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Draft Order
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock Draft 7 Rounds
Round 2
Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 27, 2017 with updates every Thursday leading up to Draft Day.
Cleveland Browns: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn 
- Cleveland needs a 4-3 defensive tackle next to Danny Shelton. Montravius Adams is highway robbery at the top of the second round.
- Montravius Adams had 26 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 44 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 blocked kicks/punts, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown.
- Other Cleveland Browns Selections
San Francisco 49ers: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 
- The San Francisco get their pick between Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, or Davis Webb here. Watson is my third best quarterback so he will end up on the 49ers here in the second round.
- The 6-2 221 lb Deshaun Watson had 4,593 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 2016. Watson had a rough 2016 for most of the year, but went 36/56 against the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide with 420 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.
- Watson can operate a vertical offense, a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, or a shotgun spread offense. His one weakness is throwing into coverage, but he's grown leaps and bounds since the 2017 College Football Playoff started. Watson did well at the NFL Combine, but struggled with throwing to the left at Clemson's Pro Day.
- Deshaun Watson threw at the 2017 NFL Combine after turning down an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl which made me question his intangibles. Watson has the physical tools and footwork, but his intangibles are something he needs to perfect because Watson has flashes of brilliance and other plays where he overthrows someone or fails to read the right progression. He's disciplined enough to correct this though and playing in San Francisco right away may give him a lot of confidence.
- Other San Francisco 49ers Selections
Jacksonville Jaguars: David Njoku, TE, Miami FL 
- Jacksonville needs starters at tight end and left guard, now after taking Marshon Lattimore at 4. Jacksonville drafts the 6-4 246 lb David Njoku as a tight end now that Julius Thomas has been dealt to Miami. Some have a first round grade on Njoku, but he only has 9 career starts before declaring as a sophomore redshirt. That's a huge concern for me. That's why I have Njoku slipping. Njoku won't slip past Jacksonville though if he makes the second round.
- Other Jacksonville Jaguars Selections
Chicago Bears: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina 
- Chicago drafts a quarterback here. Mitchell Trubisky is the top quarterback on the board at tis point with Patrick Mahomes, DeShone Kizer, and Deshaun Watson gone.
- The 6-2 222 lb quarterback had 3,748 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Trubisky struggled against Stanford in his bowl game. Some people have a first round grade on Trubisky, but I view him as a second round prospect.
- Other Chicago Bears Selections
Los Angeles Rams: Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State 
- Pat Elflein at 6-2 303 lbs has the versatility to play left guard, center, or right guard. Elflein is without a doubt the best center in the 2017 NFL Draft. Los Angeles needs a center and there is no question that Elflein fits perfectly here with Andrew Whitworth and Greg Robinson at left tackle and right tackle. The Rams moved Rob Havenstein to right guard and their right guard to left guard so center is the only need by process of elimination here.
- Other Los Angeles Rams Selections
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Evans, SS, Texas A&M 
- Los Angeles drafts another safety. The 6-0 193 lb Justin Evans is a good safety and an immediate starter at strong safety in the second round. Pairing Justin Evans up with Malik Hooker solves the Chargers safety problems.
- Other Los Angeles Chargers Selections
New York Jets: Ryan Ramczyk, LT, Wisconsin 
- I now have a second round grade on Ryan Ramczyk. Drafting Ramczyk as a left tackle to develop seems ideal for the Jets with Kelvin Beachum and Ben Ijalana currently starting at offensive tackle.
- Other New York Jets Selections
Carolina Panthers: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
- Carolina gets a cornerback here. The Panthers draft Gareon Conley here plus some teams have him going earlier than this after he dominated both the 2017 NFL Combine and Ohio State's 2017 NFL Pro Day.
- Other Carolina Panthers Selections
Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Williams, FS, Utah 
- Cincinnati drafts Utah free safety Marcus Williams here. The 6-1 202 lb safety showed the versatility to play both safety roles and dominated in zone coverage this season.
- Other Cincinnati Bengals Selections
New Orleans Saints: Carroll Phillips, ROLB, Illinois 
- The Saints get an outside linebacker. The 6-3 240 lb Carroll Phillips had 20 tackles for a loss and 9 sacks in 2016. Houston's Tyus Bowser has been surging up boards. With Carroll Phillips at right outside linebacker, Craig Robertson at middle linebacker, and Stephone Anthony at left outside linebacker, the Saints linebacker core is set.
- Other New Orleans Saints Selections
Philadelphia Eagles: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado 
- The 6-0 202 lb Chidobe Awuzie has played everywhere on the secondary at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, strong safety, and free safety. Awuzie ran a 4.43 40-time plus he had 12 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. He's a #1 field cornerback and that is something the Eagles desperately need at this point.
