NFL Draft 2017: Player Position Rankings
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| Davis Webb, California |
(Note: not the order in which these players will go, but how I view them as a prospect)
Quarterbacks
1. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson: Watson has to cut down on his turnovers and he still has to firm up his mechanics (like many young quarterbacks), but he has superb athleticism and is a proven winner that shredded Alabama, a team full of future NFL defenders, twice. In a weak quarterback class, that may just be enough.
Projected Range: Early first round to early second round
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech: Despite his huge numbers in college, many people still have questions about Mahomes, and some of them are warranted. How will he transition to the NFL, which doesn't always operate out of the shotgun, where he mainly operated out of? Will turnovers be a problem? Those are valid concerns, but his arm strength is off the charts, and fits wonderfully in the pass-happy NFL.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round
3. Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina: Many draft pundits believe Trubisky will be the top signal-caller off the board (and perhaps even go No. 1 overall. I think that may be a bit premature, considering he only has one year of starting experience under his belt and doesn't have astounding arm strength. Even so, if he gets in the right system and continues to grow, I think he certainly could be a franchise quarterback.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
4. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: I once had Kizer going No. 1 overall in my initial 2017 NFL Mock Draft, but his stock has dropped. He still has impressive size and a huge arm, but is still refining many aspects of his game. A huge benefit to Kizer is the fact he operated heavily out of a pro-style offense at ND, which should limit the adjustment period he'll need at the next level.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Davis Webb, QB, California: Webb put up huge numbers while at Texas Tech, much like Mahomes, before transferring to Cal and doing much the same. His huge arm is not a question mark whatsoever, but Webb did have issues with command in the collegiate ranks, and he will need plenty of work without the significant upside Trubisky or Kizer may offer. With that in mind, he could slip to the second or third rounds.
Projected Range: Early second round to mid-third round
Runningbacks
1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU: Many have gone crazy with their comparisons for Fournette, calling them the next Adrian Peterson, which is so much pressure on such a young man. Yet, this bulldozing tailback does have some AP qualities, but must improve as a pass blocker and catching the football.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State: Dalvin Cook has such a good mix of talents, being able to run people over with his size and power but also flashing significant speed and explosiveness in the open field. He is an okay pass-catcher as well, but some scouts are concerned about his work ethic and off-the-field issues, which he has to overcome.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
3. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma: Many people are split on Joe Mixon, and for good reason. The former OU running back punched a woman in a bar in 2014 that led to a one-year suspension and still has to prove that he has learned from the ordeal and is better than the horrifying video may indicate. On the field, Mixon's powerful running abilities and athleticism are elite-level, which makes predicting where he'll go a tough exercise.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-third round
4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford: Christian McCaffrey was something else for Stanford over the past few years, but it will be interesting to see how his game develops at the next level. His speed and versatility will always be amazing, but I always worry about players with his size transitioning to the even more physical NFL, particularly at a position where he'll take such a beating.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round
5. D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas: While others like Fournette and McCaffrey got more attention, Foreman was the one rushing for over 2,000 yards for a bad Texas team in 2016. Foreman runs with astounding ferocity and toughness, but he struggles in other parts of the game. Even so, he could certainly be a valuable three-down back for a number of NFL offenses.
Projected Range: Mid-second round to late third round
Receivers/Tight Ends
1. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson: The guy helping out Watson to all that success the past year? It was none other than Mike Williams, who has all the tools to be a great wide out in the NFL. Williams has terrific size and leaping ability, making him a scary red zone threat, but durability could be a concern after he missed all of 2015-2016 with a neck injury.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: Even though he played against MAC competition in college, there should be no doubts Corey Davis is a legitimate game-changer. His reliable hands and impressive frame enable him to make just about every catch, and there are zero character concerns with this guy. A hurt ankle may drop him on draft day slightly, but he should still land somewhere on the first night.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
3. John Ross III, WR, Washington: Everybody knew John Ross was amazingly explosive and fast before the NFL Combine, but breaking the Combine record for the 40 only further proved that. With that level of speed, he could help bring some new energy and playmaking abilities to just about any pro offense, something not everyone can say.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late first round
4. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama: Howard didn't put up as gaudy of stats as others on this list, but a lot credit that to the talent around him at Alabama, which didn't quite give him a chance to show his stuff. The tight end has receiver hands and impressive speed, and he will be a nightmare for years to come at the next level.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
5. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC: A pretty disappointing 2016 hurt Smith-Schuster's stock significantly. Once viewed as the top receiver in this year's class, he'll have to fight for a chance to get drafted in Round 2. He struggles with drops and gaining separation, but his strength and physical nature will be an important asset in catching and blocking.
Projected Range: Mid-second round to late third round
Offensive Line
1. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama: Robinson has been a beast on the Alabama O-Line since he stepped on campus, starting as a true freshman. Yet, Robinson had some struggles in 2016 and has off-the-field concerns that could drop him. Even if that is the case, his impressive size and underrated athleticism should keep him in the first round.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late first round
2. Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah: Bolles is not a flashy or really exciting offensive line prospect (not like many of them generally are), but he has so many things well. The former Utah Ute is an adept run blocker and gets down the field so well to open things up. He was a major reason for the breakout Utah RB Joe Williams had this past season.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
3. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin: Speaking of great run blockers, Ryan Ramczyk shouldn't be ignored. The tackle fits the mold of the gritty, hard-nosed Wisconsin Badger offensive linemen and his physicality and experience should translate just fine to the next level.
