It is never too early is it? With the 2016 NFL Draft wrapping up this afternoon, we are going to get a quick start on the 2017 NFL Draft. Obviously, we have no idea how next year’s NFL season will turn out, so the draft order is random. Looking at the prospects for next year’s class, it appears this is a very talented group. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson looks like the early favorite to go number one after a stellar sophomore campaign. Running backs Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook both have dominated since their freshman years of school and both appear to be first round selections. I’m sure these picks will change in the future, but it is never too early. It will be interesting to see this mock a year from now following the 2017 NFL Draft. Well, let’s get started.
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
| 1. | Cleveland Browns | Deshaun Watson | QB | Clemson |
| 2. | New Orleans Saints | Brad Kaaya | QB | Miami |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | Myles Garrett | DE | Texas A&M |
| 4. | Tennessee Titans | Derek Barnett | DE | Tennessee |
| 5. | New York Giants | Leonard Fournette | RB | LSU |
| 6. | San Francisco 49ers | Cam Robinson | OT | Alabama |
| 7. | Chicago Bears | Christian McCaffrey | RB/WR | Stanford |
| 8. | San Diego Chargers | Malachi Dupre | WR | LSU |
| 9. | Detroit Lions | Desmond King | CB | Iowa |
| 10. | Cleveland Browns (from PHI) | JuJu Smith-Schuster | WR | USC |
| 11. | Tennessee Titans (from LOS) | Jalen Tabor | CB | Florida |
| 12. | New York Jets | Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma |
| 13. | Baltimore Ravens | Carl Lawson | DE | Auburn |
| 14. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Charles Harris | DE | Missouri |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons | Jamal Adams | S | LSU |
| 16. | Buffalo Bills | Da’Shawn Hand | DE | Alabama |
| 17. | Jacksonville Jaguars | Jabrill Peppers | S | Michigan |
| 18. | Washington Redskins | Tre’Davious White | CB | LSU |
| 19. | Oakland Raiders | Dalvin Cook | RB | Florida State |
| 20. | Houston Texans | KD Cannon | WR | Baylor |
| 21. | Kansas City Chiefs | Mike Williams | WR | Clemson |
| 22. | Indianapolis Colts | Roderick Johnson | OT | Florida State |
| 23. | Dallas Cowboys | Luke Falk | QB | Washington State |
| 24. | Minnesota Vikings | Jonathan Allen | DE | Alabama |
| 25. | Cincinnati Bengals | Adoree’ Jackson | CB | USC |
| 26. | Green Bay Packers | Malik McDowell | DT | Michigan State |
| 27. | Denver Broncos | Raekwon McMillan | ILB | Ohio State |
| 28. | Seattle Seahawks | Tony Connor | CB | Ole Miss |
| 29. | Arizona Cardinals | Lewis Neal | DE | LSU |
| 30. | Pittsburgh Steelers | Eddie Jackson | S | Alabama |
| 31. | New England Patriots | Jarrad Davis | ILB | Florida |
| 32. | Carolina Panthers | Jalen Reeves-Maybin | OLB | Tennessee |
Discussion of the Top 5
1.) Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Discussion: It is likely that the Browns end up with the first pick after this upcoming season. And it it is the case, Deshaun Watson is more than likely the pick. Watson has proven to be an NFL quarterback and is ready for the challenge.
2.) New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami
Discussion: The Saints had one of the worst defenses in 2015 and aren’t going to be much better this season. Drew Brees can’t play forever and will be looking for their next franchise quarterback. Brad Kaaya has tremendous size and looks to translate well to the NFL.
3.) Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Discussion: Miami may struggle next season and will be looking for a new quarterback. With the top two prospects gone, they look to the defensive side of the ball. Myles Garrett is easily the best defensive player.
4.) Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Discussion: Tennessee is a young team that will take time before they compete in the AFC South. Derek Barnett is a tremendous pass rusher that will make an immediate impact. Isn’t it fitting to pick a player within their state?
5.) New York Giants
The Pick: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Discussion: Leonard Fournette might be a more hyped prospect that Adrian Peterson, Todd Gurley, or Ezekiel Elliott. The Giants will need some help next season at the running back spot to take a load off Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.
Josh and Tom Mock Central 