Fantasy 2017 BigFooty NFL mock draft board

[bgt2110]

Pick 25 of the 2017 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select :

Mitchell Trubisky - QB - North Carolina
6' 3"
220 lbs

At this point in time with only Tom Savage as a realistic starter at QB the Texans are in dire need of picking 1 of the top 3 QB's in this draft and Trubisky has the raw talent to be the best of this draft's crop. His dual-threat capabilities convinced me to take him as my number 1.
Little college stats to go on after only getting the senior QB role with the Tar Heels this past season, he nevertheless threw 30 TD's and only 6 interceptions.
Please don't screw this pick up Rick Smith, we need a QB and we need one now.


gaskin on the clock

 

[gaskin]

With the 26th pick in the 2017 Big Footy NFL Mock Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin.

This is an interesting decision for the Seahawks. The obvious choice is to go for an O-Lineman but Carroll and Schneider aren’t renowned for going the obvious route which isn’t helped by the fact that Tom Cable does not like ready-made linemen out of college. I think in the draft proper we could see Seattle take a defensive player here (particularly if Bolles, Ramczyk, Lamp, and Robinson are gone) which also has some big holes to fill. Ultimately, I have decided to go for Ramczyk (pronounced Ram-Check) as I think despite the acquisition of Joeckel, the O-Line is the more desperate need and it doesn’t seem to be a particularly deep draft in terms of offensive linemen. I think Bolles would be the better fit if he were available but I am just as pleased to be able to take Ramczyk.

From NFL.com:

Extremely confident tackle with the athleticism to stay on the left side and the technique to make an early impact as a starter. Ramczyk has the core strength and body control that should keep him connected to blocks in both the run and pass and he's proven to be scheme versatile with his playing style. Ramczyk is an early starter with the potential to become a good starting left tackle provided his medicals hold up.


Mad Prophet and the Chiefs are on the clock.

 

[Mad Prophet]

Pick 27 for the Kansas City Chiefs

Jarrad Davis - OLB - Florida

Dixie Flatline & the Cowboys are otc

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Cowboys select Sidney Jones - CB - Washington

The Cowboys lost Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr during free agency, so upgrading the secondary is a key component to the draft for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys therefore are prepared to overlook Jones' torn Achilles and make him a first round pick. Prior to his injury, Jones drew favourable comparisons to 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2016 Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters.

Jones started 12 of 13 games as a freshman, coming up with two picks and seven passes defensed. As a sophomore, Jones earned first team all-conference honours after leading the PAC-12 with 14 passes defensed, four picks and three forced fumbles.

Jones is the type of cornerback who will play all over the field for the Cowboys. He's aggressive with his jam and loves nothing more than to disrupt wide receivers early in the routes. He's not afraid to read the QB and to under cut routes, leading to Jones putting his hand on the ball on 21.3% of balls thrown in his direction in the last two seasons.

Given that Jones will be on the shelf for a considerable period of his rookie season, he could use the time to build some upper body strength to cope with the more physical receivers he'll match up against in 2018 and beyond. The Cowboys are definitely rolling the dice that the torn Achilles won't negatively affect Jones' speed (4.47 second 40 yard dash) and that he can build the core strength to resist NFL-calibre wide receivers.

If (and it's a big if) he can get back to full health, the Cowboys may have found themselves a long term Pro Bowl corner.

 

[Blacky]

Green Bay pick:
Takkarist McKinley OLB, UCLA

 

[Dixie Flatline]

Steelers select Carl Lawson - DE - Auburn

Although the Steelers ranked inside the top 10 for QB sacks in 2016, their leading pass rusher (in terms of sacks created) was James Harrison, who at age 39 cannot be counted on to continue this production into the future.

The Steelers were pleased to see Lawson put in a full season for Auburn, after struggling to stay healthy in the two previous seasons. He earned first-team All-SEC selection last season on the basis of nine sacks for the Tigers and 13.5 tackles for loss. When he was healthy in previous seasons, Lawson put up some good numbers but a torn ACL and a hip injury were major injury red flags.