- Other Philadelphia Eagles Selections
Buffalo Bills: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC 
- The 6-1 215 lb JuJu Smith-Schuster was the top wide receiver back in the preseason. JuJu struggled with only 70 receptions, 914 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns in 2016. JuJu Smith-Schuster is someone that could step in right away to replace Robert Woods plus he compliments Sammy Watkins perfectly at this point.
- Other Buffalo Bills Selections
Arizona Cardinals: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU 
- The 5-11 191 lb Tre'Davious White did too well in Mobile to fall out of the first round correcting his issues with press coverage and stopping the run after having 13 deflections from pass breakups for LSU in 2016. At the same time other underclassmen stepped up at the 2017 NFL Combine which is the biggest reason White fell as far as he did. White would be a good cornerback next to Patrick Peterson here.
- Other Arizona Cardinals Selections
Indianapolis Colts: Takkarist McKinley, 3-4 ROLB, UCLA 
- The Indianapolis Colts get their pass rusher at 3-4 right outside linebacker who goes up against left tackles in Takkarist McKinley here. McKinley fatigues in coverage, but he's a dominant pass rusher and run stuffer at 6-2 250 lbs and is capable of bulking up to 265 lbs.
- Takkarist McKinley was expected to be an outside linebacker in the 2017 Senior Bowl after accepting his invite to Mobile before being ruled out of the 2017 Senior Bowl with an injury. McKinley had 18 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. McKinley has the versatility to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, or 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility. I initially had McKinley as a 4-3 defensive end, but he is a better fit for 3-4 outside linebacker after watching his tape.
- McKinley ran a 4.59 40 time despite fatiguing in coverage at the 2017 NFL Combine. As long as McKinley stays healthy and avoids injuries, he should have the speed and toughness off the edge that Chris Ballard wants to bring to Indianapolis.
- Other Indianapolis Colts Selections
Baltimore Ravens: Charles Harris, 3-4 LOLB, Missouri 
- Baltimore has a first round grade on Charles Harris. If Harris slips to this pick, I have to believe the Ravens will take him in the second round.
- Other Baltimore Ravens Selections
Minnesota Vikings: Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State 
- The 6-3 304 lb Vincent Taylor has lined up at both 4-3 defensive tackle and 3-4 nose tackle. Taylor has 7 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss in 2016. Taylor dominated on tape versus Oklahoma stopping both Perine and Mixon in their tracks and that's why you don't see game tape of Perine or Mixon versus Oklahoma State. Minnesota needs a defensive tackle with Sharrif Floyd's injury is more severe then originally anticipated.
- Other Minnesota Vikings Selections
Washington Redskins: Malik McDowell, 3-4 RE, Michigan State 
- Washington will have Will Compton and Mason Foster at 3-4 middle linebacker both back in 2017 and both exceeded 100 total tackles. Foster may be an RFA, but I expect Washington to tender him. It's more likely that Washington gets depth behind those two guys if anything. Washington has $65-million in 2017 to lock up Kirk Cousins to a long-term contract and make a serious play for a nose tackle in Free Agency.
- The only need for Washington by process of elimination is 3-4 right end. I think McDowell is the best 3-4 right end at this spot, but I could see Chris Wormley also being the pick. Wormley has better stats and did well in Mobile, but McDowell is the much more explosive player on tape even though he did underperform this season. This was another selection where I strongly considered changing the pick.
- Malik McDowell is versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line in the 4-3 and the 3-4 at 5-technique at 3-4 defensive end on either side which is a great quality to have. McDowell put on weight to get up to 6-6 295 lbs despite playing 4-3 defensive tackle at Michigan State undersized at 270 lbs while lining up everywhere on Michigan State's 4-3 defensive line.
- I had McDowell going to Washington at 17 two weeks ago. Maturity issues cause McDowell to drop to this pick.
- Other Washington Redskins Selections
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington 
- Tampa Bay has the luxury to draft Sidney Jones for depth here. Brent Grimes is in a contract year and even though Jones had surgery to repair his ACL he won't play in 2017 most likely. Tampa Bay can stick with their current corners for now with Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves III. Sidney Jones can replace Grimes in 2018 if he recovers from his injury in 2017.
- Other Tampa Bay Buccaneers Selections
Denver Broncos: Tim Williams, 3-4 ROLB, Alabama 
- Denver could take the 6-3 244 lb Tim Williams despite his off the field issues. Some believe he's a Vic Beasley/Von Miller clone and a special player despite the baggage. Williams had 9 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, and 16 tackles for a loss in 2016.
