FanPost

Another 1st round mock draft

Eddie Brown from the San Diego Times Tribune did a mock draft that is more realistic ( and agreeable).

FIRST ROUND

1. Cleveland (0-12) — Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M, Jr.

Conventional wisdom would have the Browns take a quarterback here. I’ve learned not to group the words conventional, wisdom or Browns together. Remember, they did spend a third-round pick on Cody Kessler last year. Plus, Garrett is the best player in this draft and capable of being a dominant force as an edge rusher at the next level. Many like to compare him to Von Miller — same college and everything! — but that’s a little lazy. He’s bigger and stronger than Miller. An apt comparison could be Jevon Kearse. Top needs: QB, CB, ILB

2. San Francisco (1-10) — Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama, Sr.

Unless GM Trent Balke has Colin Kaepernick on his fantasy team, I doubt Kaepernick is returning next season. So a QB will be a priority at some point. However, if you’re drafting in the top two, I can’t imagine you’d pass on two game-changers like Garrett or Allen. Allen would have been a first round selection had he entered the draft last year. He made the right choice staying in school because he’s developed into a one-man wrecking-crew who could find himself being drafted even higher than this on draft day. He’s even garnering Heisman attention. Top needs: QB, WR, ILB

3. Jacksonville (2-9) — Jabrill Peppers, DB, Michigan, rSo.

Peppers is one of the best returners, weakside linebackers, safeties and potentially running backs at the college level — think a healthy, more explosive version of Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack. Adding Peppers to last season’s top pick Jalen Ramsey will give Jacksonville a dynamic secondary for years to come. Top needs: OL, DT, S

4. Chicago (2-9) — Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama, Jr.

The Bears would be wise to invest in a long-term option at quarterback, but I have them address their offensive line issues here. Robinson has held his own against the best-of-the-best pass rushers this season: Texas A&M’s Garrett, Tennessee’s Derek Barnett, LSU’s speedy sophomore Arden Key and Auburn’s Carl Lawson. The only thing that could hold him back next April is his legitimate off-field concerns. He was arrested in May on guns and drug charges, but the charges were later dropped. Top needs: QB, OT, DB

5. N.Y. Jets (3-8) — Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama, rSo.

The son of former Alabama (and NFL) standout Bobby Humphrey, Marlon features a nice combination of size — 6-1, 205 pounds — athleticism and toughness. Top needs: CB, OG, LB

6. Cincinnati (3-7-1) — Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr.

Defensive end Michael Johnson hasn’t been the same for the Bengals for the last few seasons. They need to rejuvenate the pass rush. This season, we've seen the 6-foot-3, 265-pound Barnett change games as a pass rusher, beat double-teams, drop into coverage and play a solid run defense. Top needs: OG, S, DL

7. Tennessee from Los Angeles (4-7)Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr.

After suffering a scary, season-ending neck injury early last season, Williams looks as good as new. He is athletically in the same class as former Clemson stars Sammy Watkins andDeAndre Hopkins, despite being 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. He’d form an exciting trio withRishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe going forward. Top needs: CB, WR, LB

8. Carolina (4-7) — DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida St., Sr.

With top offensive tackle prospect Robinson off the board, the Panthers focus on the other side of the trenches. Walker has 15 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss in 2016. Top needs: OT, RB, CB

9. Arizona (4-6-1) — Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr.

The Cardinals once dominant secondary might be in need of a talent transfusion. Tabor is arguably the best cornerback in this draft class because of his elite ball-skills and athleticism. Top needs: CB, QB, OG

10. Indianapolis (5-6) — Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama, Sr.

Finally, the Colts land the edge presence they’ve been sorely missing. Only Garrett rivals Williams as a pure pass rusher in this draft class. Top needs: OL, CB, OLB

11. Green Bay (5-6) — Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr.

What type of dimension would a truly explosive running back like Fournette add to an already high octane passing game led by Aaron Rodgers? Fournette features a freakish combination of size, speed and power reminding many scouts of Adrian Peterson. Personally, he reminds me more of Bo Jackson. Awesome power and breakaway speed are the defining characteristics of both runners. Top needs: CB, OG, RB

12. New Orleans (5-6) — Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr.

The Saints need all the defensive help they can get. Foster was overshadowed a year ago by SEC Defensive Player of the Year Reggie Ragland, but he's a better athlete and arguably the most feared hitter in college football. Top needs: DL, LB, CB

13. Cleveland from Philadelphia (5-6) — Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina, rJr.

The Browns nab an Ohio native to be their savior — obviously biting the Cavaliers style! Trubisky has excellent size, is very athletic and has a very strong arm. My only concern is he could use a little seasoning and needs to be more consistent with his footwork. Top needs: QB, CB, ILB

14. San Diego (5-6) — Jamal Adams, SS, LSU, Jr.

It’s been four years since a safety has been selected in the top 10 picks of the NFL draft, but when you couple his instincts, size, and the aggressive nature in which he plays, there are not many defensive secondary prospects that look more NFL-ready or worthy of such an accolade than Adams. The Chargers get a steal here as a replacement for Eric Weddle. Top needs: OT, WR, S

15. Tennessee (6-6) — Sidney Jones, CB, Washington, Jr.

The Titans need reinforcements against Andrew Luck. Jones may fly under your radar because no one ever throws his way, but that is because his ball skills are only rivaled by Florida’s Tabor. Top needs: CB, WR, LB

