last season and has outstanding leadership traits, plenty of athleticism and enough arm strength to go with solid pocket presence, giving him ample tools succeed in the league. 

On top of this, his experience and big game mentality puts him ahead of the competition at quarterback in this draft and is something the Jets desperately need as a franchise.

7. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

The Chargers have built an exciting young defense that only lacks elite safety play and Hooker can give them just that. The former Buckeye can excel in Gus Bradley’s system as a ball hawking deep safety, something they have lacked since the departure of Eric Weddle. In a division filled with receiver talent this pick is a no brainer for the Chargers. Hooker has excellent size, instincts and ball skills and will instantly upgrade a lacklustre position group in LA.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

Dave Gettleman has options here and could choose to upgrade Cam Newton’s offensive arsenal by taking OJ Howard or a running back here but after the loss of Kony Ealy, the Panthers GM shouldn't pass up on taking a top ten talent in Allen.

The former Tide standout is a menace of the edge and has the versatility to double up as a three-technique. Allen had 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2016 on his way to winning the 2016 Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defender in college football. His size, elite hands, and overall technical excellence make him a polished prospect who is ready to make an impact in the pro game immediately.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

A second straight Crimson Tide defensive star comes off the board as the Bengals upgrade their thin linebacking corps. After releasing veteran Rey Maualuga they added Kevin Minter but Foster is a different level of player and would represent excellent value at number nine. Despite his off the field mishap at the combine, Foster’s level of play is too high to ignore and he will add another intimidating presence over the middle next to Vontaze Burfict. .

Foster is an aggressive hitter with explosion and speed that puts offenses on alert, as well as having elite sideline to sideline range. His toughness and leadership are much desired in NFL locker rooms and he will be a day one, three-down starter that will be hard to pass on despite his well documented recent off-field issues.

10. Buffalo Bills: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

The run of Nick Saban’s ex players continues as the Bills opt to address their receiving corps by adding the best tight end in the draft. Though wideout is a need, there is value on day two and three for the Bills and in Howard they get an outstanding all round tight end who will be a potent weapon for Tyrod Taylor as well as being a rock in the run blocking game.

Howard is a total mismatch for most linebackers in coverage and has elite pass catching and route running abilities. His athleticism and ability to line up all over the field make him a scary weapon for an already versatile offense.

11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

The Saints need an impact edge rusher and Barnett fits the bill perfectly. The former Vols stud might be the best pure pass rusher in the draft and posted monster numbers in his three years in Knoxville, recording 33 sacks to break Reggie White’s team career sack record.

Playing opposite Cameron Jordan will allow Barnett the freedom to rush the quarterback effectively from day one and his presence will instantly upgrade a front seven that recorded the seventh fewest sacks in the league last year. His elite hand usage and hitting ability will make him an effective pro and he should shine in his rookie year.

12. Cleveland Browns: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

The Browns’ quarterback woes are well known by all and there’s no way they shouldn't draft one in the first round with one of their picks. Trubisky is a risk given his lack of experience as a starter, having only been the Tar Heels QB1 for one season, but he is a local boy with a passion to turn this team around and has tremendous upside if Hue Jackson gives him the time to develop.

The Ohio-born quarterback had an outstanding 68.0 completion percentage in 2016 and threw for 30 touchdowns against just six picks. He has good enough size and arm strength, the athleticism to be a dual-threat signal caller and excellent pocket presence. Trubisky has the kind of competitive nature that the Browns need and despite never having played under center, he could be the franchise quarterback that Cleveland has yearned for so long.


13. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Steve Keim and Bruce Arians could go with a long term quarterback replacement for Carson Palmer here but they have a more pressing need at receiver due to Michael Floyd’s release last season and Larry Fitzgerald’s likely impending retirement after 2017. 

Combine star John Ross and Western Michigan standout Corey Davis are also options but Clemson’s Mike Williams makes more sense as a WR2 who can grow into a WR1 and replace Fitz in the long haul. Williams is a big, strong receiver who is a nuisance for smaller defensive backs. He uses his hands exceptionally to create separation and has excellent ability to come up with 50/50 balls due to his long arms and large hands.

