The NFL draft is just around the corner and while there is always an element of unpredictability associated with the draft, I have put together of list of players that I believe fit well with each team based on their specific needs.
Not too many surprises in this mini Mock Draft but once the draft comes around we all know that anything can happen.
I will be extending this to a full first round Mock Draft which will be published before the draft so stay tuned for that.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett
Position: Defensive Line
Texas A & M
The Browns shouldn’t over think this pick. Myles Garrett is on the top of everybody’s Mock Draft and is arguably the best player available in this Draft. Luckily for the Browns, he also fills a specific need as they finished 30th in sacks with only 26. Garrett has the ability to become an elite pass-rusher in the NFL with his explosiveness through either the middle or around the edge. With the addition of Garrett in their front seven, the Browns will be adding another great young talent to their defense to go along with Collins, Shelton, and Ogbah. Despite what Warren Sapp says, Garrett will be elite at the next level.
San Francisco 49ers: Jamal Adams
Position: Safety
LSU
Much like the Browns, the 49ers cannot afford to take a risk with this pick. They’ve got some nice pieces in the front seven and now it’s time to address the secondary. Although the Niners pass defense wasn’t bad last year it’ll be tough for them to pass up on Adams. With the departure of Antoine Bethea, Adams can come in right away and fill the void at safety. Adams will bring elite leadership and physical hard-nosed play to a defense that needs to get back to dominating games.
Chicago Bears: Malik Hooker
Position: Safety
Ohio State
Hooker is a baller. He’s a big time playmaker, which is what the Bears need for sure. Yes, cornerback is a need for this franchise but with the cornerback position being as deep as it is in this Draft with the likes of Chidobe Awuzie and Fabian Moreau being available later on, the Bears shouldn’t pass on Hooker. You cannot pass over a great talent like Hooker even with the injury concern, they’ve got to take the risk. Hooker provides range to the Bears cover three defensive scheme. The Bears do have solid talent on the defensive side of the ball, by adding Hooker that will only improve.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette
Position: Running Back
LSU
It’s time that the Jags take some pressure off the arm of Blake Bortles who threw 40 times per game, it becomes too easy for opponents to figure out what they’re going to do, with a one dimensional approach. With the addition of Fournette, the Jaguars offense will become more balanced. They did attempt address this last season with the addition of Chris Ivory, but as we all saw that didn’t work out with the Jaguars finishing 22nd in rushing. Fournette will bring hard-nosed football to Jacksonville and really push the offense to another level. This guy could be the missing piece that will get this offense rolling.
Tennessee Titans: Marshon Lattimore
Position: Defensive Back
Ohio State
The Titans could go in a few different directions here by taking a defensive lineman in Solomon Thomas or get Marcus Mariota a number one target in Mike Williams. However, I believe they should go the corner route. The reason being that the Titans finished 30th in pass defense in 2016, clearly this position needs to be improved. In addition, the recent release of Jason McCourty also adds to the pressure. At this point in the Draft, Lattimore is hands down the best player available. He has all the talent to eventually become a lockdown corner in this league with his speed, elite coverage, and pure athleticism. When you play in a division with Andrew Luck you’ve got to have a way to stop him, Lattimore could be the answer.