16. Buffalo (6-5) — JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC, Jr.

Smith-Schuster is a big play waiting to happen. Pairing the physical and highly competitive Trojan wideout with the explosive — and hopefully healthy — Sammy Watson would give the Bills a legitimate 1-2 punch on the perimeter. Top needs: OT, WR, S

17. Philadelphia from Minnesota (6-5) — Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida St., Jr.

GM Howie Roseman gives franchise quarterback Wentz a home run hitter in the backfield to help take the pressure off. Top needs: OL, OLB, RB

18. Tampa Bay (6-5) — John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr.

Ross, a DeSean Jackson clone, has the speed to take advantage of any quarterback’s strong arm and would be the perfect compliment to Mike Evans. Top needs: WR, S, C

19. Pittsburgh (6-5) — Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt, rJr.

Cunningham can be a disruptive run defender, but it’s his coverage ability that is coveted in the NFL from his position. He’d form quite the duo with Ryan Shazier. Top needs: OT, OLB, DB

20. Denver (7-4) — Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame, rJr.

Donald Stephenson has been one of the worst offensive tackles in the NFL so far this season for the Broncos. McGlinchey made a successful transition from right tackle to the left side this year. He’s a powerful run blocker and he continues to improve in pass protection. Top needs: OT, TE, FS

21. Washington (6-4-1) — Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St., Jr.

McDowell has drawn comparisons to the Niners’ DeForest Buckner — despite a mixed bag junior season — because he possesses the strength and athleticism to play all over the defensive line. Top needs: DL, OG, ILB

22. Miami (7-4) — Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida, Jr.

Wilson would have the best size-speed combination of any corner in the draft if he declares, which has some scouts believing he’s better than teammate Teez Tabor and worthy of a top 10 pick. The only weakness I spot is his ability to help against the run, but that’s picking a nit if there ever was a nit to pick. Top needs: CB, OLB, OG

23. N.Y. Giants (8-3) — Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn, rJr.

The Giants defense is certainly improved this season, but their pass rush has been inconsistent. Lawson was recently named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award — top defensive player in college football. He has nine sacks and a team-high 23 quarterback hurries so far, but most importantly he has stayed healthy. Top needs: LB, DE, OG

24. Kansas City (8-3) — Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson, Jr.

Watson went from being historically good last season to having a very inconsistent season so far in 2016 — which by most standards is still better than most. If there’s a head coach who can draw the best out of him, it’s Andy Reid. Also, Alex Smith has two more years on his contract, meaning there’s no need to rush Watson’s development. This could be the ideal scenario for the former Heisman candidate. Top needs: ILB, FS, OT

25. Houston (6-5) — Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana, rSr.

The Texans offensive line has been inconsistent in opening holes for Lamar Miller this season. Feeney is a four-year starter who has helped pave the way for NFL draft picks like Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard. Top needs: TE, OL, FS

26. Atlanta (7-4) — Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah, Jr.

Lotulelei, like his older brother Star, currently the starting nose tackle for the division-rival Panthers, isn’t much of a stat stuffer. Where Lotulelei makes his presence felt is in the things that don’t show up on a stat sheet. He eats up double teams, tosses opposing lineman around like rag dolls and shows excellent athleticism tackling in tight space. Pass rusher extraordinaire Vic Beasley would be pleased with this addition. Top needs: DT, SS, RT

27. Baltimore (6-5) — Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford, Jr.

This is how the rich get richer. An elite talent like McCaffery falls a dozen or more spots further than he should. You’re welcome, Ozzie Newsome. McCaffery is fast, while running with tremendous vision and balance. His pass-catching and kick-return ability is just an embarrassing amount of icing on this cake. Top needs: DE, CB, WR

28. Detroit (7-4) — Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan, Sr.

Marvin Jones and Golden Tate have had their moments this season, but neither has proven they are capable of filling Calvin Johnson’s shoes. Davis has 83 receptions, 1,283 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, so the production is there. Even further, it’s his hands, route running and athleticism that makes him worthy of a first round selection. Top needs: CB, WR, DL

29. Seattle (7-3-1) — D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas, Jr.

It’s obvious the Seahawks have missed a power rusher in their offense. Many overlooked Foreman coming into this season, which is hard to do — he’s 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds. You’d expect him to punish defenders who try and tackle him — which he does — but he’s also quite nimble with excellent vision and patience. Top needs: OT, DT, CB

30. Oakland (9-2) — Desmond King, CB, Iowa, Sr.

The Raiders are an elite cornerback away from becoming a dominant defense. King is not only one of the best cover-men in the nation, he’s also a force against the run. Top needs: ILB, OT, CB

31. New England (9-2) — Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA, Sr.

After trading Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins within the last calendar year, I expect head coach Bill Belichick to replenish his linebacker corps big time in the draft. McKinley is a freakish athlete with great speed off the edge. He’s the perfect 3-4 linebacker in the NFL — think Denver’s DeMarcus Ware. Top needs: OL, Edge, RB

32. Dallas (10-1) — Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma, Sr.

The Cowboys could use someone to stretch the field, opposite of Dez Bryant — considering Bryant can’t be counted on to play a complete schedule. Westbrook is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award — best receiver in the nation. Of his school-record 15 touchdowns, 11 have been for 40 yards or more. Top needs: DT, LB, WR