Projected Range: Late first round to early second round
4. Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky: Since dominating the competition in the Senior Bowl prior to injury, Lamp's stock has been rising suddenly. He is the top interior linemen in the class, with a wide range of abilities and high level experience while at WKU. He will add a proven blocker to the guard spot for a number of NFL rosters.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
5. Dion Dawkins, OL, Temple: A dark horse name to watch rising up the ranks suddenly? Look no further than Dion Dawkins, who much like Lamp, doesn't get quite the attention he deserves because he played at a smaller school. The former Temple Owl can play either guard or tackle and his long arms enable him to really punish the competition.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round
Defensive Line
1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: Garrett was one of the most dominant defenders in college football over the past three seasons at Texas A&M, and he'll translate well to the NFL. He has NFL size and tenacity, and playing in the physical SEC over the past few seasons, he should not be intimidated.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford: A former high-profile recruit, Thomas improved each and every year at Stanford and scouts love his upside. He was absolutely dominant towards the end of the 2016 campaign, and he should only get stronger and quicker with more time.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: Word of advice: do not forget about Derek Barnett. The former Tennessee Vol is being overlooked by many but with his impressive size and length, mixed in with a terrific motor, he is going to feast at the next level. He'll likely end up somewhere around pick 10, and do plenty of damage.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
4. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama: Poor health has hurt Allen's stock somewhat, but there is no doubt the linemen is going to produce at the next level. With the ability to play inside or out, and with a nose for the football, he has many strengths. The reason he is farther down than he probably should be is because he doesn't have the potential or upside of others in this class, but is a safer pick in my opinion.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
5. Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA: While UCLA was limping to a 4-8 record in 2016, McKinley was having a career year, picking up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. With an incredibly quick first step, and impressive lateral movement, he is going to be a great pass rusher. He could even get better if he develops more in run support, or improves his stamina.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
Linebackers
1. Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama: Even though his dismissal at the Combine led to some red flags involved with Foster, he still is pretty clearly the top linebacker in the class. The tough, physical defender is an absolute tackling machine and well fit in at a critical position (middle linebacker).
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
2. Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida: He may not have the impressive physical attributes of others in this Draft class, but Jarrad Davis has all the tools to be an effective 'backer at the next level. The former Florida Gator recorded 60 tackles and two sacks this past season, but did most of his damage in coverage, displaying impressive instincts and feel for the game.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
3. Haason Reddick, LB, Temple: Reddick has been getting plenty of love from scouts for months now, and one can understand why. He can play inside or out, and is blessed with impressive strength and speed, posting a 4.5 40 at the Combine. However, his potential never really matched his production while at Temple, and he'll have to get quicker to keep up with faster offensive players in the NFL.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
4. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt: Cunningham did not get a lot of love because he played on a quietly very good Vanderbilt defense, but he is a legit NFL prospect. Much like Davis, he isn't blessed with crazy athleticism but does most of his work thanks to instincts and impressive anticipation. He will add an experienced, smart linebacker to a variety of different NFL rosters.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
5. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State: Over the course of his three years at Ohio State, McMillan recorded over 100 tackles twice (including 102 with five tackles for loss in '16), but remains a questionable NFL prospect. He is a little bit undersized for the pros and doesn't offer much beyond being an effective tackler. Even so, he is a major help in run support, and has a proven pedigree.
Projected Range: Mid-second round to mid-third round
Defensive Backs
1. Jamal Adams, S, LSU: An impressive showing at both the Combine and his Pro Day has only elevated Adams' stock. The game-changing safety doesn't have Malik Hooker's ball skills, but still brings plenty of highlights with his powerful hits and unlimited range. He should be a staple in the back for any NFL team, and should only get better.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State: A breakout 2016 alerted NFL scouts to Malik Hooker's impressive talent, and now he has a very good chance to go in the Top 5 of the 2017 NFL Draft. Hooker can change games with his impressive interception abilities, being able to play sideline to sideline. He still isn't great in run support, but his upside should land him somewhere very early on.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State: Few players have increased their Draft stock over the past few weeks like Lattimore, who is now viewed as a possible Top 10 selection. Scouts love the physical way Lattimore plays, which should enable him to have success even against bigger NFL receivers.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
4. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU: With impressive speed and athleticism, Tre'Davious White has many tools that should make him a playmaker at the next level. He isn't without his flaws however; he is a little bit undersized and still learning how to cover taller receivers. White may need some refinement upon entering the league, but his potential is off the charts.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
5. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama: Alabama produces some high quality talent all over the field, but they are especially good at crafting talented defensive backs. Humphrey looks to be the next; a tough, gritty corner with impressive athleticism, he may remind people of former Tide CB Dee Milliner, but with superior quickness.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
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