A quick updated first round mock draft for Friday. I watched some of UCLA vs Colorado last night and Takkarist McKinley was superb. He still needs some technique work but as a raw talent his ceiling is incredibly high. He’s like a lighter Ziggy Ansah during his BYU days. He has nine sacks this season and he’s in the top-12 this week.
Tomorrow I’ve got the following games on my schedule:
Florida @ Arkansas
Alabama @ LSU
Washington @ California
1. Browns 0-8 — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
2. 49ers 1-6 — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
3. Bears 2-6 — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
4. Jaguars 2-5 — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
5. Panthers 2-5 — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
6. Colts 3-5 — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
7. Jets 3-5 — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
8. Chargers 3-5 — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
9. Ravens 3-4 — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
10. Titans via Rams 3-4 — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
11. Buccaneers 3-4 — Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
12. Dolphins 3-4 — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
13. Saints 3-4 — Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
14. Cardinals 3-4-1 — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
15. Bengals 3-4-1 — Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
16. Titans 4-4 — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
17. Lions 4-4 — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
18. Bills 4-4 — Malik McDowell (DE, Michigan State)
19. Redskins 4-3-1 — Dawuane Smoot (EDGE, Illinois)
20. Browns via Eagles 4-3 — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
21. Packers 4-3 — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
22. Steelers 4-3 — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
23. Giants 4-3 — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
24. Falcons 5-3 — John Ross (WR, Washington)
25. Texans 5-3 — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
26. Seahawks 4-2-1 — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
27. Eagles via Vikings 5-2 — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
28. Chiefs 5-2 — Carl Lawson (EDGE, Auburn)
29. Broncos 6-2 — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
30. Raiders 6-2 — Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
31. Cowboys 6-1 — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
32. Patriots 7-1 — Marcus Maye (S, Florida)
Glad you got to catch some more of ‘Takk’ McKinley. I like the Ziggy Ansah comp.
I was gonna say, where’s LB Reuben Foster? But, I didn’t see his name at first. I agree that he’s top 10 material. Best off ball LB to enter the draft since Luke Kuechly IMO.
I agree, he will be challenging for that All Pro spot with Wagner and Kuechly here in the next couple of years. He is amazing
Interesting idea.
While the class is largely panned — I’m wondering if Seattle may have both Bolles and Ramczyk available (should Ramczyk declare).
With such a lousy competition at the coveted position — I’d expect pressure will be high on any draft eligible OT to declare this year.
I think Ramczyk is a bit overrated.
I find it VERY hard to believe very few if any OT will be taken in the first round. The most over valued position with the greatest “across the league” need… will not be ignored. Imagine if you miss out on one of the few decent OT…. you might be out of luck on your OL for the 2017 season. No way, I think 3-5 will go first round. Are they 1st round talents, not likely, but the need is too great imo.
I find it VERY hard to believe very few if any OT will NOT be taken in the first round. ***
oops 🙂
I see Dline or RB in 1st, but I guess if a lot of DL goes early, why reach. Need difference makers. Avril/Bennett are in need of some snaps off and on the tail end of contracts. Rawls and Michael while adequate, don’t really tilt the field.
Wow 1 QB, not until #20? I’m not disputing your player rankings, but in today’s NFL I will expect at least 3 to actually be drafted in the 1st round. (Drafted by Browns, guaranteed bust?)
John ross to the falcons? I see it but don’t they need to stop someone at some point?
I agree, I think Cunningham out of Vanderbilt should go here… but imagine that offense with a receiver like Ross who could take the top off of the D at any moment. That would be borderline unstoppable given how good Ryan has been this year.
No doubt. One I’m sort of hoping rob mocks ross to us or some other reciever. And two Atlanta if Ryan if…if the team doesn’t do one if its melt downs with Ross could be brutal especially in the south.
There is a lot of talent on that board, but I think that Zac Cunningham is a better prospect than a lot of those players. He is a top 20 talent and fits a need for a few of the teams right there in the middle.
I’m also pumped to see Justin Evans up there, and that is a perfect mock to the Titans. Garrett gets all the pub, but Evans is special back there in the secondary.
Simulated mock following the discussion between Rob and Vol 12 about possibly Seattle going offense the first three rounds. I think the theme tone setters and difference makers is getting used a lot, for obvious reasons. If Bolles settles one tackle spot, I’m going to hold onto my great optimism that Fant will hold down the other. Seattle can look at difference makers at other positions. If SDB favorite Evan Engram is there in R2, it would make a lot of sense for JS to get RW another offensive weapon, and I got Seattle going RB in R3 with a big player that might SPARQ at the combine. Seattle was attracted to a big athletic back RB in R# with Prosise, maybe they do this again in 2017.
