NFL Mock Draft 2017:
Plack’s Picks Vol. 1
Dan Plack, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a life-long Philadelphia Eagles fan, has predicted the first round of the NFL draft since 1983, previously covering the draft for Lancaster Newspapers.
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M, at 6-4, 272 pounds, this guy is a physical freak and the consensus top pick in the draft. He had 32.5 sacks in 3 seasons with the Aggies.
| Solomon Thomas, DL Standford, gives the Niners an edge rusher they sorely need on D. |
Marshon Lattimore, S, Ohio State, has speed, range and elite ball skills and will make an impact on the Bears’ D early in his career.
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, gives the Jags a playmaker. He recently weighed in at 220 at his pro day and mixes power and speed (4.5 in 40). His 6.2 yards per carry over 3 seasons with the Tigers is exactly what Tom Coughlin is looking for in a home run back.
Jamal Adams, S, LSU, 6-2, 214, makes it two Bayou Bengals off the board in a row. Adams is the kind of big hitter Titans’ coach Mike Mularkey wants for his D. As far as being drafted early, Adams should surpass his father George, who was a running at Kentucky and drafted (19th overall) by the Giants in 1985. The younger Adams was a 2nd Team All-American who collected 76 tackles this past season.
Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State, has speed and range.
| Jonathan Allen, DL Alabama, has 22.5 sacks the past two seasons, so he knows how to get after the QB, something the Chargers need. |
| Christian McCaffrey, RB, Standford, is a Swiss Army Knife, having elite speed for punts, kickoffs and running back duties, as well as great hands for pass catching. |
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama, is a three-down inside linebacker who will have an immediate impact on the Bengals D in a division known for great linebacker play. Failing his drug test at the combine could push him lower in the draft. Off field issues are a concern.
Hasson Reddick, DE, Temple, is a fast riser who can play both inside and outside linebacker. Though the Bills need to find more offensive tools, their defense needs an infusion and Reddick is just the guy, forcing three fumbles and 10.5 sacks last season for the Owls.
Derek Barnett, LB Tennessee, had 33 sacks in three years for the Vols, breaking the record for sacks held by the great Reggie White. Saints need an edge rusher and Barnett fits this need.
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC, is a signal-caller the Browns can build their foundation around.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech, can wait and grow behind veteran QB Carson Palmer. Mahomes has raw talent and could be the future starter in the dessert.
John Ross, WR, Washington, adds to the Carson Wentz’s weapons and will stretch the field vertically, like DeSean Jackson used to do for the Birds. Ross, when drafted, will be the fastest player in the NFL (4.22 in 40); he provides insurance in case Ashon Jeffery walks after this season. Besides speed, Ross has reliable hands.
| Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State, has very good speed and is a very smooth. He may had four interceptions last season for the Buckeyes and may be taken before Lattimore, his Ohio State teammate. |
| Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, makes Ravens fans forget about Steve Smith Sr. and gives Joe Flacco another weapon on offense. |
| Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State, will help the ‘Skins stop the run on D. |
| Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan, had 19 TDs last season and is one of the most complete WRs in this draft. He is compared to Terrell Owens , in many ways (size, speed, run after the catch). |
| O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama, is the best tight end in the draft. He gives QB Jameis Winston a huge target and another weapon in the passing game. |
| Garett Bolles, OT, Utah, is feisty and and can play guard or tackle. Hope he’s not another Danny Watkins. |
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan, gives the Lions another player who can go after the QB.
| Jabril Peppers, S, Michigan, has versatility and athleticism on his side. |
| Zach Cunningham, LB Vanderbilt, is a 3-down linebacker and a good special teams player. |
| Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, is 6-foot-6, 310 pounds and ready to compete for a starting spot on the Raiders O-line that needs linemen who are skilled in the run game. |
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| Takkarist Mckinley, DE, UCLA. Seahawks add a tremendous athlete to its defense. |
| David Njoku, TE, Miami. Alex Smith gets another target and Travis Kelce gets a partenr in crime. |
| Kevin King, CB, Washington, is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, giving him the size teams want in a CB. He can also play free safety. |
| Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama, is a big addition to a secondary that was hurt by injuries last year. He joins former Crimson Tide safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. |
| Charles Harris, DE, Missouri, helps make the Steelers younger on D. He is a top edge rusher and is very quick off the ball. |
| T.J. Watt, DE/LB, Wisconsin, is the little brother of JJ, but there is nothing small about his game. Some think he may be even better than his brother (doubt it, but he has a chance). |
| Adoree Jackson, CB, USC, adds a great athlete to the Pats D. Jackson can also return punts with the flare of Deon Sanders. |
FINAL THOUGHT AND NOTES :
Even though I am showing Ross to the Eagles on this mock, if Reuben Foster, Marshon Lattimore, Christian McCaffrey, or Derek Barnett are available, I think the Eagles grab one of those, if not they either pick Gareon Conley, or trade down for more picks, and hope to recoup a 2nd round pick next year, which Cleveland owns from the Wentz deal last year.
- The reason for McCaffrey is that he could be a “Jack Knife” player in Doug Pederson’s West Coast offense. He is a “jack of all trades”, and can “knife through defenses” like no other RB can.
- This has to be the year the Steelers finally draft the heir to Rothlisberger, who is already thinking of retiring, and perhaps getting a TV gig ala Romo. If Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech QB is available, he’s their guy. They may even settle for Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame. Who knows if this is the last year for Big Ben?
- The Ravens and Packers (along with the Steelers), are some of the very best drafting teams, as they don’t reach for players, but stick to how their boards are ranked. That’s why they rarely trade or reach for anyone, but take the ‘best player available.”
— Dan Plack