He's probably a few inches short of the ideal build for a defensive end, but he topped the combine for most reps on the bench press (35) and completed the 20 yard shuttle run in the quickest time at the combine (4.19 seconds).

Lawson has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt and to also stand up. He has demonstrated NFL-calibre power and aggressiveness. He makes a beeline for the QB using a tight, linear track to get after the QB when he turns the corner.

Of course, the injury history is a major red flag, as he missed all of 2014 rehabbing his torn ACL and then half of 2015 with a major hip injury. It's unknown just how much these issues contribute to a lack of flexibility and limits his lateral agility. Lawson also demonstrates that he probably isn't the best finisher if the play isn't right in front of him.

The Steelers will likely bring Lawson along slowly, putting him into the game in obvious passing downs and hoping that he can use his explosiveness off the line to disrupt the passer.

quotemokc on the clock with the Falcons.

 

[quotemokc]

With the 31st pick of the draft the Atlanta Falcons select.



With the signing of Dontari Poe the Falcons no longer have to be pigeon holed into drafting DL and will be able to draft BPA. (within reason)

That being said, there are still a lot of top CBs available but we would be foolish to pass on DE Charles Harris who has recently shot up the draft rankings and is somehow still on the board.

The Falcons have some good players and depth on their DL but they still have only one true pass rusher in Vic Beasley, Harris instantly gives the Falcons a day one rusher to pair with Beasley on the other side of the line and with Poe and Jarrett hopefully getting push up the middle Harris should have a good time early on.

Harris is a gifted pass rusher with outstanding instincts, technique and power. He primarily lines up at right defensive end, but he will occasionally stand up and rush from a two-point stance. He has a variety of pass-rush moves. He can spin both inside and outside. He has a nasty stutter/bull-rush move, and he also possesses a violent slap/rip move. He consistently generates pressure. Opponents adjust their pass protection schemes to focus on him (sliding protection his way, and chipping him with a back or tight end). However, he still manages to be disruptive. He doesn't have an elite first step, but when he gets on the edge of an offensive tackle, he can power through their outside shoulder and flatten toward the quarterback. He is also a solid run defender. He can slash through gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage, or stack blocks and hold the point of attack. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...irst-look-scouting-missouri-de-charles-harris

Woodson is up.

 

[Woodson]

With the 32nd pick in the 2017 NFL mock draft the New Orleans Saints select Marlon Humphrey of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 196 lbs
40 sprint: 4.49

Is compared to Ravens star first round 2011 CB, Jimmy Smith, drafted out of Colorado which is a massive rap for the 'Bama CB. Has the instincts and run-support skills to become an early starter for a zone-cover defense which is well suited for the Saints who will be brimming knowing they have a steal for a first rounder.
With fluid hips and hard-charging makeup speed. Well-versed in a variety of coverages. Plays with disciplined eyes and good balance between high-low responsibilities in zone. Good short-area acceleration to close out receivers and attack throwing lanes. Reactive athleticism helps erase coverage mistakes. Extremely competitive with an edge that spikes after he's beaten. Looks to intimidate when the opportunity arises. Drives receivers out of bounds and out of the play if their vertical release takes them too close to the boundary. Will not let a blocking receiver punk him. Tears through blocker and attacks downhill. Searches for opportunities to strip the ball >> forced three fumbles in 2016 with two INT's.


fuey

 

[fuey]

QB DeShaun Watson Clemson

Honestly, tried to trade back into the first round to get him, but thankfully Trubisky was rated higher by bgt2110 , and I still got my man, and I think I've got a bargain.

He's definitely an athlete, and can make plays with feet. More a dual threat than QB who can run a bit, he's shown post-injury that he hasn't lost any ability to get out of the pocket and make plays. While probably not a great passer, he's got a lot to work with, and with some refining could develop into a top class QB. Sure, you can knock him for the offense he's played in, but a good coach will tailor their offense around his skill set.

