Jason Bantle's 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 3 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 17-32

Jason Bantle follow @jasonwbantle Last Updated: April 26, 2017.

17. Washington Redskins: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
    
    
    The Redskins are interesting due to the issues with their Qb Kirk Cousins and there are many directions they could go with the pick. Dalvin Cook is getting some interest as the team is reportedly torn. But the re-signing of RB Thompson to the team makes you think RB won't be the round 1 target. In free agency, the Redskins added help at Safety, LB, D-line, WR, and RB. They still need help up front on offense but Jay Gruden hinted that the pick won't be in the first round. That means they will probably grab a CB to start opposite Josh Norman. They desperately need help in this regard. So, which CB? The CB most linked to the Redskins seems to be Conley, but the rape allegations hurt. Adoree Jackson would be the next rated CB they met with.
    
    
    Previous Pick: John Ross, WR, Washington
    
    
18. Tennessee Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington
    
    If they address CB at 5, this pick has to be WR. If they go WR at 5, this will be a CB (or OJ Howard if he falls). John Ross is clearly the best receiver available after Williams and Davis already being picked.
    
    
    Previous Pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
    
    
    
    
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
    
    
    The Bucs need playmakers. I think that Tampa wants one of the elite 3 WRs, 3 RBs, or OJ Howard to fall. In this scenario Cook is available. There is more noise regarding the team and Cook. Plus he's an in-state product.
    
    
    Previous Pick: David Njoku, TE, Miami FL
    
    
20. Denver Broncos: Ryan Ramczyk, LT, Wisconsin
    
    
    There are a ton of needs for a team drafting this late in the round for the Broncos. I have a feeling that they are hoping the long-time Denver great Ed McCaffrey's son falls to them here- which is seeming to become more and more less likely by the day. In this mock, he is long gone. I also believe the Broncos were holding out hope that former Dallas QB Tony Romo would sign, but he has since retired. Recent rumors involve the Broncos trading back - possibly with the Browns involving Joe Thomas. However, in this mock, the Browns got their two guys they wanted in round one so I see that happening only if they do not get their QB at 12. I think this makes it obvious that top priority is OT. Scouts are split on which tackle is the best, but in this scenario, the Broncos would have their pick of the litter. Broncos TE Coach Chryst is brother of Wisconsin's Head Coach Paul Chryst, so call it a hunch that they go with the Wisconsin OT here.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Detroit Lions: Taco Charlton, LE, Michigan
    
    
    The Lions have added a ton of quality peices in free agency. The right side of their offensive line, a third WR and a second TE all will help the offense. They also aded a starter at CB. This still leaves the defensive front 7 lacking however. The latest buzz is the love the Lions have with the class of WRs and the GM has stated that WR is the biggest area of need. However, if one looks closer, the WRs brought in are generally 2nd round prospects at best. So, I would expect them to go WR in round 2 or later. I think the biggest need area for the value on the board will be defensive line. It is anyone's guess what player or position on the line they go with. I heard a month ago that they wanted a Suh type they haven't had since he left. But, now I am hearing that they love TJ Watt, the only problem is that they see him as going in the second round. Bottom line - the Lions have met with a ton of defensive lineman and many of them more than once. I think that is the pick here. Taco Charlton is a local guy that many have going as early as 11.
    
    
    Previous Pick: T.J. Watt, 3-4 ROLB, Wisconsin
    
    
22. Miami Dolphins: Forrest Lamp, LG, Western Kentucky
    
    
    Before the signing of Lawrence Timmons, I had the Dolphins going LB here, and they still could, but I think that changes now. Last year's first round pick Laremy Tunsil will be moving to tackle with the release of Branden Albert. So, there is a massive opening at the Guard position. Lamp is the best interior lineman prospect in this draft by a significant margin and makes the most sense here. He could actually go a lot sooner. A pass rusher like Taco Carlton is also a real possibility especially if a team like Atlanta moves up for Lamp.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Taco Charlton, LE, Michigan
    
    
    
    
23. New York Giants: David Njoku, TE, Miami FL
    
    
    The Giants claim they are a TE away from Super Bowl contention but the top two prospects are gone. They also claim that they will be drafting a successor to Eli as he only has a couple years left. The last thing I have heard is that OJ Howard is the top of their draft board. To be honest, it is very unlikely he falls this far, but they could move up into the teens to grab him. They want him more than the 49ers do. But absent any rumors of a specific trade, I will assume the Giants stay pat and take the draft's second best TE prospect.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cam Robinson, LG, Alabama
    
    
24. Oakland Raiders: Kevin King, CB, Washington
    
    
    Rumors are swirling that they like King and that CB will be the pick at 24 barring someone unforseen falling even though they love LB Cunningham. King might be a slight reach, but when has that ever stopped the Raiders? Besides, Reggie McKenzie doesn’t believe in using high picks on inside linebackers. So, I would guess that would be the choice in the second frame. A big DT or a CB to replace DJ Hayden seem to make the most sense here. They have two quality edge rushers already but could realistically improve any other position on defense.Rumor has it they like King so that''s who I will guess.
    