- Other Denver Broncos Selections
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Cleveland Browns: Budda Baker, SS, Washington
- The 5-9 195 lb Budda Baker is smaller than advertised after he was expected to weigh in at 5-10 192 lbs. Baker had 49 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 71 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 6 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. Baker is very fast and athletic on tape. I feel like after Jamal Adams, Malik Hooker, and Obi Melifonwu he is the best safety at man, zone, and press coverage. At the same time, that lack of size keeps Baker out of the first round even with his impressive 4.47 40-time and in Cleveland, Baker is the first safety Cleveland drafts at 52.
- Other Cleveland Browns Selections
Detroit Lions: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss 
- Detroit drafts the 6-3 236 lb Evan Engram as a tight end for Matthew Stafford and Engram dominated the 2017 NFL Combine with a 4.42 40-time. Engram had 65 receptions, 928 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2016.
- Other Detroit Lions Selections
Miami Dolphins: Tarell Basham, RE, Ohio 
- The Miami Dolphins get a 4-3 right end. They get their man in Tarell Basham here. Basham has the versatility to play both 4-3 defensive end spots. The 6-4 259 lb Basham had 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss in 2016.
Previous Pick: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
- Other Miami Dolphins Selections
New York Giants: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama 
- The 6-3 227 lb Gerald Everett out of South Alabama is a complete tight end on tape. He's now the fourth tight end in my rankings, and I can see him starting on the New York Giants right away.
- Other New York Giants Selections
Oakland Raiders: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida 
- Oakland goes after Teez Tabor here. Tabor just makes too much sense as a nickel corner complimenting David Amerson and Shaun Smith here in the second round.
- Other Oakland Raiders Selections
Houston Texans: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas 
- The Texans need an offensive player to build around Patrick Mahomes. Most of the second round offensive players are gone, but D'Onta Foreman is a top 40 talent and provides depth behind Lamar Miller.
- Other Houston Texans Selections
Seattle Seahawks: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
- Both Florida cornerbacks disappointed at the 2017 NFL Combine with their 40 times. This would be an absolute steal though if the Bills could land Quincy Wilson in the second round after taking Corey Davis in the first round.
- The 6-1 213 lb Quincy Wilson goes to Seattle with the best size and speed of any corner in the draft which is why some have Wilson in the top 10 despite being the #2 corner on Florida. Wilson has good man, zone, and press coverage. Wilson is a pretty complete boundary cornerback despite being the #2 corner on Florida. Wilson is not a #1 field cornerback, but he can compliment Richard Sherman in Seattle perfectly.
- Other Seattle Seahawks Selections
Kansas City Chiefs: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma 
- The Chiefs draft Joe Mixon who can be a feature running back. I'm not sure if Reid likes Mixon, but Mixon is too good on tape to pass on at this point.
- Other Kansas City Chiefs Selections
Dallas Cowboys: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
- There are rumors that Dallas will draft Adoree Jackson as a cornerback in the first round. Jackson makes much more sense with this selection though even though I mocked Cordrea Tankersley to Dallas in the first round, I can see them doubling up at cornerback with their first two picks and keeping Byron Jones at free safety.
- Other Dallas Cowboys Selections
Green Bay Packers: T.J. Watt, 3-4 ROLB, Wisconsin
- Green Bay takes the hometown Badger in T.J. Watt who falls to their lap after a terrible 2017 NFL Combine. This is an excellent pick for the Packers who get depth behind Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.
- The 6-5 252 lb T.J. Watt only has one year of experience as a starter. Watt lined up at 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 middle linebacker, 3-4 left outside linebacker, 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 4-3 middle linebacker.
- Watt had 38 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 63 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries. Watt's ability will intrigue the Packers from a value standpoint despite the bad combine.
- Other Green Bay Packers Selections
Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Cunningham, 3-4 MLB, Vanderbilt 
- The Steelers get a middle linebacker. I feel like the 6-3 234 lb Zach Cunningham is a good pick for the Steelers in the second round. Zach Cunningham had 71 solo tackles, 54 assisted tackles, 125 total tackles, and 16.5 tackles for a loss in 2016. If you want a tackling machine that can stop the run Zach Cunningham is your man, but his foot speed looked awful versus North Carolina State. Cunningham gives Pittsburgh an immediate starter at 3-4 middle linebacker next to Lawrence Timmons.
- Other Pittsburgh Steelers Selections
Atlanta Falcons: Josh Jones, FS, North Carolina State 
- The 6-1 220 lb Josh Jones had 109 total tackles and 8 deflections from pass breakups at free safety in 2016 before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft. Jones did 20 reps on the bench press running a 4.41 40-time and put himself in late second round consideration with how he performed at the combine. Jones would be a good free safety to pair up with Keanu Neal in Atlanta.
- Other Atlanta Falcons Selections
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Carolina Panthers: Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan
- Carolina goes after a safety for depth that they can groom into a future starter. Jabrill Peppers is a bargain at 64 to wrap up the second round.
- Other Carolina Panthers Selections
