Ten players who could go No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft
Ten players who could go No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft
Yes, it’s far too early to project the 2017 NFL Draft with any accuracy. Mock drafts this early have no hope for accuracy, yet can serve as a starting point for the evaluation process. Knowing the prospects to look at is half the battle for evaluators.
Quarterbacks, offensive tackles and defensive lineman have long become the norm for the top overall pick, and those positions certainly stand out in these 10 projections. But with Jalen Ramsey’s rise and the elite prospects at running back, could we see that trend change?
Here are the 10 players with a chance at the top overall pick in 2017.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
After guiding Clemson’s offense to a National Championship Game appearance, Watson deservedly enters the 2016 college season as the country’s top quarterback prospect. While he’ll need to continue to add bulk and show better driving ability to throws on the perimeter, Watson possesses the requisite arm talent and high-end athleticism to not only threaten as a runner, but offer poise and plus movement skills as a pocket passer. With the rise in quarterback value, and considering which two quarterbacks went 1-2 in last year’s draft, Watson has a great chance to be the first overall pick.
Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL)
Many in the media will likely become over-bullish on Kaaya’s upside, as he has awesome arm talent and flashes of high-level ability. He’s still developing as a progression-reading passer and still has too many errant throws or mistimed opportunities, and isn’t a first-round prospect yet. Still, with how quickly last year’s quarterbacks were pushed up and Kaaya’s upside, it’s certainly possible he could work his way into the discussion with a strong 2016 campaign.
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Only twice in the last 30 years has a running back been taken first overall: Ki-Jana Carter in 1995 and Bo Jackson in 1986. Fournette still has to avoid injury in 2016, but his play thus far in his career has wowed to the point that he’s reached, and may be on the verge of surpassing, Adrian Peterson’s hype as a college running back. Fournette is a rare physical specimen, and may trump Peterson and Todd Gurley in running back talent by the time the 2017 draft rolls around.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Far less likely than Fournette, Dalvin Cook deserves ample attention as a near-elite running back prospect and should still merit top-10 consideration should he stay healthy. With rare balance and top-end burst in the open field, Cook has the body type of an every-down back and the finishing speed of a speed back. First overall is unlikely, but it wouldn’t surprise if he’s one of, if not the, best running back in the NFL at some point.
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Healthier (so far) than Jadeveon Clowney and possessing a far better motor than Robert Nkemdiche, Myles Garrett looks to finally be the elite defensive line prospect that blossoms into an NFL star. Garrett has a freakish frame with natural interior and in-space disruption ability, and he’s only in the development stages of technique and patience as a rusher. At his ceiling, Garrett can legitimately contend with J.J. Watt as the NFL’s best defender.
