FanPost

Jaker's Round 1 Mock: 4100

15 Days until the NFL Draft, and lots of wild BS is being thrown around. Hard to determine which rumors are actually worth listening to, versus which ones trying to drive player prices up. Silly season is in full effect and for Browns fans like myself, it is truly a painful time. Here is my best guess at how it will all actually turn out, in 4100 words...

1. Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M. Thanks to Adam Schefter, every Browns fan is panicking right about now after he rumored that the Browns are split between Garrett and Trubisky. He also indicated that there is some friction because Hue wants a QB while management does not. Tony Pauline reported Hue wants Garrett, which is one of the reasons I believe that this is either smoke screening by the Browns, or Schefty and ESPN trying to create chaos around #1. Because chaos means people are more likely to watch the draft. Almost as if ESPN would benefit from all those extra viewers! There are no other options.

2. CAROLINA PANTHERS, Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU...TRADE... As much as people are trying to create chaos around the #1, the #2 pick is waaay more interesting right now. Lynch and co. have checked in on all the QBs and are obviously interested in getting the QBOTF this draft. But #2 seems a little too high for that. Enter Carolina, who has been linked to Fournette for what seems like a year now. Odds are LF won't be there at 8, with the Jets and Jags showing some interest, so the Panthers move up and get the perfect fit for them in this draft. Other options would be taking Cook or McCaffrey at 8. (Carolina gives up #8, #40 and their 2018 2nd round pick for #2)

3. Chicago Bears, Jamal Adams, S, LSU. Chicago can go a few different ways with this pick and still nail it. Both Thomas or Allen on the DLine would be a slam dunk, but I think the talk about adding a Safety is more than just talk. Adams is a legit Do-It-All Safety who can line up anywhere on the field and makes plays. He is a turnover machine, which is something the Bears sorely lacked last season. Other options would be Allen, Thomas or Malik Hooker.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars, Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford. The Jags spent a whole lotta money upgrading their D, yet they still have some holes that they need to fill. They addressed DT and S, but DE is still needing a huge upgrade. Solomon Thomas would be a great fit here as both filling a need and also being a top 5 player in this draft. RB would be another option, but they can afford to wait on that as this draft is full of good RB's. If Caldwell was gone, they may be more inclined to take a QB, but I think the GM tries to give Bortles one more chance before cutting ties. Other options could be Jonathan Allen or Fournette if he's there.

5. Tennessee Titans, Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State. With two picks in round 1, the Titans have a lot of different directions they can choose to go. The rumor right now is that they go Defense with the first pick (most likely DB) and Offense with the next one (probably a weapon for Mariota), which I think is the right way to go. After signing Jonathan Cyprien, a great in the box safety, and Logan Ryan this offseason, Malik Hooker makes for a no-brainer. His range and ball skills would complement the other DB's perfectly, and would complete this Defense which is primed to make a run at the division. Other options would be Adams if he's still there, or a CB.

6. CLEVELAND BROWNS, Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC...TRADE... While I do NOT want to see the Browns trading up from 12 for a QB, I'll buy the rumors that the really want one. They have the capital to move anywhere they want, so I don't believe the nonsense that it's Garrett OR a QB at 1. It's gunna be Garrett AND a QB. Of course after San Fran moved down, and the Chargers/Bills rumors about finding a young QB, the Browns will bite the bait and move up to take Hue's QB of choice. If Trubisky becomes Dalton, it'll be worth all the moving around they've done the past two drafts. Other options could be Lattimore, Allen, another QB or, you know, not trading up. (Browns give up the #12 and #52 picks for #6)

7. Los Angeles Chargers, Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama. Some have said this could be a QB here as LA needs to find a successor to Philip Rivers. While I think that they do need to find his future backup (and that Deshaun Watson would be the perfect mentee), #7 is way too high for "potential". Instead, the Chargers draft possibly the second best player in the draft to help build up their front 7. Allen fits well in a 4-3 or a 3-4, so his versatility will offer them lots of benefits going forward. Other options could be Hooker if available or QB if they miss out on the top 6 defenders.

8. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama...TRADE... After moving out of the pick they never wanted, Jon Lynch takes the face of the defense in his first draft. While Foster has turned some teams off in the interviewing process, the Niners have only fallen in love with him more. #2 seemed a little too high to buy that, but at #8 it makes perfect sense. They now also have the ammo to make a run at Kirk Cousins or another QB later in this draft. Great fit. Great Player. Add more picks. Not bad for a Rookie GM/HC combo. Other options would be Allen or Thomas if they stay at #2, Mike Williams or QB here. (49ers get #8, #40 & CAR's 2018 2nd round pick for #2)

9. Cincinnati Bengals, Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee. A lot of recent talk has been that the Bengals are considering adding another option in the passing game with their 1st round pick. It is definitely something I will keep my eye on, but for now I still like Barnett. There are a few (very small few) that think Barnett is the best pass rusher in the draft, and a source has guaranteed he gets taken in the top 11 picks. Bengals need a pure pass rusher, which Barnett certainly is. They can address Offense in round 2, but here is the spot to add a stud defender like Barnett, Charlton or Foster. Other options could be Mike Williams, Corey Davis or even Dalvin Cook or Christian McCaffrey.