Concerns regarding his straight-line speed were eased with a series of runs in the mid 4.5’s at his pro day. Williams won’t see much double coverage in his rookie year due to Fitzgerald’s presence and he can take advantage of this to have a productive season in this high-powered offense.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

McCaffrey has risen up draft boards since the combine and his versatile playmaking ability would add a new dimension to the Eagles’ offense. Without a true RB1 this pick would make sense to give Carson Wentz another weapon, especially with Doug Pederson at the helm. Pederson’s use of Jamaal Charles in his time as offensive coordinator in Kansas City is just a small insight in to what he could do with McCaffrey who is undoubtedly a better pass catcher and route runner than Charles.

The former Stanford back is a threat in all three aspects of the game and would immediately upgrade the Eagles’ offense and special teams. McCaffrey’s fast feet and fluid hips allow him to change direction on a dime and manoeuvre with ease in traffic which, paired with his elite vision, allows him to make defenders miss regularly. He is without a doubt the most elusive runner in the draft and will add huge value as a part time slot receiver.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Takkarist Mckinley, DE, UCLA

New General Manager Chris Ballard added some nice role players in free agency to bolster the pass rush but the Colts are desperate for speed off the edge and that’s exactly what they will get from Mckinley. The UCLA prospect had an excellent senior year recording 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss on his way to All PAC-12 honours.

He has an outstanding motor and excellent speed from the outside that allows him to get around tackles to access the quarterback and contain the edge in the run game. Mckinley is still raw and has some off field concerns but his upside is huge and he is still developing. Will certainly help a previously underwhelming unit post better numbers in 2017.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Ravens fill a position of need here after Steve Smith Sr’s retirement and add some variety to their receiving group in Davis. College football’s all time receiving yards leader, Davis had an outstanding senior year earning first-team All-American honors and ranking in the top 10 of all three major receiving categories. The former Bronco has good size and ball skills, with improving route running ability and outstanding competitiveness. His long arms allow him to win a lot of 50/50 balls and contribute to his excellent red zone production, something that will be of great benefit to Joe Flacco who ranked in the bottom half of the league in red zone touchdown passes in 2016.

17. Washington Redskins: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

Washington’s offense will look a lot different in 2017 without Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon out wide, and Kirk Cousins could certainly use some support in the run game to ease the load of their loss. Rob Kelley turned out to be a surprise last season but his 704 yard, 6 TD year was hardly awe inspiring and it would be hard to leave Cook on the board here. Cook was a first team All-American in 2016 and churned out monster numbers on a consistent basis in his time at Florida State.

His sudden change of direction and make-you-miss speed on the outside make him a lethal weapon in the run and pass games out of the back field. His vision and elusiveness as a runner would add a new dimension to Cousins’ pass first offense, offering a reliable run first option in all areas of the field.

18. Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington

Ross was the unlikely star of the combine after running a blazing 4.22 second forty time to break Chris Johnson’s long standing record, and his draft stock has soared ever since. You can’t teach the kind of speed the former Husky has and when you add his 2016 production to that, it’s hard to ignore his potential. 81 catches for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns earned him second-team All-American, and first-team All-Pac-12 berths and the speedster would add a dynamic target for Marcus Mariota on the outside.

Tennessee has an extremely thin receiving group and getting a perimeter receiver is vital to compliment Delanie Walker’s talent over the middle. Ross has rare vertical speed that can tear the top off a defense, demands respect and creates open throws underneath. He is a nightmare for defensive backs who often open up way too early to turn and sprint, leaving his curl and in routes unchallenged regularly. If he stays healthy, Ross could develop into an elite deep ball threat in the same lieu as DeSean Jackson.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut

The Bucs added JJ Wilcox to an average safety group in free agency but it is still a need and snagging another versatile combine star in Melifonwu would provide upgrade over anyone in their current ranks. The UConn product could yet end up playing cornerback and his athletic ability makes him a great value pick for Tampa here. Melifonwu posted position leading numbers in the forty and vertical jump, and has elite size and hand eye coordination to go with his freakish athleticism. His size and tackling ability also allow him match up with well tight ends in coverage.

20. Denver Broncos: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

John Elway will be desperate to improve the offensive line in 2017 after the Broncos allowed the eighth most sacks per game last season and they should take the first lineman off the board here. Garett Bolles and Forrest Lamp are also options but Ramczyk is a technically proficient tackle with day one starting ability on the right hand side. He has good hands and excellent balance which allow him to move smoothly and force rushers to the outside. 

