Click here for Part 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft 2.0. To read Part 2 of the Mock Draft, click here.
24. Oakland Raiders – TreDavious White, CB – LSU
Oakland was on the cusp of greatness last season before quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg late in the season. White isn’t the player that will put them over the top, but he’s a guy that will make a young talented defense even better.
25. Houston Texans – DeShone Kizer, QB – Notre Dame
I don’t think DeShone Kizer is a first round quarterback and made that clear. For some reason, everyone else does. The Texans, as far as I can see, have the inside track to land Tony Romo once Dallas cuts him loose. But they still need to prepare for the future and, regardless of what I think, scouts and pundits seem to think Kizer is for real.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Forrest Lamp, OG – Western Kentucky
For too many years the Seahawks have cobbled together an offensive line with whatever big body is available. It’s time to start building one with legitimate talent and Lamp will make Russell Wilson’s life a hell of a lot easier.
27. Kansas City Chiefs – Charles Harris, DE – Missouri
The Chiefs could sneak in a wide receiver here or even grab a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or David Kaaya, but my guess is Andy Reid and crew play it safe and bulk up their defensive front, especially after losing Dontari Poe in free agency.
28. Dallas Cowboys – Cordrea Tankersley, CB – Clemson
Dallas has shed defensive backs like crazy this offseason due to their lack of available cap space. Moving on from Tony Romo should help, but Dallas has to focus on defense in this draft and needs to get a couple of starters in the first two rounds. Tankersly takes one of those spots.
29. Green Bay Packers – Christian McCaffrey, RB – Stanford
Alright, alright. Calm down, Packers fans. I know the idea of McCaffrey in the green and gold makes your shorts so tight it’s difficult to believe it’s possible. But that’s where the mock draft has taken me. Not only do you replace Eddie Lacy, but you get a guy that can make big plays in the passing game, run receiver routes and if the idea of Aaron Rodgers tossing passes to this kid doesn’t make you pumped you just don’t like football.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Takkarist McKinley, OLB – UCLA
The Steelers have shed linebackers like the Cowboys lost defensive backs this offseason. They have some promising young players, but James Harrison isn’t going to live forever no matter how many needles he crams in his ass cheeks. Pittsburgh hates to start rookies anyway, so go ahead and draft the next guy in line in McKineley.
31. Atlanta Falcons – Taco Charlton, DE – Michigan
What the Falcons really need to draft is an elite psychoanalyst. If ever a Super Bowl loser is due for a hangover losing season, it’s Atlanta after choking away a 28-3 lead and surrendering the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. Is Taco Charlton a good consolation prize? I don’t know. He’s a good player and should be a bright spot in what is sure to be a damn depressing season.
32. New Orleans Saints (From New England Patriots) – Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
There’s every indication the Saints won’t be picking here come draft day thanks to what looks like a sure trade with the Patriots for cornerback Malcolm Butler. But if they do, Jackson is an exciting prospect that can impact the game on defense, offense and special teams. Just look at his 2016 stats; 55 tackles, two for a loss, 11 pass defenses, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, 26 kick returns, 767 yards, two touchdowns, 20 punt returns, 315 yards, two touchdowns, two catches, 76 yards, one touchdown, 7 rushes, 51 yards
As I said at the beginning, I don’t factor in trades, but for the record, if the Patriots do get this pick back I’d have them select David Njoku, TE from Miami.
NO FIRST ROUND PICK
X. Los Angeles Rams – XXX
The Rams traded their pick to the Cleveland Browns last season to draft quarterback Jared Goff.
X. Minnesota Vikings – XXX
The Vikings traded their pick to the Philadelphia Eagles last season for quarterback Sam Bradford
X. New England Patriots – XXX
The Patriots traded their pick to the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
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