10. Buffalo Bills, Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State. Matt Miller compared Gareon Conley to Stephon Gilmore, the CB the Bills need to replace this offseason. So taking Conley would be a very fitting selection, but Lattimore is the best CB in this class. His nickname should be shadow, because it's impossible to get away from him. In one of the best DB classes ever, lattimore is the best CB and quite possibly a top 2 selection. Getting him at #10 would be a great pick for Buffalo, and likely be an upgrade from Gilmore. Other options could be Conley/Humphrey at CB, or Williams/Davis at WR. I don't believe the QB hype here just yet.

11. New Orleans Saints, Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan. With two first rounders this year, the Saints are said to want to address both DB and DE. Here would be a great time to take the latter, as Charlton is getting some top 10 love and flying up boards. The Saints are one legit pass rushing DE away from having a pretty scary front 4 (all being first round picks since 2011), and thus they wait til 32 to take a DB, or trade it for Butler, the rumor that won't go away. Other options could be Barnett, Lattimore or Humphrey.

12. NEW YORK JETS, Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford...TRADE... I think the Jets hate #6. The best players available would be playing positions they already invested a lot in, which includes QB. But they are in a prime spot to trade down, especially if they are interested in adding an Offensive weapon, rather than one of the top defenders. "Run CmC" has been getting a lot of Top 10 buzz lately, as he could be a weapon on any team in the NFL. If the Jets truly want to see what they have at QB, adding McCaffrey wouldn't be the worst thing. Other options are Cook or WIlliams, or getting Fournette at 6. (Jets get the #12 and #52 picks for #6)

13. Arizona Cardinals, Mike Williams, WR, Clemson. The Cardinals rumors this year are hilarious to me. Everything around them is about taking a QB, yet, Arians keeps saying how only one of these QB's are ready and even ripped Trubisky for not starting his sophomore year. So maybe they'll take one? I doubt at 13. If they are serious about contending this year after last season's poor record, adding a big target that Michael Floyd never became would be a smart decision here. Larry Fitz is gunna retire soon, so this would also be for building as well. Other options could be Corey Davis, Pat Mahomes or a trade down for WR/QB later.

14. Philadelphia Eagles, Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State. As we move further away from the bottom dwellers, we start to see teams that are only a few pieces away from making the Playoffs. The Eagles are in a great spot, as they have just a few spots to fill if they want to get there. CB is the most pressing, and lucky for them, this is a great CB class and Conley is one of the top at the spot. Overshadowed by his top ten teammates Hooker and Lattimore, Conley has been underrated this whole draft process and belongs in round 1. He's a future #1 CB and would be a top ten guy in almost any other draft. Other options could be Dalvin Cook or Williams/Davis at WR.

15. Indianapolis Colts, Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State. The smartest thing for the Colts would be to add offensive line or defensive anything help, but the prospect of Luck and Cook will be too much for Irsay to not force this pick. And it's not a bad pick, because OL is weak in this first round and Dalvin Cook could go as high as #6 in this draft. He should be expected to have a great career in Indy and would be a dynamite addition for an offense that still leans heavily on a 34 year old runningback. This should force the Colts to go CB in round 2, where there will likely be a run on the position. Other options would be Humphrey/Conley or Corey Davis.

16. Baltimore Ravens, Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan. As a Browns fan, this pick scares the hell out of me. I think Davis has a chance to be a Pro Bowl wideout early in his career, and if he goes to a team with a good QB, I expect him to be a ROTY candidate. This pick screams OBJ in 2014. Most Giants fans thought he was a luxury pick already having Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham (L.O.L.), as they wanted Eric Ebron or a linebacker. But when a special talent is available, and you have a good roster in order, you ignore needing a RT, something that can be addressed Day 2. Other options would be Cam Robinson, OJ Howard or a CB.

17. Washington Redskins, Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama. Coming into this mock, I had no idea what I was gunna do with this pick. At first I thought they could use an upgrade at Guard over Shawn Luavo, but Jay Gruden kinda put that to rest. Then I thought they could add a WR here, but signing Terrelle Pryor and still hoping Doctson turns up made me think twice. This is also a possible trade out, but Gruden said they need to capitalize on a first round pick. But Humphrey here is a total steal at 17, making this a very easy pick. Humphrey is a physical playmaker at CB, one they'll need to go up against OBJ, Dez and now Alshon. Other options are A.Jackson, John Ross or a LB.