Ramczyk’s athleticism and strong core make up for his lean frame and lack of arm length. This is a weak class for offensive lineman but the Broncos will snag a solid starter here in the former Badger to play with Ronald Leary on the right side of their line.

21. Detroit Lions: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

GM Bob Quinn could well take TE David Njoku here to play alongside Eric Ebron, but adding a pass rusher like Charlton to a defensive line that already includes Ziggy Ansah and Haloti Ngata would give the Lions a formidable front four. Charlton has rare size and his ability is continually improving as is evident from his sack total rising from 5.5 in 2015, to 9.5 in 2016 at Michigan. His length and athleticism allow him to make flash plays and whilst he still takes too many plays off, in the right environment he will be productive. Playing opposite Ansah and with Ngata, Charlton will have more chances to get to the quarterback and could be a rookie of the year candidate with the ability to have a season much like Joey Bosa in 2016.

22. Miami Dolphins: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky

The Dolphins do not have a good situation at either guard position and need to do a better job of protecting Ryan Tannehill in 2017. Lamp is the consensus best guard in the draft and is ready to start from day one, presenting an immediate upgrade over Jermon Bushrod or Anthony Steen. He has plenty of experience having played in 42 straight games for the Hilltoppers over four years before he missed two due to injury this past season. Lamp is an elite athlete with speed, size and versatility. His ability to get to the second level to block on the move is outstanding, as is his pass protection on the edge, though he will likely switch inside in the pro game largely due to his lack of arm length.

23. New York Giants: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

Eli Manning needs better protection as he ages and the Giants could slip a big athletic blocker like Bolles straight into the starting lineup at left tackle with the option of moving him to the right hand side if he struggles early. The former Ute has excellent feet and is an easy mover allowing him to shift rushers to the outside with relative ease and work to the second level in the run game. Bolles still needs to fill out his frame a little but he certainly has a pro-bowl ceiling in the right scheme due to his raw athleticism and menacing play. His addition would be a good start to help shore up a leaky line in New York for General Manager Jerry Reese.

24. Oakland Raiders: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

The Raiders are in need of a leader and physical presence over the middle having lost former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith to the 49ers and Davis will give them exactly that. An athletic thumper, Davis has outstanding leadership traits and desire on the field, something the young Raides can’t get enough of. The former Gator’s instincts and passion are exactly in line with Jack Del Rio’s team identity and with the athletic ability to chase sideline to sideline and spy mobile quarterbacks, Davis is ready to play from day one and would be a valuable piece as an outside backer in an improving defense.

25. Houston Texans: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

The Texans have been backed into a corner by Tony Roma’s retirement after trading Brock Osweiler to supposedly make cap room for the former Cowboys signal caller, and now find themselves in desperate need of QB help. Bill O’Brien could roll with Tom Savage but the former Pitt product may present more questions than answers for a team with a loaded roster in win now mode.

Mahomes certainly isn't a sure fire thing but his upside is enormous and Houston might just take a risk and snag him here. The former Red Raider has a cannon and can match anyone in the league for arm strength, his body type is prototypical for an NFL quarterback and he has a whole lot of confidence. His mobility allows him to escape pressure with ease and extend plays with his legs, as is evident by his 22 rushing scores in college. However, his decision making is concerning and his accuracy is wildly inconsistent. Mahomes’ improvisational talent allows him to make some flash plays but can sometimes get him in trouble as he forces balls into tight windows and is susceptible to throwing some awful looking picks. He is a project but O’Brien is well known for his work with quarterbacks and he could mould this huge talent into a special player with time.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Kevin King, CB, Washington