At some point, I feel Seattle wants to address SAM, and Biegel can also rush. I also feel Seattle might look for an enforcer to groom at SS, and think Woods could be that guy. Last couple picks, they go depth at corner and receiver.
Not drafted is DL, OG, and QB. Reed takes away the need for DT, Q Jeff is probably someone they like a lot still at DT/DE, and Boykin and Stave are on the roster at QB.
27: R1P27
OT GARETT BOLLES
UTAH
59: R2P27
TE EVAN ENGRAM
OLE MISS
91: R3P27
RB ELIJAH HOOD
NORTH CAROLINA
135: R4P32
EDGE VINCE BIEGEL
WISCONSIN
205: R6P26
S XAVIER WOODS
LOUISIANA TECH
214: R6P35
CB FABIAN MOREAU
UCLA
223: R7P5
WR COREY SMITH
OHIO STATE
I like it. I will say I dont think the TE is a priority for bevell. After severs years the team just doesn’t seem to value the position with out blocking skills. Now I know Seattle drafts em and keeps them to develop, but come day aside from graham whom I consider a weapon, it seems a very devalued position.
I’m going to check out Hood. I feel you’ve mentioned him before.
I will say dline to me is in play at any round. If Seattle wants to continue its run of brutish d then getting ready now as players age out isn’t a bad strategy.
I think DL could be in play, as this looks like a good draft there, but I also think Seattle is overall in pretty good shape there.
I hear the thoughts that folks feel TE is underused but I think JG is on pace for a thousand yard season. Because the offense, as a whole, has been sputtering the last couple games, I think once they get back on course, we’ll probably see the emergence more at that position again. I like drafting a player like Engram to groom behind JG and potentially take over in a few years.
It’s not Bevell’s offense. This is PC’s team.
Everyone that complains about Bevell, why? Why not complain about PC?
I think Rob hit it on the head, because Bevell is the easy target and scapegoat wherever the offense struggles.
Yeah, I think that’s probably exactly right.
Evan Engram is more than a TE too. One of the most unique playmakers in CFB.
So in this scenario Hawks could take McCaffrey or Chubbs and keep all there draft capital and not trade up for Fournette. Of course they are not the same talent, however Id take them in a second, vs trade up.
I’m having a hard time deciding if the picks are good or bad….. reasoning:
Colts, Jaguars, Jets, Chargers and Bucs all might make changes in the front office or HC…..
Pretty much a crap shoot trying to predict their moves.
Peppers and Foster stand out to me for defensive players. Peppers looks like he could be a very special “unique” player. If Vol 12 is accurate about Foster being a Keuchly ability player… how can any team drafting top 5 pass on the guy. If you can draft a guy who is almost a lock for 10 years in the league and is extremely productive…. pull the trigger.
I’ve been thinking that one QB in the first frame is probably correct but with FO changes and bears, browns, jags, and possibly dolphins, and possibly the chiefs looking for qbs that may spread the talent out a bit better. I say the chiefs because I think teams such as them have to look to their futures.
Chiefs have Foles under contract for 2 years I believe. He has looked adequate as a back-up and I think they will hang with Alex Smith 1 more season. They might go for a mid round QB, but I’m not seeing a 1st rounder going to them. Heck, they might make the playoffs.
Not a first rounder per se, but I think teams that are struggling may have to adjust their moves and consider the weedens, manziels, bottles of the world to change their fortunes and by that unexpected qb’s will move up the boards ala Goff.
I cite the chiefs because smith has had forever to prove he can win and though there are circumstances at some point your career moves on past. Nick foles, who knows. If the likes of tannehill and ossweiler can start and he keeps getting bounced something’s up with him
You don’t take MLB’s in the top 5.
Not to be a stickler, Rob, but, the Chiefs and Raiders cannot pick 29/30. The conference champion participants pick 29/30/31/32
Lol that’s a good catch, but these standings will inevitably change.
Rob, couple questions;
How do you rate Greg Gaines? Is he a first round talent in your eyes? I think he’s much better than Danny Shelton was coming out.
Who is at the top of your board after this first round?
Can we get a second round look sometime?
Also do you have Kizer returning to school? Perhaps we trade down again this year to a QB needy team that went another direction.
I think Rob’s been pretty high on him as a potential first rounder. Definitely one of my favorite huskies. He’s a redshirt sophomore, though. Probably stays in school another year.