Most importantly though, he's a winner, only two losses in the past two seasons. He's been tough, he's been clutch, he's shown he can overcome adversity, he's got the right attitude to succeed in the NFL.

I think I can pretty much take the rest of the draft off, the Browns are now a contender...

BeinPurplenGreen

 

[BeinPurplenGreen]

With pick #34, the Niners select John Ross - WR - Washington

Created hype when he ran the 40 yards in a record setting 4.22 seconds in his one and only attempt (usually players make at least three trys, Ross only made one due to sore calf muscles). His sore legs also meant he skipped the rest of the drills at the Combine.

He is slipping in some mocks due to his small hands (bottom 10 percent of all receivers apparently) and uncertainty over shoulder surgery scheduled for March 15, but I am confident that if he is available at #34 the Niners will snap him up.

Gives them much needed speed, and is also durable, having come back from a 2015 ACL with no ill effects. And we all know how them Niners love ACL prospects...

Love his attitude too:

When asked if he was disappointed that he didn't win the island that Adidas promised to the fastest 40-yard time wearing their cleats, Ross replied, "I really can't swim that well. And I don't have a boat, so you know, I had to run in Nikes."​

Also an excellent kick returner, and could well be seen as the next DeSean Jackson.







Bucking Beads

 

[Bucking Beads]

With 35th pick in the NFL Draft the Jaguars select...

Dan Feeney Offensive Guard Indiana.

The Jaguars stacked their defense in FA so we'll add an offensive linesman to the team to help Fournette run the ball. Feeney is a young leader who will add grunt to the Jaguars offensive live.

Tough guy with a banger mentality. Decent arm length for the position. Above-average pass protector on interior. Feet are light enough to slide quickly in either direction to protect the edge in pass-pro. Very aware of twists and blitzes. Shoots a strong punch that can jar gap shooters out of the gap and can put a sting into both twisters as he snaps and catches. Zone-blocking specialist with desired lateral quickness. Takes well-planned routes up to second-level targets on difficult backside cutoffs. Able to get around corner with pace when asked to long pull. Good patience. Finds his landmarks and strikes them. Rarely commits early to a block. Waits until he's in proper position. Plays with redirect power in his upper body. Will take it to the whistle and looks to finish with some menace. Effective blocker in screen game.

Four-year starter and two-time team captain, Feeney has been the consistent anchor along an Indiana offensive line that helped to produce NFL running backs Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard. Feeney is a quality zone blocker with an ability to pull and lead the charge, but he might lack the play strength to become a reliable base blocker. His intelligence and ability to operate in space and protect the quarterback could make him an early starter with a ceiling of above-average NFL guard or center.

drd23 OTC

 

[drd23]

With the 36th pick, the Chicago Bears select Evan Engram, WR/TE, Ole Miss

There are numerous ways the Bears could go if the draft fell this way. Chicago desperately needs some play makers all over the field, so they take Evan Engram here.

Engram is most easily described as a slightly more mobile Jordan Reed (but with less in-line blocking ability). He is a great athlete at the TE position as his combine numbers show, and could push him into 1st round discussion. He is a threat all over the field with a reasonably advance route tree and great hand eye coordination and an ability to high-point the ball.

Engram will obviously need to get stronger and improve his blocking technique to become the sort of all round threat that Jordan Reed has become in the NFL.

Adding a dynamic threat at TE like Engram will hopefully allow more room for Jordan Howard to run and give Mike Glennon (and whoever the QB will be in the future) a great target at the TE position to pair with the blocking ability of Zach Miller.




Ram-Man OTC

 

[Ram-Man]

With the 37th pick in the Big Footy Mock Draft the Los Angeles Rams select Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt

Rams needs are mainly offensive but I couldn't pass this guy up. Very much like Alec Ogletree

Very fast play maker. Extremely athletic at 6'4" and 230pds.

His main criticism is his tackling technique but this should be able to be ironed out with good coaching (have an abundance of this at the Rams now!)