18. Tennessee Titans, OJ Howard, TE, Alabama. If this happens, the Titans will have played this round perfectly. Going defense before offense wa certainly the right decision, as Howard would be considered at 5 if they went offense, and no DB here is even close to what Hooker is at 5. Some will point to Delanie Walker and suggest that the Titans don't need a first round TE, but much like Davis and OBJ, OJ isn't a compliment, he is a special talent capable of being a Pro-Bowler. Delanie is getting older. This is a run-based offense that should use more 2Y sets. They already have the RBs and the OL, this is a great pick. Other options are Ross or DB if they went Offense earlier.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, John Ross, WR, Washington. This is how you treat a Franchise QB. Jameis already had Mike Evans, then this offseason they added DeSean Jackson. Now the fastest football player alive. Ross can absolutely fly, and with an already proven group of WRs in house and a QB ready to breakout, this is a match made in heaven. I doubt his rookie numbers go crazy, but for the long term plan this is a great pick. Especially considering Tampa missed out on Davis/Williams/Howard. Ross is the last of the top ten possible players. Other options could be any of the RBs that went, Joe Mixon, Howard or another WR.

20. Denver Broncos, Garett Bolles, OT, Utah. There is a good chance that Bolles or another lineman gets pushed up the board, because that is always what happens in the Draft. LT is one of the most important positions, so like QB, teams will draft a guy ahead of where his value may be. This year is just not a strong draft for the Line, and if guys get moved up the draft, it will help those who don't need OL help. Bolles is one of the best however, and at 20 it's not much of a reach. Denver doesn't have many holes, but their OL could use a strong addition. Other options would be David Njoku, front 7 help or a different Offensive lineman.

21. HOUSTON TEXANS, Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech...TRADE... This year's crop of QB's would all be great backups to starters on their last legs. Watson/Rivers, Trubes/Eli, Mahomes/Palmer and Kizer/Big Ben all make sense as replacements. But that will never happen, because those teams aren't going to spend a first round pick on a QB while they try to compete with the QB they already have, and the bad teams aren't going to let possible starting QB's fall to round 2. But Houston is a mix of both, which is why they get desperate and move up for the guy that B.O'B can mold into a star. Other options would be other QB's. (Texans give up #25, #130 & #142 for #21)

22. Miami Dolphins, Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC. After a strong 2016 that included a playoff trip, the Dolphins have taken a few more steps further than many thought they would in year one under Adam Gase. On offense they don't really need much, but could use an upgrade at Guard. I think they'd rather go flashier with a guy that can help them in both the secondary and return game. In the playoffs they got torched by the Steelers, who showed how important it is to have depth in the secondary. The Dolphins were out 3 regulars for that game, but Jackson's value here makes him a sexier pick that will help them in a variety of ways. Other options would be either a LB or Forrest Lamp.

23. New York Giants, David Njoku, TE, Miami. This pick seems too obvious to me. Giants don't really having a starting caliber TE, and if this were any other draft, Njoku would be the top TE. He's a strong blocker, and has an extra gear down the field. I don't think he's as good a prospect as Howard, but he's closer than most think. I truly believe Njoku will be the best player on their board at 23, and considering how Jerry Reese built his reputation on not trading up and just taking BPA regardless of need, this should be a huge hit amongst GMen fans, even if there will be good TE's available in round 2. Other options are Jabrill Peppers, Zach Cunningham or Haasan Reddick.

24. Oakland Raiders, Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt. The Raiders made the biggest jump in the AFC this year, thanks to their excellent OLine play, great receiving options and a young QB who is clearly the face of the franchise. They were even still in contention for the top seed before Carr got hurt late in the season. They could use a young, pass catching RB to go along with the offense, but their front 7 needs too many upgrades to even think offense before Day 3. Cunningham is a great fit here. A tackling machine that plays sideline to sideline, the Raiders forgo DT or a freak in Reddick to take the sure tackler safer option. Other options are Caleb Brantley, Reddick or Jarrad Davis.

25. DETROIT LIONS, Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida...TRADE... In a post combine meeting, the Lions told Brantley that they are really hurting at DT. Ever since they lost Suh and Fairley, that is certainly correct. The Lions were able to make the playoffs this year, but had to get there in comeback fashion seemingly every game. The only team to have trailed in the 4th quarter more times than the Lions was the 1 win Browns. This is because they couldn't hold leads. Which was because they couldn't stop anything up front. Brantley is a good player and a HUGE need. Other options are Takk McKinnley, Reddick or a trade up for DL help. (Lions get #25, #130 & #142 for #21)

26. Seattle Seahawks, Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama. Robinson was at once considered a top 10 draft pick, but questions about attitude and effort combined with the fact that defense is so strong at the top, a slide was always coming for Robinson. If we are being honest, Robinson is a 2nd round prospect, but gets chosen here because Pete Carroll marches to the beat of his own drum. Carroll won't care about those "questions", as everyone knows he gets the most out of every player. And considering how Pete "did a full 180 when Robinson walked by" at the Bama Pro Day, my guess is he will love to take Robinson. Other options would be Reddick, Lamp or Peppers.

