Mel Kiper’s 2017 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Projects a QB to the Browns for the first time

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his third mock draft of the year. To compare, here is who he had the Cleveland Browns taking in his first two mock drafts:

Kiper 1.0: DE Myles Garrett, RB Dalvin Cook
Kiper 2.0: DE Myles Garrett, CB Tre'Davious White

Did Kiper stay consistent with Garrett at No. 1 in his third mock draft? Obviously, and Kiper practically confirms that he’s not going to change this pick in any of his future mock drafts, especially after a strong performance at the combine:

No. 1: Cleveland Browns - DE Myles Garrett - Garrett to the Browns has been my pick in the other two mocks, and I'm not changing it. His phenomenal combine performance -- a 4.64 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump, all at 6-foot-4, 272 pounds -- locked in his status as the best prospect in this class. Cleveland was 30th in the NFL in sacks last season (26), and Garrett is a brilliant, natural pass-rusher who had 32.5 sacks in three seasons for the Aggies. Don't overthink this pick, Browns; take the top overall prospect.

Where things get more interesting is at No. 12 overall, where Kiper has changed his pick yet again. For the first time, he has Cleveland taking a quarterback, and it’s the local kid:

No. 12: Cleveland Browns - QB Mitch Trubisky - This might be the ideal situation for the Browns, getting the top overall prospect at No. 1 (Garrett) and the top quarterback at No. 12. This is assuming they don't use draft capital to trade for Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo, who could still be available if the price is right. Trubisky (6-2, 222), who went to high school in Northeast Ohio and is a Cleveland sports fan, completed 68.2 percent of his passes and had 30 touchdown passes and six interceptions in his first season as a starter. The potential is there, but he's green. Trubisky could compete with Cody Kessler and give the Browns some hope for the future.

Trubisky is Kiper's first quarterback taken, although he does have Deshaun Watson going one pick later to the Arizona Cardinals.