    
    
    
    
25. Arizona Cardinals: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
    
    
    I no longer think the Texans can wait and grab Mahomes at 25. So, this will probably not be Houston making this pick. If it is, I doubt it will be for a QB unless they are hiding a love for another QB. The Texans lost a starting CB anyways and that so happens to be the Cardinals biggest need as well. I think Humphrey going at 25 makes sense regardless who is here. Arizona got 25, 57, 89, and a 2018 third round pick in exchange for the thirteenth pick which Houston used on Mahomes.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
    
    
26. Seattle Seahawks: Obi Melifonwu, CB, Connecticut
    
    
    The Seahawks are a solid team that have the luxury of taking the top player regardless of position. That said, CB seems to be the position they are most impressed with as they are spending a lot of time bringing them in. That, and their other starter Shead is still hurt with a knee injury. That coupled with the fact that there are serious rumors about Richard Sherman being traded make CB the position to mock here. But which one? Kevin King is a local product who could make a lot of sense...if he wasn't taken two picks ahead of them. Adoree Jackson went to Pete Carroll's former school he coached (USC) and would be a good pick here if the Seahawks do not go with an o-linemen. But both are gone in this mock. So, the next best choice would be the Safety/Nickel Corner from UConn who the Seahawks have been spending time with.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
    
    
    
    
27. Kansas City Chiefs: Jarrad Davis, 3-4 MLB, Florida
    
    
    This is a prime spot for someone to trade back up to the back-end of round 1 to get a franchise QB. I am sure the Chiefs would be happy to oblige if they are given enough to move down. If they stay put, it is hard to ascertain what the Chiefs will do as they generally keep their cards close to their chests. Late rumors I heard is that they like Samuel and could use a WR. And since he also plays RB he can help replace future hall of famer Jamal Charles but he would be a reach. The Chiefs themselves have spent time looking at the QBs as well but I honestly do not think any of the remaining QBs are worth a first round pick. The Chiefs could use a number 2 CB but might think they have a future star on the team already. So, I think they need to grab an inside Linebacker.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State
    
    
28. Dallas Cowboys: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
    
    
    It is becoming increasingly clear that the pick at 28 will be for pass rush or help in the secondary. In this mock, CBs have gone more so than pass rushers, so the likely value move would be to take a pass rusher at 28 and a DB at 60. Rumor is that in the second round they will go with CB/Edge that they do not go here and then a WR in round three. We shall see what happens but it appears that Tankersley is now the Cowboys pick at 28.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Charles Harris, RE, Missouri
    
    
    
    
29. Green Bay Packers: T.J. Watt, 3-4 ROLB, Wisconsin
    
    
    I have gone back and fourth with this pick. The Packers could use depth in the secondary after all the injuries last year. But they have too much invested in Randall and Rollins to give up on them. At the end of the day, Mixon is going in the second round. So, I think a pass rusher is who they take here in round one and there are a lot of options. But at the end of the day - I think they take the local kid. Many teams see Watt as a second round prospect, but I have heard no such thing from GB. In the Packers defense, he would not be asked to lead right away with the likes of Clay Matthews in the LB position. That and Watt is a much better fir in a 3-4 defense than a 4-3. The pick fits and makes too much sense. If Watt is not there, anyone that falls could be taken.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
    
    
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tim Williams, 3-4 ROLB, Alabama
    
    
    Although Roethlisberger has first threatened to retire and second requested they draft help at TE, the Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has come out and said that he loves Peppers. But Peppers recently failed a drug test with a diluted sample. So, I think the Steelers would take Tim Williams as a player to groom behind James Harrison.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jabrill Peppers, FS, Michigan
    
    
    
    
31. Atlanta Falcons: Jordan Willis, LE, Kansas State
    
    
    Atlanta drafts a defensive end at 31. Jordan Willis was one of the most reliable left ends at Kansas State and he's someone rumored to the Falcons at 31 too. His play is similar to Vic Beasley.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Forrest Lamp, LG, Western Kentucky
    
    
32. New Orleans Saints: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
    
    
    Rumor has it they like Haason Reddick quite a bit, but I cannot see them taking a pass rusher if they do so at 11. The Saints have traded away their top WR in Brandin Cooks and have been in rumored trade talks looking at acquiring a CB. So, that would be my guess. CB or WR - the top one that falls to 32, assuming they take their top rated edge rusher at number 11. The general feeling is that they will go CB over WR here though it is a close call. So, I will give them a CB here and WR at 42. White from LSU is a local kid but I think Conley is a guy they like more and he's the consensus highest rated CB available, but with Conley's allegations I'll switch this pick back to White.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State