"He needs to be uncovered so he can fly around and just go get the ball. He didn't have much help over there and he took it upon himself to make as many plays as possible. I love that mindset." AFC East regional scout



catters078 you're up.

 

[catters078]

With the 38th pick in the draft the Los Angeles Chargers select Malik Mcdowell, DT, Michigan State



The chargers look to be moving to a hybrid 4-3 scheme so need to ensure they have power and versatility on the defensive line. McDowell is a first round talent so to be getting him at 38 in the 2nd round is good value, Mcdowell dominates offensive lines through using his long arms and edge speed.

Key Measurables
Height - 6'6
Weight - 295
40 time - 4.85
Bench - 23 reps
Broad jump - 9.03 (2nd among D linemen)

McDowell had his best season as a sophmore at Michigan state where he had 4.5 sacks 14 TFl and forced two fumbles. Had niggling injuries in his junior season, where his production dipped and he missed games as well as receiving double teams - but he is still a strong force on the O line.

Adding Mcdowell gives the chargers a scary defensive front, which is a common theme in the AFC West

Cory Liuget - Brandon Mebane - Malik McDowell - Joey Bosa

While the chargers still desperately needs a safety and upgrading the O line, the value here was too big to pass up

Dixie Flatline and the jets on the clock

 

[Dixie Flatline]

With the 39th pick of the 2017 BigFooty NFL mock draft, the New York Jets select...

DeShone Kizer - QB - Notre Dame

The Jets only a couple of hours ago announced the free agent signing of Josh McCown to a one year contract with a minimum value of $6 million (fully guaranteed) which can rise as high as $12 million if McCown hits all the incentives (including winning the Super Bowl).

For me, the signing of McCown signals that the Jets aren't fully invested in the two QBs that were already on the roster, in Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. Petty saw some game time towards the back end of the season when he replaced a terrible Ryan Fitzpatrick while Hackenberg basically took a red shirt on the season while he learned the nuances of NFL quarterbacking. The Jets have been fairly quiet about the progress of both signal callers but to my mind, if the Jets were pleased with the progress either or both players were making, they wouldn't have gone out and signed a 38 year old QB with a 2-24 record as a starter.

Therefore, I see a QB in play for the Jets in the first three rounds of the draft and with Kizer falling into the second round, the Jets are happy to take him as both a need and as best player available.

As is unsurprising with this class of QBs, opinions are fairly polarised on where Kizer fits in the grand scheme of things. Kizer has all the physical attributes of an NFL starting QB, given his height (6'4"), weight (233lb) and his capacity to make all the throws required.

Kizer started his college career as the third string QB with the Fighting Irish but after Everett Golson transferred to Florida State before the 2015 season and Malik Zaire was injured in the second game of the season against Virginia, Kizer stepped up and didn't look back. In 2015, he finished with 2844 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns and a completion percentage of 63%. Kizer beat out Zaire in the 2016 pre-season and set career bests for passing yards (2925 yards) and passing touchdowns (26), but his completion percentage dropped to 58%.

Kizer elected to enter the NFL draft notwithstanding he had two seasons of eligibility left, and some could argue that he probably entered the NFL draft a season too early.

Kizer had a decent set of weapons to play with in 2015, including Will Fuller and C.J. Prosise, but after the Fighting Irish lost them (together with left tackle Ronnie Stanley) the quality of players around Kizer took a step back in 2016.

As already mentioned, Kizer has the physical tools to be a successful NFL starter, with above average arm strength but also finesse to drop balls over linebackers' heads. He will deliver strikes under pressure and is able to shift around in the pocket long enough to keep the play alive. He isn't a rushing QB by any stretch of the imagination but keeps his wits about him to delay the incoming pressure just long enough for his receivers to get open and to make a play.

Kizer doesn't seem to have any off-field shenanigans to worry about and he has the work ethic and football intelligence to digest a pro-style playbook.