If one of the players from 16 to 25 fell to the hawks who would you take over Bolles?
McDowell all day long for me
Budda Baker at Safety. He is special. They may have a need sooner than later at safety as well.
He could be Earl Thomas 2.0. Not an obvious need, but he would enable Seattle to play a 3 safety look… with two outstanding / rangy safetys who could play deep center field….. or can play slot WRs when called upon. Rumor is he will be in the 4.40-4.45 S 40 speed time…. I love the flexibility he would bring the defense to match up with certain pass happy teams.
Dalvin Cook, unless CJ Prosise blows up the rest of the season. If that happens, give me Tim Williams.
Cook.
Great mock. Couple of random thoughts:
-Exciting how new guys pop into the first round frame almost weekly
-Depth esp in the 1st 3 rds is going to be extraordinary, no wonder the pats are accumulating picks
-Although I love the idea of trading for Fournette, it won’t happen but what’s really interesting is why? I believe it won’t happen simply because of our cap structure, Hawks are now too dependent on consistently finding & developing multiple players on reasonable contracts given the current top heavy structure of big contracts. It’s not that they can’t afford it, but IMO it’s a numbers game. At least this will continue to make the draft exciting & unpredictable for Hawks fans.
I have a draft related question…… but it will take a bit to make that point clear.
Should Seattle place a priority at resigning Justin Britt as their center? He has clearly played above his pay-grade and has been a very pleasant surprise to say the least. Seattle has battle inconsistent line-play and members upon the OL…. is it time to pay one of their members to start laying the foundation for the “next” Dallas Cowboys OL ?
If they lock-up Britt and have a very good guard tandem, the ability to fill either of the OT positions seems to be an easier fix, than how the last 2 seasons played out,;with 3,4 or even 5 pieces moving around and or fluidity along the OL for parts of each season.
With this focus on OT, should Seattle go OT early in 2017 draft or should be wait and see if Fant (or Rees Odhiambo) pan out????
I agree with your leading question. Let Glow/Britt/Ifedi grow and keep the middle clean, they have done a pretty good job it. Wilson needs to start stepping up instead spinning around now, but he will learn. I really think Fant can be the LT. How great would it be to feel good about Fant/Glow/Britt/Ifedi and only need 1 competition at RT.
That allows you to get a field tilter (as I said in an earlier post).
1st RB
2nd DE
3rd S
4th DT
I would say most definitely YES to resigning Britt. IMO, they need to make more an effort keeping whatever line they build up together, and he has been the best linemen by far.
In terms of OL, I think that even if Fant becomes a revelation at LT, they still need RT, but I don’t see them going RT in R1 unless there is someone athletic enough. If there is someone there, I think they almost have to because the chances of finding that person later would probably be pretty difficult. One thought I have is if they draft a player like Pitt’s Dorian Johnson to play guard, they could kick Ifedi to RT, potentially have a line up from left to right of Fant, Glowinski, Britt, Johnson, Ifedi. Also, I’m not ready to give up on Rees Odhimabo, and how he factors in.
Yes.
Britt has developed into a talent worth resigning. Durability, performance match. Same can’t be said of those that were let go (perhaps Carpenter being the exception).
I wouldn’t saddle the chances of resigning Britt with the club’s decisions of players past. Britt has developed into a quality lineman.
D’Onta Foreman gave up a 99 yard fumble six on a very Marshawn-like rumble to the goal line.
He was not happy
That kid is something else.
Has no idea who he is yet, still learning the intricacies of the position, and a kid that big that moves that smooth and that fast? Scary man.
10 straight games of over 100+ yds on the ground.
He could follow a career path similar to Lynch. Good rookie year but can’t get comfortable and moves on to explode as a premier rusher.
He is a big time RB.
Hate it when people say, ‘the RB gets stronger as the game goes on.’ As if he just magically starts getting better. Nope. The defense wears down.
Back to back 200 yd games.
An NFC scout said he likes Foreman better than Henry and that Chubb is a 3rd rounder.
He’s the best big back in this draft behind Fournette. This kid tones up or gets down to about 225-230, watch out.
Definitely the highest ceiling behind Fournette, but Fournette is the only tailback I’d take in the first round this year. Too much depth at the position to burn a first.
Like. There’s gonna be some really good defenders sitting at #32
Kamryn Pettway has great size speed at 240. Has 4 150 yard games in a row. First Auburn player to do it since Bo Jackson. He just suffered a non contact injury on a home run dive
Pettway is a true SO.