The ‘Hawks could suddenly find themselves without the face of the legion of boom as trade rumours surrounding all-pro corner Richard Sherman continue to escalate and cornerback might become an enormous hole for the first time in years in Seattle. Even if Sherman stays, they could use an upgrade on DeShawn Shead on the right hand side and King fits the bill in Kris Richard’s defense. With rare height and length for the position, much like Sherman himself, King uses his long arms to compete on high balls and break up passes over the top that smaller corners simply cannot reach. He is is skilled at forcing receivers toward the sidelines and has excellent ball skills but there are lingering concerns regarding his playing speed. As well as this his college production was excellent, giving up just one touchdown on his last 101 targets and his versatility to operate across all secondary positions will prove vital for an injury prone group.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The Chiefs need help in the middle of their defense with Derrick Johnson ageing and a thin group behind the four time pro-bowler. Reddick played off the edge at Temple but doesn't have the size to translate to an outside backer or defensive end at the next level, and his speed makes him an ideal fit to move inside. The former Owl has been a rapid riser on draft boards since the combine where he tested excellently and confirmed his ability to move inside by running a position leading 4.52 forty whilst outlining his explosiveness by recording excellent results in both jumps. Reddick is an instinctive player who moves easily and has outstanding change of direction for his size, owing to his experience of playing defensive back in the past. He is comfortable in coverage and has sideline to sideline range as a chase-down tackler, traits that will certainly improve a Kansas City defense that needs an injection of youth at its second level.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Dallas’ secondary was depleted by free agency departures but they have some young talent that is ready to step up and start and Jerry Jones will be able to find good value picks on days 2 and 3 to bolster those ranks thanks to one of the deepest defensive back classes in memory. So, it’s most likely that Jones will look to add a pass rusher here and Harris is ready to make an impact from day one as an upgrade over either Demarcus Lawrence or Tyrone Crawford. Coming out of Mizzou, Harris is an explosive pass rusher with good size, lethal first step quickness and a non stop motor which make him a real handful to block consistently. Harris has variety in his rushing ability with an effective spin move but there are concerns about his ability as a rush defender on the edge and until he improves this aspect of his game he may not feature as an every down player. Still, Harris will instantly provide more penetration for a Cowboys team that hasn't had a ten sack man since Jason Hatcher in 2013.

29. Green Bay Packers: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

Ted Thompson will be desperate to give DC Dom Capers more to work with in the secondary in 2017 after the Packers gave up with most passing yards per game and second most passing touchdowns per game last season. Wilson is a big corner with the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, both traits that Green Bay loves as a franchise, and would immediately upgrade the right corner slot ahead of Davon House. The former Gator is a strong, physical player who uses his size and strength to disrupt routes and is a solid tackler in space. His instincts and excellent ball skills added to his willingness as a tackler might lead him to move to the safety spot but he is equally capable of excelling out wide.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

The Steelers could use help at both inside and outside linebacker positions but after Tom Brady mauled their secondary for 384 yards, 3 TD’s and a completion percentage above 74, they know they need help in this area to get past New England. White would likely be an upgrade over anyone on the current roster and has the ability to play on an island out wide or in the slot. The LSU product was outstanding in his four years in Baton Rouge, earning All American and All SEC honours in 2016 whilst ranking in the top ten in the nation in pass break ups. White has outstanding feet, quickness and change of direction which allow him to play on an island and provide close coverage whilst having the ability to read the quarterback and attack throws by undercutting routes. His coverage skills and team first attitude will make him an attractive prospect to Mike Tomlin and he would certainly be a day one starter in Pittsburgh.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple

After losing Chris Chester to retirement Atlanta is in need of a plug in starter at right guard and Dawkins is thickly built option with enough strength and mobility to be a solid contributor from day one. The former Temple Owl is scheme versatile and plays with aggression and balance which will stand him in good stead when adjusting to the speed of the game in the NFL. Dawkins played tackle in college and can operate there if needed but his frame and power make him more suited to playing inside and he should help to keep Atlanta’s line up there with the best in the league.

32. New Orleans Saints: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Conley could well go off the board earlier but with all the defensive back talent in the draft he may just get lost in the shuffle and end up dropping to the bottom of round one where the Saints would grab an excellent player. A two year starter for the Buckeyes, Conley has all the physical traits desired by teams and has outstanding length.

His long arms force quarterbacks to throw into tight windows and he is proficient at forcing receivers out toward the boundary. His length particularly aides him in breaking up passes over the top of receivers whilst playing with excellent timing when choosing to challenge the ball. Conley has top end speed, good discipline and consistency that will add much needed solidity to a shaky secondary in New Orleans. His pending legal issues will be a concern and that is likely why he drops so low.