Kizer's willingness to keep the ball while waiting for receivers to get open can get him in trouble and he is prone to staring down his intended receiver, making it easier for defenders to hunt the ball. His completion percentage dipped significantly from one year to the next and he logged at least one pick in 15 of his 23 starts as the Fighting Irish QB.

Kizer has drawn comparisons to Carson Palmer and Steve McNair, yet there's a suspicion in the back of my mind that he could be another Mark Sanchez, who (in hindsight) left school too early and has been plagued by inconsistent decision making throughout his NFL career.

Nonetheless, the Jets are prepared to roll the dice on Kizer and see whether he can break the decades long drought with respect to the Jets having a franchise QB to run their offence.

Bucking Beads and the Panthers on the clock.

 

[Bucking Beads]

WIth Pick 40 in the NFL Draft the Carolina Panthers select Christian McCaffrey RB/WR

I don't expect this pick to get approval but I'm looking at Cam Newton and the weapons he has at his disposal and thinking he deserves better. Adding McCaffrey adds another dimension the the Panthers slow and predictable offense. McCaffrey is perfectly suited to today’s wide-open NFL, offering the speed and shiftiness to make defenders miss as a runner, receiver and returner.

 

[raskolnikov]

With the 41st pick the Cincinnati Bengals pick Dion Dawkins.

Dawkins is a versatile player, someone who could play either tackle position and maybe even move inside if needed. He has good size and play strength and would strengthen the Bengals offensive line which has been weakened with the departure of two players over the off season.

 

[drd23]

Woodson OTC

 

[Woodson]

With Pick 42 in the NFL mock Draft the New Orleans Saints select WR Cooper Kupp of Western Washington

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 204 lbs
Hands : 9.5 "
20 yard shuttle: 4.08 (amongst the best of this years WR class)

Brandon Cooks will be long forgotten when Kupp steps up as Brees prime WR. The last of the four quality (highly touted) WR's left in the draft, Copper has the pedigree to certainly excite the fans of Nola. Kupp has long been short-listed as one of the future superstars of the NFL since his sophomore days.

Kupp is the most prolific pass-catcher in Football Championship Subdivision history, setting all-time records in total receptions (428), receiving yards (6,464), and receiving touchdowns (73). He is the son of a former NFL player (Craig was a fifth-round pick in 1990) and grandson of a New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer (Jake was an offensive lineman in the NFL from 1964-75). He won just about every award he could win in his four years with the Eagles, staring with the Jerry Rice Award as the top FCS freshman when he started all 15 games, making 93 catches for 1,691 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Elite level of production for any level of football. Finished career as Division I career leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Hands are natural and strong. Catches passes like his idol, Larry Fitzgerald. Plucks it away from his body and immediately tucks it away. Utilizes route speed variances to create deep-ball opportunities. Extremely confident and competitive. Bodies up cornerbacks to win contested catches.

Dixie Flatline / Eagles

 

[Dixie Flatline]

The Philadelphia Eagles select Tre'Davious White - CB - LSU

The Eagles lost both their 2016 starting cornerbacks in free agency and, as at the time of posting, haven't signed anyone to replace them, so it's fair to say that help in the secondary is high on the list of Howie Roseman's priorities as the Eagles' GM.

Some pundits have White down as a first round talent, but White does display some flaws in his play that suggest he could slide (as he has done in this mock draft). A senior man within the Eagles organisation (Joe Douglas, VP for Player Personnel) praised White highly during the Senior Bowl and the Eagles have shown a liking for players for whom Douglas likes (Douglas has had a prior history with Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, both of whom the Eagles signed as free agents).

White has four years of history play as a cornerback with the Tigers, almost instantly leapfrogging more experienced players at his position when he joined the Tigers in 2013. The list of honours earned by White during his time in college ball is quite extensive, including first-team All-SEC selection in 2016 on the back of 34 tackles, two picks, and 14 passes defensed.