27. Kansas City Chiefs, Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson. After seeing Deshaun's face on TV for the 14,000th time Thursday night, his slide stops. Alex Smith will be 33 this season, meaning that it is time to start thinking about the future. Reid may believe that Watson can start over Alex Smith sooner than most think. Watson excels at all the things that are important in Reid's offense, and considering how much they like to run the ball, they won't put too much on Watson's shoulders too early. Even though Deshaun will be upset for falling to 27, I think this may be best case scenario. Other options would be Takk McKinnley, Reddick or CB.

28. Dallas Cowboys, Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan. Flashy, Star player who also addresses a need? Sounds like a Win-Win for both Cowboy fans and Jerry Jones. Peppers was at once considered a top ten pick, but there are some legit concerns about his ability to cover in the NFL. I think he will be fine in Dallas, and his run defense and return ability will make up for any shortcomings in his pass defense. A #2 WR (which none should be taken here anyway), RT and CB could all be helpful here as well, but I have a feeling that Jerry will want Peppers a lot come draft day. Other options could be Obi Melifonwu, Chidobe Awuzie/Kevin King or help in the front 7.

29. Green Bay Packers, Haasan Reddick, LB, Temple. Reddick is a possibility for nearly every team drafting in the 20's, mainly because he can do so many things. And I think his versatility will be why Green Bay decides to draft him here at 29. Reddick walked on at Temple as a big Cornerback, before ultimately becoming one of the best pass rushing DE's in the country. For the Packers, he will play OLB, but with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, he will likely be moving around a lot and asked to cover TE's and RB's when not playing the edge. For a playoff team, Reddick is a nice asset have that can help with injuries at multiple spots. Other options are Melifonwu, CB or Lamp.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers, Takkarist McKinnley, LB, UCLA. This just seems like such a classic Steelers pick. In 2013, a 35 year old James Harrison retired/left for Cincinnati and the Steelers decided to address LB with a first round pick in 3 straight drafts, Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree. Well, fast forward to 2017, and Jones is gone but Harrison is the team's best pass rusher. Go figure. But Dupree has shown potential, and Shazier is great in the middle, but Harrison cannot be relied on forever (even though he keeps coming back). McKinnley is a ferocious pass rusher and will likely be a great combo for years with Dupree. Other options are Melifonwu, Peppers or Kizer.

31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame...TRADE... With Atlanta missing out on McKinnley and Reddick, I think they wouldn't mind trading back 3 spots and analyzing the players left overnight. I think Jordan Willis or Charles Harris could be the pick at 34. But with the extra draft capital that the Niners got earlier, they jump two likely trade spots (NOLA not attached to 32, Browns will likely get a lot of offers overnight at 33) and get a possible franchise QB. The 4th QB of the 1st round, Kizer has a very high ceiling, but needs some work in a pro system. He can sit for a year and learn while Hoyer takes the snaps. Lynch loves Kizer too. Other options: WR, TE

32. New Orleans Saints, Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn. There he is! One of the most rumored guys in round 1 gets the last call of the night. Melifonwu showed up big time at the Senior Bowl, with good speed and elite size at the Safety position (6'4 220!) that caught the eye of many teams early in the draft process. He has some rawness to his game and will need to perform well against routes he hasn't seen yet, but he has the ability to be a difference maker in the secondary. Obi has drawn comparison to Kam Chancellor and will most likely be a first round pick, even if it means #32. Other options would be Kizer, TE or another DB, which yes I guess could be a trade with the Pats.

BONUS

33. Cleveland Browns, Budda Baker, S, Washington. After sleeping on it overnight, the Browns take a missile at Safety to lead their secondary. Baker is a big hitter, but also has the cover skills to play nickel on slot WRs, or box safety on TE's and RB's. He's a little bit smaller than you'd like, but Gregg Williams would certainly use him as a thumper more so than a high safety. If the Browns are looking to have interchangeable run defending safeties, this is a great pick for them. Other options could be a defensive tackle like Brantley, Joe Mixon or probably Chidobe Awuzie, Kevin King or another DB of their choosing, as many will go on Day 2 for the 2nd and 3rd round.

This is a fan-created post. Dawgs By Nature assumes no responsibility for the content listed.