I’d take Cook in round 1.
I love Fournette, but watch what Alabama does to him tonight.
Once Fournette gets to the 2nd level its over. No one or team will stop him. Make him re-direct behind the LOS? He struggles.
Pettway went down with an injury on a long run. Not sure what it was (non-contact), but hopefully it’s nothing more than a cramp.
What I meant about Pettway is he’s not draft eligible.
So I’ll write guys that aren’t down in my notebook, and during the summer I’ll scout watch their tape.
There we go. About time.
He’s actually a red-shirt sophomore.
He is a R-SO.
Maybe I was thinking of Kerryon Johnson.
Elijah Hood is having a day, 11 attempts for 145 yards and 3 tds. Finally healthy this season and looking good. Physical runner.
Here’s what I can’t figure out about Hood.
He’s a big, physical back. Why does his team pull him every game in the 4th quarter?
Been playing through injury all season.
So he’s on what equates to a pinch count?
Playing 4th quarter today.
Lamar Jackson with the greatest cut in QB history.
Don’t be mad when he’s an obvious MVP candidate in 3 years
Imagine Matthew Stafford with Robert Griffin’s healthy legs.
Love this Auburn Kicker Lawson as well
That Ramcyzk kid from Wisconsin is on the ground a lot.
Dan Skipper, too
Zach Cunningham out of Vanderbilt just went Bobby Wagner/Kam Chancellor to block a game-clinching field goal at Auburn.
Seattle take notice!
Love Cunningham. He is just a step below Foster IMO. He is a first round pick.
A&M gets beat by a bad Miss St team. Way to go BCS!
#Purple Reign Woof!
Texas RB D’Onta Foreman up over 300 yds rushing.
Big, physical, great feet, and speed? Kids got it all.
And the 4th quarter just started!
Vol you have been on Foreman for a while.
Pete loves a big back. Think Lendale White. Foreman is definitely a guy who could be in play for the Hawks. Is he coming out this year?
He says he’s leaning toward coming back. But, with Chris Warren III behind him and Foreman’s stock improving, he might have a hard time saying no to the NFL.
Foreman is also a tireless, try hard worker.
I really like Wyoming RB Brian Hill too. Violent runner, with good vision, balance, toughness, and makes subtle moves look easy for a guy his size.
He’s really growing on me.
Your words are really ringing in my ear.
“This kid has no idea who he is yet”
So true. So much room to grow.
He thinks he’s a speed back. And he has plenty of speed to get to the edge and turn the corner. But, once he combines that with his physical ability and learns to lower that shoulder? Sky’s the limit for him.
He really looks like our guy to me.
That something special in the backfield.
I wouldn’t mind him in the second
https://mobile.twitter.com/WurthDraft/status/794778953525456896/video/1
D’Onta Foreman is who I am leaning towards right now. A hopefully healthy Rawls and him as a 1-2 punch mixed with Prosise sounds so much better then where we are now!
Vol, how high could Foreman possibly go. Our second rd pick is enticing.
Then we could go Bolles or whoever at lineman or a super athletic DE/Sam. Sounds grand to me!
Go Hawks
I think late 2nd-late 3rd.
I really want to see Foreman in this game. Still unsure about him based on what I’d seen so far. Is he special? Will running over a crappy Texas Tech defense mean anything? I’m desperate to see this tape given his production.
It’s a fair point about Texas Tech and some of the defenses he’s faced, but he’s also played some good defenses in ND, K-St, ND, W. Virginia up next.
He’s more Jonathan Stewart than Freeman is IMO. Or maybe Eddie Lacey his rookie year.
*Oklahoma. Typed ND twice.
He looked a bit top heavy to me, not the biggest guy in the lower half. J-Stew was an absolute machine at Oregon.
He had been the very best backup in the league for a loong time.
Flipping between Baylor-TCU and Florida-Arkansas
Let me know who you’re watching today
I like the look and play style of this DE/DT Jeremiah Ledbetter from Arkansas as a day 3 option.
I like their wide receiver Morgan. Nifty little Doug Baldwin type
Austin Allen with a floater to the back of the end zone on an extremely patient dig route to totally embarrass Marcus Maye.
Perfect route, pass and catch makes a couple of strong gators look silly.
Is Ledbetter the 5Tech?
Yes he is.
Morgan is the perfect UDFA type target. Gritty, and he’s their team leader.
Reminds me of the WR they liked last year. Daniel Braverman.