The Tigers used White all over the field, including in the slot and he was often left without safety help to defend wide receivers. He displays the subtle use of hands to put receivers off their stride, and he has done reasonably well in predicting QB throws to undercut routes and pick off passes. White managed to break up 1/3rd of passes thrown in his direction during the 2016 season (14 passes defensed from 42 passes thrown his way). White has experience playing against some of the top NFL receivers in college (such as Amari Cooper).

White also provides value to the Eagles as a punt returner, giving the Eagles an alternative to Darren Sproles. White scored at least one touchdown in each of his three seasons as a punt returner for the Tigers.

The Eagles have some concern over White's capacity to face up to some of the more physical receivers in the NFL, given his relatively light physique. White isn't an aggressive tackler and there's a sense that he might struggle to cope against the burners who will fly down the field on deep post routes. Although a three-year starter for the Tigers, White finished his college career with just six interceptions.

Buzzasto DaSilva on the clock with the Bills.

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

Will make a proper post during lunch, but the Bills are going to make a massive left field pick here, with Lorenzo Jerome, Safety, Saint Francis.





First of all, I love a small school prospect. And St Francis is exactly that. He is in my mind, the best "offensive" defensive back in the draft. He's an interception specialist who knows how to find space with the ball in hand and take a pick six. But more than that, he is excellent at anticipating the wide pass that allows him to get into position to make the interception. He is a pure safety that uses his skills and anticipation rather than a system to get to the ball. He is a reach, sure, but I like the idea of using a player's natural class to make a play, rather than skill that has been developed through a system. I think Jerome will get picked later than this on draft day but it's a pick I'm not afraid to make.

 

[aussiedude]

Jordan Willis OLB/DE Kansas State

I will do a bit of a write up later tonight.

catters078 you are OTC

 

[catters078]

The indianapolis Colts Select Raekwon McMillian Linebacker, Ohio State.

Amazing value, 1st round talent (im picking he goes 24 to the raiders) taking in th emid 2nd, big upgrade to the linebacker core in the rebuilding COlts defense.


description to come

drd23 is up

 

[drd23]

The Ravens select Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

The Ravens secondary was a mess last year. Jimmy Smith is arguably at Top 10 CB but getting a whole season out of him has been impossible to so far. Tavon Young was a great find in the 4th round last year but his size and play style is more suited to the slot. Conley provides a much needed CB with the size and length (6'0 and 33" arms) to play on the outside in nickle/dime sets.

Conley is arguably the 2nd best CB in this stacked draft class and actually started at CB at Ohio State over likely top-10 pick Marshon Lattimore for the past 2 years. He has quite good ball skills (4 INTs and 7 PBUS in 42 throws into his coverage) to go with his excellent coverage ability (14 catches (37%) on throws in his direction). He excels in Press man coverage, but needs to work on his zone coverage ability, as well as his physicality/tackling in the run game.

Sven and the Vikings 1st pick otc

 

[Sven]

The first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has been a long time coming for the Vikings after they traded away their 1st round pick to the Eagles for Sam Bradford prior to the start of the 2016 season. Given the quality of players taken at the top of round two it wouldn't surprise me if Rick Spielman trades up and grabs one of the day one sliders early on day two.

I haven't pulled the trigger on any trades and therefore the Vikings are looking at the best talent available for one of their needs areas. The Vikings have been reasonably active in free agency and their primary area of concern, the OL, has been addressed with the addition of Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. RB Latavious Murray was also picked up on what is effectively a one year prove it deal.

That doesn't mean that OL and RB won't be looked during the draft, it just means the Vikings don't have to reach hard to pick up those two areas. RB, TE, DT, LB and OL were all looked at for pick 49 with OG Dorian Johnson the most logical selection.

The Vikings have released starting Guard Brandon Fusco during the off-season and TBH there's a definite lack of depth all along the OL. Johnson is a typical hard nosed, nasty Guard and should be effective in the run game as well as being a definite upgrade in pass protection.



OG, Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh

@Buzzasto da Silva is OTC