Big fan of their TE. Jeremy Sprinkle. He’s a huge, throwback TE.
Vol-Utes? Are you a Utah fan now Vol. Psyche!
Go HAWKS
Hahaha I tried to use a pseudonym for a little bit
Seahawks Giraffe-t Blog
It didn’t stick
That’s a good one Kenny. I’ve had a few different names on here. It’s fun to switch it up!
Super stoked to watch the all powerful Dawgs. It’s going to be very entertaining!
Awww and Seth Russell threw an ugly awful horrendous pick.
That season ending injury really derailed his development. He’s like Nick Foles. With plus mobility. He’ll be great to add to a QB room but looks like a fourth round pick.
Vol, KD Cannon throwing his helmet around and getting shut down and it’s only the 9:00 Mark of the 2nd quarter.
Zamora on the other hand is playing gritty ball.
I also like their corner; Levels. He’s a great tackler but perhaps lacks the requisite length
Yeah, he’s immature. Should stay one more year.
I like Zamora too. Very exciting skill set, size, and athleticism. Tons of upside too.
Wow Jackson really is a freak isn’t he! He is a bigger even faster version of Mike Vick. He may be having the best year in CFB history.
Eh. I’m excited for next year
I hope Peppers wins the Heisman.
Any time you’re making that big of an impact on every side of the ball, you have to be recognized as a baller
Me and you both.
How dope would it be that the last 2 defenders to win the Heisman would be 2 way defensive players that are also returners from the same school?
Charles Woodson being the last.
That was my exact thought. Not sure how much better Peppers could possibly play.
PC said he’s very excited for newly signed DE Damontre Moore. Loves his motor.
Pete loves his try hards doesn’t he?
One reason I think Seattle will love UCLA’s ‘Takk’ McKinley. Besides his production and athleticism.
Also why I think they’ll really like ‘Bama’s LB/EDGE Ryan Anderson. Can’t teach that type of effort.
Hey, I was just thinkin it would be cool to do a little meet and greet or something when Ron’s in Washington.
We could get together in Seattle and go hit a bar or something. It’d be nice to put some faces to names.
I know we’re pretty scattered so I wouldn’t be offended if it didn’t happen.
Rob, let me know if you’re up for that! Probably don’t make the trip across the pond but once a year I reckon, if that.
I’m straight down Kenny! That would be so fun!
Yeah we might just have to Skype Volume12 out in Spokane (?) hahah
? Might have too.
During the winter months the pass is a b***h to get through from Spokane to Seattle.
I’d be down to go though. Another sweet idea would be an SDB get together at TC during the summer.
Thatd be awesome! I’ve been looking for a reason to go.
I live pretty close to Seattle… That would certainly be fun!
Hope to meet you Nichhansen01!
Rob* not Ron wtf
Maybe we can get Ron and Rob there to the party as in Ron Burgundy (Will Farrell) he’s a friend of Pete Carroll. Let me talk to my people see if I can make it happen!
Go Hawks
Ok now it sounds super farfetched.
But of course we need at least one weatherman
Good news my agent said that Ron Burgundy will show up as long as I’m there. Also he wants to get to catch a salmon at Pike st. Market. I guess he likes it fishy, dirty guy he is.
I am in Seattle in two weeks time for the Huskies/Seahawks games (vs Arizona State & the Eagles).
Quite happy to meet up guys if we can get something sorted.
Sweet Rob! Dreams sometimes do come true!
Auburn RB Kamryn Pettway is very appealing too. Don’t know if he’ll declare as a R-SO though.
Wish this Rawleigh Williams from Arkansas was eligible though.
Oh yeah besides Foreman I’m also digging Joe Williams I think now that he’s inspired he could be that bruiser that we desperately need with Rawls out. Pete inspires everyone around him. We definitely need to get this ground game going somehow! I know it KJ Wright(will) happen soon! Ha ha I admit I’m a cheesy Dork sometimes.
Go Hawks
I can’t say I follow CFB very much, but when you see a stat line
Lamar Jackson (Sophmore)
Passing : 12/17 / 231 and 4 TDs
Rushing: 15 totes / 185 yards and 3 TDs
You have to take notice. Has the RG3 / CK7 feel to me, but in the right offense…..
he could be a nice NFL player. The biggest knock I can find is that he is facing some weak competition… but if you dominate them, keep on keeping on.
per this mock 25/32 of the first round picks would be defense, what a lopsided draft that would be. gonna be very interesting to see which players stand out at the combine and if it backs up the on field performance by the defensive players.